Candle Device Secondary Processor Gaming Machine Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Casino operators face high operating costs for electronic gaming machines due to labor and material expenses related to maintenance, which requires accessing the interior of the machines, and there is a need to enhance gaming functionality while minimizing additional costs.
Innovation Solution
A secondary processor is integrated into a candle device mounted on the gaming machine, allowing it to control peripheral devices and provide enhanced functionality, such as transaction verification and communication, without altering the regulated gaming software, and enabling wireless communication with remote servers and portable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maintenance operations are performed on the gaming machine, then the gaming machine can be repaired and maintained, but labor costs and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service maintenance through automated monitoring and diagnostic capabilities. Sensors and processors continuously monitor machine status, detect issues, and can perform automated diagnostics, reducing the need for manual intervention and associated labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor machine parameters and provide real-time data to processors. This feedback loop enables early detection of maintenance needs, allowing for proactive maintenance scheduling that reduces emergency repair costs and optimizes resource allocation.
2Reliability
If the gaming machine is taken offline for maintenance, then maintenance operations can be performed, but revenue is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and diagnostic actions continuously while the machine is operational. By detecting issues early and assessing their severity, the system can schedule maintenance during optimal times, minimizing downtime and revenue loss while ensuring necessary maintenance is performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance scheduling system is dynamic, adjusting maintenance timing based on real-time machine status, issue severity, and operational demands. This dynamic approach allows maintenance to be performed when least disruptive to revenue generation while still ensuring machine reliability.
3Ease of operation
If additional features like bill validators are added to enhance player convenience, then player satisfaction increases, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multi-functional components that serve multiple purposes. For example, the touch screen display serves both as a game interface and as a vehicle for delivering promotional content and loyalty program information, eliminating the need for separate hardware for each function and reducing overall operating costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges previously separate functions into integrated components. Promotional delivery, player tracking, and game interface functions are combined into the existing touch screen and processor infrastructure, avoiding additional hardware costs while enhancing player convenience through features like mobile device integration and personalized promotions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If loyalty programs and personalization features are implemented, then player engagement and repeat business increase, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses digital copies and data representations to deliver personalized content. Player profiles, preferences, and promotional materials are stored and transmitted as digital data rather than physical materials, enabling extensive personalization at minimal marginal cost. Mobile devices act as portable copies of player profiles, enabling personalized experiences without additional hardware per player.
Data Source
AI summary
A candle device for a gaming machine including a secondary processor is described. The candle device can include a number of stages that when activated convey information about the status of the gaming machine. The secondary processor, disposed within a secure enclosure in the candle device, can be configured to control peripheral devices disposed with a main cabinet of the gaming machine that receive control commands from a game controller. In particular, the secondary processor can be configured to determine a size and a position of windows on the main touch screen display where a first window is for outputting video content from the game controller and a second window is for outputting video content from the secondary processor. The secondary processor can use the second window to add new features to the gaming machine, such as a verification interface for transactions involving mobile devices.