Multi-Functional Award System for Wagering Games
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wagering game systems typically offer limited options for players to win and utilize awards, primarily focusing on monetary payouts and basic game enhancements, which can lead to reduced player engagement and profitability for operators.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that allows players to acquire and utilize multiple award types, such as Pointz, Coinz, and Voucherz, which can be earned through various activities and used for diverse purposes like cash redemption, game enhancements, merchandise, services, and status enhancements, facilitating a broader range of gameplay and engagement options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wagering game system offers only monetary payouts and basic game enhancements, then the system structure remains simple, but player engagement and entertainment value are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional award system where a single award (e.g., 5,000 Pointz) can be utilized in multiple different ways: redeemed for cash, used to purchase wagering game credits, exchanged for merchandise, or applied toward services. This universal award structure allows one award type to serve multiple functions, thereby increasing player engagement without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Pointz as an intermediary award currency that mediates between the wagering game system and various redemption options. Instead of directly implementing multiple complex award types and redemption pathways, the system uses Pointz as a universal intermediary that can be exchanged for different outcomes, simplifying the overall system architecture while providing diverse player options
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wagering game system provides limited award options, then the system is easier to operate, but player engagement and perceived value are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the award system into distinct award types (e.g., Pointz, Coinz, Voucherz) with specific characteristics and redemption pathways. Each award type is clearly defined with specific uses: Pointz for cash and credit redemption, Coinz for game enhancements, and Voucherz for merchandise and services. This segmentation provides players with clear, easy-to-understand options while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized award categories
3Productivity
If a wagering game system offers multiple award types and redemption options, then player engagement and profitability increase, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal award structure where Pointz serve as a multi-functional currency that can be redeemed for multiple different outcomes (cash, credits, merchandise, services). This universal structure allows the system to offer diverse redemption options that increase player engagement and profitability without requiring separate complex systems for each award type, thereby managing complexity while enhancing productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a wagering game network the supports a plurality of award types. The method may include: detecting a player identifier associated with an award account; detecting, via at least one electronic input device, a physical item associated with a monetary value that establishes a credit balance; initiating the casino wagering game in response to an input indicating a wager covered by the credit balance; displaying, on an electronic display device, a result for the casino wagering game; presenting, on the electronic display device, an indication that awards of a first award type have been awarded to the award account based on the result; detecting, via at least one of the electronic input devices, a request to exchange some of the awards of the first award type for awards of a second award type, and wherein the awards of the second award type are exchangeable within the wagering game network for other awards of the plurality of award types; and submitting the request over a communications network.