Iterative Re-spin Control Logic for Electronic Gaming Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic gaming machines (EGMs) lack innovative user interface features that effectively enhance user experience and maintain user interest, particularly in iterative re-spin processes and special symbol stacking configurations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing control logic that manages iterative re-spin processes and special symbol stacking by locking reels with full stacks and re-spinning remaining reels, with outcomes determined by the count of special symbol stacks, and dynamically configuring reels based on bet levels to increase the likelihood of special symbol appearances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If reels are locked with full stacks of special symbols, then the likelihood of winning combinations increases, but the number of active reels decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming device divides the reels into two distinct groups: locked reels containing full stacks of special symbols and unlocked reels that continue to spin. This segmentation allows the system to maintain multiple active reels while ensuring that specific reels contribute guaranteed winning combinations, thereby resolving the contradiction between increasing win likelihood and maintaining reel activity.
2Ease of operation
If iterative re-spin process is implemented, then user engagement increases, but game duration extends
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by automatically spinning unlocked reels at predetermined intervals after special symbol stacks are formed. This creates a rhythmic, engaging sequence of events that maintains user interest through predictable yet exciting repetitions, balancing enhanced engagement with controlled game duration through systematic pacing.
Data Source
AI summary
Innovations in user interface (“UI”) features of electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) are described. For example, control logic controls the UI of an EGM according to an iterative re-spin process, which uses reels and a reel area on a display screen of the EGM. In a given iteration of the re-spin process, the control logic identifies any locked reels. The control logic spins any unlocked reels for the given iteration on the display screen while holding locked reels in place. The control logic evaluates a condition that depends on whether the reel area encloses a special symbol stack for at least one unlocked, spun reel. If the condition is satisfied, the control logic continues the re-spin process. Upon exit from the re-spin process, the control logic determines a count of special symbol stacks in the reel area, determines an outcome of the re-spin process, and outputs an indication of the outcome.