AU2014221213A1 - A method of controlling an update of game code in a gaming system - Google Patents
A method of controlling an update of game code in a gaming system Download PDFInfo
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- AU2014221213A1 AU2014221213A1 AU2014221213A AU2014221213A AU2014221213A1 AU 2014221213 A1 AU2014221213 A1 AU 2014221213A1 AU 2014221213 A AU2014221213 A AU 2014221213A AU 2014221213 A AU2014221213 A AU 2014221213A AU 2014221213 A1 AU2014221213 A1 AU 2014221213A1
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 22
- 230000005012 migration Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 238000013508 migration Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 24
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
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Abstract
Abstract A method of controlling migration to new version game code during a active game session comprising: receiving new version game code at a game server; determining the 5 current version code a active game session is employing in response to receipt of a game request from a gaming client at a gaming server; migrating the active gaming session to the new version code if the new version code is compatible; and controlling the migration to be performed 10 by a reconnect if the new version code contains a new sub component related to the client. 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS
Description
Title A METHOD OF CONTROLLING AN UPDATE OF GAME CODE IN A GAMING SYSTEM 5 Related Application This application is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2011203009, the disclosure of which is 10 incorporated herein by reference. Field The present invention relates to a method of controlling 15 an update of game code in a gaming system, a gaming system, a game version distribution controller for a gaming system, a method of controlling migration to new version game code during a active game session, and a gaming server. 20 Background of Invention Recently, there has been a move towards server based gaming. An advantage of server based gaming is that the 25 game content on a gaming machine can be varied. Accordingly, an operator can provide choices of games to be played on a gaming machine or change the available gaming content more regularly. In such an environment, games may need to be updated while game sessions are in 30 progress. Accordingly, there is a need to ensure that such update processes are handled effectively. 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS -2 Summary of Invention In a first aspect the invention provides a method of 5 controlling migration to new version game code during an active game session comprising: receiving new version game code at a game server; determining the current version code an active game session is employing at a gaming client in response to 10 receipt of a game request from a gaming client at a gaming server; ending the active game session and refunding a stake of the gaming client if it is determined that the current version code of the active game session is incompatible 15 with the new version gaming code; migrating the active gaming session to the new version code if the new version code is compatible with the current version code the active game session is employing at the gaming client; 20 determining if the new version code received at the game server contains a new sub-component related to the gaming client; continuing the active game session if the new version code does not contain a new sub-component related to the 25 gaming client; and controlling the migration to be performed by a reconnect if the new version code contains a new sub component related to the client such that the active game session continues once an update of the gaming client to 30 the new version game code and a reconnect have been completed. In an embodiment, the new sub-component comprises a new client package. 35 In an embodiment, the new sub-component comprises a new configuration file. 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS - 3 In an embodiment, the new sub-component comprises either or both of a new client package and a new configuration file. 5 In a second aspect the invention provides a gaming server configured to: receive new version game code; determine the current version code an active game session is employing at a gaming client in response to 10 receipt of a game request from the gaming client in relation to the active game session; end the active game session and refunding a stake of the gaming client if it is determined that the current version code of the active game session is incompatible 15 with the new version gaming code; migrate the active game session to the new version code if the new version code is compatible with the current version code the active game session is employing at the gaming client; 20 determine if the new version code received at the game server contains a new sub-component related to the gaming client; continue the active game session if the new version code does not contain a new sub-component related to the 25 gaming client; and control the migration to be performed by a reconnect by the gaming client if the new version code contains a new sub-component related to the gaming client such that the active game session continues once an update of the 30 gaming client to the new version game code and a reconnect have been completed. In an embodiment, the new sub-component comprises a new client package. 35 In an embodiment, the new sub-component comprises a new configuration file. 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS In an embodiment, the new sub-component comprises either or both of a new client package and a new configuration file. 5 In a third aspect the invention provides a gaming system comprising: a gaming client; and a gaming server configured to: 10 receive new version game code; determine the current version code an active game session is employing at a gaming client in response to receipt of a game request from a gaming client in relation to the active game session; 15 end the active game session and refunding a stake of the gaming client if it is determined that the current version code of the active game session is incompatible with the new version gaming code; migrate the active game session to the new version 20 code if the new version code is compatible with the current version code the active game session is employing at the gaming client; determine if the new version code received at the game server contains a new sub-component related to the 25 gaming client; continue the active game session if the new version code does not contain a new sub-component related to the gaming client; and control the migration to be performed by a reconnect 30 by the client if the new version code contains a new sub component related to the gaming client such that the active game session continues once an update of the gaming client to the new version game code and a reconnect have been completed. 35 In an embodiment, the new sub-component comprises a new client package. 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS - 5 In an embodiment, the new sub-component comprises a new configuration file. In an embodiment, the new sub-component comprises either 5 or both of a new client package and a new configuration file. Brief Description of Accompanying Drawings 10 The invention is further explained by means of the following non-limiting examples and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows schematically a client server architecture; 15 Figure 2 shows a block diagram of further components of a gaming system; Figure 3 is a flow chart of an update control method; and 20 Figure 4 is a flow chart of a further part of an update control method. Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention 25 In the embodiment the described method steps and functions are realized by computer system components, computer software code portions, or by combinations thereof. It is within the knowledge of the skilled person to select 30 appropriate components for the realization of the invention. The embodiment provides techniques for controlling software updates in a gaming system. 35 Figure 1 shows schematically an exemplifying embodiment of a client/server based gaming system 100. A plurality of 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS - 6 gaming machines (also known as gaming terminals or gaming clients), here illustrated with a first group of gaming machines 10 including a first client gaming machine 10A and a second gaming machine 10B and nth gaming machine 1ON 5 (where n is an arbitrary integer), are communicatively coupled to a first game application server 20A via a communications network 104. The first game application server 20A is in turn communicatively coupled to a game server database (GSDB) 110. Any number of groups of gaming 10 machines eg. a second group 30 may be coupled by further gaming servers 20 to the GSDB 110. The game server database 110 is further communicatively coupled to a back office database (BODB) 118. The game application server 106 has a game storage structure 25 and a game server 15 database has a game storage structure 111. A game version distribution controller 120 is communicatively coupled to the BODB 118 and the game server 25. The game version distribution controller 120 20 has a user interface 125 operable by a user to control a software update. "Communicatively coupled" in this specification means that there is provided a communication link over which information signals can be communicated between two coupled units, for example in the form data 25 packets or the like. The communication link can for example be continuously activated in an on-line state or be activated on request when a message, e.g. in the shape of a request or a response, is communicated. 30 The gaming system according to the present embodiment is based on a client/server architecture where the game software is divided into a client game module 218 and a server game module 208 with access to a central database 110. In order to run a game the client game module 218 35 must be associated with and use functions available at a server game module 208. When a game is played via a client gaming machine, a game session is established and 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS game session data is generated in the course of the game. Each game session has a specific identity and is assigned a game session identify code. The game session data is stored in the game server database associated with the 5 game session identity code. Figure 2 shows schematically a client and server based computerised gaming system with a client gaming machine terminal 202 and a gaming server 204 that are 10 communicatively coupled. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the gaming machine 202 and the gaming server 204 are provided with data processors, memory, data communications interfaces, control programs, user input/output interfaces etc. Different functions and 15 features that are specific for the embodiment are preferably realised by software computer program code executed by data processors in the server and in the client respectively, or by employing specifically designed electronic components, or by combinations of software and 20 electronic components. In the example of Figure 2 there is only a single client gaming machine 202 but of course a number of client gaming machines can be and are normally connected to a server 204. In this context a server 204 generally means hardware and software units in a central 25 system that provide server functions, database functions and other centralized functions to connectable client gaming machines. The server 204 is provided with a game application program 30 interface, in short called server game API 206, enabling communication between a server module of a specific game application program 208 and general server gaming functions 210,212,214,216 installed on the server. The general server gaming functions are provided to be 35 available for any specific game application program independently of the specific game content. These general server gaming functions are typically functions such as a 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS - 8 database 210, a random number generator 212, an account service function 214, a log service function 216, or other functions that can be beneficially shared and used by different specific game application programs. 5 The client gaming machine 202 is also provided with a game application program interface, in short called client game API 220, enabling communication between a client game module 218 of the specific game application program and 10 general client gaming functions 222,224,226,228 installed on the client gaming machine 202 and used by different client game modules. The general client gaming functions are designed for assisting in implementing and executing a specific game on the client gaming machine 202 and are 15 available for the client game module 218. These general client gaming functions are in different embodiments a selection of a graphical user interface (GUI) 222, a cashbox function 224, a sound function 226, user input interface function, for example buttons, 228, data storage 20 229, a printer 203, a bar code reader 233 and other functions that are related to the performance of a game. The client game module 218 is communicatively coupled to the corresponding server game module 208 for communicating requests 209 and responses 211 in order to utilize the 25 general gaming functions provided in the server. For each game a message protocol for communication between the client module and the server module is generated, the protocol is for example based on XML and is shared by the client and the server. 