Variable Special Symbol Positions in Gaming Reels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gaming machines with fixed numbers of special symbols on each reel can lead to player frustration and decreased engagement, as the constant number of special symbols results in predictable outcomes, reducing player interest and profitability.

Innovation Solution

A gaming machine that displays reels with a combination of normal and special symbol positions, where the number of special symbol positions varies, and a symbol selection factor is used to randomly select special symbols from a predefined set based on the number of displayed special symbol positions, influencing the probability of higher or lower value symbols appearing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the number of special symbols on each reel is kept constant, then the game structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but player engagement decreases and profitability is reduced due to predictable outcomes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegame structure simplicityVSAvoidplayer engagement and profitability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the number of special symbols variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts the number of special symbols displayed on each reel based on randomly generated outcomes, transforming a static game structure into a dynamic one that adapts during gameplay. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity while significantly enhancing player engagement through unpredictable symbol distributions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the number of special symbols as a controllable parameter. The controller changes this parameter based on game outcomes, allowing the same physical reel structure to produce different gameplay experiences. This resolves the contradiction by keeping the physical manufacturing simple while changing the operational parameter (number of special symbols) to enhance player engagement and profitability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the number of special symbols varies randomly, then player anticipation and enjoyment increase, but the game complexity and control mechanisms increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer anticipation and enjoymentVSAvoidgame control mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by implementing an automated controller that independently manages the variation of special symbols. The controller automatically generates random outcomes, determines the number of special symbols to display, and adjusts reel configurations without requiring manual intervention. This resolves the contradiction by enabling complex variable symbol gameplay while keeping the operational complexity low through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces potential mechanical complexity with electronic control mechanisms. Instead of requiring physical modifications to reels for each symbol configuration, the system uses electronic controllers to manage symbol display and selection. This substitution resolves the contradiction by enabling flexible symbol variation while maintaining relatively simple overall system architecture through electronic rather than mechanical solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9734671B2Gaming machine and methods of allowing a player to play gaming machines having randomly selected symbols
Publication Date: 2017.08.15 KONAMI GAMING INC
  • US9734671B2 patent drawing
  • US9734671B2 patent drawing
  • US9734671B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of allowing a player to play a gaming machine is described herein. The method includes displaying a game including a plurality of reels displayed in a display area. Each reel of includes a reel strip including a plurality of normal symbols positions and a plurality of special symbol positions. The method includes randomly generating an outcome of the game and displays the game outcome on the display device, wherein the game outcome including at least one special symbol position being displayed on at least one reel of the plurality of reels in the display area. The method also includes determining a symbol selection factor as a function of the generated game outcome, randomly selecting at least one special symbol as a function of the symbol selection factor, and displaying the game outcome including the selected special symbol displayed in the special symbol position.