EGM Blockchain Logging on Non-Volatile Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic gaming machines (EGMs) face challenges in permanently storing essential data such as EGM-specific information and configuration data, which is often difficult to read and prone to human error, especially in dimly lit environments, and traditional logging methods are cumbersome and prone to fraud.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless transmitter and memory device within the EGM cabinet to securely store EGM data, using a blockchain system for decentralized and immutable data storage, allowing wireless transmission and retrieval of EGM data without manual reading, and utilizing a peer-to-peer network for data tracking and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If EGM data is stored on a physical license plate, then the data is permanently stored, but the data is difficult to read and prone to human error in dimly lit environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical license plate system with an electronic display system. The EGM controller displays EGM data (serial number, manufacturer, etc.) on a display device, eliminating the need for physical plates that are difficult to read in dimly lit casino environments. This substitution of mechanical display with electronic display resolves the contradiction by maintaining permanent storage while dramatically improving readability and reducing human error.
2Device complexity
If manual logging methods are used for EGM data, then the logging process is simple, but the process is cumbersome and prone to fraud
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automated logging where the EGM controller automatically generates and displays logs of EGM events (game outcomes, meter readings, configuration changes) without human intervention. This eliminates manual logging processes that are cumbersome and prone to fraud, while the automated system ensures data integrity through cryptographic hashing and blockchain verification. The system serves itself by automatically recording and verifying its own operational data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors EGM operations and automatically records events in real-time. The blockchain network provides feedback by verifying and confirming logged data, creating an immutable record that prevents fraud. This continuous feedback loop ensures data integrity while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through automated processes.
3Reliability
If blockchain technology is implemented for data storage, then data integrity and security are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex blockchain computational operations from the EGM device itself and places them on external blockchain network nodes. The EGM controller only needs to generate hashes and store minimal data locally, while the heavy lifting of blockchain consensus and verification is performed by external nodes. This extraction of complexity resolves the contradiction by maintaining high data security through blockchain while keeping the EGM device architecture relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic gaming machine (EGM) includes a cabinet, a wireless transmitter, a memory device storing a unique device identifier (ID) of the EGM, and a game controller. The game controller is configured to execute a first node of a blockchain network on the EGM and store a first copy of the blockchain on a first memory partition, execute a second node of the blockchain network on the EGM and store a second copy of the blockchain on a second memory partition, generate a metering event associated with game play, submit a first blockchain transaction to the blockchain network, causing the first blockchain transaction to be added to a new block on the blockchain, and locally determine consensus for the new block on the blockchain between the first node and the second node of the EGM.