AU2013201511B2

AU2013201511B2 - Gaming system

Info

Publication number: AU2013201511B2
Application number: AU2013201511A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Ulf Abrink; Hakan Andersson; Henrik Kniberg; Ulf Larsson; Jens Nilsson; Jan Otterling; Thomas Rizos; Peter Vincent
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2004-11-12
Filing date: 2013-03-14
Publication date: 2016-04-21
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-14
Also published as: AU2013201511A1

Abstract

Abstract A method and a system for operating a gaming application in a computer based gaming system having a client gaming 5 machine connected to a gaming server, wherein: a client module of a game application program is executed in the client gaming machine; game parameters are determined in response to player input signals and dependent on logical rules for the game defined in said client module; a server 10 module of said game application program is executed in the gaming server in response to said game parameters being communicated to said server module; outcome parameters are determined dependent on conditions for the game defined in said server module, dependent on said communicated game 15 parameters and dependent on a random number generated in the gaming server. (Fig 1) 4156174_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 13/03/13 =CASHBOX FLIP COIN 26 GDK CLIENT 1 2 API MODULE 1 SERVER REQUEST 1 2-- -------- 16 -C-=OGAPI MODULE

Description

- 1 Gaming System Related Application 5 This application is a divisional application of Australian application no. 2012200893. Technical Field 10 The present invention relates in general to a gaming system for operating computerized games of chance, the system comprising gaming machines communicating with a central gaming server. 15 Background Traditionally, computerized games of chance have mainly been developed by providers of gaming machines and gaming systems, whereas independent game developers largely have 20 been barred from this market. The reasons are inter alia found in regulatory barriers with regard to betting, paying out winning prizes, security and the like. Another reason is the reluctance of the main providers of gaming machines to expose themselves to increased competition. 25 This has resulted in a rigid tradition that games as well as control and operation information has been implemented in decentralized systems provided by manufacturers of gaming machines, also called interactive video terminals abbreviated IVT:s. However, this manner of manufacturing 30 and operating gaming systems is inefficient, costly, difficult to update and offers a limited control of functionality and security. There is therefore a demand for more flexible gaming systems. 35 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM -2 Prior Art Examples of prior art is found in the following patent publications, which for the sake of enablement of per se 5 known parts of the invention are incorporated by reference in this specification. W003023647 discloses a method for developing gaming programs compatible with a computerized gaming operating 10 system and apparatus. W02004051588 discloses a hosted game development environment. 15 US20030148806 discloses a method and apparatus for optimizing game design and development upon multiple game systems. W003028828 discloses a game development architecture that 20 decouples the game logic from the graphic logics. US20040180722 discloses a centralized gaming system with modifiable remote display terminals. 25 KR010007668 discloses a method and system for network game service. CA2358237 discloses a gaming hardware simulator. 30 US20020028705 discloses a system and method for generating games and tests. Object of the Invention 35 It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for operating games in a computer based gaming 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 3 system, which enables game application production for an open gaming system architecture. Summary of the Invention 5 The invention provides a method for operating a gaming application in a computer based game development tool having a client gaming machine emulator connected to a gaming server emulator, wherein: 10 a client module of a game application program is executed in the client gaming machine emulator; game parameters are determined in response to player input signals and dependent on logical rules for the game defined in said client module, wherein said game 15 parameters include a client identity code which is transmitted to the gaming server emulator along with a request for the reservation of a reconnect identity code to be associated with said client identity code; a server module of said game application program is 20 executed in the gaming server emulator in response to said game parameters being communicated to said server module; a reconnect identity code is generated by said server module in response to said request and the reconnect identity code is associated with said client identity code 25 in said gaming server emulator; and outcome parameters are determined dependent on conditions for the game defined in said server module, dependent on said communicated game parameters and dependent on a random number generated in the gaming 30 server emulator. In an embodiment, said outcome parameters are communicated to the client game module and output signals dependent on the outcome parameters are generated and output to realise 35 a presentation of the outcome to the player. In an embodiment, wherein all communication with the 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 4 client game module is carried out via a client game application program interface. In an embodiment, game context parameters are provided to 5 the client game module by means of said client game application program interface. In an embodiment, game configuration parameters are provided to the client game module by means of said client 10 game application program interface. In an embodiment, all communication with the server game module is carried out via a server game application program interface. 15 In an embodiment, game context information is provided to the server game module by means of said server game application program interface. 20 In an embodiment, game context information comprises said determined game parameters. In an embodiment, said game parameters comprise a bet value. 25 In an embodiment, said outcome parameters comprise a win value. In an embodiment, game configuration parameters are 30 provided to the server game module by means of said server game application program interface. The invention also provides a computer program product comprising computer program code portions devised to 35 control a data processing means to perform the steps and functions of the above methods. 