Wagering System with Player Adjustable Symbol Grid Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional slot machines are limited in their ability to provide dynamic and engaging gameplay experiences, as they often rely on fixed mechanical reels and lack the flexibility to adapt to player preferences, leading to reduced player satisfaction and engagement.

Innovation Solution

A computing device-based wagering game that utilizes a grid of symbols, allowing for random selection and display of both blank and non-blank symbols, with features such as adjustable volatility through player interaction and a bonus trigger symbol that enhances gameplay dynamics and player engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanical reels with fixed symbol patterns are used, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the gameplay lacks flexibility and player engagement is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegameplay flexibilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical reels with a computing device that generates and displays symbol grids electronically. This substitution allows for dynamic symbol selection, random grid generation, and flexible gameplay configurations without the physical constraints of mechanical reels, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through software control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic symbol grids where the arrangement, number, and types of symbols can change between game rounds. The computing device randomly generates different grid configurations and allows adjustment of parameters such as grid size and symbol distribution, creating a dynamic gameplay experience that adapts to player choices and maintains engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed symbol patterns on mechanical reels are used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but player satisfaction and engagement are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayer interactionVSAvoiddevice manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fixed mechanical reel structures with electronic symbol grid generation using a computing device. This allows for unlimited symbol variations, dynamic pattern generation, and customizable game parameters without the manufacturing constraints of physical reels, significantly enhancing player interaction capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables dynamic adjustment of game parameters including grid dimensions, symbol types, blank symbol ratios, and payout structures. The computing device can modify these parameters between rounds based on player choices or random generation, providing high adaptability and player engagement without requiring physical reconfiguration of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If traditional slot machine mechanics are used, then the device complexity is low, but the gaming experience is less engaging and player sessions are shorter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplay session durationVSAvoidcomputing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic grid generation where each game round can feature different grid sizes, symbol distributions, and configurations. The computing device randomly generates these parameters within defined ranges, creating varied and engaging gameplay that encourages longer play sessions. Players can also adjust parameters such as the number of blank symbols and grid dimensions to suit their preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The computing device serves multiple functions: generating random symbol grids, determining winning combinations, calculating payouts, and allowing player parameter adjustments. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple mechanical subsystems into a single versatile computing platform, extending engagement while managing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10950084B2Wagering system with a trigger symbol and player adjustable layout and symbol group size

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 FUSION HLDG LTD

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for playing a game are presented. A computing device can select a set of symbols that include non-blank symbols and blank symbols, where a number of non-blank symbols is greater than zero, and a number of the blank symbols is greater than zero. The computing device can provide a display comprising a grid of the set of symbols. The computing device can play a turn of a game using the computing device by at least: after providing the display, receiving a wager; after receiving the wager, selecting one or more winning symbols of the first set of symbols; after selecting the winning symbols, updating the display to indicate each winning symbol within the grid; determining a payout of the wager based on the winning symbols and the number of first blank symbols; and updating the display based on the payout of the wager.