Variable Reel Array Configurations in Wagering Game Free Spins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machines lack innovative features to enhance entertainment value and attract frequent play, as existing free spin events typically offer a fixed number of reel arrays, which can lead to player boredom and decreased profitability.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system that randomly determines and displays a varying number of reel arrays for each spin within a free-spin event, allowing for different award conditions and enhancing player engagement by providing unpredictable outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed number of reel arrays is used in free spin events, then the game structure is simple and easy to operate, but player engagement decreases due to boredom and lack of excitement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the number of reel arrays variable rather than fixed. The system randomly determines a different number of reel arrays for each spin within the free spin event, creating dynamic gameplay that adapts with each spin. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple operation (the player still just spins) while dramatically increasing engagement through unpredictable, varying game configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of reel array quantity from a fixed value to a variable value that changes with each spin. By randomly selecting the number of reel arrays between spins, the system transforms a static game structure into one with varying parameters, thereby increasing player engagement without complicating the basic operation of spinning the reels.
2Productivity
If a variable number of reel arrays is used in free spin events, then player engagement and entertainment value increase, but the game complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamics to create variable reel array configurations that automatically adjust with each spin through random determination. This dynamic approach increases entertainment value and player engagement while keeping the underlying system relatively simple - the complexity is managed through automated random selection rather than complex player interactions or manual configurations.
3Ease of operation
If predictable reel array configurations are used, then the game is easy to understand and operate, but the perceived likelihood of winning decreases reducing profitability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing randomness in the number of reel arrays, making each spin unpredictable yet still easy to play. Players understand the basic mechanic (spin the reels) but cannot predict the configuration, creating excitement and increasing perceived winning likelihood. This resolves the contradiction between ease of understanding and profitability by maintaining simple operation while adding unpredictable variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of reel array quantity dynamically between spins, transforming predictable game configurations into unpredictable ones. This increases the perceived likelihood of winning by preventing players from anticipating outcomes, thereby enhancing profitability while the game remains easy to understand through its core spinning mechanic.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes at least one input device, at least one display device, at least one processor, and at least one memory device storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager for playing the wagering game, and trigger a free-spin event in which a plurality of free spins is awarded. For a first spin, a first number of arrays is randomly determined, displayed, and evaluated to determine whether an award condition is present. For a second spin, a second number of arrays is randomly determined, displayed, and evaluated to determine whether an award condition is present. The second number of arrays is non-equal to the first number of arrays. Any awards associated with each determined award condition are provided.