Gaming Machine Meter Data Remote Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming machine architectures are unable to store and manage meter data for multiple games indefinitely, leading to limitations in regulatory compliance and data accessibility, particularly for non-dedicated gaming machines that can only receive a new game once a day due to RAM reset issues.
Innovation Solution
A gaming machine system that forwards meter data to a remote data storage device, allowing for centralized storage and retrieval of meter data across multiple games, enabling periodic or immediate data transfer, and allowing for remote access and backup, thereby overcoming storage limitations and regulatory requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If meter data is stored locally in the gaming machine, then data accessibility and retrieval speed are improved, but storage capacity is limited and cannot accommodate multiple games indefinitely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from local storage (single dimension) to remote centralized storage (additional dimension), allowing meter data to be stored outside the gaming machine's physical constraints. This enables unlimited retention of meter data for multiple games without being bound by the machine's internal storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote storage system as an intermediary between the gaming machine and the meter data. This intermediary allows the gaming machine to forward and store meter data externally, resolving the conflict between local accessibility and storage capacity limitations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gaming machine receives a new downloaded game, then game variety and player engagement are improved, but meter data is lost due to RAM clear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by forwarding meter data to remote storage before the RAM clear occurs during game downloads. This ensures that meter data is preserved externally before the local memory is reset, allowing the gaming machine to receive new games without losing historical meter information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by creating a backup copy of meter data in remote storage before the harmful RAM clear event occurs. This cushioning mechanism protects against information loss, allowing the system to withstand the periodic reset without permanent data loss.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If meter data is stored remotely, then storage capacity and data retention are improved, but system complexity and data transfer requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the storage function from the gaming machine itself and places it in a separate remote system. This separation allows the gaming machine to remain relatively simple while the remote storage system handles the complexity of long-term data retention, managing the complexity burden outside the core gaming device.
4Ease of operation
If local storage is used for meter data, then data accessibility is improved, but regulatory compliance and archival security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves data storage to a remote dimension, enabling both easy retrieval (through network access) and improved reliability (through centralized security and archival capabilities). The remote storage system provides a secure, compliant environment that maintains data accessibility while enhancing regulatory compliance and archival security.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming machine is disclosed which comprises at least one meter arranged to generate game meter data. The gaming machine is arranged to forward meter data generated by the at least one meter to a remote data storage device arranged to store meter data associated with a plurality of games. The gaming machine is also arranged to retrieve meter data associated with a game from the remote data storage device when the gaming machine is requested to provide the meter data associated with the game. An associated gaming system and method of gaming are also disclosed.