Cloud Data Collection for Electronic Gaming Machine Button Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) often have defective buttons that go undetected for a long time, leading to lost play opportunities for casinos and manufacturers, and causing frustration for players.
Innovation Solution
A data collection system that remotely monitors EGMs by installing a collection device locally with a group of EGMs, which transmits data via a private network and securely communicates with a remote cloud for data processing and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If EGMs operate without continuous monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but defective buttons go undetected for long periods causing lost play opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The EGM performs self-diagnosis by automatically testing button functionality through integrated test modes. The game controller executes diagnostic routines that activate buttons and sensors to detect defects without external intervention, enabling the system to monitor its own operational status continuously
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where button press signals are immediately captured and validated by the game controller. When a button fails to register a press or registers abnormal signals, the system receives feedback about the defect and can alert maintenance personnel or adjust gameplay accordingly
2Measurement precision
If manual inspection of EGM buttons is performed, then detection capability is improved, but time loss and player frustration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnostic tests during idle periods between gameplay sessions. Button functionality is tested proactively before defects manifest during actual play, allowing maintenance to be scheduled during off-peak times rather than causing interruptions during active gameplay
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system operates continuously without interrupting normal gameplay. Button diagnostics are performed in the background during game transitions or idle states, maintaining continuous detection capability while ensuring uninterrupted player experience and eliminating downtime associated with manual inspections
3Measurement precision
If extensive button testing is implemented, then detection accuracy is improved, but game play interruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Comprehensive button diagnostics are performed periodically during predetermined idle intervals rather than continuously during active gameplay. The system schedules extensive testing during natural breaks in play such as between rounds or during maintenance windows, achieving thorough detection without disrupting the flow of game
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a two-tiered testing approach: continuous lightweight monitoring during gameplay that detects obvious failures, and more extensive periodic testing during idle periods. This partial continuous action combined with periodic comprehensive action maintains high detection accuracy while minimizing game interruptions
Data Source
AI summary
An application program interface (API) provides functionality to store device data from multiple protocols. A collection server hosting the API is configured to receive a data structure from a first sending device comprising first sending device data, wherein the data structure comprises a static portion and a dynamic portion, wherein the static portion comprises identifying information for the sending device, and where in the dynamic portion comprises the device data; and store the device data in accordance with the data structure.