Distributed Bonus Game System with Delayed Redemption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wagering game machines face challenges in attracting frequent play and increasing profitability due to the need for continuous development of new and entertaining games, as players are drawn to machines with perceived equal winning chances and entertainment value.
Innovation Solution
A distributed bonus system that awards a bonus game on one machine, allowing it to be started on a different machine after a delay period, with funding based on player wagers across multiple machines, and featuring a ticket-based system for encoding and redeeming bonus game information, encouraging players to return to the casino.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bonus game is awarded on a single wagering game machine, then the bonus game can be immediately played on that machine, but the player must return to the same machine to play the bonus game, reducing player engagement and casino profitability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bonus game functionality from the base wagering game machine. The bonus game is awarded on one machine but can be played on any compatible machine in the casino, separating the awarding function from the execution function. This allows players to conveniently play bonus games on different machines, increasing engagement and profitability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal bonus game system where any wagering game machine in the casino can serve as a bonus game terminal. Machines are equipped with readers that can识别 and process bonus game tickets from any machine, making the system multi-functional and location-independent.
2Device complexity
If bonus game funding is immediately allocated to a single machine, then the funding process is simple, but it cannot accommodate players who want to play bonus games on different machines or return later
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central computer system as an intermediary to manage bonus game funding and tracking. The central computer receives wagering data from multiple machines, calculates bonus game funding, and stores ticket information. This intermediary enables complex cross-machine bonus play while keeping individual machine complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the bonus game funding and tracking from a single-machine local system to a networked multi-machine system. By adding the network dimension, the system can track and fund bonus games across multiple machines and time periods, enabling players to return later or play on different machines.
3Ease of operation
If the system requires immediate bonus game play on the awarding machine, then the system is simple to operate, but it limits player flexibility and encourages single-visit play
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a delay mechanism where the bonus game is awarded in advance but can be played after a specified time period. The system preliminarily determines the bonus game outcome and stores it on a ticket, allowing players to redeem it later. This encourages players to return to the casino while maintaining simple operation through automated ticket validation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and operations for a distributed bonus game feature for wagering game systems are disclosed. In one example, a wagering game may award a bonus game to a player. A delay period is set for the bonus game. The delay period and other details regarding the bonus game are persistently stored on a paper ticket or in a database on a wagering game server. The bonus game may be initiated (after the delay period) on a different wagering game machine than the machine that awarded the bonus game. In a second example, funding for a bonus game for a player may be determined in accordance with a random number generator on a wagering game machine currently occupied by a player. If the player moves to a different machine, output from a random number generator on the new machine may be used to determine continued funding for the bonus game.