AU2008201509B2

AU2008201509B2 - A gaming system

Info

Publication number: AU2008201509B2
Application number: AU2008201509A
Authority: AU
Inventors: John Leslie Boesen
Original assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-05-11
Filing date: 2008-04-02
Publication date: 2011-09-08
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-02
Also published as: EP1990783A2; AU2008201509A1; US20090093308A1; EP1990783A3

Abstract

A gaming system (10) is disclosed which comprises at least 5 one gaming communications module (30), at least one gaming server (16), a communications link (18) between the at least one gaming communications module (30) and the gaming server (16) for facilitating communications between the gaming server (16) and the at least one gaming 10 communications module (30). The communications link (18) includes at least one communication wire (20) and the gaming server (16) is arranged to supply first and second server signals to the communication wire (20) from the gaming server (16). The system (10) also comprises a 15 splitter device (24) in communication with the communication wire (20) and arranged to provide the gaming communications module (30) with two signal sources, one of the signal sources being for reception of the first server signals at the gaming communications module (30) and the 20 other of the signal sources being for reception of the second server signals at the gaming communications module (30). 26 24 26 24 26 24 26 24 28 28 28 28 12 30 12 30 12 30 12 30 32 32 32 32 Fig. 1 Fig. 2

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Invention Title: A GAMING SYSTEM The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to us: P75730.AU-1 Pal_Set_Fling Applicalon 200-41.doc (P) -2 A GAMING SYSTEM Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to a gaming system. Background of the Invention It is known to provide a gaming system which includes at 10 least one gaming machine connected in networked relationship to a gaming server through a communications link. Generally, the communications link comprises several communications wires and is in the form of a Cat 5E or Cat 6 cable. 15 In gaming machines provided with a communications module, the communications module connects to the communications link and facilitates communications between the gaming machine and a remote gaming server through the 20 communications link. Such a communications module is sometimes referred to as a Player Marketing Module (PMM). While the interface between the PMM and other operative components of the gaming machine generally uses an industry standard, the PMM typically communicates with the 25 gaming server using a proprietary protocol. In existing gaming systems, communications between the PMM and the gaming server typically conform to RS485 or RS422 interface standards. While such interface standards have 30 worked well, speeds of communication possible with RS485 and RS422 are relatively slow to the extent that the bandwidth requirements of recent PMM technology advances often exceed the transmission speed limitations of RS485 and RS422 technology. 35 In addition to the constraints imposed by RS485 and RS422 interface standards, existing PMMs also include software N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75730.AU.1\Specis\P75730 AU 1 A GAMING SYSTEM - COMPL.doc 2/04/2008 - 3 and/or hardware based on RS485 and/or RS422 standards and, accordingly, radical changes to operative components of the gaming machine will be required if a higher speed interface standard such as Ethernet is to be used for 5 communications between the gaming server and the PMM. Summary of the Invention In accordance with a first aspect of the present 10 invention, there is provided a gaming system comprising: a gaming communications module arranged to communicate with at least one gaming server through a communications link having a communication wire; and at least one splitter device in communication with 15 the gaming communications module and arranged during use to provide the gaming communications module with two signal sources providing two server signals that were transferred over the communication wire from a gaming server, the two server signals conforming to different 20 data formats, a first of the signal sources being being for reception of a first server signal at the gaming communications module, and a second of the signal sources being for reception of a second server signal at the gaming communications module. 25 In one embodiment, the gaming system comprises at least one gaming server and a communications link between the at least one gaming communications module and the gaming server for facilitating communications between the gaming 30 server and the at least one gaming communications module, the communications link including at least one communication wire and the gaming server being arranged to supply first and second server signals to the communication wire from the gaming server. 35 2237415 1 (GHMatters) P75730CAU.1 22/08/2011 - 4 In one arrangement, the gaming system includes at least one joining device arranged to supply first and second server signals to the communication wire. 5 The splitter device may be separate from and connectable to the gaming communications module. Alternatively, the splitter device may be incorporated into the gaming communications module. 10 In one arrangement, the joiner device is separate from and connectable to the gaming server. Alternatively, the joiner device may be incorporated into the gaming server. In one embodiment, the first server signals conform to 15 RS485 or RS422 interface standards. In one arrangement, the second signals conform to Ethernet standards. 20 The communications link may be a Cat 5E or Cat 6 cable. In one embodiment, the communications link includes a plurality of communication wires and the splitter device is arranged to provide the gaming communications module 25 with two signal sources for each of the communication wires. In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming server arranged to 30 supply first and second server signals to a gaming communications module through a communications link having a communication wire, the gaming server comprising: at least one joining device arranged to supply first and second server signals to the communication wire, the 35 two server signals conforming to different data formats. 2787415_1 {GhMaters) P75730.AU.1 22/0/2011 - 5 In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of gaming comprising: providing a gaming communications module; 5 communicating with at least one gaming server through a communications link having a communication wire; transferring two server signals over the communication wire from the gaming server to the gaming communications module, the two server signals conforming 10 to different data formats; splitting communications from the communication wire so as to provide the gaming communications module with two signal sources from the communication wire, one of the signal sources being for reception of first server signals 15 at the gaming communications module from a gaming server, and the other of the signal sources being for reception cf second server signals at the gaming communications module from the gaming server. 