Emulator for production software outcome validation
AssigneeWMS Gaming Inc.
InventorsJoshuah Jacob, Paul Trotter, Arthur Scott Lanford, Saji Lazar
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A test tool provides a flexible resource for control an of electronic gaming machine (EGM) via a data network. The test tool provides both interactive and automated access to the EGM when the EGM is operated using a special diagnostic BIOS that supports both communication with the test tool over the data network and the ability to set operational variables including random numbers. The test tool can use structured data test scripts, such as XML files, to automate repetitive testing of one or more gaming machines by automating breakpoint setting, variable settings, and comparison of expected results based on game type, paytables, currency, etc.
Claims20
A testing tool for validation of production software in an electronic gaming machine comprises:
- a validation service executed by a first processor installed in the electronic gaming machine, the validation service having access to system resources of the electronic gaming machine via a diagnostic basic input/output system (BIOS);
- and
- an emulation tool executed by a second processor installed in a host system, the emulation tool in communication with the validation service of the electronic gaming machine, the emulation tool including:
- a user interface module configured to present:
- i) a selection of operating options, ii) an electronic gaming machine state, and iii) validation results;
- a structured data file parser configured to set test parameters based on information stored in a file containing structured data;
- and
- a results module configured to generate validation results by comparing actual results and expected results.
A method of performing validation testing of an electronic gaming machine, the method comprising:
- providing a host computer with a memory that stores an emulation tool for execution by a processor installed in the host computer;
- booting the electronic gaming machine into a validation mode using a specialized binary input/output system (BIOS);
- after booting in the validation mode, activating a network connection at the electronic gaming machine to the emulation tool;
- after booting in the validation mode, exposing breakpoints in the electronic gaming machine to the emulation tool;
- reading, at the emulation tool, a data file having instructions used by the emulation tool to automatically operate the electronic gaming machine via the network connection;
- and
- during operation of the electronic gaming machine per the instructions in the data file:
- activating one or more breakpoints exposed by the emulation tool;
- at a breakpoint, setting via the network connection at the electronic gaming machine at least one value read from the data file, the at least one value including at least one of a random number value, a bonus game activation, a symbol value, and a wager line;
- continuing operation of the electronic gaming machine after the breakpoint;
- determining an outcome based on the at least one value;
- comparing one or more outcome values against an expected outcome value read from the data file;
- and
- determining that the validation testing of the electronic gaming machine was successful based on the comparison.
A computer-readable memory installed in a computer having computer-executable instructions configured to generate a user interface when executed on a processor for a validation tester configured for validation of production software of an electronic gaming machine comprising:
- a user interface module configured to present:
- i) a selection of operating options, ii) an electronic gaming machine state, and iii) validation results;
- an structured data file parser configured to set test parameters based on information stored in a file containing structured data;
- a results module configured to generate validation results by comparing an actual result and an expected result;
- and
- a breakpoint module for examining and setting electronic gaming machine operational values during execution of the production software.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.