30 A specific game application program thus has a server game module 208 and a client game module 218 that communicate either directly or via an application program interface on the client side and the server side respectively as shown 35 in Figure 2. The client game module 218 uses a selection of general client gaming functions that are available in the client gaming machine, whereas the server module 208 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS - 9 uses a selection of general server gaming functions 210,212,214,216 that are commonly used by different game applications and that are provided and available centrally in the server 204. Further details of a server gaming 5 architecture can be found in WO 2006/052213 and PCT/SE2006/000559, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Establishment of the gaming session involves the gaming 10 server loading the relevant server module, and providing (if necessary) the relevant client module to the client gaming machine. In an embodiment, there is provided an update technique 15 having a first deployment phase in which new version code is distributed to a set of affected gaming servers and a migration phase wherein migration to the new version game code occurs. Each version of game code has a number of components, namely a game configuration file stored in the 20 game server database (GSDB) 110, a server game component installed on the game server 20 and a client game component stored in the gaming machine client 10. In addition, other components may form part of the gaming 25 code, for example, information code for an information terminal. However, for present purposes the embodiment is restricted to those components which can affect a game session. In the embodiment in order to store and update a game, the method involves: 30 e Loading a game parameter configuration file in the GSDB 110 in configuration file storage area 111, by operating the user interface 125 of the game version controller 120. * Installing the new updated components on 35 the gaming server 20. * Installing the new updated game components on affected gaming clients 10 and activating the new game 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS - 10 variant once this has been completed. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that depending on the update, one of, two of or all of the configuration file, the gaming server component and the client component may be modified. 5 In this manner it is ensured that in this embodiment, all game sessions between gaming servers and gaming machines use the same game version. 10 In an embodiment described in relation to Figures 3 and Figures 4 below, the new game variant may be activated prior to installation of the new updated game components on the gaming machine clients 10 provided sub-components relevant to the gaming machine are compatible with the old 15 version. In this embodiment, the relevant sub-components are the gaming client component and the configuration file. Accordingly referring to Figure 3, the method of this 20 embodiment involves distributing new version code 310, determining 320 whether the new version code has been provided to all affected servers and entering a wait state 325 at the game version controller 120 until it has been confirmed that all affected servers have received the new 25 game code. Switching to the new version code 330 and controlling the game session execution to use the new version code 340. The control of step 340 can be achieved in a number of ways, however, in the embodiment it is done in respect of active game sessions as illustrated in 30 Figure 4. Where there is no active game session, the client can be updated without this migration process. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 4, the method assumes the game session is running 405 (i.e. active). The server is switched 410 to the new version code after the code has 35 been distributed to all the affected servers. The server receives a service request 415 from the client gaming machine to carry out a server function in relation to the 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS - 11 game. The service request includes code version data that enables the server to determine what code version is currently being employed by the client gaming machine 10. The distribution of the new game package defines what is 5 the oldest compatible version of the game code. Accordingly, the game server determines whether the current version is compatible with the new version game code at step 420. If the server version is incompatible at step 420 or any of the client versions are incompatible 10 the game session is ended at step 425 and a refund of the stake 430 is made to the player of the gaming machine client 10. The next stage in the method is to migrate the game 15 session 435 at the game server to the new version code using the current game parameters. Then, it is determined 440 whether the client relevant sub-components (in this embodiment the configuration package component and the client component) are the same in the new game version 20 code. If they are the same, the game session continues 445. If they are different, the method involves issuing a reconnect voucher 450 so that the game session can be continued after the client has updated. To achieve this, the client is issued with a reconnect voucher 450 which is 25 printed and provided to the player to allow a player to issue a reconnect code once the update has completed. An update of the client to the new version code is conducted 455. The player provides the reconnect voucher to the gaming machine terminal 10 and the client reconnects to 30 the game session 460. The game session then continues 465. Accordingly, there are four variations: 1. The client is using the same game version - i.e. 35 the client has already been updated; 2. There are compatible versions and the game can continue; 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS - 12 3. There are compatible versions but reconnect is required; and 4. The versions are incompatible and the game session must be ended. 5 A person skilled in the art will appreciate that once there is a reconnect, it is established whether the reconnect is for the current game version before continuing the game session. 10 A person skilled in the art will also appreciate that in some instances, different games may share the same client file packages, server file packages or both. Accordingly, new version code may be distributed that affects more than 15 one game. Various other modifications will be apparent to person skilled in the art. In particular features of the above embodiments and examples can be employed to form further 20 embodiments. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary 25 implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 30 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS
Claims (12)
1. A method of controlling migration to new version game code during an active game session comprising: 5 receiving new version game code at a game server; determining the current version code an active game session is employing at a gaming client in response to receipt of a game request from a gaming client at a gaming server; 10 ending the active game session and refunding a stake of the gaming client if it is determined that the current version code of the active game session is incompatible with the new version gaming code; migrating the active gaming session to the new 15 version code if the new version code is compatible with the current version code the active game session is employing at the gaming client; determining if the new version code received at the game server contains a new sub-component related to the 20 gaming client; continuing the active game session if the new version code does not contain a new sub-component related to the gaming client; and controlling the migration to be performed by a 25 reconnect if the new version code contains a new sub component related to the client such that the active game session continues once an update of the gaming client to the new version game code and a reconnect have been completed. 30
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the new sub component comprises a new client package.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the new sub 35 component comprises a new configuration file.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the new sub 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS - 14 component comprises either or both of a new client package and a new configuration file.
