U.S. patent application number 11/068065 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-13 for gaming network environment having a language translation service.
Invention is credited to Blackburn, Christopher W., Jan, Chih-Hui.
Application Number | 20050227768 11/068065 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35061262 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050227768 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blackburn, Christopher W. ;
et al. |
October 13, 2005 |
Gaming network environment having a language translation
service
Abstract
A gaming network including gaming machines and gaming services
further includes a language translation service that provides
systems and methods for providing translations for clients in the
gaming network. The gaming services framework comprises a set of
services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming
system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture
that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods
provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property
management based upon internetworking technology and web services
concepts.
Inventors: |
Blackburn, Christopher W.;
(Reno, NV) ; Jan, Chih-Hui; (Sparks, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Schwegman, Lundberg, Woessner & Kluth, P.A.
P.O. Box 2938
Minneapolis
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
35061262 |
Appl. No.: |
11/068065 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11068065 |
Feb 28, 2005 |
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10857433 |
May 27, 2004 |
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60473733 |
May 27, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 40/58 20200101;
G09B 19/06 20130101; G07F 17/323 20130101; G07F 17/3227 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/042 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for providing a language translation service in a
gaming network including gaming machines, the method comprising:
publishing an availability of the language translation service on
the gaming network; receiving a discovery request for the language
translation service; registering by a gaming client with the
language translation service; and processing one or more service
requests between the gaming client and the language translation
service, said service requests conforming to an intemetworking
protocol.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the language translation service
comprises a web service.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the service request is formatted
according to a service description language.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the service description language
is a Web Services Description Language (WSDL).
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the language translation service
is registered in a UDDI registry.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the gaming client comprises a
gaming machine.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the gaming client comprises a
service provider.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the service request comprises a
request by the gaming client for a translation of a text string
from the language translation service.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the text string comprises an XML
(extensible Markup Language) formatted text string.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the service request comprises a
request by the gaming client for a set of translations from the
language translation service.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the language translation
service provides the set of translations in a file.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the file conforms to an XML
format.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising authenticating the
gaming client to determine if the gaming client is authorized to
receive language translations.
14. A gaming network system, the gaming network system comprising:
a gaming client communicably coupled to the gaming network; and a
language translation service communicably coupled to the gaming
network and operable to: publish an availability of the language
translation service on the gaming network; register a gaming client
with the language translation service; and process one or more
service requests between the gaming client and the language
translation service, said service requests conforming to an
intemetworking protocol.
15. The gaming network system of claim 14, wherein the language
translation service comprises a web service.
16. The gaming network system of claim 14, wherein the service
request is formatted according to a service description
language.
17. The gaming network system of claim 16, wherein the service
description language is a Web Services Description Language
(WSDL).
18. The gaming network system of claim 14, wherein the language
translation service is registered in a UDDI registry.
19. The gaming network system of claim 14, wherein the gaming
client comprises a gaming machine.
20. The gaming network system of claim 14, wherein the gaming
client comprises a service provider in the gaming network.
21. The gaming network system of claim 14, wherein the service
request comprises a request by the gaming client for a translation
of a text string from the language translation service.
22. The gaming network system of claim 21, wherein the text string
comprises an XML (eXtensible Markup Language) formatted text
string.
23. The gaming network system of claim 14, wherein the service
request comprises a request by the gaming client for a set of
translations from the language translation service.
24. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the language
translation service provides the set of translations in a file.
25. The gaming network system of claim 24, wherein the file
conforms to an XML format.
26. The gaming network system of claim 14, further comprising an
authentication service operable to authenticate the gaming client
to determine if the gaming client is authorized to receive language
translations.
27. The gaming network system of claim 26, wherein the
authentication service includes a RADIUS authentication
service.
28. The gaming network system of claim 26, further comprising a
localizing database operable to store a set of one or more
translations.
29. The gaming network system of claim 28, wherein the set of one
or more translations are organized by one or more fields selected
from the group consisting of application name, version number,
device type, language type.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/857,433, entitled "GAMING NETWORK
ENVIRONMENT HAVING A LANGUAGE TRANSLATION SERVICE", filed May 27,
2004, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/473,733, entitled "LANGUAGE TRANSLATION
SERVICE IN A SERVICE-ORIENTED GAMING NETWORK ENVIRONMENT", filed
May 27, 2003; and is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/788,903, entitled "A SERVICE-ORIENTED GAMING NETWORK
ENVIRONMENT", (Attorney Docket 1842.020US 1), filed on Feb. 26,
2004 and assigned to the same assignee as the present application;
each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all
purposes.
FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to software and
hardware systems for gaming machines and gaming machine networks,
and more particularly to providing a language translation service
in a service-oriented gaming network environment.
