Gaming Machine Show Software Mode Control Against Unauthorized Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gaming system users are able to use show software in a commercial manner, bypassing purchasing and regulatory approvals, leading to unauthorized use.
Innovation Solution
Implement a start-up routine that reads a pre-defined value indicating the market for operation, determining whether to operate in commercial or non-commercial mode, and modifies features or functions to inhibit unauthorized use, such as disabling accounting, cashout, or introducing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If show software is provided for demonstration purposes, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates as users can bypass licensing and regulatory approvals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different operational modes (commercial vs. non-commercial) with distinct feature sets within the same software. The system selectively enables or disables specific functions based on the detected mode, allowing the software to be easy to set up for demonstrations while maintaining security controls when operating commercially.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting the operational mode during system initialization or start-up routine, before any gaming functions are executed. This early detection allows the system to pre-configure appropriate restrictions and controls, preventing unauthorized commercial use from the outset while maintaining demonstration functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If show software allows full functionality, then adaptability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to unauthorized commercial use and revenue loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the software functionality adaptive based on the detected operational mode. The system dynamically adjusts which features are available - enabling full versatility in non-commercial demonstration mode while automatically restricting commercial functions when commercial mode is detected, thus preventing unauthorized revenue generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by proactively detecting commercial operation attempts during start-up and pre-emptively restricting harmful functions before they can be executed. The system identifies commercial mode indicators (such as connection to commercial networks, specific hardware configurations, or operational patterns) and applies appropriate restrictions to prevent unauthorized commercial use.
3Reliability
If mode detection is implemented during start-up, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing mode detection during the start-up routine, before the gaming system begins normal operation. This timing allows the system to establish the operational mode early and configure appropriate restrictions without interfering with ongoing gameplay, maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing the mode detection system to automatically identify commercial versus non-commercial operation through existing system parameters and configurations already present during start-up. The system uses self-contained detection logic that examines internal state, hardware indicators, or network configurations without requiring external validation systems, thereby improving reliability while limiting complexity growth.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to controlling access to a gaming system. According to one embodiment, controlling access to a gaming system can comprise initiating a start-up routine and reading, during the start-up routine, a pre-defined value stored in a memory of the gaming system. The pre-defined value can indicate a market in which the gaming system is to be operated. The market can comprise a commercial market or a non-commercial market. A determination can be made as to operate the gaming system in a commercial mode or a non-commercial mode based on the pre-defined value. In response to determining to operate the gaming system in the non-commercial mode operation of a feature or function of the gaming system can be modified. Modifying the operation of the feature or function of the gaming system can inhibit the gaming system from being used in an unauthorized commercial mode.