Dynamic Software Process Allocation in Gaming Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming systems with fixed interoperation between jackpot controllers and gaming machines constrain game design and offer suboptimal performance due to predefined relationships and delays in signal transmission, leading to frustrated players and delayed jackpot notifications.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic gaming system where software processes can be dynamically allocated and interacted with, allowing for flexible configuration of jackpot triggering and game outcomes through a server system that includes data processing resources and storage components, enabling intra- and inter-service interactions to define interactions between game and jackpot processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If fixed interoperation between jackpot controllers and gaming machines is used, then system stability is improved, but game design flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic process allocation where software processes can be dynamically assigned to different data processing resources. The system control resource dynamically determines which data processing resource executes which software process, allowing the system to adapt to different game designs while maintaining stable operational frameworks. This resolves the contradiction by making the system structure dynamic rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the gaming system into independent software processes (game processes, jackpot processes, system processes) that can be independently allocated and executed on different data processing resources. This segmentation allows flexible reconfiguration of system components without compromising overall system stability, as each segment operates independently under controlled coordination.
2Reliability
If predefined command protocols are used for communication, then communication reliability is improved, but interaction flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system control resource acts as an intermediary that manages communication between gaming machines, jackpot controllers, and data processing resources. It receives requests from gaming machines, determines appropriate software processes to handle them, and coordinates responses. This intermediary approach maintains reliable communication protocols while enabling flexible interactions through dynamic process selection and coordination.
3Device complexity
If fixed jackpot triggering mechanisms are used, then system complexity is reduced, but performance optimization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic changing of system parameters through software process allocation. The system control resource can modify which software processes are active, how they interact, and their execution priorities based on performance requirements. This allows performance optimization without fundamentally changing the system architecture, maintaining acceptable complexity while improving productivity.
4Device complexity
If delays in signal transmission are tolerated, then system simplicity is maintained, but player experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the system control resource monitors communication between gaming machines and jackpot controllers, and dynamically adjusts process allocation and resource assignment to optimize response times. This feedback-driven approach maintains system simplicity while reducing notification delays by intelligently managing resource allocation based on real-time performance needs.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a system including one or more gaming machines and one or more system control resources. The system control resources are configured to dynamically control the provision of services to components of the system. Each of the services is implemented by way of one or more software processes running on one or more data processing resources of the gaming system. At least one system control resource is further configured to dynamically allocate said software processes amongst the data processing resources of the gaming system. The services can include a service that determines an outcome of one or more games playable on a gaming machine, and at a service configured to trigger the award of a jackpot prize.