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 5 The invention also provides a game development tool for operating a gaming application, the system having a computer based client gaming machine emulator connected to a gaming server emulator, comprising computer based data 5 processing means devised to perform the steps and functions of: executing a client module of a game application program in the client gaming machine emulator; determining game parameters in response to player 10 input signals and dependent on logical rules for the game defined in said client module, wherein said game parameters include a client identity code which is transmitted to the gaming server emulator along with a request for the reservation of a reconnect identity code 15 to be associated with said client identity code; executing a server module of said game application program in the gaming server emulator in response to said game parameters being communicated to said server module; generating a reconnect identity code by said server 20 module in response to said request and associating the reconnect identity code with said client identity code in said gaming server emulator; and determining an outcome dependent on conditions for the game defined in said server module, dependent on said 25 communicated game parameters and dependent on a random number generated in the gaming server emulator. In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises: general server functions providing a random number 30 generator and a database in the gaming server emulator; a server game application program interface provided in the server and enabling communication with the server module of said game application program; a client handler devised to manage communications and 35 functions of the client gaming machine emulator; a server application program interface provided in the gaming server emulator and enabling internal 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 6 communication between functional units of the gaming server emulator and external communication with functional units of the client gaming machine emulator; general client functions providing input and output 5 functions for communication between the user and functions of the game development tool; a client game application program interface provided in the client gaming machine emulator and enabling communication with the client game module of said specific 10 game application program; a client control module devised to control communications and functions of the client gaming machine emulator. 15 In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises: a server game module of a game application program provided in the server and devised to execute functions of a game; a client game module of said game application program 20 provided in the client gaming machine (2) and devised to execute functions of said game. In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises means devised to provide said server game module and/or said 25 client game module with a data structure for storing and accessing game context parameters. In an embodiment, said game context data structure is an instance of a data object provided by said game 30 application program interfaces respectively. In an embodiment, the gaming system comprises means devised to provide said server game module and/or said client game module with a data structure for storing and 35 accessing game configuration parameters. The invention also provides a computer program product 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 7 comprising computer program code portions devised to control a data processing means to perform the functions described above. 5 The invention also provides a game application program product, comprising: a client module having computer program code portions devised to control a data processing system to determine game parameters in response to player input signals and 10 dependent on logical rules for the game defined in said client module, wherein said game parameters include a client identity code which is transmitted to a gaming server emulator along with a request for the reservation of a reconnect identity code to be associated with said 15 client identity code; a server module having computer program code portions devised to control a data processing system to: generate a reconnect identity code in response to said request and associate the reconnect identity code with said client 20 identity code in said gaming server emulator; and determine an outcome dependent on conditions for the game defined in said server module, dependent on said game parameters being communicated from the client module and dependent on a random number received from a random number 25 generator. The invention also provides a computer program product for developing a computer based gaming application for a gaming system comprising computer program code portions 30 devised to control a data processing system to: emulate a client gaming machine having means for executing a client module of a game application program in the client gaming machine, and means for determining game parameters in response to player input signals and 35 dependent on logical rules for the game defined in said client module, wherein said game parameters include a client identity code which is transmitted to the gaming 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 8 server along with a request for the reservation of a reconnect identity code to be associated with said client identity code; emulate a gaming server having means for executing a 5 server module of said game application program in the gaming server in response to said game parameters being communicated to said server module, means for generating a reconnect identity code by said server module in response to said request and associating the reconnect identity 10 code with said client identity code in said gaming server, and means for determining an outcome dependent on conditions for the game defined in said server module, dependent on said communicated game parameters and dependent on a random number generated in the gaming 15 server. In an embodiment, the computer program product further comprises computer program code portions devised to control a data processing system to emulate an 20 input/output interface of a client gaming machine devised for communicating with a player. In an embodiment, the computer program product further comprises computer program code portions devised to 25 control a data processing system to emulate a random number generator of the emulated server. In an embodiment, the computer program product further comprises computer program code portions devised to 30 emulate a database of the emulated server. In an embodiment, the computer program product further comprises computer program code portions devised to emulate a client gaming machine being connectable as a 35 client to an emulated gaming server, comprising means for emulating: a client control module devised to control the 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 9 execution of functions and communications of the client gaming machine, said client control module being devised to control the execution of said client game module of a game application program provided for the client gaming 5 machine; general client functions providing input and output functions for communication between a user and functions of said gaming system; a client game application program interface enabling 10 communication with a client game module of a game application program; a client application program interface enabling communication between functions within the emulated client gaming machine and between the emulated client gaming 15 machine and the emulated gaming server. In an embodiment, the computer program product further comprises computer program code portions devised to emulate a gaming server being connectable to an emulated 20 client gaming machine, comprising means for emulating: general server functions providing a random number generator and a database in the emulated server; a server game application program interface provided in the emulated server and enabling communication with the 25 server module of said game application program; a client handler devised to manage communications and functions of the emulated client gaming machine; a server application program interface provided in the emulated server and enabling internal communication 30 between functional units of the server and external communication with functional units of the emulated client gaming machine. Other embodiments provide a gaming system concept in a 35 client-server based architecture devised to operate modular game application programs for executing a game of chance. A game application program comprises a game 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 10 specific client module that is executed in a client gaming machine provided with a game application program interface and a game specific server module executed in a gaming server also provided with a game application program 5 interface. The gaming machine as well as the gaming server comprises general gaming functions that are available as services for different games executed by the respective gaming specific client and server modules. In the client gaming machine there are general client gaming functions 10 such as a graphical user interface, a cashbox, sound presentation means, buttons and data communications means typically devised for providing an interface between the player and the specific game as well an interface between the specific game and the server. In the gaming server 15 there are general server gaming functions in particular a random number generator, a database and a gaming application program interface via which the gaming specific server module calls the general gaming functions upon a request from the client module. 