Relay-Based Machine Usage Tracking for Free Play Auditing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pool tables lack efficient tracking mechanisms for free play periods, game usage, and payment auditing, leading to revenue losses and increased maintenance costs due to mismanagement of free play times and uncontrolled game usage during league play. Additionally, existing systems face challenges in tracking employee activities at ATMs, particularly during power outages.
Innovation Solution
A tracking apparatus and method that includes an electric relay connected to an operation assembly, a tracking device, and an electronic payment device, which transfers electrical pulses to track machine usage, such as pool games, and manage free play periods, ensuring accurate revenue tracking and reducing maintenance costs by controlling access and usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If free play mode is enabled without tracking mechanisms, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of revenue increases due to untracked game usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically tracks game usage, free play duration, and payment events without requiring manual intervention. The relay board continuously monitors machine operations and communicates with the tracking device, enabling the system to self-report usage data and self-audit revenue, eliminating the need for manual tracking while preventing revenue loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the relay board monitors game usage in real-time, the tracking device records free play periods and payment events, and the data is communicated back to operators for auditing and control. This feedback mechanism ensures that free play is properly tracked and revenue is not lost
2Ease of operation
If side door is removed for free play access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to uncontrolled access and extended free play times
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical side door access control with an electronic tracking and monitoring system. Instead of relying on physical door removal and manual tracking, the relay board electronically monitors when the machine is activated during free play periods, automatically recording usage data and ensuring that free play is properly controlled and accounted for
Solution Approach 2:
The relay board acts as an intermediary between the machine's operation assembly and the tracking device. It monitors the electrical signals from the operation assembly and translates them into trackable events, providing a reliable electronic record of game usage during free play periods without requiring physical access control mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If conventional tracking systems are used, then measurement of usage is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The relay board is designed as a universal interface that can track multiple types of events (game usage, free play periods, payment events) through a single device. It connects to the operation assembly and communicates with the tracking device, serving multiple tracking functions simultaneously without requiring separate specialized components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the tracking functionality with the existing machine operation assembly by using the relay board to monitor electrical signals already present in the machine. Instead of adding separate sensors and tracking components, the system combines the monitoring function with the existing operational electronics, reducing overall device complexity
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
The solution effectively tracks machine usage, manages free play periods, and audits revenue, reducing operational costs and enhancing revenue recovery by providing precise data on game usage and employee activities, thereby improving operational efficiency and security.
Implementation Method 1
The electric relay is configured to transfer a first electrical pulse from the operation assembly to the tracking device
Implementation Method 2
The electric relay is configured to transfer a second electrical pulse from either the electronic payment device or the operation assembly to the tracking device
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking apparatus for a machine having an operation assembly is disclosed. The tracking apparatus has an electric relay configured to be connected to the operation assembly, a tracking device that is connected to the electric relay, and an electronic payment device that is connected to the electric relay. The electric relay is configured to transfer a first electrical pulse from the operation assembly to the tracking device. The electric relay is configured to transfer a second electrical pulse from either the electronic payment device or the operation assembly to the tracking device. The relay transfers the first electrical pulse or the second electrical pulse when the operation assembly performs an operation.