Slot Machine Wager Timing via Scrambled Symbol Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional slot machines require players to place a wager before initiating a spin, and do not allow wager adjustments after the reels have stopped, limiting player interaction and potential winnings.
Innovation Solution
A slot machine design that allows players to initiate a spin without a prior wager, with a partial or scrambled display of symbols shown after the spin, enabling wager placement or adjustment after reel stoppage, and revealing complete symbol information and win determination upon wager deposit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the player is required to place a wager before initiating a spin, then the operator ensures revenue from every spin, but the player cannot skip non-winning spins and has reduced flexibility in wager management
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming process is segmented into two distinct phases: (1) spin initiation phase where the player can start a spin without placing a wager, and (2) wager placement phase where the player places or adjusts wagers after the spin results are determined. This segmentation allows players to skip non-winning spins without impacting operator revenue, as wagers are collected separately in the second phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by determining the spin results before the player places their wager. The reels are spun, symbols are determined, and the outcome is calculated in advance of the wager placement, allowing the player to make informed wager decisions based on the actual spin results.
2Device complexity
If the player is not permitted to increase wager after the reels come to a complete stop, then the game flow is simplified, but the player cannot adjust wagers based on spin results
Solution Approach 1:
The wager placement capability is made dynamic by allowing players to place or adjust wagers after the spin results are determined. The system transitions from a static pre-spin wager model to a dynamic post-spin wager model, where wager amounts can be adjusted based on the actual spin outcomes, giving players greater control and adaptability.
3Loss of information
If the actual positions of symbols are hidden from the player after reel stoppage, then the player cannot determine winning outcomes in advance, but the player also cannot make informed wager decisions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary display mechanism that shows scrambled or placeholder symbols during the initial phase, then reveals the actual spin results after wager placement. This intermediary display allows the player to see that a spin has occurred without revealing the actual outcomes, maintaining game integrity while enabling informed wager decisions in the second phase.
4Productivity
If complete symbol information is revealed only after wager deposit, then the player cannot see all occurring symbols initially, but this creates a two-step display process that enhances engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The information disclosure is segmented into two phases: (1) initial display showing scrambled or partial symbol information to maintain suspense and engagement, and (2) complete information display after wager placement to allow informed decisions. This segmented information release enhances player engagement while maintaining game integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary display actions by showing an initial set of symbols (scrambled or partial) before the player places their wager. This preliminary display creates engagement and anticipation, while the complete symbol information is revealed afterward to enable informed wager decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming device method and apparatus are disclosed, and are accomplished by a slot machine that provides the result of a spin, or a game, to the player in two steps. In the first step, the machine provides partial, or incomplete information related to the occurring symbols during a game. The player is permitted to place, or change, his or her wager after said partial or incomplete information is made visible to the player. Upon depositing, or increasing a wager, the machine provides the complete result of a spin to the player, and a win determination is made.