Distributed Gaming Machine Network for Outcome Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gaming systems, particularly those for Class II and III games, face challenges in optimizing the generation, distribution, and management of game outcomes due to bandwidth and speed limitations, requiring multiple processors and lacking flexible configurations suitable for various casino environments and effective monitoring of game play usage.

Innovation Solution

A gaming system is implemented with a network of gaming machines that can distribute and manage finite pools of outcomes, allowing peer-to-peer communication and autonomous operation, with recording units to track outcomes and ensure load balancing, enabling efficient distribution and monitoring of game outcomes across the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single central processor is used to generate and distribute game outcomes, then system complexity is reduced, but bandwidth and speed limitations occur when handling data transfer in casinos with multiple electronic gaming terminals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessor hierarchyVSAvoiddata transfer speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the central processor function into multiple distributed processors, each capable of independently generating and distributing game outcomes. This segmentation eliminates the bottleneck of a single central processor and enables parallel data generation and distribution across multiple terminals simultaneously, thereby increasing overall system speed and bandwidth capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-dimensional centralized architecture to a multi-dimensional distributed architecture where processors are spread across multiple locations and can operate independently. This dimensional change allows the system to handle exponential growth in data transfer requirements by adding more distributed processing nodes rather than increasing the capacity of a single central processor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Speed

If multiple processors are introduced to increase data transfer capacity, then speed and bandwidth improve, but system complexity increases with required processor hierarchy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer speedVSAvoidprocessor hierarchy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each distributed processor is designed to perform multiple functions: generating game outcomes, distributing them to terminals, and managing local data storage. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized processor roles in a hierarchy, as every processor can independently handle all critical operations, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining high speed and bandwidth capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Each distributed processor operates autonomously, making its own decisions about outcome generation and distribution without requiring coordination with other processors. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex inter-processor communication protocols and hierarchical control mechanisms, simplifying the system architecture while preserving high data transfer speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional central determination systems are used, then game outcome generation is centralized, but flexibility for different casino environments and effective monitoring of game play usage is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidgame play usage monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the centralized monitoring function into distributed monitoring capabilities at each processor and terminal. Each distributed processor can independently track and report game play usage data, enabling effective monitoring across the entire system without requiring a centralized collection point. This segmentation provides both the flexibility needed for different casino environments and comprehensive monitoring coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to monitoring by enabling multi-directional data flow between processors and terminals, rather than unidirectional reporting to a central authority. This dimensional change allows any processor to monitor and exchange information with any terminal, providing greater adaptability to different casino layouts and more robust game play usage tracking through multiple independent monitoring paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7775875B2Gaming methods and systems
Publication Date: 2010.08.17 INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US7775875B2 patent drawing
  • US7775875B2 patent drawing
  • US7775875B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are central determination methods and systems in which pools and sub-pools of outcomes can be distributed among various units of the central determination system. The methods and systems are applicable to Class II and, in some implementations, Class III gaming configurations. The methods and systems disclosed herein can be implemented in a gaming machine network, wherein one of the gaming machines distributes game outcomes to other gaming machines in the network. The gaming machines can be oriented in a peer-to-peer configuration, a central storage medium configuration, a stand alone configuration, an autonomous gaming machine configuration, and other network configurations. Methods are disclosed for managing the distribution of outcomes among the gaming machines in the various networks.