Gaming Machine Validation Module for Beverage Entitlement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gaming establishments face challenges in efficiently distributing complimentary rewards, such as drinks, to patrons based on their gaming activity, as existing player tracking systems struggle to accurately determine and communicate entitlement in a timely manner due to the large number of machines and players, leading to inefficient service and potential misuse of rewards.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing a gaming device with a validation module that provides visual notifications based on wagering activity and time since last service, allowing for real-time validation of player entitlement to complimentary or paid services, including the use of LEDs to indicate eligibility and a voucher system for patrons to purchase or redeem drinks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual tracking of complimentary service delivery is implemented, then service accuracy to players can be improved, but labor intensity and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice tracking accuracyVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gaming machine automatically tracks and communicates player eligibility for complimentary services through visual indicators, eliminating the need for manual tracking by employees. The system self-monitors wagering activity and player status, providing real-time information without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an electronic information display system. Visual indicators on the gaming machine screen automatically update based on player activity, substituting human labor with automated electronic communication of service eligibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If complimentary beverages are provided without verification, then customer satisfaction improves, but reward misuse and financial loss increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice speedVSAvoidreward entitlement validation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and displays player eligibility for complimentary services before service is requested. By determining entitlement in advance based on wagering criteria and displaying it visually, the system enables rapid service delivery without subsequent verification delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The gaming machine provides real-time visual feedback to both players and employees about eligibility status. This continuous feedback loop ensures that only qualified players receive complimentary services, maintaining reliability while enabling fast service through clear visual indicators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If employees must verify player eligibility manually, then reward distribution accuracy improves, but service time and player wait time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeligibility determination accuracyVSAvoidservice delivery time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual eligibility verification with automated electronic display systems on the gaming machine. The visual indicators automatically reflect current player status and entitlement, eliminating the time required for employees to manually check eligibility while maintaining accurate determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The visual indicator system serves as an intermediary between the player tracking system and the employee. Instead of employees directly querying player status, the visual display mediates this information, providing immediate accuracy without time-consuming manual verification processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If player tracking systems are expanded to cover more machines, then reward distribution control improves, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplimentary service controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements eligibility determination at the individual gaming machine level rather than requiring centralized processing for all machines. Each machine independently displays player entitlement through visual indicators, segmenting the control function to reduce overall system complexity while maintaining reliable control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10832523B2Casino beverage validation and payment systems

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 ARDENT PROGRESSIVE SYST & GAMES LLC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and devices are provided for validating player entitlement to a complimentary award or service (such as a complementary beverage), such as in a gaming establishment, and/or facilitating the patron's direct payment for such. A validation module at a gaming machine may indicate an award of a free drink or other comp to a player based upon meeting certain criteria, such as levels of wagering. A player might alternately purchase voucher at a gaming machine or kiosk and then use the voucher as payment for the drink.