Electronic Gaming Machine Lottery Display via Secondary Processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic gaming machines have high operating costs due to maintenance requirements, labor costs, and downtime, while features like bill validators and loyalty programs increase player satisfaction but add costs, necessitating a balance between cost reduction and player convenience.
Innovation Solution
Implement a secondary processor with a picture-in-picture interface on gaming devices to provide lottery ticket purchasing and playing, using a wireless communication interface via a radio candle mount, allowing retrofitting without modifying existing game software, and integrating peripheral devices for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If maintenance operations are performed on electronic gaming machines, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to machine downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting maintenance needs and ordering parts before the machine actually fails or requires manual intervention. This allows maintenance to be prepared in advance, reducing actual downtime when maintenance is performed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically monitoring machine status, detecting maintenance requirements, and initiating repair processes without requiring constant human intervention. The machine essentially services itself by triggering maintenance protocols when needed.
2Loss of energy
If labor costs for maintenance are reduced, then operating costs decrease, but reliability may worsen due to less frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring machine status through sensors and diagnostic tools. This real-time feedback allows the system to identify when maintenance is actually needed, enabling maintenance to be performed only when necessary rather than on fixed schedules, thus reducing unnecessary labor costs while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated monitoring and diagnostic system allows the machine to essentially monitor and report its own maintenance needs, reducing the need for continuous human oversight and manual inspection while ensuring maintenance is performed when actually required.
3Ease of operation
If additional features like bill validators and loyalty programs are added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies universality by using a single integrated platform that can accommodate multiple features and functions. The electronic gaming machine is designed with universal interfaces and modular components that can support various game types, payment methods, and loyalty program integrations without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If lottery ticket purchasing interface is added to gaming devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming device uses its existing universal interface and display systems to provide lottery ticket purchasing capabilities. The same screen and input mechanisms used for gaming are leveraged to provide lottery services, allowing the device to adapt to multiple functions without adding separate dedicated hardware for each service.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary approach by implementing software-based interfaces and communication protocols that allow the gaming device to interact with lottery systems through existing communication infrastructure, rather than requiring direct integrated hardware connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus are described which are used to provide enhanced functionality on gaming devices associated with the play of wager-based games. A secondary processor, separate from a game controller on the gaming device, can be used to provide the enhanced functionality. In one embodiment, the secondary processor can be used to control a display interface on a video display, such as a video display used to play a wager-based game on the gaming device. The display interface can be used to purchase items, such as a lottery ticket, under control of the secondary processor. After purchase, the lottery ticket can be dispensed from the gaming device using a printer. After the lottery ticket is dispensed, it can be reinserted into the gaming device and validated. If any winnings are associated with the lottery ticket, it can be credited to the electronic gaming machine.