Electronic Gaming Timeout Calibration via Test Message Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Initializing configuration settings for communications between electronic gaming machines and hosts in gaming systems is a time-consuming task, especially when multiple machines are deployed at a common location, requiring tools and systems to assist in this process.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for automatically calibrating timeout values in electronic gaming systems by sending test messages between the gaming machine and host, determining transmission times, and configuring the machine or host based on these values, thereby streamlining the initialization process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual configuration of timeout values is performed for each electronic gaming machine, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but the time and labor required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidinitialization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration by automatically measuring communication transmission times and configuring timeout values without human intervention. The electronic gaming machine autonomously executes the calibration process, sending test messages and adjusting its timeout settings based on measured performance, thereby eliminating manual configuration while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration process is performed in advance during system initialization or setup phase, before the electronic gaming machine begins normal operation. By pre-configuring timeout values through automatic calibration, the system ensures optimal settings are established beforehand, avoiding the need for manual configuration later while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple electronic gaming machines are deployed at a common location, then system capacity increases, but the complexity of initializing configuration settings increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidinitialization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each electronic gaming machine independently performs its own timeout calibration by automatically measuring communication times and configuring its settings. This self-service approach allows multiple machines to be deployed without requiring centralized manual configuration, thereby scaling system capacity while maintaining initialization simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts timeout parameters based on measured communication transmission times. By dynamically changing the timeout configuration parameter according to actual network performance, the system adapts to different deployment scenarios without requiring complex manual setup procedures for each machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automatic timeout calibration is implemented, then initialization efficiency improves, but the complexity of the configuration system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitialization efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic calibration system is implemented as a self-service mechanism where the electronic gaming machine autonomously performs measurement and configuration without external control systems. This approach improves initialization efficiency while minimizing the addition of external complexity, as the calibration functionality is integrated into the machine itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system is designed to be universal and integrated within the electronic gaming machine's existing communication infrastructure. By making the calibration functionality multi-functional and part of the standard system operations, the solution improves efficiency without requiring separate complex configuration systems or additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10096203B2Automatic electronic gaming system timeout calibration
Publication Date: 2018.10.09 IGT CANADA SOLUTIONS ULC
  • US10096203B2 patent drawing
  • US10096203B2 patent drawing
  • US10096203B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In one aspect, there is described a computer-implemented method of configuring timeout values for an electronic gaming system. The electronic gaming system includes an electronic gaming machine and a first host coupled to the electronic gaming machine through a network. The method includes: receiving a command to initiate timeout calibration through an input interface associated with the electronic gaming system; and in response to receiving the command: i) sending a plurality of test messages between the electronic gaming machine and the first host; ii) determining transmission times for the test messages; iii) based on the determined transmission times, automatically determining one or more timeout values; and iv) configuring one or both of the electronic gaming machine and the first host based on the determined timeout values.