Rotating Symbol Matrix Layout for Multi-Angle Wager Evaluation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for additional player interaction and enjoyment options in wagering games, such as slot games and video poker, to enhance gameplay experience and encourage player engagement.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a wagering game feature that includes a rotating matrix of game symbols, where each first game symbol corresponds to a row or column of second game symbols, with awards provided when none of the second game symbols have a higher value than the corresponding first game symbol, and rearranging the matrix to different rotational positions for further comparisons and awards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional single-direction payline evaluation is used, then the game evaluation process is simple, but player engagement and interaction options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer interaction optionsVSAvoidmatrix rotation and evaluation system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a rotating matrix of game symbols that can be rotated between different orientations (e.g., 0度和90度). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same matrix to provide multiple payline evaluation directions, thereby increasing player interaction options and engagement without requiring multiple separate game grids. The rotation mechanism enables the system to adapt its evaluation geometry based on the current rotational state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single matrix structure that serves multiple functions through rotation. The same matrix of symbols can be evaluated in different directions (rows, columns, diagonals) depending on the rotational position, making one grid structure capable of providing multiple payline evaluation possibilities. This multi-functional design increases versatility while avoiding the need for separate evaluation systems for each direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple rotational positions of the matrix are evaluated, then award opportunities and player enjoyment are increased, but the game evaluation time and processing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaward opportunitiesVSAvoidgame evaluation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the periodic action principle by implementing cyclic rotation of the matrix between discrete rotational positions (e.g., 0度 and 90度). The matrix rotates in a periodic manner, returning to its initial state after a certain number of rotations, creating a rhythmic evaluation pattern. This periodic reconfiguration provides multiple award opportunities through repeated evaluation cycles while maintaining a structured and predictable evaluation timeline that can be efficiently managed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the preliminary action principle by pre-establishing multiple rotational positions and payline configurations before the actual evaluation begins. The matrix is pre-rotated to different orientations, and payline definitions are pre-configured for each rotational state, so that during game play, the system can quickly switch between pre-prepared evaluation modes without performing complex real-time calculations. This preparation reduces real-time processing requirements while maintaining multiple award opportunities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250378743A1Wagering game play feature with rotating matrix of game symbols
Publication Date: 2025.12.11 INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US20250378743A1 patent drawing
  • US20250378743A1 patent drawing
  • US20250378743A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A wagering game includes an array of N first game symbols and a matrix of second game symbols in a first rotational position, each first game symbol corresponding to a respective row of N second game symbols. For each row of second game symbols, based on a determination that none of the second game symbols in the row have a higher value than the corresponding first game symbol, an award is provided. The matrix is then rotated to a second rotational position such that each first game symbol of the array corresponds to a respective column of N second game symbols. For each column of second game symbols in the second rotational position, based on a determination that none of the second game symbols in the column have a higher value than the corresponding first game symbol, provide an award to a player of the wagering game.