CN101783047A - Method and apparatus for managing a gaming network - Google Patents

Abstract

Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for managing gaming establishments and for providing and configuring gaming machines. Some such embodiments allow a user to configure one or more gaming machines via an easy-to-use GUI displayed on a wired or wireless device, such as a laptop, PAD, workstation, or other host device. Gaming machine parameters that may be altered according to some embodiments of the present invention include game play demos, enabling or disabling games, game return percentage, processing speed, volume level, and enabling or disabling tournament play. Some preferred embodiments of the present invention provide for events that allow a user to occur an event immediately or to specify that certain events occur at a future time. Some embodiments of the invention allow a user to generate activity reports highlighting configuration changes, user registrations, game settings additions, and/or game downloads. Novel methods and apparatus for authentication are also provided herein. Some embodiments of the present invention allow a user to easily manage game downloads to a local server and/or each gaming machine.

Description

The method and apparatus that is used for managing gaming networks

Technical field

The present invention relates to network such as the game machine of slot machine and video poker machine.More particularly, the present invention relates to be used for managing and supply the game machine of gaming network and the method and apparatus of other equipment.

Background technology

Game machine under special entity control can be distributed in the whole world by many dissimilar facilities.Recreation place, convenience store, supermarket, bar and ships and light boats are some examples that the facility of game machine can be set.

Typically, utilize the primary games controller, game machine control allows the various combinations of player at the equipment of playing games on the game machine and encouraging to play games on game machine.For example, the recreation of being played on game machine needs the player to game machine input currency or credit token usually, indication wager amount, and initialization recreation.These steps need game machine control input equipment, for example Paper currency identifier and Coin acceptor, in game machine, receiving currency, and the identification user to the input of the equipment that comprises keyboard and button to determine wager amount and initialization recreation.After initialization was played, game machine was determined game result, represents game result to the player, and can distribute certain type award according to game result.

When game machine moves as being connected with one group of game machine in " independence " unit or the network at certain type, can on game machine, carry out aforesaid operations.Progress along with the recreation industrial technology provides increasing game services via communication network to game machine, and this communication network makes game machine in groups be connected with the Net-connected computer that one or more game services are provided (but Local or Remote computing machine).For example, via certain type communication network and by the game services that Net-connected computer offers game machine comprise that the player follows the tracks of, checkout, cash-free award ticket, prize drawing, progressive game and bonus game.

Typically, network game service improves the ability of playing games of game machine or relevant certain operational advantage of safeguarding game machine is provided.Therefore, the network game service that offers the game machine in groups on the dedicated communications network that is connected certain type has become very popular in the recreation industry.Usually, dedicated communications network is that the public can not insert.In order to verify that the infrastructure relevant cost required with network game service is provided is necessary on dedicated communications network, the game machine that is connected the some in certain type the network must use this service.Therefore, many network game service only be provided at adopt a large amount of game machines than in the big game facility.

Using one group of game machine of dedicated Internet access is the progressive game network with the example that network game service is provided.By realizing obtaining bigger progression bonus than the recreation hands-operation in " independence " pattern, the progressive game service that the progressive game network provides has improved the ability of playing games of particular game machine.Along with being connected increasing of game machine quantity in the progression network, the potential number of progression bonus increases.The number of progression bonus often improves is providing the office that plays games on the game machine of progression bonus number, and it has verified that the relevant cost of the special-purpose progressive game network of installation and maintenance is necessary.

But, management is arranged and many schemes of the game machine of carrying out with manual mode is provided still.For example, in Fabian process, the installation new game can relate to the EPROM that comprises recreation (for example, ROM (read-only memory)) on the manual transposing game machine originally.Because Games Software only authorizes Games Software to be installed on the game machine, so manual loading software by strict control and in the authority of playing mostly.In addition, for prevent source code may be used it to attempt to seek the deception game machine method the individual and obtain because security reason and manual loading Games Software.Other attributes of game machine, for example name, payoff table etc. also can be for similar former thereby manual configuration.

Expectation provides at least some method and apparatus of these shortcomings of overcoming prior art.

Summary of the invention

Embodiments more of the present invention are provided for the management game facility and are used to provide and dispose the method and apparatus of game machine.Some such embodiments allow the user to dispose one or more game machines via the easy-to-use GUI that shows on the wired or wireless device such as notebook, PAD, workstation or other main equipments.The gamer configuration that can embodiments more according to the present invention changes comprises game demonstration, start, forbid or download games, recreation return rate number percent, processing speed, volume and startup or forbid playing championship.

Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention provides incident scheduler (scheduler), and it allows the user that incident takes place immediately or specifies certain incident to take place in following certain time.Embodiments more of the present invention allow the user to produce the activity reports of outstanding configuration change, user's registration, game settings increase and/or game download.Here also be provided for novel method and the equipment differentiated.Embodiments permission users more of the present invention easily manage the game download to home server and/or each game machine.

Schemes more of the present invention provide a kind of method of controlling gaming network, and this method comprises: for first game machine in the gaming network is selected first configuration change; Show the very first time of attempting to carry out this first configuration change; And implement this first configuration change via this gaming network aut sign to this first game machine.When satisfying the configuration change condition, send this signal to the first game machine automatically in this very first time.This implementation step can comprise from server aut sign to the first game machine.

This method also comprises determining step before also being included in implementation step, and wherein the credit of playing games of this first game machine is zero.Described selection step and/or step display can by with equipment except that this first game machine on graphical user interface carry out alternately, this equipment is in order to communicate by letter with gaming network.This equipment can be handheld device.This equipment can be in order to utilize gaming network to carry out the main equipment of wired or wireless communication.

This method also comprises these steps: show to be used for implementing the 2nd each the 2nd to the N time to N configuration change; And automatically send the 2nd via this gaming network and implement the 2nd to N configuration change to n-signal to this first game machine.

Described selection step can be related to each to the N game machine of the 1st in the gaming network and select first configuration change.Described implementation step can comprise that sending the 1st via gaming network implements this first configuration change to n-signal to the 1 to N game machine.The described the 1st can comprise the recreation hangar to the N game machine.

This method comprises that also demonstration is used for the default configuration of this first game machine; And, after this first configuration change, this first game machine is used default configuration when satisfying predetermined condition.This predetermined condition can be the time period.Show first duration that is used for this first configuration change.This first configuration change can be for example to demonstrate change, payoff table change, display change, recreation change and/or championship configuration.

Described selection step can comprise selects the Games Software to this first game machine to be downloaded.If like this, described implementation step comprises and makes selected Games Software download to this first game machine.

If satisfy (or not satisfying) one or more configuration change conditions, for example when the credit of playing games of judging this first game machine is non-vanishing, can postpone implementation step.

Schemes more of the present invention are provided at the computer software that comprises in the machine readable media.This computer software comprises that the instruction that is used for controlling at least one equipment of gaming network is to carry out the following step: present the description of the game machine in the gaming network; Show the current configuration of game machine; Reception is from user's gamer configuration order; And implement the gamer configuration order by the one or more game machines that configuration signal are sent in the gaming network.

This computer software can comprise the instruction that is used to respond user's input and controls the current configuration of display demonstration game machine.This software can also comprise and is used to control display to show whether game machine is dispensed to the instruction in a storehouse, to be used to control display to show the current instruction of whether communicating by letter with gaming network of game machine, to be used to control display to show that game machine is whether from the instruction of gaming network data download and/or be used to show the instruction of the play facility at game machine place.

This software can make configuration signal be sent to a game machine in the above play facility.This software can comprise and is used for opertaing device to be provided for receiving the instruction from the graphical user interface of user's gamer configuration order.In some embodiments of the present invention, this software comprises that being used for the opertaing device response overlaps the gamer configuration order and send the instruction of configuration signal to a plurality of game machines of gaming network from one of user's reception.

This software can also comprise and is used for the instruction of licensed software at least in part, in order to carry out the game of chance at least one game machine in gaming network to be downloaded.

Embodiments more of the present invention provide a kind of equipment that is used to control gaming network.This equipment comprises these elements: display device; Input media; At least one network interface is in order to communicate by letter with gaming network; And logical unit.This logical unit is in order to control display device to present the description of the game machine in the play facility; And the current configuration that shows each game machine that is presented.This logical unit is also implemented order in order to receive via input media from user's the first gamer configuration order and via network interface transmission configuration signal to the one or more game machines in the gaming network.

This logical unit also shows that in order to the control display device whether game machine is associated, shows that with a storehouse game machine is current whether communicates by letter with gaming network and/or show whether game machine is associated with a storehouse.This display device can comprise this input media.

The present invention also comprises a kind of method of automatic championship of the recreation that is used to offer an opportunity.A kind of such method comprises these steps: the championship announcement information that makes the relevant pending championship of multiple arrangement demonstration in the gaming network; Registration request in the championship of each transmission in more than first game machine of reception from gaming network; Judge whether to receive each request; Send championship and confirm message in the gaming network that transmission received request in more than second game machine each; In more than second game machine of this championship of configuration participation each; Carry out championship; Reward at least one championship bonus; And report championship result data.Can automatically perform judgement, transmission, configuration, carry out and reward step.

This method can also comprise the step that derives the championship expense from player's account automatically.The step of described report championship result data comprises by in more than second game machine each to the server report of carrying out championship.The step of described report championship result data also comprises the information of (for example, by the server of carrying out championship) broadcasting about the championship victor.

Described execution in step can comprise carries out the time shift championship, wherein the player can participate in championship at different time, carry out the championship of recreation counting, and it relates to the recreation of the predetermined quantity that the player can finish and/or option aspect at least some that quicken recreation is provided to the player in the different periods.

This method also comprises: select available a plurality of game options to select to the player; And according to the championship result who weighs one of at least the player of game options.Described game options for example can comprise demonstration option and/or multiple play options.

This method can also comprise these steps: for the progression pond is created in championship; And the number percent of each player's stake added in this progression pond.This award step can comprise rewards the progression pond at least one triumph player.

Perhaps, described award step can be rewarded a plurality of bonuses, and at least some in described a plurality of bonuses are based on the standard except that whole grading systems.For example, one of described a plurality of bonuses (are for example rewarded the predetermined playing card of that hand of giving the maximum number that obtains the first kind, maximum sequence), and another of a plurality of bonuses reward the predetermined playing card of that hand of giving the maximum number that obtains second type (for example, the maximum case of full hand).In these embodiments, can reward to single player more than one of described a plurality of bonuses.

The option that the option of skipping at least a portion game demonstration can be provided and/or carry out at least one recreation decision-making automatically for the player to the player of championship, wherein recreation can also require player's decision-making of playing.

Embodiments more of the present invention are at different time and/or utilize different configurations, and response is controlled gaming network by the observed income that game machine obtains.A kind of like this method comprises these steps: when first game machine has first configuration, judge first earning rate by this first game machine acquisition of a plurality of game machines in the gaming network; Send second configuration information to this first game machine via gaming network; Configuration has first game machine of second configuration according to second configuration information; And when this first game machine has second configuration, judge second earning rate that obtains by this first game machine at second time durations.

The step of described judgement first earning rate comprises that this first income data is relevant with the very first time via the first input data of gaming network reception from first game machine.In some embodiments of the present invention, when whether first earning rate was higher than second earning rate, this method also comprised these steps: send the 3rd configuration information to this first game machine via gaming network; And first game machine that has the 3rd configuration according to second configuration information configuration.This second configuration information for example can comprise presentation information, display message, payoff table number percent and/or Games Software information.

