NFC Tag Gaming Automation via Preliminary Action
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming systems require users to manually direct their portable electronic devices to online gaming websites, making it inconvenient to play games or collect winnings associated with physical products that have information tags.
Innovation Solution
A process and system that utilizes information tags, such as QR codes, RFID tags, or NFC tags, on products to automatically direct a portable electronic device to a gaming website, allowing users to play games and collect winnings by scanning the tag, which can be attached to various products like flexible pouches, beverage cans, or sports memorabilia, and enabling interaction with gaming websites for lottery, raffle, or casino games.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually direct their portable electronic device to an online gaming website, then the gaming system can function, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the manual process being inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The information tag is pre-associated with the product during manufacturing, containing the gaming website URL and product identification data. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for users to manually search or input website information, allowing them to simply scan the tag with their portable electronic device to immediately access the gaming website and begin playing games associated with the product.
2Extent of automation
If an information tag is attached to the product, then the ability to automatically direct the device to the gaming website improves, but the device complexity increases due to the additional tag component
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring complex software applications or specialized hardware on the portable electronic device, the system uses a simple information tag that contains encoded URL and product information. The portable device's existing camera or scanner captures this visual information, and the operating system's standard web browser handles the navigation. This copying approach transfers the automation functionality to a simple, printable tag rather than requiring complexity in the electronic device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system supports multiple game types and product types, then the adaptability improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The information tag uses a universal data structure that can encode multiple types of information including product identification, gaming website URL, and game-specific parameters. The same tag scanning process works for different product types (beverage containers, packaging, merchandise) and different game types (lottery, casino games, promotional games). The system's versatility is achieved through this universal interface rather than requiring different hardware or software for each game or product type.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless gameplay and winnings collection by automatically linking the portable electronic device to gaming websites through information tags, enhancing user convenience and expanding gaming opportunities with various products, including online play and transfer of winnings.
Implementation Method 1
NFC (near field communication) tags
Implementation Method 2
radio frequency identification (RFID) tags
Data Source
AI summary
A process for playing a game includes purchasing a product with an information tag associated therewith, playing a first game associated with the product, scanning the information tag with a portable electronic device (PED) and interacting with at least one gaming website by playing the first game again online, playing a second game online or collecting winnings from playing at least one of the first game and the second game. The product may be a flexible pouch, a cup, a bottle, a beverage can, a beverage glass, a serving tray and a static piece gaming device with a pull tab, scratch off film or peel-off label, a clothing item and a sports memorabilia item.