Secure Progressive Controller Using Electronic Security Keys

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing progressive controllers in gaming establishments face issues with insecure password protection, lack of control over connected gaming devices, requirement for proprietary software, and manual data entry, leading to potential financial losses and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing electronic security keys with integrated key interfaces and machine-readable code for secure configuration and authentication, enabling only licensed devices to access the system, automating configuration and reducing manual errors through a web-based interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If password protection is used to access progressive controller settings, then basic security is provided, but the system remains vulnerable to hacking, sharing, and observation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidvulnerability to hacking

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/password-based security system with an electronic key system. The electronic key contains embedded authentication credentials that are verified by the progressive controller, eliminating the need for human-operated password entry and the associated vulnerabilities to hacking, sharing, and observation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic key acts as an intermediary between the user and the progressive controller. Instead of direct password authentication, the key serves as a physical mediator that carries authentication credentials, providing stronger security while maintaining ease of access for authorized personnel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the progressive controller allows multiple gaming devices to connect, then system versatility is improved, but control over licensed devices is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of connected devicesVSAvoidcontrol over licensed devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The progressive controller continuously monitors and counts the number of connected gaming devices. When the number of connected devices exceeds the licensed limit stored in the electronic key, the controller receives feedback and automatically disables additional devices, ensuring compliance with licensing agreements while allowing maximum authorized connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically enforces device limits without requiring manual intervention. The electronic key stores the licensed device count, and the controller self-regulates by comparing actual connections against this limit, disabling excess devices automatically when thresholds are exceeded.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If proprietary software is required to configure the progressive controller, then system control is maintained, but ease of operation and accessibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem controlVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic key is designed to work with multiple progressive controllers and different gaming device types, providing universal authentication. This eliminates the need for device-specific proprietary software while maintaining secure control, as the key itself carries the authentication credentials needed across the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual data entry is used for configuration, then flexibility is maintained, but accuracy and efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic key contains pre-configured authentication data and licensing information that is automatically copied to the progressive controller during the authentication process. This eliminates manual data entry while maintaining configuration flexibility, as the key can be programmed with different licensing parameters before use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS7934993B2Secure progressive controller

Publication Date: 2011.05.03 INTERNATIONAL GAME TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A method and system for configuring a progressive system that insures enhanced operative control and security of the progressive system. The progressive controller provides one or more electronic security keys to access and verify modifications to the progressive configuration. The allocated number of gaming devices connected to the progressive system is authenticated by a dedicated electronic security key. Gaming devices in excess of the allocation are disabled from the progressive system. The electronic security keys are configured with an expiration parameter that requires gaming establishments to remain current with respect to progressive system agreements. The data on the progressive controller is established so it may be read by browser interface software. Progressive system configuration parameters are automatically acquired and authenticated by the progressive controller.