CN103827848A - Status monitor for casino print system and corresponding methods for status monitoring - Google Patents
Status monitor for casino print system and corresponding methods for status monitoring Download PDFInfo
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- CN103827848A CN103827848A CN201280047138.6A CN201280047138A CN103827848A CN 103827848 A CN103827848 A CN 103827848A CN 201280047138 A CN201280047138 A CN 201280047138A CN 103827848 A CN103827848 A CN 103827848A
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
- G06F11/30—Monitoring
- G06F11/3003—Monitoring arrangements specially adapted to the computing system or computing system component being monitored
- G06F11/3013—Monitoring arrangements specially adapted to the computing system or computing system component being monitored where the computing system is an embedded system, i.e. a combination of hardware and software dedicated to perform a certain function in mobile devices, printers, automotive or aircraft systems
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
- G06F11/30—Monitoring
- G06F11/3055—Monitoring arrangements for monitoring the status of the computing system or of the computing system component, e.g. monitoring if the computing system is on, off, available, not available
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
- G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
- G06F3/1202—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to achieve a particular effect
- G06F3/121—Facilitating exception or error detection and recovery, e.g. fault, media or consumables depleted
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
- G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
- G06F3/1223—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
- G06F3/1229—Printer resources management or printer maintenance, e.g. device status, power levels
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- G—PHYSICS
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- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
- G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
- G06F3/1278—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to adopt a particular infrastructure
- G06F3/1285—Remote printer device, e.g. being remote from client or server
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F11/00—Error detection; Error correction; Monitoring
- G06F11/30—Monitoring
- G06F11/3065—Monitoring arrangements determined by the means or processing involved in reporting the monitored data
- G06F11/3068—Monitoring arrangements determined by the means or processing involved in reporting the monitored data where the reporting involves data format conversion
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Abstract
Systems and methods for monitoring printer status in a networked environment are provided. For each of a plurality of printers, a respective server port device is connected to a communication port of a corresponding printer. Each server port device is adapted to receive real-time printer status information from the corresponding printer. A status monitor is provided for receiving the printer status information from one or more of the server port devices. The printer status information is wirelessly broadcast from the respective server port devices to an IP address of the status monitor. The server port device may comprise a User Datagram Protocol (UDP) status processor for converting the printer status information received from the printer in a first format into a second format for broadcast using a UDP protocol.
Description
claim of priority
The application's case is advocated the 61/541st of application on September 30th, 2011, the rights and interests of No. 532 U.S. Provisional Patent Application cases and be the 13/248th of on September 29th, 2011 application, the part of the U.S. patent application case of owning together for No. 184 continues, described patent application case is advocated the 61/404th of application on October 4th, 2010, the U.S. Provisional Application case of owning together for No. 525, the 61/456th of application on November 2nd, 2010, the 61/458th of No. 223 U.S. Provisional Application cases and application on Dec 1st, 2010, the rights and interests of No. 842 U.S. Provisional Application cases, each in described application case is incorporated herein by reference and become a part herein.
Background technology
Print system field the present invention relates to network.More particularly, the present invention relates to print system and method for public place of entertainment (casino) game environment, it provides improved functional, is included in the ability that game machine printer place promptly and easily produced and printed customization reward voucher and voucher and obtains in real time the printer modes of the multiple printers on network.
In casino game environment, known by network, from central system server to game machine, (for example, the game machine of slot machine and other type) provides data.Assignee of the present invention (TransAct technology company (TransAct)) has developed the dual-port printer for game machine, and it can be via the first port from residing in local controller receiving printing orders game machine and the center system server receiving printing orders from long range positioning via the second port.For instance, proprietary data (for example, voucher (cash) information) can receive and print from local machine controller by the first port, but not proprietary data (coupon data) can be received and print from central system server by the second port.This dual-port printer be described in own together the 6th, in 924, No. 903 United States Patent (USP)s and relevant serial patent and application case co-pending, described patent and application case are incorporated herein by reference and form a part herein.
In this type systematic, the data that provide to game machine printer by center system server or by game machine self are and are loaded on server or reside in the predetermined printing space of a whole page or the form in game machine.Therefore, public place of entertainment can not easily be revised and prints the space of a whole page or form or the customization reward voucher for particular player is provided.Conventionally, need software upgrading to change and print the space of a whole page or form, this is consuming time and expensive.
Therefore, will, for advantageously, provide the ability with rapid and easy mode typesetting and customization reward voucher and voucher to public place of entertainment.Also will, for advantageously, make public place of entertainment promptly this type of customization reward voucher and voucher (or for customizing the template of reward voucher and voucher) to be sent to game machine.If customization reward voucher that can be different or voucher come for indivedual game machines or selected game machine group, this will be favourable so.Making public place of entertainment host can promptly identify particular player and provide customization reward voucher or voucher via game machine printer to described player will be also favourable.In addition, in real time or approach the printer modes of all printers of obtaining in real time on public place of entertainment network or one group of printer and not appreciable impact network overhead and data processing amount are favourable easily.
Apparatus and method for of the present invention provides aforementioned advantages and other advantage.
