Variable Indicator for Multi-Element Selection in Gaming Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming machines lack an alternative to individual element selection methods that could increase the entertainment value of bonus features by allowing multiple elements to be selected simultaneously, providing immediate feedback and varying the quantity of selectable elements based on an indicator's size and movement.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine method and system that displays a variable-sized indicator to select multiple elements, where the size and position of the indicator change to include a varying number of elements, providing awards based on the selected elements, enhancing the entertainment value by increasing the number of elements that can be randomly selected during a bonus feature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If individual element selection method is used in bonus features, then the game provides immediate feedback and controlled randomness, but the entertainment value is limited compared to methods allowing multiple elements to be selected simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator's size is made variable during the wagering game, allowing it to dynamically adjust between different sizes to contain different quantities of selectable elements. This dynamic sizing enables the system to transition from individual element selection to multiple element selection, resolving the contradiction between controlled selection and quantity of elements selected
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of indicator size to control the quantity of selectable elements. By varying the size parameter of the indicator, the system can include more or fewer elements within it, thereby allowing multiple elements to be selected simultaneously while maintaining the same basic selection mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If the indicator size is made variable to select multiple elements, then the entertainment value and player excitement increase, but the game complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator serves multiple functions: it acts as a selection boundary, its size varies to select different quantities of elements, and it moves to vary which elements are selected. This multi-functionality allows the same indicator mechanism to handle both individual and multiple element selection without requiring separate systems, thereby managing complexity while increasing versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine and method of conducting a wagering game are disclosed. The method comprises displaying a plurality of selectable elements and an indicator defining an area having a size adapted to contain at least one of the plurality of selectable elements. The size of the area defined by the indicator is variable during the wagering game. The variation of the size of the area defined by the indicator varies a quantity of the selectable elements contained within the indicator. The indicator is moved to vary which of the plurality of selectable elements are contained within the indicator. The indicator is stopped with one or more of the plurality of selectable elements contained within the indicator. An award is provided based on the one or more selectable elements contained within the indicator when the indicator is stopped.