Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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MRAM AS NONVOLATILE SAFE STORAGE FOR
POWER HIT AND ESD TOLERANCE IN GAMING MACHINES
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to electronic gaming machines
and
systems, and more specifically to system architectures and memory devices
within or
about electronic gaming machines and systems.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Casinos and other forms of gaming comprise a growing multi-billion
dollar industry that has experienced a marked shift over the past few decades
to the
extensive use of gaming machines, and in particular electronic and
microprocessor
based gaming machines. In a typical gaming machine, such as a video poker or
slot
machine, a game play is first initiated through a player wager of money,
credit or
other indicia, whereupon the gaming machine determines a game outcome,
presents
the game outcome to the player and then potentially dispenses an award of some
type,
including a monetary award, depending on the game outcome. Although this
process
is generally true for both mechanical and electronic gaming machines, the
electronic
machines tend to be more popular with players and thus more lucrative for
casinos for
a number of reasons, such as increased game varieties, more attractive and
dynamic
presentations and the ability to award larger jackpots.
[0003] Electronic gaming machines can include various hardware and software
components to provide a wide variety of game types and game playing
capabilities,
with such hardware and software components being generally well known in the
art.
A typical electronic gaming machine can include hardware devices and
peripherals
such as, for example, bill validators, coin acceptors, card readers, keypads,
buttons,
levers, touch screens, coin hoppers, ticket printers, player tracking units
and the like.
A gaming machine can also have various audio and visual display components,
such
as, for example, speakers, display panels, belly and top glasses, exterior
cabinet
artwork, lights, and top box dioramas, as well as any number of video displays
of
various types to show game play and other assorted information, with such
video
display types including, for example, a cathode ray tube ("CRT"), a liquid
crystal
display ("LCD"), a light emitting diode ("LED"), a flat panel display and a
plasma
display, among others. Software components can include, for example, boot and
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initialization routines, various game play programs and subroutines, credit
and payout
routines, image and audio generation programs, various component modules and a
random number generator, among others.
[0004] In addition, an electronic gaming machine typically includes a central
processing unit ("CPU") or master gaming controller ("MGC") that controls
various
processes and combinations of hardware and software devices, such as
components
and processes that encourage game play, allow a player to play a game on the
gaming
machine, run the game itself, and control payouts and other awards. In
addition to the
many other processors within a gaming machine, this MGC or CPU in particular
is
associated with and can have access to a wide variety of memory or storage
devices,
many of which are of different types. Such memory or storage devices can
include,
for example, various types of random access memory ("RAM"), such as static RAM
("SRAM") dynamic RAM ("DRAM"), synchronous DRAM ("SDRAM"), battery
backed and other types of non-volatile RAM ("NVRAM") and various forms of
flash
and cache RAM, among others, as well as numerous types of read only memory
("ROM"), such as a programmable ROM ("PROM"), including erasable PROM
("EPROM") and electrically erasable PROM ("EEPROM"), a compact disc ("CD"), a
digital video disc ("DVD") and specific portions of hard drives, among others.
[0005] Instructions and other computer code for gaming machine peripherals
and components are typically stored in some form of ROM by design, by
regulatory
requirement, or both. Many ROM devices for electronic gaming machines and
their
peripherals must currently be programmed externally from the gaming machine or
peripheral, and then installed into the gaming machine or peripheral once they
are
programmed. This standard process has several major drawbacks. For one,
special
equipment is usually required to program the ROM devices at special
programming
voltages. In addition, most ROM devices cannot be reprogrammed "in circuit,"
and
must therefore be removed from the gaming machine for any reprogramming or
updating, which then usually requires some disassembly of other gaming machine
components just to gain access to the ROM device. Furthermore, ROM devices
must
typically be completely erased prior to reprogramming, which can in itself be
a time
consuming process. Hence, current programming and updating parameters for many
gaming machine ROM devices can be problematic or inconvenient at best.
[0006] As is generally Icnown, many forms of ROM tend to be relatively slow in
terms of access speeds, particularly with respect to many SRAM and DRAM type
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devices. For example, many EPROM and EEPROM type devices have access speeds
on the order of about 8 to 33 MHz, while SRAM and DRAM type devices have
access speeds that are typically around 133 to 800 MHz or higher. Even faster
ROM
devices, such as CD-ROMs and hard drives tend to run at access speeds in the
vicinity of about 100 MHz, which are still significantly lower than those of
many
RAM type devices. Since many gaming machine programs and processes, including
much or all of the initialization, authentication and other boot, startup or
similarly
sensitive processes, must be stored on ROM devices for a variety of reasons,
such as
for security purposes, these processes tend to be relatively slow in terms of
the length
of time taken to run with respect to the amounts of actual memory used in the
processes. In fact, modern gaming machines typically load and run many
resources
each time that they are powered up or otherwise go through a boot process.
Depending on the amount and size of the resources that must be loaded, this
process
tends to take upwards of several minutes to complete, with such times
generally
increasing as gaming machines become more sophisticated and complex.
[0007] Although the majority of the resources that are loaded do not change
while
the gaming machine is in use, it remains a requirement in many jurisdictions,
and is
still otherwise customary, to store these boot programs and other sensitive
routines in
the relatively slower ROM devices. In fact, many such programs and routines
are
copied into DRAM or some other faster storage component during the boot
process,
such that these programs can be accessed and operate faster as the program is
first
executed and/or repeatedly accessed during normal gaming machine operations.
For
example, most or all authentication code is currently stored in one or more
EPROMs
in the gaming machine. During the boot process, this authentication code is
copied
and loaded into gaming machine DRAM for further future use, since EPROMs are
so
relatively slow. Other programs and processes are similarly copied,
potentially
authenticated, and then stored in a relatively faster SRAM, DRAM or other
storage
location for future use. Although such designs are known to be standard within
the
gaming machine industry, it is inherently inefficient to require multiple
storage units
and allotments of memory space for multiple copies of the same exact programs.
[0008] While existing systems and methods for providing system architectures
and memory devices in electronic gaming machines and systems have been
adequate,
improvements are usually welcomed and encouraged. In view of many of the above
legacy features and their inherent inefficiencies, it would be desirable to
have more
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efficient, more accessible, less complicated and yet more secure apparatuses,
systems
and methods of providing non-volatile memory within an electronic gaming
machine.
[0009] Further, many electronic gaming machines also include some form of
powered down or powered off logging, such that certain noteworthy events can
be
detected while the main power to the gaming machine is down or off. If
provided,
such events are typically recorded by a "tell-tale board" or other similar
logging
device that is powered by a separate battery. Such a device is usually adapted
to
monitor for a select few offline activities, such as the opening of the main
door, bill
door, drop door, brain box or card cage door and/or other critical doors or
accesses of
a gaming machine, such that a casino or other gaming machine operator can be
notified if such events have occurred while the main power to the gaming
machine
has been down or off. Appropriate security measures or other action may then
be
taken in such cases where such critical accesses have been made during a power
down or off period, as is generally known in the art.
[0010] Although useful, the overall capabilities of such tell-tale boards or
logging
devices can be limited due to limited power supplies for operating the logging
device
and maintaining the storage of any data recorded until the main power to the
machine
is restored. Many convenient forms of storage, such as DRAM, require a
constant
refresh to maintain storage, and thus tend to be quite costly and impractical
in battery
powered situations. DRAM tends to drain a battery over time, resulting in
situations
where the stability of recorded data is not guaranteed for lengthy time
periods. Thus,
other forms of storage tend to be used for tell-tale boards, with flash RAM
being a
popular choice due to its ability to hold data without constant power
refreshing. Flash
RAM has drawbacks too though, as it typically requires page writes, which
require
longer cycles and more power. Due to concerns over limited finite power
supplies
and the relatively large amounts of power required to monitor events and
record data
offline, tell-tale boards and other logging devices are typically designed
only to
record actual "yes" or "no" data with respect to critical offline events, with
other
pertinent data such as dates, times, number of occurrences and other details
not being
recorded. When full power is then restored to the gaming machine, it is
usually only
known that a given door was opened at least once during the time that power
was off.
[0011] While existing systems and methods of using logging and storage devices
to track and record powered down and off events in electronic gaming machines
and
systems have been adequate, improvements are usually welcomed and encouraged.
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In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable for such logging and storage
devices
within electronic gaming machines and systems to have more versatility, at
least with
respect to greater storage capacities and recording options, but without
creating any
expected corresponding increases in the levels of power needed for such
features.
[0012] In addition, many gaming machine operators, manufacturers and gaming
jurisdictions require some level of power-hit tolerance and electrostatic
discharge
("ESD") tolerance in gaming machines, particularly with respect to any "safe
storage"
method of backing up critical gaming machine data. Such critical data can
include,
for example, a state and outcome of a current game, various meter readings,
machine
settings, logs, and so forth, some or all of which can be stored using a non-
volatile
memory "safe storage" device, such that stored data can be recalled whenever a
malfunction, power failure, player dispute or other similar event occurs. A
battery
backed RAM is one an example of such a non-volatile memory "safe storage"
device
(i.e., NVRAM) used on many types of gaming machines for these purposes.
Another
possible solution for NVRAM issues is to use EEPROMs, which can maintain their
memory without a constant power supply. EEPROM use does have other drawbacks
though, as EEPROMs tend to have long access times, usually require software
drivers
to facilitate access, and can fail after tens to hundreds of thousands of
writes, such
that EEPROMs are generally not used as safe storage devices.
[0013] Rather, many NVRAMs designed to store critical game information for
long periods of time typically require some form of battery or power backup to
preserve the non-volatile nature of the device. While many such batteries are
designed to last for a number of years, the need to replace any battery
eventually can
lead to a number of issues, including the consequences of critical lost data
if such a
replacement is not made in a timely manner. Also, the use of batteries as a
backup
source of power can severely restrict the types and amounts of memory that can
be
used for such purposes. As noted above, the relatively high power requirements
of
SRAM or DRAM make such types of units virtually impossible to use in
conjunction
with a battery as a practical matter. As a result, the actual storage space
available for
a battery backed RAM device is relatively limited. Furthermore, as in the case
of
many ROM devices, the access speeds for a typical battery backed RAM device
are
relatively slow when compared to those for SRAM, DRAM and many other RAM
type devices. Also, many typical battery backed fixed memory approaches for
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volatile memory can be problematic for a variety of other reasons, such as in
the
instance of an open game development environment, due of security issues.
[0014] Other issues also arise with respect to the use of NVRAM as safe
storage
for critical gaming machine events and data. Such use of battery backed RAM or
other NVRAM devices as safe storage is typically duplicative, in that the same
or
similar data is stored elsewhere at the gaming machine for regular gaming
machine
operations, such as on volatile DRAM. Of course, duplicative storage is
inherently
inefficient, and can sometimes cause discrepancies in instances where a
recording is
made at one storage device and main power is lost before an identical or
similar
recording is made at the other recording device. For example, a specific game
state
that is recorded to DRAM can occasionally be lost in the split-second that it
takes to
also record that specific game state to NVRAM. Recording to a safe storage
device
also typically involves some form of encryption or checksum process for
security
purposes, which can add to overall inefficiencies in the process.
[0015] In addition, multiple state related items may need to be recorded to
various
devices, such as permanent and transient meters within the gaming machine. For
example, many electronic gaming machines are equipped with one set of meters
and
storage devices that are MGC or main processor board based, and another
separate set
of meters and storage devices that are main cabinet or physical terminal
based. This
distinction becomes significant where the MGC, main processor board or "brain
box"
contents are removed from a gaming machine and replaced with another. The
former
set of meters and storage devices would migrate with the outgoing components,
while
the latter set of meters and storage devices would remain with the "back
plane" of the
gutted or modified gaming machine. As noted above, using multiple devices to
record the same or similar items can be inefficient, and the level of such
inefficiency
increasing where the number of devices and types of processes used increases.
[0016] 'Mhile existing systems and methods of providing "safe storage" devices
to
record specific states in electronic gaming machines and systems have been
adequate,
improvements are usually welcomed and encouraged. In view of the foregoing, it
would be desirable for such safe storage devices and techniques to involve
greater
storage capacities, and be more reliable and efficient, at least with respect
to the
number of devices used, the complexity of the various safe storage procedures
used,
and the reliability of gaming machine state data being stored to and recovered
from
both safe storage and regular use devices.
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SUMMARY
[0017] It is an advantage of the present invention to provide improved
hardware
architectures and memory devices in electronic gaming machines and systems.
This
is accomplished in many embodiments by providing within or about an electronic
gaming machine or system at least one magnetoresistive storage device, such as
a
magnetoresistive random access memory ("MRAM") and/or a magnetoresistive read
only memory ("MROM"). Such items can be used to replace other memory devices
in existing gaming machines, systems and architectures, and can also be used
to aid in
the creation of alternative gaming machine and system architectures that are
more
efficient than those that now exist, as noted in greater detail below. In this
manner,
more efficient, reliable and faster apparatuses, systems and methods for
providing
non-volatile memory within an electronic gaming machine can be achieved.
[0018] According to many embodiments of the present invention, the disclosed
apparatuses, systems and methods involve a gaming machine or a gaming system
adapted for accepting a wager, playing a game based on the wager and granting
a
payout based on the result of the game. These gaming machines and systems can
include an MGC adapted to communicate with and possibly control other gaming
machine or system components, as well as to control one or more game aspects.
Many of the disclosed gaming systems can include a gaming machine, with these
and
other gaming machine embodiments including a display and/or an exterior
housing
adapted to contain internal gaming machine components therein or thereabout.
Some
embodiments can also include various input and output devices, such as a
display for
presenting game information to a player. Various machine and system
embodiments
can also include a memory hub to facilitate communications between different
items
or components, such as between the MGC and one or more memory devices.
