Gaming Machine Candle Device Secondary Processor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Casino operators face high operating costs for electronic gaming machines due to labor and material expenses related to maintenance, which requires accessing the interior of the machines, and there is a need to enhance player convenience while minimizing additional costs.
Innovation Solution
A secondary processor is integrated into a candle device mounted on the gaming machine, allowing it to control peripheral devices and provide enhanced functionality, such as touch screen displays and communication capabilities, without altering the regulated gaming software, thereby reducing maintenance needs and improving player experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maintenance operations are performed on the gaming machine, then the machine can be repaired and maintained, but labor costs and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated monitoring and diagnostic capabilities. Sensors and processors continuously monitor machine status, detect issues, and can perform self-diagnosis, reducing the need for manual maintenance intervention and associated labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor machine components and provide real-time data to processors. This feedback loop enables predictive maintenance by detecting potential issues before they require manual intervention, optimizing maintenance scheduling and reducing unnecessary maintenance operations.
2Reliability
If the gaming machine is taken offline for maintenance, then maintenance can be performed, but revenue is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring machine status and detecting potential failures before they occur. This predictive capability allows maintenance to be scheduled during off-peak times or performed proactively, minimizing disruption to revenue-generating operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring and diagnostic systems operate continuously without requiring the machine to be taken offline. Sensors and processors continuously collect data and perform diagnostics in the background, enabling maintenance assessment without interrupting gameplay and revenue generation.
3Ease of operation
If enhanced gaming functions are added to improve player convenience, then player satisfaction increases, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal components such as the existing display screen and processor that can serve multiple functions. The display can show both game content and player tracking information, while the processor handles both game logic and loyalty program management, adding convenience features without proportionally increasing hardware complexity or costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges player tracking, loyalty programs, and game functionality into a unified platform. By combining these functions into existing system components rather than adding separate hardware, the system improves player convenience while minimizing increases in device complexity and operating costs.
4Ease of operation
If a bill validator is added to improve player convenience, then player satisfaction increases, but operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses software-based simulation of bill validator functionality through the existing display and processor. Instead of adding physical bill validation hardware, the system creates a virtual interface that accepts cashless payments through the existing screen, providing cashless gaming capability without the complexity and cost of physical validators.
Data Source
AI summary
A candle device for a gaming machine including a secondary processor is described. The candle device can include a number of stages that when activated convey information about the status of the gaming machine. The secondary processor, disposed within a secure enclosure in the candle device, can be configured to control peripheral devices disposed with a main cabinet of the gaming machine that receive control commands from a game controller. In particular, the secondary processor can be configured to determine a size and a position of windows on the main touch screen display where a first window is for outputting video content from the game controller and a second window is for outputting video content from the secondary processor. The secondary processor can use the second window to add new features to the gaming machine, such as a verification interface for transactions involving mobile devices.