Virtual Split-Flap Reels for Dynamic Gaming Outcomes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic gaming machines face a decline in player interest due to limited and static game element presentations, leading to decreased excitement and potential disengagement as the rate of switching between game elements slows down during in-play mode, resulting in limited winning and non-winning outcomes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of virtual split-flap reels with visually variable depictions and composite game elements, where each game element has multiple flaps that move to reveal additional elements, simulating a flip action and enhancing the visual experience by changing depictions during gameplay, and the introduction of a secondary virtual money reel that can unlock and display movement, increasing the variety of winning outcomes and payout options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional static game elements are used in electronic gaming machines, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but player interest decreases over time and the variety of winning outcomes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The game display is segmented into multiple virtual reels, each reel is divided into multiple segments or positions, and each position can display different game elements. This segmentation allows for multiple combinations and outcomes without requiring a completely different device structure, thereby increasing adaptability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements where game elements can change during play. The virtual reels can stop at different positions, display different game elements based on random outcomes, and provide varying winning combinations. This dynamic behavior increases the variety of outcomes without permanently increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If the game elements switch rapidly to maintain player interest, then player engagement is high, but the rate of switching decreases during in-play mode leading to reduced excitement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having virtual reels spin and stop in a rhythmic sequence. The reels can spin simultaneously or in sequence, stop at predetermined intervals, and display outcomes periodically. This creates a structured pattern of high-speed switching followed by momentary pauses for outcome display, maintaining player engagement throughout the duration of play.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtual reels with multiple game elements are implemented, then the variety of winning outcomes increases, but the device complexity and difficulty of manufacture increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual reels that are essentially copies or representations of reel structures. Multiple virtual reels can be implemented as software copies of the same basic structure, allowing for numerous reels and game elements without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity. The virtual nature of these reels enables easy replication and modification.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic gaming machine has a virtual reel with a plurality of predetermined fixed game elements. Each gaming element of the plurality of gaming elements is displayable in a visual viewing position when in an in-play orientation. When in the in-play orientation each game element has a depiction, when in said visual viewing position, which differs from another depiction of that same game element when that same game element is displayed in the in-play orientation in said visual viewing position. Virtual flaps provide for the differing depictions.