Methods and apparatus for secured transaction logging

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for secured transaction logging are disclosed. A transaction log file containing information on print jobs such as voucher and coupon printing may be created and securely stored in a printer and/or routing device, printed by the printer and/or securely uploaded to a host system for verification and further processing.

1 . A method for secured transaction logging in a gaming machine operable to play a game of chance, the method comprising:
 providing a transaction log file containing one or more log entries, the transaction log file stored in a memory;   responsive to an instruction indicating a print job regarding the printing of an item by a printer associated with the gaming machine, generating a log entry regarding the print job;   storing the log entry as an element of the transaction log file in the memory; and   responsive to receiving an access request message over a secure communications path:
 retrieving the transaction log file from the memory, and 
 uploading the transaction log file to a host device via a routing device configured for communication with the printer and the host device, the host device capable of storing the transaction log file for verification. 
   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 responsive to receiving a print request message over a secure communications path, printing the transaction log file on a media capable of being output by the printer.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the stored transaction log file is encrypted. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the memory is situated in the printer. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the memory is situated in the routing device. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the item is a coupon or a voucher. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the host device is a data processing device selected from the group consisting of: a server, the gaming machine, a further gaming machine, a handheld device, and a routing device. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 establishing a secure communications path between a data processing device and a communications interface associated with the gaming machine.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the access request message is received from a data processing device, the access request message requesting access to the transaction log file. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 identifying the memory in which the transaction log file is stored.   
     
     
         11 . A gaming machine providing for secured transaction logging, the gaming machine operable to play a game of chance, the gaming machine comprising:
 a value input device capable of receiving value;   a player input device operable to place a wager on the game of chance;   a value output device capable of outputting value associated with play of the game of chance;   a memory configured for storing a transaction log file containing one or more log entries;   a printer; and   a controller configured to:
 receive a print job instruction indicating a print job regarding the printing of an item by the printer, 
 responsive to the print job instruction, generate a log entry regarding the print job, 
 store the log entry as an element of the transaction log file in the memory, and 
 responsive to receiving an access request message over a secure communications path:
 retrieve the transaction log file from the memory, and 
 upload the transaction log file to a host device via a routing device configured for communication with the printer and the host device, the host device capable of storing the transaction log file for verification. 
 
   
     
     
         12 . The gaming machine of  claim 11 , the printer configured to:
 responsive to receiving a print request message over a secure communications path, print the transaction log file on a media, and   output the media.   
     
     
         13 . The gaming machine of  claim 11 , wherein the memory is situated in the printer. 
     
     
         14 . The gaming machine of  claim 11 , wherein a memory of the routing device is also configured to store the transaction log file. 
     
     
         15 . The gaming machine of  claim 11 , wherein the host device is a data processing device selected from the group consisting of: a server, the gaming machine, a further gaming machine, a handheld device, and a routing device. 
     
     
         16 . A system for secured transaction logging comprising:
 a host device;   a data processing device capable of outputting an access request message; and   a plurality of gaming machines operable to play games of chance, each gaming machine comprising:
 a value input device capable of receiving value, 
 a player input device operable to place a wager on the game of chance, 
 a value output device capable of outputting value associated with play of the game of chance, 
 a memory configured for storing a transaction log file containing one or more log entries, 
 a printer, and 
 a controller configured to:
 receive a print job instruction indicating a print job regarding the printing of an item by the printer, 
 responsive to the print job instruction, generate a log entry regarding the print job, 
 store the log entry as an element of the transaction log file in the memory, and 
 responsive to receiving the access request message from the data processing device over a secure communications path:
 retrieve the transaction log file from the memory, and 
 upload the transaction log file to the host device via a routing device configured for communication with the printer and the host device, the host device capable of storing the transaction log file for verification. 
 
 
   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the host device is selected from the group consisting of: a server, the gaming machine, a further gaming machine, a handheld device, and a routing device. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the data processing device is selected from the group consisting of: the gaming machine, a further gaming machine, a handheld device, and a routing device.