Gaming System Host-Controlled Process for Secure Remote Content Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming systems face challenges in efficiently updating and customizing gaming content on distributed machines without compromising security and gameplay performance, as existing security measures limit the ability to alter or expand software features, leading to high costs and inefficiencies in providing fresh content to users.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system that establishes a communication link with a host device to output remote content securely, using authenticated host-controlled processes that are decoupled from the primary game logic, allowing for dynamic and customizable content without affecting gameplay outcomes, while monitoring resources to ensure optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gaming software is stored on unalterable memory (EPROM, read-only disc) to prevent illegal modification, then security against fraud and theft is greatly reduced, but the ability to later alter or expand gaming software to add additional features or correct errors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides gaming content into two segments: core game logic stored in secure unalterable memory (EPROM) and updateable content (graphics, sounds, animations) stored in alterable memory. This segmentation allows the secure portion to maintain security while the updateable portion enables content refresh without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
A content management system acts as an intermediary between the secure core game logic and the updateable content. This intermediary manages the delivery, installation, and execution of updateable content, ensuring that security protocols are maintained while enabling content updates through a controlled process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gaming machines are physically updated to provide new content, then fresh content can be delivered to users, but costs and inefficiencies increase due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming machine is equipped with a content management system that automatically receives, processes, and installs content updates without requiring physical intervention. The system self-manages the update process including downloading content through communication interfaces, validating integrity, and installing updates autonomously, eliminating the need for manual physical updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical media replacement (CDs, DVDs, memory cards) with an electronic digital delivery system. Content is transmitted electronically through communication interfaces (network connections, wireless interfaces), substituting physical mechanical update processes with digital electronic processes that are faster and more efficient.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more hardware and software elements are added to provide progressive jackpots, player tracking, and bonusing features, then gaming functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The content management system serves multiple functions: it manages core game logic, handles updateable content, coordinates with central servers, validates content integrity, and manages installation. This universal system consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced gaming features.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A gaming system including a number of host devices each coupled to one or more gaming machines, wherein content provided by the host device is output on the gaming machine. To output the content provided by the remote host, a host-controlled process that is authenticated by the gaming machine and executed in a secure memory location such that it is isolated from other processes executing on the gaming machine may be utilized. The host-controlled processes may be decoupled from the process used to execute the game of chance played on the gaming machine such that the content output by the host-controlled process doesn't alter the play of game of chance.