Gaming Machine Disc Authorization Code Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for distributing wager gaming software lack effective mechanisms to prevent unauthorized copies, allowing unscrupulous operators to run unlimited, unlicensed copies of game discs on gaming machines without the software provider's knowledge or approval.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a unique disc ID on rewriteable optical discs and integrating it with gaming machines using a secure authorization code system, where the gaming machine generates a first authorization code and transmits it to the provider for verification, ensuring the disc can only execute on authorized machines by writing a final authorization code to the disc.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a unique identifier is placed on game discs, then the disc can be distinguished from others, but the identifier can still be copied bit-by-bit without preventing execution on multiple machines
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the authorization mechanism into two separate components: a machine-readable identifier on the disc and a corresponding authorization code stored in the machine's non-volatile memory. This segmentation prevents simple copying because the authorization code is tied to the specific physical machine, not just the disc content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authorization by storing the authorization code in the machine's non-volatile memory before the disc is inserted. This preliminary action establishes a pre-condition that must be met for execution to occur, preventing unauthorized execution without requiring complex real-time verification.
2Ease of manufacture
If game discs are distributed to casinos under license, then the provider controls initial distribution, but copied versions can be used on unlimited machines without provider knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The authorization code acts as an intermediary between the disc and the execution process. It mediates the interaction by verifying the disc's authenticity and binding it to a specific machine, preventing unauthorized copying while maintaining ease of distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical copy protection mechanisms with an electronic authorization code stored in non-volatile memory. This substitution maintains the simplicity of disc distribution while adding robust digital protection against copying.
3Reliability
If the authorization code is stored in non-volatile memory on the gaming machine, then the disc is uniquely tied to the machine, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a simplified copying approach where the authorization code is stored as a digital value in non-volatile memory. This copying mechanism provides reliable disc-machine binding without requiring complex hardware or multiple storage components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of the disc by adding the authorization code as a new parameter or attribute. This parameter change enables unique binding to the machine while maintaining a relatively simple implementation through standard memory storage.
Data Source
AI summary
Novel wager gaming systems, machines, and methods for ensuring that wager game code on a game disc executes on an authorized wager gaming machine are described. To prevent an unauthorized copy of a wager game disc or other storage medium is not able to execute on a gaming machine, the machine checks whether an authorization code has been previously written to the disc. If the disc does not have a code, the gaming machine generates a first segment of an authorization code which is used, along with other data, by a game provider to generate a final authorization code. This is done after the game provider verifies that the machine operator has permission, such as a license, to execute that game code contained on that specific disc. The final authorization code is transmitted to the gaming machine, equipped with a writeable optical disc drive, where it is written or “burned” onto the game disc. At this stage the game disc is tied to or associated with the gaming machine and can execute on that machine.