Summary of the invention
The present invention relates to the print system for casino game environment, wherein game machine is equipped with dual-port printer.More particularly, the present invention relates to the system and method for the printer modes for monitoring internet game environment, wherein game machine printer can for example, be printed cash voucher and print out coupons under the guiding of the center system server/controller of public place of entertainment under the guiding of local controller (, be associated game machine).But, those skilled in the art will realize that and the invention is not restricted to game machine or casino environment, but be applicable to have any networking print system of multiple printers.
According to according to of the present invention for monitoring the example embodiment of system of printer modes of networked environment, described system can comprise for each in multiple printers the respective server port device of the communication port that is connected to corresponding printer, and each Service-Port device is suitable for receiving real time print machine status information from corresponding printer.Also provide Status Monitor for the one or more reception printer modes information from Service-Port device.Printer modes information is wirelessly broadcast to the IP address of Status Monitor from respective server port device.
Service-Port device can comprise User Datagram Protoco (UDP) (DSP) condition handler, and it is for converting the printer modes information that is the first form receiving from printer to the second form for using udp protocol to broadcast.Service-Port device can further comprise conversion application, and it is delivered to Status Monitor (as to substituting of using that udp protocol broadcasts or except use is udp protocol broadcasts) for the printer modes information that is serial form receiving from printer being converted to TCP form for connecting via Ethernet.
Ethernet connects the one can be in wired or wireless connection.
Can provide server manager for customization reward voucher being assigned to via respective server port device to one or more target receiver at corresponding printer place.Described server manager can comprise Status Monitor, makes the IP address that described IP address is server manager.
Described Status Monitor can be suitable for receive and in response to the inquiry about printer modes from server manager or center system server.Described Status Monitor can be integrated the one or more status information the printer receiving from one or more Server Monitors of correspondence.Described one or more printers can comprise the one in following person: all printers in casino facilities; The subset of all printers in casino facilities; Selected printer in casino facilities; Or selected printer group in casino facilities.
Described Status Monitor also can be realized the configuration of the timing of broadcast.For instance, the timing of broadcast can be configured as periodically or in the time that each printer modes changes broadcasting.
In an example embodiment, printer can be embedded in casino game machine or with casino game machine and be associated.Printer can be delivered to game machine by printer modes information via connected in series.Game machine can be delivered to printer by print data via connected in series.
Printer modes information can comprise at least one in following printer situation: printer organization is busy; Download; Electronic game machine/reward voucher flag; Printer chassis is opened; Printer chassis is closed; Printer skull is opened; Printer skull is closed; Top margin; Paper deficiency; Lack paper; Paperboard; Ticket is in groove; During printing is carried out; Printing completes; Print; Pay close attention to field 1; Pay close attention to field 2; Pay close attention to field 3; And conditions of similarity.
The present invention also comprises the method for the printer modes for monitoring networked environment.In the example embodiment of method that monitors the printer modes in networked environment, described method can comprise: for each in multiple printers, receive real time print machine status information at the respective server port device place of the communication port that is connected to corresponding printer from corresponding printer; Described printer modes information is wirelessly broadcast to the IP address of Status Monitor from respective server port device; And at Status Monitor place the one or more reception printer modes information from Service-Port device.
Described method also can comprise the additional features that the various embodiment in conjunction with correspondence system discuss above.
Accompanying drawing explanation
Below in connection with accompanying drawing, the present invention is described, wherein similar reference number indication similar components, and:
Fig. 1 shows according to the block diagram of the example embodiment of system of the present invention.
Fig. 2 shows according to the block diagram of the example embodiment of the game machine with integrated printing machine of the present invention.
Fig. 3 shows according to the example embodiment of customizable reward voucher of the present invention.
Fig. 4 shows according to the example embodiment of the personal computing device that a host uses of the present invention for entertainment;
Fig. 5 shows according to another example embodiment of the game machine with integrated printing machine of the present invention; And
Fig. 6 shows the block diagram of example embodiment that can real time monitoring printer modes of the present invention.
Embodiment
Detailed description subsequently one exemplary embodiment is only provided and be not intended to limit the scope of the invention, applicability or configuration.But, subsequently the detailed description of one exemplary embodiment will be provided for implementing the description of energizing of embodiments of the invention to those skilled in the art.Should be understood that spirit of the present invention and the scope that can aspect the function of element and layout, make multiple change and set forth in not departing from as appended claims.
The present invention relates to be equipped with for game machine wherein the print system of the casino game environment of dual-port printer.In typical casino game environment, dual-port printer is connected to game machine controller (local controller) and on the second port, is connected to center system server/controller on the first port.Game machine controller is provided for printing the information of cash voucher to printer.Central system controller (its can together with all game machines in public place of entertainment (or all game machines) in specific region in public place of entertainment networking) provides coupon data to printer.