LIMITED COPYRIGHT WAIVER
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material to which the claim of copyright protection is made. The
copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by
any person of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it
appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office file or records,
but reserves all other rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Today's gaming terminal typically comprises a computerized
system controlling a video display or reels that provide wagering
games such as video and mechanical slots, video card games (poker,
blackjack etc.), video keno, video bingo, video pachinko and other
games typical in the gaming industry. In addition, support
computing systems such as accounting, player tracking and other
"back office" systems exist in order to provide support for a
gaming environment.
[0005] In order to prevent players from becoming bored, new
versions of wagering games, and alterations to existing games are
constantly being developed. In the past, the game software and
content for gaming terminals and back office systems have been
developed using proprietary or closed hardware, operating systems,
application development systems, and communications systems.
Sometimes these systems are provided by a single vendor.
[0006] Additionally, gaming is popular in many different countries
with each country having their own native language. Further, many
visitors to a gaming establishment may come from countries where
the visitor's language is different from the native language used
at the location of the gaming establishment. As a result, it is
desirable to provide a gaming machine environment that uses the
native language of the gaming machine user. Unfortunately, due to
the proprietary and closed nature of existing architectures, it can
be difficult to develop new games, and it is difficult to modify
existing proprietary game architectures to include support for
multiple languages. As a result, the cost and time associated with
updating and adding new games or modifying existing games in gaming
networks is relatively high.
[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems and concerns, there
is a need in the art for the present invention.
SUMMARY
[0008] The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems
are addressed by the present invention, which will be understood by
reading and studying the following specification.
[0009] One aspect of the systems and methods relates to providing a
language translation service in a gaming network. The gaming
network may comprise gaming machines, service providers, and other
entities. The language translation service may provide for
translations in one or more languages. The entities participating
in the gaming network may implement a Gaming Services Framework
using the World Wide Web and intemetworking technology. The World
Wide Web ("Web" from here on) is a networked information system
comprising agents (clients, servers, and other programs) that
exchange information. The Web and networking architecture is the
set of rules that agents in the system follow, resulting in a
shared information space that scales well and behaves
predictably.
[0010] The Gaming Services Framework comprises a set of services,
protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing secure gaming
system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture.
It is intended to be a service-oriented framework for gaming and
property management based upon intemetworking technology and web
services concepts. Specifically, it supports a loosely coupled
architecture that consists of software components that semantically
encapsulate discrete functionality (self contained and perform a
single function or a related group of functions--the component
describes its own inputs and outputs in a way that other software
can determine what it does, how to invoke its functionality, and
what result to expect). These components are distributed and
programmatically accessible (called by and exchange data with other
software) over standard intemetworking protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP,
DNS, DHCP, etc.).
[0011] The present invention describes systems, methods, and
computer-readable media of varying scope. In addition to the
aspects and advantages of the present invention described in this
summary, further aspects and advantages of the invention will
become apparent by reference to the drawings and by reading the
detailed description that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary gaming machine
incorporated in the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram providing an example of a
service-oriented network for distributed management in a gaming
environment.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram providing general description of
service-oriented discovery and interaction.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a representation of a Gaming Services Protocol
Stack according to embodiments of the invention.
[0016] FIGS. 5A and 5B are flow diagrams illustrating methods and
message flow for a language translation service according to
embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] In the following detailed description of exemplary
embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying
drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of
illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention
may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient
detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the
invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes
may be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0018] Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are
presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of
operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic
descriptions and representations are the ways used by those skilled
in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the
substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm
is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence
of steps leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring
physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not
necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or
magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined,
compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at
times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these
signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms,
numbers, or the like. It should be borne in mind, however, that all
of these and similar terms are to be associated with the
appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels
applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise
as apparent from the following discussions, terms such as
"processing" or "computing" or "calculating" or "determining" or
"displaying" or the like, refer to the action and processes of a
computer system, or similar computing device, that manipulates and
transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic)
quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into
other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the
computer system memories or registers or other such information
storage, transmission or display devices.
[0019] In the Figures, the same reference number is used throughout
to refer to an identical component which appears in multiple
Figures. Signals and connections may be referred to by the same
reference number or label, and the actual meaning will be clear
from its use in the context of the description.
[0020] The description of the various embodiments is to be
construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible
instance of the invention. Numerous alternatives could be
implemented, using combinations of current or future technologies,
which would still fall within the scope of the claims. The present
invention is directed to a language translation service in a
service-oriented framework for gaming networks that allows for the
interoperability of the software components (regardless of
manufacturer, operating system, or application) reducing the
dependence on a closed-system, single vendor solutions and allowing
for variety in innovation and competition.
[0021] The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be
taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention
is defined only by the appended claims.
