Extensible Boot Image for Gaming Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gaming machine boot image process is cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring a single signed image that includes the operating system, data, and software applications, which must be approved by regulatory authorities, making updates and modifications to the boot image a lengthy and expensive process.
Innovation Solution
The system separates the boot image into a primary storage device containing the boot code and framework application, and secondary storage devices for pluggable modules, allowing for independent updates and approvals of the operating system and software applications without altering the boot image, promoting modularization and reducing development and maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single signed boot image containing operating system, data, and software applications is used, then regulatory approval is obtained, but updates and modifications become lengthy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The boot image is divided into separate components: a base boot image containing the operating system and framework application that requires regulatory approval, and separate pluggable modules for software applications that can be updated independently. This segmentation allows the approved base image to remain stable while enabling rapid updates to individual modules without re-submitting for regulatory approval.
2Reliability
If a single signed boot image containing operating system, data, and software applications is used, then regulatory approval is obtained, but development and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the boot image into a approved base image and separate pluggable modules, the system reduces development and maintenance costs. Developers can create and update individual modules without needing to recreate the entire boot image and submit for re-approval, significantly reducing the complexity and cost of maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The pluggable modules are extracted from the monolithic boot image, allowing them to be developed, tested, and updated independently. This extraction eliminates the need to repackage and re-approve the entire boot image for each modification, reducing development overhead and costs.
3Ease of operation
If the boot image is separated into primary storage device and secondary storage devices, then updates and modifications are simplified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into a primary storage device for the base boot image and secondary storage devices for pluggable modules. Although this increases the number of storage components, it simplifies the update process by allowing independent modification of modules without affecting the approved base image, making the overall system easier to operate and maintain.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are electronic gaming machines, methods and systems for gaming device configuration and gaming device software distribution. An electronic gaming machine is configured to detect whether a primary portable storage device is in communication with the electronic gaming machine. The primary portable storage device may be configured to store a boot image. The boot image may include a boot code, an operating system, and a framework application. The framework application may be configured to search and execute a pluggable module according to instructions provided by the pluggable module. The framework application may also include instructions configured to determine whether at least one of the one or more pluggable modules includes a signature and execute the at least one pluggable module when it is determined that the at least one pluggable module includes the signature.