Persistent Indicia in Slot Machine Player Selection Rounds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slot machine games lack exciting variations in symbol enhancements, which limits player excitement and enjoyment during player selection rounds.

Innovation Solution

Introducing persistent indicia or symbols in player selection rounds that remain active, providing additional credit values, delaying game endings, or guaranteeing bonus awards, enhancing gameplay with multiple types of persistent effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional player selection rounds are used with fixed endings, then the game structure is simple and easy to understand, but player excitement and engagement decrease due to lack of variation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegameplay variationVSAvoidgame structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic game structures where the selection round can be extended or modified by persistent symbols. The game transitions from a static fixed-ending structure to a dynamic one where the endpoint and rules can change based on symbol revelations, creating variability without requiring complete structural redesign

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Persistent symbols are revealed in advance during the selection round and their effects carry forward to influence future picks and game outcomes. This preliminary revelation of effects creates anticipation and strategic depth while maintaining clear game structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of moving object

If player selection rounds have fixed endings, then the game progresses efficiently, but entertainment value and player engagement are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveround durationVSAvoidgame pace

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The round duration becomes dynamic rather than fixed. Persistent symbols can extend the round by delaying ending conditions or enabling additional picks, allowing the game to adapt its duration to maintain player engagement while preserving overall game pace through controlled extension mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If no persistent effects are provided, then the game rules are simple, but player excitement and cumulative engagement are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesymbol enhancementVSAvoidgame rules

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments symbol effects into two categories: immediate effects (prize awards upon pickup) and persistent effects (ongoing effects that carry through multiple picks). This segmentation allows complex symbol functionality to be managed through clear, distinct effect types that don't overwhelm the player

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Persistent symbols serve multiple functions: they provide immediate prize value, create ongoing persistent effects that modify future picks, and can interact with each other to create cumulative benefits. This multi-functionality increases symbol enhancement capability without proportionally increasing rule complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9659455B2Games with persistent effects in player pick rounds

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 EVERI GAMES INC

AI summary

A slot machine game feature provides for several types of persistent indicias in a player selection round. One type of persistent indicia can result not only awards an initial credit value when picked, like a regular pick result, but also have a persistent effect in the bonus round which continues to award another randomly-generated credit value in conjunction with each remaining or subsequent pick that the player makes in the bonus. Some versions include cumulative persistent effects, where multiple picks may uncover persistent prize features. Other persistent indicia cause other effects that persist through the player selection round.