Operating Environment
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary gaming machine 10 in which
embodiments of the invention may be implemented. In some
embodiments, gaming machine 10 is operable to conduct a wagering
game. These wagering games may include reel based games such as
video or mechanical slot machine games, card based games such as
video poker, video dice games (e.g. a Yahtzee.RTM. like dice game)
or other types of wagering games typical in the gaming industry. If
based in video, the gaming machine 10 includes a video display 12
such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD),
plasma, or other type of video display known in the art. A touch
screen preferably overlies the display 12. In the illustrated
embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is an "upright" version in which
the display 12 is oriented vertically relative to a player.
Alternatively, the gaming machine may be a "slant-top" version in
which the display 12 is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle
toward the player.
[0023] The gaming machine 10 includes a plurality of possible
credit receiving mechanisms 14 for receiving credits to be used for
placing wagers in the game. The credit receiving mechanisms 14 may,
for example, include a coin acceptor, a bill acceptor, a ticket
reader, and a card reader. The bill acceptor and the ticket reader
may be combined into a single unit. The card reader may, for
example, accept magnetic cards and smart (chip) cards coded with
money or designating an account containing money.
[0024] In some embodiments, the gaming machine 10 includes a user
interface comprising a plurality of push-buttons 16, the
above-noted touch screen, and other possible devices. The plurality
of push-buttons 16 may, for example, include one or more "bet"
buttons for wagering, a "play" button for commencing play, a
"collect" button for cashing out, a help"button for viewing a help
screen, a "pay table"button for viewing the pay table(s), and a
"call attendant" button for calling an attendant. Additional game
specific buttons may be provided to facilitate play of the specific
game executed on the machine. The touch screen may define touch
keys for implementing many of the same functions as the
push-buttons. Additionally, in the case of video poker, the touch
screen may implement a card identification function to indicate
which cards a player desires to keep for the next round. Other
possible user interface devices include a keyboard and a pointing
device such as a mouse or trackball.
[0025] A processor controls operation of the gaming machine 10. In
response to receiving a wager and a command to initiate play, the
processor randomly selects a game outcome from a plurality of
possible outcomes and causes the display 12 to depict indicia
representative of the selected game outcome. In the case of slots
for example mechanical or simulated slot reels are rotated and
stopped to place symbols on the reels in visual association with
one or more pay lines. If the selected outcome is one of the
winning outcomes defined by a pay table, the processor awards the
player with a number of credits associated with the winning
outcome.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a Gaming Service Network
210 comprising a customer data center 218 and a customer property
216. The data center 218 and customer property 216 are connected
via a network 220. In some embodiments, network 220 is a public
network such as the Internet. However, in alternative embodiments,
private networks, including corporate intranets or extranets may be
used to connect a data center 218 with one or more properties
216.
[0027] In some embodiments, the Customer Corporate Data Center 218
contains the bulk of the network servers supporting gaming
properties owned by the corporation. Major elements of the gaming
service network include Auth server 232, Gaming Management Server
236, and Progressive Server 238. In some embodiments, Auth Server
32 provides authentication, authorization and content integrity for
client devices attempting to interact with other servers and
services in the architecture.
[0028] In some embodiments, the Gaming Management Server 236
includes the following services: Boot Service, Name Service, Time
Service, Game Management Service, Game Update Service, Event
Management Service, Accounting Service, and Discovery Service.
[0029] In some embodiments, the Progressive Server 238 hosts a
value-add service that allows a gaming machine to participate
within a progressive gaming offering. Any value-add service can be
added or substituted for this server/service. A progressive game
offering is provided as an example. Other value-add services can be
distributed on existing servers or reside on a newly added
server.
[0030] The Customer Property 16 contains gaming machines 10, which
in some embodiments allow remote updates and configuration through
a network interface on the gaming machine. In some embodiments, a
Boot Server 234 contains a DHCP service that facilitates the
distribution of IP addressing to the gaming machines 10. It should
be noted that any device capable of supporting a wagering game
could be substituted for gaming machine 10. For example, a personal
or laptop computer executing a wagering game may participate in the
gaming network using the services described below.
[0031] As noted above, various services may be located throughout
the gaming network. In some embodiments of the invention, a set of
core operational services may include one or more of the following
services:
[0032] Boot Service Provides dynamic IP addressing to devices upon
boot (start-up). Typically supported by Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol (DHCP).
[0033] Discovery Service Provides the address information of the
server containing the service when prompted by the requestor as
well as the service description, binding and location on the
server.
[0034] Authentication Service Contains the master Authentication
Database. Authenticates the service user before allowing the use of
services in the Gaming Services Framework.
[0035] Authorization Service Contains the master Authorization
Database. Authorizes the use of services in the Gaming Services
Framework by a service requestor.
[0036] Gaming Management Service Provides the ability to configure
and monitor gaming machines and other services from a central
location.