20 During execution of a game the client game module of the game application program interacts with a player via input/output interfaces, typically a set of buttons and a display screen, and determines game parameters dependent 25 on a set of logical rules for the game defined in the client game module and dependent on player input signals. Game parameters are for example symbols, positions, card values or card colours dependent on the nature of the game as well as a value for a current bet. At game stages that 30 involve the determining of a random outcome, selected game parameters are communicated together with a request to the server game module. The server game module is executed and thereby determines a random outcome dependent on a set of logical rules that define conditions for outcomes, 35 dependent on said selected game parameters and dependent on a random number that the server game module receives on request from the random number generator provided in the 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 11 server. The determined outcome, typically comprising a win or lose outcome and possibly a prize, is communicated back to the client game module which after receipt determines and outputs a game presentation dependent on the outcome. 5 The bet values and the prize values are preferably further dependent on configuration parameters that are centrally pre-settable and made available to the game application program. In this manner the game logics is separated from security sensitive, reliability sensitive and 10 configuration related functions and information that are provided in the central server. In accordance with an aspect of the invention the game application program modules are embedded behind the 15 application program interfaces that provide a well defined interface for communication with functions external from game application program. The gaming machine is for this purpose provided with a client game application program interface devised for communication with the game 20 application program module. General client gaming functions, e.g. the mentioned input/output interface, are provided in the client gaming machine and are available for the client game module via the client game application program interface. Similarly, the gaming server comprises 25 general server gaming functions, e.g. the mentioned random number generator and a database, and a server game application program interface via which the server game module communicates with the general server gaming functions. 30 In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the game application program interfaces comprise means for managing the respective game modules. These game manager functions comprise configuration handling and provisions 35 of data structures that carries game parameters, game requests and game responses. 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 12 In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the system is configured to record in the server database, inputs to the game software during execution. More specifically, at least user inputs and all random numbers 5 that occur during the execution of a game are stored in the server database with an associated game session identity code. In this context, the stored user input should be understood to mean a selection of the actual user input, the received user input signal, a 10 representation of the user input or the response by the game application program on a user input. This enables the reconstruction of a game session as well as verification of correctness as well as statistics and monitoring functions. 15 Brief Description of Accompanying Drawings The inventive concept is further explained by means of examples and in conjunction with the accompanying 20 drawings, in which: Fig 1 shows a schematic outline of a client-server based gaming system according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig 2 shows a flow chart of a simple example of a 25 gaming application. Fig 3 shows a variety of the gaming system in accordance with the invention. Fig 4 shows a schematic view of different phases of a game. 30 Fig 5 shows a schematic sequence diagram. Fig 6 shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a game development tool. Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention 35 The Figures illustrate the configuration of a gaming system as well as a method for operating a gaming 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 13 application, a method for developing a gaming application and a computer program product in accordance with the invention. 5 Fig 1 shows schematically a client and server based computerised gaming system with a gaming machine 2, herein also called a video lottery terminal, set up as a client gaming machine 2 and a gaming server 4 that are communicatively coupled. The gaming machine 2 and the 10 gaming server 4 are provided with data processors, memory means, data communications interfaces, control programs, user input/output interfaces etc. in a per se well known manner. Different functions and features that are specific for the present invention are preferably realised by means 15 of software computer program code executed on data processing means comprised in the server and in the client respectively, or by means of specifically designed electronic components, or by means of combinations of software and electronic components. In the example of Fig 20 1 there is only a single client gaming machine but of course a number of client gaming machines can be and is normally connected to a server. In this context a server generally means hardware and software units in a central system that comprises and provides server functions, 25 database functions and other centralised functions to connectable client gaming machines. The server 4 is provided with a game application program interface, in short called server game API 6, enabling 30 communication between a server module of a specific game application program 8 and general server gaming functions 10,12,14,16 installed on the server. The general server gaming functions are provided to be available for any specific game application program independently of the 35 specific game content. These general server gaming functions are typically critical functions such as a database 10, a random number generator 12, an account 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 14 service function 14, a log service function 16, or other functions that beneficially are shared and used by different specific game application programs. 