Other method comprises these steps: first game machine of a plurality of game machines from gaming network receives income data; When this first game machine has first configuration, judge first earning rate that during the very first time, obtains by this first game machine; When this first game machine has second configuration, judge second earning rate that obtains by this first game machine at second time durations; When this first game machine has the N configuration, judge the N earning rate that obtains by this first game machine at the N time durations; And first best configuration of determining this first game machine during one day the very first time.This first best configuration corresponding to determined during one day the very first time top gain rate of first game machine.

This method can also comprise arranges this first game machine to dispose first best configuration automatically during one day the very first time.If this first game machine is the part in a storehouse of a plurality of game machines, then this method comprises that also each game machine in the storehouse of arranging a plurality of game machines disposes first best configuration automatically one day the very first time.

This method can also comprise: determine second best configuration at this first game machine of second time durations of one day, this second best configuration is corresponding to the top gain rate of determined second time durations, first game machine at a day; And arrange this first game machine in automatic second best configuration that disposes of one day second time durations.

This method can also comprise the following steps: second to receive income data to the M game machine from gaming network; Had for first when configuration when described second to the M game machine, judge during the very first time first average return that obtains to the M game machine by described second; Had for second when configuration when described second to the M game machine, judge at second time durations by described second second average return that obtains to the M game machine; Have N when configuration when described second to the M game machine, judge at the N time durations by the described second N earning rate that obtains to the M game machine; And determine in the first overall best configuration of one day predetermined time period described second to the M game machine.This first overall best configuration corresponding to determined during predetermined instant described second the top gain rate to the M game machine.This first best configuration can comprise demonstration, display type, payoff table number percent and/or type of play.

The invention provides the software of carrying out these methods in order to other hardware (for example element of the network equipment and the network equipment) of carrying out method of the present invention and opertaing device.

Illustrate in greater detail these and other features of the present invention in the detailed description of the invention below and the relevant drawings.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates an example of the network topology structure of implementing schemes more of the present invention.

Figure 1A is the block diagram of the simplification network topology structure of some embodiments of explanation moderator.

Fig. 2 illustrates the GUI that can be used for implementing schemes more of the present invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates another GUI that can be used for implementing schemes more of the present invention.

Fig. 4 illustrates another GUI that can be used for implementing schemes more of the present invention.

Fig. 5 A illustrates another GUI that can be used for implementing schemes more of the present invention.

Fig. 5 B illustrates another GUI that can be used for implementing schemes more of the present invention.

Fig. 6 illustrates another GUI that can be used for implementing schemes more of the present invention.

Fig. 7 illustrates another GUI that can be used for implementing schemes more of the present invention.

Fig. 8 illustrates another GUI that can be used for implementing schemes more of the present invention.

Fig. 9 A illustrates another GUI that can be used for implementing schemes more of the present invention.

Fig. 9 B illustrates another GUI that can be used for implementing schemes more of the present invention.

Fig. 9 C illustrates another GUI that can be used for implementing schemes more of the present invention.

Figure 10 A is an embodiment according to the GUI that more gerentocratic enforcements are set of can be used for playing of the present invention.

Figure 10 B is an embodiment according to the GUI that more gerentocratic enforcements are set of can be used for playing of the present invention.

Figure 10 C is an embodiment according to the GUI that more gerentocratic enforcements are set of can be used for playing of the present invention.

Figure 10 D is an embodiment according to the GUI that more gerentocratic enforcements are set of can be used for playing of the present invention.

Figure 10 E is an embodiment according to the GUI that more gerentocratic enforcements are set of can be used for playing of the present invention.

Figure 11 A is an embodiment according to the GUI that more gerentocratic enforcements are set of can be used for playing of the present invention.

Figure 11 B is an embodiment according to the GUI that more gerentocratic enforcements are set of can be used for playing of the present invention.

Figure 11 C is an embodiment according to the GUI that more gerentocratic enforcements are set of can be used for playing of the present invention.

Figure 12 A is an embodiment according to the GUI that more gerentocratic enforcements are set of can be used for playing of the present invention.

Figure 12 B is an embodiment according to the GUI that more gerentocratic enforcements are set of can be used for playing of the present invention.

Figure 12 C is an embodiment according to the GUI that more gerentocratic enforcements are set of can be used for playing of the present invention.

Figure 13 is the process flow diagram of general introduction a kind of method of the present invention.

Figure 14 illustrates the game machine that can schemes more according to the present invention disposes.

Figure 15 illustrates game machine and the gaming network that can schemes more according to the present invention disposes.

Figure 16 illustrates the network equipment that can schemes more according to the present invention disposes.

Embodiment

Various embodiment of the present invention for game content, game configuration, instruct the player to conclude the business and/or game result that server is judged provides high-speed transfer.A lot of scheme of the present invention obtains implementing by one or more servers to small part.Therefore, here will be with reference to some embodiments of the present invention as based on the games system of server or simply be called " SBG " or the like.To make brief overview to schemes more of the present invention in describing below.Specifically be discussed below.

Summary

Although those skilled in the art has different implications when using these terms, will extensively use term " structure ", " configuration " or the like here.For example, " configuration " game machine not only comprises provides parameter, as name value and/or display parameter, and comprises and control to playing games includes but not limited to the control to the game download of game machine.

Preferred implementation of the present invention is included as the configuration manager that the client provides the managing gaming networks function.For example, some embodiments of the present invention allow the user to manage one or more play facilities place via gaming network by the configuration game machine.The for example instruction of sending via wieldy graphic user interface (" GUI "), can send by polytype network equipment, control one or more servers with control recreation name, start or forbid which recreation, recreation repayment number percent, the transactions velocity of particular game, startup (or forbidding) game machine add championship, volume, control game machine show, or the like.

The game machine that some embodiments of configuration manager allow the user to browse and are connected is also selected parameter to be changed.Subsequently, the user changes to game machine " submission ", and simultaneously, the situation of change will show at once.The change of at least some configurations preferably only takes place when running into particular case, for example, and when the player starts when playing games.In order to edit and to report, the change of all configurations preferably is recorded in the journal file.

Some embodiments of the present invention allow the user to generate the report of activity every day, and it is briefly described configuration change, user's login, playing is provided with increase, game download and/or out of Memory.This report is preferably not only can be browsed but also printable, for example, at supervisor console, on network, or the like.Preferred implementation of the present invention allows on request or produces report according to schedule time table.For example, can be at special time in a day and a few days automatic operational reports in a specific date or a week.To expect and/or the total amount of the data of needs management according to the user, comprise the one or more middleware servers (or similar devices) that are used for data filtering, integration and/or event report based on some embodiments of the server of gaming network.

Aspects more of the present invention comprise the incident scheduler, and it allows the operator to arrange particular event to take place sometime at once and/or in future.These incidents can be that maybe can repeat repeatedly also once/or take place in the time interval that the operator selectes only taken place.Change of game download, game configuration and report all are the examples of the incident that can arrange.For example, if the operator wishes data (including but not limited to Games Software) are downloaded to the particular machines storehouse at one day special time, then the operator can arrange this incident.In some embodiments, the incident scheduler provides and allows the operator to browse, edit or delete GUI in the incident shown in the pending event queue.

The incident scheduler can offer user (for example, the supvr of single play facility or one group of play facility) dirigibility greatly and control.The task of arranging can take place immediately, take place on request or take place in the mode that repeats.For example, the operator can determine that the payoff table number percent of 2 appointments every afternoon game machine will become 90% by 95%.Perhaps, the operator can be at preset time or is changed the name of the game machine of each machine in the storehouse on request, or the like.

For example, the operator can to make gamer configuration be to play some different recreation at some special times.Perhaps, it is constant that the operator can keep basic recreation, but change some schemes of its configuration, for example, show, and name, or the like.For example, the operator can change some other aspect of background color or game machine by the mode with the cycle and/or indicate that pattern shows the outward appearance that changes the recreation place.The operator can change the outward appearance of recreation with corresponding with some schemes of change, for example, the name of corresponding recreation (nickel is blue, and the two bits coin is red, or the like).

No matter whether game machine participates in the tournament, and some embodiments of incident scheduler and/or configuration manager all allow the operator to change.And, game machine no matter, whether the hangar of perhaps playing adds the progression pond, and the operator can change.Also can change the sign pattern of play facility, with the change of correspondence arrangement.For example, whether the sign pattern that can change play facility participates in the tournament and/or the progression pond with brief description game machine or recreation hangar.These aspects can be arranged to take place at special time by the incident scheduler.

Incident scheduler of the present invention and other technical characterictic allow the operator according to the whole outward appearance of arranging or change on request the recreation place.For example, replacing takes time moves game machine everywhere, and the operator can only use main equipment and carry out (or arrangement) change automatically.Mention as other place, this main equipment can be wired or wireless equipment, notebook for example, PC, PDA or or even mobile phone.Wireless device allows the operator to carry out this change when the amusement park ground.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, download manager for example allows the new game binary file to add local game server stores storehouse to.Some embodiments of download manager allow the game machine of user management game downloads in the gaming network.Other embodiment of the present invention allows by game machine player initialization game download.Submit on March 10th, 2005, denomination of invention is the people's such as Nguyen of " SECURED VIRTUALNETWORK IN A GAMING ENVIRONMENT " (the secure virtual networking in game environment) (procurator No.IGT1P034X2/P-277CIP2) U.S. Patent application No.11/078,966, submit on January 14th, 2004, denomination of invention is the people's such as Nelson of " METHODS ANDAPPARATUS FOR GAMING DATA DOWNLOADING " (method and apparatus that game data is downloaded) (procurator No.IGT1P213/P-657) U.S. Patent application No.10/757,609 and be that on September 10th, 2004 submitted to, denomination of invention is the people's such as Benbrahim of " METHODS ANDAPPARATUS FOR DATA COMMUNICATION IN A GAMING SYSTEM " (method and apparatus of data communication in the gaming network) (procurator No.IGT1P199/P-909) U.S. Patent application No.10/938, the detailed description that relevant method and apparatus is arranged in 293 is quoted its full content by the mode of reference here.

Other embodiment of the present invention still comprises at least some schemes of point-to-point file transfer between the game machine.Submit on September 12nd, 2005, denomination of invention is the people's such as Nguyen of " DISTRIBUTED GAMESERVICES " (distributed game service) U.S. Patent application No.11/225,337 (procurator No.IGT1P185/P-1017) and submit on July 1st, 2005, denomination of invention is " METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DOWNLOADING GAMES OF CHANCE; " the people's such as Kinsley of (downloading the method and apparatus of game of chance) U.S. Patent application No.11/173, the detailed description of some correlation techniques and equipment is arranged among 442 (the procurator No.IGT1P153/P-991), quote its full content by the mode of reference here.

The present invention can carry out jointly with polytype checking, discriminating, secret and safety practice.Preferred implementation of the present invention is that the embodiment of describing in the permit manager application is carried out, and will quote its full content by the mode of reference here.Submit on January 16th, 2002, denomination of invention is the U.S. Patent application No.10/050 of the Oberberger of " GAMING SYSTEM LICENSE MANAGEMENT " (games system License Management), the detailed description of relevant method and apparatus is arranged among 747 (the procurator No.29757/P-721), quote its full content by the mode of reference here.At U.S. Patent application No.11/078, some description of related art are also arranged in 966, this mode by reference is quoted its full content again.According to schemes more of the present invention, authentication manager provides the ability that " on request " differentiated or signature is checked of execution software to be moved on game machine for the operator.Beyond other each side, this provides the ability of determining all game machine that is connected to SBG system operation latest authorization softwares for the operator.Authentication manager also can dispose based on the arrangement that is provided with by the operator and verify all game machines.

