Hold-and-Spin Modifier Mapping for Variable Ways-to-Win Reels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gaming systems lack variability in the number of ways to win and volatility in game outcomes, leading to predictable and less engaging gameplay experiences.

Innovation Solution

A gaming system that randomly determines the quantity of active symbol display positions for each reel, triggering modifiers based on these positions, and accumulates symbols to alter the number of ways to win and volatility through a symbol accumulation sequence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed number of symbol display positions is used for each reel, then the game structure is simple and easy to operate, but the number of ways to win is fixed and lacks variability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariability in number of ways to winVSAvoidcomplexity of determining active symbol display positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the number of active symbol display positions variable rather than fixed. The system randomly determines the quantity of active symbol display positions for each reel before each play, allowing the number of ways to win to dynamically change from play to play. This creates adaptability and variability in the game outcomes while maintaining a relatively simple underlying structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the quantity of active symbol display positions is randomly determined, then volatility and player engagement are improved, but the complexity of determining modifiers and accumulating symbols increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolatility in game outcomesVSAvoidcomplexity of symbol accumulation sequence
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the quantity of active symbol display positions and assigning modifiers to reels before the actual play occurs. The system randomly determines these parameters in advance, then uses them to govern the symbol accumulation sequence during play. This preliminary setup creates volatility and engagement while managing the complexity through pre-determined rules rather than real-time calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If modifiers are applied based on randomly determined positions, then rewards become unpredictable and higher, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepotential for higher rewardsVSAvoidcomplexity of modifier determination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using modifiers that are determined based on the randomly selected quantity of active symbol display positions. The modifiers (such as multipliers or weightings) are assigned to reels or symbol positions based on the random determination made before play. This creates unpredictable and potentially higher rewards by changing the reward parameters dynamically, while the complexity is managed through straightforward mapping between the random determination and modifier assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250378744A1Random quantity of ways to win determining modifier of hold and spin sequence
Publication Date: 2025.12.11 INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US20250378744A1 patent drawing
  • US20250378744A1 patent drawing
  • US20250378744A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Gaming systems and methods that randomly determine a quantity of ways to win for a play of a game by randomly determining a quantity of active symbol display positions to employ for that play of the game and then, responsive to a triggering event, utilize the randomly determined quantity of active symbol display positions to determine one or more modifiers employed for a symbol accumulation sequence.