Slot Machine Player Symbol Selection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slot machines in high probability mode lack player engagement as the symbol replacement with a wild symbol is automated, reducing player involvement and incentive to participate actively in the game.
Innovation Solution
A slot machine design that allows players to select which symbol to replace with a wild symbol after reels stop, enhancing player interaction and influence over game outcomes by enabling them to choose from displayed static symbols along predetermined pay lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the slot machine automatically selects a symbol column to replace with wild symbol in high probability mode, then the winning probability is increased, but the player's engagement and sense of involvement in the game is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between automatic symbol replacement (in high probability mode) and player-selected symbol replacement (in other modes). The processor determines the operating mode and automatically switches the replacement mechanism accordingly, allowing the game to adapt its behavior based on the current state. This resolves the contradiction by providing automatic replacement when needed for high winning probability, while enabling player involvement when the mode requires it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from automatic computer selection to player selection based on the operating mode. In high probability mode, the computer automatically selects the symbol column to replace. In other modes, the player can select which symbol column to replace. This parameter change allows the system to optimize for different objectives: winning probability in high probability mode, and player engagement in other modes.
2Reliability
If the slot machine uses automatic symbol replacement in high probability mode, then the game provides high winning chances, but the player feels less incentive to actively participate
Solution Approach 1:
The game operation is segmented into different modes: high probability mode and other modes. Each mode has different replacement mechanisms. In high probability mode, automatic replacement is used to maximize winning chances. In other modes, player selection is used to maintain engagement. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for different objectives in different contexts, resolving the contradiction between winning probability and player incentive.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor determines the operating mode and sets up the appropriate replacement mechanism before the game starts. In high probability mode, the system is pre-configured for automatic symbol replacement. In other modes, the system is pre-configured for player selection. This preliminary setup ensures that the correct mechanism is in place before gameplay begins, allowing the system to maintain both high winning probability when needed and player engagement when appropriate.
Data Source
AI summary
A slot machine may comprise: a plurality of display windows in which a plurality of symbols are displayed variably and statically; at least one pay line across the display windows to connect a predetermined number of display windows, a winning combination of symbols being determined by symbol arrangement along the at least one pay line; and the processor operable to: cause the plurality of symbols displayed variably in the display windows; cause the plurality of symbols displayed statically in the plurality of display windows; let a player select an area where at least one symbol is displayed statically and which covers at least partially a display window; cause each symbol displayed statically in the selected area to be replaced with a specific symbol capable of substituting at least another kind of symbol; and determine the winning combination by the symbol arrangement including the replacing specific symbol.