Semi-random prize reset amounts in gaming systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

In gaming environments, the immediate recognition of prize reset events leads to player discouragement and increased walkaways, reducing revenue and socio-biological enjoyment, as players recognize easily memorable reset amounts, such as $0 or $100, and perceive a loss of opportunity.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a random reset amount system using a semi-random number generator with a notched probability distribution function to obscure easily recognizable digit sequences, ensuring reset amounts are less likely to be noticed as repetitive or round numbers, thereby maintaining player engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If prize amounts are reset to fixed recognizable values (e.g., $0, $100), then the system maintains simple operation and clear state indication, but players immediately recognize the reset event and become discouraged, leading to walkaways and reduced revenue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprize reset operationVSAvoidplayer retention and revenue

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of reset prize amounts from fixed recognizable values to semi-random values generated by a notched probability distribution function. This function avoids round numbers and easily memorable digit sequences, making reset amounts less recognizable to players while maintaining systematic control over the reset process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/simple system of fixed reset amounts with a computational system using a notched probability distribution function. This computational approach generates semi-random reset amounts that are controlled by algorithms rather than simple fixed values, obscuring the reset event from player recognition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If prize amounts are reset to zero or fixed values, then the system maintains simplicity and predictability, but this creates easily memorable digit sequences that players can recognize, leading to immediate perception of lost opportunity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem predictabilityVSAvoidplayer perception of opportunity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the reset amount parameter from predictable fixed values to semi-random values with controlled distribution. The notched probability distribution function ensures that round numbers and easily memorable sequences have reduced probability, making reset amounts less informative to players about the reset event

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of predictable reset amounts (which signal lost opportunity) into a beneficial effect by using semi-random amounts. The very randomness that makes the system less predictable also serves to hide the reset event, preventing players from recognizing the loss of opportunity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If casinos use fixed reset amounts to counter player walkaways, then operational simplicity is maintained, but savvy players memorize these fixed amounts and instantly recognize reset events, defeating the purpose of the intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprize managementVSAvoidresistance to player adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics into the reset amount system by using a notched probability distribution function that generates varying semi-random values. This dynamic approach prevents players from adapting to fixed patterns, as the reset amounts change in a controlled but unpredictable manner

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the reset amount parameter from static fixed values to dynamic semi-random values. The notched probability distribution function controls this dynamic behavior, ensuring that while amounts vary, they follow a predictable statistical distribution that prevents player memorization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11080962B2Reset of prize amounts to semi-random values

Publication Date: 2021.08.03 AGS LLC

AI summary

When awarding of a locally-incremented prize or a jackpot prize takes place in a chance-based gaming system, first there may be joy for the player who won but then there is a sense of lost opportunity for remaining other players as they come to realize at that moment that they have lost the opportunity to win that same prize and instead they must start all over in re-building a comparable prize amount. The notion of having to start from ground zero and build all the way up again may discourage some and induce them to walk away from the gaming machines. Methods are disclosed where the post-award prize reset amounts displayed to the remaining other players are not easily recognizable or attention attracting patterns that may induce the remaining other players to immediately recognize that a reset event has occurred, become disheartened and walk away.