[0037] Name Service Provides name resolution service to enable
machines in a gaming network to refer to each other by name instead
of an IP Address. In some embodiments the name service is
implemented in part using the Domain Naming System (DNS)
protocol.
[0038] Time Service Provides global synchronization of time in the
gaming network. This may be implemented by running the Network Time
Protocol (NTP) client software on gaming machines.
[0039] In addition to or instead of the core services described
above, some embodiments of the invention include one or more of the
following services referred to as Basic Gaming Services:
[0040] Accounting Service Provides logging of transaction records
for billing and general tracking purposes.
[0041] Event Management Service Logs events occurring at client and
server machines.
[0042] Game Update Service Provides dynamic distribution of new or
updated game content to gaming machines.
[0043] Message Director Service This service uses a
software-configurable message routing application to facilitate the
reliable exchange of data messages among multiple application
processes within one or more gaming systems.
[0044] Content Integrity Service This service provides the ability
to verify the integrity of software components running in the
gaming network. This includes the verification of software versions
running on gaming machines, peripherals, services as well the
detection of tampering or modification of the software.
[0045] As noted above, a gaming service network may include Value
Add Services. These services include participation services and
player services. Examples of participation services that may be
included in various embodiments of the invention include the
following:
[0046] Progressive Service Provides functionality for a gaming
machine to participate within a single progressive or multiple
progressives.
[0047] Wide Area Disruption Progressive Service This service takes
over the processing of wide area progressives at each gaming site
in the event that there is no connection with a central system or
the connection with the central system is temporarily disabled.
[0048] Mobile Gaming Device GPS Service This service processes the
GPS location of gaming machines compared with coordinates of a
gaming jurisdiction. Example: players can ride a bus and begin
gambling on the bus when the bus crosses into the gaming
jurisdiction.
[0049] Examples of Player Services that may be included in various
embodiments of the invention include:
[0050] Player Tracking Service This service provides the operator
and player with standard player tracking applications such as
monitoring card in/card out transactions to track play and award
player points for play, providing targeted promotional compensation
to specific players, publishing account status to the player or
operator, providing temporary gaming machine locking in order to
hold the machine for the player for short periods of time, and
providing operators and players an interface and capability for
Responsible Gaming Initiatives.
[0051] Game Theme Location Service This service provides location
information to clients regarding specific games, game themes or
vendor brands. The service may publish the information by casino,
by area, by city, by state, by region, by country, or by continent
depending on the input parameters provided. An example would be to
publish where all of the progressive games of a particular theme
(e.g., "Monopoly Money") are located in a particular hotel (e.g.,
the Reno Hilton) in Reno, Nev.
[0052] Personalization Service This service provides the gaming
player with a more personalized gaming environment. Example: the
player could choose to see text in Chinese, could choose to be
reminded of dinner reservation time, could customize machine
graphics, or could have a portion of his coin in go to his football
club's progressive.
[0053] Cashless Transaction Service This service provides the
ability for a player to transfer funds between financial
institutions, in-house accounts and gaming machines.
[0054] Bonusing Service This service provides the ability for
casinos to set up bonus games for a specific gaming machine,
carousel of machines or one or more game themes.
[0055] Game Service This service is a server-side process that
provides the outcome of game play. This service may be used to
enable Internet/online gaming.
[0056] Advertising Service This service allows the operator to
display advertising information to players in multimedia format as
well as simple audio and graphic formats.
[0057] Property Service This is a group of services that provides
the ability for the property management company to integrate with
gaming systems. It can provide interaction with functions such as
hotel and restaurant reservations.
[0058] Language Translation Service This service provides a
translation method for players on a networked gaming machine. It
may provide translations for one or more languages for the game
itself, some of the additional features found on the machine, or
the entire feature set of the gaming machine.
[0059] Additional details on a language translation service
according to embodiments of the invention are provided below.
[0060] It should be noted that with the distributed architecture of
the Gaming Service Network 210, the above-described services that
reside on network servers are not limited to location and can
reside anywhere the network supports. For example, it is desirable
to consider security and network latency when locating
services.
[0061] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a Gaming Services Framework 300
according to various embodiments of the invention. In some
embodiments, the Gaming Services Framework 300 includes a set of
protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system
functionality in a distributed, network-based architecture such as
the network described above in FIG. 2. In order to participate in
such network-based architectures, the participating machines are
interconnected via public or private networks that may be wired or
wireless networks. Further, devices performing service
communication support a common services protocol stack such as the
Gaming Services Protocol Stack that is further described below.
[0062] The Gaming Services Framework 300 provides for the
interaction of several logical elements as depicted in FIG. 3.
Logical elements represent the fundamental entities that interact
to implement a service. In some embodiments, these logical elements
include Service Requestor 302, Service Provider 304, and Discovery
Agency 306. In general terms, the roles these elements play are as
defined in Web Services Architecture--W3C Working (Draft 14 Nov.