[0019] Many embodiments of the present invention also include at least one
magnetoresistive storage device of some sort, such as an MRAM and/or MROM. As
in other RAM and ROM devices, MRAM typically involves a storage device that
may be rewritten, while MROM typically involves a storage device that may not
be
rewritten. Such devices can be in communication with the MGC of the gaming
machine or system, and may be primarily associated with the MGC. A primary
association for an MRAM or MROM device may alternatively be with the exterior
housing of the gaming machine or other physical terminal where games are
presented
to players, such as at a display. Such distinctions can be important where
some
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memory devices are intended to serve a specific MGC, while others are intended
to
serve a specific gaming machine or gaming terminal. Communications between an
MGC and various other gaming machine or system components, such as an MRAM
or MROM, may be made indirectly through one or more memory hubs. In addition,
the MGC itself may include a portion of MRAM or MROM in some embodiments.
[0020] In some particular embodiments, a gaming machine or gaming system can
include MRAM, MROM or both. Such MROM can contain computer code regarding
at least one significant gaming machine program or process, such as a specific
game
application, an operating system, a boot loader, a boot up process, an
initialization
process, an authentication process, a configuration process and a diagnostics
process.
In addition, at least one of the MRAM and MROM devices provided in the gaming
machine or system are adapted to provide stored data or computer code to the
MGC
at a rate faster than 8 MHz, which is the relatively slow rate at which a
current
gaming machine EPROM operates. In more improved embodiments, this rate can be
faster than 33 MHz, faster than 133 MHz or about 800 MHz or faster, depending
upon the actual magnetoresistive storage devices and bus configurations used.
[0021] In some embodiments, at least a portion of a utilized MROM cannot be
written to or have any of its code altered while installed within the gaming
machine
or system. This result can be obtained through a physical termination of a
write
connection to the unwritable and unalterable portion of the MROM, such as by
cutting the write connection, which can be an ordinary write pin to the MROM
or a
physical lead on a printed circuit board ("PCB"). Such a physical termination
can
also result from the MROM being removably plugged into a socket within a PCB
that
does not have any appropriate connection to the write pin of the MROM,
particularly
a connection to any form of write device. Any such physical termination of a
write
connection to the MROM can made while gaming machine or system operational
computer code is stored on the MROM. The above result can also be had where
all or
substantially all communications with the MROM are made through the memory
hub,
and where the MROM is rendered as unwritable and unalterable through controls
at
the memory hub. Such controls can prevent any communications along any write
channel to the MROM during specified periods, or ever. In some embodiments,
the
memory hub can include an application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC").
[0022] In still further particular embodiments of the present invention, a
primary
power source adapted to provide power to a gaming machine or system at a level
at
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least sufficient to accept a wager, play a game and grant a payout is
provided. In
addition, a "tell-tale board" or other similar logging device can be provided
to record
details of activities at various gaming machine components when an inadequate
level
of power is supplied to the gaming machine or system through the primary power
source. Such an inadequate level of power can include no power at all, or can
be of
an amount insufficient to conduct normal gaming machine operations, such as to
accept a wager, play a game and grant a payout. A specific MRAM or other
similar
nonvolatile.low-power Random Access Memory storage device can be provided for
the purpose of storing this recorded data.
[0023] In some versions, this specific MRAM or other storage device can be
made accessible to both the MGC and the logging device, such as in a dual or
multi-
port version, while other embodiments include the specific MRAM or other
storage
device as being accessible only to the logging device, in which case the
logging
device can be adapted to provide recorded data to the MGC when an adequate
level
of power to the gaming machine is restored. In still other versions, each
gaming
machine component for which activity is recorded is associated with its own
disparate
logging device, each of which is in turn is associated with its own disparate
nonvolatile, low-voltage Random Access Memory storage device. In any such
case,
the data stored on the specific MRAM or other storage device can be made
available
to the MGC at a rate faster than 8 MHz. In more improved versions, this rate
can be
faster than 33 MHz, faster than 133 MHz or about 800 MHz or faster, depending
upon the actual storage devices and bus configurations used.
[0024] Various embodiments having a logging device can also include a
secondary power source adapted to provide power to the logging device during
powered down periods. Such a secondary power source can be a battery, a
rechargeable battery, or a network cable adapted to deliver power, among other
items.
In addition, the logging device can be an "instant-on" device that is adapted
to
monitor for activity at the various gaming machine components and to power up
when such activity is detected. Many gaming machine components can be included
as those for which activity is recorded, with specific examples including a
main door,
a brain box door, a bill drop door, a bill validator, a bill dispenser, a coin
hopper, a
coin acceptor, a ticket printer, a touch screen, a bezel, a spectrum
controller, a player
tracking device and a game reel. In some embodiments, data is written to the
MRAM
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or other storage device at a voltage lower than 4 volts, which can include a
voltage
ranging from about 2.7 volts to about 3.6 volts.
[0025] In another particular embodiment, a first MRAM within the gaming
machine or system is configured to store gaming machine data or computer code
for
the dual purposes of both regular gaming machine operational use by the MGC
and as
safe storage to facilitate a gaming machine or system state recovery in the
event of a
substantial interruption to the gaming machine or system. This first MRAM can
be
primarily associated with the MGC, and possibly one or more other components,
such
as a memory hub, such that the first MRAM stays with the MGC when the MGC is
removed from the gaming machine or gaming system. In addition, a second MRAM
can also be included in the gaming machine or system, with this second MRAM
being primarily associated with the exterior housing of a gaming machine or
some
other physical component of a terminal within a gaming system, such as a
display.
This second MRAM can be configured to store auxiliary gaming machine data or
computer code for gaming associated with the exterior housing or other
physical
terminal regardless of whether the MGC is also so associated. Both the first
MRAM
and second MRAM can be in communication with the MGC, which communication
may be made indirectly through a memory hub.
[0026] Detailed versions of this embodiment can further include a "brain box"
removable from the exterior housing of the gaming machine or physical terminal
of a
gaming system, as well as a "back plane board" that is adapted to remain with
the
exterior housing or physical terminal when the brain box is removed. In such
detailed
versions, the brain box can contain the MGC, a memory hub and the first MRAM,
while the back plane board can contain the second MRAM. In addition, the
gaming
machine or system can be adapted to update the data or code stored on the
second
housing or terminal based MRAM after every play at the gaming machine or the
system terminal. Alternatively, such updates could be made after every other
game
play, every third game play and so forth, where the update frequency occurs
more
often than is presently done in the industry, such as after every 100 game
plays.
[0027] Various other specific embodiments involve methods of operating a
gaming machine or system. One such metliod includes effecting a power up or
other
reset condition of the gaming machine or system, detecting stored computer
code for
a program or process at a ROM associated with the gaming machine or gaming
system, reading that stored computer code from the ROM at a rate faster than 8
MHz,
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and conducting a gaming machine process based only upon a reading of the
stored
computer code from that ROM and not any other copy from another storage
device.
Of course, the ROM can be an MROM, and the reading rate can be at faster
rates, as
noted above. The method can include not creating a copy of the stored computer
code in any other memory device, at least for purposes of conducting the
gaming
machine process. The method can also include authenticating the stored
computer
code, which can involve creating a copy of the code at another storage device
for
authentication purposes only. The reading of the stored computer code can be
made
from the ROM into an MGC of the gaming machine or gaming system, and may
involve no reading of any copy of the stored computer code into the MGC from
any
other storage device. The gaming machine or system process may be a boot
process,
or can be any of a number of other processes, as listed below.
[0028] Further specific embodiments of methods of operating a gaming machine
or system can include detecting the occurrence of a critical event affecting a
state of
the gaming machine or system, storing data relating to the detected critical
event at a
given storage device, asserting a specific state of the gaming machine or
system based
on this stored data, reading this stored data from the storage device,
conducting a
regular gaming machine or system operation based upon this reading of the
stored
data, experiencing a substantial interruption to regular gaming machine or
system
operations, subsequently rereading the stored data from the same storage
device, and
then reasserting the previous specific state of the gaming machine or system
based
upon this rereading of the stored data. In such methods, the asserting and
reasserting
steps can include displaying data regarding at least a portion of the specific
state at a
display of the gaming machine or system. An additional step can be
establishing a
stable power input to the gaming machine or system and stable communications
within the gaming machine or system after the experiencing step.
[0029] Still further specific embodiments of methods of operating a gaming
machine or system can include experiencing a period during which an inadequate
level of power is provided through a primary power source to the gaming
machine,
detecting activity at one or more gaming machine coinponents during such a
powered
down period, recording data for various details of such detected activities to
a MRAM
or other nonvolatile, low-voltage Random Access Memory storage device during
the
powered down period, later establishing an adequate level of power to the
gaming
machine through the primary power source, and later communicating the recorded
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data to the master gaming controller of the gaming machine at a relatively
fast rate,
such as 33 MHz or faster. Additional steps can include providing power to a
logging
device from a secondary power source and monitoring for activity at the
various
gaming machine components during the powered down period, as well as providing
an increased level of power to the logging device from the secondary power
source
when activity is detected at one of the monitored gaming machine components.
[0030] Various detailed versions of any of the foregoing embodiments may also
include further specific elements. For example, a gaming system can also
include a
physical terminal adapted to present gaming results to a player of the gaming
system.
Such a gaming terminal can include a gaming machine, a display and/or some
other
physical item. In addition, all or part of an MRAM can be a singular
replacement for
both DRAM and NVRAM in a regular gaming machine or system architecture. Other
details can include all or part of the gaining machine or system data or
computer code
stored on an MRAM not being stored at any gaming machine or system component
other than the MRAM, as well as only one or alternatively multiple copies of
that data
or computer code being stored on that MRAM. Such gaming machine or system data
or computer code stored on an MRAM can include data regarding a gaming machine
or system state, and such data regarding a gaming machine or system state can
be
stored on the MRAM without prioritizing any of the data during the storage
process.
[0031] Further detailed versions of any of the foregoing embodiments can
include
specifics for several of the foregoing items. For example, a substantial
interruption or
reset to the gaming machine or system can involve a power outage, a
substantial
electrostatic discharge, a reset, a critical hardware malfunction, a critical
software
malfunction, a tilt and physical damage to a critical component, any of which
may
apply to a single gaming machine, an entire gaming system or a significant
portion
thereof. A critical event can include a coin in, a bill in, a cashless
instrument in, a
meter change, a game selection, a player input, a partial game outcome, a
complete
game outcome, a coin out, and a cashless instrument out. Regular gaming
machine or
system operations can include various actions involving a meter change, a
meter
display, a game selection, a game play, a partial game outcome, a complete
game
outcome, a game display, a coin out, a cashless instrument out, a machine
yield
calculation, an informational display and a data communication.
[0032] Other methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will
become apparent to one with skill in the art unon examination of the following
figures
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and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional methods,
features and
advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the
invention,
and be protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to
provide examples of possible structures and process steps for the disclosed
inventive
systems and methods for providing magnetoresistive memory units within a
gaming
machine or gaming system. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form
and
detail that may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without
departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective view an exemplary gaming machine.
[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates in block diagram format one exemplary partial
hardware
architecture for the gaming machine of FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of one exemplary method of starting or
rebooting the gaming machine of FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates in block diagram format one exemplary partial
hardware
architecture for a specialized gaming machine having magnetoresistive storage
devices according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates in block diagram format an alternative exemplary
partial
hardware architecture for a specialized gaming machine having magnetoresistive
storage devices according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 6 provides a flowchart of one exemplary method of booting up a
specialized gaming machine without copying significant portions of code to a
faster
memory location according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 7 provides a flowchart of one exemplary method of logging various
significant details regarding activities at the gaming machine while the
primary power
source to the gaming machine is down or off according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0041] FIG. 8 provides a flowchart of one exemplary method of providing
storage
for use during regular gaming machine operations and safe storage for
recording
gaming machine state information at a single storage device or location
according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
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[0042] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary network
infrastructure
for providing a gaming system having one or more specialized gaming machines
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] Exemplary applications of systems and methods according to the present
invention are described in this section. These examples are being provided
solely to
add context and aid in the understanding of the invention. It will thus be
apparent to
one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without
some or all
of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have
not been
described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present
invention.
Other applications are possible, such that the following example should not be
taken
as definitive or limiting either in scope or setting. In the detailed
description that
follows, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part
of the
description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments of
the present invention. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient
detail
to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention, it is understood
that these
examples are not limiting, such that other embodiments may be used and changes
may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0044] One advantage of the present invention is the introduction of
relatively
fast yet reliable ROM within a gaming machine or system. This is accomplished
in
part by using one or more magnetoresistive storage devices that are adapted to
be read
only devices (i.e., MROMs). In some embodiments, a form of conventional MRAM
is modified such that its write ability is physically disabled or otherwise
terminated,
while in other embodiments the write ability to such MRAM devices is
controlled by
another device and is maintained in a no-write configuration at most or all
times.
[0045] Another advantage of the disclosed apparatuses, systems and methods is
the provision of more versatile powered down logging devices and higher
capacity
storage devices within a gaming machine or system. This is accomplished in
part by
utilizing one or more MRAM devices adapted to store the same or more data at
the
same or lower power consumption levels of traditional tell-tale board storage
devices.
In some embodiments, these MRAMs can be dual ported to both the logging device
and the MGC or other primary processor, and in other embodiments, a variety of
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"smart" gaming machine components can each have their own dedicated logging
device and MRAM to track offline events.
[0046] Yet another advantage of the present invention is the ability to
provide
more efficient and reliable safe storage devices for recording state
information in the
event of a power hit or other gaming machine or system malfunction. Rather
than
operate with two different copies or versions of the same information in
speedy but
volatile DRAM and slower but nonvolatile battery backed RAM or other NVRAM,
one copy of information can be provided for both regular gaming machine
operations
and safe storage in speedy and nonvolatile MRAM. Such a modified use can
reduce
the number of devices and complexity of processes used significantly, and can
also
result in the elimination of any need for prioritizing data to be stored in an
otherwise
limited amount of NVRAM. Of course, the nonvolatile, reliable, low power and
relatively fast nature of most forms of MRAM can be beneficial in many of
these
specific and other applications within a gaming machine or system.
