Hot-Pluggable Storage Interface for Wagering Game Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computerized wagering game systems face issues with data integrity and security due to the risk of removable nonvolatile storage devices being unplugged during data transfer, leading to incomplete or lost data, and unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A computerized wagering game system with a processor and gaming code that includes an interface to manage hot-pluggable mass storage devices, prohibiting write caching and restricting access to authorized users, using biometric identification features like fingerprint or eye recognition to ensure secure data transfer and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If removable nonvolatile storage devices are allowed to be freely inserted or removed, then ease of operation is improved, but data integrity deteriorates due to risk of removal during data transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting when a storage device is inserted or removed and proactively managing data transfer status. The gaming control unit monitors data transfer operations and identifies when a device is in the process of transferring data, then takes preliminary action to prevent removal during critical transfer periods, thereby maintaining data integrity while preserving hot-plug capability.
2Productivity
If write caching is enabled for performance improvement, then productivity is improved, but data integrity deteriorates due to potential data loss on device removal
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the gaming control unit continuously monitors the status of data transfers to and from removable storage devices. When data transfer is detected, the system provides feedback to the write cache management, triggering actions to flush cached data to the storage device before removal is permitted. This feedback loop ensures that productivity benefits of write caching are maintained while preventing data integrity issues.
3Ease of operation
If access to storage devices is unrestricted, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The gaming control unit serves as an intermediary between users and removable storage devices. It implements an authorization mechanism that mediates access requests, verifying user credentials and device authorization status before permitting mounting or data transfer operations. This intermediary layer maintains ease of operation for authorized users while preventing unauthorized access, effectively addressing the security concern without significantly impacting legitimate usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A computerized wagering game system includes a gaming module comprising a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to present a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered. The system also comprises an interface to receive a nonvolatile storage device, which is operable to mount and unmount one or more hot pluggable mass storage devices. In a further embodiment, the interface is operable to prohibit write caching data to be written to the nonvolatile storage device, and to restrict mounting nonvolatile storage devices to authorized users.