Fig. 1 explanation is for providing the example embodiment of the system 10 that customizes reward voucher at casino game environment.Printer 14 (for example, dual-port printer) resides in game machine 12.According to the block diagram shows of the example embodiment of the game machine 12 with one (integral) printer 14 of the present invention in Fig. 2.Printer 14 can have at least one communication port for the PERCOM peripheral communication of game machine 12.For instance, printer can have for the communication to external server (as below in detail explain) the first communication port 16 and be exclusively used in the second communication port one 8 of communicating by letter with the local controller 24 that resides in game machine 12.Can provide reward voucher space of a whole page generator 26 for producing customization reward voucher.Provide server manager 20 for example, for customization reward voucher being distributed to one or more target receiver (, the player at particular game machine printer 14 and particular game machine printer 14 places).Server manager 20 can be connected to the first communication port 16 of the printer that is conventionally specified for center system server 22.But, because server manager 20 produces ethernet signal, so Service-Port device 30 is provided between the first communication port 16 of server manager 20 and printer 14.Service-Port device 30 will convert the cognizable serial signal of printer 14 to from the ethernet signal of server manager 20.IP address is assigned to Service-Port device 30, and server manager 20 uses IP address and player identification information (obtaining as described in detail) to determine for the suitable reward voucher of distributing to game machine 12.
Service-Port device 30 can be connected between server manager 20 and each game machine printer 14.Service-Port device 30 can reside in each in game machine 12.Can be wireless ethernet being connected between Service-Port device 30 and server manager 20 connects or wired connection.In wireless embodiment, for improving wireless receiving, access point 32 can provide on each game machine 12 for receiving wireless signal from server manager 20, and wherein wired connection is at access point 32 and reside between the Service-Port device 30 in game machine 12.Or, server manager 20 and Service-Port device 30 on each game machine 12 can hardwire together with.In arbitrary situation, Service-Port device 30 will receive ethernet signal and convert this signal to high-speed serial signals for being delivered to printer 14 from server manager 20.For instance, Service-Port device 30 can RS-232, Netplex, one in USB, USB/Netplex, RS-232/Netplex or I2C form provides data to printer 14.
Service-Port device 30 also can possess storer 34 to promote this data-switching and cushioned described data before data are sent to printer 14.Therefore, Service-Port device 30 makes it possible to mass data (comprising printing curve (comprising color graphics)) to send to printer 14 from server manager 20.
To Service-Port device 30 assignment IP addresses.This IP address can be by server manager 20 assignments (or otherwise serviced management device 20 be known).In this way, server manager 20 can be for the object of (for instance) targeted advertisements and sales promotion the IP address of the Service-Port device 30 based on being associated with particular game machine 12 data are sent to described game machine 12.
(for example comprise ethernet port at printer 14, port one 6 can be ethernet port and maybe can be provided as the another port of ethernet port) embodiment in, do not need Service-Port device 30 and server manager 20 directly to communicate by letter with printer 14 via wired or wireless connection.
Fig. 3 shows the sample reward voucher 40 that can be produced by reward voucher generator 26.Described reward voucher can be colored reward voucher.In particular, described reward voucher can be " dichromatism " or " panchromatic " reward voucher, and its color is corresponding to the print capacity of game machine printer 14.Reward voucher space of a whole page generator 26 also can be used for producing the template for reward voucher and/or cash voucher, its local controller 24 that can be passed to game machine 12 (for example, via server manager 20) and for example remain on, in storer (, the storer of printer storage 28 or local controller 24) and print cash voucher or reward voucher under the control for the local controller 24 at game machine 12.Then, variable data 42 can be sent to printer 14 together with print command.Variable data 42 and print command can be provided by the local controller 24 of server manager 20 or game machine 12.Before, can insert received variable data 42 to the predefine field of institute's storing template in print out coupons 40 (or voucher etc.).Similarly, figure can be delivered to printer storage 28 and be stored in wherein at once insert (some) suitably graphics fields 44 of template after receiving appropriate command.
Can provide reward voucher to particular game machine 12 based at least one in following person: average money that the travel of the playtime on player identification information, game machine 12, the money of cost of playing games, the money that wins or lose, each public place of entertainment spends, game machine title, the data of being followed the trail of by player's trace data storehouse 50, and fellow on game machine 12.Player identification information can comprise at least one in following person: demographic information, indivedual player's characteristic, player's custom, game tendency, player's preference, the time apart from last visit, the access next time of expection, player's rank, player levels, and fellow.
In addition, public place of entertainment host can be via for example, in the application program 62 of the upper operation of Portable, personal calculation element (host apparatus) 60 (host apparatus 60 of, showing in Fig. 4) reward voucher being directed to particular player.Various reward vouchers (for example, develop and provide by reward voucher space of a whole page generator 26) can be stored in (for example, server manager 20, reward voucher generator 26 or networking memory storage 56) access from another networking position in the storer 68 on personal computing device 60 or by Portable, personal calculation element 60.Host can wish reward voucher or voucher to send to its one or more players with the pass by host at public place of entertainment floor and identification particular game machine 12 places of personal computing device 60.Then, host can select stored reward voucher to send to (some) game machines 12 of being played by the player who is identified (some players).After selecting reward voucher, if necessary, host can (for example be typed into any variable data in reward voucher via the user interface 64 on personal computing device 60, player name, machine identification information, reward voucher value, cut-off date, or other coupon information) and reward voucher is sent to game machine 12.Personal computing device 60 can wirelessly be connected at least one in server manager 20 and Service-Port device 30.In the situation that personal computing device 60 is wirelessly connected to server manager 20, can deliver reward voucher by server manager 20, server manager 20 can make player name or machine identification number mate with game machine 12 or with the corresponding player identification information matches obtaining from player information card.In this way, server manager 20 can identify suitable game machine 12 Service-Port device 30 IP address and the reward voucher from personal computing device 60 or voucher are forwarded to corresponding game machine printer 14.Or, in the situation that personal computing device 60 is wirelessly connected to Service-Port device 30, reward voucher directly can be shipped to the Service-Port device 30 of particular game machine 12 and prints at printer 14 places.
