Tournament Gaming System On-Demand Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tournament systems in casinos require dedicated space, specific configuration of gaming machines, and manual administration, limiting accessibility and increasing costs due to the need for a separate area, dedicated machines, and limited tournament duration.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system that allows concurrent play of base games and on-demand tournament games across various gaming machines, managed by a tournament server, enabling players to initiate tournaments without leaving their machines, with no requirement for machine reconfiguration or dedicated space, and allowing continuous play over a broad area with diverse machine types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated gaming machines are selected and specially configured for tournaments, then tournament fairness and reliability are improved, but device complexity and loss of time for configuration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes standard casino gaming machines universal by enabling them to function both as regular gaming devices and as tournament participation devices. The tournament module can be software-loaded onto any standard machine, eliminating the need for dedicated tournament machines while maintaining fairness through centralized control of tournament parameters across all participating machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of standard gaming machines temporarily during tournaments by loading specific tournament configuration software that modifies game speed, betting limits, and scoring parameters. These parameter changes are reversible and do not permanently alter the machine configuration, thus maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity requirements.
2Reliability
If gaming machines are re-configured for tournament play, then tournament control and reliability are improved, but loss of time for setup and certification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring tournament parameters and software modules that can be quickly deployed to standard machines. The tournament control system prepares all necessary configurations in advance, allowing rapid deployment to participating machines without extensive on-site setup or recertification, thus maintaining reliability while reducing setup time.
3Reliability
If gaming machines are dedicated to tournament use, then tournament reliability is improved, but adaptability and productivity of the gaming system decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing gaming machines to dynamically switch between regular gaming mode and tournament mode. Machines are not permanently dedicated but can be assigned to tournaments temporarily, then return to regular service. This dynamic allocation maintains tournament reliability through controlled assignment while preserving system adaptability and machine versatility.
4Reliability
If a separate area is dedicated for tournaments, then tournament control and reliability are improved, but area requirements and loss of space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the entire casino floor universal by allowing any location with standard gaming machines to host tournaments. The centralized tournament server coordinates machines distributed throughout the casino, eliminating the need for a dedicated tournament room while maintaining reliability through electronic control and monitoring of all participating machines regardless of physical location.
5Reliability
If tournament administrators manually collect fees and monitor play, then tournament control is improved, but labor costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling automated tournament management where the tournament server automatically collects entry fees, tracks player participation, monitors game play, and determines winners. This automated system eliminates the need for manual administrator intervention while maintaining reliable oversight, thus reducing both labor costs and administrative complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the tournament server continuously receives data from participating gaming machines regarding play status, scores, and anomalies. This automated feedback loop provides real-time tournament oversight without requiring manual monitoring, maintaining reliability while reducing administrative complexity through systematic data collection and analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are directed to gaming systems, gaming devices, and methods for presenting tournament games. Accordingly, one method includes: incrementing tournament entry points based on a predetermined percentage of a player's wager for base game play; presenting the player with two or more tournament games for play, wherein the player selects multiple tournament games from the two or more tournament games for immediate initiation of tournament game play on demand, and wherein the tournament games are separate from the base game; and initiating the tournament games, using a processor, selected by the player on a secondary display of the gaming device, the secondary display using an embedded processor that is separate and distinct from a main processor of the gaming device.