5. A gaming server configured to: 5 receive new version game code; determine the current version code an active game session is employing at a gaming client in response to receipt of a game request from the gaming client in relation to the active game session; 10 end the active game session and refunding a stake of the gaming client if it is determined that the current version code of the active game session is incompatible with the new version gaming code; migrate the active game session to the new version 15 code if the new version code is compatible with the current version code the active game session is employing at the gaming client; determine if the new version code received at the game server contains a new sub-component related to the 20 gaming client; continue the active game session if the new version code does not contain a new sub-component related to the gaming client; and control the migration to be performed by a reconnect 25 by the gaming client if the new version code contains a new sub-component related to the gaming client such that the active game session continues once an update of the gaming client to the new version game code and a reconnect have been completed. 30
6. A gaming server as claimed in claim 5, wherein the new sub-component comprises a new client package.
7. A gaming server as claimed in claim 5, wherein the 35 new sub-component comprises a new configuration file. 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS - 15
8. A gaming server as claimed in claim 5, wherein the new sub-component comprises either or both of a new client package and a new configuration file. 5
9. A gaming system comprising: a gaming client; and a gaming server configured to: receive new version game code; determine the current version code an active game 10 session is employing at a gaming client in response to receipt of a game request from a gaming client in relation to the active game session; end the active game session and refunding a stake of the gaming client if it is determined that the current 15 version code of the active game session is incompatible with the new version gaming code; migrate the active game session to the new version code if the new version code is compatible with the current version code the active game session is employing 20 at the gaming client; determine if the new version code received at the game server contains a new sub-component related to the gaming client; continue the active game session if the new version 25 code does not contain a new sub-component related to the gaming client; and control the migration to be performed by a reconnect by the client if the new version code contains a new sub component related to the gaming client such that the 30 active game session continues once an update of the gaming client to the new version game code and a reconnect have been completed.
10. A gaming system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the 35 new sub-component comprises a new client package. 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS - 16
11. A gaming system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the new sub-component comprises a new configuration file.
12. A gaming system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the 5 new sub-component comprises either or both of a new client package and a new configuration file. 5731716_1 (GHMatters) P71096.AU.3 JASMINS
Priority Applications (1)
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AU2014221213A AU2014221213A1 (en) | 2007-06-19 | 2014-09-03 | A method of controlling an update of game code in a gaming system |
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AU2007903288 | 2007-06-19 | ||
AU2011203009A AU2011203009A1 (en) | 2007-06-19 | 2011-06-21 | A method of controlling an update of game code in a gaming system |
AU2014221213A AU2014221213A1 (en) | 2007-06-19 | 2014-09-03 | A method of controlling an update of game code in a gaming system |
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AU2011203009A Division AU2011203009A1 (en) | 2007-06-19 | 2011-06-21 | A method of controlling an update of game code in a gaming system |
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AU2011203009A Abandoned AU2011203009A1 (en) | 2007-06-19 | 2011-06-21 | A method of controlling an update of game code in a gaming system |
AU2014221213A Abandoned AU2014221213A1 (en) | 2007-06-19 | 2014-09-03 | A method of controlling an update of game code in a gaming system |
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AU2011203009A Abandoned AU2011203009A1 (en) | 2007-06-19 | 2011-06-21 | A method of controlling an update of game code in a gaming system |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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CN105511902A (en) * | 2015-11-09 | 2016-04-20 | Tcl集团股份有限公司 | Android platform module dynamic loading method and system |
-
2011
- 2011-06-21 AU AU2011203009A patent/AU2011203009A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2014
- 2014-09-03 AU AU2014221213A patent/AU2014221213A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN105511902A (en) * | 2015-11-09 | 2016-04-20 | Tcl集团股份有限公司 | Android platform module dynamic loading method and system |
CN105511902B (en) * | 2015-11-09 | 2019-11-12 | Tcl集团股份有限公司 | A method and system for dynamic loading of Android platform modules |
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