2002 and later versions). Further details on these elements are
provided below.
[0063] Logical elements may reside in a number of different
physical devices as part of delivering any service. For example, a
Service Provider 304 will typically reside in a slot accounting or
player tracking system and the Service Requestor 302 will typically
reside in a gaming machine. However, there may be scenarios where
it would be advantageous or appropriate for the logical elements to
reside in other physical devices. For example, in alternative
embodiments a Service Requestor 302 may reside in a slot accounting
system.
[0064] Service Provider 304 comprises a platform that hosts access
to a service 314. A service provider may also be referred to as a
service execution environment or a service container. Its role in
the client-server message exchange patterns is that of a
server.
[0065] Service Requestor 302 comprises an application that is
looking for and invoking or initiating an interaction with a
service such as that provided by service provider 304. Its role in
the client-server message exchange patterns is that of a client
312.
[0066] Discovery Agency 306 comprises a searchable set of service
descriptions where service providers 304 publish their service
description(s) 324 and service location(s) 326. The service
discovery agency 306 can be centralized or distributed. A discovery
agency 306 can support both patterns where service descriptions 322
are sent to discovery agency 306 and patterns where the discovery
agency 306 actively inspects public service providers 304 for
service descriptions 322. Service requesters 302 may find services
and obtain binding information (in the service descriptions 324)
during development for static binding, or during execution for
dynamic binding. In some embodiments, for example in statically
bound service requesters, the service discovery agent may be an
optional role in the framework architecture, as a service provider
304 can send the service description 322 directly to service
requestor 302. Likewise, service requestors 302 can obtain a
service description 324 from other sources besides a discovery
agency 306, such as a local file system, FTP site, URL, or WSDL
document.
[0067] FIG. 4 provides a block diagram of a Gaming Services
Protocol Stack 400 according to embodiments of the invention. In
some embodiments, the protocol stack includes core layers that
define basic services communication and transport, and are
typically implemented uniformly. Higher layers that define
strategic aspects of gaming processes are also described below.
FIG. 4 illustrates both the widely implemented core layers and in
addition illustrates the higher gaming services oriented layers of
the protocol stack.
[0068] Core Layers of the Gaming Services Protocol Stack 400
[0069] In some embodiments, the gaming services framework utilizes
common Internet protocols, which may include web services
protocols. Although not specifically tied to any transport
protocol, it is desirable to build the gaming services on
ubiquitous Internet connectivity and infrastructure to ensure
nearly universal reach and support. In some embodiments, gaming
services will take advantage of Ethernet 405 or 406, Transmission
Control Protocol (TCP) 408, Internet Protocol (IP) 407, User
Datagram Protocol (UDP) 409, HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
410, HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure/Secure Socket Layer
(HTTPS/SSL) 411, Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) 412,
Domain Naming System (DNS) 413, and Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol (DHCP) 414 layers in the protocol stack 400. Those of
skill in the art will appreciate that other protocol layers
performing equivalent functionality may be substituted for those
described above and are within the scope of the present
invention.
[0070] In some embodiments, service request and response data are
formatted using Extensible Markup Language (XML) 415. XML 415 is a
widely accepted format for exchanging data and its corresponding
semantics. XML is a fundamental building block used in layers above
the Common Internet Protocols. In some embodiments, the Gaming
Services Protocol Stack 400 incorporates this protocol in
accordance with the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) XML Working
Group's XML specification. However, those of skill in the art will
appreciate that other data exchange formats may be substituted for
XML 415, and such formats are within the scope of the present
invention.
[0071] In some embodiments of the invention, the gaming service
protocol stack 400 utilizes the Simple Object Access Protocol
(SOAP) 416. SOAP 416 is a protocol for messaging and RPC (Remote
Procedure Call) style communication between applications. SOAP is
based on XML 415 and uses common Internet transport protocols like
HTTP 410 to carry data. SOAP 416 may be used to define a model to
envelope request and response messages encoded in XML 415. SOAP 416
messaging can be used to exchange any kind of XML 415 information.
SOAP 416 is used in some embodiments as the basic standard for
carrying service requests/responses between service users and
providers. SOAP 416 has been submitted to the World Wide Web
Consortium (W3C) standards body as recommendation documents
(versions 1.1 and 1.2) and will likely emerge as "XML Protocol
(XP)."
[0072] Higher Layers of the Gaming Services Protocol Stack 400
[0073] In some embodiments, the gaming services protocol stack
includes a Web Services Description Language (WSDL) 417 and a
Universal Description, Discovery, and Integration (UDDI) 418. WSDL
417 comprises a description of how to connect to a particular
service. In some embodiments, WSDL 417 is based on XML. A WSDL 417
description abstracts a particular service's various connection and
messaging protocols into a high-level bundle and forms an element
of the UDDI 418 directory's information. WSDL 417 is similar to
CORBA or COM IDL in that WSDL 417 describes programmatic
interfaces. WSDL 417 is typically independent of the underlying
service implementation language or component model, and focuses on
an abstract description. The Gaming Services Protocol Stack 400
incorporates this description in accordance with the World Wide Web
Consortium (W3C) Web Services Description Language (WSDL) 1.1--W3C
Note 15 Mar. 2001 and later versions.
