Shadow Matrix for Reducing Memory in GUI Reel Rendering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing memory requirements for rendering graphical user interfaces (GUIs) as the number of elements to be rendered increases, particularly evident in gaming environments, pose a challenge in maintaining efficient memory usage without compromising the complexity of patterns and animations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that reconfigures a GUI matrix by enlarging symbols to cover multiple positions, using a shadow matrix to process game results without increasing the pay table entries, allowing for more complex patterns without additional memory requirements, by coupling and uncoupling reels and adjusting reel strips based on trigger and termination events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of elements to be rendered via the GUI increases, then the complexity of patterns and animations is improved, but the memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a shadow matrix that replicates the structure and data of the original GUI matrix. This shadow matrix serves as a memory-efficient copy that can be used for pattern matching and game result processing without requiring additional unique memory resources for each element. The shadow matrix contains references to the original matrix data, allowing complex patterns to be processed while maintaining memory efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the configuration of the shadow matrix based on the current GUI state. Instead of maintaining fixed memory allocations for all possible patterns, the system changes parameters such as matrix dimensions, element configurations, and pattern definitions to match only the currently rendered elements. This allows the system to handle complex patterns adaptively while optimizing memory usage for each specific rendering scenario.
2Measurement precision
If the resolution of the GUI increases, then the visual quality is improved, but the memory requirements for rendering increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the high-resolution GUI matrix into smaller manageable sections or blocks. The shadow matrix is configured to process these segmented portions independently, allowing the system to handle high-resolution rendering by breaking down the complex entire matrix into smaller units that require less memory to process individually. This segmentation enables efficient memory management while maintaining overall high-resolution visual quality.
3Productivity
If dedicated graphics processor is used, then the performance in terms of resolution and responsiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the shadow matrix as an intermediary data structure that facilitates efficient processing between the GUI rendering system and the graphics processor. This shadow matrix acts as a mediator that pre-processes and organizes pattern matching data before it reaches the graphics processor, reducing the computational burden on the dedicated GPU. By handling preliminary pattern recognition and data organization through the shadow matrix, the system reduces the complexity of the overall device architecture while maintaining high responsiveness through optimized graphics processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented for reducing memory requirements for a user interface method includes generating, by one or more processors, a first matrix of symbols with columns that correspond to reels of cyclical symbols. The reels are configured to be rendered in adjacent sections of a display. The method further includes rotating, by one or more processors, each reel by a random amount responsive to receiving a spinning instruction. The method includes configuring a first reel to occupy both a first section of the display associated with the first reel and a second section of the display associated with an adjacent reel so that the adjacent reel will not be rendered when a pattern of symbols of the rendered reels is determined to correspond to a particular pattern. Data that represents the symbols of the reels is maintained in a shadow matrix stored in memory. The one or more processors determine the existence of particular patterns from the shadow matrix and search a table in memory for scores associated with the patterns. Data in the shadow matrix is copied between cells of the shadow matrix to correspond to the rendered reels in such a way as to obviate increasing the size of the table. This, in turn, reduces memory requirements associated with the rendering of the reels.