Remote Gaming Session Synchronization via Near Field Communication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming machines lack the ability to seamlessly integrate with mobile devices for remote play due to the absence of ticket printers and bill acceptors, limiting player convenience and revenue potential, especially in smoking bans and inclement weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables remote gaming by synchronizing mobile devices with gaming machines using near-field communication, allowing players to continue playing games across platforms, manage funds, and locate gaming machines through mobile apps, while preventing unauthorized access and ensuring secure transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile devices are used for gaming, then player convenience and accessibility are improved, but the lack of ticket printers and bill acceptors creates operational limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a casino server and communication network that mediates between the mobile device and gaming machine infrastructure. The server handles transaction processing, fund management, and game state synchronization, enabling mobile devices to function as gaming terminals without physical peripherals like ticket printers or bill acceptors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables mobile devices to perform multiple functions including game playback, fund management, transaction processing, and communication with gaming machines. The gaming machine itself becomes multi-functional by supporting both local play and remote play modes, adapting to different operational contexts.
2Ease of operation
If gaming machines are operated outdoors to accommodate smoking areas, then player accessibility is improved, but the number of machines is limited by regulations and weather concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to gaming by enabling remote play from any location within the casino via mobile devices. Players can initiate games at outdoor smoking areas and continue playing from different locations, effectively expanding the functional gaming space without adding physical machines to restricted areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the gaming machine interface on the mobile device. The mobile device displays and processes the game, while the actual gaming machine remains in its designated location. This copying approach allows players to access games from outdoor areas without requiring physical machines in those locations.
3Reliability
If gaming machines are moved indoors to comply with smoking bans, then operational stability is improved, but revenue is reduced as players must leave to smoke
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous gaming sessions without interruption for smoking breaks. Players can transfer their game state to a mobile device, step away from the machine to smoke, and return to continue playing without losing progress or needing to cash out and restart. This maintains operational stability while preventing revenue loss from player interruptions.
4Ease of operation
If remote play is enabled on mobile devices, then player convenience is improved, but security and unauthorized access become concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms including confirmation dialogs before transferring games to mobile devices, authentication requirements for cashing out, and verification that the mobile device is authorized for the specific gaming machine. These feedback loops prevent unauthorized access while maintaining convenient remote play functionality.
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
Enables players to continue gaming sessions on mobile devices, enhances player convenience, increases revenue potential by allowing play in various locations, and maintains security and authorization for transactions.
Implementation Method 1
Associating or 'synching' the mobile device with the gaming machine may be facilitated by a short range high frequency wireless communication, such as a near field and/or Bluetooth or Broadband wireless communication links (collectively referred to herein as near field communications or simply 'near field')
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments directed to systems and methods that enable remote play of a game hosted by a gaming machine using a mobile device are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a network in communication with the gaming machine and the mobile device, and the network includes a first wireless access point located in a first area and a second wireless access point located in a second area of a venue. Also included is a remote gaming server in communication with the gaming machine and mobile device over the network. The remote gaming server enables remote play when the mobile device is connected to the second wireless access point and prevents remote play when the mobile device is connected to the first wireless access point.