Preferred implementation of the present invention provides the secure communication between the network equipment, includes but not limited to discern the ability that the network reliability is gone in application.Such certain methods has been described in the application of permit manager.Select as another kind, or as additional, each game machine that will communicate by letter with play facility or miscellaneous equipment (and/or equipment of any specific central system communication that will be provided with game representation) will carry out " fingerprint recognition " to it according to the characteristic of machine, and/or according to the patented claim No.11/078 as reference in the above, the technology of describing in 966 the patent.To preferably cause special processing from the communication that is not subjected to information source.For example, if can the challenge-response discriminating not be subjected to information source, then some embodiments will provide the security notice of certain grade.

For example, when the home server of play facility requires from the central game storehouse download games, will obtain the fingerprint of home server, and it will be compared with the fingerprint of being stored that is used for that equipment.If fingerprint does not match, then the central game storehouse is with the recreation of energy download request.

Some such fingerprint identification technologies comprise and utilize the less of processor clock phase differential to depart from.For example author is Kohno, Tadayoshi, denomination of invention is the discussion that correlation technique is arranged in the article of " Remote Physical Device Fingerprinting " (long-range physical equipment fingerprint recognition) (IEEE Symposium on Security and Privacy[May2005]), quotes its content by the mode of reference here.

This clock skew departs from for each equipment and is approximately constant in time, but the clock skew of particular machine is different from the clock skew of another equipment.Most of transmission control protocols (" TCP ") storehouse is implemented the TCP timestamp option of Request for Comment (" RFC ") 1323.According to this option, each side in the TCP stream is included in the information of its shared percentage of time in each output information bag.The information that comprises in the TCP head can be used to the clock skew of the equipment of adding up, thus identification equipment.This recognition technology does not require any modification of fingerprint identification device.In addition,, repeatedly reflection outer at the thousands of mile of distance fingerprint identification device when measuring sensor, tens of millisecond are in addition the time, even be connected to the network of different regions and during via different access technology, this technology still can be reported consistent measurement result at fingerprint identification device.

Even at fingerprint identification device after NAT or fire wall, and via NTP or SNTP no matter the system clock of equipment whether keep, some such technology still can provide reliable fingerprint recognition.These technology also can judge at two equipment changing probably on the network whether be actually identical physical equipment on time or IP address.

The canonical system framework

Be used to carry out schemes more of the present invention network topology an example as shown in Figure 1.It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this typical architecture with relevant functional, and the present invention includes a lot of other such embodiment and methods only for exemplary.For example, single play facility 105 has been described here, it is the recreation place in this example.Yet, be appreciated that some embodiments of the present invention comprise a plurality of play facilities.

Play facility 105 comprises 16 game machines 2, and each game machine all is the part in the storehouse 110 of game machine 2.A lot of as can be seen play facilities comprise into hundred even thousands of game machines 2, and they are not that all are included in the storehouse 110.Yet the present invention can be embodied as the play facility with any amount game machine.

The networked devices that various selectable network topologies can be used for realizing different schemes of the present invention and/or varying number is provided.The play facility that for example has a large amount of game machines 2 need a plurality of examples of some network equipments (for example, master network device 125, in this example it comprise the exchange and routing function) and/or Fig. 1 in unshowned other network equipment.For example, some embodiments of the present invention comprise the one or more middleware servers that are arranged between game machine 2 and the server 130.This middleware server can provide various utility functions, includes but not limited to filter and/or integrate the data that come from storehouse switch 115, single game machine and the reception of other player terminal.Some embodiments of the present invention comprise the load-balancing method and the equipment of supervising the network information flow flux.

Each storehouse 110 comprises corresponding storehouse switch 115, and it can be general storehouse switch.Each storehouse switch is connected to SBG server 130 via master network device 125, and in this example, this master network device 125 comprises exchange and routing function.Although can use various places communication protocol, some preferred implementations are used based on Ethernet

The OPEN of protocol of I GT is downloaded so that IGT can need not charging.Yet, can be used to implement a plurality of schemes of SBG such as other agreement of best type (" BOB ").IGT also on TCP/IP, develop CASH by name at the specific transport layer of recreation industry, so that extra functional and security to be provided.

SGB server 130, permit manager 131, moderator 133 and master network device 125 are arranged in the computer house 120 of play facility 105.Permit manager 131 on part, can be realized by server or like device at least.In denomination of invention the people's such as Kinsley (permit manager application) of " METHODS AND DEVICES FORAUTHENTICATION AND LICENSING IN A GAMING NETWORK " (discriminating in the gaming network and the method and apparatus of permission) U.S. Patent application No.11/225, among 408 (the procurator No.IGT1P253) permit manager 131 is described in detail, quotes its content by the mode of reference here.

SGB server 130 can be configured to and implements a plurality of scheme of the present invention at least in part.Some preferred implementations of SGB server 130 comprise (or communicating with at least) CPU that troops, comprise redundant storage devices of backup storage device, switch or the like.These memory devices can comprise Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disc (" RAID "), backup hard disk drive and/or tape drive or the like.Preferably, the configuration radiant rays is communicated by letter with gaming network with Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server.Some embodiments of the present invention provide the one or more of these servers with the form of blade server, or unshowned other server.

In the some embodiments of the present invention, these and other equipment (including, but not limited to permit manager 131 and master network device 125) and SBG server 130 are installed on the single-rack.Therefore, a plurality of sometimes or whole this cluster tool are called " SBG server ".Yet in other optional embodiments, one or more in these equipment are to communicate by letter with SBG server 130, but not with other place.For example, some equipment can be in computer house 120, or other places on the network are positioned on the different frames.For example, by storage area network (" SAN "), it will be favourable being stored in other places with mass data.

In some real-time modes, these assemblies are for preferably having the SBG server 130 of uninterrupted power source (" UPS ").For example, UPS can be rack UPS module.

Computer house 120 can comprise one or more operator's control desk or other main equipments of communicating by letter with SBG server 130 of being configured to.For this main equipment provides software, hardware and/or firmware to realize all multi-schemes of the present invention; In these schemes, great majority relate to control SBG server 130.Yet, need this main equipment not in computer house 120.Main equipment 160 of wired connection (it is a notebook computer in this example) and wireless master (it is a PDA in this example) can be positioned at other places of play facility 105, or certain place in a distant place.

For example, moderator 133 can be by operating on the server or the realization of the software on other networked devices.Moderator 133 is as the moderator of distinct device on the network.Submit on September 23rd, 2004, denomination of invention be the U.S. Patent application No.10/948 of " METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR NEGOTIATINGCOMMUNICATIONS WITHIN A GAMING NETWORK " (interchange method for communicating and equipment in the gaming network) (" moderator application program "), some embodiments to some moderators 133 in 387 are described in detail, quote its content by the mode of reference here.In some preferred implementations, moderator 133 is the data bank that signal post needs configuration information between the equipment on gaming network (and, the equipment beyond the gaming network) in some embodiments.Though moderator 133 may be implemented in a variety of ways, several sections a kind of typical embodiment will be discussed subsequently.

Wireless device is particularly useful for implementing schemes more of the present invention.Some wireless devices can include but not limited to notebook, PAD or mobile phone.Refer again to Fig. 1, the one or more network equipments in play facility 105 can be configured to WAP.For example, recreation place supvr can use radio hand-held equipment to revise and/or arrange gamer configuration to roam the recreation place simultaneously.Similarly, in the recreation place, the representative of management organization can use PDA to check gamer configuration, produce report, browse activity log etc.

If main equipment is positioned at long-range, then safety method and equipment (for example fire wall, discriminating and/or encryption) can adopt to prevent the unauthorized access of gaming network.Similarly, connect, for example only utilize credible equipment to set up between gaming network 105 and the external world any other to be connected via safety via VPN (virtual private network) (" VPN ").For example, advantageously via the VPN passage be based upon SBG 130, gateway 150 and center system 163 (here, IGT.com) between shown in connection.

Use open, distributed interconnection infrastructure between website, to send data based on the VPN of internet.VPN can be on public or shared infrastructure emulation private IP network network.Only support the VPN of IP flow to be called IP-VPN.VPN provides advantage to service provider and client thereof.For the client, sharp VPN can make the IP ability of corporation sites expand to telecottage and/or user with Intranet, extranets and dialing service.Utilize the savings in fixed equipment, running and the service, this connectivity realizes for the cost that recreation mechanism can be lower.The details of spendable in the present invention VPN method can be quoted its content in this mode by reference with reference to " VPN (virtual private network) technology and solution " R.Yueh and T.Strayer, A Disenweisili, calendar year 2001 ISBN#0-201-702096.

Have and manyly can implement IP VPN service method, for example, VLL, VPRN, VPDN, private virtual lan section etc.In addition, can use variety of protocol, for example IP safety (IPSec) agreement, Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol, multiprotocol label switch (MPLS) agreement wait and implement VPN.The details that comprises these agreements of RFC report can be in VPN association, an industrial trade tissue ( Http:// www.vDnc.com, VPNC, Santa Cruz, California) in find.

For security purpose, can be encrypted in any information that is sent on the common network or sends from play facility.In one embodiment, use symmetric cryptographic key to come symmetric cryptography information, wherein use private key symmetric cryptography symmetric information.Can obtain public keys from long-range kind of public key server.Cryptographic algorithm can be stored in the processor logic circuit of storing on the game machine.When the remote server reception comprises the message of enciphered data, utilize the private key that is stored in the remote server to decipher symmetric cryptography, and use symmetric cryptographic key to decipher from the information of the symmetric cryptography of game machine transmission.Use different symmetric cryptographic key for each transaction that generates key at random.Because symmetric encipherment algorithm is often than the fast 100-10 of asymmetrical encryption algorithm, 000 times, therefore preferably to most of information and executing symmetric cryptographies and deciphering.

As described herein, by the denomination of invention of people's co-applications such as Kinsley U.S. Patent application No.11/225 for " being used for differentiating and the method and apparatus of permission " at gaming network, 408 (patent agent No.IGT1P253) described be used to differentiate, the novel method and the equipment of game download and recreation License Management.Quote this application that comprises these method and apparatus in this mode by reference.

Between the center system of the local device of SBG system and IGT, provide safety to be connected and allow the many favorable characteristics of employing.For example, client (for example employee of play facility) can login center system 163 (in this example, account IGT.com) obtains such as the current of client and the accounts information of account status before.

In addition, use this safety to connect the information of collecting relevant client by center system 163.This information includes but not limited to the error log that uses in diagnosis and troubleshooting.Embodiments more of the present invention allow center systems to collect the information of other types, for example, and about the information of the usage of certain type game software, about the recreation of certain type and/or the income information of game machine etc.These information include but not limited to about belonging to particular game in information of the income of the special time of a day of a week or several days etc.As here Anywhere as described in, the accounting system by the reference gaming network obtains these information at least in part.

Can also realize the automatic renewal of client's SBG server.For example, center system 163 can be to local SBG server notification new product and/or Product Renewal.For example, center system 163 can be to the renewal of local SBG server notification new game software, the state that Games Software upgrades, peripherals upgrades, current Games Software is permitted etc.

