Server-Based Casino Gaming System Segregating Game and Machine Processes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional casino gaming machines are inflexible and expensive, requiring reconfiguration to introduce new games, and third-party developers face challenges in creating games for proprietary platforms, leading to limited game diversity and developer control issues.
Innovation Solution
A server-based gaming system with segregated game and system processes, allowing gaming terminals to execute generic game code in various protocols, and integrating game and system functions via a terminal control server, enabling different vendors to provide game code using non-proprietary protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional stand-alone gaming machines are used, then each machine can operate independently, but the machines are complex and expensive with limited game variety
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two segments: a centralized game server that stores and manages multiple game programs, and simplified gaming terminals that only execute received game code. This segmentation allows game variety to be centralized while terminals remain simple and inexpensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The game server acts as a universal platform that can provide multiple different games to various terminals. The server's game library serves all terminals, making the system multi-functional without requiring each terminal to have built-in game storage and processing capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional stand-alone gaming machines are used, then machines can be set up anywhere independently, but new games require complete reconfiguration of each machine
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple game programs are pre-loaded and stored on the centralized game server before being needed. When a new game is to be implemented, it is already available on the server and can be quickly transmitted to terminals without requiring physical reconfiguration or reprogramming of the gaming machines.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reconfiguring each terminal, the system creates digital copies of game programs from the server and transmits them to terminals. This copying process is rapid and allows multiple terminals to receive the same or different games instantly, dramatically reducing implementation time.
3Productivity
If proprietary server-based systems are used, then new games can be implemented quickly, but third-party developers lose control of their game code
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary layer between the developer and the terminal execution. The game server acts as this intermediary, receiving game code from third-party developers in various formats, standardizing it, and then distributing it to terminals. This allows developers to retain control of their original code while the system efficiently manages deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the format and parameters of game code during transmission between server and terminal, rather than requiring developers to write code in a proprietary format. The server handles format conversion and parameter adjustment, allowing developers to maintain control over their game logic while enabling rapid implementation across the network.
Data Source
AI summary
A server-based gaming system includes a plurality of gaming machines or terminals, at least one gaming terminal control server and one or more game servers, where game processes and system/machine processes are separated. The gaming terminals have separate game process layers and machine or system process layers. Integration of the game processes and machine processes is effected via the gaming terminal control server. The system allows the gaming terminals to execute generic game code or game code configured in accordance with varying protocols, rather than a single, proprietary protocol.