Dual Memory Gaming Machine for Bonus Game Recall Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gaming machines face memory constraints in storing the large number of bonus rounds and intermediate steps required by advanced games, particularly those with multiple free games and Hold and Spin features, exceeding the capacity of current non-volatile storage solutions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a non-volatile flash memory device, such as a CFast card, to store game recall data, ensuring sufficient memory capacity and managing power recovery, with unique identifiers to prevent misuse and maintain regulatory compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If non-volatile random access memory devices are used to store game recall data, then the gaming machine can store basic game information, but the memory capacity is insufficient for advanced games with multiple bonus rounds and free games
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into two segments: a non-volatile random access memory device for storing primary game recall data, and a secondary storage device (such as a hard disk drive or solid state drive) for storing bonus game recall data. This segmentation allows each storage device to be optimized for its specific function, with the primary memory providing fast access for basic games and the secondary storage providing expanded capacity for complex bonus rounds and free games, thereby resolving the contradiction between memory capacity and game complexity support.
2Quantity of substance
If memory capacity is increased to store more bonus rounds and free games, then advanced game scenarios can be supported, but the cost of the gaming machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs segmentation by using a smaller, more expensive non-volatile random access memory device for essential primary game data, and a larger, more cost-effective secondary storage device for bonus game data. This approach optimizes the cost structure by allocating expensive memory resources only where performance and speed are critical, while using cheaper storage for bulk data, thereby increasing memory capacity without proportionally increasing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different storage characteristics to different types of game data. Primary game recall data requiring fast access and reliability is stored in high-performance non-volatile RAM, while bonus game recall data that can tolerate slightly slower access times is stored in secondary storage. This differentiated approach allows the system to achieve high overall capacity while controlling costs by matching storage quality to data requirements.
3Device complexity
If a single storage device is used, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot meet regulatory requirements for power recovery and data integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmentation to create a dual-storage architecture where the non-volatile random access memory device stores critical primary game recall data that must be preserved during power recovery, while the secondary storage device stores bonus game recall data. This segmentation enables the system to meet regulatory power recovery requirements by ensuring essential data is stored in a device designed for data integrity, while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure through clear functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing a redundant storage architecture that anticipates power failure scenarios. The non-volatile random access memory device is specifically selected for its ability to maintain data integrity during power interruptions, providing a cushion of reliability that ensures regulatory compliance for power recovery. This preparatory measure protects the system against potential data loss without requiring complex real-time monitoring or correction mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine is described herein. The gaming machine includes a control unit including a control board, a primary memory device coupled to the control board, a secondary memory device coupled to the control board, and a processor. The processor is programmed to execute an algorithm including the steps of initiating an instance of a primary game by spinning and stopping reels to display an outcome of the primary game. The processor then detects a trigger condition appearing in the outcome of the primary game and responsively displays an instance of a bonus game, generates primary game recall data including instructions for displaying the outcome of the primary game and stores the primary game recall data in the primary memory device, and generates bonus game recall data including instructions for displaying the instance of the bonus game and stores the bonus game recall data in the secondary memory device.