After local SBG server received this information, it can discern interested Related product.For example, local SBG server can be discerned the Games Software of current use (or permission at least) by dependent game mechanism, and sends notice via email to one or more main equipments.If expectation is upgraded or new software product, can be from central system downloads.Can by the mode of reference incorporate into described Anywhere here and the application in some related download methods, for example, U.S. Patent application No.11/078,966.Similarly, this notice of client response can select to upgrade the Games Software permission via being connected with the safety of center system 163.

Secure communication connects permission and sends notice from local SBG server safely to the main equipment external world of play facility.For example, local SBG server can be configured to based on the scheduled event that is sometimes referred to as " trigger ", sends the automatic email report that produces, text message etc.These triggers can include but not limited to play that the gate forehand is opened, cash box is full, machine does not respond, the condition of authentication failed etc.

In addition, between different play facilities, provide safe connection can realize other embodiments of the present invention.For example, can be had and/or controlled many play facilities by same mechanism, each play facility has the game machine of relatively small amount.In this case, have between the play facility secure communication can make the recreation mechanism use single SBG server as the interface between center system 163 and the play facility.

Typical SBG management software

In this part, use description to implement the software of the various typical types of SBG system.It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the various software implementation schemes of explanation only are examples here, and the present invention comprises other embodiments and method.

Below several accompanying drawings and associated description relate to typical software package, be referred to as " management suite ", " main control " or " guiding " here sometimes.Management suite uses user friendly routine interface that the method that makes things convenient for of all game machines (being sometimes referred to as " player terminal " (" PTs ")) of being connected with the SBG server of management is provided to the user.

In case one of function of SBG server is to connect, send information to each PT or from each PT.In some preferred embodiment, this connection will be by for example setting up with reference to figure 1 described moderator.

Some updating message and information can send between SBG server and SBG management suite, allow the user mutual and browse activity current and plan between server and PT that all are connected thus.The new PT incident of configuration, arrangement and plan that the SBG management suite allows the user to dispose PT, browse all PT that are used to be connected to server is with task and browse transaction and the error log activity relevant with PT with the SBG system.In addition, the SBG management suite is beneficial to the PT checking, game picture can be downloaded to PT, allows the user to produce all working station that various useful report, identification and activation are connected with server, and is beneficial to management SBG server user profile.

Fig. 2 and following accompanying drawing or the like are provided for implementing the example of the GUI of the many schemes of the present invention.This GUI can for example be presented on the supervisor console of computer room 120 or be positioned on another main equipment (for example equipment 160 or equipment 170) of game station 105 or remote location.These GUI will be produced by the software of operation on one of these main equipments, and will be used in the instruction (with providing information to the user) that for example receives from the user.It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these typical GUI and related functionality only for exemplary, and the present invention comprises other embodiments and method.

Here, GUI 205 is used to control some schemes of the machine handing of SBG system.Start GUI 205 by choice menus option 210 and " showing all machines " option by selection tool hurdle 215.Here, only there is the fraction game machine to network, so " showing all machines " option is easily.As shown in the figure, this embodiment of the present invention also allows the user " to filter " game machine by the storehouse; This option is convenient especially when a large amount of internet game machine of recreation mechanism controls.In preferred embodiments, toolbar 215 (or another program of GUI 205) allows the attribute of user's demonstration and the uncorrelated game machine in storehouse.

Here, library name window 220 has all game machines that the storehouse name is associated with each storehouse with expression.The user can be with library name window 220 alternately with acquired information and/or carry out various tasks.In this example, the user can activate popup menu by using mouse or similar device " to click by right key " on library name window 220.Menu allows the user to add or the deletion storehouse, browse/upgrades storehouse character, add or delete the task that game machine or arrangement are used for the storehouse from the storehouse.

Here scheduler can be used for the configuration change that (in other things) arrangement is used for whole storehouses of game machine in single operation in greater detail.In this example, a method calling scheduler is to select " arrangement is used for the task in storehouse " option from aforementioned pop-up window, and it will call " interpolation task " window (also as shown here with described " SchedulerConfigTaskForm ").

In some embodiments, by from window 225, selecting game machine and moving it library name of the appointment of window 220 to, game machine can be distributed to a storehouse.Similarly, for example, can from the storehouse, delete game machine by selecting game machine (for example, " clicking by right key ") thereon from window 220 and selecting " from storehouse deletion machine ".

Window 225 is presented at the attribute of the game machine in this ad hoc network.Here, assets number (being sometimes referred to as " room number "), sequence number, the seller and theme are presented on the window 225.Room number can be distributed by client/play facility.Sequence number can be distributed by the seller, and identical with the sequence number shown in the outside, cabinet kitchen.The seller is the possessory name (for example IGT) of the Games Software that loads on the game machine.One type the recreation that " theme " expression configuration game machine is played will show some schemes on game machine.For example, in the special time, game machine is configurable to be had

Theme,

Theme and " lucky wheel disc " theme etc.

But, can show any traditional game machine attribute.In some embodiments, for example, game machine can be configured to according to the player and selects to play a plurality of recreation, and shows the attribute (for example, showing the scheme of representing different recreation at different time in the different piece of display screen and/or by changing) of a plurality of game themes.

In addition, in replaceable embodiment, game machine can show by different way, for example icon.Some embodiments are arranged these icons to show the layout of playground, for example by gathering the game machine icon in the storehouse.

Window 225 also allows the user to select particular game machine (for example, by using mouse or similar device " click ") and show the details of its configuration in " machine details " window 230.Here, by with window 225 in the button interaction that shows show the details of game themes and gamer configuration.Many other details that can also show the gamer configuration except that shown in Fig. 2.

In this typical embodiments, if the user determines to change the configuration of one or more game machines, the user can operate by clicking " scheduler " button 235.In this example, the user can also select to open menu by clicking by right key on one of each several part of GUI 205, shows the popup menu that allows the user to carry out various tasks thus, includes but not limited to arrange configuration task and formulate show.

Can implement scheduler in every way.A typical GUI 305 as shown in Figure 3.GUI 305 comprises the window 310 that is used to represent configuration task of arranging and the game machine (in this example, game machine 11777) of arranging configuration task.Configuration task can include but not limited to change game machine theme (recreation by starting previous download or by arranging to download and start new game), change " stake at most " grade, demonstration, payoff table number percent, volume, display properties, include but not limited to color and display message, start or forbid to be used to play the game machine of championship etc.

The window 320 expression storehouse (if there is) that game machine distributed.Here, window 320 is empty, because game machine 11777 does not belong to a storehouse.In some embodiments, if be whole storehouses arrangement tasks of the game machine shown in the window 320, then window 310 will be sky.

Scheduler allows " immediately " to execute the task by inspection box 350, or carries out at the time and date shown in window 330 and 340.Here, arrangement task is at 11:20 in 12 morning of August in 2005.In some embodiments, window 330 and/or window 340 can be expanded and be used for simple date and/or time clauses and subclauses.For example, but activator button 331 shows the calendar that is used for option date.

Preferably, be used to execute the task that the time shown in (comprising " immediately ") is actually the time of attempting to execute the task or is used at least judge whether is the appropriate time of executing the task.Whether task carries out to depend on preferably whether one or more conditions satisfy in the shown time, for example whether game machine shown in the time online, whether the credit of playing games of game machine is zero, etc.Back one condition very important (at least in some instances), thereby the playing games the configuration change that can not be arranged of player and disturbing.

If the user needs, cycle window 360 allows to change configuration to be arranged on round-robin basis.In this example, can in window 365, specify origination interval (for example, every day, weekly, every month etc.); Here, do not need circulation to take place, thus show in the window 365 continuously every.In addition, the duration of taking place shown in window 370, can specifying.In this example, be the unit representation cycle with the moon, but also can use other cycles easily.In some preferred embodiments, shown configuration change shown in the duration turn back to the Configuration Values of acquiescence when finishing.

Here, window 372 and part thereof allow the user to specify the configuration change of arrangement.In this example, user's Yi $0.01 changes at payoff table number percent.In this example, can select the payoff table number percent of expectation from the various payoff table number percents shown in the window 375.After selecting, the user can come the arrangement task by button click 380.

Fig. 4 illustrates GUI 405, and it will be used for the supplementary features with reference to some embodiments according to the present invention.In this example, select scheduler button 410 to present GUI 405.Calendar window 415 is represented current dates 420, and represents to arrange with runic the date of task.Here, the user clicks on August 19th, 2005, has occurred the task of arranging in window 425.More details that for example can show the arrangement task by selector button 430.In other embodiments, the more details that the arrangement task in window 425, occurs.

Perhaps, report the task that browser is determined arrangement by activator button 450 and startup, in embodiment shown in Fig. 5 A, Fig. 5 B and Fig. 6.In this example (at first with reference to Fig. 5 A), report browser window 510 allows users to select one of following type report: the failed tasks report of relevant not carrying out by the SBG system of task; Represent that all users register the register report of SBG server; The machine state report, it provides the details information of relevant game machine and SBG server communication; Scheduler report about the transaction of in the formation of scheduler, being untreated; Or the User Activity report, it is illustrated in the activity that each files on each of customers started of registering in the SBG server.Preferred embodiment also allows these reports to export as selected file.

Preferably, can filter report, include but not limited to date range according to the various standards of appointment in the filter window 517.In some embodiments, according to the information type to be filtered that is used to report, can use different filter criterias.Referring now to Fig. 5 B, the user has selected to be filtered and started by game machine the scheduler report field 512 of general report button 520, thereby lists the arrangement task that is used for game machine 11777 in window 515.

Referring now to Fig. 6, the user selects to report the User Activity report field 610 of browser window 510.With reference to filter window 517, compare example shown in Figure 5, can be observed in this example and can use other filter criterias.In this example, user's controlled filter window 517 is used for all users with request and the report of all types User Activity that takes place on August 12nd, 2005, and the general report window 520 of Qi Donging makes the private subscribers activity reports be presented in the window 615 then.

Fig. 7 illustrates the demonstration of the GUI that is used to implement the daily record browser.Here, user by selecting daily record browser button 710 starts GUI 705.In this example, the user can select generation error daily record or transactions history; Here, user's selector button 715 generates transactions history.Here, by mutual with window 720, the user can filter transactions history according to the user who creates transaction.In addition, by in window 725, showing Start Date and in field 730, show the Close Date that the user can filter the data area of transactions history daily record.In this example, the user has selected to browse all users' on the 12nd August in 2005 transaction.By clicking " display result " button 735, generate the transactions history daily record shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 8 illustrates and is used for schemes more according to the present invention and comes the GUI 805 of facilities and equipments management options.Here, the user clicks on equipment control key 810, and selector button 815 is to produce the demonstration of all authorisation device in window 820 then.In this example, " authorisation device " is to authorize the equipment that allows with the SBG server communication.If the user selects " all devices " button 825, then in window 820, generation is registered as may with the demonstration of all devices of SBG server communication.Here, (for example, following " management " feature) user adds or the deletion inspection by selection equipment in window 820 and from " mandate " field, can authorize or remove authorisation device to have high-level authority.