[0047] Although the present invention is directed primarily to gaming machines
and systems, it is worth noting that some of the apparatuses, systems and
methods
.disclosed herein might be adaptable for tise in other types of devices or
environments,
such that their use is not restricted exclusively to gaming machines and
contexts.
Such other adaptations may become readily apparent upon review of the
inventive
devices, systems and methods illustrated and discussed herein. The remainder
of the
detailed description herein first provides general discussions of gaming
machines,
gaming machine architectures and conventional MRAM devices. Following that,
specific embodiments of specialized gaming machines having alternative gaming
machine architectures are provided, after which various methods of use for
such
gaming machines and gaming systems are provided. Finally, exemplary network
and
system configurations are given.
Gaming Machines
[0048] Referring first to FIG. 1, an exemplary gaming machine is illustrated
in
perspective view. Gaming machine 10 includes a top box 11 and a main cabinet
12,
which generally surrounds the machine interior (not shown) and is viewable by
users.
This top box and/or main cabinet can together or separately form an exterior
housing
adapted to contain a plurality of internal gaming machine components therein.
Main
cabinet 12 includes a main door 20 on the front of the gaming machine, which
preferably opens to provide access to the gaming machine interior. Attached to
the
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main door are typically one or more player-input switches or buttons 21, one
or more
money or credit acceptors, such as a coin acceptor 22 and a bill or ticket
validator 23,
a coin tray 24, and a belly glass 25. Viewable through main door 20 is a
primary
video display monitor 26 and one or more information panels 27. The primary
video
display monitor 26 will typically be a cathode ray tube, high resolution flat-
panel
LCD, plasma/LED display or other conventional or other type of appropriate
video
monitor. Alternatively, a plurality of gaming reels can be used as a primary
gaming
machine display in place of display monitor 26, with such gaming reels
preferably
being electronically controlled, as will be readily appreciated by one skilled
in the art.
[0049] Top box 11, which typically rests atop of the main cabinet 12, may
contain
a ticket printer 28, a key pad 29, one or more additional displays 30, a card
reader 31,
one or more speakers 32, a top glass 33, one or more cameras 34, and a
secondary
video display monitor 35, which can similarly be a cathode ray tube, a high
resolution
flat-panel LCD, a plasma/LED display or any other conventional or other type
of
appropriate video monitor. Alternatively, secondary display monitor 35 might
also be
foregone in place of other displays, such as gaming reels or physical dioramas
that
might include other moving components, such as, for example, one or more
movable
dice, a spinning wheel or a rotating display. It will be understood that many
makes,
models, types and varieties of gaming machines exist, that not every such
gaming
machine will include all or any of the foregoing items, and that many gaming
machines will include other items not described above.
[0050] With respect to the basic gaming abilities provided, it will be readily
understood that gaming machine 10 can be adapted for presenting and playing
any of
a number of gaming events, particularly games of chance involving a player
wager
and potential monetary payout, such as, for example, a wager on a sporting
event or
general play as a slot machine game, a keno game, a video poker game, a video
blackjack game, and/or any other video table game, among others. While gaming
machine 10 can typically be adapted for live game play with a physically
present
player, it is also contemplated that such a gaming machine may also be adapted
for
game play with a player at a remote gaming terminal. Other features and
functions
may also be used in association with gaming machine 10, and it is specifically
contemplated that the present invention can be used in conjunction with such a
gaming machine or device that might encompass any or all such additional types
of
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features and functions. Gaming machines such as these and other variations and
types are made by many manufacturers, such as, for example, IGT of Reno,
Nevada.
[0051] With respect to electronic gaming machines in particular, the
electronic
gaming machines made by IGT are provided with special features and additional
circuitry that differentiate them from general-purpose computers, such as a
laptop or
desktop personal computer. Because gaming machines are highly regulated to
ensure
fairness, and in many cases are operable to dispense monetary awards of
millions of
dollars, hardware and software architectures that differ significantly from
those of
general-purpose computers may be implemented into a typical electronic gaming
machine in order to satisfy security concerns and the many strict regulatory
requirements that apply to a gaming environment. Descriptions and examples of
current gaming machine architectures can be found in a variety of references,
and
various discussions of hardware and software structures for an electronic
gaming
machine are disclosed in, for example, commonly assigned U.S. Patent No.
6,804,763
by Stockdale, et al., entitled "High Performance Battery Backed RAM
Interface;" as
well as commonly assigned and co-pending U.S. Patent Application Nos.
10/040,239,
by LeMay, et al., entitled "Game Development Architecture That Decouples The
Game Logic From The Graphics Logic;" and 10/041,242, by Breckner, et al.,
entitled
"Decoupling Of The Graphical Presentation Of A Game From The Presentation
Logic," each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety and for all
purposes. A
general description of many specializations in electronic gaming machines
relative to
general-purpose computing machines and specific examples of additional or
different
components and features found in such electronic gaining machines now follows.
[00521 At first glance, one might think that adapting PC technologies to the
gaming industry would be a simple proposition, since both PCs and gaming
machines
employ microprocessors that control a variety of devices. However, because of
such
reasons as 1) the regulatory requirements that are placed upon gaming
machines, 2)
the harsh environment in which gaming machines operate, 3) security
requirements
and 4) fault tolerance requirements, adapting PC technologies to a gaming
machine
can be quite difficult. Further, techniques and methods for solving a problem
in the
PC industry, such as device compatibility and connectivity issues, might not
be
adequate in the gaming environment. For instance, a fault or a weakness
tolerated in
a PC, such as security holes in software or frequent crashes, may not be
tolerated in a
gaming machine because in a gaming machine these faults can lead to a direct
loss of
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funds from the gaming machine, such as stolen cash or loss of revenue when the
gaming machine is not operating properly.
[0053] Accordingly, one difference between gaming machines and common PC
based computers or systems is that gaming machines are designed to be state-
based
systems. In a state-based system, the system stores and maintains its current
state in a
non-volatile memory, such that in the event of a power failure or other
malfunction
the gaming machine will return to its current state when the power is
restored. For
instance, if a player were shown an award for a game of chance and the power
failed
before the award was provided, the gaming machine, upon the restoration of
power,
would return to the state where the award was indicated. As anyone who has
used a
PC knows, PCs are not state machines, and a majority of data is usually lost
when a
malfunction occurs. This basic requirement affects the software and hardware
design
of a gaming machine in many ways.
[0054] A second important difference between gaming machines and common PC
based computer systems is that for regulation purposes, the software on the
gaming
machine used to generate the game of chance and operate the gaming machine
must
be designed as static and monolithic to prevent cheating by the operator of
gaming
machine. For instance, one solution that has been employed in the gaming
industry to
prevent cheating and satisfy regulatory requirements has been to manufacture a
gaming machine that can use a proprietary processor running instructions to
generate
the game of chance from an EPROM or other form of non-volatile memory. The
coding instructions on the EPROM are static (non-changeable) and must be
approved
by a gaming regulator in a particular jurisdiction and installed in the
presence of a
person representing the gaming jurisdiction. Any change to any part of the
software
required to generate the game of chance, such as, for example, adding a new
device
driver used by the master gaming controller to operate a device during
generation of
the game of chance, can require a new EPROM to be burnt, approved by the
gaming
jurisdiction, and reinstalled on the gaming machine in the presence of a
gaming
regulator. Regardless of whether the EPROM solution is used, to gain approval
in
most gaming jurisdictions, a gaming machine must demonstrate sufficient
safeguards
that prevent an operator of the gaming machine from manipulating hardware and
software in a manner that gives the operator an unfair or even illegal
advantage over a
player. The code validation requirements in the gaming industry affect both
hardware
and software designs on gaming machines.
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[0055] A third important difference between gaming machines and common PC
based computer systems is that the number and kinds of peripheral devices used
on a
gaming machine are not as great as on PC based computer systems. Traditionally
in
the gaming industry, gaming machines have been relatively simple in the sense
that
the number of peripheral devices and the number of functions on the gaming
machine
have been limited. Further, the functionality of a gaming machine tends to
remain
relatively constant once the gaming machine is deployed, in that new
peripheral
devices and new gaming software is infrequently added to an existing
operational
gaming machine. This differs from a PC, where users tend to buy new and
different
combinations of devices and software from different manufacturers, and then
connect
or install these new items to a PC to suit their individual needs. Therefore,
the types
of devices connected to a PC may vary greatly from user to user depending on
their
individual requirements, and may also vary significantly over time for a given
PC.
[0056] Although the variety of devices available for a PC may be greater than
on
a gaming machine, gaming machines still have unique device requirements that
differ
from a PC, such as device security requirements not usually addressed by PCs.
For
instance, monetary devices such as coin dispensers, bill validators, ticket
printers and
computing devices that are used to govern the input and output of cash to a
gaming
machine have security requirements that are not typically addressed in PCs.
Many
PC techniques and methods developed to facilitate device connectivity and
device
compatibility do not address the emphasis placed on security in the gaming
industry.
To address some of these issues, a number of hardware/software components and
architectures are utilized in gaming machines that are not typically found in
general
purpose computing devices, such as PCs. These hardware/software components and
architectures include, but are not limited to, items such as watchdog timers,
voltage
monitoring systems, state-based software architectures and supporting
hardware,
specialized communication interfaces, security monitoring, and trusted memory.
[0057] A watchdog timer is normally used in IGT gaming machines to provide a
software failure detection mechanism. In a normal operating system, the
operating
software periodically accesses control registers in a watchdog timer subsystem
to "re-
trigger" the watchdog. Should the operating software not access the control
registers
within a preset timeframe, the watchdog timer will time out and generate a
system
reset. Typical watchdog timer circuits contain a loadable timeout counter
register to
allow the operating software to set the timeout interval within a certain time
range. A
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differentiating feature of some preferred circuits is that the operating
software cannot
completely disable the function of the watchdog timer. In other words, the
watchdog
timer always functions from the time power is applied to the board.
[0058] IGT gaming computer platforms preferably use several power supply
voltages to operate portions of the computer circuitry. These can be generated
in a
central power supply or locally on the computer board. If any of these
voltages falls
out of the tolerance limits of the circuitry they power, unpredictable
operation of the
computer may result. Though most modern general-purpose computers include
voltage monitoring circuitry, these types of circuits only report voltage
status to the
operating software. Out of tolerance voltages can cause software malfunction,
creating a potential uncontrolled condition in the gaming computer. IGT gaming
machines, however, typically have power supplies with tighter voltage margins
than
that required by the operating circuitry. In addition, the voltage monitoring
circuitry
implemented in IGT gaming computers typically has two thresholds of control.
The
first threshold generates a software event that can be detected by the
operating
software and an error condition generated. This threshold is triggered when a
power
supply voltage falls out of the tolerance range of the power supply, but is
still within
the operating range of the circuitry. The second threshold is set when a power
supply
voltage falls out of the operating tolerance of the circuitry. In this case,
the circuitry
generates a reset, halting operation of the computer.
[0059] The standard method of operation for IGT gaming machine game software
is to use a state machine. Each function of the game (e.g., bet, play, result)
is defined
as a state. When a game moves from one state to another, critical data
regarding the
game software is stored in a custom non-volatile memory subsystem. In
addition,
game history or "state" information can include information regarding the
amount of
credits on the machine, the state of any game in progress, data regarding
previous
games played, amounts wagered, and so forth, any or all of which can be stored
in a
non-volatile memory device. This feature allows the state of the gaming
machine to
be recovered in the event of a substantial interruption to the gaming machine,
which
can include a power outage, a gaming machine reset, a critical hardware
malfunction,
a critical software malfunction and a gaming machine functional tilt, among
other
items, as will be readily appreciated. This is critical to ensure that correct
wagers,
credits and other important informational items are preserved.
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[0060] Typically, battery backed RAM devices or other similar components are
used to preserve this critical data. These memory devices are not used in
typical
general-purpose computers. Also, the software structure on the gaming machine
can
include a safe storage manager module that is configured to update the overall
state of
the gaming machine to the non-volatile storage component or components,
preferably
on a recurring basis. This safe storage manager can also be configured to
restore the
gaming machine to a part or all of the overall state stored at a non-volatile
storage
component. Further details of state based storage and recovery processes in a
gaming
machine are disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 6,804,763, which is
again incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.
[0061] In addition, substantial interruptions to the gaming machine are
typically
monitored for by one or more system managers, such as, for example, a tilt
manager.
Machine properties such as power level, temperature, electrostatic level and
other
factors are monitored, and cautionary signals or tilt generation instructions
are sent
and acted upon as appropriate when one or more of these properties of the
gaming
machine crosses a set tolerance level for whatever reason. Details of such
property
monitoring and tilt generation processes in a gaming machine are disclosed in
commonly assigned and co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 09/954,816, by
Breckner, et al., entitled "Modular Tilt Handling System," which is
incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.
[0062] Continuing further, IGT gaming computers normally contain additional
interfaces, including serial interfaces, to connect to specific subsystems
internal and
external to the gaming machine. The serial devices may have electrical
interface
requirements that differ from the "standard" EIA RS232 serial interfaces
provided by
general-purpose computers. These interfaces may include EIA RS485, EIA RS422,
Fiber Optic Serial, optically coupled serial interfaces, current loop style
serial
interfaces, and the like. In addition, to conserve serial interfaces
internally in the
gaming machine, serial devices may be connected in a shared, daisy-chain
fashion
where multiple peripheral devices are connected to a single serial channel.