5 The client gaming machine 2 is also provided with a game application program interface, in short called client game API 20, enabling communication between a client game module 18 of the specific game application program and general client gaming functions 22,24,26,28 installed on 10 the client gaming machine 2 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 2 and are available for the client game module 18. These general 15 client gaming functions are in different embodiments a selection of a graphical user interface GUI 22, a cashbox function 24, a sound function 26, user input interface function, for example buttons, 28, data storage 29, a printer 3, a bar code reader 33 and other functions that 20 are related to the performance of a game. The client game module 18 is communicatively coupled to the corresponding server game module 8 for communicating requests 9 and responses 11 in order to utilize the general gaming functions provided in the server. For each game a message 25 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 in accordance with the invention thus comprises a server game module 8 and a client game module 18 that communicate either directly or via an application program interface on the client side and the server side respectively as shown in Fig 1 and Fig 35 3. The client game module 18 uses a selection of general client gaming functions that are available in the client gaming machine, whereas the server module 8 uses a 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 15 selection of general server gaming functions 10,12,14,16 that are commonly used by different game applications and that are provided and available centrally in the server 4. 5 In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, interruption or abnormal termination of a player session during playing a game is handled by means of a reconnect function. The reconnect function is managed by storing the previous game configuration in the database at the 10 beginning of each game round. AU user interactions and inputs that occur during the game round as well as the random numbers that were generated are stored in the server database. When a player session is terminated abnormally a reconnect voucher is created by the client 15 gaming machine and output to the user. The voucher comprises account balance information and a voucher identity code used to identify the interrupted game. The player can thereafter request a reconnect by inputting the voucher to the same or another gaming machine. The game is 20 initialised with the game session properties that were stored at the beginning of the round and retrieved from the database by means of the voucher identity code. Thus the reconnect function enables the player to continue the game at the same stage as when interrupted. 25 Fig 3 shows a more detailed view of the configuration of a client and a server in a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and similar to that of Fig 1. In the gaming server 4 the server game module 8 is 30 embedded behind an application program interface called server game API 6 through which all communication of the server game module 8 takes place. The gaming server 4 further comprises a server application program interface in short called server API 40 through which all 35 communication with the general server gaming functions 10,12,14,16 from the part of the server game API 6 as well as from the part of other server functions and external 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 16 communication takes place. The server 4 is further provided with a server reconnect handler 32 that in a preferred embodiment is integrated with the server game API 6. The server reconnect handler 32 comprises 5 functional means devised to manage game session information relating to a reconnect identity code and devised to communicate inputs to and outputs from the server game module 8 for the purpose of re-executing the game session up to the point of interruption. This 10 functionality realises a replay function and substitutes the client functionality during reconstruction of a game session. The gaming server 4 is also provided with further server 15 function modules, in the exemplifying embodiment more specifically comprising a client handler 36 that is communicatively coupled to the server API 40. The client handler 36 manages, inter alia handles and serves, communications and functions of the client 2 other than 20 the specific game applications. As illustrated in the drawing with a double arrow, communications with the client gaming machine 2 takes place via the server API 40 and a similar client API 38 provided in the client gaming machine 2. 25 In a manner similar to that described above, the communication with the general client gaming functions is carried out via the client API 38. The client gaming machine 2 comprises a client control module 34 that 30 controls communications and general functions of the client gaming machine other than the specific game applications and communicates via the client API 38. In the gaming client 2 the client game module 18 is, similar to the configuration of the server, embedded behind an 35 application program interface called client game API 20 through which all communication of the client game module 18 takes place. The client 2 is further provided with a 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 17 client reconnect handler 30 that in a preferred embodiment is integrated with the client game API 6. The client reconnect handler 30 comprises functional means devised to manage game session information relating to a reconnect 5 identity code and devised to communicate inputs to and outputs from the client game module 8 for the purpose of re-executing the game session up to the point of interruption. This functionality realises a replay function and substitutes the client functionality during 10 reconstruction of a game session. In one embodiment, the replay is executed in the server after having retrieved stored game session information from the database to the server reconnect handler. In another embodiment, the replay is executed in the client after having retrieved 15 the stored game session information from the database and communicated said information to the client reconnect handler. In yet another embodiment, a part of the replay is executed in the server and a part is executed in the client. The latter variety allows for replaying 20 overlapping or entire parts of the replay in the server and in the client, and to verify that the respective replay execution is correct. Fig 2 shows schematically a simple example of a portion of 25 a gaming application in accordance with the invention, more particularly a flip coin game of chance. The game is run by executing the client game module 18 and the general client gaming functions of the flip coin gaming application in a client gaming machine in step 202. In 30 step 204 the player is presented a message asking the player to bet on heads or tails. The player places a bet 206 and a result is calculated in 208. Step 208 involves the client game module 18 sending a request to the server game module 8 to generate an outcome of the game. The 35 server game module in its turn calls the random number generator 12 and receives a random number in return. The server game module calculates an outcome according to 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 18 predetermined rules for the game and dependent on the returned random number. Thereafter, a response with the outcome Win or Lose is communicated back to the client game module. If the outcome is Lose 210 the player is 5 presented a message showing that player lost 212, and the game is ended in 214. If, on the other hand the outcome is Win 216 the player is presented a message asking player to collect the prize or double a bet again 218. If the player inputs a request to Double 224, a new result is calculated 10 in 208 in the above manner. If on the other hand the player inputs a request to Collect 219, the prize, usually in the form of cash or credit money, is paid to the player and the game ends in 222. The payout of a prize again preferably involves requesting services from the server 15 game module and for example utilizing the general