Gaming Machine NVRAM Reset for Fast Fault Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming machine fault recovery procedures are time-consuming and require extensive manual data erasure and physical interactions, leading to prolonged downtime and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for storing gaming data in non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM) that allows for partial deletion of data based on predefined criteria, enabling a quick recovery to a default operational state by retaining essential data while erasing data related to the fault condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full NVRAM erasure and reconfiguration is performed to recover from fault, then the gaming machine is restored to operational state, but the recovery time becomes excessively long (well over 15 minutes)
Solution Approach 1:
The NVRAM data is segmented into multiple portions (first portion to retain, second portion to delete). Instead of erasing the entire NVRAM, the system selectively deletes only the second portion containing fault-related data while preserving the first portion with essential operational data, thereby reducing recovery time from over 15 minutes to a fraction of that time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a partial erasure action rather than a complete NVRAM clear. By deleting only the necessary second portion of data and retaining the first portion, the system achieves fault recovery without the excessive time cost of full reconfiguration, implementing just enough action to resolve the fault.
2Reliability
If manual data erasure and reconfiguration process is followed, then fault recovery is achieved, but the process becomes time-intensive and requires extensive manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming machine performs the data deletion and recovery process automatically without requiring manual operator intervention. The system self-determines which data portions to retain or delete based on fault detection, and self-executes the recovery process, eliminating the need for attendants to manually access cabinets, clear NVRAM, and reconfigure settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system预先 determines and marks data portions for retention or deletion before the fault occurs. When a fault is detected, the pre-organized data structure allows immediate execution of the recovery process without requiring operators to manually assess which data to keep or delete, streamlining the entire recovery operation.
3Reliability
If entire NVRAM is cleared and reconfigured, then complete fault recovery is achieved, but the gaming machine remains out of commission for significant time
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting NVRAM data into retainable and deletable portions, the system enables selective recovery that maintains machine availability. The first portion of data containing essential operational information is preserved, allowing the machine to return to service quickly while only the fault-related second portion is deleted.
Solution Approach 2:
The retained first portion of data creates a stable, inert foundation that protects the recovery process. By preserving essential configuration and operational data in this protected portion, the system ensures that the recovery process cannot corrupt critical system functionality, enabling faster return to operational status.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method(s) to perform operations for storing gaming data in a non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM) of a gaming machine and detecting, after the storing, an unrecoverable fault of the gaming machine. The operations further include determining, in response to detecting the unrecoverable fault, that criteria is satisfied for authorization of a partial deletion of the gaming data from the NVRAM. The operations further include determining, in response to determining that the criteria is satisfied, a first portion of the gaming data to retain on the NVRAM, and deleting, after determining the first portion of the gaming data to retain, a second portion of the gaming data without deleting the first portion of the gaming data. The operations can further include booting a game of the gaming machine to a default operational state using at least some of the first portion of the gaming data.