Wagering Game Machine Multilateration Location Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems lack an effective method to accurately locate wagering game machines in two-dimensional and three-dimensional space, particularly for mobile machines, which is crucial for regulatory compliance and security purposes.

Innovation Solution

A multilateration positioning system that uses phase or time difference information from signals received from multiple transmitters to determine the location of wagering game machines, enabling precise positioning in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces through the intersection of hyperbolic lines of position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional location methods are used for wagering game machines, then the system complexity is low, but the location precision and reliability are insufficient for regulatory compliance and security requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces multilateration positioning systems and signal transmitters as intermediary components between the wagering game machines and the location tracking objective. These intermediaries enable precise location determination through mathematical calculation of signal arrival differences, achieving high measurement precision while keeping the gaming machine itself relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual location tracking methods with an electromagnetic signal-based multilateration system. By using phase or time difference information from electromagnetic signals received from multiple transmitters, the system achieves precise location determination without complex mechanical positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multilateration positioning system is implemented, then location precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulatory compliance reliabilityVSAvoidpositioning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the multilateration positioning system to serve multiple functions: regulatory compliance through accurate location tracking, security monitoring of mobile gaming machines, and adaptive game feature management. This multi-functionality justifies the system complexity by delivering comprehensive reliability across multiple operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional location tracking to three-dimensional positioning by incorporating vertical dimension measurements. This dimensional expansion enhances reliability for regulatory compliance and security purposes by providing complete spatial awareness of gaming machine locations, particularly important for mobile machines that may move between floors or levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If mobile wagering game machines are used, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but location tracking and security monitoring become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine mobilityVSAvoidlocation tracking accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous location tracking of mobile wagering game machines through persistent signal transmission and reception. The multilateration system continuously monitors phase or time differences of signals from multiple transmitters, ensuring uninterrupted location accuracy even as machines move dynamically throughout the gaming facility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where location data from the multilateration system is continuously fed back to control systems for real-time monitoring and management. This feedback enables immediate detection of machine movement, maintains accurate location records for regulatory compliance, and triggers appropriate security or operational responses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution allows for the precise tracking and location of wagering game machines, enabling regulatory compliance, adaptive game feature management, and enhanced security by determining the machine's location and orientation, thereby improving the gaming experience and asset protection.

Implementation Method 1

a multilateration process by which the location of a wagering game machine may be determined using phase or time difference information from signals received from a plurality of transmitters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase difference:

Implementation Method 2

phase or time difference information from signals received from a plurality of transmitters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime difference of arrival:

Data Source

PatentUS8162750B2Gaming device multilateration location

Publication Date: 2012.04.24 LNW GAMING INC

AI summary

Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to enable determining the location of a wagering game machine in relation to a plurality of transmission or reception apparatus using a multilateration process. In some embodiments, the orientation of the machine may also be determined.