[0074] In some embodiments, UDDI 418 represents a set of protocols
and a public directory for the registration and real-time lookup of
services. UDDI 418 enables an entity such as a company to publish a
description of available services to the registry, thereby
announcing itself as a service provider. Service users can send
requests conforming to the UDDI 418 schema as SOAP 416 messages to
the service registry to discover a provider for services. Some
embodiments of the present invention may utilize UDDI Version 3,
released in July of 2002 and later versions. Further development of
UDDI 418 is managed under the auspices of the OASIS (Organization
for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards) UDDI
Specifications technical committee.
[0075] Returning to FIG. 3, the service requesters and service
providers use the above-described protocol stack to perform service
interactions with one another. The service interactions include
publish 330, discover (find) 332, and interact 334.
[0076] Publish interaction 330 provides a mechanism for a service
to be made accessible by other entities in the gaming network
environment. In order to be accessible, a service needs to publish
its description such that the requester can subsequently find it.
Where it is published can vary depending upon the requirements of
the application. A service description 322 can be published using a
variety of mechanisms known in the art. The various mechanisms used
by the varying embodiments of the invention provide different
capabilities depending on how dynamic the application using the
service is intended to be. The service description may be published
to multiple service registries using several different mechanisms.
The simplest case is a direct publish. A direct publish means the
service provider sends the service description directly to the
service requestor. In this case the service requestor may maintain
a local copy of the service description 322.
[0077] Another means of publishing service descriptions utilized in
alternative embodiments of the invention is through a UDDI
registry. There are several types of UDDI registries known in the
art that may be used depending on the scope of the domain of Web
services published to it. When publishing a Web service description
to a UDDI registry, it is desirable to consider the business
context and taxonomies in order for the service to be found by its
potential service consumers. Examples of UDDI registries used in
the gaming service architecture of various embodiments of the
invention are Internal Enterprise Application UDDI registry, Portal
UDDI registry, and Partner Catalog UDDI registry.
[0078] An Internal Enterprise Application UDDI registry may be used
in some embodiments for gaming services intended for use within an
organization for internal enterprise applications integration. For
example, all services that provide gaming and gaming management to
devices within a casino or casino organization may be published to
an Internal Enterprise Application UDDI registry.
[0079] A Portal UDDI registry may be used in some embodiments for
gaming services that are published by a company for external
partners to find and use. A portal UDDI registry typically runs in
the service provider's environment outside of a firewall or in a
DMZ (de-militarized zone) between firewalls. This kind of private
UDDI registry generally contains only those service descriptions
that a company wishes to provide to service requestors from
external partners through a network. For example, these services
may be used to provide online gaming to customers connecting
through the World-Wide Web.
[0080] A Partner Catalog UDDI registry may be used in some
embodiments for gaming services to be used by a particular company.
The Partner Catalog UDDI registry can be thought of as a rolodex
like UDDI registry. A Partner Catalog UDDI registry is typically
located on a computer or gaming machine behind a firewall. This
kind of private UDDI registry typically contains approved, tested,
and valid service descriptions from legitimate (e.g. authorized)
business partners. The business context and metadata for these
services can be targeted to the specific requester. In some
embodiments, this type of registry may be used for inter-casino
services as well as interactions between casinos and other types of
organizations such as regulators and financial institutions. It is
desirable that an appropriate authorization and qualification
procedure be in place to insure that only approved services are
published to service repositories.
[0081] In the discover interactions 332 (also referred to as find
interactions), the service requestor retrieves a service
description directly or queries the registry for the type of
service required. It then processes the description in order to be
able to bind and invoke it.
[0082] As with publishing service descriptions, acquiring service
descriptions may vary depending on how the service description is
published and how dynamic the service application is meant to be.
In some embodiments, service requestors may find Web services
during two different phases of an application lifecycle--design
time and run time. At design time, service requesters search for
web service descriptions by the type of interface they support. At
run time, service requesters search for a web service based on how
they communicate or qualities of service advertised.
[0083] With the direct publish approach noted above, the service
requestor may cache the service description at design time for use
at runtime. The service description may be statically represented
in the program logic, stored in a file, or in a simple, local
service description repository.
[0084] Service requestors can retrieve a service description at
design time or runtime from a Web page (URL), a service description
repository, a simple service registry or a UDDI registry. The
look-up mechanism typically supports a query mechanism that
provides a find by type of interface capability (for example, based
on a WSDL template), the binding information (i.e. protocols),
properties (such as QOS parameters), the types of intermediaries
required, the taxonomy of the service, business information,
etc.
