Network Management System 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 manual intervention for software updates and configuration changes, leading to extended downtime and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A system for dynamically grouping and managing EGMs, allowing for remote configuration and software updates through a network management system that associates machines based on common characteristics, schedules downloads independently of configuration assignments, and validates assignments to ensure compatibility and reduce conflicts.
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 operations (physically swapping EPROMs, accessing attendant menus) with electronic communication methods. The network management system transmits configuration data and software updates electronically to EGMs, eliminating the need for physical intervention and significantly reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network management system as an intermediary between operators and EGMs. This intermediary enables remote configuration and management capabilities, allowing operators to manage multiple EGMs simultaneously without physically visiting each machine, thus reducing both time and operational costs.
2Ease of manufacture
If technicians physically travel to gaming machines for software updates, then updates can be installed, but the process is labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of technicians physically traveling to machines with electronic distribution of software updates through a network. The network management system handles the entire update process remotely, eliminating travel requirements and reducing labor intensity while maintaining update capability.
3Reliability
If EGMs are disabled prior to software package updates, then updates can be performed safely, but player access is lost and profits are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by scheduling software updates for optimal times and preparing update packages in advance through the network management system. The system can queue updates and transmit them during low-traffic periods, ensuring safety while minimizing impact on player access and revenue.
4Productivity
If additional features are added to gaming machines to maintain player attention, then player engagement increases, but the number of devices requiring monitoring and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal network management system that can manage multiple types of devices and features through a single interface. This multi-functional approach allows operators to monitor and control various gaming machine features, secondary devices, and configurations uniformly, reducing the complexity burden despite the increased number of devices.
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 groups of gaming machines.