Slot Machine Award Calculation Using Non-Winning Symbol Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slot machines use fixed pay schedules to calculate awards, leading to repetitive gameplay experiences for players, making it difficult for casinos to differentiate their offerings and manufacturers to distinguish their products.
Innovation Solution
The method calculates awards for winning symbol combinations by assigning and revealing credit values to symbol positions not included in the combination, using techniques such as X-Ray Values, Gift Symbols, and Book End Symbols, which change based on the number of paylines played and wager amount, allowing for dynamic and unique award calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed pay schedules are used to calculate awards, then the calculation method is simple and reliable, but the gameplay becomes repetitive and unengaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed pay schedule into a dynamic award calculation system where credit values are assigned to symbol positions based on random number generation. The award for scatter symbol combinations dynamically changes based on the sum of credit values in non-scatter positions, creating variable gameplay experiences while maintaining reliable calculation through predefined algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter being awarded from the symbol combination itself to the credit values assigned to positions not containing scatter symbols. This parameter transformation allows the same scatter symbol combination to yield different awards based on the randomly assigned credit values in other positions, enhancing gameplay variety while keeping the calculation method systematic and reliable.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed award schedules are used, then manufacturers can easily standardize products, but products become indistinguishable from competitors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables product differentiation by changing what is being awarded - instead of fixed amounts for specific symbol combinations, the system awards the sum of credit values assigned to positions not containing scatter symbols. This creates unique gameplay characteristics that distinguish the invention from conventional slot machines while maintaining standardized implementation through consistent application of the new calculation method.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional award methods are used, then the game mechanics remain consistent across machines, but player engagement decreases due to monotony
Solution Approach 1:
The invention maintains game mechanics consistency by preserving the fundamental slot machine operation of spinning reels and forming symbol combinations. However, it transforms the award parameter from fixed schedule lookups to dynamic calculation based on randomly assigned credit values in non-scatter positions, creating varied player experiences within a consistent mechanical framework.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a variety of methods to calculate awards for a winning symbol combinations based upon the values assigned to some or all of the symbols or symbol positions not included in the winning symbol combinations.