Gaming Network Interface Device for Legacy Protocol Migration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Transitioning from a master/slave RS485 gaming network to a point to point Ethernet network is costly due to the need for replacing existing gaming machines, which incurs significant expenses for businesses.
Innovation Solution
A gaming network architecture that utilizes a single point to point cabling infrastructure to connect both master/slave and point to point protocol-based gaming machines, allowing for a seamless integration of legacy master/slave machines with new point to point Ethernet machines through a common interface device and patch panel, using twisted pair cables and RJ45 connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a business transitions from master/slave RS485 network to point to point Ethernet network, then network performance and scalability are improved, but replacement costs of gaming machines increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interface device as an intermediary component that enables legacy master/slave gaming machines to communicate over Ethernet infrastructure. This mediator translates between RS485 master/slave protocols and Ethernet point-to-point protocols, allowing old machines to operate on new network infrastructure without replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device provides multi-functionality by supporting both master/slave protocol translation and point-to-point Ethernet communication simultaneously. It can act as a master device for legacy machines while also functioning as a network interface for modern Ethernet infrastructure, making the transition infrastructure universally compatible.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legacy master/slave machines are replaced with point to point Ethernet machines, then network modernization is achieved, but immediate replacement expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device is deployed in advance as a bridge solution before full machine replacement occurs. It preliminarily establishes Ethernet infrastructure compatibility while legacy machines remain in service, enabling gradual migration and avoiding immediate bulk replacement expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows legacy gaming machines to be retained and recovered in value by interfacing them with modern Ethernet infrastructure. Instead of discarding old machines, the interface device enables their continued operation, preserving investment and allowing phased replacement based on budget.
3Ease of manufacture
If a shared point to point cabling infrastructure is used for both master/slave and point to point machines, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but protocol compatibility complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device serves as a protocol mediator that handles the complexity of translating between master/slave and point-to-point protocols. This concentrates the compatibility complexity in a single manageable device rather than requiring complex multi-protocol support across the entire network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device merges multiple protocol handling capabilities into a single unit, combining master/slave protocol translation with point-to-point Ethernet interfacing. This consolidation simplifies the overall system architecture despite the inherent protocol compatibility challenges.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming network is disclosed which includes point to point cabling infrastructure connectable to at least one first gaming machine and connectable to at least one second gaming machine. Each first gaming machine is arranged to communicate using a master/slave protocol, and each second gaming machine is arranged to communicate using a point to point protocol. The gaming network also includes an interface device having a communications bus connectable to a master/slave control device and to the point to point cabling infrastructure such that each first gaming machine is connected to the communications bus and is controllable by the master/slave control device through the point to point cabling infrastructure. The point to point cabling infrastructure is also connectable to a point to point control device such that at least one second gaming machine is controllable by the point to point control device through the point to point cabling infrastructure.