Trigger Symbol Transformation in Reel-Based Gaming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional slot machines and video slot games have limitations in increasing the number and variety of possible outcomes, which can be addressed by changing the reels or increasing the number of symbols, but these methods do not effectively enhance player engagement and winning opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for symbol replacement in a reel-based game, where trigger symbols are transformed into WILD symbols based on their positional arrangement, increasing the number of possible outcomes without additional spins, by selecting and displaying symbol sets that include trigger symbols in adjacent positions, allowing for dynamic symbol transformations and additional winning combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of symbols on the reels is increased to enhance player engagement and winning opportunities, then the variety of possible outcomes improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic symbol transformation where trigger symbols can change into WILD symbols based on their positional relationships during the game. This dynamic behavior increases the variety of possible outcomes without requiring additional physical symbols on the reels, as the same symbol set produces different effects based on real-time configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the functional parameter of symbols based on their positional parameters. When trigger symbols are adjacent to each other, their parameter changes from ordinary symbols to WILD symbols, effectively increasing the variety of outcomes through parameter transformation rather than increasing the number of physical symbols
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional spins are performed to increase winning opportunities, then the number of possible outcomes increases, but the loss of time and reduced productivity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of symbol transformations based on the final positions of trigger symbols after a single spin. The system evaluates all possible transformations in advance and applies them without requiring additional spins, thus increasing outcomes while minimizing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The invention maintains continuous useful action by immediately transforming symbols based on their positions after the spin completes. The transformation process is seamlessly integrated into the game flow without interrupting the gameplay or requiring additional spin actions, keeping the useful action continuous
3Quantity of substance
If the number of reels or symbols is increased to enhance gameplay variety, then the quantity of game elements increases, but the ease of operation and player understanding deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes trigger symbols universal by giving them the capability to function as both ordinary symbols and WILD symbols depending on their positional relationships. This multi-functionality allows the same symbol to serve different purposes, effectively increasing the number of game elements without adding more physical symbols that would complicate the game
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by making only specific symbols (trigger symbols) capable of transformation based on their local positional context. Not all symbols have this capability, which maintains gameplay simplicity while introducing variety through localized transformations rather than global complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment may involve a software application executed on behalf of a client machine with a graphical display unit, the software application graphically displaying animations that simulate spinning a plurality of reels. A set of symbols may be selected, including first and second trigger symbols in a third position a fourth position, respectively, adjacent to one another. The embodiment may involve determining a third set of symbols identical to the second set of symbols except that: when the third and fourth positions are vertically adjacent on a particular reel, all symbols on the particular reel are wild, when the third and fourth positions are horizontally adjacent on a pair of adjacent reels, all symbols on the pair of adjacent reels are wild, (iii) when the third and fourth positions are diagonally adjacent to one another, a 2×2 grid of symbols are wild.