Random Bonus Award Selection via Dynamic Odds Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Casinos face challenges in distinguishing themselves and retaining loyal patrons due to short-term and temporary increases in incentives, leading to a need for innovative methods to attract and reward players.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for awarding random bonus prizes to players, utilizing a network of gaming machines, a player tracking database, and a bonus server that selects and delivers awards based on predefined criteria, including status and actions, using a combination of default and non-default awards managed through a random number generator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If casinos offer bonuses to reward loyal patrons, then player loyalty and attraction are improved, but the effectiveness is temporary and easily replicated by competitors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayer loyaltyVSAvoidbonus effectiveness duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts bonus awards during a bonus session based on random selection and decreasing odds. The bonus award changes from initial higher-value awards to progressively lower-value awards, creating a dynamic reward structure that maintains player interest throughout the session rather than offering static, easily replicable bonuses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bonus session provides continuous rewarding action throughout a defined period, with awards given at multiple intervals rather than as a single temporary bonus. This continuous engagement keeps players interested for the duration of the bonus session, extending the effective duration of the promotional action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Ease of manufacture

If casinos offer fixed bonus awards, then implementation is simple, but player interest decreases over time due to predictability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonus implementation simplicityVSAvoidplayer interest maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic award selection where the bonus award changes during the session based on random selection from available awards. The odds of receiving higher-level awards decrease over time, creating variability and unpredictability that maintains player interest while still using a structured, implementable system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of bonus awards during the session by selecting from different award levels with varying odds. The award value and probability parameters dynamically adjust, transforming the fixed bonus structure into a variable one that maintains player engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS7824264B2Random bonus prize shown on the system display

Publication Date: 2010.11.02 INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A default bonus award and a set of non-default bonus awards are determined for a type of gaming machine. A criterion for qualifying for a bonus award is also determined. Then, if a bonus session is active and a player meets the criterion, a bonus award is randomly selected for the player. In one embodiment, the random bonus award is selected immediately after the player is identified at the gaming machine, before he has begun play.