Wireless Mesh Networking for Casino Gaming Device Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wired gaming networks in casinos are inflexible and difficult to reconfigure, requiring manual wiring and reconfiguration of routing information when gaming devices are added or rearranged, which complicates the management of progressive jackpot games and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A wireless mesh network system that allows gaming devices to connect wirelessly, using low-power radiofrequency signals, and dynamically manage routing information, enabling easy reconfiguration and efficient data transmission without the need for physical wiring, and allowing community wagering games across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired gaming networks are used to connect gaming devices, then reliable data transmission and communication are achieved, but the network becomes difficult to reconfigure and rearrange when devices are added or moved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless mesh network using radiofrequency signals. Gaming devices communicate through wireless connections forming a mesh topology, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining reliable data transmission. This substitution enables flexible reconfiguration as devices can be added or moved without physical rewiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless mesh network dynamically adapts its topology based on device locations and connections. When gaming devices are added or rearranged, the network automatically reconfigures routing paths and connection mappings through software-based protocols, allowing the system to evolve from a static wired structure to a dynamic adaptive network.
2Reliability
If manual wiring and routing reconfiguration is performed when adding gaming devices, then network connectivity is established, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless mesh network enables self-service deployment where gaming devices automatically discover and connect to the network without manual intervention. Devices perform self-configuration by automatically obtaining network parameters, establishing connections, and integrating into the existing topology through automated protocols, eliminating time-consuming manual wiring and routing reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring network parameters, routing protocols, and connection templates before devices are physically deployed. When gaming devices join the network, they utilize pre-established configuration frameworks that enable rapid automated setup without requiring real-time manual routing configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gaming devices are physically rearranged on the casino floor, then operational flexibility is improved, but the network infrastructure requires complex reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes physical cable infrastructure with wireless communication, replacing mechanical connection management with software-based network management. This allows gaming devices to be physically rearranged without affecting network connectivity, as wireless connections can dynamically track device locations and adjust routing paths automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless mesh network acts as an intermediary layer between physical device locations and network connectivity. This intermediary abstracts the relationship between physical rearrangement and network configuration, allowing devices to be moved independently while the network manages connectivity through automated routing and connection mapping.
4Reliability
If routing information is manually updated when network topology changes, then accurate data routing is maintained, but the process becomes tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless mesh network implements continuous feedback mechanisms where devices automatically report their locations, connection status, and network conditions. Routing information is dynamically updated based on real-time feedback from network participants, ensuring accurate data routing without manual intervention. The system continuously monitors topology changes and automatically adjusts routing tables.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing information structure transitions from static manual configurations to dynamic automated updates. The network maintains living routing tables that automatically reflect current topology, allowing routing accuracy to be preserved while eliminating tedious manual updates through automated detection and propagation of network changes.
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
The wireless mesh network simplifies the setup and rearrangement of gaming devices, reduces network traffic, and supports community games by efficiently routing data to mobile devices, enhancing operational efficiency and player experience.
Implementation Method 1
gaming devices in a wireless mesh network using low-power radiofrequency signals
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for wireless mesh networking in a gaming environment are described herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a network interface unit to wirelessly receive gaming data from ones of a plurality of components of a wireless mesh network, the network interface unit to wirelessly transmit the gaming data to others of the plurality of components of the wireless mesh network. The system also includes a memory unit to store certain of the gaming data and to store instructions for conducting wagering games and a central processing unit to perform operations based in part on the certain of the gaming data and to perform operations based on the instructions.