Remote Gaming Machine Control via Video Streaming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Virtual online gaming machines lack the regulatory oversight and reliability of physical casino games, leading to user distrust and a diminished gaming experience due to lower quality and less engaging gameplay compared to actual casino machines.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that enables remote operation of physical gaming machines by streaming video footage and user interactions to client stations, allowing users to play and interact with actual casino machines from a distance, while maintaining the reliability and authenticity of the gaming experience through external circuitry and precise control mapping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If virtual online gaming machines are used, then accessibility and convenience are improved, but reliability and user trust deteriorate due to lack of regulatory oversight

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoiduser trust
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual copy of the physical gaming machine experience by streaming video footage from cameras positioned at the gaming table, allowing remote players to view the game action in real-time. This copying approach maintains the authenticity and regulatory compliance of physical machines while providing online accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary layer consisting of cameras, video streaming infrastructure, and control mapping software that bridges the physical gaming machine and the remote user interface. This intermediary enables trustless remote participation by providing visual verification of game integrity without requiring the user to be physically present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If physical gaming machines are used, then reliability and regulatory compliance are improved, but accessibility and remote access capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidremote access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a virtual copy of the physical gaming machine experience by streaming video footage from cameras positioned at the gaming table, allowing remote players to view the game action in real-time. This copying approach maintains the authenticity and regulatory compliance of physical machines while providing online accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical requirement of physical presence at the gaming machine with electronic/video-based interaction. Remote users control the gaming machine through digital interfaces that map to physical controls, substituting the need for direct mechanical interaction with electronic control signals transmitted over networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If video streaming and control mapping systems are implemented, then remote access capability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote access capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a universal architecture where a single camera system and video streaming infrastructure can support multiple gaming tables and games. The control mapping software is designed to work across different game types and machine configurations, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each game variant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary layer consisting of cameras, video streaming infrastructure, and control mapping software that bridges the physical gaming machine and the remote user interface. This intermediary enables trustless remote participation by providing visual verification of game integrity without requiring the user to be physically present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If cameras and video streaming are used, then user experience and engagement are improved, but resource consumption and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoidresource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a universal architecture where a single camera system and video streaming infrastructure can support multiple gaming tables and games. The control mapping software is designed to work across different game types and machine configurations, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each game variant.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3068505B1A gaming system and method
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 SOFTWEAVE
  • EP3068505B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3068505B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3068505B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Gaming system and method for online gaming on at least one gaming machine. The method includes providing and streaming a video of the gaming machine, which is to be remotely played by a user, displaying the video at a client station of the user, receiving from the client station input data including data indicative of the user's interaction with controls of the gaming machine which appearing in the video, and activating the gaming machine based on the input data. In certain embodiment of the invention the input data is indicative of one or more regions of the video at which controls of the gaming machine appear and with which the user interacted. Accordingly the activation of the gaming machine based on that input data is based on mapping data associating regions of the video with controls of the gaming machine which appearing at these regions of the video, and includes processing the input data by using the mapping data to thereby map the one or more regions of the video with which the user had interacted to respective controls of the gaming machine that appear in those regions. Accordingly operational instructions are determined for operating the gaming machine based on the user interactions with the regions of the video at which controls of the gaming machine appear.