Dynamic Adjacent Machine Isolation in Networked Gaming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for maintaining social isolation between players of networked electronic gaming machines are inefficient, as they either completely disable machines, limiting player choice and failing to flexibly control isolation distances, and require labor-intensive cleaning protocols that may miss machines or allow immediate reuse by other players.
Innovation Solution
An automated system using a Distributed System for Managing and Providing Services to Electronic Gaming Machines, which includes a Disable list for each engaged machine to dynamically disable adjacent machines and dispatch cleaning protocols, allowing flexible isolation control and efficient cleaning through a networked communication protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If every other gaming machine is disabled to ensure social isolation, then player isolation is achieved, but player choice and machine availability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by disabling only specific adjacent machines rather than all machines uniformly. The system determines which machines to disable based on the specific player's location and the desired isolation distance, creating localized isolation zones while leaving other machines available for play.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the isolation configuration adjustable and flexible. The operator can set different isolation distances and the system dynamically adjusts which machines are disabled based on player location and preferences, allowing the isolation pattern to change as players move between machines.
2Reliability
If floor attendants manually clean machines after each player, then cleaning is performed, but labor intensity increases and machines may be missed or reused immediately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by disabling the machine immediately when a player finishes playing, before cleaning occurs. This prevents other players from using the machine while it is being cleaned or while waiting for cleaning assignment, ensuring no immediate reuse and maintaining isolation integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by automatically detecting when a player finishes playing and immediately responding by disabling the machine. This automated detection and response loop ensures consistent cleaning initiation without relying on manual observation by attendants.
3Reliability
If manual machine locking is implemented for preferred gamblers, then isolation is provided, but time is consumed that could be used for playing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by automatically providing isolation for preferred gamblers without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically disables adjacent machines when a preferred gambler is detected, eliminating the need for manual locking operations and allowing the player to begin playing immediately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring isolation parameters for preferred gamblers in advance. When these players arrive, the isolation is automatically applied based on pre-set preferences, eliminating setup time and allowing immediate play.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to gaming system including a plurality of networked electronic gaming machines and a wireless network that communicates with mobile devices carried by attendants. The system detects when an electronic gaming machine is engaged by a player and disables at least one adjacent electronic gaming machine. When the player disengages from the electronic gaming machine, it is disabled and an attendant is dispatched to the electronic gaming machine via their mobile device to implement a cleaning protocol. When the cleaning protocol is completed, the attendant so indicates via an input on the mobile computing device, and the electronic gaming device is enabled for play.