Network Emulator for Electronic Gaming Machine Software Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The validation of production software in electronic gaming machines is labor-intensive and time-consuming, often introducing errors and requiring manual data entry, which can lead to time-consuming reboots and lost test results due to time-out issues, and traditional in-circuit emulators may not be feasible for gaming mode testing.
Innovation Solution
A testing tool comprising a validation service on the gaming machine and an emulation tool on a host system, connected via a network, with a user interface and structured data file parser to automate testing, allowing multiple operating modes, including fully automated, to set test parameters and generate validation results without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual interfaces and hand-entered data are used for validation testing, then testing can be performed on EGMs, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry with an automated emulator system that electronically interfaces with the EGM through a network. The emulator automatically inputs test data, executes validation routines, and collects results, substituting the manual operator interface with an automated software-based system that eliminates human error and significantly reduces testing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The validation system performs self-testing through the emulator, which automatically executes test cases, inputs required data, and validates outcomes without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system serves itself by maintaining test state information and automatically recovering from time-out conditions without operator assistance.
2Reliability
If manual testing is performed, then validation can be conducted, but errors are introduced and reboots are required which take up to 15 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The emulator implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the EGM's response to test inputs. When detecting time-out conditions or validation failures, the system automatically adjusts test parameters, re-executes tests with modified inputs, and logs results for analysis. This closed-loop feedback eliminates the need for manual reboot intervention and maintains validation reliability by systematically handling errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation checks and maintains state information before time-out conditions occur. By pre-configuring test sequences and maintaining contextual information about ongoing validations, the emulator can resume testing after interruptions without requiring a full reboot, thereby eliminating the 15-minute recovery time associated with manual testing.
3Ease of operation
If traditional in-circuit emulator is used, then testing can be accessed, but it cannot be used for validation testing in gaming mode due to physical safeguards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network-based emulator as an intermediary between the tester and the EGM. This intermediary communicates with the EGM through standardized network protocols, bypassing the physical safeguards that block traditional in-circuit emulators. The intermediary maintains the gaming mode operational context while enabling validation testing, thus achieving both ease of operation and gaming mode compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A test tool provides a flexible resource for control an of electronic gaming machine (EGM) via a data network. The test tool provides both interactive and automated access to the EGM when the EGM is operated using a special diagnostic BIOS that supports both communication with the test tool over the data network and the ability to set operational variables including random numbers. The test tool can use structured data test scripts, such as XML files, to automate repetitive testing of one or more gaming machines by automating breakpoint setting, variable settings, and comparison of expected results based on game type, paytables, currency, etc.