Gaming Machine Configuration via Download Server

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current networked gaming systems face challenges in efficiently managing and configuring electronic gaming machines, particularly in labor-intensive tasks such as reconfiguring games and performing cash transactions, due to the complexity and heterogeneity of gaming environments.

Innovation Solution

A computerized system with a download and configuration management server that allows for centralized management of gaming machines, enabling users to select, group, and modify gaming machines through a graphical user interface, with features like job scheduling, configuration options, and software distribution using standardized protocols like G2S, facilitating remote control and monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If centralized management system is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A download and configuration server acts as an intermediary between the centralized management system and gaming machines. The server receives configuration data from the management system, processes it, and distributes it to multiple gaming machines, thereby reducing the complexity burden on the central system while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The management system is segmented into multiple functional components: a centralized management system for high-level control, a download and configuration server for processing, and individual gaming machines for execution. This segmentation distributes complexity across multiple levels while maintaining centralized coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If remote configuration capability is added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration easeVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Physical configuration actions (manual setup at each machine) are replaced with electronic communication protocols. The download and configuration server uses standardized protocols to remotely transmit configuration data to gaming machines, eliminating the need for physical presence at each device while managing complexity through protocol standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If software distribution to multiple machines is enabled, then productivity is improved, but reliability risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware update efficiencyVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The download and configuration server implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the status of software distribution to gaming machines. Configuration data is transmitted with verification capabilities, allowing the server to confirm successful reception and application at each machine, thereby maintaining reliability while achieving efficient bulk updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8131829B2Gaming machine collection and management

Publication Date: 2012.03.06 LNW GAMING INC

AI summary

A slot management system including a download and configuration server-based sub-system and method is disclosed for use with game devices, systems, and methods is provided to enable users to monitor, control, and modify game devices and other related activities. A computerized method and system manage a collection of electronic gaming machines.