Gaming Machine Network Interface for Conflict-Free Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing networked electronic gaming machines requires efficient scheduling and conflict resolution for software downloads and configurations, especially in large gaming systems where interruptions and casino activities can cause conflicts, necessitating a user-friendly interface for operators to monitor and manipulate operations without disrupting gameplay.
Innovation Solution
A user interface is provided that includes operation assignment interfaces and a calendar interface for scheduling operations, featuring graphical indicators for relational information and error handling, allowing operators to visualize and manage assignments effectively, ensuring seamless downloads and configurations across multiple machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple software downloads and configuration tasks are scheduled for numerous electronic gaming machines, then system management capability is improved, but scheduling conflicts and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects scheduling conflicts between software downloads and configuration tasks, and autonomously resolves them without requiring manual operator intervention. The conflict detection and resolution mechanisms self-manage the scheduling complexity, allowing operators to focus on high-level management while the system handles detailed coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to operators about scheduling conflicts, task status, and resolution actions. This feedback loop enables operators to monitor and verify the automatic conflict resolution process, ensuring that productivity improvements do not compromise system reliability or create unexpected issues.
2Productivity
If operators can monitor and manage gaming machines from a single terminal, then operational efficiency is improved, but the interface complexity and information processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized management interface is segmented into distinct functional modules for different tasks (monitoring, scheduling, conflict resolution, status tracking). This segmentation allows the interface to present information in organized, manageable sections rather than overwhelming operators with all system details simultaneously, reducing perceived complexity while maintaining comprehensive control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single terminal interface is designed as a universal control point that handles multiple functions (download scheduling, configuration management, conflict detection, status monitoring) through a unified interface. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into one interface, improving operational efficiency while using standardized interaction patterns to manage complexity.
3Productivity
If configuration changes are communicated during background operation without affecting gameplay, then casino operation continuity is improved, but the risk of conflicts during download and configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary conflict detection and scheduling coordination before initiating software downloads or configuration changes. By analyzing the schedule in advance and identifying potential conflicts, the system can pre-arrange timing to avoid overlaps, ensuring that background operations proceed without interfering with gameplay or creating reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary measures to prevent conflicts by establishing coordination protocols before operations begin. These preliminary anti-actions include setting up conflict detection rules, defining exclusive access periods for critical operations, and creating rollback mechanisms, all of which proactively protect against conflicts while maintaining operational continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A user interface for management of network operations, particularly networked electronic gaming machines, the user interface including operation assignment interfaces, each assignment interface providing information about the respective operation, a calendar interface on which the assignment interfaces are provided, the calendar interface providing at least date and time information, and at least one graphical linking indicator that provides visual relational information of related operations.


