Physical Token Reward Distribution System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rewards in gaming systems are often shared freely among players, making them less valuable and preventing game developers from using them to drive specific behaviors, such as visits to physical locations or participation in events.
Innovation Solution
A system that requires players to physically visit designated locations with a token, which is read by a reader module connected to gaming system components, to obtain rewards, ensuring that rewards are not freely sharable and are tied to specific interactions with the physical and virtual worlds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rewards are distributed through manual entry codes, then players can easily access rewards, but rewards can be freely shared and spread among players
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a physical token as an intermediary carrier between the reward system and the player. The token contains encoded reward information and must be physically presented at a redemption location, preventing direct sharing of reward codes while maintaining easy access for legitimate players who possess the token.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual entry system (typing codes) with a physical token presentation system. The token is read by a scanner or reader device, eliminating the need for manual input and preventing players from sharing reward information through communication channels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rewards are shared freely among players, then more players can access rewards, but the value and effectiveness of rewards diminish
Solution Approach 1:
The physical token serves as a controlled intermediary that allows reward distribution to multiple players while maintaining exclusivity. Each token is unique and can only be redeemed once at a physical location, preventing unlimited sharing while enabling controlled distribution to multiple legitimate recipients.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a physical dimension to reward distribution by requiring players to visit physical locations to redeem tokens. This spatial and temporal constraint prevents online sharing and ensures that rewards maintain their value by requiring physical presence for redemption.
3Productivity
If rewards are tied to physical locations, then players are incentivized to visit specific locations, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The physical token serves multiple functions: it stores reward information, acts as a physical carrier that prevents sharing, enables tracking of reward distribution, and serves as the interface between the digital reward system and the physical world. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex components.
4Device complexity
If manual entry codes are used, then reward distribution is simple, but rewards can be easily disseminated through communication channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vulnerable manual entry system with a physical token presentation system. The token must be physically scanned or read at a redemption location, eliminating the ability to share rewards through voice, text, or other communication channels while maintaining simple distribution through physical token handout.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention broadly contemplate a location based rewards distribution system. Various embodiments of the invention provide rewards, for example video game unlock codes, based on a user physically visiting a specific physical location.