Modular Gaming Machine PCI-Express Bus Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming machine systems face challenges such as time-consuming and complex wiring processes for device replacements, high heat management issues due to tight component placement, and increased costs and complexity from parallel bus architectures, which lead to downtime and mechanical design limitations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a modular gaming machine system using PCI-Express (PCI-e) buses for communication between peripherals and the gaming machine, allowing for high-speed, low-pin-count connections that reduce electromagnetic interference and enable flexible component placement, along with secure authentication and power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional parallel bus architecture is used to connect peripherals to the gaming machine, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but device replacement and installation become time-consuming and complex due to wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical wiring system with an optical communication system using fiber optic cables. This substitution eliminates the need for complex electrical connections and pin assignments while maintaining reliable communication between peripherals and the gaming machine controller, thus reducing both electromagnetic interference and installation time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal optical interface that can connect multiple types of peripherals (ticket printers, card readers, displays, speakers) through a single standardized fiber optic connection. This universal interface eliminates the need for device-specific wiring configurations and simplifies the replacement process
2Reliability
If high-pin-count interconnects are used between components in the gaming machine, then connection reliability is improved, but the interconnects become cumbersome and prone to bending and improper connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile high-pin-count electrical interconnects with robust fiber optic cables that are much more resistant to bending and handling damage. The fiber optic connectors are designed to be more tolerant of improper handling while maintaining connection integrity
3Reliability
If peripheral controllers are positioned close to the CPU on the same processing board, then electromagnetic interference is minimized, but heat management becomes difficult due to concentrated heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical fiber communication to replace electrical connections, allowing peripheral controllers to be physically separated from the CPU while maintaining electromagnetic compatibility. This spatial separation enables better heat dissipation as controllers can be positioned in areas with adequate cooling airflow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the gaming machine system into separate functional modules (CPU unit, peripheral controllers) that can be independently positioned and cooled. Each module can be optimized for its thermal characteristics while maintaining communication through the optical bus
4Adaptability or versatility
If parallel bus architecture is used for peripheral connections, then system compatibility is maintained, but the system size and mechanical design flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal optical bus system that can accommodate various peripheral devices and configurations without requiring changes to the fundamental architecture. This enables greater mechanical design flexibility as peripherals can be positioned more freely while maintaining system compatibility through the standardized optical interface
Data Source
AI summary
A modular gaming machine system has a first gaming box with a main processor configured to control a game of chance played on the gaming machine by executing game code that uses gaming instructions received from a PCI-e controller. At least one interface is coupled to the first gaming box to receive a PCI Express (PCI-e) bus to communicatively link the PCI-e controller and the main processor. A second gaming box contains the PCI-e controller for communicating with at least one peripheral device on the gaming machine and at least one critical gaming device in communication with the PCI-e controller. There is at least one access port coupled to the second gaming box to receive a free end of the PCI-e bus, wherein the PCI-e bus extends outside the first and second gaming box and is secured by one or more doors, locks, sensors, evidence tape, and/or combinations thereof.