Fig. 9 A, Fig. 9 B and Fig. 9 C illustrate the feature according to the user management of embodiments more of the present invention.By selecting user management key 910 to trigger GUI 905.Here, " user in the use " button 915 has been selected, shows user in all uses thus in window 920.Here, " in the use " user is the people who authorizes the SBG server communication.If " all users " button 915 has been selected, then registration is used for and may will be presented at window 920 with all users of SBG server communication.Selector button 935 will show the current user who lands.In this example, explicit user name, display Name, Authorized Domain, email address and each user's active/inactive state in window 920, but can show any user property easily.

User with enough super-ordinate right, the user who for example has " management " role in this example can be by carrying out various user management tasks with GUI 905 alternately.For example, leading subscriber can make another user effective or invalid, perhaps makes User login or cancellation.

An example now with reference to Fig. 9 B explanation distributing user role according to the present invention.Here, the user with role of manager selects " distributing the role " button 930, makes to distribute role's window 950 to eject.The user has selected specific user's name " nhansen " in address name window 955.Distribute role's window 950 to provide various types of predesignated subscriber role's classification for user " nhansen ".In this example, the role comprises management, read-only text, lower security, slot machine supvr and interim role 5.In some instances, can be a user and distribute more than one role.Utilize high-level relatively authority, for example come the distributing user role according to the authority levels of each scheme of SBG system management.

For example illustrate by leading subscriber now and create these roles (can define these roles' authority) with reference to Fig. 9 C.Here, the user opens establishment/editor's role window 960 by employing button 935.By mutual with the field of window 960, the user can create the authority that existing role is authorized in new role or modification.In this example, the user selects " management " from character names field 965, thereby shows predefined authority in window 970.In this embodiment, for the GUI of the specific software module (also can be described as " template ") of SBG system, can the different Permission Levels of given user.The role of manager has highest level " all " access right, allows that the user browses, increases on template, deletion and change information." read " restrict access user's browsing information on specific template." write " visit and permit a user to that indicated template is browsed and interpolation information.

Figure 10 A illustrates a typical GUI 1005 who can be used for implementing download management person/game settings administrator function of some embodiments according to the present invention.This functional download games and inter-related task of including but not limited to.In some embodiments of the present invention, some in these tasks are carried out alternately by operator and game machine.In other embodiments of the present invention, all these tasks are by via with supervisor console or live equipment 160 or one of 170 control SBG server 130 alternately and carry out.GUI 1005 provides game button 1007, player terminal button 1010, download log button 1012, server log button 1015 and OptionButton 1017, information button 1040 and is used for carrying out some affirmation button 1042 of these tasks.In the paragraph below with these and other features shown in the key drawing 10A.

In some embodiments of the present invention, after clicking game button 1007, prompting operation person inputs password.If the operator successfully lands, then the operator can select to be used to download to the recreation of game machine by clicking new button 1037.The GUI 1045 of Figure 10 B can appear in this action, uses this GUI operator can browse the filename of expectation game file.

In this example, the operator browses the game file that downloads to local SBG server 130.In some embodiments, be used for having similar flow process from the process that center system 160 obtains recreation.The embodiment of the present invention of the method for discussing in using for the person that is included in the License Management, the Games Software that downloads to local SBG server 130 will comprise the required information of authority of querying the query response that License Management person 131 and assessment receive from License Management person 131.

In some embodiments, application will fill in the corresponding number field 1025 of selected recreation, can carry out field 1048 and type field 1030, and will allow (or requirement) operator to fill in name field 1032 (with reference to Figure 10 C).

Click application button 1020 (with reference to Figure 10 A) and will finish the interpolation of new game.Cancel button 1022 can be used for cancelling operator's last action.

After selecting game file, the GUI of the GUI 1050 of use such as Figure 10 D and the GUI1060 of Figure 10 E can download to game machine with these files.In some embodiments of the present invention, GUI1050 and/or GUI 1060 will be presented on the display device of game machine.In other embodiments of the present invention, GUI 1050 and/or GUI 1060 will be presented on the SBG server admin control desk, main equipment 160 or one of 170, etc.In these embodiments, the game machine that receives download games is identified as the part of downloading process.

Referring now to the GUI 1050 of Figure 10 D, discern Download Server alternately by selector button 1058 with shown GUI.Respectively via coming execute store to remove and identification function with button 1054 and 1056.For some embodiments that show GUI1050 on the first-class of SBG server admin control desk, main equipment 160 or 170, GUI 1050 (or similar GUI) allows operator's identification will receive the game machine of download games.In optional embodiment, can be via the player terminal button 1010 that starts GUI 1005, discern game machine via scheduler or other.

The game download option of GUI 1060 shows after the operator clicks the button 1052 of GUI 1050.The operator by use button 1062 upwards, to knob down 1064, page up button 1068 or one page button 1070 rolling views list of games of can be used for downloading down.In order to begin downloading process, the operator can select recreation and select download button 1072 subsequently from tabulation.

Select the download log button 1012 of GUI 1005 to show GUI 1105 (see figure 10)s, it has represented to download to the recreation of player terminal in current sessions.In this example, but video data, time, plate ID and recreation sign indicating number, but other embodiments provide other relevant information (for example, downloading process).Another download log has been represented in the printout of Figure 11 B, and it has shown recreation sign indicating number, icon, name, type and authorization information with the XML form.

In this illustrative embodiments, select the server log button 1015 of GUI 1005 will show GUI 1150 (seeing Figure 10 A), it has represented the Recent Activity of game download server.The info class that is provided is similar to the information that the daily record viewer button with reference to Fig. 7 is provided.Select the OptionButton 1017 of GUI 1005 that checking for the current server configuration is provided.

With reference to Figure 12 A, can select to verify that button 1042 is to confirm the authentication of Games Software earlier.At first, the operator activates the game button 1007 (seeing Figure 10 A) of GUI1005 and selects recreation to be verified.After clicking checking button 1042, the operator can select verification method in window 1210, Input Offset Value in window 1215 (offset number) (as sexadecimal number) and click computed push-buttom 1217.If calculating is finished and effectively, the value that shows in signature 1221 will be mated the value that shows on the top of this window.

In order to authenticate the validity of this recreation, the operator can click authentication button 1220.If this recreation is effectively can carry out figure, with the GUI that shows such as the GUI 1225 of Figure 12 B.Shown in Figure 12 C, this information appears in signature 1225.

Championship (Tournament) recreation

Following example only is exemplary and limits championship by the possible type of carrying out based on the recreation of server never in any form.

" Standard championship "

The recreation that can play on the database of the addressable game machine of SBG server, these game machines, the denomination of being played games, and in some embodiments are about the player's of current this game machine of use information.Final feature can realize by the interaction between for example SBG server and the player's tracking server.These all factors can be used for determining qualification.

In some embodiments, championship can be defined in specific game machine, so that championship can be positioned (to stimulate and contest to create) in the zone of play place.In some embodiments, championship can be defined in specific game machine, has equal triumph chance to guarantee all players.Championship also can be defined in specific denomination, and is fair relatively with the triumph of guaranteeing all players.

In some embodiments, the operator who has access rights at server or workstation can discern recreation, denomination and the game machine that can be used for the championship recreation.In this embodiment, this operator key in (or determining) championship start time and concluding time or during.This operator also can determine championship bonus (or bonus of first, second, third, etc.).Server can with game machine communication championship qualification regulation and championship begins and End Event.These message can be the part (for example, super SAS or individual event advantage (Best of Breed)) of standard agreement.

Hereinafter with reference to the flow process of Figure 13 an example is described.In step 1305, the SBG server sends to a plurality of game machines on the SBG network with the championship notification message.For example, notification message can represent to be used for the championship of green dwarf (Little Green Men), 5 cents of denominations, maximums are bet, start from 5:00pm and last till 6:00pm, and the player with top wins 5,000 U.S. dollars when championship finishes.Message from the SBG server for example can comprise, this message is identified as header file, championship ID (for example, recreation name, payoff table), denomination/maximum stake, start time, concluding time (or during) and the obtainable bonus of championship advertisement.The transmission of message for example can be by using the SBG scheduler according to the arrangement of time schedule.

In step 1310, more notification received game machines other game machine of the player operation of otherwise finding this championship (and by) request that sends is to register this championship.For example, but the player of request response button, game machine activates transmission to respond this message.For example, this request can comprise this message is identified as header file to the championship ad response, championship ID, recreation ID, game machine ID, denomination and player ID and/or accounts information.Final information is absolutely necessary, for example, if fund (for example, being used for the championship expense) is when player accounts is deducted.When if the championship expense is deducted from the table of integrals of game machine, request also can be represented table of integrals information.

In some embodiments, server and/or supvr can use predetermined standard whether game machine and/or player be qualified registers to this championship (step 1315) to estimate.For example, if the integration that player's the table of integrals (credit meter) indicates this player to have is not enough to register to this championship, will not allow this player's registration.

If allow the player to register to this championship, in this embodiment, server will send championship registration ack message (step 1320).This acknowledge message can comprise header file for example, championship ID, recreation ID, game machine ID, denomination, the amount (if feasible) and the championship start time of deducting from the table of integrals.In some embodiments, acknowledge message will comprise the time synchronized data.At this moment, server can be deducted the championship expense from player accounts.If the player is not allowed to register to this championship, this server will send refuse information (step 1325).

In step 1330, determine that whether the SBG server receives another request from game machine at for example preset time in the cycle.If estimate this request as in the previous.

Only before this championship began, server sent a notification message, i.e. when this championship is prepared beginning (step 1335) and disposed the game machine (step 1340) that is used for the championship recreation.Notification message can have following form, for example, header file, championship ID, recreation ID, game machine ID, denomination, date is stabbed and championship during or the concluding time.

Game machine report championship result data (step 1345), reading such as: header file, championship ID, recreation ID, game machine ID, denomination, stake, result data (for example, 3 LGM scatter pay 200 points), payment amount and the table of integrals after payment.In some embodiments, step 1345 can have a plurality of subdivisions.For example, server can be by having following form message request from the overall championship result of game machine, this form is: header file, championship ID, recreation ID and game machine ID (if send to a specific game machine rather than be broadcast to all game machines).In this embodiment, game machine is with such as the response of following result data: the quantity (12 sequences that for example, obtain during championship) of the particular result of header file, championship ID, recreation ID, game machine ID, denomination, the final table of integrals (or initial and the final table of integrals is poor) and this championship requirement.

In step 1350, the message that server broadcast is relevant with the championship winner, for example: header file, championship ID, recreation ID, winner ID and amount of getting or bonus.In step 1355, reward this bonus.Server for example can deposit integration in winner's account or EFT message is sent to game machine and be increased in the table of integrals of this game machine with the amount that will get.

In some embodiments, the championship winner can determine based on the one or more of following standard: the highest payment percent that (1) is obtained; (2) the highest final table of integrals; The fund of the maximum of (3) getting (recreation of no matter being played or the fund of stake); And/or (4) specific high score (for example, sequence) of getting kind.

The time shift championship

It is not that all players have to begin in the identical time-championship that they only play games during identical that alternate embodiments of the present invention provides a kind of.This championship cycle register can be for example 1 week.At this time durations, any player can register, the performance of playing hour and writing down him.In this championship, single player can register repeatedly.Server must be followed the tracks of player's database and show to determine the winner after this championship finishes.

Recreation score championship

Most championships between given period in object for appreciation, so the player plays soon more, he may win more.Alternate embodiments of the present invention provides a kind of championship of being made up of the recreation of the specific quantity that need not finish in the short time frame.In this mode, some players can have bigger chance enjoying this recreation, rather than " rotation (the spin) " button of fiercelying attack furiously.

