Persistent Reel Matrix Expansion for Bonus Game Variability

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic gaming systems lack the ability to decouple base games from bonus features, such as hold and spin, night frenzy, and free spin games, while also requiring substantial data storage and computational resources, limiting game variability and RTP balance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that uses a random number generator to randomly determine multiplier values for reel rows, provides timing animations indicating mode transitions, persists trigger symbols, and dynamically grows the reel matrix, decoupling base games from bonus features to enhance variability and reduce resource requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If base games are coupled with bonus features in existing electronic gaming systems, then game continuity and player engagement are maintained, but data storage requirements and computational resources increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegame variabilityVSAvoiddata storage requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the gaming system into separate base game and bonus feature components that can operate independently. The base game can be played without bonus features, and bonus features are triggered only when specific conditions are met. This segmentation allows the system to reduce data storage requirements by not maintaining all bonus feature data simultaneously with base game data, while still providing game variability when bonuses are activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic reel matrix expansion where the number of reels and rows can change during gameplay. The reel matrix starts with a base configuration and can expand to include additional reels and rows when bonus features are triggered. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt data storage requirements based on the current game state, using more resources only when bonus features are active rather than maintaining maximum capacity throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing electronic gaming systems maintain fixed reel structures, then system complexity is reduced, but game variability and RTP balance are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegame variabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reel matrix expansion where the number of reels and rows can change during gameplay. The reel matrix starts with a base configuration and can expand to include additional reels and rows when bonus features are triggered. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt data storage requirements based on the current game state, using more resources only when bonus features are active rather than maintaining maximum capacity throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-configures multiple reel sets with different numbers of reels and rows before gameplay begins. These pre-configured reel sets are stored in memory and can be quickly switched to during gameplay based on trigger conditions. This preliminary preparation allows the system to implement complex dynamic reel structures without requiring complex real-time generation logic, thereby managing system complexity while achieving high game variability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If substantial computational resources are allocated to existing gaming systems, then game features can be more comprehensive, but resource efficiency and RTP balance are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature comprehensivenessVSAvoidresource efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the gaming system into separate base game and bonus feature components that can operate independently. The base game can be played without bonus features, and bonus features are triggered only when specific conditions are met. This segmentation allows the system to reduce data storage requirements by not maintaining all bonus feature data simultaneously with base game data, while still providing game variability when bonuses are activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes key parameters of the reel matrix dynamically during gameplay, including the number of reels, number of rows, and symbol configurations. These parameter changes are based on trigger conditions such as landing specific symbol combinations. By changing parameters rather than maintaining fixed comprehensive structures, the system achieves feature comprehensiveness only when needed, improving resource efficiency while maintaining the capability for comprehensive features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250384740A1Electronic game systems and methods having persistent and growing reels and a timing animation

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

An electronic gaming device including a memory device storing instructions and a processor is disclosed. The processor is configured to: (i) cause a base game to transition to a feature game when a trigger condition is met; (ii) randomly determine a set of multiplier values for each row of a game matrix including a multiplier value corresponding to each row of the game matrix during the feature game; (iii) cause the set of multiplier values to be displayed next to the game matrix, wherein each multiplier value of the set of multiplier values is displayed next to the row corresponding to the multiplier value; and (iv) determine an award amount based at least in part on the symbols displayed in the game matrix during the feature game and the set of multiplier values.