Mesh Connectivity for Casino Devices Without Central Access Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming machine connectivity in casinos often requires central access points, which can expose devices to security risks and are vulnerable to connectivity issues, limiting the ability to create immersive gaming experiences and efficient device interactions.
Innovation Solution
A many-to-many wireless connectivity system for gaming machines and devices within a casino environment, enabling direct device-to-device communication without a central access point, using end-to-end encryption, firewall whitelisting, and multi-factor authentication, with self-healing capabilities to manage node failures and unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central access point (Wi-Fi router) is used for device connectivity, then device connection and communication is enabled, but security risks and vulnerability to connectivity issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the central access point (Wi-Fi router) from the network architecture, extracting the single point of failure and security vulnerability. Devices connect directly to each other using wireless peer-to-peer protocols, eliminating the central infrastructure that creates security risks and connectivity bottlenecks.
Solution Approach 2:
The network is segmented into autonomous device nodes that operate independently without requiring central coordination. Each device maintains its own connectivity relationships, creating a distributed network structure where no single component controls or single point of failure exists.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all devices throughout the casino are connected, then comprehensive device interaction is enabled, but security exposure and unauthorized access increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements location-aware connectivity where devices can only communicate with other devices within a specified geographic radius or region. This local quality constraint ensures that while devices have versatile interaction capabilities within their local area, they cannot establish connections with distant or unauthorized devices, providing geographic-based security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements device-type-based connectivity where devices can only connect to other devices of similar or compatible types. This classification system ensures that a gaming machine can only interact with appropriate devices (e.g., other gaming machines, approved peripherals) while blocking connections to incompatible or potentially malicious device types.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If direct device-to-device wireless communication is implemented, then security and decentralized control are improved, but network complexity and device intelligence requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-healing network functionality where devices automatically detect and respond to network issues without external intervention. When a device fails or goes offline, neighboring devices automatically detect the failure, reroute communications through alternative paths, and restore network functionality, eliminating the need for manual network management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous network state monitoring where devices broadcast their operational status and receive feedback from neighboring devices. This feedback mechanism enables automatic detection of failed devices, dynamic path selection, and real-time network reconfiguration, managing complexity through distributed feedback loops rather than centralized control.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If geographic and device-type restrictions are applied, then security is enhanced, but network connectivity and device accessibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connectivity constraints where geographic and device-type restrictions are applied adaptively rather than statically. Devices can dynamically adjust their connectivity based on current network conditions, security requirements, and operational needs, allowing the network to be restrictive when security is paramount and more permissive when operational versatility is needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and device may operate an intelligent mesh network. The method may include configuring the intelligent mesh network, wherein the intelligent mesh network comprises a plurality of nodes, and wherein the plurality of nodes are able to communicate directly with each other. The method may also include detecting an in-game event on a first node in the intelligent mesh network; and in response to detecting the in-game event, performing an action on a second node, wherein the action is associated with the in-game event, and wherein the second node is in a location near a location of the first node.