The markers championship

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a kind of championship, and one of them player can play the time longer than another player.For example, player can play 5 hours and another player only can play one hour.Single hour of can take first player to behave oneself best of server, perhaps can estimate this player the result (for example, by will get or the result divided by 5).

Quicken bonus

During championships more of the present invention, recreation can provide the player to quicken bonus game, such as introducing video or provide selection at random for this player automatically by skipping.

The championship that stake is relevant

In some embodiments, server provides the denomination scope that can be used for the championship recreation.Before comparing with other players, this gets the stake of adjusting to this player.Server also can be adjusted to this result this stake.For example, the player who plays the 10-wheel playing card of each 0.1 U.S. dollar can do family with the player of the single-wheel playing card of playing 1 U.S. dollar, but be exaggerated 10 times because he obtains the chance of sequence, so before comparing with other players' sequence score, his final sequence score will be divided by 10.

The progression championship

At this, can there be in the phase illustration in server and follows the tracks of progression pond (progressivepool) in championship.For example, this pond can use recreation place fund as starting, subsequently with the percent accumulation of each championship player's stake.This progression can be rewarded to the player who gets subsequently or be given a plurality of players that get.As dividing substituting of this pond, server can be managed a plurality of ponds, and a pond is used for each winner subsequently to be rewarded.

Championship based on performance

In these embodiments, championship can be rewarded multiple bonus, and it is also not only based on one first, second, third position.For example, championship can be given the player with maximum sequence with a Bonus Reward, and another Bonus Reward gives the player with " 4 same numbers " for maximum straight suitable player and another bonus.A player may get a plurality of bonuses.

Game machine

Refer again to Figure 14, it illustrates video game machine 2 of the present invention.Game machine 2 comprises mainframe 4, and it surrounds machine interior (not shown) and visual for the user usually.Mainframe is included in the main door 8 of this game machine front, and it can be opened to enter the inside of game machine.What connect with the main couplet on the door is player's input switch or button 32, Coin acceptor 28 and Paper currency identifier 30, coin tray 38 and intermediate glass 40.Observable by main door is video display 34 and information panel 36.Display 34 is generally cathode-ray tube (CRT), high-resolution dull and stereotyped LCD or the automatically controlled video monitor of other tradition.Information panel 36 can be the glass plate backlight, silk-screen with letter and comprises the general game information of the denomination of for example playing (for example 0.25 U.S. dollar or 1 U.S. dollar) with indication.Paper currency identifier 30, player's input switch 32, video display 34 and information panel are to be used for the device of playing games on game machine 2.This device is controlled by the circuit (for example, main game machine controller) of the inside of the mainframe 4 that is installed in game machine 2.

Many dissimilar recreation, comprise machinery slot machine game, video slot game, video poker, video 21 points, video pachinko and make wild with joy, can provide by game machine of the present invention.Particularly, game machine 2 can be operated the game of chance of playing many different instances to provide.This example can be distinguished to some extent according to theme, sound, figure, type of play (for example, slot machine game VS Card Games), denomination, pair line (payline) number of times, maximum progressive jackpot, progression or non-progression, bonus game etc.Game machine 2 can allow player's choice recreation to select to play available a plurality of examples from this game machine to allow the player.For example, game machine can provide menu with the example list of games that can play on this game machine and player can select them to wish the game of chance of first example played from this tabulation.

The various examples that can play games on the game machine 2 can be used as Games Software and are stored on the mass-memory unit in the game machine or can produce on the far-end game device and show on game machine subsequently.Game machine 2 executable game softwares are such as, but not limited to the video flowing software that allows recreation to show on game machine.When an example was stored on the game machine 2, it can be loaded into the RAM that is used for carrying out from mass-memory unit.In some cases, after example was selected, the Games Software that allows selected example to produce can be downloaded from the far-end game device such as another game machine.

Game machine 2 comprises top box 6, and it is positioned at the top of mainframe 4.Top box 6 is installed multiple arrangement, it can be used for the recreation of playing on game machine 2 is increased characteristic, comprise loudspeaker 10,12,14, print the ticket printer 18 of bar coded ticket 20, be used to import the keyboard 22 of player tracking information, show fluorescence display 16, the card reader 24 that is used to import the magnetic stripe card that comprises player tracking information and the video display screen 42 of player tracking information.Ticket printer 18 can be used for printing the ticket that is used for cash-free system.And top box 6 can be installed and different or additional device shown in Figure 1.For example, top box can comprise that the recreation that is used for playing increases the bonus wheel disc of bonus characteristic or the panel of silk-screen screen backlight on this game machine.As another example, top box can comprise the display of the progressive jackpot that the progression that provides on this game machine is provided.During playing, the circuit (for example, main game machine controller) of the inside of the mainframe 4 of these device parts by being installed in game machine 2 is controlled and is powered up.

Should be appreciated that an example in the wide region game machine design that game machine 2 only can be implemented for the present invention thereon.For example, be not that all appropriate games facility have top box or player to follow the tracks of characteristic.And some game machines only have single gaming display device-machinery or video, and other be designed for the bar desk and have towards last display.As another example, recreation can be created on the main frame and can be presented at distance terminal or the far-end game device on.The far-end game device can be connected to main frame by some network types such as LAN (Local Area Network), wide area network, Intranet or internet.The far-end game device can be the portable game device such as, but not limited to mobile phone, personal digital assistant and wireless game player.The image that is produced by the 3D game environment can be presented at the portable game device that is used to play game of chance.And game machine or server can comprise that game logic is to be used for the image of order far-end game device generation from the image of the virtual camera that is stored in the 3D game environment on the far-end game device and this generation of demonstration on the display that is positioned on the far-end game device.Therefore, those skilled in the art it will be appreciated that as described below, the present invention is configurable on present most game machines available or exploitation after this.

The preferred game machine of some of this assignee is realized with the specific feature and/or the adjunct circuit that are different from multi-purpose computer (for example, desktop computer and kneetop computer).For guaranteeing justice, be to the game machine strict control, and under many circumstances, game machine can operationally be distributed millions of dollars bonus.Therefore, in order to satisfy the requirement of security and management in the game environment, can realize in game machine that hardware and software framework, itself and multi-purpose computer have very big difference.Describe below with respect to additional (perhaps different) parts that have in the explanation of the game machine of multi-purpose computer and the game machine and some examples of feature.

At first sight, a people may think that adopting the PC technology in recreation industry will be a simple opinion, because PC and game machine all adopt the microprocessor to various device control.Yet, because this reason 1) and the requirement of management has been proposed, 2 on game machine) noisy environment when game machine move, 3) safety requirements and 4) fault-tolerant requirement will be very difficult so game machine is adopted the PC technology.In addition, be used for solving the problem of PC industry, for example the technology of the problem of equipment compatibility and connectedness and method may be also insufficient under game environment.For example, fault-tolerant or tolerance among the PC, for example security breaches in the software or frequent collapse, in game machine, can not be tolerated, because in game machine, when game machine did not have true(-)running, these mistakes can cause fund direct loss from game machine to be fallen, and for example stole the next cash or the loss of investment.

For convenience of explanation, several difference between PC system and the games system will be described below.Game machine and be that game machine is designed to the system based on state (state-based) based on first difference between the computer system of universal PC.In the system based on state, system stores in nonvolatile memory and preserves its current state, so that in the incident of power fail or other fault, game machine will turn back to its current state behind power up.For example, if show that in game of chance give player awards encourages, and before award can being offered the player power fail takes place, in case power up so, the state when game machine just will return the indication award.Used the people of PC all to know for any, PC is not that state machine and most of data can be lost when breaking down usually.This demand influences the software and hardware design in the game machine.

Game machine and be to be used for administrative purposes based on second serious difference between the computer system of universal PC, on game machine, be used for producing game of chance and make the software of game machine operation be designed to static state and monolithic integrated circuit, to prevent game machine operator's deception.For example, having adopted in the industry in order to a scheme that prevents to cheat and satisfy management expectancy in recreation is manufacturing can use the game machine of application specific processor operating instruction with generation game of chance from the nonvolatile memory of EPROM or other form.Code command on the EPROM is static (non-convertibility) and the person's that must obtain the game management under specific authority approval, and must install under the people that the game representation authority is arranged situation on the scene.To any change of any part of the software that requires to produce game of chance, for example increase the new device drives used by the primary games controller with operational outfit during producing at game of chance can require new EPROM to be fused, the authority of play is ratified and reset on game machine under the situation on the scene by the game management person.No matter whether adopt the EPROM scheme, for obtaining the approval under most recreation authorities, game machine must prove enough safety practices, and is unfair and be the mode operational hardware and the software of illegal interests sometimes to give them with the operator that prevents game machine or player.Whether effectively game machine should have definite code means when carrying out.If code is invalid, game machine must have the means that prevent that code is performed so.The requirement of code validity influences the two design of hardware and software in the game machine in the recreation industry.

Game machine and be as many not as based on the computer system of PC of the value volume and range of product of the peripherals on the game machine based on the 3rd important difference between the computer system of universal PC.Traditionally, in recreation industry, be restricted this point from the quantity of the function of the quantity of peripherals and game machine, game machine is comparatively simple always.In addition, when operation, in case game machine configures, the function of game machine promptly can not be increased to new peripherals and new Games Software on the game machine continually with regard to relative fixed yet.These are different with PC, and in PC, the user will buy the equipment of different sink and is different from the software of manufacturer and they are connected to PC to be fit to their needs according to desirable application.Therefore, the type of the equipment that links to each other with PC can have differently greatly because of the user according to the demand of their individuality, and can change a lot in time.

Although the various device that can be used for PC many than on the game machine, game machine still has the demand of the uniqueness that is different from PC, for example the common unwanted device security sexual demand of PC.For example, be used for controlling cash to the input and output of game machine, for example such currency equipment and the computer equipment of coin machine, Paper currency identifier and ticket printer has the security requirement that generally can not propose among the PC.Therefore, do not focus on the security that recreation industry is considered for helping many PC technology and method that device connectivity and equipment compatibility develop.

In order to solve above-mentioned these problems, having adopted in game machine manyly for example not have the hardware/software components and the framework of discovery among the PC usually at the general calculation machine equipment.These hardware/software components and framework, as described in more detail below, include but not limited to WatchDog Timer, monitoring voltage system, based on software architecture and support hardware, private communication interface, security monitoring and the trusted storer (trusted memory) of state.

Normally, WatchDog Timer is used for providing software failure testing agency at the IGT game machine.In normal operating system, the control register of function software periodic access in the WatchDog Timer subsystem is with " heavily triggering " house dog.If function software does not have access control register in predetermined time frame, then WatchDog Timer is reset overtime and generation system.Typical WatchDog Timer circuit comprises loadable time-out count register, in the time of a certain scope timeout interval is set to allow function software.The difference characteristic of some preferred circuit is that function software can not fully make the disabler of WatchDog Timer.In other words, WatchDog Timer works when circuit board is applied with power supply always.

