Scatter Symbol Cascade Feature for Slot Machine Bonus Qualification
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for new and improved methods to utilize special symbols in electronic games, particularly in reeled slot machine games, to create added excitement and reward opportunities, as existing features like scatter symbols and cascade features have limitations in providing engaging gameplay experiences.
Innovation Solution
A special symbol cascade feature is introduced where scatter symbols are removed from the game interface, counted towards a bonus qualification, and trigger a cascade that re-evaluates paylines for new winning combinations, allowing for repeated cascades if additional scatter symbols are added or new combinations are formed, without requiring additional wagers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If scatter symbols are removed and counted towards bonus qualification during cascade, then player reward opportunities increase, but game complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scatter symbol handling into distinct phases: initial scatter collection, cascade trigger condition evaluation, and bonus feature activation. This segmentation allows the complex interaction between scatter symbols and cascade features to be managed through discrete, manageable steps rather than a monolithic complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining scatter symbol removal and counting rules before the cascade feature activates. The system预先 determines which scatter symbols contribute to bonus qualification and establishes the trigger conditions in advance, reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making during cascade execution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cascade re-evaluates paylines for new winning combinations, then gameplay excitement increases, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by re-evaluating paylines at specific intervals during the cascade feature rather than continuously. The system triggers re-evaluation events periodically when cascade conditions are met, allowing gameplay excitement to surge at regular intervals while avoiding constant processing that would consume excessive time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by re-evaluating only the affected paylines during cascade rather than the entire game board. This selective re-evaluation focuses computational resources on the specific areas where symbol changes occurred, reducing overall processing time while maintaining gameplay excitement through targeted win detection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cascades are triggered without additional wagers, then player value increases, but game reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring scatter symbol counts and cascade trigger conditions during each cascade event. The system uses this feedback to determine whether to continue the cascade sequence or terminate it, ensuring that multiple cascades occur within defined parameters that maintain game reliability while increasing player value through extended play opportunities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters such as scatter symbol thresholds and cascade continuation conditions dynamically during gameplay. By adjusting these parameters based on current game state, the system allows multiple cascades to occur without additional wagers (increasing player value) while maintaining reliability through predefined parameter boundaries that prevent unlimited or exploitable cascade sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with some embodiments, an online game server provides a reel-type slot machine game interface that is modified over a course of a game and wherein the game includes a bonus feature that is triggered once a sufficient number of special symbols (e.g., scatter symbols) are accumulated by a player. In accordance with some embodiments, in order to qualify for the bonus feature, the special symbols need to be accumulated as a result of a single wager and original spin and any cascades that are triggered by an outcome of the original spin.