Auditing Stand-Alone Progressive Jackpots via Remote Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for stand-alone progressive jackpots in gaming machines lack centralized reporting, leading to manual, labor-intensive, and error-prone reconciliation processes, which are time-consuming and prone to data loss, especially in large casino environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for auditing and reconciling stand-alone progressive jackpots using a remote SAP server with wireless communication capabilities, allowing for efficient data collection and synchronization of progressive jackpot values across multiple machines, with a mobile application for technicians to access and correct discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual meter reading and reconciliation is used for stand-alone progressives, then no centralized reporting system is needed, but the process becomes labor-intensive, time-consuming, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of reading meters and writing down values with an automated electronic system. The SAP server automatically collects data from local controllers via wireless communication, eliminating the need for technicians to manually read meters and write values in logbooks, thereby dramatically improving reconciliation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized SAP server as an intermediary between the local progressive controllers and the auditing/reconciliation process. This server acts as a mediator that automatically collects, stores, and manages progressive jackpot data from multiple machines, replacing the need for manual data gathering and reconciliation
2Reliability
If manual meter reading is performed, then no additional hardware is required, but data loss risk increases due to lost logbooks and human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a centralized digital copy of the progressive jackpot data that exists in the local controllers. The SAP server maintains a replicated version of the progressive values and transaction data, providing a backup that prevents data loss even if local controllers fail or are tampered with
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the SAP server continuously monitors and compares data from multiple local controllers. The system automatically detects discrepancies between the central server's recorded values and the actual progressive values, alerting operators to potential errors or tampering
3Loss of time
If centralized reporting is implemented with SAP server, then reconciliation accuracy improves, but system complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the SAP server to handle multiple functions: collecting data from various local controllers, storing progressive jackpot information, performing reconciliation, and generating reports. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems, reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The SAP server acts as a communication intermediary that uses standardized wireless protocols to interface with diverse local controllers from different manufacturers. This mediator approach simplifies integration by providing a universal communication layer that handles the complexity of interfacing with multiple proprietary systems
4Measurement precision
If technicians manually reconcile progressives, then no automated verification is available, but labor costs and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback loops where the SAP server continuously compares the recorded progressive values with the actual values from local controllers. The system automatically generates reconciliation reports and alerts operators to any discrepancies, eliminating manual verification and dramatically improving accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service auditing where the SAP server automatically performs the reconciliation process without requiring technician intervention. The server independently collects data, compares values, detects errors, and generates reports, freeing technicians from manual reconciliation tasks while improving accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
In a casino environment including one or more gaming machines each operating one or more standalone progressive (SAP) jackpots defined by local SAP controllers, a system is set forth whereby the SAP jackpot information is additionally determined at a backend system. To synch the system and local controller determined values a mobile device is configured to display the system derived values which can be adjusted at a user interface at the mobile device to match the local controller derived values.