Gaming System Interface for Portable Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual data extraction from gaming system meters is cumbersome and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A gaming system comprising a game controller, game meters, and an interface device that facilitates the transfer of game-related information to a portable data storage device, either through a USB connection or wireless communication, with optional authorization mechanisms to ensure secure access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual data extraction from game meters is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata extraction efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an interface device as an intermediary component that connects the game meter to a portable data storage device. This interface device includes a USB interface that mechanically and electrically connects with the portable storage device, enabling automated data transfer without manual intervention. The interface device acts as a mediator that bridges the existing game meter system and modern data storage devices, improving productivity while adding minimal complexity through a standardized connection mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data extraction processes with an automated electronic data transfer system. The USB interface enables direct electronic communication between the game meter and portable storage device, substituting the manual reading and transcription process with an automated digital transfer mechanism. This increases productivity and measurement precision while the standardized USB connection keeps the added complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual data extraction from game meters is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual reading and transcription processes with automated electronic data transfer. The USB interface enables direct digital communication between the game meter and portable storage device, eliminating human error in data transcription. This significantly improves measurement precision and data accuracy while the standardized interface keeps the added complexity minimal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface device serves as an intermediary that ensures accurate data transfer from the game meter to the portable storage device. It includes protocols and mechanisms for verifying data integrity during transfer, ensuring that the measured data is accurately captured without corruption or loss, thereby improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated data transfer interface is added, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a USB interface that provides universal compatibility with standard portable data storage devices. This universal interface can handle multiple functions including data transfer, device identification, and communication protocols through a single standardized connection. This improves productivity by enabling automated data transfer while managing complexity through the use of a well-established, multi-functional interface standard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface device acts as an intermediary layer that manages the complexity of data transfer protocols and communications. It handles the intricate details of USB communication, data formatting, and transfer protocols, shielding the main gaming system from complexity while enabling efficient automated data transfer to various portable storage devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of information

If data is transferred to portable device, then loss of information is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata retentionVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables data to be transferred to a portable storage device immediately after game play, creating a backup before any potential data loss can occur. This preliminary action of transferring data ensures that game results, statistics, and information are preserved securely on the portable device, preventing loss of information while the transfer mechanism adds minimal architectural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of the game data and stores it on a portable data storage device. This copying mechanism ensures that the original data is preserved and a redundant copy is available, preventing information loss. The USB interface enables this copying function while keeping the system architecture relatively simple by using standard connection protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11145157B2Gaming machine and method for transferring game meter data to a portable device
Publication Date: 2021.10.12 ARISTOCRAT TECH AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
  • US11145157B2 patent drawing
  • US11145157B2 patent drawing
  • US11145157B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a game controller arranged to implement a game, at least one game meter arranged to obtain game related information, and an interface device arranged to facilitate transfer of at least some of the obtained game related information to a portable data storage device in response to a transfer instruction. A corresponding method of monitoring a gaming device is also disclosed.