[0063] IGT gaming machines may alternatively be treated as peripheral devices
to
a casino communication controller and connected in a shared daisy chain
fashion to a
single serial interface. In both cases, the peripheral devices are preferably
assigned
device addresses. If so, the serial controller circuitry must implement a
method to
generate or detect unique device addresses. General-purpose computer serial
ports
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are not able to do this. In addition, security monitoring circuits detect
intrusion into
an IGT gaming machine by monitoring security switches attached to access doors
in
the gaming machine cabinet. Preferably, access violations result in suspension
of
game play and can trigger additional security operations to preserve the
current state
of game play. These circuits also function when power is off by use of a
battery
backup. In power-off operation, these circuits continue to monitor the access
doors of
the gaming machine. When power is restored, the gaming machine can determine
whether any security violations occurred while power was off, such as by
software for
reading status registers. This can trigger event log entries and further data
authentication operations by the gaming machine software.
[0064] Trusted memory devices are preferably included in an IGT gaming
machine computer to ensure the authenticity of the software that may be stored
on
less secure memory subsystems, such as mass storage devices. Trusted memory
devices and controlling circuitry are typically designed to not allow
modification of
the code and data stored in the memory device while the memory device is
installed
in the gaming machine. The code and data stored in these devices may include,
for
example, authentication algorithms, random number generators, authentication
keys,
operating system kernels, and so forth. The purpose of these trusted memory
devices
is to provide gaming regulatory authorities a root trusted authority within
the
computing environment of the gaming machine that can be tracked and verified
as
original. This may be accomplished via removal of the trusted memory device
from
the gaming machine computer and verification of the secure memory device
contents
is a separate third party verification device. Once the trusted memory device
is
verified as authentic, and based on the approval of verification algorithms
contained
in the trusted device, the gaming machine is allowed to verify the
authenticity of
additional code and data that may be located in the garning computer assembly,
such
as code and data stored on hard disk drives.
[0065] Mass storage devices used in a general purpose computer typically allow
code and data to be read from and written to the mass storage device. In a
gaming
machine environment, modification of the gaming code stored on a mass storage
device is strictly controlled and would only be allowed under specific
maintenance
type events with electronic and physical enablers required. Though this level
of
security could be provided by software, IGT gaming computers that include mass
storage devices preferably include hardware level mass storage data protection
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.. ..,., ,..,. , 1.11o1.1. 3in ..1..11 rL"r
circuitry that operates at the circuit level to monitor attempts to modify
data on the
mass storage device and will generate both software and hardware error
triggers
should a data modification be attempted without the proper electronic and
physical
enablers being present. In addition to the basic gaming abilities provided,
these and
other features and functions serve to differentiate gaming machines into a
special
class of computing devices separate and distinct from general purpose
computers.
Gaming; Machine Architecture
[0066] Moving next to FIG. 2, a partial exemplary architecture for the
electronic
gaming machine of FIG. I is illustrated in block diagram format. Although it
may be
appreciated that this architecture resembles a PC architecture in some ways,
there
remain various nuances that can be peculiar to such a gaming machine
architecture.
It will also be appreciated that the various architectural items illustrated
represent
only a portion of the many possible architectural elements of a gaming
machine, that
many other such items may also be included and/or substituted for those shown,
and
that not every item shown must be included. It is also understood that a wide
variety
of makes and models of hardware components can be used for a given item, and
that
any sucll suitable components are contemplated for use in the present
invention. It
will be fizrther understood that the various items shown are provided for
purposes of
illustration only, need not be in the particular locations or arrangements
shown, much
less present at all in a given gaming machine. For example, while primary
display 26
is generally at or near the center of the front face of the gaming machine and
speakers
32 are located at the gaming machine sides where the top box meets the main
cabinet,
one or more of these items may be alternatively placed in a variety of other
locations
or relative arrangements.
[00671 As is also shown in FIG. 1, gaming machine 10 generally includes a top
box 11 and main cabinet 12. CPU 50, which is preferably the gaming machine MGC
or a portion thereof, executes the logic provided by gaming software on the
gaming
machine or system. Such a CPU can be, for example, a Pentium series processor
available from Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, California or a K6 series
processor
available from AMD Corporation of Sunnyvale, California, among others. To
increase the performance of this MGC or CPU, data and instructions may be
stored in
a memory cache 51 directly on the CPU 50 or at some other relatively
convenient
location (not shown), such as one that might be located directly off of CPU
bus 52,
for example. For applicatinnc with cr;t;ra] raara etnrao'P ranniraman+o c ch
memory
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caches are not usually utilized for critical data storage, since data stored
in these
locations may be lost in the event of a power failure. Thus, a separate non-
volatile
memory storage device is utilized, such as NVRAM2 81, as detailed further
below.
[0068] A north bridge 60 is provided essentially as a memory hub adapted to
facilitate and convert communications between various signals, such as, for
example,
CPU bus signals, Peripheral Component Interface ("PCI") bus signals, and
memory
bus signals, among others. One example of such another signal can be advanced
graphic port ("AGP") signals, if applicable. Signals for the CPU bus 52, PCI
bus 69,
memory bus 68, AGP (not shown) and others may differ according to the voltage
level, clock rate and bit width. Also, the format of appropriate control
signals on each
type conduit such as read strobe, write strobe, ready signal for timing,
address signals
and data signals may vary from conduit to conduit. North bridge 60, which can
be
any suitable form of suitable memory hub, such as, for example, an ASIC or
Field
Programmable Gate Array ("FPGA"), among others, enables communications
between these and other different types of conduits. For instance, the PCI
standard is
a well-defined standard used in the personal computer industry, and is
maintained by
the Peripheral Component Interface Special Interest Group ("PCISIG") of
Portland,
Oregon, further information for which can be found at http://www.pcisig.com.
PCI
version 2.1 typically uses a 66 MHz clock rate and a 32 bit wide data signal
at 5 volts
to send signals. Other versions of PCI using a 133 MHz clock rate and/or a 64
bit
wide data signal may also be available. In contrast, the clock rate used to
send data
signals on or "speed" of CPU bus 52 may be much higher, such as at or above
800
MHz, as will be readily appreciated.
[0069] One or more SDRAM units 66 may store various data and items, such as
the gaming machine software to be executed by the CPU 50. As is generally
known,
such gaming machine software generally provides and allows a game to be played
on
the gaming machine. SDRAM 66 can be in communication with the CPU indirectly
via north bridge 60, and with the north bridge directly via a memory bus 68 or
other
similar communication link. As is generally lcnown in the art, such a memory
bus can
be relatively fast, operating at a clock rate of at or above 800 MHz, for
example.
SDRAM 66 can be the primary form of storage used by the gaming machine for
high
speed data storage and processing during regular gaming machine operations. It
will
also be readily appreciated that while SDRAM 66 is relatively fast, it is
generally a
volatile form of memory, and as such must typically be refreshed or restored
upon
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any new gaming machine power up or reset, such as by loading software from a
more
stable source, such as, for example, a relatively slower hard drive 72 or CD-
ROM 73.
[0070] North bridge 60 also preferably connects to a wide variety of gaming
machine components, peripherals and additional memory hubs via PCI bus 69.
Keyboards, printers, audio components, video components, touch screens, player
tracking units, coin acceptors, bill validators, network components and the
like are all
examples of devices that may communicate with CPU 50 via the PCI bus 69. It
will
be readily appreciated that while several specific examples of PCI bus devices
and
components are illustrated and discussed as follows, that many more may also
be
present and connected to the PCI bus of a gaming machine. As one example, an
audio controller 61, which may send signals to one or more speakers or other
sound
projection devices 32, can be connected to PCI bus 69. Video controller 62 may
also
be so connected, and can be used to send signals to one or more displays
connected to
the gaming machine, such as primary display 26, such that a game outcome may
be
presented to a player playing a game on the gaming machine. Video controller
62
might be installed as part of a video card that includes video memory and a
separate
video processor. Using the CPU 50, audio controller 61 and video controller
62,
high-quality graphics, sound and multimedia presentations may be presented as
part
of a game play, outcome or other presentation.
[0071] A tell-tale board 63 adapted to detect and record various events when
the
main power to gaming machine 10 is down or completely off can also connect to
PCI
bus 69. Such events can be recorded to NVRAMI 67, which can be some form of
battery backed RAM or flash RAM, for example. As noted above, tell-tale board
63
can be battery powered, and in any event should at least be adapted to receive
power
from a source other than the main power source (not shown) of the gaming
machine.
Such a secondary power source becomes necessary if the tell-tale board is to
perform
its primary function of recording critical event information while the main
power is
down or off. As also noted above, such recorded events can be, for example, a
notice
that a main door has been opened, a bill door has been opened, and/or a card
cage or
"brain box" door has been opened, among others. A network controller 64, which
may communicate with one or more networks including a casino local area
network
("LAN") or a wide area network ("WAN") can also be connected to PCI bus 69.
Such a network controller 64 may allow the gaming machine to communicate with
devices that provide gaming services, such as an accounting server and a wide
area
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progressive server, among others. The accounting server may poll the gaming
machine for accounting information stored in a non-volatile memory storage
device,
such as NVRAM2 81. The wide area progressive server may receive information
stored in NVRAM2 81, such as wagers made on the gaming machine, and may also
send information to be stored in an NVRAM, such as the value of a progressive
jackpot. A generic controller 65 is also shown as being connected to PCI bus
69, with
such a controller representing any of the numerous other controllers or
devices that
can also be connected to the PCI bus. Controller 65 could be, for example, a
player
tracking unit, keyboard, ticket printer, coin acceptor, bill validator, coin
hopper or any
of various inputs, such as a touch screen or button, for example.
[0072] One or more additional information or memory hubs may also be linked
along PCI bus 69, such as, for example, a south bridge 70. This south bridge
70 may
also separately connect to various additional memory devices, as well as one
or more
serial ports (not shown), such as those for a bill validator. In one
particular example,
when a monetary bill, printed ticket or other acceptable indicia of credit is
accepted
by the bill validator, information regarding the denomination of the bill or
value of
the ticket or other indicia may be transferred serially using a Netplex
interface to the
south bridge 70, with Netplex being an IGT proprietary protocol. Such Netplex
serial
signals can then be converted to PCI standard signals by the south bridge 70
using a
Netplex device driver. Other suitable non-proprietary methods of
communication,
such as those under the RS-232 serial standard, may also be used. The
information
transferred from the bill validator might be treated as critical game
information,
whereby non-volatile memory storage such as NVRAM2 81 might be used.
[0073] South bridge 70 may contain various components internally, such as a
hard drive controller 71, and can be used to connect various stable ROM
storage
devices to the system, such as hard drive 72, CD-ROM 73 and EPROM1 74, among
others. Some of these devices, such as hard drive 72 and CD-ROM 73 can connect
to
the south bridge 70 via an integrated drive electronics ("IDE") bus 75 or
other similar
connection. As is known in the art, a typical IDE bus operates at a speed of
about 100
MHz, which is generally appropriate for the access rates of many hard drives
and CD-
ROM drives. Other devices, such as EPROMI 74, can connect to the south bridge
70
via a basic industry standard architecture ("ISA") bus 76, which can be
relatively
slow in comparison to other buses and connections. For example, a typical ISA
bus
might transmit data at a speed of about 8 MHz, which would be appropriate for
an
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EPROM and other similarly slower components. In many gaming machines, the boot
programs used in a power up or restart process tend to be in multiple
locations, such
as an initial basic input/output system ("BIOS") at a "BOOT 1" location within
EPROM1 74 and an extended BIOS at a "BOOT2" location within EPROM2 82, as
discussed in greater detail below. Other components might also connect to
south
bridge 70 by a universal serial bus ("USB") (not shown) and/or any of a number
of
other suitable buses and connections, as will be readily appreciated.
[0074] Additional components and storage devices can also be connected to the
PCI bus 69 as part of a gaming system extension, such as through an FPGA 80 or
another similar logic device or memory hub. FPGA 80 can be, for example, a
model
XC3S50 FPGA manufactured by Xilinx, Inc. of San Jose, California.
Alternatively,
such a gaming system extension can be another PCI interface device, such as
the PLX
9050 made by PLX Technology of Sunnyvale, California. Of course, any other
similarly suitable device can also be used as a gaming system extension. This
FPGA
80 or other gaining system extension can include various serial connections
that allow
communication with several devices, such as player tracking units, wide are
progressive systems and casino area networks, among others. Memory units that
connect to the PCI bus 69 through FPGA 80 or another similar extension can
include,
for example, a battery backed RAM or other non-volatile memory unit NVRAM2 81,
a boot related memory unit EPROM2 82, and a "black box" EEPROM 83 for storing
data and other gaming machine specific information, among others. Of course,
multiple FPGAs or other similar extension devices may also connect to PCI bus
69,
although only one is illustrated here for purposes of simplicity and
discussion.
[0075] One use for battery backed RAM or otherwise non-volatile NVRAM2 81
is to preserve a game history or state of the gaming machine, as noted above.
Such a
gaming machine history or state can include many details and data items
regarding
information from a game presentation and/or outcome, as noted above, including
one
or more frames from a sequence of frames used in the game outcome or
presentation.
Such frames may be copied to NVRAM2 81 from frame buffers residing on the
video
controller 62 or at another location in the gaming machine. As such, NVRAM2 81
is
a "safe storage" device for gaming machine 10, and can be connected to PCI bus
69
for a number of reasons. For one, the PCI bus 69 allows for a relatively fast
connection (e.g., 66 or 133 MHz) to the CPU 50 from NVRAM2 81 (via FPGA 80,
north bridge 60 and the faster CPU bus 52). Such a speedy connection is
important,
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since the software typically does not advance to the next state until the
current state is
executed or rolled back in a state based transaction system. Execution of each
state
involves a number of access requests to NVRAM2 81, such that the access rate
to this
device typically affects the performance of the entire gaming machine or
system.
