Mobile Gaming Terminal Link Failure Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote gaming systems face issues such as communication link failures during games, automatic session termination due to inactivity, and the need for specialized gaming devices, which disrupt player experience and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows a mobile gaming device, such as a tablet, to establish a wireless link with a gaming terminal, enabling continuous game animation and outcome display during communication link failures, pausing games without termination, and using off-the-shelf devices, while recommending games and machines based on player behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a communications link is established between a mobile gaming device and a gaming terminal for remote play, then player convenience and flexibility are improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to communication link failures that disrupt game continuity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting communication link failures and automatically suspending games before actual loss occurs. The gaming terminal monitors the communication status and proactively pauses game animations when link quality degrades, preventing incomplete game states and ensuring smooth resumption when the link is restored.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where the gaming terminal monitors communication link status in real-time and adjusts game animation behavior accordingly. When link failures are detected, the system provides feedback by suspending animations and notifying players, enabling adaptive response to communication conditions while maintaining game integrity.
2Reliability
If the gaming system automatically terminates sessions after a maximum time between games is exceeded, then system security and resource management are improved, but player experience deteriorates when legitimate pauses are penalized
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts session management based on player needs and communication conditions. Players can request game suspensions which are granted when communication conditions permit, allowing flexible pause periods that don't trigger termination. The maximum time threshold becomes adaptive rather than fixed, accommodating legitimate pauses while maintaining security for abandoned sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback mechanisms allowing players to communicate their intent to pause before the maximum time threshold is exceeded. When players request suspensions, the system responds by extending the session or pausing appropriately, preventing automatic termination for legitimate reasons while maintaining security protocols for genuine abandonments.
3Reliability
If specialized gaming devices are used for remote play, then game security and control are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables universal use of common mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) for remote gaming by implementing a communication protocol that works across standard device platforms. The gaming terminal handles security and game control functions, allowing ordinary devices to function as remote interfaces without requiring specialized hardware modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The gaming terminal acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between simple mobile devices and complex game security requirements. It handles authentication, outcome determination, and communication management, allowing players to use basic devices while maintaining high security standards through the terminal's processing capabilities.
4Productivity
If game animations continue during communication link failures, then player engagement is maintained, but system resources are wasted and outcome verification becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of communication link failures and proactively suspends game animations before resources are significantly wasted. By monitoring communication status and pausing animations at the first sign of link degradation, the system prevents unnecessary resource consumption while maintaining player engagement through smooth suspension and resumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback-based animation control where game animations respond to communication status in real-time. When link failures are detected, feedback signals suspend animations to conserve resources; when links are restored, feedback signals resume animations. This ensures resource efficiency while maintaining player engagement through seamless adaptation to communication conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile gaming device may be a player's own personal tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc., with an application program installed via the internet for carrying out a remote gaming session. All gaming functions are carried out by a stationary gaming terminal communicating with the mobile device, such as by using WiFi. The mobile device operates as a user interface. Registration for the mobile device may be via a registration terminal connected in a network with a plurality of gaming terminals. The mobile device may communicate wirelessly with the registration terminal, and the registration terminal then communicates with the played gaming terminal via the network. The mobile device may select to play games offered by any available gaming terminal. The gaming terminals may be gaming machines. The registration terminal may also be a cashing out terminal and print a ticket.