Slot Machine Payout System Using Scatter Symbol Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slot machines only provide payouts based on specific combinations of symbols stopping on a payline, limiting player rewards and engagement.
Innovation Solution
The slot machine introduces a payout system that rewards players for both specific combinations of symbols on a payline and predetermined numbers of symbols rearranged on the display, allowing for payouts even when the combination is not on the payline, thereby increasing potential rewards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the slot machine only provides payouts based on specific combinations of symbols stopping on a payline, then the payout system is simple and easy to understand, but the player rewards are limited and engagement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The payout system is segmented into multiple independent evaluation criteria: (1) traditional payline combination matching, and (2) scatter symbol counting across the entire display. Each segment operates independently and can trigger payouts separately or simultaneously, allowing the system to accommodate more payout conditions without overwhelming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension for symbol evaluation by considering symbol distribution across the entire display area rather than only along predefined paylines. This dimensional expansion allows symbols to contribute to payouts based on their spatial arrangement and quantity, creating additional payout pathways beyond traditional linear combinations
2Quantity of substance
If the slot machine provides payouts only when specific symbol combinations are on the payline, then the rules are simple, but the potential rewards and player engagement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Symbols serve multiple functions in the payout system: they can form traditional payline combinations for one type of payout, and simultaneously function as scatter symbols whose quantity and distribution trigger additional payouts. This multi-functionality increases payout opportunities without requiring separate symbol sets or complicating the basic symbol-matching concept
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the same symbol instances to multiple evaluation purposes simultaneously. The same displayed symbols are evaluated both for their combinatorial patterns on paylines and for their quantitative distribution across the display, effectively copying the evaluation function to create additional payout opportunities from the same visual input
Data Source
AI summary
In a base game, a first payout is provided when a winning combination of “BELL”, “CHERRY”, or “PLUM” has come to a stop on a payline L. On the other hand, a second payout is provided when the “BELL” symbols in a predetermined number have come to a stop on a display area. The payout process of the first payout and the second payout is executed.