IGT toy computer platform preferably uses some supply voltages to come the each several part of operational computations machine circuit.These supply voltages can be in central source of power or local ground on computer motherboard, produce.If any one in these voltages deflects away from the tolerable limit of the circuit of their supplies, computing machine will produce the operation that can not expect so.Although most of modern general-purpose comprises voltage monitoring circuit, the circuit of these types is only to function software report voltage condition.Deflect away from allowable voltage and can cause software fault, in preferred computer, produce possible not controlled situation.This assignee's game machine typically has the power supply of its voltage margin harsher (tighter) more required than function circuit.In addition, the voltage monitoring circuit of realizing in the IGT toy computer typically has two control threshold values.First threshold value produces the software event and the error condition that can be operated software detection.This threshold value is triggered when but supply voltage deflects away from the range of tolerable variance of power supply still is positioned at the opereating specification of circuit.When second threshold value is set to supply voltage and deflects away from the operation tolerance of circuit.At this moment, circuit produces resets, thereby stops the operation of computing machine.

The standard method that is used for the operation of IGT slot machine game software is to use state machine.The difference in functionality of recreation (stake, object for appreciation, the result that image shows, count etc.) can be defined as state.When recreation when a kind of state becomes another kind of state, be stored in the self-defining non-volatile memories subsystem about the critical data of this Games Software.This is for the preservation of the stake of guaranteeing the player and integration and to make in the event of failure of game machine possible dispute reach minimum be important.

Usually, game machine can not proceed to second state from first state, till will allowing the rebuilt key message of first state to store.This feature allow recreation in incidents such as fault, outage with restoring running to current state incipient before fault, that play.After the recovering state of the game machine during will playing game of chance, play games and can proceed, and this recreation when can not take place with fault identical mode finish.Typically, adopt battery to support RAM equipment to preserve this critical data, although can also adopt the non-volatile memory device of other type.These storeies do not use in typical multi-purpose computer.

As described in the previous paragraph, when between the object for appreciation window, breaking down, game machine can be returned to the state of the game of chance before just breaking down.Shown statistical information and the image information of game machine in the state before the fault that can be included in the state that recovers takes place.For example, after card has been provided, if during playing the card recreation, break down, the card that shows as the part of card recreation before game machine can recover.As another example, during playing game of chance, require the player on video display screen, to make a lot of selections, at this moment can trigger bonus game.When having made the player when breaking down after one or more is selected, game machine can be returned to a state, this state just show before fault, comprise that the image of the selection indication of having been made by the player shows.Usually, when playing games, game machine can be returned to the arbitrary state that is occurred in a plurality of states that in game of chance, occur or return to the state that occurs between the game of chance playing.

Also can be with relevant former game history information of playing games, for example result of wager amount, recreation etc. is stored on the non-volatile memory device.The information that is stored in the nonvolatile memory is shown and the state of game machine (for example integration) during at the object for appreciation game of chance to being enough to rebuild before the part at the image that is presented on the game machine in detail.Game history information can be used in the matter in dispute.For example, the player can determine that in the former game of chance, they do not receive that they thought the integration as award that wins originally.Game history information can be used for being reconstituted in before the recreation of being disputed on, during and/or the state of game machine afterwards, whether correct with their opinion of proof player.

Game machine, for example another feature of IGT game machine is that they often comprise unique interface, comprises serial line interface, is connected to the inside and outside special subsystem of slot machine.Serial device can have the electric interfaces requirement that is different from " standard " EIA 232 serial line interfaces that multi-purpose computer provides.These interfaces can comprise EIA 485, EIA 422, fiber optic serial, optically-coupled serial line interface, current return type serial line interface etc.In addition, at the inner serial line interface of preserving of slot machine, can with serial device with share, (formula connects chain, and in this mode, a plurality of peripherals are connected to single serial-port.

Serial line interface can utilize the recreation industry in distinctive communication protocol come transmission information.For example, the Netplex of IGT is the private communication protocol that is used for the serial communication between the game station.As another example, SAS is used for information, and for example statistical information is transferred to the communication protocol of remote equipment from game machine.SAS often is used in combination with player tracking systems.

Perhaps, the IGT game machine can be connected to single serial line interface as the peripherals of recreation place communication controler and to share chain type.Both of these case is all preferably given peripherals distributing equipment address.If like this, the serialization controller circuit must be carried out a kind of method and produce or detect unique device address.General-purpose computer serial ports can't be accomplished this point.

The security monitoring circuit is connected to the access door in the rack of slot machine by supervision safety switch detects the invasion to the IGT game machine.Preferably, access violations causes suspension of game play and can trigger additional safe operation, to preserve the current state of recreation.These circuit also work by using battery to back up when power breakdown.In power-off operation, these circuit continue to monitor the access door of slot machine.When power recovery, game machine can be for example determines that by the software that is used for read status register any safety whether occurring when the power breakdown invades.This can trigger, and slot machine software is carried out the event log login and data are identified operation.

In the IGT toy computer, preferably include trusted memory device, to guarantee being stored in more unsafe memory sub-system, the authenticity of the software in the mass-memory unit for example.When in the slot machine memory device being housed, trusted memory device and control circuit typically are designed to not allow code and data to being stored in this memory device to make amendment.The code and the data that are stored in these equipment can comprise evaluation algorithm, tandom number generator, auth key, operating system nucleus etc.The purpose of these trusted memory device is an authority who thoroughly trusts to be provided in the computer environment of slot machine game management authorities (gaming regulatory authority), and it can the tracked and verification as raw data.This can finish by remove trusted memory device from slot machine, and the checking of safety storage apparatus content is independent third-party authentication equipment.In case verified that trusted memory device is for authority's, and based on the approval that is included in the verification algorithm in the trusted device, game machine just can verification can be arranged on extracode and the data in the toy computer assembly, for example is stored in the code in the hard disk drive and the authenticity of data.Be called in name " ProcessVerification ", submit to August 8 calendar year 2001, number of patent application is 09/925,098, the patent No. is to have described some relevant details situations of the operable trusted memory device of the present invention in 6685567 the United States Patent (USP), is incorporated by reference in its entirety here.

The mass-memory unit that uses in the multi-purpose computer usually allows to read code and data and writes code and data to it from this mass-memory unit.In the game machine environment, the modification that is stored in the game identification code in the mass-memory unit is strictly controlled, and only just is allowed under the required special maintenance type events of the personnel with electronics and physical capability.Although this other security performance of level is enough provided by software; but the IGT toy computer that comprises mass-memory unit still preferably includes hardware level high capacity storage data protection circuit; it moves in circuit grade; in order to monitoring the attempt that the data on the mass-memory unit are made amendment, and this circuit can produce two kinds of erroneous trigger of software and hardware: the data modification that attempt is carried out when the personnel that do not have suitable electronics and physical capability are on the scene.

Get back to the example of Figure 14, when the user wishes Play Station games 2, he or she will block insertion by Coin acceptor 28 or Paper currency identifier 30.In addition, when using cash-free ticketing system, Paper currency identifier 30 can receive the ticket voucher of printing, and it can be accepted as the integration indication by Paper currency identifier 30.When the recreation beginning, the player can use card reader 24, keyboard 22 and fluorescence display 16 input player tracking information.And other recreation preferences of playing the player of this recreation can read from the card inserting card reader.During playing, the player uses video display 34 to watch game information.Other recreation and prize information also can be presented on the video display screen curtain 42 that is positioned on the top box.

In game process, may require the player to make some decisions, the result of these decision influence recreation.For example, the player can change his or she stake in specific recreation, the result who influence particular game of recreation select to reward or make to(for) specific recreation determines.The player can use player's input switch 32, video display screen 34 or use some other equipment that player can be input to information in the game machine to make these selections.In some embodiments, this player can use video display screen curtain 34 and a plurality of input equipment, the various game services of visit such as gatekeeper service and entertainment content service.

During some game events, game machine 2 can show the vision that the player can perception and the effect of the sense of hearing.These effects have increased the stimulation of recreation, make that the player more is ready to continue to play.The effect of the sense of hearing comprises the various sound that sent by loudspeaker 10,12,14.The effect of vision comprises lamp from the game machine 2 of flashlamp, stroboscopic lamp or other, be positioned at the shown pattern that goes out of the lamp of the light panel back on intermediate glass 40 back or the player tracking unit 44.After player's Exit Game, the player can receive from the recreation coin of coin tray 38 or from the ticket 20 of printer 18, and it can be used for further recreation or exchanges bonus.And the player can receive the ticket that is used for food, commodity or recreation 20 from printer 18.

Described among Figure 15 and can be used for implementing the additional method carried out according to embodiment of the present invention.Play facility 1501 can be such as play place, poker room (card room), airport, shop etc.In this example, gaming network 1577 comprises a plurality of play facilities, and all play facility networks are connected to game server 1522.

At this, game machine 152 and other game machines 1530,1532,1534 and 1536 comprise mainframe 1506 and top box 1504.Mainframe 1506 installs the primary games elements and also peripheral system can be installed, and is exclusively used in gaming network such as those.Top box 1504 also can be used for installing these peripheral systems.

Primary games controller 1508 is according to from game server 1522 or be stored in instruction and/or game data in the game machine 1502, and the recreation on the control game machine 1502 is played.In one embodiment, primary games controller 1508 comprises processor and other equipment of the game machine described in Fig. 6 and 7.Primary games controller 1508 also can be communicated by letter with display 1510.

Specific game entity can expect to provide the network game service with some operational advantage.Therefore, dedicated network can be connected to master server with game machine, and it can follow the tracks of the performance of the game machine under the control of this entity, such as be used for account management, electronic funds transmission (EFT), such as EZPay ^TMCash-free ticketing service, marketing management and the data tracking of following the tracks of such as the player.So, primary games controller 1508 also can with EFT system 1512, EZPay ^TMSystem 1516 (this assignee's proprietary cash-free ticketing system) and player tracking systems 1520.The system of game machine 1502 is via the data on communication board 1518 communication networks 1522.

Those skilled in the art should understand, and embodiments of the present invention can realize on the network that has greater or less than the element shown in Figure 15.For example, player tracking systems 1520 is not the requisite feature of some embodiment of the present invention.Yet, player's trace routine can help to keep the game player during the visit play facility for the interest of extra Entertainment and can lure that the players accesses play facility has participated in various ludic activities into.Player's trace routine offers the player with the award of common loyal grade corresponding to the player (for example, the frequency of player's object for appreciation and/or the total amount of playing games in given recreation place).The player follows the tracks of to reward and can be free meal, freely stay and/or free entertainment.And, player tracking information can with can combine by other information that the SBG system reads easily now.

And DCU 1524 and translater 1525 not all play facilities 1501 all need.Yet because the susceptibility essence of bulk information (for example, electronic funds transmission and player's tracking data) on the gaming network, the manufacturer of host computer system uses the particular network language with specialized protocol usually.For example, 10 to 20 different companies all follow the tracks of host computer system the production player, and wherein each host computer system can be used different agreements.These specialized protocols are considered as highly confidential and underground issue usually.

And in recreation industry, game machine is made by many different manufacturers.Communication protocol on the game machine is connected in the game machine usually firmly and each game machine manufacturer can be used different private communication protocols.But also production host computer system of game machine manufacturer, in this case, their game machine and themselves host computer system compatibility.Yet in different types of game environment, from the game machine of different manufacturers, each game machine all has communication protocol separately, can be connected to from other manufacturers and respectively has the host computer system of another communication protocol.So, must consider about the compatibling problem of communicating by letter of the employed agreement of game machine in this system with the employed agreement of host computer system.

The play facility and the network equipment that another play facility and/or center system link are sometimes referred to as " site controller " at this.At this, site controller 1542 provides this function for play facility 1501.Site controller 1542 is connected with center system and/or other play facilities by one or more networks that can be public or private network.Site controller 1542 is communicated by letter with game server 1522 to obtain the game data such as ball drop data, Bingo game data etc.

