Remote EGM Control With Concurrent Wager and Tournament Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gaming systems face limitations in machine utility and player throughput due to dedicated modes (wager-based or tournament) that require machine reconfiguration, leading to underutilization and disjointed player engagement, with remote access suffering from latency and suboptimal user experiences.
Innovation Solution
A server system manages concurrent wager-based and tournament gameplay on a physical electronic gaming machine, enabling simultaneous display and processing of both modes with a multi-threaded architecture, and provides a hybrid graphical user interface for remote interaction with optimized video streaming and interactive overlays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a machine is dedicated to either wager-based play or tournament play, then the machine can provide specialized gaming experience, but the machine utility and player throughput are reduced due to underutilization during mode transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming machine is designed to support multiple game modes (wager-based play, tournament play, and hybrid mode) within a single device. The system can dynamically switch between modes and even run multiple modes simultaneously through separate display areas, making the machine versatile and reducing underutilization during mode transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The machine implements dynamic mode switching capability where the game mode can change during operation. The hybrid mode allows the machine to adaptively allocate resources between wager-based and tournament gameplay based on player preferences and casino operations, maximizing utilization throughout the day
2Ease of operation
If players are forced to choose one mode of play over the other, then the machine operation is simplified, but player engagement is disrupted and playtime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges wager-based play and tournament play into a single hybrid mode where both game types operate simultaneously on the same machine. Players can access both modes without interruption, maintaining continuous engagement and eliminating the need to switch machines or wait for mode transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a temporal dimension to mode availability by allowing overlapping game modes. Instead of sequential mode switching (one mode at a time), the system enables concurrent operation of multiple modes through separate display areas, giving players additional dimensions of choice without disrupting gameplay continuity
3Reliability
If dedicated tournament machines are used, then tournament play can be provided, but casino floor assets are underutilized when tournaments are not active
Solution Approach 1:
Standard wager-based gaming machines are enhanced to include tournament play capability, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tournament machines. The same machine assets can serve both wager-based and tournament functions, ensuring consistent utilization regardless of tournament schedule
Solution Approach 2:
The gaming machine automatically manages mode transitions and resource allocation between wager-based and tournament play without requiring external reconfiguration. The system self-adapts to provide tournament capability on demand while maintaining wager-based functionality, maximizing asset utilization throughout operating hours
4Ease of operation
If remote control systems stream full video of EGM display, then remote access is provided, but network bandwidth is consumed and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential interactive elements and game state data from the full game display for transmission to remote devices. Instead of streaming the complete high-resolution video feed, only critical information and control signals are transmitted, significantly reducing bandwidth consumption and latency while maintaining full interactivity
Data Source
AI summary
A Local and Remote Wager-Based & Tournament Gaming Platform (“Nebula”), provides a novel remote control and content streaming architecture, enabling remote player interaction with physical Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) or Electronic Table Game Terminals (ETGTs). A first server system generates a hybrid graphical user interface, combining live EGM/ETGT video with interactive overlays for remote control. This system employs predictive input processing and multi-point validation for latency mitigation during remote gameplay. The platform uniquely supports concurrent wager-based and tournament gameplay on a single EGM/ETGT, accessible remotely and facilitated by the first server system. Furthermore, the first server system dynamically manages system resources and multi-jurisdictional regulatory compliance, ensuring a seamless and compliant remote gaming experience on physical casino assets.