Animated Icon Path Movement for Slot Machine Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic entertainment machines lack innovative game mechanics to increase player interaction and enjoyment, leading to shorter and less frequent gameplay sessions, resulting in reduced revenue for operators.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a system where animated icons move along a predefined path on an electronic display, with game outcomes determined by the arrangement and appearance of these icons, offering interactive gameplay and potential wins through paylines, allowing for increased player engagement and varied awards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional random symbol display is used, then game simplicity is maintained, but player interaction and enjoyment decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static random symbol display to dynamic animated icon movement along a path. Icons are animated to travel along a defined trajectory, creating a more engaging visual experience while maintaining the underlying randomness of outcome determination. This dynamic presentation enhances player interaction without fundamentally altering the game's operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by moving icons along a path rather than displaying them in fixed positions. The icons traverse a two-dimensional path on the display, allowing players to follow the movement trajectory. This dimensional transformation adds visual interest and interaction opportunities while preserving the core game mechanics.
2Productivity
If game mechanics are simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but gameplay duration and revenue decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing animated icon movement along a path, the patent extends the visual duration of each game round without adding complex mechanical steps. The animation sequence naturally prolongs gameplay engagement, encouraging longer and more frequent play sessions that increase overall productivity and revenue potential.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual transformations including color changes and graphical effects during icon movement and outcome display. These visual enhancements make the game more appealing and engaging, stimulating increased player interest and longer gameplay duration without requiring additional mechanical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If animated icon movement along a path is implemented, then player interaction and enjoyment increase, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical symbol display mechanisms with software-based animated icon movement. Instead of physical reels or mechanical components, the system uses digital animation to move icons along a defined path on an electronic display. This substitution reduces physical device complexity while maintaining enhanced player interaction and visual engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses graphical representations (icons) that copy or represent traditional slot machine symbols. These icon copies are animated along a path, providing a familiar yet enhanced experience that increases player interaction without requiring complex new mechanical systems. The icon copies maintain the essence of traditional gameplay while enabling dynamic presentation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided systems include a display that presents a player with icons. The display is animated to show movement of the icons along a path. The icons move in and out of active and inactive regions on the display and the path, based on the shape and arrangement of the active and inactive regions and the shape and arrangement of the active and inactive portions of the path. The outcome is determined based on the position and arrangement of the icons on the display and the path. The system receives player instructions and game outcomes may be random or may be predetermined. An outcome for the game may be determined from a set of potential game outcomes and visually presented to the player and an associated award or prize may be provided to the player.