[0085] The various types of UDDI registries, including those
described above, have implications on the number of runtime binding
services can choose from, policy for choosing one among many, or
the amount of pre screening that will be done by the requestor
before invoking the service. Service selection can be based on
binding support, historical performance, quality of service
classification, proximity, or load balancing. It is desirable that
an appropriate authorization and qualification procedure be in
place to insure that only approved services are published to
service repositories.
[0086] Once a service description is acquired, the service
requestor will need to process it in order to invoke the service.
In some embodiments, the service requestor uses the service
description to generate SOAP requests or programming language
specific proxies to the service. The generation of such requests
can be done at design time or at runtime to format an invocation to
the service. Various tools can be used at design time or runtime to
generate programming language bindings from interface descriptions,
such as WSDL documents. These bindings present an API (Application
Program Interface) to the application program and encapsulate the
details of the messaging from the application.
[0087] After a service has been published 330 and discovered 332,
the service may be invoked so that a service requestor and service
provider may interact 334. In the interact operation 334, the
service requestor invokes or initiates an interaction with the
service at runtime using the binding details in the service
description 322 to locate, contact, and invoke the service.
Examples of service interactions 334 include: single message one
way, broadcast from requester to many services, a multi message
conversation, or a business process. Any of these types of
interactions can be synchronous or asynchronous requests.
[0088] In some embodiments of the invention, security mechanisms
may be used to secure the Gaming Services Framework 300. Securing
the Gaming Services Framework typically involves providing
facilities for ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the
messages and for ensuring that a service acts only on requests in
messages that express the claims required by policies. Examples of
such mechanisms used in various embodiments of the invention
include IPSec and SSL/TLS, which provide network and transport
layer security between two endpoints. However, when data is
received and forwarded on by an intermediary beyond the transport
layer both the integrity of data and any security information that
flows with it maybe lost. This forces any upstream message
processors to rely on the security evaluations made by previous
intermediaries and to completely trust their handling of the
content of messages. Thus it is desirable to include security
mechanisms that provide end-to-end security. It is also desirable
that such mechanisms be able to leverage both transport and
application layer security mechanisms to provide a comprehensive
suite of security capabilities.
Language Translation Service
[0089] In general, the various embodiments of the invention
implement a language translation service that provides
functionality for a client application to obtain translated data
for one or more specified languages. For example, a game
application may let the user choose a language like Spanish,
Chinese or Japanese to view and play a game. Another example is a
player service application shows the player's preferred language
for the player's credits, bonus, hotel or dinner reservations, or
any player account activities. A client application registers with
the language translation service. Once registered, this client
application can request one or more translated files from Language
Translation Service according to client application name, version
number and device type. In some embodiments, each translated file
contains name attributes and translated values for one language in
XML structure. These translated files typically contain commonly
used strings that can be stored at the client side. Client
applications only need to request them occasionally. For real time
or less frequent used data, the client may request them upon a
request by a user. In this case, a simple XML string translation
request to the service can be done. This is desirable because in
some embodiments, network traffic may be reduced. Those of skill in
the art will appreciate the name attributes and translated values
may be maintained in alternative manners instead of or in addition
to XML. For example, other file structures besides XML may be used
in alternative embodiments of the invention. Further, a database
such as a relational database may be used to store name attributes
and translated values.
[0090] FIGS. 5A and 5B are flow diagrams illustrating methods for
providing a language translation service in a gaming network
according to embodiments of the invention. The methods may be
performed within an operating environment such as that described
above with reference to FIGS. 1-4. The methods to be performed by
the operating environment constitute computer programs made up of
computer-executable instructions. Describing the methods by
reference to a flow diagram enables one skilled in the art to
develop such programs including such instructions to carry out the
methods on suitable computers (the processor of the computer
executing the instructions from machine-readable media such as RAM,
ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, flash memory etc.). The methods illustrated
in FIGS. 5A and 5B are inclusive of the acts performed by an
operating environment executing an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
[0091] FIG. 5A is a flow diagram illustrating a method for
providing a language translation service in a service-oriented
gaming network. In the detailed description of the method below,
particular program method names may be provided for particular
embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that such names
are convenient labels for the method and are exemplary in nature.
The present invention is not limited to any functionality that may
be implied by the name.
[0092] The method begins by publishing the availability of a
language translation service on a gaming network (block 510). In
some embodiments, the service is registered by sending a
description (e.g. in WSDL) of the service to the discovery agency.
The discovery agency adds the service description to its UDDI
repository. At this point the language translation service is
available for discovery by interested parties.
[0093] Next, in some embodiments, a client/service requester makes
UDDI calls to the discovery agency to find a language translation
service (block 512). The discovery agency returns the service
description and location information to the requestor.
