Hidden Symbol Tracking via Dynamic Lighting in Gaming Reels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming machines struggle to effectively implement hidden symbol features, particularly in mechanical machines, which can limit player engagement and suspense compared to digital machines.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system and method that utilizes a hidden symbol on a reel, capable of different presentations based on varying lighting conditions, along with a lighting system and controller to coordinate the lighting with the reel's rotation, enhancing the hidden symbol reveal feature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hidden symbol feature is implemented in a mechanical machine, then player engagement and suspense are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional lighting systems and coordination mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the symbol presentation dynamic through lighting conditions. The hidden symbol can be revealed in different ways (fully revealed, partially revealed, or not revealed) based on lighting state, allowing the same physical symbol to present different information states. This dynamic presentation enhances player engagement without requiring multiple physical symbols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes through lighting conditions to control symbol visibility. By applying different lighting states (lit vs. unlit), the system changes the visual presentation of the hidden symbol, enabling multiple presentation states from a single symbol. This optical transformation provides versatility in symbol display while avoiding the complexity of multiple physical symbols.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple presentations of the hidden symbol are provided through lighting conditions, then the hidden symbol reveal quality is improved, but the use of energy increases due to the lighting system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the sequential revelation of the hidden symbol. The lighting system activates in specific sequences during reel rotation to reveal the symbol at appropriate moments (e.g., when it lands on the payline). This periodic lighting activation provides high-quality reveal moments while limiting total energy consumption compared to continuous illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The hidden symbol system serves itself by using the reel's own rotation and the natural gameplay sequence to trigger symbol revelation. The lighting system activates automatically based on the reel's position and the game state, without requiring additional energy-intensive mechanisms. The system leverages existing mechanical motion to achieve its revelatory function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a high-quality, visually appealing hidden symbol reveal, improving player experience and engagement by offering multiple presentations of the hidden symbol, which can influence game play features and bonuses.
Implementation Method 1
a first reel in the set of reels includes a hidden symbol that is capable of different presentations based upon having different lighting conditions applied thereto
Implementation Method 2
a backlighting system configured to selectively apply the first lighting condition or the second lighting condition to the hidden symbol as the reel rotates
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems, machines, and methods and, in particular, hidden symbol tracking. As an example, an electronic gaming machine is described that includes a set of reels, where each reel in the set of reels includes a plurality of symbol regions with at least one symbol provided therein, and where a first reel in the set of reels includes a hidden symbol that is capable of different presentations based upon having different lighting conditions applied thereto.