Partial Symbol Matrix Gaming Device with Player Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming devices lack enhanced player interaction and control, which limits the excitement and enjoyment for players seeking multiple award opportunities and large wins in slot games.
Innovation Solution
A gaming device with a symbol matrix where players can select and activate symbol positions, with inactive positions not influencing outcomes, and terminators ending the selection sequence, allowing for symbol generation and payout determination based on active positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all symbol positions are active and generate symbols, then the game provides complete coverage of the symbol matrix, but player interaction and control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The symbol matrix is segmented into active and inactive symbol positions, allowing players to selectively activate specific positions rather than all positions. This segmentation enables player control over which positions generate symbols, directly improving interaction while managing complexity through clear state differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The symbol positions transition between active and inactive states based on player selection and game progression. This dynamic state change allows the system to adapt to player choices, enhancing interaction while the automated state management keeps complexity controlled.
2Adaptability or versatility
If players can select multiple symbol positions, then player engagement and control increase, but the game rules and outcome determination become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Players pre-select inactive symbol positions to be activated before the symbol generation phase. This preliminary action allows the game to establish clear active/inactive states upfront, providing player flexibility in choosing positions while simplifying subsequent outcome determination by fixing which positions will generate symbols.
Solution Approach 2:
Players select a subset of symbol positions to activate rather than all positions. This partial action approach gives players control and flexibility while keeping the active symbol set manageable, preventing excessive complexity in outcome evaluation.
3Ease of operation
If inactive symbol positions are included in outcome evaluation, then complete symbol matrix coverage is maintained, but player control over which symbols influence outcomes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different symbol positions have different qualities - active positions generate symbols that influence outcomes, while inactive positions do not. This local quality differentiation allows players to control which specific positions contribute to outcomes, enhancing player control while maintaining consistent outcome determination rules.
4Ease of operation
If the game uses traditional fixed paylines, then outcome evaluation is straightforward, but player interaction and excitement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The symbol positions dynamically transition between active and inactive states based on player selection and game progression, replacing static fixed paylines. This dynamic approach enhances player interaction by allowing selective activation while the automated state management maintains efficient game play speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming device including a plurality of symbol generators adapted to generate a plurality of symbols at a plurality of symbol positions. In one embodiment, a player selects a first symbol position, the selected symbol position is activated and the gaming device reveals whether a terminator is associated with the selected symbol position. In this embodiment, the player continues selecting symbol positions (and the gaming device continues activating the selected symbol positions) until a terminator is revealed to be associated with a selected symbol position. After a terminator is revealed, the gaming device randomly generating a symbol at each of the activated symbol positions. The gaming device determines an outcome based on the symbols or combinations of symbols generated at the activated symbol positions and provides the player the determined outcome.