Arcade Machine Remote Play via RTIS Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Arcade machines are limited to on-site foot traffic, restricting revenue potential and making them vulnerable during closures like those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they cannot generate income from off-site patrons.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Real-Time Interactive Streaming technology to enable remote access and play on arcade machines by synchronizing local and remote input devices through a global-to-local software-defined input assignment map, allowing seamless interaction and payment processing over a network with sub-300 millisecond latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If arcade machines are made accessible only on-site, then the gaming experience is immersive and responsive, but revenue potential is limited and business is vulnerable to closures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote client device as an intermediary between the player and the arcade machine. The client device captures video/audio output from the arcade machine and transmits it to the player's remote device, while also capturing player inputs and transmitting them back to the arcade machine. This intermediary system enables off-site access without modifying the core arcade machine infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical presence requirement (physically being at the arcade location) with an electronic/digital transmission system. Video and audio signals are captured and transmitted electronically, while player inputs are captured via remote device and transmitted back, substituting the need for physical presence with digital communication channels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote access is implemented, then off-site playability is enabled, but latency may increase and affect gaming responsiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-capturing video and audio output from the arcade machine and pre-processing input signals before transmission. The client device is positioned to capture outputs directly from the machine's display and audio systems, and input devices are pre-configured to capture player actions, minimizing processing delays during actual gameplay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the arcade machine's output (video and audio signals) and transmits this copy to the remote player's device. Similarly, player inputs are captured as digital copies from the remote device and transmitted back to the arcade machine. This copying approach allows the original arcade machine to continue operating normally while providing remote access to a replicated experience.
3Reliability
If traditional on-site only access is maintained, then system complexity is low, but business continuity is compromised during closures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the arcade system into distinct functional components: the arcade machine itself, the client device that captures outputs and inputs, and the player's remote device. This segmentation allows the core arcade machine to remain simple and unchanged, while the remote access functionality is implemented as a separate, add-on system that can be activated or deactivated independently.
Data Source
AI summary
Remote Play System for an Arcade Machine utilizes a novel combination of local arcade infrastructure, RTIS (Real-Time Interactive Streaming) software, server-side infrastructure, and remote client-side infrastructure to cultivate a paradigm-shift for brick-and-mortar arcade operators' businesses.