Gaming Machine Lighting Synchronization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for synchronizing lights in gaming machines do not account for individual machine activity, leading to ineffective attraction of players to vacant machines and potential distraction or annoyance, resulting in reduced revenue and player satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that coordinates lighting effects among multiple gaming machines based on detected activity at individual machines, transitioning from aggressive 'attract mode' to less intense 'emotive' mode when a machine is in use, using a common server or individual EGM control to adjust lighting devices such as LEDs, electroluminescent toppers, or bank signs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If synchronized lighting effects are used in all gaming machines, then player attraction to vacant machines is improved, but player distraction and annoyance increase when machines are in use
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on the operational status of individual gaming machines. When a machine is vacant, synchronized lighting effects are activated to attract players. When a machine is in use, the lighting effects are modified or suppressed to avoid distracting the player. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the lighting system responsive to real-time conditions rather than operating in a fixed mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different lighting qualities to different locations (individual machines) based on their specific needs. Each machine's lighting can be independently controlled to provide attract mode for vacant machines while providing a calm or off state for machines in use. This localized control allows the system to attract players to vacant machines without causing distraction at machines where players are actively playing.
2Productivity
If intense lighting effects are used to attract players, then player attraction is improved, but player satisfaction decreases due to overstimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system transitions between different intensity levels based on player presence and machine status. High-intensity synchronized lighting effects are used only when machines are vacant to attract players. When players are present and actively playing, the system switches to lower intensity or different patterns that maintain ambiance without causing overstimulation. This dynamic intensity adjustment maintains both attraction and satisfaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from machine status sensors and player presence detection to adjust lighting intensity appropriately. When a machine transitions from vacant to in-use status, the lighting system receives feedback and相应地 adjusts its intensity. This feedback mechanism ensures that intense lighting is applied only when it serves the attraction purpose, not when it would cause player overstimulation.
3Productivity
If synchronized lighting is implemented across all machines, then revenue potential is improved through increased machine utilization, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting control system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can operate in synchronized attract mode across multiple machines, switch to individual machine control, and respond to various status conditions. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle both the attraction of players to vacant machines and the coordination of lighting across the gaming floor, reducing the need for separate specialized systems and thereby managing complexity while maintaining revenue benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for synchronizing indicators of electronic gaming machines. The system providing a plurality of electronic gaming machines each having a control array and at least one electronic display operatively connected thereto, at least one lighting device operatively connected to the plurality of gaming machines and control circuitry, including a programmable processor, operatively connected to the lighting device. The lighting device having elements to present synchronized lighting effects at the plurality of gaming machines, the synchronized lighting effects including an attract mode and an emotive mode. The system registering a condition on at least one gaming machine and electrically transmitting a signal to the lighting device. The lighting device initiating a predetermined lighting effect at the plurality of machines in response to the registered condition.