Multi-Set Prize Apparatus for Gaming Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The interest in jackpot prizes in gaming machines has diminished due to increasing sophistication among gamers, as the incremental nature of jackpot prizes becomes predictable, leading to decreased engagement and excitement.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for determining the award of multiple sets of prizes with unique values, where the current prize value is incremented based on accumulated wagers, and once awarded, it selects from remaining values within the set or switches to another set, maintaining unpredictability and engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single jackpot prize value is used and incremented predictably, then the system is simple to operate, but gamer interest and engagement diminish
Solution Approach 1:
The single jackpot prize system is segmented into multiple sets of prize values (first set, second set, etc.). Each set contains multiple discrete prize values that can be independently selected and awarded. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity while providing variety, as the controller randomly selects from multiple predefined sets rather than using a single predictable incrementing value.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different sets of prize values based on award history and random selection. After a prize is awarded from one set, the system can transition to a different set for the next award, creating dynamic variability in the jackpot values presented to gamers. This dynamic behavior prevents predictability while maintaining system simplicity through automated control.
2Productivity
If multiple sets of prizes with unique values are implemented, then gamer interest is maintained through variability, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sets of prize values are pre-configured and stored in memory before the gaming system operates. Each set contains predefined prize values that have been prepared in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations or dynamic prize generation, reducing system complexity while maintaining the benefit of multiple varied prize options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller tracks which prize values have been awarded from each set and uses this information to determine when to switch between sets. The feedback loop monitors award history and automatically triggers set transitions, reducing the need for manual intervention and simplifying the management of multiple prize sets while maintaining gamer engagement through variability.
3Device complexity
If the current prize value is always incremented from a fixed lower value, then the increment pattern is predictable, but the system is easy to control, when the accumulated value is varied by selecting from multiple prize values, then unpredictability increases, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prize value structure is segmented into multiple discrete sets, each containing specific prize values. Instead of a continuous increment from a fixed lower value, the system jumps between discrete values from different sets. This segmentation creates unpredictability in the award amounts while maintaining simple control through automated random selection and set transition logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of prize value by selecting from multiple predefined sets rather than following a fixed increment pattern. Each set contains different prize values, and the controller randomly selects which set to draw from, changing the expected value parameter dynamically. This approach maintains control simplicity through automated selection while achieving unpredictability in the actual award amounts presented to gamers.
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus includes memory for storing prize values and an input device being responsive to a plurality of gaming terminals for providing an increment signal which adjusts an accumulated value. A comparator determines when the current prize value to be awarded, reaches the accumulated value generates an award signal and removes from the one of the sets the prize awarded. A controller responsive to the award signal determines if the one of the sets includes at least one remaining prize value and, if so, actuating the increment device to define the current prize value as the at least one remaining prize value.