Gaming Network License Manager Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing and provisioning gaming machines in networks are inefficient, particularly in ensuring secure software distribution and compliance with licensing agreements, as they are prone to unauthorized use and manual configuration, which can lead to cheating and regulatory issues.
Innovation Solution
A server-based system with a license manager module that employs authentication and encryption techniques to securely download and manage gaming software, ensuring only valid licenses are used and preventing unauthorized execution, by using server authentication tokens, license ordering authentication tokens, and obfuscated symmetric keys to authenticate and authorize gaming machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration and EPROM exchange methods are used for software installation, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but installation efficiency and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a license manager as an intermediary system between the software distribution network and gaming machines. This license manager verifies licensing information and authentication tokens before allowing software installation, thereby maintaining security while enabling automated efficient installation processes. The license manager acts as a trusted mediator that validates both the software source and the target machine without requiring manual EPROM exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical EPROM exchange process with an electronic software download and installation system. Instead of physically swapping memory chips, software is transmitted electronically through the network and automatically installed on gaming machines. This substitution maintains security through digital licensing verification while dramatically improving installation efficiency and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If dedicated communication networks are used for gaming machines, then service reliability and security are improved, but infrastructure cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The license manager system is designed to be universally applicable across multiple gaming machines and can be deployed on existing network infrastructure. Rather than requiring dedicated communication networks for each machine, the system can operate over shared networks, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining service reliability through centralized license management and authentication.
3Ease of operation
If software is downloaded over public networks, then ease of operation and installation speed are improved, but security and risk of unauthorized use worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary security measures by requiring authentication tokens and licensing verification before software is made available for download. The license manager pre-validates the requesting gaming machine's authorization, and software packages are protected with cryptographic verification. This preliminary anti-action prevents unauthorized access and misuse before the download process begins, enabling secure software distribution over public or shared networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical security measures (such as sealed EPROMs) with electronic authentication and encryption mechanisms. Software is distributed digitally with embedded licensing information and authentication tokens that verify authorization. This electronic substitution enables easy software distribution over networks while maintaining security through cryptographic verification rather than physical protection.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided for managing licenses in gaming networks. Some aspects of the invention are provided as a license manager module that operates as part of a server-based system for provisioning and configuring gaming machines. Security and authentication techniques are provided to prevent unauthorized gaming software usage. Such gaming software may be, for example, downloaded to gaming machines in the network under the control of a gaming establishment's game management server that is in communication with a license manager device. In preferred implementations, a gaming machine is prevented from executing software for a game of chance unless the license for that game is valid and has not expired.