Multipurpose EGM Player Tracking Device Protocol Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic gaming machine (EGM) systems face challenges in managing diverse communication protocols, data volume, and network complexity, particularly with the transition from SAS to G2S protocols, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for multiple connections and hybrid architectures.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose EGM/player tracking device system that allows communication with EGMs using different protocols (SAS, G2S, X-Series, QCOM) and connects to a server using a system communications protocol, enabling efficient data transfer over a single Ethernet link and supporting both SAS and G2S architectures simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for EGM communication and player tracking, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity and network administration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate EGM communication devices and player tracking devices into a single multipurpose device. This device integrates multiple communication interfaces and protocols, allowing it to function both as an EGM interface and a player tracking device, thereby reducing the number of devices needed and simplifying network administration while maintaining protocol compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The multipurpose device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can communicate with EGMs using different protocols (SAS, G2S, X-Series, QCOM) and simultaneously serve as a player tracking device. This universal design eliminates the need for separate specialized devices, reducing complexity while preserving adaptability to various protocols
2Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid architectures supporting both SAS and G2S protocols are implemented, then protocol versatility is improved, but cabling costs and network complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication links into a single Ethernet link. The multipurpose device consolidates the communication pathways that would otherwise require separate cabling for SAS and G2S protocols, reducing cable quantity and associated costs while maintaining support for both protocol types through software-based protocol handling
3Reliability
If separate communication links are used for EGM data and player tracking data, then data transfer reliability is improved, but bandwidth efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate communication links for EGM data and player tracking data into a single shared Ethernet link. The multipurpose device manages data transmission over this shared link, maintaining reliability through proper data separation and transmission protocols while improving bandwidth efficiency by eliminating redundant physical connections
Solution Approach 2:
The multipurpose device acts as an intermediary that manages data transmission between the EGM, player tracking system, and network. It handles protocol conversion and data routing, ensuring reliable data transfer while efficiently utilizing the shared Ethernet link's bandwidth through intelligent data management
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method provides gaming related and player/gaming attendant related services to a plurality EGM. Each EGM has an associated multipurpose EGM/player tracking device. Each multipurpose EGM/player tracking device has first and second ports. The first port couples the respective multipurpose EGM/player tracking device to the respective EGM using a communications link. The first port of one of the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices may utilize a different communications protocol than another one of the advance player tracking device. A server computer is coupled the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices using a system communications protocol through system communications links. The server computer provides gaming and player/gaming attendant services to users of the EGMs.