Optical Disc Gaming Content Distribution and Persistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gaming systems face challenges in providing new and desirable content to users efficiently, as existing security measures limit the ability to alter or expand gaming software, and the cost of maintaining fresh content is high due to the need for physical replacement of EPROMs and the complexity of managing large numbers of gaming machines.
Innovation Solution
A gaming system with a server architecture that allows for bonus games with persistence, enabling players to enroll in bonus games and maintain records through a record locator, with a server managing states and updates across multiple gaming machines, and allowing for dynamic content delivery without requiring pre-approval of all content processed by the master gaming controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical replacement of EPROMs is used to provide new gaming content, then content freshness is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copying (CD/DVD) to distribute gaming content instead of physical EPROM replacement. A master copy of the game software is optically copied to multiple distribution CDs/DVDs, which are then installed on gaming machines. This eliminates the need for physical EPROM replacement while maintaining content security through encryption and authentication mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical EPROM physical replacement system with an optical disc-based distribution system. Instead of manually installing EPROMs containing game software, the system uses optically readable CDs/DVDs that can be automatically mounted and installed, reducing manual intervention and manufacturing complexity.
2Reliability
If pre-approval of all content is required for security, then system security is improved, but productivity and content deployment speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication of the optical drive and master copy before content distribution. The system pre-approves authorized distribution media and establishes security protocols in advance, allowing rapid content deployment once authentication is complete. This preliminary security check enables fast content installation without requiring ongoing approval for each content update.
Solution Approach 2:
The gaming machine performs self-authentication of the optical drive and content media using pre-loaded security credentials. The system automatically verifies the authenticity of distribution CDs/DVDs and installs content without requiring external approval for each deployment, enabling rapid content updates while maintaining security through automated authentication mechanisms.
3Reliability
If EPROM storage is used for gaming software, then security against illegal modification is improved, but adaptability to provide new content deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static EPROM storage to dynamic optical disc-based storage. The optical drive can read from multiple different CDs/DVDs, allowing the gaming machine to dynamically load different game content while maintaining security through authentication of each media. This dynamic approach enables frequent content updates without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical drive serves multiple functions: it can read from various types of optical media (CD, DVD), authenticate different distribution formats, and load diverse game content. This universal capability allows a single device to handle multiple content updates and game titles, providing both security and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines is provided. The gaming machines may be configured to provide bonus games with persistent. The gaming machines may be configured to allow a player to enroll in bonus game with persistence and generate a record locator, such as printed ticket that allows a record of a state in the bonus game with persistence to be accessed at a later time. A server coupled to the plurality of gaming machines may maintain records of various states in the bonus game with persistence. When a valid record locator is presented at a gaming machine, these records may be checked out and updated via game play at the gaming machine.