Can be manually the IP address (or for identifying the out of Memory of particular game machine 12 or its Service-Port device 30) of player name, machine identification number or the Service-Port device 60 that is associated with game machine 12 be typed into personal computing device 60.Or game machine 12 and/or Service-Port device 30 can possess the bar code 36 (as shown in Fig. 2) of the private label information that contains particular game machine 12 or its associated server port device 30.In this embodiment, personal computing device 60 can possess barcode reader 66 (being the form of software application, built-in barcode reader or plug-in type hardware unit).The barcode reader 66 of personal computing device 60 can be identified game machine 12/ Service-Port device 30 by reading the bar code 36 of game machine 12 or its associated server port device 30.
Or personal computing device 60 can be used for reading bar code on player identification card to obtain player identification information, the game machine 12 that can then use described player identification information to be played reward voucher is sent to described player.In addition, personal computing device 60 can be suitable for reading magnetic stripe on player identification card to obtain player identification information.
As demonstrated in Figure 5, game machine (or associated server port device 30) alternately possesses RFID label 37.Personal computing device 60 can be through enabling to read RFID label (for example,, via software application, built-in RFID label reader 66 or plug-in type RFID label reader).Therefore personal computing device 60 can obtain the IP address of the identification information of particular game machine 12 or the Service-Port device 30 of described game machine via RFID label.
Or personal computing device 60 can directly be shipped to Service-Port device 30 (for example,, via wireless connections) for printing at printer 14 places by reward voucher or voucher.For instance, personal computing device 60 can be used as secondary server manager and has the server manager software 62 of a certain version being mounted thereon.In this embodiment, personal computing device 60 also can communicate by letter with master server manager 20 to provide this type of trade detail to keep (in the time of this transaction each time or the batch that carrying out with fixed time interval transmit) for public place of entertainment record.In addition, in this embodiment, personal computing device 60 also can be connected to reward voucher space of a whole page generator 26 to make to provide reward voucher and the voucher of renewal.Or, the reward voucher space of a whole page generator software 62 of a certain version can be arranged on personal computing device 60 to make need to produce customization reward voucher, voucher, targeted promotional material, show and colour and fellow thereof on personal computing device 60 according to host.
Portable, personal calculation element 60 can comprise iPAD
tMor dull and stereotyped calculation element, laptop computer, net book or its fellow of equivalence.Be understood by those skilled in the art that, Portable, personal calculation element 60 also can comprise smart phone (for example, Blackberry
tM, iPhone
tM, Droid
tMor its fellow) or iTouch
tMor similar device, as long as described device has the required processing power for running application, sufficient data storage and wireless connectivity.
Reward voucher can be through revising with for particular player or some class players.Reward voucher also can be for all players.The invention enables and can directly sell and provide to player to game machine player the excitation that increases access and extend playtime.System 10 is easily to install, because server manager 20 is easily integrated in public place of entertainment network and Service-Port device 30 is easily inserted in the existing port 16 of the dual-port printer 14 of conventionally communicating by letter with center system server 22.Residue printer port 18 (being connected to the local controller 24 residing in game machine 12) is not subject to the impact of native system.
System 10 also normally stops collecting reward voucher weekly by what advantageously allow that player skips public place of entertainment sales promotion exhibition booth place.On the contrary, once each player is inserted into his or her card in game machine 12, reward voucher can be for described player.This provides advantage to player and public place of entertainment, because player can avoid waiting in line and can directly advancing to game machine 12 at sales promotion exhibition booth place and obtain thus the bonus game time.
System 10 also realizes Instant Ads and sales promotion.For instance, the reward voucher with advertisement can be sent to game machine printer 14, thereby be current or bargain goods on the horizon, event, sales promotion or player's attraction are advertised.In addition, this type of reward voucher can comprise " bounce-back " sales promotion, and it provides excitation (for example, free game or discount) in the situation that player returns in schedule time amount.Reward voucher also can be by providing excitation or for provide bonus points to make public place of entertainment can drive particular player action in the game of certain specific date for the game between some date and/or time.System 10 also can be configured to attendant list and the event participator list of the particular player that automatically completes and print game machine 12 places.(for example, on exchange machine remaining money or add the money of machine to) also can be bought and print at game machine 12 places to performance and the ticket of other event.This makes public place of entertainment can obtain the income of unsold ticket otherwise and can capture the player's dollar that can otherwise pay.Also real-time retail and food and beverage reward voucher can be sent to each game machine 12 and prints at each game machine 12 place.Also game contest participator and result can be sent to game machine 12 and print at game machine 12 places.And, also can be by birthday and anniversary sales promotion and discount send to indivedual players targetedly.Also match related player and competition result can be sent to game machine 12 and print at game machine 12 places.In addition, the sales promotion of Ye Kejiang hotel and discount send to game machine 12 and print at game machine 12 places.Tax return (for example, it can be because any game proceeds is required) can be also provided.According to the present invention, also the reward voucher of other type and form can be provided to game machine 12 and print at game machine 12 places, as one technician in affiliated field will understand.