server gaming functions account function 16 and database function 10. In accordance with the inventive concept, the client game 20 module comprises computer program code portions devised to control the data processing system in the client gaming machine to determine game parameters in response to player input signals and dependent on logical rules for the game defined in said client module. The server module comprises 25 computer program code portions devised to control the data processing system to determine an outcome dependent on conditions for the game defined in said server module, dependent on said game parameters being communicated from the client module and dependent on a random number 30 received from the random number generator 12 that is provided in the server and available for the server game module. The client module and the server module of the game 35 application are thus isolated from functions other man game specific features by means of game APIs. For the purpose of further isolating and de-coupling the game 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 19 application program from sensitive functions a previous game configuration is stored in the server database at the beginning of each game round. All user interactions and inputs that occur during the game round as well as the 5 random numbers that were generated are stored in the server database. This enables reconstruction and verification of interrupted game sessions. Fig 4 illustrates schematically the lifecycle of a game in 10 accordance with an embodiment of the invention drawn in relation to a timeline 424. A player session 401 is initiated by a player by inputting start commands via a user interface of the gaming machine. The player initiates a game and inputs a bet in terms of a monetary value by 15 means of some kind of payment method such as coins or an account transaction and thereby starts a first game session 402. The game session progresses in discrete steps herein called game rounds and exemplified with a first round 404 and a second round 410. Each round in turn 20 progresses in discrete steps called game phases. So for example, round 404 comprises three game phases 406,407 and 408. The transition between game phases is driven by game round events which in different embodiments may have different content and different triggering mechanisms. 25 A game round event is triggered by an input that starts the generation of a set of associated elements of critical game session data that defines a game result preferably comprising the current bet value, a current generated 30 random number and a current win value. The game round event would usually be triggered by a player making an input through an I/O interface such as a push button that conveys game commands like "Deal cards!" in a poker game. 35 In an embodiment of the invention, a game round event is triggered usually by an input from the player and game parameters that define a game state are determined by 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 20 means of logical rules realised in the client game module. The client game module contacts the server game module with a request in response to the triggering of a game round event. The server game module executes the request 5 and creates game result defining game session data for the current game phase. This data is stored in the server database and a response comprising the game result defining data is transmitted to the client whereupon a presentation of the game result is output to the player 10 and the game phase is ended. The presentation of the game result to the player typically comprises updating a screen display of the gaming machine. At the beginning of each game phase, in Fig 4 illustrated 15 with time indicators A, B, C, D, the gaming machine, e.g. the client game module, is set in a waiting mode waiting for input from the player. When a game round event is triggered by the player, the gaming machine, e.g. the client game module and the server game module executes the 20 game rules, moves the game process to the beginning of the next phase, stops and again goes into the waiting mode to wait for player input. From a gaming system macro perspective the execution of a game progresses in discrete steps where the game phases are the smallest units of 25 execution. Fig 5 shows a schematic sequence diagram that illustrates communications between a client game module 502 of a gaming machine and a remote data storage and server game 30 module 504, as well as executed steps occurring during a game phase depicted in relation to time lines 520. The current game phase starts at 506 Time A and a waiting mode is entered and lasts until there is a game round event 512 comprising transmitting a request 512 from the gaming 35 machine/client game module 502. The request is received at the remote data storage/server game module 504 whereupon in step 514 the request is executed and resulting game 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 21 session data is stored in a database residing in the data storage. In the simpler embodiment not involving a client server configuration, a procedure call to generate the game result defining data would correspond to the request. 5 The execute and storage step 514 is completed at 508 Time Al and thereafter in step 516 a response comprising resulting game session data is transmitted from the remote data storage/server game module 504 to the gaming machine/client game module 502. After receipt of the 10 response the gaming machine/client game module 502 presents an output, e.g. an animation of a game outcome via the display screen dependent on the result of the execution in the game round event, which is terminated at 510 Time B with a transition into the next game phase. The 15 execution and storage step 514 is treated to be atomic in the sense that either it is completed or it is entirely failed. A game phase is considered to be complete when the execution and storage step 514 has been completed, i.e. at 508 Time Al, whether or not the following steps 516,518 up 20 to 510 Time B have been completed when an interruption occurs. The communication between the gaming machine and the server as well as other steps that are performed for 25 realising the invention are described in the following exemplifying embodiment based on the client-server configuration. Reference is made to Fig 1-4. The numbered list below is merely for reference purpose and does not necessarily mean that the steps are performed in a 30 sequence corresponding to the indicated numerical order. 1. A player initiates a player session 401 on the client gaming machine 2 by inputting a start command to the client game module 18 via an I/O-interface (22,24,28) 35 which may be a traditional button or a button field on a touch screen. The initiation of a player session would preferably also comprise a monetary transaction for bets 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 22 in the game, for example by the player adding a coin to a cash box 24 or by means of an account transaction. 2. The client reconnect handler 30 comprised in the 5 client gaming machine 2 transmits a request for the reservation of a reconnect identity code together with a client identification code for identification of the specific gaming machine to the server. This request is received by the server reconnect handler 32 similarly 10 comprised in the gaming server 4. 3. The request is executed by the server reconnect handler 32 whereby a reconnect identity code is generated and stored associated with the client identification code 15 in a database 10. 4. A player session identity code is generated and associated with the reconnect identity code in the database 10, and a player session 402 is established. 