Virtual Ticket Voucher Wireless Transmission for EGM Cash Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The labor costs associated with operating electronic gaming machines (EGMs) are high due to the need for frequent cash handling and reconciliation processes, which involve manual counting and transportation of cash and tickets, and require significant security measures to prevent theft and tampering.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system that uses portable electronic devices to store and transmit virtual ticket voucher information, allowing for wireless communication with EGMs to facilitate virtual ticket-in and ticket-out transactions, reducing the need for physical cash handling and enabling secure, electronic redemption and issuance of virtual ticket vouchers compatible with existing cashless systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical cash and ticket vouchers are used for transactions on EGMs, then the system is compatible with traditional gaming operations, but labor costs increase due to frequent cash handling and reconciliation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical ticket voucher system. Instead of using physical paper tickets that require manual handling, the system generates electronic ticket voucher representations stored on portable devices. These virtual tickets replicate all essential functions of physical tickets (value storage, transaction validation, redemption) without requiring physical manipulation, thereby eliminating labor-intensive cash handling while maintaining system compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cash handling system with an electronic data transmission system. Physical cash and paper tickets that require manual counting, transportation, and reconciliation are substituted with electronic signals transmitted wirelessly between EGMs and portable devices. This substitution eliminates the need for manual labor in cash handling operations while preserving the core gambling functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual cash handling and reconciliation processes are used, then traditional gaming operations can be maintained, but security risks increase due to potential theft and tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical ticket voucher system. Instead of using physical paper tickets that require manual handling, the system generates electronic ticket voucher representations stored on portable devices. These virtual tickets replicate all essential functions of physical tickets (value storage, transaction validation, redemption) without requiring physical manipulation, thereby eliminating labor-intensive cash handling while maintaining system compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cash handling system with an electronic data transmission system. Physical cash and paper tickets that require manual counting, transportation, and reconciliation are substituted with electronic signals transmitted wirelessly between EGMs and portable devices. This substitution eliminates the need for manual labor in cash handling operations while preserving the core gambling functionality.
3Measurement precision
If frequent cash removal and reconciliation is performed, then accurate financial tracking is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases due to time-consuming processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous electronic tracking of ticket voucher transactions. Instead of periodic manual cash removal and reconciliation, the system continuously records all transactions electronically as they occur. The EGM and portable device maintain ongoing communication, automatically updating transaction records in real-time. This continuous electronic monitoring preserves accurate financial tracking while eliminating the operational interruptions caused by frequent manual cash handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical ticket voucher system. Instead of using physical paper tickets that require manual handling, the system generates electronic ticket voucher representations stored on portable devices. These virtual tickets replicate all essential functions of physical tickets (value storage, transaction validation, redemption) without requiring physical manipulation, thereby eliminating labor-intensive cash handling while maintaining system compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The gaming system can include electronic gaming machines that are compatible to receive both virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that are redeemable for credits on the electronic gaming machines. Information associated with a virtual ticket voucher can be stored on a patron-controlled portable electronic device and then can be wireless transmitted to the electronic gaming machines. The electronic gaming machines can be configured to issue virtual ticket vouchers and printed ticket vouchers that can be redeemed for cash or additional game play on another electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment, the electronic gaming machine can be configured to issue a virtual ticket voucher to a patron-controlled portable electronic device.