Portable Gaming Controller Wireless Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming machines restrict player flexibility due to integrated user input components, which can be uncomfortable for players with disabilities or those with back and shoulder issues, limiting their position and interaction methods.
Innovation Solution
A system and method allowing a portable computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to establish a wireless communication link with a gaming machine, enabling the device to control game inputs, using a randomly generated associating link code for security and various wireless protocols like NFC, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, allowing players to interact with games from different positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If integrated user input components are used in gaming machines, then the machine can provide dedicated control functionality, but the player's positional flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the user input functionality from the physical gaming machine and relocates it to a portable computing device. The portable device runs a controller application that communicates wirelessly with the gaming machine, allowing players to operate the machine from any position within wireless range rather than being confined to the machine's immediate vicinity
Solution Approach 2:
The gaming machine is designed to accept control inputs from multiple sources: traditional integrated physical components and remote portable computing devices. This multi-functionality allows the system to serve both traditional in-person players and those who need remote positioning flexibility, without requiring separate dedicated systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If integrated user input components are used, then direct control is achieved, but accessibility for players with disabilities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multiple interaction modalities through the portable controller application, including touch screen interfaces, motion sensing controls, and adaptive input methods. Players with disabilities can select interaction methods that accommodate their specific needs, such as using motion gestures instead of physical button pressing for players with hand dexterity issues
Solution Approach 2:
The controller application can dynamically adapt its interface based on the player's needs and preferences. Settings can be adjusted in real-time to modify response thresholds, input sensitivity, and display configurations, allowing players with various disabilities to optimize the control system for their specific requirements
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication links are established between portable devices and gaming machines, then player flexibility is improved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an associating link code as an intermediary authentication mechanism between the portable device and gaming machine. This code, displayed on the gaming machine and entered into the portable device, serves as a secure handshake that verifies the legitimacy of the connection request, preventing unauthorized devices from hijacking control
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the gaming machine provides visual confirmation (through displayed codes and status indicators) to the player about the connection status. This allows the player to verify that their portable device has successfully and securely paired with the intended gaming machine, preventing unauthorized access
Data Source
AI summary
An application enabling a player to utilize a portable computing device, such as a Smartphone, to function as a game controller for a gaming machine. The user would receive and return an associating link code to initiate a communication link between the gaming machine and the portable computing device by way of tapping, manually entering the code, or scanning an image of the code. The portable computing device enables manual user input or use of motion controllers for controlling skill based games in a casino environment. The application can receive a configuration from the gaming machine to replicate or mimic the controls and the gaming images, thus enabling the player to play the game at a short distance from the machine. The gaming machine can suspend play or terminate play when the portable computing device becomes distant or disconnected from the gaming machine.