20 5. The reconnect identity code is transmitted to the client reconnect handler 30 and is stored in local data storage 29 in the client gaming machine 2 for the purpose of enabling communication of the reconnect 25 identity code to the player. 6. A selected game is started by the player inputting a game start command to the game client module 18 via the game application program interface 20 of the 30 client gaming machine 2, and a request to start a game session is transmitted to the gaming server 4. 7. A game session identity code is generated and stored associated with the player session identity code, a 35 game session 402 is established and a game phase 406 of a game round 404 is entered. 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 23 8. The player triggers a game round event by giving a game related input to the client game module 18 whereupon a request for a service is transmitted to the 5 server game module 8. An input signal from the player is received by the client game module and a function determines game parameters dependent on logical rules based on the nature of the game and generates a request to send to the server game module. The client game API 10 provides an instance of a data structure, preferably in the shape of a data object, for the client game module to access and store game context parameters comprising said determined game parameters. The determined game context parameters and the generated request are then communicated 15 to the game server module. 9. The server game API receives the game context parameters and the request, and provides an instance of a data structure, preferably in the shape of a data object, 20 for the server game module to access and store. The data structure comprises allocations for game context parameters, the game request and the game response. The game response is the response of the server game module of to the game request generated by the client game module. 25 The server game module thus accesses and receives or reads the game parameters and the request from the data structure. The request is executed by the server game module 8 with the aid of the service functions of the server. The execution of this request would typically 30 comprise the generation of a random number RNG and the determination of an outcome dependent on the RNG. Outcome parameters are thus determined and a response is generated and stored in the game response allocation of the data structure. The game response and possibly also the game 35 context parameters are then communicated back to the client game module. Possibly also game configuration 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 24 parameters are communicated to the client game module with the response. 10. An embodiment of the invention comprises a 5 cashing mechanism for intermediary storage of a game state. The game state information would comprise game context parameters, configuration parameters, previous requests, and previous responses. This feature is useful in multistate games. 10 11. A consistency or error check may occur in the server before the response is sent to the client. This would for example include calculating bet values and win values and compare with a resulting monetary balance of 15 the player. 12. Execution steps that are performed by the server game module 8 for each request as well as results and outcomes of the execution make up game session data, i.e. 20 information that applies to the currently ongoing game session. A subset of the game session data is the result of a game round event and applies to the current game phase. A selection of these game session data are compiled and cashed, i.e. temporarily stored in data storage of the 25 server 8. Game session data generally comprises game parameters generated by the client game module as well as parameters generated by the server game module. The selection may vary in different execution cases and embodiments, and would preferably comprise: the bet value, 30 the random number and the win value that are valid for the current game phase. The selection of game session data may also comprise optional pieces of information regarding the sequence of events called event history, each request and response, a pot at stake, the request, the response to the 35 client gaming machine, game configuration information and a status indicator devised to indicate whether the game 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 25 session has been completed or interrupted e.g. indicating last event = true/false. 13. The selection of game session data is stored in 5 the database 10 and is transmitted with a response to the client gaming machine 2. The received selection of game session data is cashed, i.e. temporarily stored in data storage of the client gaming machine 2. 10 14. The response, including information about the outcome, is received by the client game module. The outcome of the game round event is presented to the player for example via image output on a presentation screen of the client gaming machine 2 and possibly a win value being 15 added to a monetary balance of the player. 15. The steps 8-12 are normally repeated until a game round is ended for example by the fact that a bet monetary balance has been consumed, or the player selects 20 a new game to play. 16. If an interruption occurs, for example triggered when the client loses contact with the server, then the reconnect identity code for the current game execution 25 instance is in the server database associated with a status indicator indicating that the game execution has been interrupted. 17. The reconstruction of an interrupted game can be 30 implemented in various manners. One embodiment comprises of the following steps. With the reconnect identity code as a key, the associated game session data is retrieved from the server database under the control of the server reconnect handler 30. The server reconnect handler 30 uses 35 the retrieved game session data as input to the server game module 8 and generates the last response from the server game module that should have been transmitted to 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 26 the client gaming machine unless the interruption had occurred. In different embodiments Reconnect information comprising game session data is compiled and transmitted to the client reconnect handler 30 of the client gaming 5 machine. In one embodiment this reconnect information comprises the game identifications for the server game module and the client game module, game session data including an initial monetary balance, all requests and all responses of the event history. In the client gaming 10 machine, the client game module is initiated and the game is executed by the client reconnect handler 30 using the game session data as input up to the last completed game phase before the point of interruption, called the reconnect target point. In contrast with the normal 15 execution of a game, the requests that are generated in the reconnect execution are discarded and after each request the game is presented with the corresponding response from the game session data. Since the client reconnect handler 30 has access to all the requests as 20 well as the responses to the requests it is enabled that a check of a proper reconstruction of the game session can be performed. Preferably, the game is executed up to the reconnect target point without presenting the intermediate results to the player in order to speed up the execution 25 and avoid confusing the player. 