Gaming Wheel Game Prize Display Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wheel games in gaming machines are limited in displaying large prizes due to space constraints, leading to cluttered interfaces and reduced player engagement, while regulations restrict odds manipulation, making it difficult to offer large prizes without compromising game balance.
Innovation Solution
A gaming apparatus and method that includes a game controller capable of displaying a wheel game with a selector and marker, allowing for a larger prize to be awarded based on the outcome of a further game, enabling higher odds and larger prizes without cluttering the interface, by using a stationary wheel with illuminable areas and a marker that moves to indicate the outcome, and allowing the outcome of the wheel game to influence the further game, such as a reel game.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a traditional spinning wheel with multiple prize segments is used, then the wheel game can display multiple prizes, but the interface becomes cluttered and difficult to read when too many prizes are displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the prize display function from the wheel structure itself. Instead of displaying all prizes on the wheel segments, only the winning segment is displayed on the wheel while other prizes are shown separately on the display device. This separates the wheel's function (indicating the winner) from the comprehensive prize information display, resolving the clutter issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves prize information from the two-dimensional wheel surface to a separate display dimension. Prizes are arranged in a list or grid on the display device rather than being confined to wheel segments, allowing more prizes to be displayed without compromising wheel readability.
2Ease of operation
If the wheel is made rotatable to indicate outcomes, then the game is more engaging, but the prize segments become smaller and harder to read
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the prize information display from the wheel segments and places it on the display device. The wheel only needs to display the winning segment identifier, not all prize details. This allows the wheel to remain visually clear while the display device provides comprehensive prize information in a readable format.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device acts as an intermediary between the wheel outcome and the player. Instead of relying on small wheel segments to convey all information, the display device translates the wheel's winning segment into detailed, readable prize information, enhancing both engagement and readability.
3Quantity of substance
If regulations allow odds manipulation to offer large prizes, then larger prizes can be awarded, but the game balance is compromised and player trust is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the prize determination into two independent parts: the wheel determines the winning segment (transparent to players), and the corresponding prize list entry determines the actual prize amount. This segmentation allows the operator to configure prize amounts independently while maintaining transparent game mechanics, balancing large prizes with game integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the prize amounts associated with wheel segments to be configured as adjustable parameters in the control device. Operators can set prize amounts to achieve desired return-to-player percentages while maintaining fair game mechanics. The mapping between wheel segments and prizes can be modified without changing the wheel's physical or visual properties, enabling flexible prize structure management.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming apparatus and a game controller for a gaming apparatus is provided. A game provided on the gaming apparatus under the control of the game controller is arranged to play a first game in the form of a wheel game having a number of outcome indicating parts. It is also arranged to play a further game, in the form of a symbol game, a function of which is based on an outcome of the wheel game. In one embodiment, a function of one or more symbols in the symbol game is determined by an outcome of the wheel game.