Reward voucher space of a whole page generator 26 makes it possible to design and produces customization reward voucher 40 template of reward voucher/voucher (or for).Can produce any number different reward voucher.Can by figure 44 and mark imports in reward voucher 40 and corresponding data can convert the cognizable form of printer 14 to by system.Reward voucher space of a whole page generator 26 can be supported bar code 46.In particular, bar code 46 can be from the external source 70 that is associated with public place of entertainment (for example, service provider, for example, hotel, restaurant, retail shop or its fellow) import in reward voucher 40 or at reward voucher space of a whole page generator 26 places and produce to be inserted in reward voucher.In the time being exchanged by player, bar code 46 can be read by service provider's barcode reader, and this is the situation in the time that reward voucher is exchanged by client normally.This bar code information then can be provided gets back to center system server 22 and for following the trail of the use of reward voucher.Can produce and preserve multiple reward vouchers for later use.Should be appreciated that, can any language present the application programming interfaces of reward voucher space of a whole page manager.Similarly, reward voucher can be any language produce or become another kind of language (for example,, to send to English-speaking player and to say the player of foreign language) from a kind of language conversion.
As discussed above, the IP address of the Service-Port device 30 of server manager 20 based on being associated with particular game machine printer 14 (or under the situation of Ethernet printer, the IP address being associated with printer) reward voucher receiving from reward voucher space of a whole page generator 26 is sent to the described printer 14 floor.Server manager 20 can be suitable for adding dynamic text to reward voucher, for example cut-off date, event date or its fellow.Server manager 20 can comprise application programming interfaces, it makes it possible to be linked in player's trace data storehouse 50 and public place of entertainment or other source being associated with public place of entertainment or system (external source 70) (for example, the point of sales system at retail shop place, restaurant and other supplier (for discount, sales promotion, bar code information etc.), theater computer system (for determining the available theater seat of event), hotel's computer system (for subscription information, room discount and fellow thereof) and other source or system).Server manager 20 is also through enabling to select indivedual or multiple game machines 12 and reward voucher being sent to this machine 12 (this type of machine 12) for printing.
Service-Port device 30 can be plug-in system, and it is not in the case of existing being connected to printer 14 any modification of printer 14.Therefore, Service-Port device 30 is the simple upgrade to existing game machine printer 14, and it makes it possible to print customization reward voucher, as above discussed in detail.But Service-Port device 30 provides extra beneficial functions.For instance, Service-Port device 30 also makes it possible to download printer firmware, monitors printing event and printer modes (as discussed in more detail below) and each game machine printer 14 of custom configuration.This functional minimizing game machine stop time and reduction maintenance cost.
Be understood by those skilled in the art that, Service-Port device 30 is also realized from game machine 12 and is got back to server manager 20, center system server 22 and/or get back to the communication in player's trace data storehouse 50.In this way, server manager 20 can possess the identification data of the game machine 12 of playing about player and described player, makes demographic information, personal characteristics, custom, game tendency and fellow thereof that reward voucher can be based on player and directly for player.
As discussed above, need Ethernet to connect server manager 20 is connected to printer 14.This connection is enabled by Service-Port device 30, and described Service-Port device 30 has Ethernet input and converts ethernet signal to printer 14 acceptable high-speed serial signals.Ethernet between server manager 20 and Service-Port device 30 be connected can be wired or wireless, as discussed above.Wireless connections are more favourable, because wired connection need to be used for Fast Ethernet cable and the sufficient data rack of each machine to be connected.Game machine 12 (except likely adding on machine WAP 32, as discussed above) is not disturbed in wireless connections.
System can further comprise the rule producer 54 being associated with server manager 20, its for generation of and revise keyholed back plate and when reward voucher sent to the rule of game machine 12.For instance, on one or more game machines 12, reach during the visit at single public place of entertainment the rule that the predetermined progressive games time is print out coupons once can produce player.Once generation rule, parameter that just can alteration ruler.For instance, the bid for initial generation with expenditure after the game of 60 minutes, predetermined accumulated time Duan Kecong changes to 90 minutes in 60 minutes.Can imagine and Else Rule and its within the scope of the invention.