Although a faster connection than PCI bus 69 might be desirable, the speed of
this
bus tends to be on par with the speed of many typical battery backed RAM
devices,
such that a faster bus would not provide any significant advantage when used
with
NVRAM2 81.
[0076] Other reasons for using a PCI bus in association with NVRAM2 81 or
other battery backed RAM can include the fact that there is typically no data
caching
on a PCI bus, which is an important feature where critical data is being
backed up, as
well as the ability for items on a PCI bus to be interchangeable and to be
tolerant of
changes on a main processor board, such as a CPU swap. This permits
flexibility in
swapping out various gaming machine components without having to make any
corresponding changes to the NVRAM2 81 for purposes of compatibility. It is
preferable that a gaming machine safe storage component, such as NVRAM2 81, be
relatively large, given its critical function of backing up states in a gaming
machine.
Such an inclusion or use of a large non-volatile memory is usually not a
standard
component on a PC, thus distinguishing PCs from gaming machines at least in
this
regard. Further details of safe storage at an NVRAM device are disclosed in
the
previously noted commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 6,804,763 by Stockdale, et
al.,
entitled "High Performance Battery Backed RAM Interface," which has been
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and for all purposes.
[0077] One use for a one time writable ROM such as EPROM2 82 can be that of
storage for critical extended BIOS ("BOOT2"), as noted above. In a typical
boot up
or reset process, the gaming machine is initially directed to the initial BIOS
program
stored at BOOT1 within the EPROMI 74 connected to south bridge 70. Once this
has been booted and acted upon, logic within the BOOT1 direct the gaming
machine
to the extended BIOS program stored at BOOT2 within the EPROM2 82 connected to
FPGA 80. As will be readily appreciated, both of these processes can involve
various
boot, loading, decryption, authentication and verification processes, and any
of a
number of suitable encryption techniques can employed during these processes.
For
example, a public-key encryption can involve a combination of a private key
that is
known only to a single host device and a public-key that is given to any other
device
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that wants to communicate securely with the host device. A sending device
encrypts
a document using the public key from the recipient and its own private key.
The
receiving device uses the public-key (as provided by the other device) and its
own
private key to decode the encrypted message. Files may also be authenticated
using
digital signatures or digital certificates created via the private key of the
sender. Such
digital certificates permit the recipient to confirm the identity of the
sender, as is
generally known in the art. Further details on methods and systems for
encryption,
hashing and other authentication tools in a gaming machine can be found in,
for
example, commonly owned U.S. Patent Nos. 5,643,086; 6,104,815; 6,106,396;
6,149,522 and 6,620,047, as well as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2004/0002381,
all of
which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety and for all
purposes.
[0078] Uses for a "black box" non-volatile RAM device, such as EEPROM 83,
can be for storing data specific to the exterior cabinet or physical terminal
of a
gaming machine or system. Such data can be overall cabinet or terminal based
meter
data, backup data or code for other gaming machine or system components,
and/or
other gaming machine or terminal specific information, such as country
designations,
accounting denominations, machine yield data, progressive jackpot data, volume
settings and overall gaming machine configuration data, among others. The need
for
such overall EEPROMs or other like storage devices typically arises due to
gaming
regulations, gaming operator desire to track overall data with respect to a
machine
housing or physical terminal, or both. As such, this "black box" EEPROM 83 can
be
located on a back plane board of the gaming machine, such that it remains with
the
exterior housing when the main processor board or "brain box" and/or its
associated
components are replaced. As is generally known, a "brain box" is typically a
sheet
metal enclosure within the gaming machine that is adapted to house a number of
critical components, such as the MGC or CPU, as well as various memory
devices,
such as some RAM, NVRAM, the hard drive, and other such components. This brain
box can come with a lock, and may be removable from the gaming machine as an
entire unit in some cases. EEPROM 83 can then be interfaced to the new "brain
box"
and/or other components that are newly installed, as will be readily
appreciated.
[0079] Referring again to FIG. 2, designations for those items that are
primarily
associated with the main processor board or "brain box," such that they are
typically
removed from the gaming machine along with the brain box when it is replaced,
are
shown as being within brain box region 40. Conversely, those gaming machine
items
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that are primarily associated with the gaming machine exterior housing, such
that
they remain with the exterior housing while the main processor board is
replaced, are
seen as being within back plane board region 41. As shown, replacement of a
main
processor board typically involves the replacement of CPU 50, its cache 51,
north
bridge 60, SDRAM 66, south bridge 70, hard drive 72, CD-ROM 73, EPROM1 74,
FPGA 80, NVRAM2 81, EPROM2 82 and possibly one or more other components,
such as generic controller 65. Items that usually remain with the cabinet or
exterior
housing during a brain box swap can include the "black box" EEPROM 83, as well
as
audio controller 61 and speakers 32, video controller 62 and main display 26,
tell-tale
board 63 and its associated NVRAM1 67, and network controller 64, among
others.
[0080] Continuing on to FIG. 3, a flowchart of one exemplary method of
starting
or rebooting the gaming machine of FIGS. 1 and 2 is provided. It will be
understood
that not every step provided for such a start or reboot process is necessary,
that other
steps might be included, and that the order of steps might be rearranged as
desired for
a given application. After a start step 90, a first set of instructions is
fetched from a
main BIOS at process step 91. Such a main BIOS can be that which is found at
the
BOOT1 code within EPROMI 74 of gaming machine 10. This main BIOS is then
executed at a following process step 92, and a copy of at least a portion of
the main
BIOS is then made to a faster memory location at process step 93, such as
SDRAM
66 of gaming machine 10. The operating system of the gaming machine is started
at
process step 94, after which appropriate drivers and an authenticator are
started at
process step 95. Authentication of various components, such as the hard drive
and
CD-ROM, occurs at process step 96. At process step 97, a game application is
installed and launched, after which the boot process ends at an end step 98.
MRAM Devices
[0081] Many conventional writable memory devices, such as SRAM, DRAM,
SDRAM, NVRAM, Flash RAM, EEPROMs and the like, tend to suffer from one or
more drawbacks that render them as less than ideal. For example, while SRAM
tends
to have fast access times, it is a volatile form of low density memory that
loses its
storage in the event of a power outage. DRAM is similar in that it is
relatively fast,
but volatile, and also requires constant power for memory refreshing.
Furthermore,
while Flash RAM and EEPROMs are indeed nonvolatile, they are both low density
and have slow access times. In addition, higher voltage levels are typically
required
to write to Flash RAM, and EEPROMs typically require custom software drivers.
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Conversely, magnetoresistive random access memory (i.e., MRAM) is an
alternative
foml of memory storage that is nonvolatile, high density, does not require
refreshing,
can be written to at low voltages, does not require custom software drivers,
and has
relatively fast access times that can approach the speeds of SRAM in some
cases.
[0082] With respect to many of the gaming machine issues and memory devices
noted above then, MRAM is much faster than Flash RAM, EEPROMs or EPROMs,
and is nearly as fast as volatile RAM. Accordingly, use of MRAM in place of
most
typical boot storage devices can significantly decrease the amount of time
that it takes
to start or reboot a gaming machine. MRAM is also non-volatile without
requiring a
battery or other power source, thus making it advantageous over any other
NVRAM.
It also does not require any special driver to use, thus rendering it
advantageous over
any memory device that does. MRAM has several advantages over DRAM, since it
is non-volatile, does not need to be constantly refreshed, and can be at least
as fast as
DRAM. Since MRAM is faster than any other form of NVRAM, this also narrows or
eliminates the window in which data can be lost before it is backed up to safe
storage,
in the event that MRAM is used as a safe storage device. It is also worth
noting that
MRAM is particularly reliable in retaining its data for long periods of time
without
any power, since it uses magnetic principles rather than electrical power to
store data.
[0083] MRAM is a relatively new technology, and typically involves cell type
storage based on a transistor and magnetic tunnel junction ("MTJ") structure.
As is
generally known in the art, an MTJ structure can be comprised of a layer of
insulating
material situated between two electrodes of a magnetic material. One electrode
can
be a fixed ferromagnetic layer that creates a strong pinning field to hold the
magnetic
polarization of the layer in a particular given direction. The other electrode
can then
be another ferromagnetic layer that is able to rotate and hold its magnetic
polarization
in a plurality of directions, preferably at least two magnetically opposite
directions.
When the pinned and rotatable electrodes have the same polarization, the MTJ
cell
will be in a low resistance state; and when the electrodes have an opposite or
substantially different polarization, the MTJ cell will be in a high
resistance state. A
current can then be made to "tunnel" from one magnetic layer to the other
magnetic
layer through the insulator, whereby the resistance state of a given MTJ cell
can be
detected. Various details of MTJ structures and of MRAM in general can be
found in
many references, such as, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,173,873; 5,640,343;
and
6,744,662, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety,
as well as
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at various web site pages several MRAM developers, such as www.freescale.com
and
www.research.ibm.com, among others.
[0084] Specific examples of MRAM storage devices that can be used in a gaming
machine or system can include the MR2A16A model 4 Mb MRAM unit now being
offered by Freescale Semiconductor Inc. of Austin, Texas, or the 16 Mb MRAM
unit
that was recently demonstrated by Infineon Technologies AG of Munich, Germany.
Other developers that have or are expected to make MRAM units commercially
available soon also include IBM of Armonk, New York, Hewlett Packard of Palo
Alto, California, Motorola of Schaumburg, Illinois and Cypress Semiconductor
of
San Jose, California, among others. It is specifically contemplated that these
or any
other suitable MRAM unit made by any provider can be used in a gaming machine
or
system under the present invention, as disclosed herein. In fact, it is
specifically
contemplated that any form of MRAM can be used as a replacement for any other
form of memory in an electronic gaming machine or system. Such a replacement
or
replacements can in some cases effecting a significant restructuring of a
gaming
machine architecture, as set forth in further detail below.
Specialized Gaming Devices
[0085] Turning now to FIG. 4, a block diagram of an exemplary partial hardware
architecture for a specialized gaming machine having magnetoresistive storage
devices according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.
Gaming
machine 100 is similar to gaming machine 10 in outward appearance, having a
top
box, main cabinet, primary display 126, speakers 132 and various other
components
that can be identical or similar to those found in or on gaming machine 10.
Other
components can also be identical or similar, including the audio controller
161, video
controller 162, networlc controller 164, generic controller 165, CPU 150 and
its
incorporated cache 151, CPU bus 152, memory bus 168 and PCI bus 169, among
others. There are several significant differences between gaming machines,
however,
notably the use of MRAM and MROM units and the elimination of several otlier
devices in specialized gaming machine 100.
[00861 It can be seen from FIG. 4 that rather than using an SDRAM or DRAM
memory block close to CPU 150, a block of magnetoresistive memory is used.
Specifically, MROM 166a and MRAM1 166b are in communication with CPU 150
indirectly via a first or primary memory hub MH1 160. Such a memory hub can be
similar to the north bridge 60 of gaming machine 10, or can be any other
suitable
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device adapted to facilitate communications to the CPU 150. For example,
primary
memory hub 160 can be an ASIC adapted to facilitate and control communications
between CPU 150 and both MROM 166a and MRAM1 166b. In some situations,
such an ASIC can be configured to control or prevent writing to MROM 166a, as
set
forth in detail below. Such an ASIC can be, for example, the M1651 Northbridge
product made by ALi Corporation of Taipei, Taiwan. In some embodiments, MROM
166a and MRAM1 166b can be combined physically as one large memory unit or
bank of memory units, with the primary distinction between them being that the
units
or portions thereof that make up the MROM cannot be written to.
[0087] Of the various standard gaming machine components that are not included
in specialized gaming machine 100, the CD-ROM, read only hard drive portions
and
EPROMs for storing the boot code have all been replaced by MROM 166a, while
the
read-write hard drive portions and battery backed safe storage NVRAM2 have
been
replaced by MRAM 1 166b. Hence, at least a portion of MROM 166a can be
designated as a "BOOT" portion, while at least a portion of MRAM1 166b can be
designated as a safe storage "NVRAM" portion. In fact, it is preferable that
all of
MRAM1 be non-volatile random access memory. The actual devices that make up
this MROM 166a and MRAM1 166b can be, for example, a bank or array of the
MR2A16A model 4 Mb MRAM units made by Freescale Semiconductor and/or the
16 Mb MRAM units that were recently demonstrated by Infineon Technologies AG,
although any other suitable MRAM or MROM units may be used as well. In fact,
any and all MROM and MRAM components found in both gaming machine 100 of
FIG. 4 and gaming machine 200 of FIG. 5 can similarly be made up of one or
more of
the Freescale, Infineon, or other suitable MRAM devices. It is also worth
noting that
the internal CPU caches 151, 251 of these gaming machines may also comprise
some
form of MRAM and/or MROM, as future technologies render such options
available,
and it is specifically contemplated that such additional embodiments be usable
within
the contexts of the present invention.
[0088] Continuing further, it can be seen that a secondary memory hub MH2 180
has essentially replaced the FPGA 80 of gaming machine 10. Although various
items
may still branch off from this secondary memory hub 180, the elements
contained
within safe storage NVRAM2 81 and boot EPROM2 82 of gaming machine 10 have
preferably been relocated to MRAM1 166b and MROM 166a respectively. One item
that can remain as branching off of secondary memory hub MH2 180 is a "black
box"
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storage device for storing data specific to the exterior cabinet or physical
terminal of a
gaming machine or system, similar to the function perfonned by EEPROM 83 of
gaming machine 10 discussed above. Rather than use a slow EEPROM for such a
function though, such a black box storage device can be a superior MRAM
device,
such as the MRAM2 183 illustrated in FIG. 4, for example. As noted in the
above
example, the secondary or auxiliary data or computer code to be stored at a
"black
box" storage device such as MRAM2 183 can include a variety of items, such as
overall cabinet or terminal based meter data, backup data or code for other
gaming
machine or system components, and/or other gaming machine or terminal specific
information, such as country designations, accounting denominations, machine
yield
data, progressive jackpot data, volume settings and overall gaming machine
configuration data, among others.
