Mobile Cashless Fund Transfer for Electronic Gaming Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machines incur labor and material costs associated with the use of ticket vouchers and promotional tickets, as well as security concerns due to the handling of cash, which detract from the gaming experience.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables automatic transfer of funds from an electronic gaming machine (EGM) to a mobile device or remote host upon detection of an interruption event, using a mobile device application and cashless wagering systems, eliminating the need for physical currency or ticket vouchers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ticket vouchers and promotional tickets are used to fund gaming machines, then players can wager credits, but labor and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical ticket vouchers and cash handling with an electronic fund transfer system. The gaming system automatically transfers funds electronically between the player's account and the gaming machine, eliminating the need for physical ticket issuance, collection, and processing. This substitution reduces labor costs associated with ticket handling and material costs of physical vouchers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic fund transfers initiated by player actions (such as cashing out to a mobile device or account). The electronic fund transfer system operates autonomously without requiring manual ticket processing by staff. Players can initiate transfers through mobile devices or account systems, and the gaming system automatically processes the fund movements, reducing the need for human intervention and associated labor costs.
2Ease of operation
If cash is handled at gaming machines, then players can fund wagers, but security concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical handling of cash with an electronic fund transfer mechanism. Instead of accepting and securing physical currency, the system accepts electronic fund transfers from player accounts or mobile devices. This eliminates security risks associated with cash handling, storage, and transportation while maintaining the ability to fund gaming wagers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary electronic account system between the player and the gaming machine. Funds are transferred through this intermediary system rather than being handled directly as physical cash. The electronic account acts as a mediator that secures the transaction process, reducing security concerns while enabling seamless funding of game wagers.
3Ease of operation
If ticket vouchers are used for cashing out, then players can redeem credits, but labor costs for counting and recording increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual counting and recording process with an automated electronic system. When players cash out credits, the system automatically converts credits to fund values and processes electronic transfers to player accounts or mobile devices. This eliminates the time-consuming manual counting and recording of ticket vouchers and cash, significantly reducing labor time and operational delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic credit redemption and fund transfer processing. Players can initiate cash-out transactions through mobile devices or account systems, and the gaming system automatically processes the credit-to-fund conversion and transfers without requiring manual intervention for counting or recording. This self-service mechanism eliminates time losses associated with manual voucher processing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If promotional tickets are mailed and redeemed at service desks, then players receive free play, but staffing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual service desk redemption process with an automated electronic system. Promotional credits are distributed and redeemed through electronic account systems and mobile devices rather than requiring physical ticket redemption at service desks. This eliminates the need for staff to manually process promotional ticket redemptions, reducing staffing costs while maintaining promotional credit distribution capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic account system serves multiple functions: it handles regular player funds, promotional credits, and automatic transfers. This multi-functional system consolidates what previously required separate processes for promotional ticket distribution and redemption, eliminating the need for dedicated staffing for promotional activities while maintaining adaptability in credit distribution.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems and methods for facilitating an automatic transfer of funds to and from an electronic gaming machine via a mobile device.