In addition, described system can further comprise the simulator 58 being associated with server manager 20, and it distributes and unactual generation and print out coupons for simulate reward voucher based on the actual play on game machine 12 during predetermined amount of time.The data set of actual play that can be during the recording scheduled time period.Can carry out the multiple simulations for sales promotion to data set, each sales promotion has different reward vouchers and provides parameter.Simulator 58 can be at running background between actual game play session of playing games or record, and unactual generation or print any reward voucher to test the expected results of specific sales promotion.This allows public place of entertainment to understand the reward voucher amount of printing for given sales promotion with given parameters collection.
Described system also can comprise the scheduling tool 59 being associated with server manager 20, and it distributes for dispatching sales promotion and reward voucher.For instance, scheduling tool 59 can be used for scheduling, and when some sales promotion will be for effective or invalid, for example, during some time, some seasons and the fellow thereof of some day, 1 year of some time, one week of one day.Server manager 20 can according to the schedule information obtaining from scheduling tool 59 automatically by corresponding to through scheduling sales promotion reward voucher distribute to printer 14.
Described system also can comprise the software application of game machine player's personal computing device 80 (for example, smart phone, flat computer or its fellow).Described software application can make player can carry out at least one in following operation: the type of selecting to treat the reward voucher receiving from public place of entertainment; Identification information is input to public place of entertainment or upgrades identification information; Input or renewal demographic information; The game machine of selecting and make described selection next will play from player from one group of reward voucher providing or targeted promotional material is automatically printed; Complete contest and competition entry table; Look back contest and result of the match; The retail shop being associated from public place of entertainment or with public place of entertainment receives advertisement, targeted promotional material or bonus points; Or its similar operations.When player accesses public place of entertainment next time and inserts his or her player identification card, selected reward voucher or other materials can then be printed from game machine printer.This application program can be used as public place of entertainment current Downloadable player's application program a part and provide and maybe can make it that thing that provides from specific public place of entertainment is provided.
As demonstrated in Figure 6, Service-Port device 30 uses Transmission Control Protocol to connect 72 via Ethernet and communicates by letter with server manager 20 and comprise the conversion application 74 for ethernet signal being converted to printer 14 cognizable serial signals.What the communication between Service-Port device 30 and printer 14 need to be established to printer 14 is connected 76 (opening port) for transmission data and state.These port/connections 72,76 are conventionally opened for transmission data and are then closed at one's leisure with restriction system overhead.Although Fig. 6 only shows single printer 14 and Service-Port device 30 for ease of explaining, as discussed above, should be appreciated that, on network, conventionally have multiple printers 14, each printer 14 has the Service-Port device 30 being associated.Use Transmission Control Protocol to monitor that the one in the problem of state of a large amount of printers is to open continuously and to close these a large amount of ports.If carried out sequentially, so required system overhead becomes significantly and the real-time status of monitor printer 14 exactly.
Therefore,, in another example embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure 6, each Service-Port device 30 is suitable for receiving real time print machine status information from corresponding printer 14.Provide Status Monitor 82 for the one or more reception printer modes information from Service-Port device 30.Printer modes information wirelessly can be broadcast to the IP address of Status Monitor from respective server port device 30.
Described Service-Port device can comprise the udp state processor 78 that utilizes User Datagram Protoco (UDP) (UDP).Udp protocol does not require and connects and therefore allow multiple Service-Port devices 30 that printer modes is broadcast to single ip address (for example, the IP address of Status Monitor 82, monitor 82 can reside in server manager 20) in real time.Each Service-Port device 30 connects 76 via serial port and receives printer modes and printer modes is provided to udp state processor 78 from its printer 14 that is associated.Udp state processor 78 for example, converts the printer modes information receiving from printer to second form for using udp protocol to broadcast from the first form (, serial form).Except udp broadcast (or substituting as udp broadcast), serial port device 30 can convert printer modes information to TCP form for connecting and be delivered to Status Monitor 82 via Ethernet from the serial form receiving from printer via conversion application 74.Ethernet connection can be wired or wireless connection.
Status Monitor 82 can be positioned on server manager 20 places, as demonstrated in Figure 6.In this embodiment, the IP address of Status Monitor is identical with the IP address of server manager 20.For example, or Status Monitor 82 can use unique ip address and server manager 20 to separate an enforcement part or the autonomous device of center system server 22 (, as).Status Monitor 82 can be integrated the status information that all printers 14 (or the specified subset of this type of printer 14 or selection) from casino facilities receive.Server manager 20 (or center system server 22) also can inquire that Status Monitor 82 is to obtain real time print machine state.
The timing of Status Monitor 82 configurable broadcast, makes the Service-Port device 30 can be through arranging with periodically or broadcast printer modes in the time that printer modes changes.Therefore, can in real time or approach and in real time the state of all printers 14 on network (or specified subset of printer 14) is provided to Status Monitor 82, and not appreciable impact network overhead and data processing amount.
As demonstrated in Figure 6, printer 14 also can via connected in series 84 by its state transfer to the game machine 12 that is associated.Game machine 12 is also delivered to printer 14 via connected in series 84 by print data (for example,, for voucher).
