Multi-Dimensional Cascading Symbol Grid for Gaming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to enhance the level of excitement and entertainment in gaming machines by increasing the number of winning symbol combinations and awards provided to players for a single wager, while introducing new dimensions to cascading symbol games.
Innovation Solution
A multi-dimensional cascading symbol game system that utilizes multiple symbol display position grids at different depths, where symbols from one grid can be revealed and evaluated with symbols from other grids, allowing for additional award determinations during a single play, and incorporates three-dimensional symbols and the fourth dimension of time for award tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single two-dimensional symbol display grid is used, then the device complexity is low, but the number of winning symbol combinations and awards provided per wager is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional two-dimensional symbol display grid to a multi-dimensional display structure with multiple grids positioned at different depths (first depth, second depth, third depth). This dimensional expansion allows symbols from different depths to be combined in win evaluations, significantly increasing the number of possible winning symbol combinations without proportionally increasing the complexity of individual grid components.
2Productivity
If multiple symbol display grids at different depths are implemented, then the number of winning opportunities increases, but the ease of operation and understanding becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the symbol display into multiple independent grids positioned at different depths, with each grid containing its own set of symbols that can be independently generated, removed, and shifted. This segmentation allows the complex multi-dimensional system to be managed through standardized, repeatable operations within each grid while maintaining the overall complexity benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous cascading action where symbols are constantly being generated, evaluated for wins, removed, and shifted between grids. This continuous process ensures that winning opportunities are continuously created without requiring player intervention or complex decision-making, maintaining ease of operation while maximizing award potential.
3Quantity of substance
If symbols from deeper grids are blocked by front grid symbols, then the device complexity is reduced, but the quantity of visible and evaluatable symbols decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic display system where the visibility of symbols at different depths changes over time. Symbols from deeper grids are initially blocked by front grid symbols, but when front grid symbols are removed or shifted, previously hidden symbols become visible and evaluatable. This dynamic revelation mechanism ensures that all symbols have the opportunity to be counted in win evaluations while maintaining a relatively simple visual structure at any given moment.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming system including a cascading symbol game which utilizes a plurality of adjacent symbol display position grids arranged at different depths. The multiple symbol display position grids at different depths provides that one or more of the symbols of at least a first symbol display position grid at a first depth are displayed to a player while one or more of the symbols of at least a second symbol display position grid at a second depth are not displayed to the player. When one or more symbols are removed from the first symbol display position grid at the first depth, before and/or after shifting the remaining displayed symbols from the first symbol display position grid into created empty symbol display positions of the first symbol display position grid, one or more symbols from the second symbol display position grid at the second depth become exposed.