20 Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 25 Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a gaming system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a communications link of the gaming system shown in Figure 1; and 30 Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a gaming machine of the gaming system shown in Figure 1. Description of an Embodiment of the Invention 35 Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system 10 comprising a plurality of gaming machines 12 connected through a network 14 to a gaming server 1G. 2787415 1 (GHMa.1ters) P75730 AU-1 22/0/2011 - 5a Typically, the gaming server will be arranged to host a database and software services for use by the gaming machines 12, and to collect data from the gaming machines 5 12 for storage on the database and subsequent processing. 2782415 1 (GHMa:ters) P7E730.AU.1 22/08/2011 - 6 The network 14 includes a communications link 18 which in this example is in the form of a Cat 5E or Cat 6 cable having several communication wires 20 arranged in twisted pairs. 5 The gaming system 10 also includes a joiner 22 used to supply respective first and second server signals to each required communication wire 20 of the communications link 18 from the gaming server 16. In this example, the first 10 server signals correspond to RS485 or RS422 interface standard signals and the second server signals correspond to Ethernet signals. Accordingly, the joiner 22 in this example comprises an Ethernet connector and a RS232 or RS485 connector and is arranged to join respective 15 connections of the Ethernet connector and the RS232 or RS485 connector together at the communication wires 20. Each of the gaming machines 12 also includes a communications module in the form of a Player Marketing 20 Module (PMM) 30 which is arranged to facilitate communications between the gaming machine 12 and the gaming server 16. In the present example, the PMM 30 is in the form of a Sentinel III device available from Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd. 25 Each of the gaming machines 12 is associated with a splitter 24 which is arranged to split communication signals from each communication wire 20 so as to provide the PMM 30 with first and second signal sources 24 and 26 30 respectively for each communication wire 20 used, a first signal source 24 being for reception of the first server signals corresponding to RS485 or RS422 standards and the second signal source 26 being for reception of the second server signals corresponding to Ethernet standards. The 35 splitter 24 in this example is arranged to terminate the communication wires 20 with an Ethernet connector and a RS232 or RS485 connector such that each respective N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75730.AU.1\Specis\P75730 AU 1 A GAMING SYSTEM - COMPL.doc 2/04/2008 -7 communication wire 20 is electrically connected to an electrical contact in the Ethernet connector and the RS232 or RS485 connector. 5 It will be understood that by passing both conventional relatively low speed signals and improved relatively high speed signals over the same physical wires a relatively high bandwidth network suitable for future functionality can be produced without sacrificing the existing 10 conventional network. This results in reduced costs because PMM software elements designed for the existing network remain unaltered and will continue to operate until functionality is available for the high speed signals. Such new functionality requiring the benefits of 15 a relatively high bandwidth network can be developed in isolation. In addition , since additional cables are not required, new functionality can be introduced to existing networked gaming systems with minimal interruption to existing infrastructure, in particular without the need to 20 re-cable the gaming floor. It will also be understood that although the joiner 22 and the splitters 24 are shown in Figure 1 separate to the respective server 16 and the gaming machines 12, other 25 variations are possible. For example, the joiner 22 may be incorporated into the gaming server 16 and each of the splitters 24 may be incorporated into a PMM 30. Furthermore, it will be understood that although the 30 joiner 22 is described above in relation to a device which receives first and second signals from the server 16 and supplies both signals to a communications wire 20 of the communications link 18, the joiner 22 will also perform a splitter function in that communications from one or more 35 of the PMMs 30 to the server 16 are split so as to provide the gaming server 16 with two signal sources, for example for use by separate RS485/RS422 or Ethernet components. N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75730.AU.1\SpeciS\P75730 AU 1 A GAMING SYSTEM - COMPL.doc 2/04/2008 - 8 Similarly, while the splitters 24 are described in relation to a device which performs a splitting function, it will be understood that the splitters 24 may also perform a joining function in that communications from 5 each of the PMMs 30 to the gaming server 16 are joined and supplied to a respective communications wire 20 of the communications link 18. It will also be understood that although the above example 10 is described in relation to a gaming system which comprises one server arranged to provide both conventional RS485/RS422 signals and Ethernet signals, other variations are possible. For example, two gaming servers may be provided, a first gaming server which uses RS485/RS422 15 type signs and a second gaming server which uses Ethernet signals. An example gaming machine 12 is illustrated in Figure 3. The gaming machine 12 includes a console 42 incorporating 20 the Player Marketing Module 30 and has a display 44 on which is displayed representations of a game 46 that can be played by a player. A mid-trim 50 of the gaming machine 12 houses a bank of buttons 52 for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular 25 during gameplay. The mid-trim 50 also houses a credit input mechanism 54 which in this example includes a coin input chute 54A and a bill collector 54B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit 30 card. The PMM 30 may include a reading device (not shown) for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the 35 reading device. A top box 56 may carry artwork 58, including for example N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75730.AU.1\Specis\P75730 AU 1 A GAMING SYSTEM - COMPL.doc 2/04/2008 - 9 pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel 59 of the console 42. A coin tray 60 is mounted 5 beneath the front panel 59 for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine 12. The display 44 is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. 10 Alternatively, the display 44 may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, or any other suitable video display unit. The top box 56 may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display 44, or of a different type. 15 The display 44 in this example is arranged to display representations of several reels, each reel of which has several associated symbols. Typically 3, 4 or 5 reels are provided. During operation of the game, the reels first 20 appear to rotate then stop with typically three symbols visible on each reel. Game outcomes are determined on the basis of the visible symbols together with any special functions associated with the symbols, and if a function has been allocated to a reel, on the basis of the 25 allocated function. Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. N:\Perth\Cases\Patent\75000-75999\P75730.AU.1\Specis\P75730 AU 1 A GAMING SYSTEM - COMPL.doc 2/04/2008