The state condition that Status Monitor 82 is supported can comprise: printer organization is busy; Download (power does not circulate); EGM/ reward voucher flag (for determining the source of mechanism busy notice, comprise printer and printing from the cash voucher of local controller (game machine 12) or from the voucher of central system controller); Printer chassis opening/closing; Printing head cover opening/closing; Top margin; Paper deficiency; Lack paper; Paperboard; Ticket is in groove; During printing is carried out; Printing completes; Print; Pay close attention to field 1; Pay close attention to field 2; Pay close attention to field 3; And similar state." concern field " can define in document template (reward voucher or cash voucher), makes: once print define concern field, printer reports described state.All these state condition all define by game device standard (GDS) printer protocol.
Be also contained in scope of the present invention corresponding to the method for system embodiment provided above.
About the additional detail of various aspects of the present invention be found in be attached to appendix A place 4 days October in 2010 application the 61/404th, the sales promotion of No. 525 U.S. Provisional Application cases is printed system in requiring document 2.5 editions (Promotional Printing System Requirements Document v2.5), and described document is incorporated herein and forms a part of this paper in all seriousness with way of reference.
Now should be appreciated that, the invention provides the favorable method and the equipment that customizable reward voucher are provided and the improvement of printer modes is monitored to game machine for especially.
Although described the present invention in conjunction with various illustrated embodiment, can make numerous modifications and adaptation and not depart from spirit of the present invention and the scope as set forth in claims it.
Claims (22)
1. for monitoring the system of printer modes for networked environment, it comprises:
For each in multiple printers, a respective server port device, it is connected to the communication port of corresponding printer, and each Service-Port device is suitable for receiving real time print machine status information from described corresponding printer; And
Status Monitor, it is for the described printer modes information of the one or more receptions from described Service-Port device, and described printer modes information is wirelessly broadcast to the IP address of described Status Monitor from described respective server port device.
2. according to the system described in claim l, wherein said Service-Port device comprises User Datagram Protoco (UDP) udp state processor, and it is for converting the described printer modes information that is the first form receiving from described printer to the second form for using udp protocol to broadcast.
3. system according to claim 2, wherein said Service-Port device further comprises conversion application, it convert TCP form to for connecting and be delivered to described Status Monitor via Ethernet for the described printer modes information that is serial form that will receive from described printer, as to using described udp protocol to carry out substituting or supplementing of described broadcast.
4. system according to claim 3, wherein said Ethernet is connected to the one in wired or wireless connection.
5. according to the system described in claim l, wherein:
Provide server manager for customization reward voucher being assigned to via described respective server port device to one or more target receiver at described corresponding printer place;
Described server manager comprises described Status Monitor; And
The IP address that described IP address is described server manager.
6. system according to claim 5, wherein said Status Monitor be suitable for receive and in response to the inquiry about printer modes from described server manager or center system server.
7. according to the system described in claim l, wherein said Status Monitor is integrated the one or more described status information the described printer receiving from one or more Server Monitors of described correspondence.
8. system according to claim 7, wherein said one or more printers comprise the one in following person: all printers in casino facilities; The subset of all described printers in described casino facilities; Selected printer in described casino facilities; Or selected printer group in described casino facilities.
9. system according to claim 1, wherein:
Described Status Monitor is realized the configuration of the timing of described broadcast; And
When can being configured to based on periodicity or each described printer modes change, the described timing of described broadcast broadcasts.
10. system according to claim 1, wherein:
Described printer is embedded in casino game machine or with casino game machine and is associated;
Described printer is delivered to described game machine via connected in series by described printer modes information; And
Described game machine is connected in seriesly delivered to described printer by print data via described.
11. systems according to claim 1, wherein said printer modes information comprises at least one in following printer situation: printer organization is busy; Download; Electronic game machine/reward voucher flag; Printer chassis is opened; Printer chassis is closed; Printer skull is opened; Printer skull is closed; Top margin; Paper deficiency; Lack paper; Paperboard; Ticket is in groove; During printing is carried out; Printing completes; Print; Pay close attention to field 1; Pay close attention to field 2; And concern field 3.
12. 1 kinds for monitoring the method for printer modes of networked environment, and it comprises:
For each in multiple printers, receive real time print machine status information at the respective server port device place of the communication port that is connected to corresponding printer from described corresponding printer;
Described printer modes information is wirelessly broadcast to the IP address of Status Monitor from described respective server port device; And
The described printer modes information of one or more receptions at described Status Monitor place from described Service-Port device.
13. methods according to claim 12, wherein said Service-Port device comprises User Datagram Protoco (UDP) udp state processor, and it is for converting the described printer modes information that is the first form receiving from described printer to the second form for using udp protocol to broadcast.
14. methods according to claim 13, wherein said Service-Port device further comprises conversion application, it convert TCP form to for connecting and be delivered to described Status Monitor via Ethernet for the described printer modes information that is serial form that will receive from described printer, as to using described udp protocol to carry out substituting or supplementing of described broadcast.
15. methods according to claim 14, wherein said Ethernet is connected to the one in wired or wireless connection.
16. methods according to claim 12, wherein:
Provide server manager for customization reward voucher being assigned to via described respective server port device to one or more target receiver at described corresponding printer place;
Described server manager comprises described Status Monitor; And
The IP address that described IP address is described server manager.
