Mobile Device Player Tracking System for Gaming Establishments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gaming establishments face challenges in managing player tracking systems, as players enrolled in multiple systems need to carry multiple cards, and anonymous players miss out on loyalty rewards and personalized promotions.

Innovation Solution

A gaming system that enables two-way communication between mobile devices and gaming system components, allowing mobile phones to act as player tracking cards, providing benefits to enrolled and unenrolled players alike, and equating customer loyalty values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional player tracking cards are used, then player loyalty can be tracked and rewards provided, but players enrolled in multiple systems must carry multiple cards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer tracking system compatibilityVSAvoidcard management convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device serves as a universal player tracking card that can be used across multiple gaming systems and establishments. The system stores player profile data and communicates with various gaming devices, eliminating the need for players to carry multiple establishment-specific cards.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of the player tracking card functionality within the mobile device. Instead of using physical cards, the mobile device contains and transmits player identification and profile information, replacing the physical card medium with a digital equivalent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If player tracking requires enrollment with specific systems, then loyalty rewards can be provided, but anonymous players cannot receive benefits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloyalty tracking accuracyVSAvoidplayer identification flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows player identification methods to be dynamic and adaptable. Players can choose to be identified by their mobile device without formal enrollment, and the system adjusts its tracking and reward provision accordingly, moving from static enrollment requirements to flexible identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device automatically performs player identification and tracking functions without requiring manual enrollment or card insertion. The system self-identifies players through the mobile device and automatically provides appropriate rewards and benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If physical player tracking cards are used, then player identification is reliable, but the system lacks integration with modern communication technologies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer identification accuracyVSAvoidsystem technology integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical card insertion and reading system with wireless electronic communication. The mobile device communicates with gaming systems through wireless protocols, substituting the physical card-swipe mechanism with modern digital communication technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the player and the gaming system. It contains and transmits player identification information, serving as a bridge that connects the player to multiple gaming systems without requiring direct physical card interaction with each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10515513B2Gaming system, gaming device and method for utilizing mobile devices at a gaming establishment
Publication Date: 2019.12.24 INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US10515513B2 patent drawing
  • US10515513B2 patent drawing
  • US10515513B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A gaming system which facilitates the two-way communication between mobile devices, such as mobile phones, and different gaming system components to enhance a player's gaming experience.