Slot Game Display Control With Fixed Bonus Symbol Columns
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing slot games, players may have difficulty recognizing when a situation changes into an advantageous one during a bonus game due to only some symbols being changed into specific symbols, making it hard to identify the increased probability of achieving a favorable combination.
Innovation Solution
An information processor and game control method that includes a display device with a symbol display area arranged in a matrix of columns and stages, where at least one second symbol is fix-displayed in columns corresponding to the number of first symbols displayed, and a controller that executes random determination, display, payout awarding, and fix-displaying processes to enhance symbol recognition and payout probability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If only some symbols are changed into specific symbols in the bonus game, then the game can proceed with normal symbol random determination, but players have difficulty recognizing the advantageous situation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual differentiation by displaying second symbols with distinct characteristics (such as different colors, patterns, or highlighting effects) compared to first symbols. This color/change change mechanism enables players to easily recognize when advantageous symbols are present in the bonus game, resolving the technical contradiction between maintaining normal game operation and ensuring player awareness of advantageous situations.
2Reliability
If second symbols are fix-displayed in columns corresponding to the number of first symbols, then the probability of achieving favorable combinations increases, but the display complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the symbol display area into multiple columns, where second symbols are fix-displayed in specific columns corresponding to the number of first symbols determined in the normal game. This segmentation approach organizes the complex task of symbol management into discrete, controllable units (columns), making the display control more manageable while maintaining the enhanced payout probability through strategic symbol placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary determination of the number of first symbols during the normal game phase, and uses this information to pre-configure the fix-display positions of second symbols in the bonus game. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time calculations during the bonus game, reducing display control complexity while ensuring the optimal symbol arrangement for enhanced payout probability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the symbol display area is arranged in a matrix of columns and stages, then the symbol arrangement is systematic, but the recognition of advantageous situations becomes more difficult without fix-displayed markers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining the systematic matrix structure of the symbol display area while introducing distinct visual characteristics to specific local regions where second symbols are fix-displayed. The columns containing second symbols have different visual properties (such as highlighted backgrounds, different symbol styles, or animated effects) compared to other columns, enabling players to easily recognize advantageous situations while preserving the overall systematic matrix arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processor includes: a display device which is able to display symbols including at least one first symbol and at least one second symbol and which is configured to display an area in which columns and stages are arranged; and a controller programmed to execute processes (1a) to (1c) as a unit game. The controller is programmed to execute: (1a) a process of randomly determining symbols; (1b) a process of displaying the determined symbols in the area; (1c) a process of awarding a payout; (1d) a process of fix-displaying the at least one second symbol in one or more the columns, the number of the one or more of the columns corresponding to the number of first symbols displayed in the area; and (1e) a process of performing next execution of the unit game by using the area in which the at least one second symbol is fix-displayed.