Game Processing Apparatus Area Authentication Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming machines lack effective area authentication mechanisms, allowing fraudulent use of memory cards with gaming information from different areas, which can lead to unauthorized game execution and tampering.
Innovation Solution
A game processing apparatus with a first memory for storing gaming information and a second nonvolatile memory for storing a specific area code, where the controller calculates a second area code from the gaming information and compares it with the stored area code to prevent game initiation if a mismatch is detected, using a Programmable Logic Device (GAL) for enhanced security and read protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gaming machines perform authentication of gaming information on memory cards, then protection against tampering is improved, but area-specific security deteriorates allowing use of memory cards from different areas
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system is segmented into two distinct components: (1) authentication of gaming information integrity, and (2) verification of area code matching. This segmentation allows the system to independently address both tampering protection and area-specific security requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
An area code is introduced as an intermediary element that mediates between the gaming information and the gaming machine's location. The area code serves as a bridge that connects the gaming information to its authorized geographic region, preventing cross-area usage while maintaining the existing authentication framework.
2Reliability
If area authentication is implemented to prevent fraudulent use of memory cards, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The area authentication function is merged with the existing gaming information authentication process. Both authentication checks (gaming information integrity and area code verification) are performed within the same authentication flow, sharing common resources such as the authentication program, memory access mechanisms, and control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication program is designed to perform multiple functions: it authenticates the integrity of gaming information, verifies the area code, and determines whether to permit game execution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each authentication task.
3Reliability
If gaming information is updated for maintenance, then data reliability is improved, but the need to update area codes increases maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The area code is pre-calculated and stored together with the gaming information in the memory card. This preliminary action ensures that whenever gaming information is updated or maintained, the corresponding area code is already prepared and available, eliminating the need for separate area code update procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The area code is nested within the same memory storage structure as the gaming information. This nesting allows both elements to be updated, read, and maintained together as a unified data package, simplifying the maintenance process by treating them as a single operational unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A game processing apparatus is provided, which includes a first memory, a second memory, and a controller. The first memory stores gaming information including information related to gaming rules corresponding to an area. The second memory stores a predetermined first area code representing a specific area. The controller is configured with logic to: (a) calculate a second area code corresponding to the area according to the gaming information; (b) compare the second area code with the first area code so as to determine whether the gaming information matches the specific area; and (c) when the controller determines a mismatching, restrict a start of a game.