Gaming Fund Transfer Fee Refunds Driven by Device Activity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems impose fees for transferring funds to gaming establishment devices, which deter users and increase the need for cash handling, leading to security risks and operational inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A system that transfers funds from external accounts to gaming establishment devices and refunds part or all of the associated fees based on activities undertaken, using cashless methods like electronic transfers and ticket vouchers, thereby reducing the impact of fees and encouraging non-cash transactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fees are imposed for transferring funds to gaming establishment devices, then the gaming establishment can cover operational costs, but user participation decreases and cash handling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational cost coverageVSAvoiduser participation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of fees (which deter users) into a beneficial reward system. Fees are refunded to users based on their gaming activities, transforming the initial negative impact into a positive incentive that encourages participation while still covering operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where fee refunds are provided based on tracked gaming activities. The system monitors user gameplay and automatically refunds fees when certain activity thresholds are met, creating a closed-loop system that incentivizes continued participation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If fees are imposed for transferring funds, then operational costs are covered, but security risks increase due to increased cash handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational cost coverageVSAvoidsecurity risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of cash handling with an electronic fund transfer and refund system. By implementing automated electronic refunds based on tracked activities, the system eliminates the need for physical cash transactions, thereby reducing security risks associated with cash handling while maintaining operational cost coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If fees are imposed for fund transfers, then operational costs are covered, but operational inefficiencies increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational cost coverageVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service through automated fee refund processing. The system automatically tracks user activities, determines eligibility for refunds, and processes refunds without manual intervention. This automation eliminates operational inefficiencies while maintaining the ability to cover operational costs through the fee structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If fees are refunded based on activities, then user participation increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser participationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified system: the same platform that processes fund transfers also tracks gaming activities, determines refund eligibility, and executes refunds. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite the sophisticated refund logic, as all functions operate within a single integrated architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250363471A1Gaming establishment device activity employed to refund financial institution fees

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Systems and methods that enable a transfer of funds from an external account to a gaming establishment device and, in certain instances, refund part or all of the fees associated with the transfer based on one or more activities undertaken at the gaming establishment device.