PoE Switch Powers Wagering Game Peripherals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wagering game machines often require external power sources for their central processing units (CPU) and peripheral devices, limiting the functionality of these devices when the internal power supply is not plugged in, as some peripherals need to operate independently of the CPU's power.

Innovation Solution

Implementing Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology, which allows data and power to be transmitted over Ethernet connections, enabling PoE devices within the gaming machines to function even when the machine is not plugged into a wall socket, using a PoE connection point that receives power from an external source and transmits it to PoE devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate power supplies are used for each peripheral device, then device functionality is ensured, but cabinet size increases and working space decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidcabinet size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple power supply functions into a single centralized power supply unit. Instead of having separate power supplies for each peripheral device, the system uses one power supply that can serve multiple devices through a network, thereby reducing the overall cabinet size while maintaining device functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The centralized power supply is designed to be universal, capable of powering different types of peripheral devices (bill validators, card readers, displays, etc.) through a common interface. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for device-specific power supplies, reducing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If multiple separate power supplies and cabling are installed for each device, then power delivery is ensured, but the number of components increases and working space decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower deliveryVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple power delivery paths into a single network-based power delivery system. Instead of having separate power cables and power supplies for each device, the system combines power delivery through the existing network infrastructure, significantly reducing the number of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a power management controller as an intermediary that handles power distribution over the network. This controller manages power delivery to multiple devices through the Ethernet network, eliminating the need for separate power supplies at each device while ensuring reliable power delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the internal power supply is not plugged in, then the CPU and most peripherals cannot operate, but some peripherals need to function independently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent peripheral operationVSAvoidoperational capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a PoE switch as an intermediary power source that can independently power specific peripherals through the network infrastructure. This allows peripherals to receive power directly from the network switch, enabling them to function even when the main internal power supply is not connected to the wall socket.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the power supply architecture, separating the main CPU power supply from peripheral device power supplies. Peripherals can be powered independently through PoE connections, allowing them to operate autonomously from the main system power state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution allows for the operation of wagering game machine peripherals without separate power supplies and cabling, reducing cabinet size, increasing working space, and enabling more devices, while ensuring continuous functionality even when the machine is not connected to a power source.

Implementation Method 1

Implementing Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology, which allows data and power to be transmitted over Ethernet connections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower-over-Ethernet (PoE):

Data Source

PatentUS8924525B2Powering devices in wagering game machines

Publication Date: 2014.12.30 LNW GAMING INC

AI summary

Method, apparatus, and system of powering gaming machine devices over an Ethernet connection. A Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) connection point communicates with and powers a PoE device performing operations for a wagering game presented on the gaming machine. The PoE connection point and PoE device are powered by a different power source than the gaming machine and continue operating and communicating after the gaming machine power source fails.