Transformable Grid Pick Mechanics for Re-Spin Prize Reveal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pick games in electronic gaming machines lack mechanisms for players to perceive their chances of winning larger prizes and provide limited opportunities for additional selections after initial grid symbol display, leading to a sense of uncertainty and reduced engagement.
Innovation Solution
An interactive electronic gaming machine with a grid selection mechanic that allows players to select grid positions, transforms eligible symbols into spinning reels for re-spins, and reveals hidden prizes, providing additional chances and transparency on near misses without increasing the grid size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional pick games display selected grid symbols and end, then the game structure is simple and easy to operate, but players cannot perceive their chances of winning larger prizes and engagement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent determines all grid symbols and their associated prizes before the player makes selections. The system pre-calculates what prizes are hidden behind each grid position, allowing players to see potential winnings before playing. This preliminary determination of outcomes enables players to perceive their chances of winning without adding complexity to the game mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where players can view the prizes hidden behind unselected grid symbols after making their selections. This feedback shows players what they could have won, providing transparency about their chances and creating engagement through near-miss visualization without requiring complex additional game structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the grid size is increased to provide more prize opportunities, then players have more options and engagement, but the device complexity and lookup table complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the prize structure into two components: a fixed grid layout with a limited number of positions (maintaining simplicity) and a dynamic prize assignment system where prizes are determined independently for each position. This segmentation allows multiple prize opportunities within a compact grid structure without requiring exponentially larger lookup tables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of prize assignment from static (fixed in the grid structure) to dynamic (determined through random selection before gameplay). This allows the same grid structure to provide variable prize opportunities without increasing structural complexity or lookup table size, as prizes are assigned through a separate determination process.
3Productivity
If re-spin mechanics are added to provide additional selections, then player engagement increases, but the game complexity and duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through re-spin opportunities that are triggered at specific intervals during gameplay. Players can choose to re-spin certain grid positions after initial selections, creating a structured sequence of actions with predetermined limits. This periodic structure provides engagement through multiple phases while controlling overall game duration through clear termination conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows players to perform partial re-spins, selecting only certain grid positions for additional attempts rather than requiring complete grid replay. This partial action approach provides targeted engagement opportunities without extending the full game duration proportionally, as players can choose to re-spin only specific positions of interest.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine comprising a plurality of grid positions, and a game controller to at least: randomly populate a plurality of grid positions with one of a plurality of grid symbols, receive one or more selections of the plurality of grid positions, resulting a plurality of unselected grid positions, reveal a plurality of unrevealed symbols at each of the plurality of grid positions selected, in response to a first grid position selected revealing the first symbol, repopulate the first grid position with one of a plurality of chance symbols including the first symbol and the second symbol, and in response to the first grid position selected revealing the second symbol, determine a first award based on the second symbol.