Gaming Machine Dynamic WILD Symbol Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gaming systems lack dynamic and player-engaging mechanisms for determining game outcomes, as they rely solely on static symbol combinations and lack the ability to randomly select and modify display positions, limiting the excitement and variability of game experiences.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system that includes a selector for randomly choosing display positions, a function allocator to assign WILD functions to symbols based on selected positions, and an outcome evaluator to determine game outcomes, allowing for dynamic symbol interactions and modified appearances, enhancing gameplay variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional gaming systems use static symbol combinations, then the system structure is simple, but the gameplay variability and player engagement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing symbol functions to change during gameplay. Specifically, symbols can be transformed into WILD symbols that substitute for other symbols, and the system dynamically selects and applies different functions to symbols based on game state. This creates gameplay variability without requiring a completely complex system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the functional parameters of symbols during gameplay. Symbols can change their substitution capabilities, with some symbols becoming WILD symbols that can represent any other symbol. The system also modifies the appearance and behavior of symbols based on game conditions, creating diverse gameplay experiences from a fixed symbol set.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system randomly selects and modifies display positions, then player engagement increases, but the complexity of the gaming system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining a set of symbol functions and transformation rules before gameplay begins. The system has a predetermined repertoire of what symbols can become and how they can interact. During gameplay, the system selectively applies these pre-planned transformations based on random selection and game state, creating dynamic interactions without requiring complex real-time decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating WILD symbols that can function as multiple different symbols simultaneously. A single WILD symbol can substitute for any other symbol in the game, providing multi-functionality. This allows the system to create diverse gameplay scenarios using a limited set of symbol types, reducing the need for numerous specialized symbol variants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If WILD functions are allocated to multiple symbols, then game outcomes become more unpredictable and exciting, but the complexity of outcome evaluation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the outcome evaluation process into distinct stages. First, symbols are selected and assigned functions. Second, WILD functions are allocated to specific symbols based on game rules. Third, the outcome is evaluated by checking if the resulting symbol combinations meet winning criteria. This segmented approach makes the complex evaluation of multiple WILD functions manageable by breaking it into sequential, rule-based steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine is disclosed that comprises a selector configured to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in respective display positions in a display area, and a display position selector configured to select at least one display position. The system also has a function allocator configured to allocate a WILD function to each symbol displayed at a selected display position and to allocate a WILD function to each displayed symbol that is the same as a symbol displayed at a selected display position. An outcome evaluator determines a game outcome based on the displayed symbols and each allocated WILD function, and an award allocator allocates an award based on the game outcome determined by the outcome evaluator. A corresponding method is also disclosed.