Slot Machine Symbol Mapping Across Multiple Spins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slot machines do not utilize symbols from multiple independent spins to populate new winning lines, limiting player interaction and variety in forming winning combinations.

Innovation Solution

A slot machine design that maps symbols from primary winning lines during multiple independent spins to create secondary winning lines, allowing players to form winning combinations across multiple spins and providing interactive features like symbol holding and bonus games.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If symbols from multiple independent spins are mapped to create new winning lines, then player engagement and game variety are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame varietyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the gaming device into separate functional modules: a symbol storage module that accumulates symbols from multiple spins, a line configuration module that defines different winning line patterns, and a mapping module that assigns symbols to populate new winning lines. This segmentation allows the complex functionality to be managed through distinct, independent components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining multiple winning line configurations and pre-accumulating symbols from consecutive spins before mapping them to create new winning lines. This preparation in advance reduces the computational complexity during the actual game play and allows for more versatile game variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple independent spins are used to populate new winning lines, then the number of winning opportunities increases, but the time required for game resolution increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewinning opportunitiesVSAvoidgame resolution time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by structuring the game to accumulate symbols over a predetermined number of consecutive spins, then periodically mapping these accumulated symbols to create new winning lines. This periodic structure allows the system to process multiple spins in batches, maintaining high winning opportunities while managing resolution time through structured intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

By pre-accumulating symbols during consecutive spins and pre-defining winning line configurations before the mapping occurs, the system prepares all necessary data in advance. This preliminary action enables rapid resolution when the mapping is finally executed, as the computational work has already been partially completed during the accumulation phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If players can define and select winning combinations across multiple spins, then player interaction and engagement increase, but the complexity of game rules increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer interactionVSAvoidgame rule complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by allowing players to autonomously select which symbols they wish to hold and which winning line configurations they prefer. The system provides the tools and options, and players make their own decisions about symbol selection and line configuration, reducing the need for complex system-wide rule management while enhancing player engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamics by making the winning line configurations adjustable and selectable by the player rather than fixed. Players can dynamically choose different line patterns and symbol combinations based on their preferences and strategies, allowing the game to adapt to player choices without requiring complex predetermined rules for every possible scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11183002B2Method and apparatus for a gaming device
Publication Date: 2021.11.23 GHALY NABIL N
  • US11183002B2 patent drawing
  • US11183002B2 patent drawing
  • US11183002B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A gaming device method and apparatus are disclosed, and are accomplished by a slot machine that includes one, or a plurality of primary pay lines, as well as one or a plurality of secondary pay lines, wherein symbols occurring at the primary pay lines during a plurality of independent spins are mapped into the secondary pay lines.