[0089] As is also noted in the foregoing example, a "black box" storage device
such as MRAM2 183 is also preferably associated with a back plane board of the
gaming machine, such that it typically remains with the gaming machine
cabinet. It is
also worth noting again that, similar to gaming machine 10, various components
of
gaming machine 100 can be associated with this back plane board or the gaming
machine cabinet in general, with such components generally including those
within
back plane board region 141. Also similar to the above example, those
components
that are typically associated with the main processor board are generally
included
within brain box region 140 of gaming machine 100. As shown, such designations
would include MROM 166a and MRAM1 166b as generally being within brain box
region 140 and thus associated with the brain box or main processor board,
while
MRAM2 183, logging device 163 and MRAM3 167 associated with this logging
device are generally within back plane board region 141 and thus are
associated with
the exterior housing or physical terminal of the gaming machine or system.
[0090] Logging device 163 can be substantially similar to the tell-tale board
63 of
gaming machine 10, although it is specifically intended that logging device
163 can
be a tell-tale board or any other device adapted to log or record information
related to
powered down or offline activities at the gaming machine. Unlike gaming
machine
above, gaming machine 100 provides a superior storage device associated with
its
tell-tale board or other suitable logging device 163. Such a storage device
for offline
activity data recording can also be an MRAM, such as the MRAM3 167
illustrated.
As shown for gaming machine 100, the logging storage component MRAM3 167 is a
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dedicated device, such that the logging device 163 is the gaming machine
component
that must both write to and read from this storage component. Other
arrangements
are also possible, as noted in greater detail below.
[0091] Moving next to FIG. 5, a block diagram of an alternative exemplary
partial
hardware architecture for a specialized gaming machine having magnetoresistive
storage devices according to another embodiment of the present invention is
shown.
Gaming machine 200 is similar to gaming machines 10 and 100 in outward
appearance, having a top box, main cabinet, primary display 226, speakers 232
and
various other components that can be identical or similar to those found in or
on
gaming machines 10 or 100. Other components can also be identical or similar
to
those from gaming machine 10 or 100, including the audio controller 261, video
controller 262, network controller 264, generic controller 265, CPU 250 and
its
incorporated cache 251, CPU bus 252, memory bus 268 and PCI bus 269, among
others. In addition, several components can be identical or similar to those
from
specialized gaming machine 100, such as a first or primary memory hub MH1 260,
a
primary MROM1 266a, a primary MRAMl 266b, a logging device 263 and a
secondary MRAM2 267, among others.
[0092) Unlike gaming machine 100, however, specialized gaming machine 200
can include a hard drive 272, CD-ROM 273 and secondary MROM2 274, as well as a
secondary memory hub MH2 270 adapted to link each of these devices to PCI bus
269 in a manner similar that that which was done by south bridge 70 of gaming
machine 10. A hard drive controller 271 and/or other similar items may reside
on the
secondary memory hub 270 for such purposes. Of course, an IDE bus 275 or other
similar bus can be used to connect the hard drive 272 and CD-ROM 273. While
bus
276 to MROM2 274 can be an ISA bus, as in gaming machine 10, a faster bus may
be
preferred due to the increased access speed of an MROM. It may even be
desirable to
locate such a secondary MROM at a more accessible location, such as directly
off of
the primary memory hub MH1 260 or off of CPU 252, for example, in order to
take
advantage of the increased access speed of the MROM. The arrangement provided
in
FIG. 5 may be desirable where CD-ROM and/or traditional hard drive
capabilities are
preferred within a gaming machine, in addition to one or more MROM devices.
[0093] Another notable difference in the architecture of gaming machine 200 is
the ability of the logging device storage unit MRAM2 267 to be accessed by
other
components, such as through a separate connection or memory bus to the primary
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memory hub MH1 260. Accordingly, this logging device MRAM2 267 can be a dual
or multi ported memory arrangement, with one port being accessible to the
logging
device 263, at least for writing access purposes, and another port being
accessible to
the CPU 250 (i.e., MGC) or other security type device, at least for reading
access
purposes. Under such an arrangement, the CPU could be adapted to read data
from
the logging device memory unit MRAM2 267 immediately after power is restored
to
the gaming machine, without having to inquire to the logging device 263 for
such
data. Yet another notable difference is the elimination of a separate "black
box"
exterior housing based storage device. Instead, the storage that would
ordinarily be
associated with such an item can be made to a designated portion of MRAM2 267.
That is, one portion of MRAM2 267 could be used for recording details of
powered
down activities, as is done on a tell-tale board, while another portion of
MRAM2 267
could be used for recording exterior housing based data or code, such as
absolute
meter data and other items, as detailed above.
[0094] Although specific, exemplary, specialized gaming machine architectures
have been provided for purposes of illustration in FIGS. 4 and 5, it will be
readily
appreciated that many other arrangements and embodiments utilizing MROM and/or
MRAM as gaming machine storage devices can be used. The present invention
specifically contemplates any and all other such arrangements and embodiments
involving MROM and/or MRAM as storage devices at a gaming machine. Also,
although gaming machines 100 and 200 of FIGS. 4 and 5 are both specialized
gaming
machines in the sense that they include MROM and/or MRAM storage devices, it
will
be readily appreciated that a wide variety of devices can be used in
conjunction with
the inventive apparatuses, systems and methods disclosed herein. Such other
devices
can be specialized gaming devices with displays, as well as any other device
that can
be implemented with an MROM or MRAM device, as disclosed and detailed herein.
Although it will be understood that such other applications can be used with
the
inventive systems and methods disclosed herein, the focus here shall remain on
examples involving actual gaming machines for purposes of this discussion.
[0095] Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, it can be seen that the gaming
machines
100, 200 of both figures contain primary high speed code and data storage for
regular
use by the CPUs 150, 250 in the form of a primary MROM (166a or 266a) and a
primary (MRAM 166b or 266b). As noted above, various boot programs and code
are usually stored in some form of ROM, such as the EPROMs of gaming machine
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10. One example of such code would be authentication code, although it will be
readily appreciated that there can be many other types of boot code and
programs.
Under such an arrangement, the boot programs and code stored on the EPROMs is
loaded into a much faster DRAM, SDRAM or similar storage device for practical
reasons in order to conduct further gaming machine operations with the code.
Such
traditional boot procedures from EPROMs can be particularly slow, even causing
a
bottleneck in the start up process, where significantly sized images and/or
other large
files are included as part of the transfer process during start up.
[0096] In the specialized gaming machines 100, 200, however, such boot
programs and code can all be stored at the high speed and readily available
MROMs
166a, 266a, such that there is no need to copy these programs and code to
another
memory location or storage device. Upon a boot or other initiation procedure,
the
gaming machine can simply run the programs and code from their original
storage
locations on the MROM without making copies of the programs or code. In
addition,
both the basic BIOS and extended BIOS can be stored on the MROM, either in two
locations are altogether, thus eliminating any need for a basic BIOS to
authenticate an
extended BIOS. In this manner, various CRCs, checksums, authentications and
other
traditionally non-trivial legacy boot procedures can be rendered unnecessary
through
the use of MROMs. Such arrangements are thus much more efficient in that they
save substantial amounts of time and process steps for boot processes, as well
as
reducing the number of devices that are needed.
[0097] MRAM and/or MROM, as noted above, can also be used for a number of
other gaming machine functions, such as to store gaming machine configuration
data,
history recall, graphics and display data, downloadable games and a myriad of
other
RAM uses and functions. MRAM and/or MROM can be used to update a gaming
machine and/or its peripherals quickly, and as such can be included separately
with
one or more peripherals or other external devices, as desired. Peripherals and
other
devices that might have one or more separate dedicated or localized MRAM or
MROM units can include, for exainple, a bill acceptor, spectrum controller,
touch
screen controller, light bezel, ticket printer, bonusing top box, card reader,
candle,
coin acceptor, smart hopper, player tracking device, video card, sound card,
PC style
BIOS or extended BIOS, FPGA, solid state mass storage, and any remaining
EEPROMs, among others. By replacing some or all of the various RAM, battery
backed RAM, EPROMs, EEPROMs and/or other memory or storage devices in a
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gaming machine and its assorted peripherals with MRAM, gaming machines can be
made more reliable and also easier to develop. As referenced above, one
feature that
may be possible through the extensive use of MRAM is an "Instant On" ability
of the
gaming machine, where there remains little need to load and reload programs or
code
to faster storage devices for regular gaming machine operations.
[0098] In embodiments where massive amounts of MRAM are used to store
entire operating systems, game applications and/or configuration data for some
or all
peripherals, a gaming machine can be up and running in a matter of seconds, or
even
less, after power is first applied. Of course, it may still be desirable to
retain some
transactional style programming within an MRAM heavy gaming machine simply for
security purposes, such as where a flag can be used to indicate that a
transaction has
been processed, in the event that a safe storage recovery might be rendered
necessary.
Other uses for MROM and MRAM within a gaming machine or system may become
readily apparent from the many descriptions and examples provided herein, and
it is
specifically contemplated that such other readily apparent uses be included
within the
present invention. For example, the extensive use of MROM and MRAM devices to
replace many or all traditional storage devices in a gaming machine and its
peripheral
devices may result in the possibility of implementing an improved and more
unified
bus structure. While other slower buses, such as a PCI bus, for example, may
be
retained to accommodate those peripherals that dictate such buses, if
necessary, many
other buses can be replaced with and/or combined to result in fewer high speed
memory buses, as will be readily appreciated. Variations of possible
arrangements
can be seen to some extent in the exemplary specialized gaming machines
illustrated
herein, such as the reduction of buses in gaming machine 100 and the provision
of at
least one extra improved memory bus in gaming machine 200, for example.
[0100] In the case of MROMs, a particular concern may arise over the potential
to
write to or overwrite within such a device, since MRAMs are currently
typically
random access storage devices by nature. In order to use a MRAM device in
place of
a ROM device then, special consideration should be given to the write ability
of
MRAM. An existing MRAM can have at least a portion thereof, or alternatively
the
entire device, rendered as unwritable and unalterable through any of a number
of
techniques, thereby rendering the MRAM as a read-only or "MROM" device. Some
techniques could involve a physical termination of or to a write connection of
the
MRAM, preferably while gaming machine operational computer code is stored at
the
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MRAM. In one embodiment, a physical hardware jumper or key can be used to
allow
an installed MRAM device to be written to. Without such a jumper or key, any
write
operation to the MRAM device could not be performed. In another embodiment, a
special write protection circuit within the gaming machine or system could
detect an
attempted write operation and then initiate a reset or "tilt" in the gaming
machine or
system as needed. In yet another embodiment, the write pin or pins on the MRAM
could be physically cut, or would otherwise not be wired into the gaming
machine or
peripheral circuitry, thus necessitating the removal of the MRAM device for
any
needed reprogramming. Such an embodiment could involve, for example, an MRAM
that is removably plugged into a PCB socket within the gaming machine such
that its
write pin does not make an appropriate connection to any write device via the
socket.
In still another embodiments, an internal fuse on an MRAM can be blown such
that
the device would no longer be writable or alterable.
[0101] Under other possible techniques, a memory hub or other control device
can be arranged such that any possible writing to or altering of an MRAM would
be
controlled and/or prohibited by the monitoring or control device. Such a
device could
be, for example, an ASIC, FPGA or other similar device that could be
programmed to
hold the write line to the MRAM or any desired unwritable portion thereof in a
high
state or other "off' position at all times. In one embodiment, an encryption
layer can
be present within the controlling ASIC, FPGA or other memory hub device, such
that
tampering with the control device might be prevented or inhibited. It will be
readily
appreciated that the forgoing physical alteration and other techniques can be
used to
render an MRAM device as an MROM in a physical sense, while any write control
techniques can be used to effectively render an MRAM device as an MROM device
in a practical sense, and that any such technique might be used to result in
an MROM
device for a gaming machine, such as MROMs 166a and 266a in the examples
above.
[0102] In some embodiments, MROMs and/or MRAMs can be implemented onto
removable and interchangeable memory cards or blades, with various slots or
ports
for such cards or blades being implemented within the gaming machine or system
as
necessary. In such cases, it might be preferable to burn entire game
applications onto
an MRAM or MROM memory card or blade, and then swap these cards or blades in
and out of various gaming machines as desired. In this sense, the various game
application cards or blades can be used like "cartridges," such as those used
for some
video game systems, for example. Such an application of MROM and/or MRAM
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would provide added flexibility for some gaming operators in the form of
gaming
machines that could have their games readily changed as conditions change.
[0103] Turning next to the logging devices 163, 263 and their associated MRAM
storage devices 167, 267 of FIGS. 4 and 5, it is again noted that MRAM is a
superior
form of memory storage for logging details of powered down or off activities
at a
gaming machine, at least due to the ability of MRAM to be written to at low
power
levels and to retain its memory without requiring any power to do so.
Accordingly,
the life of any secondary power supply to the logging devices, such as a
battery or a
network cable, for example, can be extended significantly. It is again noted
that due
to such conservation of power in the use of MRAM devices, that more than the
typical one or two details regarding offline activities can be recorded. For
example,
the battery backed logging device 63 of gaming machine 10 might ordinarily
only be
able to record whether a main door ever opened and/or whether a brain box door
ever
opened while power was down, but no other details, since the NVRAMI 67 of
gaming machine 10 ordinarily requires too much power to write to and/or to
retain its
data. Conversely, a battery backed logging device 163 of gaming machine 100
can
write data at low voltages regarding numerous details of such events to, MRAM3
167,
which requires no power to retain such data written to it.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 4, logging device 163 of gaming machine 100 has its
own dedicated MRAM unit MRAM3 167. In such a particular embodiment, the
logging device 163, upon detecting that main power to the gaming machine has
been
lost or reduced significantly, can begin monitoring for various offline
activities at a
plurality of gaming machine components. Activities that can be monitored for,
and
details for which can subsequently recorded, might include those that take
place at,
for example, a main door, a brain box door, a bill drop door, a bill
validator, a bill
dispenser, a coin hopper, a coin acceptor, a ticket printer, a touch screen, a
bezel, a
spectrum controller, a player tracking device and a game reel, among others.