In this example, game machine 1502,1530,1532,1534 and 1536 is connected to special-purpose gaming network 1522.Usually, DCU 1524 is as different game machines on the network 1522 and the media between the site controller 1542.General, DCU 1524 receives transmission and sends to site controller 1542 from the data of game machine and with these data by transmission path 1526.In some instances, when the employed hardware interface of game machine and site controller 1542 were incompatible, translater 1525 can be used for the serial data from DCU 1524 is converted to site controller 1542 acceptable forms.This translater can offer this Transformation Service a plurality of DCU.

And, in some special-purpose gaming networks, DCU 1524 can receive transmission from the data of site controller 1542 to be used for the reach the standard grade communication of game machine of gaming network.The data of being accepted for example can with the game machine synchronous communication on the gaming network.

At this, CVT 1552 is with cash-free and cash game services and offer game machine in the play facility 1501.In a general sense, CVT 1552 authorizes and verifies cash-free game machine instrument (being also referred to as " ticket " or " voucher " at this), includes but not limited to the ticket that causes game machine to show game result and cash ticket.And CVT1552 authorizes the exchange of the cash-free ticket that is used for cash.These processing will be in following detailed description.In one example, when the player attempts cashing booth 1544 and cash ticket, cash booth 1544 and read from the valid data of cashing ticket and with these valid data and send to CVT 1522 to be used for checking.This ticket can be by game machine, cash printings such as booth 1544, independent printer, CVT 1552.

Certain methods of the present invention can combine from information and the above-mentioned feature that gaming network account system obtains.For example, by in conjunction with the information of the gamer configuration of relevant schedule and the information of the relevant amount of money that game machine produces when game machine has customized configuration, but the optimization gamer configuration is with maximum gain.Some these methods are included in determines first earning rate that game machine obtains in the gaming network during the very first time when game machine has first configuration.This game machine disposes automatically according to second configuration information that provided by the SBG server subsequently, for example as by schedule that scheduler is planned.And determine when this game machine has second configuration, in second earning rate of this game machine acquisition of second time durations, or the like.

After the various configurations of various times of planning, the allocation optimum that is used for this game machine can be identified for each time of one day.The SBG system is used for the allocation optimum of having planned of this game machine in the time of can being provided at corresponding time of one day.Some embodiments provide recreation unit (for example, storehouse) according to the allocation optimum of each day that is used for one day each time, a week, year etc. predetermined schedule and configuration automatically.

In some such embodiments, have the income of many game machines of identical configuration in the time of can be based on identical time of coming comfortable one day, calculate average yield.These average yields can be used for the global optimum in definite cycle correlation time.

Figure 16 shows the configurable example that is used to implement the network equipment of some method of the present invention.The network equipment 1660 comprises main central processing unit (CPU) 1662, interface 1668 and bus 1667 (for example, pci bus).Usually, interface 1668 comprises and is applicable to the port one 669 of communicating by letter with suitable medium.In some embodiments, one or more interfaces 1668 comprise at least one separate processor and volatibility RAM in some instances.Independent processor for example is ASIC or any other suitable processor.According to some such embodiments, these separate processor are carried out at least some functions of logic described herein.In some embodiments, the task of the communications-intensive of one or more interface 1668 control such as encryptions, deciphering, compression, decompression, packing data, medium control and management.Provide independent processor by the task for this communications-intensive, interface 1668 allows effectively other functions of execution such as route calculating, network diagnosis, security function etc. of master microprocessor 1662.

Interface 1668 is set to interface card (being sometimes referred to as " line interface ") usually.Usually, the transmission and the reception of packet on interface 1668 Control Network, and support other peripherals of using with the network equipment 1660 sometimes.Available interface has FC interface, Ethernet interface, Frame Relay Interface, wireline interface, DSL interface, token ring interface etc.In addition, can provide various interfaces very at a high speed, such as fastethernet interface, Ji (coffee) bit Ethernet interface, atm interface, hssi interface, pos interface, fddi interface, ASI interface, DHEI interface etc.

When moving under the control of suitable software or firmware, in some embodiments of the present invention, CPU1662 can be used for carrying out the specific function that is associated with the function of the required network equipment.According to some embodiments, CPU 1662 finishes all these functions under the software control that comprises operating system and any suitable applications software.

CPU 1662 can comprise one or more processors 1663, and it is such as from the microprocessor of Motorola family or the microprocessor of MIPS family.In alternate embodiments, processor 1663 is for being used for the specially designed hardware of control network devices 1660.In specific implementations, storer 1661 (such as non-volatile ram and/or ROM) also forms a CPU 1662DE part.Yet, also exist storer to be connected to many different modes of this system.Memory block 1661 can be used for multiple purpose, such as buffer memory and/or storage data, programmed instruction etc.

Configuration regardless of the network equipment, one or more storeies or memory module (such as memory block 1665) that it can use configuration to be used to store data, programmed instruction, these data, programmed instruction are used for the network operation of general purpose and/or other information relevant with the function of said technology.The operation of programmed instruction controllable operation system and/or one or more application.

Because such information and programmed instruction can be used for implementing system/method described herein, the present invention relates to comprise the machine readable media of the programmed instruction that is used to carry out various operations described herein, status information etc.The example of machine readable media includes but not limited to magnetic medium, floppy disk and the tape such as hard disk; Optical medium such as the CD-ROM dish; Magnet-optical medium; And special configuration is used to store the hardware device with execution of program instructions, such as ROM (read-only memory) equipment (ROM) and random-access memory (ram).Implement in the carrier wave that the present invention also can propagate on such as radio, light, electric wire etc.The example of programmed instruction comprises such as the machine code that is produced by compiler and comprises the file that can be used the higher level code of interpretive routine execution by computing machine.

Though system shown in Figure 16 shows a particular network equipment of the present invention, do not mean that it is the only network equipment framework that the present invention only can carry out thereon.For example, often use the framework of single-processor with the communication handled and route calculating etc.And the interface of other types and medium also can use with this network equipment.Communication path between the interface can be based on bus (as shown in figure 16) or based on construction of switch (such as cross bar switch).

Though the present invention describes in the mode of optimum embodiment, also exist to fall into substituting, replacing and being equal in the scope of the invention.Should also be noted that to exist and implement many alternative methods of the present invention.So the present invention is not limited to embodiment described herein, and should be interpreted as comprising that all these fall into substituting, replacing and being equal in the scope of the invention.

Claims (27)

1. the method for the automatic championship of the recreation that is used to offer an opportunity, this method comprises:

Make the championship announcement information of the relevant championship that will carry out of multiple arrangement demonstration in the gaming network;

The request of participating in the tournament of each transmission in more than first game machine of reception from gaming network;

Judge whether to receive each request;

The transmission championship confirms message to each in more than second game machine that sends received request in the gaming network;

In more than second game machine of this championship of configuration participation each;

Carry out championship;

Giving at least one championship rewards; And

Report championship result data wherein automatically performs judgement, transmission, configuration, carries out and reward step.

2. method according to claim 1, also comprise from the corresponding player's account of the player of one of more than second game machine bales catch remove the step of championship expense.

3. method according to claim 1, the step of wherein said report championship result data comprise by in more than second game machine each to the server report of carrying out championship.

4. method according to claim 1, the step of wherein said report championship result data comprises by the information of the server broadcast of carrying out championship about the championship victor.

5. method according to claim 1, wherein said execution in step comprise carries out the time shift championship, makes the player participate in championship at different time.

6. method according to claim 1, wherein said execution in step comprise the recreation counting championship of carrying out the recreation relate to the predetermined quantity that the player can finish in the different periods.

7. method according to claim 1, wherein said execution in step also comprise the option that at least some aspects of quickening recreation are provided to the player.

8. method according to claim 1 also comprises:

Select available a plurality of game options to select to the player; And

The championship result who weighs one of at least the player according to game options.

9. method according to claim 1, wherein said award step comprise and give a plurality of awards that at least some in described a plurality of awards are based on the standard except that whole grading systems.

10. method according to claim 7 wherein provides the option of skipping at least a portion game demonstration to the player.

11. method according to claim 7 wherein is provided as the option that the player makes at least one recreation decision-making automatically to the player, otherwise recreation requires the player to make the recreation decision-making.

12. method according to claim 8, wherein said game options comprise demonstration option and multiple play options one of them.

13. method according to claim 9, one of wherein said a plurality of awards reward that hand of giving the maximum number that obtains the first kind predetermined playing card, and the predetermined playing card of that hand of the maximum number that obtains second type are given in another award of a plurality of awards.

14. method according to claim 10, can the rewarding to single player more than of wherein said a plurality of awards.

15. the system of the automatic championship of the recreation that is used to offer an opportunity, this system comprises:

Make the device of the championship announcement information of the relevant championship that will carry out of multiple arrangement demonstration in the gaming network;

The device of the request of participating in the tournament of each transmission in more than first game machine of reception from gaming network;

Judge whether to receive the device of each request;

Send championship and confirm message to each device in more than second game machine that sends received request in the gaming network;

The device of each in more than second game machine of this championship of configuration participation;

Carry out the device of championship;

Judge championship result's device; And

The device of report championship result data.

16. system according to claim 15, also comprise from the corresponding player's account of the player of one of more than second game machine the device of deduction championship expense.

17. system according to claim 15, wherein said actuating unit comprises server, and described annunciator comprises by each mechanism to described server report in more than second game machine.

18. system according to claim 15, wherein said actuating unit comprises server, and described annunciator comprises by the device of described server broadcast about championship victor's information.

19. system according to claim 15, wherein said actuating unit comprises the device of carrying out the time shift championship, makes the player participate in championship at different time.

20. system according to claim 15, wherein said actuating unit comprises the device of the recreation counting championship of carrying out the recreation relate to the predetermined quantity that the player can finish in the different periods.

21. system according to claim 15, wherein said actuating unit also comprises the device that the option of at least some aspects of quickening recreation is provided to the player.

22. system according to claim 15 also comprises:

The device of selecting available a plurality of game options to select to the player; And

The device of weighing one of at least player's championship result according to game options.

23. system according to claim 21, wherein saidly provide the device of the option of at least some aspects of quickening recreation to comprise to the player to be provided as the device that the player makes the option of at least one recreation decision-making automatically, otherwise recreation requires the player to make the recreation decision-making to the player.

24. the system of the automatic championship of the recreation that is used to offer an opportunity, this system comprises that at least one is configured to carry out the server of following operation:

Transmission instructs a plurality of game machines to the gaming network to show the championship announcement information of the relevant championship that will carry out;

The request of participating in the tournament of each transmission of reception from more than first game machine;

Judge whether to receive each request;

Send championship and confirm message to that it asks in received more than second game machine each in the gaming network;

Send each in many game machines of configuration-direct to the second, this configuration-direct is indicated in more than second game machine each how to dispose and is participated in this championship;

Carry out championship;

Judge the championship result; And

Report championship result data.

25. system according to claim 24, wherein said system also comprises a plurality of game machines.

26. system according to claim 24, wherein at least one server configures is for carrying out the time shift championship, and wherein first game machine can participate in championship in the very first time, and second game machine can participate in championship in second time.

27. system according to claim 24, wherein at least one server configures is for carrying out and the recreation counting championship of the recreation of the predetermined quantity that the player can finish in the different periods.

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