Dynamic Symbol Interchange for Gaming Machine Award Variety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional gaming systems, such as spinning-reel type games, lack variety and innovation to maintain or increase player enjoyment, as they typically involve static symbol combinations and limited award opportunities.
Innovation Solution
An electronic method and system that dynamically modifies displayed symbols by interchanging sets of symbols at different display positions, allowing for multiple award determinations before and after modification, with options for players to select between initial and modified awards, and incorporating random condition fulfillment for further rounds of symbol modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional spinning-reel games use static symbol combinations, then the game structure is simple and easy to operate, but player enjoyment decreases due to lack of variety and innovation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing symbols to change position and be interchanged between different display positions after the initial spin. The symbols are no longer static in their awarded positions but can be dynamically rearranged through the interchange mechanism, creating multiple potential award combinations from a single spin outcome.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the symbol evaluation process into distinct phases: initial award determination, symbol interchange, and secondary award determination. This segmentation allows the game to evaluate awards at multiple stages, increasing variety while maintaining a structured and manageable game flow.
2Productivity
If traditional gaming systems provide only one award opportunity per spin, then the game is easy to operate, but player engagement decreases due to limited award possibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining awards before the symbol interchange occurs. The system evaluates winning combinations in the initial position, then performs interchanges, and evaluates again. This preliminary award determination ensures that players have multiple opportunities to win while the complexity is managed through systematic evaluation at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by providing continuous award opportunities throughout the game sequence. Instead of a single discrete award moment, the system continuously evaluates for awards before and after symbol interchanges, maximizing the productive use of each spin and keeping players engaged with multiple potential payout points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If symbols are dynamically interchanged after spinning, then additional award opportunities are created, but the game process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automatic symbol interchange mechanisms that operate without requiring player intervention. The system autonomously determines which symbols to interchange and evaluates awards based on the new configurations, maintaining ease of operation while providing dynamic symbol reconfiguration and additional award opportunities.
Data Source
AI summary
This is disclosed an electronic method of gaming. The method comprises selecting a symbol for display at each display position of a plurality of sets of display positions (710), modifying the displayed symbols by interchanging a first set of symbols displayed at a first set of display positions with a second set of symbols displayed at a second set of display positions (740), and determining whether to make an award based on the symbols displayed at the plurality of sets of display positions as modified 750. There is also disclosed a gaming system, a game controller and a gaming machine corresponding to the electronic method.