When
activity is detected at one or more of these components, details of the
activity can be
recorded to the dedicated offline logging memory unit MRAM3 167. Such details
can include not only that a door was opened, an area accessed, or the like,
but also the
date, time, duration, manner and other pertinent details, as appropriate. In
any event,
it is preferable that the number of details that are recorded for such offline
activities
exceed the limited two or three detail capacity of a typical traditional
logging device.
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[0105] When power is later restored to the gaming machine, a query can be made
of the logging device to provide any stored data regarding offline activity
details.
Such a query can be made from the MGC, such as CPU 150, or any other security
device tasked with offline activity concerns, such as a network or system
processor or
monitoring component, for example. Such queries can be made, and data
forwarded,
along any appropriate bus or communication device, and in any appropriate
format,
such as CAN, USB, Netplex, and the like. Appropriate action can then be taken
if it
is determined that undesirable offline activity has occurred, such as the
opening of a
main door or brain box door. Such action can involve a notification to the
casino
operator, security personnel, and/or law enforcement authorities, as
appropriate.
[0106] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5, the logging device 263 might connect
to
a storage device MRAM2 267 that is a multi-port device, such that other
devices
beyond the logging device can access the MRAM for its data. In addition, as
noted
above, such a storage device could possibly be used for other purposes beyond
the
storage of data regarding offline gaming machine activities or events, such as
for
cabinet or exterior housing based meters or data. As shown in FIG. 5, the
exemplary
storage device MRAM2 267 is a dual port device, with one port connected to the
logging device 263 and the other to the primary memory hub MH1 260 via a
memory
bus or other suitable connection. Preferably, the logging device 263 is
adapted to
access MRAM2 267 at least to write to it while the main power to the gaming
machine from a primary power source is down, while the memory hub MH1 260 is
adapted to access MRAM2 267 at least to read from it to forward data to CPU
250
when the main gaming machine power is restored.
[0107] In either of the foregoing embodiments, the logging device (163 or 263)
could be configured as an "Instant On" device, whereby low or no levels of
power are
provided to the logging device from its secondary power source (e.g. battery)
when
no offline activities are taking place, but where power to the device is
ramped up
when such an activity or event is detected. In such embodiments, one or more
monitoring circuits can be implemented within the gaming machine, with small
amounts of power being used to loop within the circuit and thereby detect for
any
circuit break (i.e., activity), such as where a door is opened. Such
monitoring circuits
can be made to monitor for various activities and events of concern while the
main
power to the gaming machine is down as well as during normal full power
periods.
For instance, it may be desirable to monitor for any opening of the main door
of the
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gaming machine, regardless of whether main power is present or not. Monitoring
circuits could then be designed to detect for such occurrences at any time.
Further,
details regarding any such activities could be recorded whether main power is
down
or not, as will be readily appreciated. Again, a primary advantage of the
presently
provided system is that more details of various offline or powered down
activities and
events can be recorded due to the lowered power demands of MRAM devices.
[0108] In an alternative embodiment not shown, a plurality of gaming machine
peripherals or devices can each possess separate dedicated logging and storage
devices adapted to perform logging of powered down or offline activities at
the
respective devices. Such "smart" peripherals or devices are thereby adapted to
log
their own activities to their own storage devices during periods of low or no
power to
the gaming machine. The storage device at each such "smart" peripheral is
preferably
an MRAM device similar to those shown above, since again such devices can be
reliably adapted to store more data for lower levels of power consumption. In
such
embodiments where a plurality of smart devices or peripherals each have their
own
separate storage for offline events, it is preferable that each separate
logging device
be adapted to forward any pertinent data regarding offline activity details to
the
appropriate CPU or other security device once main gaming machine power
through
its primary power source is restored. In other alternative embodiments, it may
even
be desirable for such information to be forwarded to such other security
device or
element, such as a network processor that is still powered, while the main
power to
the affected gaming machine remains down. Such an alternative of reporting to
an
outside source even while power remains down could apply to any logging device
embodiment, including those shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 as well.
[0109] Returning the focus now to the primary MRAM1 devices 166b, 266b of
FIGS. 4 and 5, it is noted the entire traditional safe storage process for a
gaming
machine or system can be eliminated or at least greatly simplified through the
use of
such MRAM devices. A primary reason for this is that these MRAM devices are
both
fast and non-volatile, such that they are able serve the dual purposes of both
regular
gaming machine operational use by the gaming machine MGC or CPU, and as safe
storage to facilitate a gaming machine state recovery in the event of a
substantial
interruption to the gaming machine. In this regard, at least a portion of such
a newly
implemented MRAM can be used as a singular replacement for both DRAM and
NVRAM in a regular gaming machine architecture, such as that shown in FIG. 2
for
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gaming machine 10. As previously noted, some of the many resulting
efficiencies of
such an embodiment include a reduction in the numbers and types of components
used, faster overall processes, and the reduction or elimination of copying
programs
or portions of code to alternative locations for faster use during normal
operations.
[0110] Another significant efficiency that can be realized under the provided
devices and systems is that it may become unnecessary to prioritize what and
how
items are recorded to safe storage. Under traditional safe storage processes,
there is
usually concern over battery life with respect to what is recorded on any
battery
backed RAM or other nonvolatile storage device adapted to retain data in the
case of
a power hit or other substantial interruption to the gaming machine.
Accordingly, the
amount of data that can be stored to such a battery backed RAM for potentially
long
periods of time is limited, thus typically resulting in the need to prioritize
what data is
stored to the limited battery backed RAM at any given time. Through the use of
MRAM, however, such concerns are obviated, as MRAM is able to store any amount
of data indefinitely without the use of any battery or other secondary power
source.
Thus, the safe storage for a given gaming machine can be increased to levels
much
larger than the typical 4 Megabytes or so that are now used. Such increased
safe
storage memories can be increased in size to, for example, 512 Megabytes or
more, as
desired. In some instances, the entire MRAM1 166b, 266b can be considered as
safe
storage, since none of the data contained therein should be lost during a
power loss or
outage for an indefinite period of time.
[0111] It is also noteworthy that many devices that are external or peripheral
to
the core of the gaming machine might also benefit from significant uses of
MRAM
and MROM in the gaming machine, as described above. Where such peripherals or
other devices are adapted to include their own separate MRAM as dedicated
and/or
localized storage units, such peripherals or other devices would likely no
longer need
to be configured each time that the gaming machine is powered up or otherwise
rebooted. Examples of peripherals and devices that would likely benefit in
such a
manner can include bill validators, coin acceptors, video cards, CVTs, eKeys,
various
USB peripherals, dongles, host systems, and many others, as will be readily
appreciated. In addition, it may be desirable in some cases still to provide
backup for
various MRAM storage devices, particularly where there may be concerns over
possible corruption or physical damage issues, in which case a secondary
baclcup
might be handy. For such concerns, it would be preferable that such a backup
device
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be placed in a different location within the gaming machine, such that if a
projectile,
fire or other physically damaging item were to somehow damage a primary MRAM
component, such as MRAM1 166b or 266b, then the back up MRAM at an alternate
location might be accessed. Such a back up MRAM could include a portion of the
cabinet or exterior housing based MRAM2 267 of gaming machine 200, for
example.
[0112] Given that "Instant On" capabilities for the gaming machine can be made
possible through MRAM, as noted above, it may also be desirable to back up the
memory image of any newly loaded game application by storing it separately at
a
secondary back up MRAM. By copying a memory image into the primary MRAM, if
such an occasion is needed, the game could then be restored or loaded very
quickly.
A memory image of each game could also be stored to the secondary back up MRAM
as part of installation package, if desired. All games that are enabled by the
operator
and selectable by the player could then have their memory images loaded into
this
secondary MRAM, which could then be quickly accessed and copied into primary
MRAM where a game change is desired. One particularly advantageous embodiment
of such an arrangement could involve a library of dozens or hundreds of game
applications that are stored on a large bank of secondary MRAM devices within
a
given gaming machine. Such a large library of games could then be made
available
to players on demand, and an appropriate arrangement within the given gaming
machine could facilitate very fast accesses of these many different games to
be loaded
to the primary MRAM for continued access during future game play.
[0113] As another consideration, it may become necessary to implement a "file
system" or specialized RAM Drive to determine the locations of specific chunks
of
data stored in MRAM memory, such as after recovering from a power failure.
While
such a file system is typically not necessary or used within a traditional
electronic
gaming machine, the implementation of massive amounts of MRAM to replace many
traditional memory components might result in a need for such a file system.
This
file system might be implemented on the MRAM itself, or could alternatively be
implemented on one or more other types of storage devices, such as an EEPROM,
as
various situations warrant.
[0114] In addition, as noted previously, MRAM can also be used in place of a
"black box" EEPROM that traditionally functions as an ultimate back up memory
and
stays with cabinet or exterior housing of the gaming machine when other
components
get replaced. Such a secondary or auxiliary MRAM could be, for example, the
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MRAM2 183 of gaming machine 100 or the MRAM2 267 of gaming machine 200,
although other arrangements are certainly possible. Among other features, this
secondary cabinet based MRAM can function as an NVRAM backup (i.e., a backup
for MRAM1 166b or MRAM1 266b), and can be adapted to record a "snapshot" of
all gaming machine meters on a cyclical basis, such as for every 10, 100 or
1000
game plays, for example. Of course, other cycle intervals could be set, and it
may
even be desirable for the secondary MRAM to record a back up "snapshot" of all
meters or other gaming machine data after every game play, in some cases.
Methods Of Operation
[0115] In general, the foregoing components and architectures can be utilized
to
create specialized gaming machines and systems that are adapted to function at
higher
capacities, at greater speeds, and with improved functionalities. As detailed
above,
this can be accomplished by implementing one or more MRAM or MROM storage
devices in a gaming machine or system, with such devices possibly replacing
one or
more existing storage devices of inferior attributes. In addition, various
other gaming
machine architectural components can be restructured or eliminated altogether,
such
as in the case of EEPROMs, EPROMs, DRAMs, SDRAMs, battery backed RAMs,
hard drives, CD-ROMs, south bridges, FPGAs, and/or other types of storage
devices
and architectural components, as desired in various particular instances.
Several
methods of operation or use for gaming machines or systems having MRAM will
now be provided. While the provided flowcharts and accompanying discussion may
be comprehensive in some respects, it will be readily understood that not
every step
provided is necessary, that other steps can be included, and that the order of
steps
might be rearranged as desired for a given application.
[0116] Turning first to FIG. 6, a flowchart of one exemplary method of
operating
a specialized gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present
invention
is illustrated. In particular, this method of operation involves booting up
the gaming
machine or system software without copying significant portions of boot code
to a
faster memory location. In other words, the original Read Only location where
the
gaming machine or system boot code is stored is the location that is used
repeatedly
when access to that code is needed for later boot processes or regular gaming
machine
operations. This can be made possible through use of a superior Read Only
storage
device, such as an MROM as described above, since an MROM can retain its
storage,
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cannot be overwritten, and is fast enough to use repeatedly in regular gaming
machine
operations (i.e., as if it were DRAM).
[0117] After a start step 300, a power up or reset is effected at the gaming
machine at process step 302, thus initiating the boot or reboot process.
Besides a
general power up, such a reset condition can also include, for example, those
that
arise due to a power outage, a substantial electrostatic discharge, a critical
hardware
malfunction, a critical software malfunction, a gaming machine tilt and
physical
damage to a critical gaming machine component, among others. At a following
process step 304, stored boot code is detected at an original stored location.
This can
be, for example, the MROM 166a of gaming machine 100 in FIG. 4 or the MROM1
266a of gaming machine 200 in FIG. 5, among other possibilities. The stored
boot
code can then be authenticated and read at subsequent process steps 306 and
308. Of
course, the order of these steps can be reversed in some cases, if desired. In
addition,
a copy of the stored boot code might be made for purposes of authentication,
in which
case the authentication involving such a copy can occur elsewhere at the
gaming
machine or system. This might facilitate parallel processing with the boot
code, at
least with respect to an authentication being performed while other boot
processes are
being run from the original stored location, as will be readily appreciated.
Regarding
process step 308, the stored boot code is preferably read at a rate faster
than 8 MHz,
which is the typical rate at which boot code is read from an EPROM. Of course,
speeds above 33, 66 or 133 MHz are also possible where the storage device is
an
MROM or other similarly fast device, and the bus used does not limit the rate
of data
transfer. In ideal situations, speeds of 800 MHz or greater should be
attainable where
MROM and a fast memory bus are used.
[0118] One or more boot processes are then conducted based only upon the
reading of the stored boot code at its original location at following process
step 310,
after which the method ends at end step 312. Such boot processes are
preferably
conducted without creating a copy of the stored code to any other storage
device for
purposes of conducting the boot processes, although it might be desirable to
make a
copy for authentication purposes, as noted above. In some embodiments, the
stored
code can be boot code and/or code for other gaming machine programs or
processes,
such as code for a boot loader, a boot up process, an initialization process,
an
authentication process, a configuration process, a diagnostics process, an
operating
system, and a specific game application, among others. In cases where stored
code
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might be other than boot code, then process step 310 could simply involve
conducting
one or more regular gaming machine operations based on reading the stored code
from its original location. Such regular gaming machine operations could
include, for
example, making a meter change, providing a meter display, processing a game
selection, processing a game play, determining a partial game outcome,
determining a
complete game outcome, providing a game display, providing a coin out,
providing a
cashless instrument out, making a machine yield calculation, providing an
informational display and making a data communication, among others.
