Central Server Gaming System Dynamic Tournament Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming tournament systems require extensive setup and breakdown, are inflexible in scheduling, and lack effective marketing tools, leading to underutilization of gaming machines and intimidation of players due to announcers, resulting in reduced player participation and wasted space.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system with a central server that can switch gaming machines between non-tournament and tournament modes, allowing for flexible scheduling and player participation, and provides effective marketing and communication of tournament information to players.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gaming machines are dedicated for tournament play, then tournament functionality is ensured, but floor space utilization deteriorates and machine idle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming machine is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in tournament mode and non-tournament mode. The central controller enables the same physical machine to be dynamically allocated between different uses, making the machine universal rather than dedicated to a single function. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the machine to serve tournament purposes when needed while remaining available for regular gaming otherwise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches gaming machines between tournament mode and non-tournament mode based on real-time needs. Rather than static dedication, the allocation is flexible and changeable, allowing machines to transition between states. This dynamic approach ensures tournament functionality when required while maximizing utilization during non-tournament periods.
2Ease of manufacture
If gaming machines are taken out of service for tournament setup, then tournament configuration is achieved, but machine idle time increases and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration through automated software deployment from the central controller. Rather than requiring manual setup by workers, the machines automatically receive and implement tournament configurations, eliminating the need for physical intervention and reducing both idle time and labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical setup procedures are replaced with electronic/software-based configuration. The central controller transmits configuration data electronically to the gaming machines, which then automatically apply the settings. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual processes while achieving the same tournament configuration goal.
3Ease of operation
If tournament area is roped off, then tournament environment is created, but player accessibility deteriorates and marketing effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The physical barrier (ropes) that created the tournament area is removed. Instead of isolating machines in a separate area, the system allows tournament play to occur at any gaming machine throughout the casino floor. This extraction of the physical boundary maintains the tournament environment through software while improving accessibility and visibility for all players.
4Reliability
If extensive setup and breakdown is performed, then tournament functionality is ensured, but labor costs increase and machine idle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Complex manual setup and breakdown procedures are replaced with automated electronic configuration. The central controller handles all setup tasks through software deployment, and teardown is achieved by simply switching modes. This substitution dramatically reduces both the complexity of the process and the resources required while maintaining reliable tournament functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming system includes a central server or controller operable to communicate a plurality of different commands to a plurality of gaming machines to provide non-tournament game play and to provide tournament game play on the same gaming machines.