Handheld Wagering Game System with Location-Based Eligibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machines lack innovative features to enhance player engagement and entertainment value, as existing bonus games and progressive jackpots are limited in their ability to adapt to player location and proximity, restricting the potential for dynamic and location-based gaming experiences.
Innovation Solution
A handheld gaming system that uses a controller to determine player eligibility for game-related features and content based on location and proximity to external devices, enabling location-specific game play experiences, bonus games, and progressive jackpots, and allowing for wireless communication with external systems to enhance entertainment value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gaming machines are used with fixed bonus games and progressive jackpots, then the game structure is simple and reliable, but player engagement and entertainment value are limited due to lack of adaptability to player location and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic game features that adapt to player location and movement. The system transitions from static bonus games to dynamic location-based experiences where game eligibility, content, and features change based on the player's physical position within the gaming establishment, tracked via GPS or other location determination devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld gaming machine serves multiple functions: it acts as a portable gaming device, a location tracking instrument, and a communication interface with external systems. The system integrates gaming, navigation, and data exchange capabilities into a single universal platform that adapts to various gaming scenarios.
2Productivity
If location-based features are added to enhance player engagement, then entertainment value increases, but the system requires wireless communication and location determination devices increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld gaming machine serves as an intermediary device between the player and the gaming establishment's external systems. It enables wireless communication and data exchange, allowing the system to track player location, manage game eligibility, and coordinate with other gaming machines without requiring direct complex connections between all system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or wired connection systems with wireless communication technologies. Location tracking substitutes physical presence verification, and wireless data transmission replaces cable-based communication, reducing physical complexity while enabling enhanced functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system tracks player location and provides location-specific game content, then game adaptability improves, but measurement and detection requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors player location through GPS or other determination devices and provides real-time feedback by adjusting game eligibility and content based on the detected position. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt game features dynamically as the player moves through different zones within the gaming establishment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the gaming system based on location data. Game eligibility, available features, and content are modified as parameters that depend on the player's geographical position, allowing the system to provide location-specific experiences without requiring complex detection mechanisms for each individual parameter.
4Ease of operation
If bonus games and progressive jackpots are made location-dependent, then player motivation to move increases, but game rule complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-defines specific locations and zones within the gaming establishment where particular bonus games or progressive jackpots can be accessed. Players are informed in advance of location requirements for desired games, allowing them to plan their movement and gameplay strategy without encountering complex rules during play.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a handheld gaming machine configured to play at least one game and a controller. The controller is configured to base eligibility of the handheld gaming machine for a game-related feature at least upon a location of the handheld gaming machine.