18. After the last event and thereby the last completed game phase has been executed, the corresponding result and state of the game is presented to the player 30 via the graphical user interface and the game enters a waiting mode waiting for the next input from the player. The invention has the effect that the game application program and its developers do not have to and is not 35 allowed to deal with other functions than the logical rules for the game. These other functions comprise input/output interfaces, functions relating to statistics 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 27 parameters and configuration parameters, as well as problems and functions relating to the interruption, reconnect and reconstruction of a game. Instead the framework around the game application program controls its 5 execution and the input for reconstruction of a game. The invention has been described by way of exemplifying embodiments, but naturally there are various manners of realising the invention within the scope of the claims. 10 Game Development Tool An embodiment of the invention comprises a method and a computer program product for realising a game development tool. A method of developing a computer based gaming 15 application in accordance with the inventive concept comprises providing software adapted to simulate a client gaming machine and a server adapted to simulate a gaming server. The client and the server are adapted to be executed in a common data processing system and are 20 preferably implemented in a computer program product as computer executable code stored on a data carrier or a memory. This computer program product embodies a game developer's kit enabling game developer to develop games for a gaming system in accordance with the inventive 25 concept and provides a simulated game system configuration as described above but executable on a local stand alone computer. This aspect of the invention thus comprises providing in 30 the server a general gaming function that is executable in response to a call; providing in the server a gaming application program interface enabling communication with said general gaming function; and providing in the client a gaming application program interface enabling 35 communication with said client. By means of the gaming application program interfaces the game developer generates and installs in the server a server module of a 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 28 specific gaming application program; generates and installs in the client a client module of the specific gaming application program; generates and installs in the client gaming specific functions that are executable in 5 response to a call from the client module via the gaming application program interface of the client. The client that thus simulates a gaming machine that operates as a container for the games, the graphics and 10 the audio subsystems, respectively, and is responsible for loading, start-up, shut-down and communication with server and the player. Utility libraries, for example in XML or string format are provided as tools for generating reusable functions such as buttons, dice, movements of 15 graphical items and the like. In the development process the developer uses general gaming functions provided in the simulated server, for example a simulated database and a random number 20 generator. The database is simulated by reading and writing XML files. Dynamic data that is normally, i.e. in real system operation, stored in the database, such as player sessions and player account balance, is simulated in the server. The random number generator preferably 25 comprises hardware, e.g. in the shape of a hardware based random number generator to be connected to a serial port of the developer's computer and software components. In the possible absence of a hardware random number generator, a random number can be emulated. 30 After having developed the program functionality the developer compiles the generated server module, the generated client module and the generated gaming specific functions of the specific gaming application program into 35 a data format that is executable on a gaming system in accordance with the inventive concept. 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 29 The game development tool is devised to emulate all the client and server functions that are described above in the description of client and server functionality. Fig 6 schematically illustrates an overview of functional units 5 and mechanisms that are emulated in the game development tool 602. Thus, an embodiment of a computer program product for developing a computer based gaming application for a gaming system comprises computer program code portions devised to a control a data processing system to 10 realise number of emulators. A client gaming machine emulator 604 is devised to emulate a client gaming machine having means for executing a client module 610 of a game application program in the client gaming machine, and means for determining game parameters in response to 15 player input signals and dependent on logical rules for the game defined in said client game module 610. The game development tool 602 further comprises a gaming server emulator 612 devised to emulate a gaming server having means for executing a server game module 616 of said game 20 application program in the gaming server in response to said game parameters being communicated to said server module, and means for determining an outcome dependent on conditions for the game defined in said server game module 616, dependent on said communicated game parameters and 25 dependent on a random number. The random number is preferably generated in the gaming server emulator 612 by means of an emulated random number generator comprised in a general server gaming functions emulator 618. Similarly, a database emulator is comprised to emulate a database of 30 the emulated server 612. The computer program product further comprises a client input/output interface emulator 606 devised to emulate an input/output interface of a client gaming machine for 35 communicating with a player as well as other general client gaming functions (not shown) as previously described. Since the structure coincides with the client 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 30 and server as described above numeral reference is also made to Fig 1 and Fig 3. Means are further provided for emulating the following functions: -a client control module (34) devised to control the 5 execution of functions and communications of the emulated client gaming machine 604, said client control module (34) being devised to control the execution of said client game module (18,610) of a game application program provided for the emulated client gaming machine (604); 10 -general client functions (22,24,26,28) providing input and output functions for communication between a user and functions of said gaming system; -a client game application program interface (client game API, 20) enabling communication with a client game 15 module of a game application program; -a client application program interface (client API, 38) enabling communication between functions within the emulated client gaming machine 604 and between the emulated client gaming machine 604 and the emulated gaming 20 server 612; -general server functions (618) providing a random number generator (12) and a database (10) in the emulated server (4,612); -a server game application program interface (server 25 game API, 6, 614) provided in the emulated server (4, 612) and enabling communication with the server module (8, 616) of said game application program; -a client handler (36) devised to manage communications and functions of the emulated client gaming 30 machine (2, 604); -a server application program interface (server API, 40) provided in the emulated server (4) and enabling internal communication between functional units (6,8,10,12,32,36) of the emulated server (4, 612 ) and 35 external communication with functional units of the emulated client gaming machine (2, 604). 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 31 The effect of the game development tool is that a game developer can work, develop and test his game application program in an environment that reproduces a real runtime environment for the game. 5 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM

Claims

1. A method for operating a gaming application in a computer based game development tool having a client 5 gaming machine emulator connected to a gaming server emulator, wherein: a client module of a game application program is executed in the client gaming machine emulator; game parameters are determined in response to player 10 input signals and dependent on logical rules for the game defined in said client module, wherein said game parameters include a client identity code which is transmitted to the gaming server emulator along with a request for the reservation of a reconnect identity code 15 to be associated with said client identity code; a server module of said game application program is executed in the gaming server emulator in response to said game parameters being communicated to said server module; a reconnect identity code is generated by said server 20 module in response to said request and the reconnect identity code is associated with said client identity code in said gaming server emulator; and outcome parameters are determined dependent on conditions for the game defined in said server module, 25 dependent on said communicated game parameters and dependent on a random number generated in the gaming server emulator.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said outcome 30 parameters are communicated to the client game module and output signals dependent on the outcome parameters are generated and output to realise a presentation of the outcome to the player. 35

3. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein all communication with the client game module is carried out via a client game application program interface. 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 33

4. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein game context parameters are provided to the client game module by means of said client game application 5 program interface.

5. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein game configuration parameters are provided to the client game module by means of said client game 10 application program interface.

6. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein all communication with the server game module is carried out via a server game application program 15 interface.

7. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein game context information is provided to the server game module by means of said server game application 20 program interface.

8. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein game context information comprises said determined game parameters. 25

9. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said game parameters comprise a bet value.

10. The method of any one of the preceding claims, 30 wherein said outcome parameters comprise a win value.

11. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein game configuration parameters are provided to the server game module by means of said server game 35 application program interface.

12. A computer program product comprising computer 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 34 program code portions devised to control a data processing means to perform the steps and functions of any one of the preceding claims. 5

13. A game development tool for operating a gaming application, the system having a computer based client gaming machine emulator connected to a gaming server emulator, comprising computer based data processing means devised to perform the steps and functions of: 10 executing a client module of a game application program in the client gaming machine emulator; determining game parameters in response to player input signals and dependent on logical rules for the game defined in said client module, wherein said game 15 parameters include a client identity code which is transmitted to the gaming server emulator along with a request for the reservation of a reconnect identity code to be associated with said client identity code; executing a server module of said game application 20 program in the gaming server emulator in response to said game parameters being communicated to said server module; generating a reconnect identity code by said server module in response to said request and associating the reconnect identity code with said client identity code in 25 said gaming server emulator; and determining an outcome dependent on conditions for the game defined in said server module, dependent on said communicated game parameters and dependent on a random number generated in the gaming server emulator. 30

14. The gaming system of the claim 13, comprising: general server functions providing a random number generator and a database in the gaming server emulator; a server game application program interface provided 35 in the server and enabling communication with the server module of said game application program; a client handler devised to manage communications and 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 35 functions of the client gaming machine emulator; a server application program interface provided in the gaming server emulator and enabling internal communication between functional units of the gaming 5 server emulator and external communication with functional units of the client gaming machine emulator; general client functions providing input and output functions for communication between the user and functions of the game development tool; 10 a client game application program interface provided in the client gaming machine emulator and enabling communication with the client game module of said specific game application program; a client control module devised to control 15 communications and functions of the client gaming machine emulator.

15. The gaming system of claim 13 or claim 14, comprising: 20 a server game module of a game application program provided in the server and devised to execute functions of a game; a client game module of said game application program provided in the client gaming machine (2) and devised to 25 execute functions of said game.

16. The gaming system of any one of claims 13-15, comprising means devised to provide said server game module and/or said client game module with a data 30 structure for storing and accessing game context parameters.

17. The gaming system of any one of claims 13-16, wherein said game context data structure is an instance of a data 35 object provided by said game application program interfaces respectively. 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM - 36

18. The gaming system of any one of claims 13-17, comprising means devised to provide said server game module and/or said client game module with a data structure for storing and accessing game configuration 5 parameters.

19. A computer program product comprising computer program code portions devised to control a data processing means to perform the functions of any of the claims 13-18. 10

20. A game application program product, comprising: a client module having computer program code portions devised to control a data processing system to determine game parameters in response to player input signals and 15 dependent on logical rules for the game defined in said client module, wherein said game parameters include a client identity code which is transmitted to a gaming server emulator along with a request for the reservation of a reconnect identity code to be associated with said 20 client identity code; a server module having computer program code portions devised to control a data processing system to: generate a reconnect identity code in response to said request and associate the reconnect identity code with said client 25 identity code in said gaming server emulator; and determine an outcome dependent on conditions for the game defined in said server module, dependent on said game parameters being communicated from the client module and dependent on a random number received from a random number 30 generator. 7552594_1 (GHMatters) P24716.AU.2 DEBORAM