17. methods according to claim 16, it further comprises:
Receive the inquiry about printer modes at described Status Monitor place from described server manager or center system server; And
With the printer modes information response that asked in described inquiry.
18. methods according to claim 12, it further comprises:
Integrate the one or more described status information the described printer receiving from one or more Server Monitors of described correspondence by described Status Monitor.
19. methods according to claim 18, wherein said one or more printers comprise the one in following person: all printers in casino facilities; The subset of all described printers in described casino facilities; Selected printer in described casino facilities; Or selected printer group in described casino facilities.
20. methods according to claim 12, it further comprises:
Via described Status Monitor by the timing configured of described broadcast for based on periodically or broadcast when each described printer modes changes.
21. methods according to claim 12, wherein:
Described printer is embedded in casino game machine or with casino game machine and is associated;
Described printer is delivered to described game machine via connected in series by described printer modes information; And
Described game machine is connected in seriesly delivered to described printer by print data via described.
22. methods according to claim 12, wherein said printer modes information comprises at least one in following printer situation: printer organization is busy; Download; Electronic game machine/reward voucher flag; Printer chassis is opened; Printer chassis is closed; Printer skull is opened; Printer skull is closed; Top margin; Paper deficiency; Lack paper; Paperboard; Ticket is in groove; During printing is carried out; Printing completes; Print; Pay close attention to field 1; Pay close attention to field 2; And concern field 3.
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US13/248,184 US8953200B2 (en) | 2010-10-04 | 2011-09-29 | Casino print system and corresponding methods |
| US13/248,184 | 2011-09-29 | ||
| US201161541532P | 2011-09-30 | 2011-09-30 | |
| US61/541,532 | 2011-09-30 | ||
| US13/625,235 | 2012-09-24 | ||
| US13/625,235 US9158481B2 (en) | 2010-10-04 | 2012-09-24 | Status monitor for casino print system and corresponding methods for status monitoring |
| PCT/US2012/057168 WO2013049091A1 (en) | 2011-09-29 | 2012-09-26 | Status monitor for casino print system and corresponding methods for status monitoring |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
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| CN103827848A true CN103827848A (en) | 2014-05-28 |
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| CN201280047138.6A Pending CN103827848A (en) | 2011-09-29 | 2012-09-26 | Status monitor for casino print system and corresponding methods for status monitoring |
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| CN (1) | CN103827848A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2012316264A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2849971C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2013049091A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110187846A (en) * | 2019-04-17 | 2019-08-30 | 视联动力信息技术股份有限公司 | Print system, method and apparatus |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| CN109542653A (en) * | 2018-12-04 | 2019-03-29 | 中国航空工业集团公司西安航空计算技术研究所 | A kind of queue port communication means based on port list |
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| CN101145096A (en) * | 2006-09-13 | 2008-03-19 | 夏普株式会社 | Print apparatus monitoring method and print apparatus monitoring system |
| US20080068644A1 (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2008-03-20 | Hideki Yanagi | Client apparatus, method of communicating and computer program |
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| CN102023826A (en) * | 2009-09-15 | 2011-04-20 | 株式会社理光 | Printing system, printing device, program, and storage medium |
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| US6924903B2 (en) * | 2002-12-20 | 2005-08-02 | Transact Technologies Incorporated | Interface for voucher and coupon printing |
| JP2005310105A (en) * | 2004-03-22 | 2005-11-04 | Seiko Epson Corp | Remote monitoring system, remote monitoring method and remote monitoring program |
| WO2006073137A1 (en) * | 2005-01-05 | 2006-07-13 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Distributed printing system and distributed printing control device |
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2012
- 2012-09-26 CN CN201280047138.6A patent/CN103827848A/en active Pending
- 2012-09-26 AU AU2012316264A patent/AU2012316264A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-09-26 WO PCT/US2012/057168 patent/WO2013049091A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-09-26 CA CA2849971A patent/CA2849971C/en active Active
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| CN101145096A (en) * | 2006-09-13 | 2008-03-19 | 夏普株式会社 | Print apparatus monitoring method and print apparatus monitoring system |
| US20080068644A1 (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2008-03-20 | Hideki Yanagi | Client apparatus, method of communicating and computer program |
| US20100238489A1 (en) * | 2007-06-15 | 2010-09-23 | Futurelogic, Inc. | Distributed processing printer |
| CN102023826A (en) * | 2009-09-15 | 2011-04-20 | 株式会社理光 | Printing system, printing device, program, and storage medium |
| US20110075190A1 (en) * | 2009-09-25 | 2011-03-31 | Manico Joseph A | Method and system for establishing printer communication |
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| CN110187846A (en) * | 2019-04-17 | 2019-08-30 | 视联动力信息技术股份有限公司 | Print system, method and apparatus |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2849971C (en) | 2020-01-21 |
| CA2849971A1 (en) | 2013-04-04 |
| WO2013049091A1 (en) | 2013-04-04 |
| AU2012316264A1 (en) | 2014-03-27 |
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Application publication date: 20140528 |