Gaming Device Power State Coordination via Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) consume significant amounts of energy, especially when numerous machines are in use, leading to increased financial and environmental costs, necessitating more efficient power management solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a processor circuit and memory with machine-readable instructions to determine the active state of gaming devices and adjust the power states of nearby devices based on proximity, reducing power consumption and heat generation by selectively powering up or down components, such as ticket printers, and maintaining optimal internal temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple gaming devices are operated simultaneously in a gaming environment, then player service and productivity are improved, but power consumption and energy costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gaming devices into a coordinated network where devices can share operational states. When one device is active, nearby devices are put into low-power standby modes, allowing the system to maintain service capability while reducing overall energy consumption by merging the operational states of individual devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the power states of gaming devices based on real-time operational conditions. Devices transition between full operational mode and low-power standby mode depending on whether players are present and using the machines, enabling flexible power management that adapts to changing productivity needs.
2Speed
If gaming devices are kept in active state to ensure immediate player service, then response time is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by keeping gaming devices in a low-power standby state rather than fully active state. When a player approaches or initiates interaction, the device quickly transitions from standby to full operation, maintaining fast response times while consuming less energy during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of maintaining continuous full operation, the system uses periodic action by cycling devices between standby and active states based on player presence detection. This allows the system to respond quickly when needed while minimizing energy consumption during periods when no players are present.
3Use of energy by moving object
If all gaming devices are powered down to reduce energy consumption, then power costs are reduced, but player experience and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the power states of individual devices within the gaming environment. Instead of uniformly powering down all devices, the system selectively places specific devices in low-power standby mode based on their proximity to active devices and player presence, ensuring that devices needed for player accessibility remain operational while others conserve energy.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a processor circuit and a memory including machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor circuit, cause the processor circuit to determine that a first gaming device of a plurality of gaming devices is in a first active state. Based on the determination that the first gaming device is in the first active state, the processor circuit identifies a second gaming device of the plurality of gaming devices in a first proximity to the first gaming device. Based on the determination that the first gaming device is in the first active state and the identification of the second gaming device, the processor circuit modifies a state of the second gaming device to be in a second active state different from the first active state.