[0119] Moving next to FIG. 7, a flowchart of another exemplary method of
operating a specialized gaming machine according to another embodiment of the
present invention is illustrated. In particular, this method of operation
involves
logging various significant details regarding activities at the gaming machine
while
the primary power source to the gaming machine is down or off. As noted above,
this
can be done by using a tell-tale board or other similar device, such as, for
example,
the logging device 163 of gaming machine 100 or the logging device 263 of
gaming
machine 200. Of course, it is preferable that superior memory devices be used
in
conjunction with such logging devices, such as one or more MRAM devices, as
noted
above for use with logging devices 163, 263. In this manner, storage for
recording
details of powered down activities would then take less power to write to,
would not
require power to retain its memory, and would be of greater capacity than the
storage
of tell-tale board 63 of gaming machine 10.
[0120] After a start step 400, a period of low or no power (i.e., powered down
period) is experienced from the primary power source to the gaming machine at
a
process step 402. Such an inadequate level of power can be a result of a power
outage or reduction, a gaming machine tilt or malfunction, or simply turning
off the
gaming machine for whatever reason. At process step 404, power is provided to
a
logging device from a secondary source, which can be a battery, a network
cable, or
some other alternative power source. Again, this secondary source power is
provided
so that the logging device can perform various activities offline while the
main power
source is down. At subsequent process step 406, the logging device or some
other
monitoring component monitors for activity at the gaming machine while the
main
power is down or off. Such monitoring can be undertaken at low power levels,
such
as by sending small electrical currents through various monitoring circuits,
as noted
previously. Activities that can be monitored for (and details for which
subsequently
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recorded) can include those that take place at, for example, a main door, a
brain box
door, a bill drop door, a bill validator, a bill dispenser, a coin hopper, a
coin acceptor,
a ticket printer, a touch screen, a bezel, a spectrum controller, a player
tracking device
and a game reel, among others.
[0121] An inquiry is then made at decision step 408 as to whether activity has
been detected at one of the components for which activity should be recorded.
If not,
then the process jumps to inquiry step 414. If activity has been detected,
however,
then the level of power to the logging device can be increased, if necessary,
at the
next process step 410. Such a power increase might be necessary where the
logging
device is an "instant-on" device that is kept in a low power "sleep" mode
while the
gaming machine or system is monitored for pertinent activity, in order to
conserve
power when no activity occurs. Data can then be recorded for various details
relating
to the detected activity at process step 412, with such data preferably being
recorded
at a low voltage, such as about 4 volts or lower, in order to conserve power.
This
would be possible where data is stored to a low voltage non-volatile RAM, such
as an
MRAM, which can typically be written to at voltages of lower than 4 volts,
such as,
for example, about 2.7 to 3.6 volts. In some embodiments, the data can be
recorded
to a specific multi-port storage device, such as the MRAM2 267 of gaming
machine
200 above, whereby the device can be accessed by both the logging device and
the
MGC or other security component.
[0122] In the event that an activity may be detected for an extended time
period,
an "instant-on" logging device, if used, may be designed to revert back to
sleep mode
where no new details have been noted for a certain period of time. For
example,
where it is detected that a main door has been opened, an instant-on logging
device
can be powered up to record the date and time of the occurrence, as well as
additional
other sensed activities for a set time period (e.g., one hour) after the door
was opened,
such as a manual repositioning of a game reel or an attempted entry to a coin
hopper
or other machine component. If the main door remains open, but no additional
activity details are sensed for the set time period, then a sleep mode might
resume.
As noted above, it is preferable that a significant amount of data regarding
the details
of the activity is recorded, such as at least three details or more.
[0123] Once data for the pertinent activity or activities is recorded, an
inquiry is
then made at decision step 414 as to whether the power outage or reduction
from the
main power source is over. If not, then the method reverts to process step
402, where
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steps 404 through 414 are then repeated as before. If the period of power
outage or
reduction is indeed over, however, then the method continues to process step
416,
where an adequate level of power is established to the gaming machine through
the
primary power source. Preferably, such an adequate level of power through the
primary power source would be enough power to accept a wager, play a game, and
grant a payout based on the game result. Once main power is in place, the
recorded
data can then be communicated to the gaming machine MGC or some other security
device for an evaluation of offline gaming machine activities, whereupon the
method
then ends at end step 420. This data is preferably communicated at a speed of
33
MHz or faster, which would be possible where MRAM is used as storage.
[0124] Continuing further to FIG. 8, another flowchart of yet another
exemplary
method of operating a specialized gaming machine according to another
embodiment
of the present invention is provided. In particular, this method of operation
involves
providing storage for use during regular gaming machine operations and safe
storage
for recording gaming machine state information at a single storage device or
location.
Since fast access times are typically a primary attribute for storage that is
to be used
during regular gaming machine operations, and non-volatility is typically a
primary
attribute for storage that is to be used as safe storage, it is preferable
that any storage
device to be used for both of these functions be both fast and non-volatile.
As noted
above, this can be accomplished by using one or more MRAM devices, such as the
MRAM1 166b of gaming machine 100 or the MRAMl 266b of gaming machine 200,
either of which can be any form of MRAM device.
[0125] After a start step 500, an occurrence of a critical event affecting a
state of
the gaming machine or system is detected at process step 502. Such a critical
event
could be, for example, a coin in, a bill in, a cashless instrument in, a meter
change, a
game selection, a player input, a partial game outcome, a complete game
outcome, a
coin out, or a cashless instrument out, among others. At process step 504,
data for the
critical event is stored at a specific storage device, such as one of the MRAM
devices
noted above. For purposes of illustration in the present discussion, data
regarding the
critical event affecting gaming machine state is stored within the NVRAM
portion of
MR.AM1 266b of gaming machine 200 above. In other words, MR.AM1 266b is the
specific storage device for this example. At a following process step 506, the
stored
data is then read from the specific storage device. A specific state of the
gaming
machine is then asserted based on this stored data at process step 508, with
such an
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assertion of the machine state being made on a gaming machine display, or in
the
form of a payout or printed ticket, for example. Also, it will be readily
appreciated
that the order of steps 506 and 508 may be reversed in some cases, as desired.
[0126] At subsequent process step 510, regular gaming machine operations can
preferably be conducted based upon the reading of stored data from the
specific
storage device, which would be MRAM1 266b in this illustrative example. Such
regular gaming machine operations can include all or a portion of a wide
variety of
operational items, such as, for example, a meter change, a meter display, a
game
selection, a game play, a partial game outcome, a complete game outcome, a
game
display, a coin out, a cashless instrument out, a machine yield calculation,
an
informational display and a data communication, among others. It will be
readily
appreciated that many other events can also be similarly classified as regular
gaming
machine operations, and that a plurality of the above listed and/or other
items can be
performed simultaneously at any given time. A substantial interruption to
regular
gaming machine operations is then experienced at the gaming machine at process
step
512, with various examples of such a substantial interruption including a
power
outage, a substantial electrostatic discharge, a gaming machine reset, a
critical
hardware malfunction, a critical software malfunction, a gaming machine tilt,
and
physical damage to a critical gaming machine component, among others.
[0127] The method then continues to process step 514, where the substantial
interruption is preferably cured by establishing a stable power input to the
gaming
machine, as well as stable communications within the gaming machine. Such
events
can occur as part of a boot or reboot process, for example. Alternatively, it
may be
desirable to conduct this method without performing process step 514, such as
where
an outside source is adapted to read the state related data from the given
safe storage
device without powering up or restoring communications within the gaming
machine,
or where such a restoration is thought to be corrupted or unreliable. An
elimination
of step 514 might be appropriate, for example, where a manual intervention is
needed
to retrieve data from the safe storage device, such as where a lost gaming
machine
state is to be verified in the event of a catastrophic machine failure.
[0128] In any event, the method continues to a process step 516, where the
stored
data is reread from the specific storage device, which again is the MRAM1 266b
unit
for this specific example. It should again be noted that this same MRAM unit
is used
for the dual functions of storage for regular gaming machine operations and
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storage to record gaming machine state information in the event that a state
recovery
becomes necessary. After rereading the stored data, at least some portion of
the
specific state of the gaming machine asserted prior to the substantial
interruption is
reasserted at process step 518, after which the method ends at end step 520.
Such a
reassertion can involve, for example, items shown on a gaming machine display,
something in the form of a payout or printed ticket, or a representation by
the casino,
gaming operator or other authority to a player or user through manual
intervention.
Network And System Configurations
[0129] Referring lastly to FIG. 9, an exemplary network structure for
providing a
gaming system having one or more alternative exemplary gaming machines
according
to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in block diagram
format.
Gaming system 600 comprises one or more specialized gaming machines, various
communication items, and a number of host-side components and devices adapted
for
use within a gaming environment. As shown, one or more specialized gaming
machines 100, 200 adapted for use in gaming system 600 can be in a plurality
of
locations, such as in banks on a casino floor or standing alone at a smaller
non-
gaming establishment. Of course, other gaming devices such as exemplary gaming
machine 10 may also be used in gaming system 400, as well as other similar
devices
not described in added detail herein.
[0130] Common bus 601 can connect one or more gaming machines or devices to
a number of networked devices on the gaming system 600, such as, for example,
a
general-purpose server 610, one or more special-purpose servers 620, a sub-
network
of peripheral devices 630, and/or a database 640, among other items. Such a
general-
purpose server 610 may be already present within an establishment for one or
more
other purposes in lieu of or in addition to monitoring or administering some
functionality of one or more specialized gaming machines, such as, for
example,
providing specific data or downloadable code to such gaming machines.
Functions
for such a general-purpose server can include general and game specific
accounting
functions, payroll functions, general Internet and e-mail capabilities,
switchboard
communications, and reservations and other hotel and restaurant operations, as
well
as other assorted general establishment record keeping and operations. In some
cases,
specific gaming related functions such as player tracking, downloadable
gaming,
remote game administration, visual image, video or other data transmission, or
other
types of functions may also be associated with or performed by such a general-
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purpose server. For example, such a server may contain various programs
related to
player tracking operations, player account administration, remote game play
administration, remote game player verification, remote gaming administration,
downloadable gaming administration, and/or visual image or video data storage,
transfer and distribution, and may also be linked to one or more gaming
machines
adapted for the transfer of remote funds for game play within an
establishment, in
some cases forming a network that includes all or substantially all of the
specially
adapted gaming devices or machines within the establishinent. Communications
can
then be exchanged from each adapted gaming machine to one or more related
programs or modules on the general-purpose server.
[0131] In one embodiment, gaming system 600 contains one or more special-
purpose servers that can be used for various functions relating to the
provision of
gaming machine administration and operation under the present system. Such
special-purpose servers can include, for example, a player verification
server, a
general game server, a downloadable games server, a specialized accounting
server,
and/or a visual image or video distribution server, among others. Of course,
these
functions may all be combined onto a single server, such as specialized server
620.
Such additional special-purpose servers are desirable for a variety of
reasons, such as,
for example, to lessen the burden on an existing general-purpose server or to
isolate
or wall off some or all gaming machine administration and operations data and
functions from the general-purpose server and thereby limit the possible modes
of
access to such operations and information.
[0132] Alternatively, remote gaming system 600 can be isolated from any other
network at the establishment, such that a general-purpose server 610 is
essentially
impractical and unnecessary. Under either embodiment of an isolated or shared
network, one or more of the special-purpose servers are preferably connected
to sub-
network 630. Peripheral devices in this sub-network may include, for example,
one
or more video displays 631, one or more user terminals 632, one or more
printers 633,
and one or more other digital input devices 634, such as a card reader or
other
security identifier, among others. Similarly, under either embodiment of an
isolated
or shared network, at least the specialized server 620 or another similar
component
within a general-purpose server 610 also preferably includes a connection to a
database or other suitable storage medium 640.
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[0133] Database 640 is preferably adapted to store many or all files
containing
pertinent data or information for gaming machines, system equipment, casino
personnel, and/or players registered within a gaming system, among other
potential
items. Files, data and other information on database 640 can be stored for
backup
purposes, and are preferably accessible to one or more system components, such
as at
a specially adapted gaming machine 100, 200, a general-purpose server 610,
and/or a
special purpose server 620, as desired. Database 640 is also preferably
accessible by
one or more of the peripheral devices on sub-network 630, such that
information or
data recorded on the database may be readily retrieved and reviewed at one or
more
of the peripheral devices, as desired. Although shown as directly connected to
common bus 601, it is also contemplated that such a direct connection can be
omitted
and that only a direct connection to a server or other similar device be
present in the
event that heightened security with respect to data files is desired.
[0134] While gaming system 600 can be a system that is specially designed and
created new for use in a casino or gaming establishment implementing
specialized
gaming devices such as gaming machines 100, 200, it is also possible that many
items
in this system can be taken or adopted from an existing gaming system. For
example,
gaming system 600 could represent an existing player tracking system to which
specialized gaming machines are added. Also, new functionality via software,
hardware or otherwise can be provided to an existing database, 640,
specialized
server 620 and/or general server 610. In this manner, the methods and systems
of the
present invention may be practiced at reduced costs by gaming operators that
already
have existing gaming systems, such as a standard player tracking system, by
simply
modifying the existing system. Other modifications to an existing system may
also
be necessary, as might be readily appreciated.
[0135] Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail by way of
illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be
recognized that the above described invention may be embodied in numerous
other
specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or
essential
characteristics of the invention. Certain changes and modifications may be
practiced,
and it is understood that the invention is not to be limited by the foregoing
details, but
rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.
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