Keno Game Pattern Matching Sub-Region Evaluation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current keno games lack innovative methods to award bonuses based on pattern matching, relying on traditional payout structures that do not fully engage players or provide dynamic bonus opportunities.

Innovation Solution

Implement a system where keno games generate draws and evaluate sub-regions of the keno board against predetermined patterns, such as die patterns or Tetris shapes, to determine awards, allowing for multiple pattern types and dynamic bonus calculations based on matches, including additional awards from dice throws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional payout structures are used in keno games, then the game operation is simple and straightforward, but player engagement and excitement are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame operation simplicityVSAvoidplayer engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by introducing dynamic bonus structures that change based on pattern matches. The game transitions from static traditional payouts to dynamic bonuses that vary depending on whether patterns like die patterns or Tetris shapes are formed during the draw, making the reward structure adaptive and engaging while maintaining core game simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The keno board is segmented into multiple sub-regions that can be independently evaluated for pattern matches. This segmentation allows the game to detect and reward specific pattern formations (such as 2x2 squares, die patterns, or Tetris shapes) within different areas of the board, adding versatility without complicating the overall game operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If pattern matching evaluation is added to keno games, then player engagement and bonus opportunities increase, but the complexity of the gaming system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonus opportunitiesVSAvoidgaming system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining multiple pattern types (die patterns, Tetris shapes, and other geometric patterns) before the game plays out. The system evaluates sub-regions against these predetermined patterns during the draw, allowing complex pattern-matching bonuses to be implemented without requiring real-time pattern generation or excessive computational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The evaluation system serves multiple functions: it detects traditional matches, identifies pattern formations (die patterns, Tetris shapes), and determines bonus awards all within the same processing framework. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle increased bonus opportunities without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of moving object

If multiple pattern types and dynamic bonuses are implemented, then player engagement and gameplay duration increase, but the complexity of award determination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegameplay durationVSAvoidaward determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies continuity of useful action by maintaining the core keno draw mechanism while continuously evaluating sub-regions for pattern matches during the same draw process. The pattern evaluation occurs as part of the normal game flow rather than as separate complex operations, allowing extended gameplay with multiple bonus opportunities without proportionally increasing award determination complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS9053609B2Pattern matching in a keno game
Publication Date: 2015.06.09 INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US9053609B2 patent drawing
  • US9053609B2 patent drawing
  • US9053609B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for determining an award during a keno game includes, but is not limited to any of combination of: generating a predetermined number of draws for placement on a keno board during the keno game, wherein the keno board includes a predetermined number of spots; evaluating a plurality of sub-regions of the keno board associated with the keno game for matches between the generated draws and one or more predetermined patterns; and determining an award based on results of the evaluating step.