Virtual Gaming Zone Configuration Without Physical Reconfiguration

Solution Overview

Problem

Casinos face challenges in providing flexible and convenient ways to offer bonus awards and special game features to players, as existing methods require physical reconfiguration of gaming devices and interrupt player activities, and mobile gaming devices have location-dependent eligibility restrictions.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable gaming zone system that dynamically adjusts eligible participants and zones using a zone controller, location tracker, and configuration database to enable flexible gaming activities across fixed and mobile devices, allowing for random or predefined zone configurations and participant selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If physical reconfiguration of gaming devices is used to offer bonus awards and special game features, then player engagement is improved, but setup time increases and player activities are interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in offering bonus awardsVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical reconfiguration of gaming devices with a software-based zone system. The zone controller dynamically defines gaming zones using software parameters (location, size, eligibility criteria) rather than physically reconfiguring devices. This allows bonus awards and special features to be offered through virtual zone boundaries that can be changed instantly without physical intervention or player relocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic zone configuration where the gaming zone parameters (location, size, eligible devices) can be changed in real-time during gameplay. The zone controller continuously monitors player locations and device statuses, allowing the zone to adapt dynamically to current gaming conditions without requiring physical reconfiguration or interrupting player activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical reconfiguration of gaming devices is used to offer bonus awards and special game features, then player engagement is improved, but player convenience deteriorates due to required physical relocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in offering bonus awardsVSAvoidplayer convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical reconfiguration of gaming devices with a software-based zone system. The zone controller dynamically defines gaming zones using software parameters (location, size, eligibility criteria) rather than physically reconfiguring devices. This allows bonus awards and special features to be offered through virtual zone boundaries that can be changed instantly without physical intervention or player relocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the gaming zone concept that can be instantiated anywhere in the gaming environment. Instead of moving physical devices or players to different locations, the system creates virtual zone representations that can be deployed at any location, allowing players to access bonus features from their current positions without physical relocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If mobile gaming devices are used to expand gaming locations, then player accessibility is improved, but location-dependent eligibility restrictions are imposed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegaming location flexibilityVSAvoidlocation-dependent eligibility restrictions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical reconfiguration of gaming devices with a software-based zone system. The zone controller dynamically defines gaming zones using software parameters (location, size, eligibility criteria) rather than physically reconfiguring devices. This allows bonus awards and special features to be offered through virtual zone boundaries that can be changed instantly without physical intervention or player relocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12387558B2Configurable virtual gaming zone

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 ARISTOCRAT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

In one embodiment, zone-based gaming activity within a gaming establishment can be configured. The method can, for example, include: setting a location within the gaming establishment for the zone-based gaming activity, the location being at least one defined region within the gaming establishment; configuring a virtual gaming zone for the location within the gaming establishment for the zone-based gaming activity; identifying one or more gaming devices that are within the virtual gaming zone; and permitting the identified one or more gaming devices that are within the virtual gaming zone to participate in the zone-based gaming activity.