Cashless Voucher Redemption via Progressive Prize Pooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gaming establishments face inefficiencies and resource burdens when handling low-value cashless ticket vouchers and credit meter balances below minimum wager amounts, leading to frustrating and resource-intensive redemption processes for users and establishments.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows users to exchange low-value cashless ticket vouchers and credit meter balances for chances to win progressive awards, bypassing the issuance of low-value cash and optimizing resource allocation by converting funds into opportunities for prizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the system redems low-value cashless ticket vouchers as cash, then users receive their funds, but the gaming establishment incurs resource burden and operational inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser redemption processVSAvoidredemption system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously harmful low-value voucher redemptions (which burdened establishments with operational inefficiency) into beneficial prize opportunity contributions. By offering users the choice to contribute low-value vouchers to progressive prize pools instead of receiving cash, the system transforms a resource drain into a win-win: users gain exciting prize chances while establishments eliminate operational burdens and gain additional marketing engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the redemption parameter from cash dispensing to prize opportunity allocation. Instead of a fixed cash payout model, the system introduces a variable prize pool mechanism where low-value vouchers are converted into contributions for progressive awards. This parameter change allows the system to maintain user satisfaction while eliminating the operational inefficiencies of handling numerous low-value cash transactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the system processes many low-value voucher redemptions, then users can cash out their balances, but the establishment experiences resource-intensive operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveredemption processing efficiencyVSAvoidoperational resources consumed

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple low-value redemption operations into a single consolidated prize pool contribution. Instead of processing numerous individual cash dispensing transactions, the system combines these into one pooled contribution that funds progressive prizes. This merging dramatically improves productivity by reducing the number of operational transactions while maintaining the total value distributed to users through prize opportunities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the previously harmful resource-intensive redemption process into a beneficial prize funding mechanism. By offering users the option to contribute to progressive prizes instead of receiving cash, the system transforms a resource drain into a win-win: users gain exciting prize chances while establishments eliminate operational burdens and gain additional marketing engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If the system issues low-value cash to users, then users receive their winnings, but the establishment creates operational inefficiency and user frustration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecash dispensing processVSAvoidoperational inefficiency and user frustration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces progressive prize opportunities as an intermediary between the user's low-value voucher balance and the establishment's operational system. Instead of directly dispensing cash (which created operational inefficiency), the system uses prize opportunities as a mediating mechanism that maintains user satisfaction while eliminating the harmful operational effects of cash handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the system maintains traditional cash redemption processes, then users can cash out balances, but the establishment faces increased operational complexity and resource consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveredemption process reliabilityVSAvoidredemption system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to self-determine their preferred redemption method by presenting them with the option to contribute to progressive prizes. This self-service approach allows users to actively choose the option that benefits them most, while the system automatically processes their selection without requiring complex cash handling infrastructure, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260024409A1Cashless ticket voucher redemption prize opportunities

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Systems and methods that enable one or more opportunities to win a prize based on an amount of pool funded via the redemption of cashless ticket vouchers.