Gaming System Server-Based Control via Visual Code Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming systems face challenges in providing a safe and ergonomic experience for players, especially during pandemics, as they often require shared devices and are not suitable for multi-user environments, leading to a decrease in player engagement and revenue for operators.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for a gaming system that uses a server and gaming machine in network communication, allowing players to operate games using their own electronic devices with verified identities, enabling secure, ergonomic, and efficient gameplay management, including the use of QR codes or NFC for device interaction and server-based game operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a dedicated wireless remote-control device is used to improve ergonomics, then player comfort is improved, but device sharing and hygiene safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a visual code (QR code or similar graphical representation) displayed on the gaming machine that the player's personal device captures. This creates a digital copy of the machine's identity that can be transmitted and processed without physical contact, allowing the player to operate the game from a distance while maintaining hygiene safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical wireless remote-control device with a smartphone-based solution using camera and communication software. The mechanical/wireless control system is substituted with an optical scanning system that captures visual code and transmits control signals through a network connection, eliminating the need for dedicated remote hardware.
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated remote-control device is implemented, then player control flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the smartphone as a universal device that players already possess and are familiar with. The smartphone's camera, processing power, and communication capabilities are used to perform multiple functions: capturing the visual code, transmitting the machine identifier, receiving control interfaces, and communicating with the server, eliminating the need for dedicated remote-control hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The player's own smartphone serves the dual purpose of both identification verification and game control interface. The device the player uses to identify the machine is the same device used to control the game, eliminating the need for separate control hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If identity verification is implemented for safety, then player safety is improved, but operation time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs identity verification in advance by requiring the player to log in to the server application before the gaming session begins. The server stores the verified identity information and uses it throughout the gaming session, so that subsequent operations do not require repeated verification, minimizing time loss during actual gameplay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent streamlines the identification process by using visual code scanning that can be quickly captured by the smartphone camera and processed automatically. The system rapidly extracts the machine identifier from the visual code and communicates it to the server, minimizing the time required for the verification process compared to manual entry or other verification methods.
4Reliability
If server-based control is used to improve security, then system security is improved, but network dependency and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the gaming machine and the player's device. The server receives the visual code, verifies the machine identifier, manages player identity, and coordinates the control signals. This centralized intermediary enhances security by controlling access and communication, while the existing network infrastructure is utilized rather than requiring new complex systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a computer implemented method for operating a gaming system, and specifically a scheme for allowing an electronic user device to control e.g. a gaming machine such as a slot machine. The present disclosure also relates to a corresponding gaming system and computer program product.