Compact Gaming Funds Transaction Device with Distributed Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming ticket dispensing systems in casinos are cumbersome and inaccessible due to the need for large kiosks that incorporate multiple components, making it difficult for players to conveniently obtain or reload gaming tickets for electronic gaming machines.
Innovation Solution
A compact electronic device or system that includes a credit/debit card reader, printer, keypad, and processor, allowing players to easily obtain or reload gaming tickets through a user-friendly interface, with communication links to validation and accounting services for secure and efficient transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a kiosk incorporates multiple components (bill handling equipment, credit card reader, gaming ticket printer, computer, network connections), then it can provide comprehensive gaming ticket dispensing services, but the kiosk becomes large and not readily accessible to players
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the kiosk into separate functional modules: a card reader device for credit/debit card transactions, a ticket dispensing device for issuing gaming tickets, and a bill handling device for cash transactions. These modules can be distributed across multiple locations throughout the casino, allowing players to access different functions at different stations rather than requiring all functions at a single large kiosk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single centralized kiosk to a distributed network of smaller terminal devices located throughout the casino floor. This spatial redistribution allows comprehensive service functionality to be available across multiple locations, effectively reducing the footprint of any individual device while maintaining overall system versatility.
2Ease of operation
If a kiosk is made compact to improve accessibility, then it becomes more accessible to players, but it may not accommodate all necessary components for comprehensive gaming ticket services
Solution Approach 1:
Each terminal device is designed to perform multiple functions: the card reader can process both credit/debit card transactions and cashless gaming account transactions; the system can issue both physical gaming tickets and electronic credits; the bill handling device can accept both cash deposits and process cashless withdrawals. This multi-functionality allows compact devices to provide comprehensive services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a central casino management system that acts as an intermediary, handling complex processing tasks such as validation of tickets, accounting for transactions, and coordination between different modules. This allows individual terminal devices to remain compact while the distributed system as a whole provides comprehensive functionality through the mediating central system.
3Reliability
If the kiosk includes all necessary components for secure transactions and ticket dispensing, then transaction security and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts complex processing functions from the individual terminal devices and places them in a separate central validation and accounting system. The terminal devices retain only the essential functions of accepting input (card insertion, ticket issuance) and providing output (displaying validation results, dispensing tickets), while the complex validation logic, security checks, and accounting operations are performed remotely by the central system.
Solution Approach 2:
The central casino management system serves as an intermediary that handles all complex processing, validation, and security functions. This allows the distributed terminal devices to remain simple and compact while maintaining high transaction security and reliability through the mediating central system that performs all critical verification and accounting operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming funds transaction device is disclosed that includes a user interface device, and in some embodiments a keypad section having input keys and a display, by which a gamer may obtain a gaming ticket with value added using a credit or debit card. The gaming funds transaction device may have a communication link to a financial institution or another validation service to obtain validation of a request to charge a credit or debit card. The user interface device may be connected to an input and printing section by a flexible arm, or may be an integrated component.