Electronic Gaming Machine Mobile Device Internet Bridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming systems in casinos lack the ability to securely and efficiently connect electronic gaming machines (EGMs) to remote devices outside of a private network, limiting data transfer and maintenance capabilities, especially for fault diagnosis and software updates.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system that allows EGMs to establish secure communications with mobile devices, using Bluetooth pairing or wired connections, enabling access to Internet capabilities for data transfer and remote server communication, including fault condition analysis and software patch installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If EGMs are connected to remote devices outside the casino through a private network, then data transfer and maintenance capabilities are improved, but network security and data protection are worsened due to increased accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary component that enables EGMs to communicate with remote servers outside the casino network. The mobile device acts as a bridge, allowing data transfer and maintenance capabilities while maintaining the security isolation of the casino's private network. This resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability through external connectivity without compromising network security.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into distinct parts: the EGM, the mobile device intermediary, and the remote server. This segmentation allows the EGM to maintain secure connections within the private network while using the mobile device to access external resources, thus improving data transfer capability without exposing the core network to security risks.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If EGMs are isolated from external devices through a private network, then network security is improved, but fault diagnosis and software update capabilities are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves as a secure intermediary that enables fault diagnosis and software updates without requiring direct access to the EGM's internal network. The intermediary communicates with the EGM through defined interfaces, allowing maintenance operations while preserving network security isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service maintenance where the EGM can autonomously identify faults and initiate software updates through the mobile device intermediary without requiring manual intervention from technicians who would need physical or network access to the EGM.
3Reliability
If EGMs have limited access to external devices, then data protection is improved, but productivity in terms of maintenance efficiency is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device acts as a controlled intermediary that provides defined access channels for maintenance operations. This intermediary approach maintains data protection by operating within security boundaries while improving productivity by enabling remote communication for fault diagnosis and software updates without requiring physical access or network penetration.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming system including wager-based electronic gaming machines compatible with mobile devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The electronic gaming machines can be configured to establish temporary communication connections with mobile devices. After a communication connection is established with a mobile device, the EGM can be configured to utilize the network access capabilities of the mobile device to access a wide area network, such as the Internet. In one embodiment, the EGM can be configured to push data, such as fault condition data, to a remote device via the wide area network connection. In another embodiment, owners of the mobile devices, which can be a player playing the EGM, can receive incentives for allowing the EGM to utilize its network access capabilities.