[0094] Next, a client/service requestor registers with the service
provider (block 514). In some embodiments, this is accomplished by
invoking a languageTranslationServiceRegister method on the
language translation service. In some embodiments, this method call
is a SOAP call and includes parameters that identify the client and
provide authentication information to the language translation
service provider. The language translation service provider may
verify that the client is authorized to receive translated data or
other language translation services before successfully registering
the client. When the client is done using the service, it may
invoke the language Translation Service Deregister method on the
language translation service.
[0095] Finally, a client ( e.g. a gaming machine, a service
requestor or a service provider) can invoke the language
translation service to process a request (block 516). In some
embodiments, the following methods of the language translation
service may be invoked (the methods may be implemented as SOAP
calls):
[0096] languageTranslationServiceGetFile The client makes this call
with parameters of languages, application name, version number and
device type to the service to get translated file(s) or data sets.
Each file contains name/value pairs for one language.
[0097] languageTranslationServiceGetString The client make this
call with parameters of a language and a string containing name
attributes to be translated. Language translation service returns
the translated string. In some embodiments, the name attribute
string and the translated string are XML strings.
[0098] FIG. 5B illustrates a method according to an embodiment of
the invention for providing a language translation service to a
client in a gaming machine network. In particular, FIG. 5B
illustrates an exemplary usage scenario involving an exemplary
message sequence 500 that describes how a client such as gaming
machine 501 and a language translation service interact between
themselves and other components of a gaming network such as
discovery service 503, authorization database 504 and localizing
database 505. Message sequence 500 is but one example of a message
sequence. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other
message sequences for other types of requests are within the scope
of the invention. Additional information for each message is
provided below as defined by the reference number in FIG. 5B.
[0099] At 521 the language translation service 502 is deployed and
saves its binding information to the Discovery Service 503 (UDDI
Registry).
[0100] At 522 the Discovery Service 503 authenticates the language
translation service 502 with an Authentication/Authorization
Database 504 (e.g. using LDAP, RADIUS, etc.).
[0101] At 523 the Authentication/Authorization Database 504
successfully authenticates the language translation service 502
(e.g. using LDAP, RADIUS, etc.).
[0102] At 524 the Discovery Service 503 returns a bindingDetail
information element to the language translation service 502 (UDDI).
The language translation service 502 is now ready to accept
requests for translation related services from clients such as
gaming machine, game server or other components of a gaming
network.
[0103] At 525 a client such as Gaming Machine 501 communicates with
the Discovery Service 503 to find the location of a language
translation service (e.g. using UDDI).
[0104] At 526 the Discovery Service 503 returns with a list of
possible language translation services (e.g. using UDDI).
[0105] At 527 the client Gaming Machine 501 chooses one of the
available language translation services (using some suitable
algorithm) and requests the binding information of that instance of
the chosen language translation service 502 (e.g. using UDDI).
[0106] At 528 the Discovery Service 503 returns the binding
information to the client Gaming Machine 501 (e.g. using UDDI).
[0107] At 529 the client Gaming Machine 501 registers with the
language translation service 502 (e.g. using SOAP).
[0108] At 530 the language translation service 502 authenticates
the client Gaming Machine 501 with the Authentication/Authorization
Database 504 (e.g. using LDAP, RADIUS, etc.).
[0109] At 531 the Authentication/Authorization Database 504
successfully authenticates the client Gaming Machine 501 (e.g.
using LDAP, RADIUS, etc.).
[0110] At 532 the language translation service 502 returns a
successful response to the client Gaming Machine 501 (e.g. using
SOAP).
[0111] At 533 the client Gaming Machine 501 calls for an
application, version and device type specific data with multiple
languages from language translation service 502. The input
parameters can include languages to translate to, client
application name, version number and device type (e.g. using
SOAP).
[0112] At 534 the language translation service 502 calls the
Localizing Database 505 for the specified application name, version
number, device type and languages. The Localizing Database 505 is a
repository containing translated data for different languages. In
some embodiments, it categorizes this data by application name,
version number, device type and so on.
[0113] At 535 the Localizing Database 505 returns a result set of
translated data for the requested application, version, device type
and languages.
[0114] At 536 the language translation service 502 builds one or
more files from the data returned by the Localizing Database
505.
[0115] At 537 the language translation service 502 returns multiple
translated files that are specific to an application, version and
device type (e.g. using SOAP). Translated files typically differ in
the language used. Alternatively, the service can return just one
file with different language xml sections inside.
Conclusion
[0116] Systems and methods providing a language translation service
in a service-oriented gaming network environment have been
disclosed. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the
same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown.
This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations
of the present invention.
[0117] The terminology used in this application is meant to include
all of these environments. It is to be understood that the above
description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.
Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the
art upon reviewing the above description. Therefore, it is
manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the
following claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *