EP1850932A2 - Machine de jeu configurable et son procede de configuration - Google Patents

Machine de jeu configurable et son procede de configuration

Info

Publication number
EP1850932A2
EP1850932A2 EP06734514A EP06734514A EP1850932A2 EP 1850932 A2 EP1850932 A2 EP 1850932A2 EP 06734514 A EP06734514 A EP 06734514A EP 06734514 A EP06734514 A EP 06734514A EP 1850932 A2 EP1850932 A2 EP 1850932A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
game
gaming machine
devices
implementation
game implementation
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06734514A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1850932A4 (fr
Inventor
Clifton Lind
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Multimedia Games Inc
Original Assignee
Multimedia Games Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Multimedia Games Inc filed Critical Multimedia Games Inc
Publication of EP1850932A2 publication Critical patent/EP1850932A2/fr
Publication of EP1850932A4 publication Critical patent/EP1850932A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3225—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
    • G07F17/323—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the player is informed, e.g. advertisements, odds, instructions

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to gaming machines through which a player may make a wager in return for a chance at some payout or prize. More particularly, the invention relates to a securely configurable gaming machine that may provide any one of a number of different games.
  • Modern gaming machines employ various electronic devices for conducting games and/or for presenting results to players. Some of these gaming machines are entirely electronic and use a video display device to present images to the player in the course of play. For example, video slot machines use a video display to present representations of spinning reels to imitate the reels of a mechanical slot machine. Another example of a gaming machine that uses a video display in the play of a game is a video poker machine, which uses a video display to produce graphic representations of playing cards.
  • Modern gaming machines also employ various types of processing devices for performing or directing the various gaming machine functions. Functions that may be performed by a processing device in a gaming machine include identifying results of a play in a game and correlating results with prizes, for example. Some modern gaming machines employ one or more general purpose processors, executing suitable operational program code to perform or direct the required functions. Other types of gaming machines may employ one or more special purpose processing devices to perform the required gaming machine functions.
  • gaming machines employing such electronic devices may be relatively easy to modify as compared to traditional mechanical gaming machines.
  • games may be modified substantially by causing the processing devices to execute new or different operational program code.
  • a special purpose processing device for performing a given function that function may be changed simply by replacing the special purpose processing device with a different special processing device.
  • the ability to easily modify modern gaining machines opens up a great number of possibilities for gaming facility operators, the relative ease with which modern gaming machines maybe modified also presents serious security issues. Chief among these issues is the potential for a gaming machine to be modified in an illegal or otherwise unauthorized manner. For example, an electronically implemented gaming machine might be changed in an unauthorized manner to change the odds of winning at the machine.
  • the present invention provides a gaming machine that may have certain electronically controlled functions modified in a secure fashion from a remote location and without requiring physical access to the secure interior components of the gaming machine.
  • the invention also provides methods and program products for securely modifying electronically controlled functions of a gaming machine from aremote location.
  • the electronically controlled functions that may be modified according to the invention may comprise any aspect of a game or even the entire game.
  • the present invention allows the graphics used in the course of a game, that is, the game presentation to be modified or completely replaced.
  • the present invention also allows the result determination or selection functions performed at a gaming machine to be securely modified or replaced.
  • a gaming machine embodying the principles of the invention includes a number of game implementation devices, each adapted to be placed alternatively in an enabled or disabled condition. Each respective game implementation device is operable to implement at least a portion of a respective game at the gaming machine when the respective game implementation device is in its enabled state in the gaming machine.
  • the gaming machine also includes an enabling arrangement for selectively placing any of the respective implementation devices in the enabled state.
  • a video display is included in the gaming machine for displaying graphic portions of a respective one of the games when the respective game is implemented at the gaming machine.
  • each game implementation device comprises a read only memory device storing operational program code.
  • the game implementation devices are read by a suitable reading device and loaded into memory associated with a processing device which executes the operational program code to implement the intended portion of a game.
  • Other forms of the present invention use game implementation devices that comprise electronic circuits containing processing elements.
  • each game implementation device is placed in an enabled state by either physically securing the device in a suitable connector while the remaining game implementation devices remain unconnected or by selectively addressing the desired game implementation device from among the other connected game implementation devices.
  • implementing a portion of a game at a gaming machine means that at least some aspect of the game is performed.
  • the portion of the game may be a portion of a display generated at a video monitor in the course of the game.
  • the portion of the game may be the portion that determines the result for a given game play and/or how the result will be presented to the player through a video display at the gaming machine.
  • the game implementation devices according to the invention may implement an entire game including the various graphics that are presented to the player through the video display or displays of the gaming machine and including the manner in which results are determined and the manner in which inputs are taken from the player.
  • a preferred method includes housing a number of the game implementation devices in a secure area of a gaming machine, selecting a respective one of the game implementation devices in response to a game loading command, and placing the selected game implementation device in an enabled state.
  • the method also includes conducting a game at the gaming machine at least in part through the selected implementation device in the enabled state.
  • a program product includes game enabling program code and command program code.
  • the game enabling program code is executable to selectively enable a respective one of the game implementation devices in response to a game loading command.
  • the command program code is executable to receive a game selection input and generate the game loading command in response to the game selection input.
  • the gaming machine may be securely configured to provide many different types of games or many different versions of a given game.
  • This configuration may be performed both for gaming machines employing general purpose processing devices and special purpose processing devices or combinations of both different types of processing devices.
  • the configuration may also be performed without having to actually download game program code to the gaming machine from a remote location, and thus, the gaming machine need not be enabled to receive such program code. This allows gaming machines according to the present invention to be maintained in a more secure condition.
  • Figure 1 is view in perspective of a gaming machine embodying the principles of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is diagrammatic representation of the various components that may be included in a gaming machine according to the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a diagrammatic side view of a game instruction library according to one preferred form of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a diagrammatic end view of the game instruction library shown in Figure 3.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of an alternate game instruction library according to the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a diagrammatic representation of another alternate game instruction library according to the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a process flow diagram illustrating a process according to the present invention.
  • Figures 1 and 2 may be used to describe a particular gaming machine embodying the principles of the present invention.
  • Figures 3 through 6 will be used below to describe various alternate game implementation devices and enabling arrangements for enabling the game implementation devices.
  • the process flow diagram of Figure 7 will be referred to below to describe a method embodying the principles of the invention.
  • a gaming machine 100 includes a cabinet 101 having a front side generally shown at reference numeral 102.
  • a game video display 104 is mounted in a central portion of the front surface 102 with a ledge 106 positioned below the game video display and projecting forwardly from the plane of the game video display, hi addition to game video display 104, the illustrated gaming machine includes a first additional video display 107 positioned on the front side of cabinet 101 above game video display 104, and a second additional video display 108 mounted on the front side of the cabinet below the game video display.
  • Each of these displays, game video display 104, first additional video display 107, and second additional video display 108 participate in the operation of game machine 100 to provide a presentation for a particular game or potentially presentations for multiple games simultaneously. It is noted that gaming machine 100 is shown in an operating position in Figure 1 and the descriptions of positions above or below certain elements are made with reference to this illustrated operating position.
  • Gaming machine 100 illustrated in Figure 1 includes a player control touch screen display 105 that forms a portion of the ledge 106 extending from the plane of game video display 104.
  • the illustrated gaming machine 100 includes a total of four different video displays, that is, video display devices, that together provide the game presentation or presentations in the course of operation of the gaming machine, hi addition to the separate player control touch screen 105, gaming machine 100 also includes mechanical player control buttons or other input devices 109 mounted on ledge 106.
  • Other forms of the invention may include switches, joysticks, or other player input devices mounted on ledge 106 or elsewhere on cabinet 101.
  • gaming machines may also include player interface devices in addition to devices that are considered player controls for use in playing a particular game.
  • gaming machines commonly include a player card reader, a voucher or ticket reader/issuer, a currency acceptor/validator, and/or coin or token acceptors/dispensers.
  • Gaming machine 100 shown in Figure 1 includes these types of additional player interface devices on a lower portion of the cabinet 101 generally in the plane of the lower or second additional video display 108. These additional player interface devices are shown collectively at reference numeral 110 and are located around the periphery of second additional video display 108.
  • other forms of the invention may configure one or more separate displays to make up the overall display 108 with interface devices 110 or even mechanical player controls mounted within the area of the second additional video display. This use of apparent openings in the video display also applies to player control video display 105 and other video displays on machine 100.
  • Figure 1 shows four separate video displays that combine to produce the game presentation or presentations for gaming machine 100, it will be appreciated that fewer video displays maybe used.
  • a gaming machine according to the invention may include only a single video to produce a game presentation or aportion of a game presentation.
  • multiple display devices in places normally reserved for static gaming machine displays such as the "top glass” and “belly glass” of a gaming machine) allows the games or game presentations that may be produced at the gaming machine substantially infinitely variable.
  • each video display shown in Figure 1 is indicated as being a single display, it will be appreciated that each video display 104, 105, 107, and 108 shown in Figure 1 may in fact be made up of two or more separate displays that combine to provide what appears to the user to be a single display.
  • the invention is not limited to any particular type or combination of video displays. Suitable video display devices include cathode ray tubes, liquid crystal displays, plasma displays, LED displays or any other type of video displays currently known or that may be developed in the future.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing further components of gaming machine 100 together with displays 104, 105, 107, and 108 shown in Figure 1.
  • Gaming machine 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 205 along with random access memory (RAM) 206 and non-volatile memory/storage device 207. All of these devices are operatively connected together with an audio interface device 209, a communications interface 210, and a serial interface 211 through a suitable bus or bus arrangement 208.
  • Two graphics processors 212 and 213 are also connected on the bus arrangement 208 and are connected to drive video display devices 104, 105, 107, and 108.
  • Graphics processor 212 controls game video display 104 and player control display 105 while graphics processor 213 controls first additional display 107 and second additional display 108.
  • the system shown in Figure 2 also includes a touch screen controller 215 connected to system bus 208.
  • Touch screen controller 215 is also connected to receive signals from touch screen elements associated with each display device, 104, 105, 107, and 108. It will be appreciated that the touch screen elements themselves comprise thin films that are secured over the respective video display. These touch screen elements are not illustrated or referenced separately in the figures. It will also be appreciated that touch screen elements may not be associated with each display, although most preferred forms of gaming machines according to the present invention will have a touch screen element associated with at least game video display 104 and player control video display 105.
  • AU of the elements 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, and 211 shown in Figure 2 are elements commonly associated with a personal computer. These elements are preferably mounted on a standard personal computer chassis and housed in a standard personal computer housing which is itself mounted in cabinet 101 shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, the various processing elements may be mounted on one or more circuit boards mounted within cabinet 101 without a separate enclosure such as those found in personal computers. Those familiar with data processing systems and the various data processing elements shown in Figure 2 will appreciate that many variations on this illustrated structure may be used within the scope of the present invention. For example, since serial communications are commonly employed from a touch screen element secured over a video display, a system according to the invention may not include a separate touch screen controller 215.
  • communications from the touch screen elements may be accommodated through any suitable peripheral interface such as a USB controller or a IEEE 1394 controller.
  • the connections shown from touch screen controller 215 to the various video displays may alternatively run from the video displays (or more precisely the touch screen elements associated with the displays) to the serial interface 211 or any other suitable interface.
  • the gaming machine internal structure and system may be used in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
  • graphics processors are also commonly a part of modern computer systems. Although two separate graphics processors 212 and 213 are shown for controlling the four displays included in this form of the invention, it will be appreciated that a separate graphics processor maybe included in the system for each particular display. It is also possible for a single graphics processor to control all of the video displays mounted on gaming machine 100. Generally, the invention is not limited to any particular arrangement of graphics processors for controlling the various gaming machine video display devices, nor is the invention limited to gaming machines that use one or more special graphics processors separate from main processor, CPU 205.
  • CPU 205 executes game software which ultimately controls the entire gaming machine 100 including the presentation provided through video displays 104, 105, 107, and 108.
  • CPU 205 also executes software related to communications handled through communications interface 210, and software related to various peripheral devices such as those connected to the system through audio interface 209, serial interface 211, and touch screen controller 215.
  • CPU 205 may also execute software to perform accounting functions associated with game play.
  • RAM 206 provides memory for use by the central processing unit in executing its various software programs while the non- volatile memory 207 (also referred to herein as "mass storage”) provides storage for other data generated or used in the course of gaming machine operation.
  • Communications interface 210 provides an interface to other components of a gaming system that may be involved in game play.
  • U.S. Patent No.6,524, 184 provides an example of a gaming system which includes player terminals and remote systems for providing results from predetermined game play records stored at the remote systems. Even where the results of game play are determined at the gaming machine itself, gaming machines are commonly interfaced with systems for accounting and control purposes, and communications interface 210 may also provide an interface for such communications. Communications interface 210 also provides an interface to a remote device that may communicate a game loading command to gaming machine 100 as will be described further below. Audio interface 209 provides an interface for an audio system that maybe included in gaming machine 100.
  • Serial interface 211 provides an interface for serial devices such as player controls not incorporated in any touch screen display, and possibly the touch screen elements themselves, and other player interface devices such as currency acceptors/validators, a player card reader, voucher readers/printers, and coin/token drops.
  • Serial interface 211 may also provide an interface with various meters that may be included in gaming machine 100 such as a progressive meter, for example.
  • a single serial interface device is used to communicate with a number of serial devices through a suitable serial protocol such as USB or IEEE 1394.
  • suitable serial protocol such as USB or IEEE 1394.
  • additional serial interfaces may be used depending upon the nature of the serial protocols used for communications and the number of serial devices included in gaming machine 100.
  • gaming machine 100 will include basic components other than those shown in Figure 2, such as a power supply, cooling systems for the various processors, audio amplifiers and speakers, and other devices that are common in gaming machines. These additional components are omitted from the drawings so as not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail.
  • FIG. 2 also shows that gaming machine 100 includes a game instruction library/enabling arrangement 217.
  • Game instruction library 217 includes a number of game implementation devices together with at least a portion of an enabling arrangement for selectively placing any of the respective game implementation devices in and enabled state.
  • the present invention encompasses a number of different types of game implementation devices and enabling arrangements, hi the particular form of the invention shown in Figure 2, each game implementation device comprises a data carrier storing secure and certified copies of game implementing operational program code to be executed by CPU 205.
  • the enabled state for a game implementation device is a state in which the program instructions are read into RAM 206 or other suitable memory available to CPU 205 and then executed by the CPU to implement a portion of the game offered through gaming machine 100.
  • Embodiments of the present invention in which the game implementation device comprises a data carrier storing operational program code may employ many different types of data carriers.
  • the each data carrier may comprise a magnetic medium such as a magnetic disk or tape, an optically read medium such as an optical disk (CD or DVD for example), an electronic data carrier such as a PROM, EPROM, or flash memory device, or any other type of data carrier currently existing or developed in the future.
  • the particular enabling arrangement used in a given implementation of the invention will depend upon the nature of the data carrier. Examples of different enabling arrangements will be discussed below in connection with Figures 3 through 6.
  • the present invention is not limited to instances where the game implementation devices comprise data carriers storing operational program code.
  • the game implementation devices may each include one or more special purpose processing devices, or one or more general purpose processing devices together with memory storing operational program code to be executed to implement one or more game functions.
  • a game implementation device according to the present invention may comprise a special purpose processor, that is, a circuit, for determining a result for a given play in the game.
  • a game implementation device may include a circuit adapted to identify data for use in producing an appropriate display graphic on one or more of the video displays 104, 105, 107, and 108 in view of a given result.
  • a game implementation device according to the present invention may include a general purpose processor together with a suitable memory device such as a PROM chip that carries operational program code to be executed by the general purpose processor.
  • some or all of the processing performed by CPU 205 in Figure 2 may be performed instead by the enabled one of the game implementation devices.
  • some forms of the invention may omit CPU 205.
  • some forms of the present invention may include processing elements, random access memory, and non- volatile memory on a single game implementation device.
  • PvAM 206 and non- volatile memory 207 maybe omitted from a gaming machine according to the invention, and the functions of all of those elements performed by components included in the respective game implementation devices.
  • Figures 3 and 4 show an example of a game instruction library/enabling arrangement 300 having a carousel structure 301 carrying eight different game implementation devices 302.
  • This game instruction library/enabling arrangement combination maybe used for element 217 shown in Figure 2.
  • Game implementation devices 302 may include circuits storing operational program code, circuits for performing game processing functions or both memory circuits and processing circuits.
  • Game instruction library/enabling arrangement 300 also includes a motor 304 for driving carousel structure 301, a socket or other suitable connector 305 for operably engaging a selected one of the game implementation devices 302, and a manipulating structure
  • Game implementation device library/enabling arrangement 300 also includes a controller 307 for controlling the operation of carousel motor 304 and manipulating structure 306.
  • game implementation devices 302 receives a game loading instruction to place a particular one of the game implementation devices 302 in an enabled state.
  • game implementation devices 302 are loaded in a known position on carousel structure 301 and the instruction to the controller simply causes controller 307 to drive the carousel structure to a position in which the desired game implementation device 302 aligns with manipulating structure 306 and connector 305.
  • the manipulating structure contacts a portion of the aligned game implementation device and pulls the game implementation device upwardly (in the orientation of both Figures 3 and 4) until the game implementation device is in the operating position, securely engaged with connector 305.
  • game implementation device 302 and connector 305 allow the game implementation device to function as required to implement the desired game or game portion.
  • the game implementation device includes a circuit such as a flash memory circuit storing operational program code
  • the code may be accessed by a processing device (such as CPU 205 in Figure 2) when the game implementation device is in the operating position.
  • the invention encompasses any suitable arrangement for engagement between manipulating structure 306 and the respective aligned game implementation device 302.
  • the particular example shown in Figures 3 and 4 includes an engagement structure 308.
  • This engagement structure 308 is connected at one end to a drive device 309 such as a suitable solenoid.
  • the opposite end of engagement structure 308 includes two spaced apart slots 310 that are each adapted to receive a flange 311 extending from the aligned game implementation device 302 (as shown best in Figure 4).
  • drive device 309 may operate to pull the aligned and engaged game implementation device 302 upwardly in the orientation of the figures into operative engagement with the socket.
  • Each game implementation device 302 is slidably mounted on carousel 301 to facilitate movement along a radial line with respect to the carousel axis of rotation A shown in Figure 3.
  • Any suitable slidable arrangement may be used in the carousel structure to facilitate the desired movement of the respective game implementation device 302 between the stored and operating position.
  • each game implementation device 302 may be loaded into a slot providing a slight frictional engagement to maintain the game implementation device in the desired position on carousel 301 until engaged and moved by manipulating arrangement 306.
  • manipulating arrangement 306 returns the game implementation device to its stored position on carousel 301.
  • drive device 309 is driven to push engagement structure 308 downwardly in the orientation of the figures to remove the game implementation device 302 from connector 305 and return it to its stored position on carousel 301.
  • the game implementation device library/enabling arrangement 300 shown in Figures 3 and 4 is suitable for many different types of game implementation devices.
  • each game implementation device may be a flash memory device with a USB or IEEE 1394 connector.
  • connector 305 would be the corresponding USB or IEEE 1394 connector.
  • Arrangement 300 is also suitable for use with game implementation devices each made up of a circuit board having a suitable edge connector.
  • each game implementation device 302 in Figures 3 and 4 may be a PCI card carrying one or more processing devices, one or more memory devices, and additional circuitry for implementing a game or portion of a game according to the present invention.
  • the edge connector would be a PCI male connector and connector 305 would be the corresponding PCI slot connector.
  • Any other suitable connector arrangement may be used to provide the desired operative connection between the selected game implementation device 302 in the operating position and connector 305.
  • Any other standard interface may be used to connect a selected game implementation device according to the present invention such as EIDE, PCI, SCSI, or future standard interfaces.
  • a custom interface may also be used to operatively connect a selected game implementation device 302 in the operating position.
  • FIG. 5 shows an alternate game implementation device library/enabling arrangement 500 within the scope of the present invention, hi this arrangement, each game implementation device 502 is associated with a respective drive device 504 and respective connector 505. hi particular, Figure 5 shows six different game implementation devices 502, each mounted on a respective carrier 506. Each game implementation device 502 is adapted to be positioned on its respective carrier 506 alternatively in a stored/retracted position or an operating/extended position under control of the respective drive device 504. In the retracted position, a respective game implementation device 502 is disabled and unable to implement any portion of a game or affect the operation of the gaming machine.
  • each game implementation device 502 may be a circuit device such as flash memory for storing operational program code, or a processing device, or a circuit board or other package carrying one or more memory devices and one or more processing devices.
  • the engagement between the respective game implementation device 502 and its respective connector 505 may be any suitable engagement that allows respective game implementation device to perform its intended function to implement all or a portion of a game.
  • Each drive device 504 be a solenoid, rack and pinion or other gear driven arrangement, or any other device capable of selectively moving the respective game implementation device 502 on its respective carrier between the retracted and operating position.
  • a separate controller 508 is included in the illustrated arrangement 500 for generating the required control signal or signals to operate each respective drive device 504.
  • the arrangement receives a game loading instruction to place one of the game implementation devices 502 in an enabled state operatively engaged with its respective connector 505.
  • This game loading instruction causes controller 508 to send a suitable drive or control signal to the respective drive device 504 associated with the selected game implementation device 502 to move the game implementation device to the left in the orientation of Figure 5 into operative engagement with the respective connector 505.
  • controller 508 may produce an appropriate signal to cause the drive device 504 associated with the selected game implementation device 502 to retract the game implementation device from the connector back to the retracted position.
  • the game implementation library/enabling arrangement 500 shown in Figure 5 preferably stores the various game implementation devices 502 in known positions.
  • the controller 508 may easily direct the desired game implementation device 502 to be moved to the enabled state, operatively engaged in its respective connector 505.
  • the embodiment shown in Figure 5 has the possibility of leaving two or more of the different game implementation devices in an enabled state. Thus, different game implementation devices maybe mixed and matched to implement a given game.
  • one game implementation device may include a circuit that produces a random result for a game
  • another game implementation device may include program code or a processor to produce graphics instructions to driving displays of the gaming machine (such as display devices 104, 105, 107, and 108 of gaming machine 100 in Figures 1 and 2).
  • the same game implementation device 502 that functions to produce graphics for a game may be used alternatively with two or more different result producing game implementation devices which may, for example, provide different win distributions.
  • FIG. 6 shows yet another alternate embodiment for a game implementation device library/enabling arrangement shown at reference numeral 217 in Figure 2.
  • This game implementation device library/enabling arrangement 600 includes a bus 601 to which are connected a number of different game implementation devices 602.
  • Figure 6 shows five separate game implementation devices 602 connected to bus 601 through a suitable connection 605.
  • game implementation devices 602 may comprise any suitable circuit device, circuit board, or other circuit carrier device that carries one or more memory circuits storing operational program code and/or one or more general or special purpose processing circuits.
  • the connection between each game implementation device 602 and bus 601 maybe any of the types of connections discussed above with reference to Figures 3 through 5.
  • Bus 601 may be a system bus (such as bus 208 shown in Figure 2) or any other suitable communications bus over which the desired signals may be communicated to the other components of the gaming machine.
  • the bus may comprise a USB type bus and each of the sockets may comprise a USB connector.
  • each game implementation device 602 would include a USB interface and a USB controller (not shown) could provide an interface between USB type bus 601 and the system bus of the gaming machine.
  • bus 601 could be a PCI bus, a SCSI bus, or some non-standard/custom bus.
  • the different game implementation device libraries/enabling arrangements described above with reference to Figures 3 through 6 are particularly well suited for instances of the present invention in which the game implementation devices are circuit devices, circuit boards, or other circuit carriers.
  • some or all of the game implementation devices maybe read only memory devices such as CD-ROMs or DVD ROMs, for example, and the enabling arrangement maybe a CD or DVD changer.
  • the CD or DVD changer may interface with the other components of the gaming machine in any suitable fashion.
  • such a CD or DVD changer may rely on a PCI, SCSI, EIDE, USB, IEEE 1394, or any other suitable interface.
  • a CD or DVD in this CD or DVD changer form of the invention would preferablybe enabled by having operational program code and data required to implement a given game read from the CD or DVD into memory associated with the gaming machine.
  • the program code would then be executed with a processing device associated with the gaming machine such as CPU 205 in the example gaming machine shown in Figure 2.
  • an enabled state for the game implementation device is that state in which it is operatively connected in the gaming machine and capable of communicating with the other components of the gaming machine.
  • a game implementation device is made up of a device such as a memory circuit or data carrier such as a CD or DVD storing operational program code
  • the enabled state for the game implementation device is a state in which a processing device such as the CPU 205 in Figure 2 may access and execute the operational program code to implement the desired game or portion of a game.
  • the method of configuring securely configurable gaming machine according to the present invention may be described with reference to the process flowchart shown in Figure 7.
  • the method includes housing a number of the game implementation devices (302 in Figures 3 and 4, 502 in Figure 5, and 602 in Figure 6) at a gaming machine as shown at process block 701 in Figure 7.
  • the method also includes receiving a game change/game loading command as indicated at process block 702.
  • the method includes enabling one or more of the game implementation devices 302/502/602 as shown at process block 703.
  • the method then includes conducting a game as dictated by the enabled game implementation device or devices as shown at process block 704.
  • the process shown in Figure 7 enables a gaming machine, such as gaming machine 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2, to be securely configured to change a game offered at the gaming machine or at least change one or more characteristics of a game provided at the gaming machine.
  • a gaming machine may be configured to offer a first game.
  • the steps at blocks 702 and 703 may then be performed to re-configure the gaming machine to offer a second game which maybe conducted as indicated at block 704.
  • These first and second games maybe entirely unrelated games.
  • the first game implemented at gaming machine 100 may be a video poker game and the steps at blocks 702 and 703 may be performed to reconfigure the gaming machine to offer a reel-type (slot machine-type) game.
  • the first game might be video poker game with a certain graphic theme or presentation
  • the second game to which the gaming machine is configured may be a video poker game with a different graphic theme, but characteristics of play identical to the first game.
  • the invention encompasses a number of different ways to house a number of the game implementation devices at a gaming machine. Some forms of the invention house all of the game implementation devices in a single secure area in the interior of the gaming machine, accessible only to authorized personnel of the gaming facility operator or the gaming machine provider.
  • the game implementation devices 302/502/602 themselves may vary widely within the scope of the invention from media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs, to electronic memory circuits, to general or special purpose data processing devices, to combinations of memory circuits and general or special purpose data processing devices.
  • the invention encompasses any manner for receiving the game change/game loading command at the gaming machine.
  • the game change/game loading command may be received from a remote processing device in a networked gaming system in which the gaming machine is included.
  • in the game change/game loading command may be received through a player input device at the gaming machine.
  • a gaming machine itself may be configured to produce a game change/game loading command under certain circumstances detected by the gaming machine, for example, inactivity at the gaming machine for a certain period or at certain times of the day when the gaming machine is not being used by a player.
  • Other forms of invention may be configured to receive the game change/game loading command either from a remote system or from a user interface at the gaming machine.
  • the command may take any suitable form, m each case, the game change/game loading command will identify a game to which the game machine will be changed and/or the individual gaming implementation devices that must be enabled in order to allow the game machine to conduct the desired game.
  • the game change/game loading command comprises a code which prompts the desired action.
  • a controller associated with a game implementation device library/enabling arrangement such as controller 307 in Figure 3 for example
  • a controller such as controller 307 may receive a game change/game loading command code and be required to locate the required game implementation device(s) necessary to implement a game indicated by the code.
  • the game change/game loading command itself may include information which directly identifies which game implementation device(s) to place in the enabled state by the location of the game implementation device(s) in the respective game implementation device library/enabling arrangement (such as 300, 500, and 600 in Figures 3, 5, and 6, respectively).
  • enabling a game implementation device may include moving one or more game implementation devices from a stored or retracted position to an operating position operatively connected to a suitable connector such as shown in the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 and the embodiment of Figure 5.
  • the enabling process may include a boot or initialization sequence that must be performed to place the respective game implementation device in the enabled state.
  • the step shown in process block 703 in Figure 7 may include simply addressing the required game implementation device(s) on the bus.
  • enabling the game implementation device includes placing the game implementation device in a position in which the code may be read from the device. Enabling such a game implementation device also includes reading the code and placing it in condition where it may be executed by the suitable processing device.
  • the enabling step shown at process block 703 in Figure 7 will include positioning the required data carrier in a reading position in the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM changer, and reading the required operational program code.
  • the step shown at process block 703 in Figure 7 may also include disabling one or more game implementation devices that were previously enabled to implement an earlier game offered by the gaming machine.
  • a current game offered through a gaming machine uses a game implementation device including a result generating processing device
  • that game implementation device must be placed in a disabled state if a new game to be offered at the gaming machine obtains results in some other fashion, such as according to some other algorithm or from a remote network component. Placing a game implementation device in a disabled state may require removing the device from its connector (such as connector 305 in Figure 3).
  • placing the game implementation device in a disabled state may include erasing or deallocating memory locations available to the processing device which previously stored the operational program code.
  • process block 704 in Figure 7 will also depend upon the nature of the game implementation devices used in the gaming machine and the nature of the enabling arrangement.
  • the steps performed for process block 704 will also depend upon the nature of the game to be conducted at the gaming machine. For example, conducting a game requiring result determination at a remote device includes communicating with that remote device (such as a lottery ticket server or bingo game result server) to obtain the result and then producing a suitable graphic presentation to show the result. Other games may rely on results determined at the gaming machine itself.
  • that remote device such as a lottery ticket server or bingo game result server
  • Conducting this sort of game includes determining the result at the gaming machine and producing a graphic presentation to show the result, hi either the remote result determination or local result determination, conducting the game will include generating instructions for the video display devices to cause those devices to present the desired graphics.
  • a given game implementation device may include a processing element and/or program code used to generate these graphics instructions or at least participate in generating the graphics instructions.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Slot Machines And Peripheral Devices (AREA)
  • Game Rules And Presentations Of Slot Machines (AREA)
  • Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
  • Display Devices Of Pinball Game Machines (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une machine de jeu (100) comprenant un certain nombre de dispositifs de mise en oeuvre, chacun d'eux étant conçu pour être placé alternativement à l'état activé ou désactivé. Chaque dispositif de mise en oeuvre de jeu respectif fonctionne afin de mettre en oeuvre au moins une partie de jeu respectif au niveau de la machine de jeu (100) lorsque le dispositif de mise en oeuvre de jeu respectif est à l'état activé dans la machine de jeu. Ladite machine de jeu (100) comprend également un agencement d'activation permettant de placer sélectivement l'un quelconque des dispositifs de mise en oeuvre de jeu respectif à l'état activé. Un affichage (104) est inclus dans la machine de jeu (100) afin d'afficher des parties graphiques d'un jeu respectif lorsque ce jeu est mis en oeuvre au niveau de la machine de jeu (100).
EP06734514A 2005-02-04 2006-02-06 Machine de jeu configurable et son procede de configuration Withdrawn EP1850932A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/051,280 US20060178186A1 (en) 2005-02-04 2005-02-04 Configurable gaming machine and method for configuring games in a gaming machine
PCT/US2006/004308 WO2006084277A2 (fr) 2005-02-04 2006-02-06 Machine de jeu configurable et son procede de configuration

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1850932A2 true EP1850932A2 (fr) 2007-11-07
EP1850932A4 EP1850932A4 (fr) 2009-08-19

Family

ID=36778038

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06734514A Withdrawn EP1850932A4 (fr) 2005-02-04 2006-02-06 Machine de jeu configurable et son procede de configuration

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20060178186A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1850932A4 (fr)
AU (1) AU2006210418A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2601798A1 (fr)
MX (1) MX2007009320A (fr)
WO (1) WO2006084277A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20070129150A1 (en) * 2001-08-20 2007-06-07 Crowder Robert W Jr Game Conversion System
WO2008073346A2 (fr) * 2006-12-07 2008-06-19 Griffin York And Krause Procédé destiné à organiser un jeu de loterie
WO2008081154A1 (fr) * 2007-01-03 2008-07-10 Bradly Edward Carter Jeu de mesure de force en hauteur
US8876599B2 (en) * 2008-01-08 2014-11-04 Bally Gaming, Inc. Gaming machine having interchangeable display content
US8500538B2 (en) 2009-07-30 2013-08-06 Igt Bingo gaming system and method for providing multiple outcomes from single bingo pattern
US8333657B1 (en) 2011-09-26 2012-12-18 Igt Gaming system, gaming device and method for displaying multiple concurrent games using dynamic focal points

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1235222A2 (fr) * 2001-02-15 2002-08-28 Plasmon LMS, Inc. Système pour une bibliothèque composée de disques durs
EP1422713A2 (fr) * 2002-11-25 2004-05-26 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Système de stockage à disque dur

Family Cites Families (90)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2713461C2 (de) * 1977-03-26 1979-05-23 Bergwerksverband Gmbh, 4300 Essen Horizontaler Verkokungsofen
US4335809A (en) * 1979-02-13 1982-06-22 Barcrest Limited Entertainment machines
US4611808A (en) * 1982-11-29 1986-09-16 Ainsworth Nominees Pty. Limited Statistical information gathering
US4596390A (en) * 1983-01-19 1986-06-24 Studley Fred M Control cartridge selection device
US4593376A (en) * 1983-04-21 1986-06-03 Volk Larry N System for vending program cartridges which have circuitry for inhibiting program usage after preset time interval expires
US4516777A (en) * 1983-11-21 1985-05-14 Nikora Robert J Mobile self-contained video game system with instantaneously selectable game cartridges
US4722627A (en) * 1985-09-09 1988-02-02 Super Glue Corporation Clip-on paper holding system
IT1213472B (it) * 1985-09-20 1989-12-20 Atl Pty Ltd Dispositivo per la ricezione e la registrazione dei dati visualizzati nelle corse ippiche
US4856787B1 (en) * 1986-02-05 1997-09-23 Fortunet Inc Concurrent game network
CA1284225C (fr) * 1986-07-23 1991-05-14 Katsuya Nakagawa Systeme a ludiciels
JP2710316B2 (ja) * 1987-08-26 1998-02-10 任天堂株式会社 パスワード作成装置およびパスワード作成装置を用いたゲーム機
JPH0642914B2 (ja) * 1988-05-16 1994-06-08 ユニバーサル販売株式会社 遊技機の制御装置
JP2502754Y2 (ja) * 1989-12-07 1996-06-26 株式会社エス・エヌ・ケイ テレビゲ―ム機
US5249800A (en) * 1990-02-20 1993-10-05 Bally Gaming International, Inc. Progressive gaming control and communication system
US5042809A (en) * 1990-11-20 1991-08-27 Richardson Joseph J Computerized gaming device
ES2039145B1 (es) * 1991-08-01 1994-03-16 Sega Sa Sistema de conmutacion y control de cuatro placas de video-juegos
US5342047A (en) * 1992-04-08 1994-08-30 Bally Gaming International, Inc. Touch screen video gaming machine
US5259613A (en) * 1992-04-08 1993-11-09 Rio Hotel Casino, Inc. Casino entertainment system
DE4222110C2 (de) * 1992-07-06 1998-08-27 Nsm Ag Programmgesteuertes Unterhaltungs- und Spielgerät
ATA141092A (de) * 1992-07-09 1997-05-15 Novo Invest Casino Dev Ag Spielautomat spielautomat
US5951397A (en) * 1992-07-24 1999-09-14 International Game Technology Gaming machine and method using touch screen
US5242163A (en) * 1992-08-27 1993-09-07 D.D. Stud Inc. Casino game system
US5342049A (en) * 1993-03-03 1994-08-30 Michael Wichinsky Gaming machine with skill feature
DE4331258A1 (de) * 1993-09-15 1995-03-23 Nsm Ag Programmgesteuertes Unterhaltungs- und Spielgerät
US5770533A (en) * 1994-05-02 1998-06-23 Franchi; John Franco Open architecture casino operating system
DE4434128C2 (de) * 1994-09-23 2000-08-31 Atronic Casino Technology Dist Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Unterhaltungsautomaten mit einem Anzeigemittel zur Darstellung von Symbolen
DE4434126C1 (de) * 1994-09-23 1996-03-21 Atronic Casino Technology Dist Vorrichtung zur Entnahme eines Banknotenbehälters, der einer Banknotenprüfeinrichtung in einem münzbetätigten Unterhaltungsautomaten zugeordnet ist
DE4434129C2 (de) * 1994-09-23 1999-03-25 Atronic Casino Technology Dist Verfahren zur Bestimmung von Stillsetzpositionen von Umlaufkörpern einer Spieleinrichtung eines Spielautomaten
US5655961A (en) * 1994-10-12 1997-08-12 Acres Gaming, Inc. Method for operating networked gaming devices
US6272223B1 (en) * 1997-10-28 2001-08-07 Rolf Carlson System for supplying screened random numbers for use in recreational gaming in a casino or over the internet
US5725428A (en) * 1995-03-09 1998-03-10 Atronic Casino Technology Distribution Gmbh Video slot machine
AUPN220795A0 (en) * 1995-04-06 1995-05-04 Marvel Corporation Pty Ltd Audio/visual marketing device
US5802544A (en) * 1995-06-07 1998-09-01 International Business Machines Corporation Addressing multiple removable memory modules by remapping slot addresses
US6287202B1 (en) * 1996-06-28 2001-09-11 Silicon Gaming, Inc. Dynamic tournament gaming method and system
US6620047B1 (en) * 1995-06-29 2003-09-16 Igt Electronic gaming apparatus having authentication data sets
US5643086A (en) * 1995-06-29 1997-07-01 Silicon Gaming, Inc. Electronic casino gaming apparatus with improved play capacity, authentication and security
ATE496444T1 (de) * 1995-06-29 2011-02-15 Igt Reno Nev Elektronisches casinospielsystem mit verbesserten spielmöglichkeiten, authentifizierung und sicherheit
US5704835A (en) * 1995-12-13 1998-01-06 Infinity Group, Inc. Electronic second spin slot machine
US6110041A (en) * 1996-12-30 2000-08-29 Walker Digital, Llc Method and system for adapting gaming devices to playing preferences
DE19624321A1 (de) * 1996-06-18 1998-01-02 Atronic Casino Technology Dist Verfahren zur Ermittlung eines anteiligen Jackpotgewinns
US6244958B1 (en) * 1996-06-25 2001-06-12 Acres Gaming Incorporated Method for providing incentive to play gaming devices connected by a network to a host computer
US5833538A (en) * 1996-08-20 1998-11-10 Casino Data Systems Automatically varying multiple theoretical expectations on a gaming device: apparatus and method
US6645068B1 (en) * 1996-11-14 2003-11-11 Arcade Planet, Inc. Profile-driven network gaming and prize redemption system
US6634942B2 (en) * 1996-12-30 2003-10-21 Jay S. Walker System and method for automated play of multiple gaming devices
US6001016A (en) * 1996-12-31 1999-12-14 Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership Remote gaming device
US6312334B1 (en) * 1997-03-12 2001-11-06 Shuffle Master Inc Method of playing a multi-stage video wagering game
US6071190A (en) * 1997-05-21 2000-06-06 Casino Data Systems Gaming device security system: apparatus and method
US6131129A (en) * 1997-07-30 2000-10-10 Sony Corporation Of Japan Computer system within an AV/C based media changer subunit providing a standarized command set
US6511377B1 (en) * 1997-08-07 2003-01-28 Casino Data Systems Cashless gaming system: apparatus and method
US6135884A (en) * 1997-08-08 2000-10-24 International Game Technology Gaming machine having secondary display for providing video content
US6126542A (en) * 1997-08-11 2000-10-03 Boyd Gaming Corporation Gaming device and method offering primary and secondary games
US5997400A (en) * 1998-07-14 1999-12-07 Atlantic City Coin & Slot Services Co., Inc. Combined slot machine and racing game
CA2343944A1 (fr) * 1998-09-18 2000-03-30 Mikohn Gaming Corporation Systeme de bonus pour machines de jeu raccordees a un controleur
US6142873A (en) * 1998-09-22 2000-11-07 Casino Data Systems Gaming device
JP2000135377A (ja) * 1998-10-30 2000-05-16 Namco Ltd ゲームシステム及び情報記憶媒体
US6409602B1 (en) * 1998-11-06 2002-06-25 New Millenium Gaming Limited Slim terminal gaming system
US6350199B1 (en) * 1999-03-16 2002-02-26 International Game Technology Interactive gaming machine and method with customized game screen presentation
DE19929865A1 (de) * 1999-06-30 2001-01-04 Atronic Int Gmbh Verfahren zum Ermitteln eines Gewinnwertes beim Erreichen eines Spielergebnisses an einem münzbetätigten Unterhaltungsautomaten
DE19936498B4 (de) * 1999-08-05 2006-05-18 Atronic International Gmbh Vorrichtung zum Positionieren einer Symbolanzeigevorrichtung auf einem Türelement eines Gehäuses eines münzbetätigten Unterhaltungsautomaten
US6254481B1 (en) * 1999-09-10 2001-07-03 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with unified image on multiple video displays
US20030195031A1 (en) * 1999-09-22 2003-10-16 Anchor Gaming Method and device implementing a player configurable gaming machine
AUPQ500900A0 (en) * 2000-01-10 2000-02-03 Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd Gaming machine with interactive scorecard
US6524184B1 (en) * 2000-01-10 2003-02-25 Multimedia Games, Inc. Multi-level lottery-type gaming system with player-selected second level game
JP4215922B2 (ja) * 2000-01-27 2009-01-28 任天堂株式会社 ゲーム装置および記憶媒体
AUPQ610700A0 (en) * 2000-03-08 2000-03-30 Crown Limited Automatic table game
US6563771B1 (en) * 2000-03-22 2003-05-13 Storage Technology Corporation Digital data disc library apparatus
US6676522B2 (en) * 2000-04-07 2004-01-13 Igt Gaming system including portable game devices
JP4020567B2 (ja) * 2000-05-15 2007-12-12 株式会社コナミデジタルエンタテインメント ゲーム機およびそのゲーム環境設定ネットワークシステム
US7699699B2 (en) * 2000-06-23 2010-04-20 Igt Gaming device having multiple selectable display interfaces based on player's wagers
US6315664B1 (en) * 2000-06-28 2001-11-13 Igt Gaming device having an indicator selection with probability-based outcome
US20020065132A1 (en) * 2000-09-14 2002-05-30 Innovative Gaming Corporation Of America Method and apparatus for creating a multi-panel video display unit gaming device
US6960136B2 (en) * 2000-10-04 2005-11-01 Wms Gaming Inc. Gaming machine with visual and audio indicia changed over time
US6645077B2 (en) * 2000-10-19 2003-11-11 Igt Gaming terminal data repository and information distribution system
US6749510B2 (en) * 2001-02-07 2004-06-15 Wms Gaming Inc. Centralized gaming system with modifiable remote display terminals
US6645078B1 (en) * 2001-02-16 2003-11-11 International Game Technology Casino gambling apparatus with person detection
US6652378B2 (en) * 2001-06-01 2003-11-25 Igt Gaming machines and systems offering simultaneous play of multiple games and methods of gaming
US6605003B2 (en) * 2001-07-05 2003-08-12 Midway Amusement Games Llc Game rotation system for multiple game amusement game systems
US6517437B1 (en) * 2001-08-31 2003-02-11 Igt Casino gaming apparatus with multiple display
US6712698B2 (en) * 2001-09-20 2004-03-30 Igt Game service interfaces for player tracking touch screen display
US7338372B2 (en) * 2001-09-28 2008-03-04 Bally Gaming International, Inc. Reconfigurable gaming machine
DE10148056A1 (de) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-17 Atronic Int Gmbh Verfahren zum Ermitteln eines Gewinnwertes beim Erreichen eines Spielergebnisses an einem münzbetätigten Unterhaltungsautomaten
CN1214838C (zh) * 2002-01-31 2005-08-17 精工爱普生株式会社 游戏机用显示装置和游戏机
US6786624B2 (en) * 2002-05-06 2004-09-07 North American Lighting, Inc. High temperature lighting bulb shield
US7959508B2 (en) * 2002-05-14 2011-06-14 Atronic International Gmbh Gaming machine with player selection of options in bonus game
US7470181B2 (en) * 2002-05-14 2008-12-30 Atronic International Gmbh Gaming machine with player-selected hidden bonus awards and displayed possible awards
US6884173B2 (en) * 2002-05-14 2005-04-26 Atronic International Gmbh Configuration technique for a gaming machine
US7909699B2 (en) * 2002-06-27 2011-03-22 Igt Scan based configuration control in a gaming environment
US20040110566A1 (en) * 2002-07-18 2004-06-10 Schneider Steven H. Video game jukebox
US20040048657A1 (en) * 2002-09-05 2004-03-11 Michael Gauselmann Gaming machine with selectable features
US7374488B2 (en) * 2003-04-17 2008-05-20 Atronic Systems G.M.B.H. Player insert for a gaming machine, a gaming system and a method of operating a gaming system

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1235222A2 (fr) * 2001-02-15 2002-08-28 Plasmon LMS, Inc. Système pour une bibliothèque composée de disques durs
EP1422713A2 (fr) * 2002-11-25 2004-05-26 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Système de stockage à disque dur

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO2006084277A2 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2601798A1 (fr) 2006-08-10
AU2006210418A1 (en) 2006-08-10
EP1850932A4 (fr) 2009-08-19
MX2007009320A (es) 2007-11-06
US20060178186A1 (en) 2006-08-10
WO2006084277A3 (fr) 2007-09-27
WO2006084277A2 (fr) 2006-08-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20080113734A1 (en) Method and apparatus for varying potential results between plays in a bingo gaming system
US8007359B2 (en) Gaming machine and gaming method thereof
US20080045298A1 (en) Gaming machine and gaming method thereof
US8771055B2 (en) Method of gaming, a gaming system, and a game controller
US10930110B2 (en) Multi-cabinet game build and gaming machines using same
US20060178186A1 (en) Configurable gaming machine and method for configuring games in a gaming machine
AU2008252055B2 (en) A method of gaming, a game controller and a gaming sytem
AU2024202409A1 (en) A method of gaming, a gaming system, and a game controller
US20140378205A1 (en) Game machine & method for presenting payouts
US20080032775A1 (en) Gaming machine and gaming method thereof
US20080032774A1 (en) Gaming machine and gaming method thereof
US20080045313A1 (en) Gaming machine and gaming method thereof
US9378616B2 (en) Device security in a gaming machine
US20090017896A1 (en) Gaming machine with auto-detect feature activation
US20090191948A1 (en) Gaming system and a method of playing a game
WO2008045454A2 (fr) Validation d'un composant spécifique d'un jeu dans un système de jeux de paris
US20120122542A1 (en) Method of gaming, a gaming system, and a game controller
US20080274787A1 (en) Gaming Machine and Gaming Method Thereof
US20240119797A1 (en) Gaming machine and method with enhanced wheel features
US20230351853A1 (en) Symbol upgrade wave
US8376830B2 (en) Gaming system and method of gaming
US20080051183A1 (en) Gaming machine and gaming method thereof
AU2014277648B2 (en) A gaming system and method of gaming
US9514600B2 (en) Slot machine games with groups of symbols rotated together
AU2022201308A1 (en) A method of gaming, a gaming system, and a game controller

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20070831

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK YU

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20090720

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: A63F 9/24 20060101ALI20090714BHEP

Ipc: G07F 17/32 20060101ALI20090714BHEP

Ipc: G11B 17/22 20060101AFI20090714BHEP

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN

18W Application withdrawn

Effective date: 20090923