Method and apparatus for operating networked gaming devices
US6832958B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F17/3258
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands. The gaming device reconfigures its payout schedule responsive to the reconfiguration commands to provide a variety of promotional bonuses such as multiple jackpot bonuses, mystery jackpot bonuses, progressive jackpot bonuses, or player specific bonuses.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.