Claims

1. A gaming system comprising: a gaming communications module arranged to 5 communicate with at least one gaming server through a communications link having a communication wire; and at least one splitter device in communication with the gaming communications module and arranged during use to provide the gaming communications module with two 10 signal sources providing two server signals that were transferred over the communication wire from a gaming server, the two server signals conforming to different data formats, a first of the signal sources being being for reception of a first server signal at the gaming 15 communications module, and a second of the signal sources being for reception of a second server signal at the gaming communications module.

2. A gaming system as claimed in claim 1, comprising at 20 least one gaming server and a communications link between the at least one gaming communications module and the gaming server for facilitating communications between the gaming server and the at least one gaming communications module, the communications link including a communication 25 wire and the gaming server being arranged to supply the first and second server signals to the communication wire from the gaming server.

3. A gaming system as claimed in claim i or claim 2, 30 wherein the gaming system includes at least one joining device arranged to supply the first and second server signals to the communication wire.

4. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 35 3, wherein the splitter device is separate from and connectable to the gaming communications module. 2287415 1 (GHMatters) P75730.AU.1 22/0o/2011 11

5. A gaming system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the splitter device is incorporated into the gaming communications module. 5

6. A gaming system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the joiner device is separate from and connectable to the gaming server.

7. A gaming system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the 10 joiner device is incorporated into the gaming server.

S. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first server signals conform to RS485 or RS422 interface standards. 15

9. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second signals conform to Ethernet standards. 20

10. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein communications link is a Cat 5E or Cat 6 cable.

11. A gaming system as claimed in any one of the 25 preceding claims, wherein the communications link includes a plurality of communication wires and the splitter device is arranged to provide the gaming communications module with two signal sources for each of the communication wires. 30

12. A gaming server arranged to supply first and second server signals to a gaming communications module through a communications link having a communication wire, the gaming server comprising: 35 at least one joining device arranged to supply first and second server signals to the communication wire, the two server signals conforming to different data formats. 27826'15_1 (GHRatters) P7573o.AU.1 22/C8/2o11 12

13. A method of gaming comprising: providing a gaming communications module; communicating with at least one gaming server through 5 a communications link having a communication wire; transferring two server signals over the communication wire from the gaming server to the gaming communications module, the two server signals conforming to different data formats; 10 splitting communications from the communication wire so as to provide the gaming communications module with two signal sources from the communication wire, one of the signal sources being for reception of first server signals at the gaming communications module from a gaming server, 15 and the other of the signal sources being for reception of second server signals at the gaming communications module from the gaming server.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13, comprising providing 20 at least one joining device for supplying first and second server signals to the communication wire.

15. A method as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, comprising providing a splitter device separate from and 25 connectable to the gaming communications module.

16. A method as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, comprising incorporating the splitter device into the gaming communications module. 30

17. A method as claimed in claim 14, comprising providing a joiner device separate from and connectable to the gaming server. 35

18. A method as claimed in claim 14, comprising incorporating the joiner device into the gaming server, 2 m7974 -5_1 CMatters) P75730.AU-1 22/0 /2011 13

19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the first server signals conform to RS485 or RS422 interface standards. 5

20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the second signals conform to Ethernet standards.

21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein communications link is a Cat SE or Cat 6 cable. 10

22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 21, comprising providing the communications link with a plurality of communication wires and arranging the splitter device to provide the gaming communications 15 module with two signal sources for each of the communication wires.

23. A gaming system substantially as hereinbefore claimed with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying 20 drawings.

24. A gaming server substantially as hereinbefore claimed with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings. 25

25. A method of gaming substantially as hereinbefore claimed with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings 30 2787415_1 (GMatters) P75730 .AU.1 22/08/2011