Slot Machine Configuration System for Dynamic Revenue Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current slot machine configuration changes require manual intervention, limiting the ability of casinos to efficiently adjust settings such as paytables, denominations, and reel configurations to maximize revenue, especially during busy times when higher-value players are unable to play due to fixed machine supply.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically or manually updates slot machine configurations by analyzing usage data from multiple machines, determining optimal settings, and implementing changes, such as increasing minimum denominations or adjusting paytables, to optimize revenue generation based on current and predicted casino conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual intervention is used to change slot machine models, then configuration changes can be made, but the process requires manual labor and cannot efficiently adjust settings during busy times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated model configurationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by automatically monitoring casino floor conditions, player queue status, and machine availability, then autonomously determining and implementing optimal model configurations without requiring manual intervention from slot managers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of physically changing EPROMs and configuring machines with an automated electronic system that remotely transmits configuration data to machines, eliminating the need for physical intervention

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

2Productivity

If the number of slot machines is increased to serve more players, then player access improves, but the cost and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverevenue generation capacityVSAvoidnumber of machines
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts machine configurations based on real-time casino floor conditions, player queue lengths, and machine availability, allowing existing machines to adapt their payout structures and attract different player segments rather than requiring static increases in machine quantity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters of existing machines (payout percentages, denominations, bonus structures) to optimize revenue generation during different time periods and conditions, effectively increasing productivity without adding physical machines

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If slot machine configurations are changed frequently to optimize revenue, then revenue potential increases, but manual adjustment time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverevenue optimizationVSAvoidconfiguration adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of casino conditions, player behavior patterns, and machine performance data to pre-determine optimal configuration changes, implementing them proactively before revenue opportunities are lost rather than reacting after the fact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous feedback loops where machine performance data and casino floor conditions are monitored in real-time, and configuration adjustments are automatically made based on this feedback to maintain optimal revenue generation without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7686688B2Method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to determine and/or update slot machine configurations using historical, and/or current, and/or predicted future data
Publication Date: 2010.03.30 OLYMPIAN GAMING LLC
  • US7686688B2 patent drawing
  • US7686688B2 patent drawing
  • US7686688B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus, method, and computer readable storage for automatically deciding slot machine configuration changes. Slot machine usage is electronically monitored and ideal settings are determined from the usage. Slot machines can then be updated electronically according to the ideal settings, either automatically or upon operator approval.