NFC Player Authentication in Wagering Game Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wagering game machines face challenges in attracting frequent play due to the need for manual configuration and intervention in establishing connections for player authentication and content download, which hinders the efficiency and entertainment value.

Innovation Solution

Implementing Near Field Communication (NFC) between wagering game machines and mobile devices for automatic configuration and authentication, allowing for seamless player identification, content download, and coordination of celebrations across multiple machines without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration and intervention are used to establish connections for player authentication and content download, then device complexity and ease of operation are improved, but productivity and entertainment value deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connection establishmentVSAvoidplayer authentication efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic peer-to-peer connections between wagering game machines and mobile devices without requiring manual configuration or user intervention. The NFC communication protocol automatically establishes connections, performs player authentication, and enables content downloads through the peer-to-peer network, eliminating the need for operators to manually configure connections while maintaining ease of use for players

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical connection establishment processes with automated NFC-based wireless communication. Instead of requiring physical connection setup or manual configuration, the system uses near field communication to automatically establish peer-to-peer connections, transmit identification data, and facilitate authentication and content delivery without human intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If manual configuration is required for player authentication, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time and productivity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection configuration complexityVSAvoidauthentication time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures NFC communication capabilities and authentication protocols within the wagering game machines and mobile devices before actual use. When a player approaches the machine, the system automatically initiates connection establishment, exchanges identification data, and performs authentication without requiring manual configuration steps, thereby reducing both device complexity and authentication time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The authentication system operates autonomously by automatically detecting player presence, establishing NFC connections, exchanging identification data, and verifying player credentials without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach eliminates time-consuming manual configuration while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automatic NFC connection is implemented, then productivity and entertainment value are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer authentication speedVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC communication module serves multiple functions including player authentication, content delivery, machine identification, and peer-to-peer connection establishment. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional communication system, the patent improves productivity and entertainment value while managing manufacturing complexity through a unified technological platform rather than multiple separate systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes changes in communication parameters and protocols to adapt to different operational requirements. The NFC module can dynamically adjust communication modes, data transmission parameters, and connection configurations based on the specific task at hand, enabling high-speed authentication and content delivery while using standardized manufacturing processes for the underlying hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If manual intervention is required for content download, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontent delivery configurationVSAvoidcontent download time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The content delivery system automatically identifies players through NFC communication, retrieves their preferred content from the content delivery network, and initiates downloads without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the entire content delivery process including connection establishment, data retrieval, and transfer completion, thereby eliminating time loss while maintaining manageable device complexity through automated protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9153095B2Near field communications in wagering game environments
Publication Date: 2015.10.06 LNW GAMING INC
  • US9153095B2 patent drawing
  • US9153095B2 patent drawing
  • US9153095B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method includes establishing a Near Field Communication (NFC) between a wagering game machine and a mobile device, without a manual configuration and a manual intervention. The method includes receiving, into the wagering game machine, player identification data from the mobile device through the Near Field Communication. The method includes authenticating the player identification data, wherein the authenticating is at least part of a player login into a wagering game account.