EGM Power Interface Control Logic for Portable Device Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Casino enterprises face challenges in enhancing the gaming experience for patrons using portable electronic devices, such as smart phones, while preventing these devices from monopolizing electronic gaming machines (EGMs) for charging purposes and addressing the issue of abandoned devices.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a power interface and control logic in EGMs that allows power to be provided to portable electronic devices based on recent gaming activity, includes detection features to identify and remind users to retrieve their devices, and sends alerts to casino employees if a device is abandoned, encouraging their use within the gaming environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a power interface is added to EGM to enable portable device charging, then the gaming experience is enhanced and device utilization is encouraged, but the risk of device monopolization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power interface control logic dynamically adjusts power availability based on real-time gaming activity detection. Power is provided to the portable device only when gaming activity is detected, and power supply is automatically terminated when gaming activity stops, preventing monopolization while enabling enhanced gaming experience
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors gaming activity through detection logic and uses this feedback to control power interface availability. The control logic receives feedback about gaming activity status and adjusts power supply accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that prevents device monopolization
2Object-generated harmful factors
If power interface control logic is implemented to prevent monopolization, then device misuse is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power interface control logic is merged with the existing gaming activity detection logic and control system. The control logic integrates multiple functions including gaming activity monitoring, power supply control, and device identification into a unified system, reducing overall complexity despite adding monopolization prevention capabilities
3Productivity
If detection features are added to identify abandoned devices, then device retrieval is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection features utilize existing EGM sensors and processing capabilities for multiple purposes including gaming activity detection, player identification, and abandoned device detection. This multi-functional approach improves device retrieval efficiency without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones, is described. In particular, an electronic gaming machine (EGM) can be configured with a power interface that allows portable electronic device carried by the patron to receive power. To prevent patrons from monopolizing an EGM for the purposes of solely charging their portable electronic device, the EGM can be configured with power interface control logic that controls the flow of power to the power interface including cutting off power to the power interface. The EGM can include an object detection capability that allows objects, such as a portable electronic device located on or near the EGM to be detected. In one embodiment, when the EGM detects an object has been abandoned, i.e., left at the EGM by a patron, the EGM can be configured to take actions that allow the object to be recovered.