Slot Machine Symbol Repositioning and Interaction
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slot machines lack engaging entertainment factors, relying solely on spinning reels and pay lines for player interaction, which can lead to monotony and lack of interactive excitement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a display and controller system that allows players to reposition symbols, award prizes based on combinations, and provide sound or animation effects when symbols are dragged and dropped, including specific effects for symbols similar to those in the display, enhancing player engagement through interactive gameplay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional spinning reels and pay lines are used, then the slot machine structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the entertainment factor and player engagement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static reel-spinning mechanism into a dynamic symbol manipulation system where symbols can be repositioned, dragged, and dropped by players. This dynamic interaction allows symbols to move between positions and be placed into character mouths, creating varied gameplay scenarios that enhance entertainment while maintaining the core slot machine structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces performance characters as intermediaries between the symbols and the prize awarding system. These characters provide visual and interactive feedback when symbols are dragged into their mouths, creating an engaging intermediary layer that enhances player engagement without complicating the underlying prize determination logic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If symbols can be freely repositioned and dragged, then player interaction and entertainment increase, but the risk of symbols being dragged outside the display increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by providing warning notifications before symbols are accidentally dragged outside the display. The system detects when a symbol is being dragged toward the display boundary and issues a warning, allowing the player to correct the action before the symbol is lost, thus preventing positioning errors while maintaining free movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs continuous feedback mechanisms including visual warnings when symbols approach display boundaries and sound/animation effects when symbols are successfully placed in character mouths. This feedback loop helps players understand the system's response to their actions and maintain accurate symbol positioning while engaging with the game.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sound and animation effects are added for symbol interactions, then player engagement increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using the existing display device to provide multiple functions: showing symbol positions, displaying performance characters, providing visual warnings, and presenting sound/animation effects. This universal use of the display system enhances player engagement without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Device complexity
If specific symbols are excluded from repositioning, then the game rules become more complex, but the fairness and control of prize awarding improve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating different symbols differently based on their properties. Specific symbols (wild symbols) are excluded from repositioning and dragging operations, while other symbols can be freely manipulated. This localized restriction on symbol movement maintains game fairness by preventing manipulation of critical winning symbols, while still allowing player interaction with other symbols.
Data Source
AI summary
When the number of bets is determined and a game is started, reels start spinning. After a lapse of a predetermined time, fifteen symbols are repositioned in symbol display regions. By dragging and dropping a repositioned symbol to a crater of a volcano, a performance character, an animation effect to represent a volcanic eruption of the volcano and a sound effect corresponding to a volcanic eruption sound of the volcano are outputted. In case the symbol is dragged and dropped to the outside of a display, a warning sign is indicated as well as a warning sound is outputted.