Network Management for Dynamic EGM Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing and configuring electronic gaming machines (EGMs) are labor-intensive and costly, requiring physical interaction and extensive downtime, as they involve manual processes for altering content, reconfiguring devices, and software updates across large numbers of machines.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system that allows for the grouping and dynamic configuration of EGMs via a network management system, enabling remote association, configuration, and software updates based on common characteristics, with a network controller managing groups of machines and facilitating scheduled downloads and configuration assignments independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual methods are used to alter content or reconfigure EGMs, then configuration changes can be made, but the process is time-consuming and costly with extended downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (physical travel to machines, manual EPROM swapping, hands-on configuration) with an automated electronic system. The network management system communicates with EGMs over a network to remotely alter content, reconfigure devices, and update software, eliminating the need for technicians to physically interact with each machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The EGMs are equipped with capabilities to autonomously receive and process configuration changes, content updates, and software installations through the network. The machines can self-configure based on received instructions without requiring continuous human supervision or physical presence, enabling unsupervised updates and reducing dependency on manual intervention.
2Reliability
If technicians physically travel to gaming machines for software updates, then updates can be performed, but the process is labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of technicians physically traveling to machines with an automated electronic distribution system. Software packages are transmitted digitally over the network to multiple EGMs simultaneously, eliminating travel time and manual installation efforts while maintaining reliable update capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple update operations into a single centralized process. The network management system can distribute software updates to multiple EGMs concurrently through the network, merging what would otherwise be separate individual update tasks into one coordinated operation, thereby dramatically improving productivity.
3Reliability
If EGMs are disabled prior to software package updates, then update safety is ensured, but player access is lost and profits are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary validation and scheduling capabilities that allow updates to be prepared and staged before actual installation. The system can validate update packages, schedule them for optimal times, and prepare EGMs in advance, ensuring update integrity while minimizing disruption to gaming operations through careful timing and coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic update management where the timing and execution of software updates can be flexibly adjusted based on operational conditions. The system can monitor EGM usage patterns and schedule updates during low-activity periods, dynamically balancing update integrity requirements with revenue generation needs rather than using fixed disablement protocols.
4Reliability
If technicians are supervised during software installation, then security is maintained, but the process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for physical supervision with electronic security measures. The network management system implements authenticated access controls, encrypted communications, and digital signatures to verify update packages and authorization, maintaining security without requiring technicians to be physically present or supervised during the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are directed to gaming systems and related methods for managing one or more electronic gaming machines (EGMs). The gaming system includes a network management system capable of establishing one or more groups (or collections) of gaming machines. The groups of gaming machines may be defined according to one or more gaming machine characteristics. The grouping of the gaming machines on the casino floor allows the system to dynamically configure these different groups of gaming machines.