RU41892U1 - GAME NETWORK CONTROLLER - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The utility model relates to the field of entertainment and gambling, to the design of gaming network equipment and can be used in local and global casino networks or gaming halls that use homogeneous and heterogeneous, located at any distance from each other and from the information center (IVC) gaming devices and other gaming network equipment.

BACKGROUND

Currently, the most widespread are gaming networks combining similarly located gaming machines that are used to draw a single prize.

With the increase in the number of gaming equipment inside the halls of slot machines and casinos, with the increase in the number of halls of slot machines and casinos, with increasing competition among operator companies, there is a need to provide players with additional services and capabilities, such as a variety of additional wins when playing any game on any gaming machine or casino gaming table, the organization of new games with the participation of several or many players at the same time, the organization of a system of reward players for participating in the main and complement ial games (accruing bonus points), simplifying payments for the game and get the winning, as well as the need arises in the organization of the account of money, timely collection of information about the events taking place on the gaming devices, and control of the technical state of play equipment. For this, it is necessary to unite in a single gaming network a large number of gaming equipment that is heterogeneous in types of communication interfaces and information exchange protocols, located in one

a gaming machine hall or a casino, and at large distances from each other - in different areas, cities, countries - depending on the scope of the gaming company operator, to receive information from the gaming equipment, monitor its functioning and manage its operation in the mode real-time from the ITC of the operator company.

Known technical means do not allow to combine gaming equipment located at any distance from each other. Attempts to unite into a single gaming network using well-known technical means of equipment located at significant distances from each other, lead to a sharp increase in the cost of the gaming network and a decrease in the quality of its functioning.

Known technical means also do not allow combining heterogeneous gaming equipment, or they are designed in such a way that, if it is necessary to connect a new type of equipment or when solving new problems, their structural refinement and replacement in the entire gaming network is required, which leads to an increase in the cost of the gaming network and an increase in its complexity organization and does not allow the operator to use the latest technical developments in the entertainment industry.

A device is known for an additional game for a reward, which is played simultaneously by the host of the game and many players at the casino gaming table with many player positions, each of which has a receiver for tokens, light-emitting diodes-indicators for each player, a controller by which at the command of the master, the token receiver is blocked, random number generators connected to the controller, a display connected to the controller to display a random winning combination or card, uu communication network and a personal computer having a controller input / output card, the additional master controller and software [RF patent 2142309, A 63 F 9/24, publ. 12/10/1999, Bull. 34]. A significant disadvantage of this device is its operability only when connecting to the system identical to each other equipment of playing places, compatible with the type of input / output information signals of the personal computer of the host.

There is a known system for accounting bets and winnings in gaming machines by means of a constant account of the wagered amounts and the amounts paid as prizes in

random prize gaming machines, which comprises a control device connected to the communication board in the infrared range and the adapter board connected to the information terminal, installed in the gaming machine and carrying out all operations for reading, storing and transmitting information, and communication between the communication board and the adapter is carried out by means of infrared signals, which for this are equipped with emitters and receivers, and the control device installed in the gaming machine contains microcontrol Communication er, supervisor element that ensures the correct operation of the circuit and communication elements that determine software and power failures [RF Application No. 94031566/09 G 07 F 17/38, publ. 1996.06.20].

A characteristic feature of this system is that the communication circuit is designed in accordance with the RS232 interface and allows you to connect peripheral devices that work only in this standard in limited local networks to the control tool, while the control tool contains a microcontroller that performs counting operations and acts as a memory device for storing information, fueled by a battery in case of power failures, an element of the supervisor that defines as failures When the program is run, there are power failures and a communication element designed to electronically transmit information to the communication board in the infrared range, and the entire control system is mounted on a printed circuit board, which, in addition to microcontroller elements, a supervisor element, communication elements and related electronic circuits, equipped with a connector through which communication with the gaming machine and communication board in the infrared range, as well as installation elements for installing the board inside cars.

Known controllers of certain types of gaming equipment, in particular, gaming machine controllers SMIB (Slot Machine Interface Board) company Mikohn, USA. However, these controllers are only suitable for connecting homogeneous gaming machines only to local networks.

The closest in technical essence and the achieved technical result (prototype) is a previously developed system of gaming devices with network controllers of a gaming device system, which

comprise a processor with input / output ports of information signals, a storage device, means for transmitting information signals, software and hardware for autonomous automatic and / or remote monitoring of the operation of the network controller itself and / or one or more blocks of the network controller and / or game devices and / or additional equipment for gaming devices and / or information boards and / or means for transmitting information signals and / or their software, software mm-hardware means of autonomous automatic and / or remote configuration of the operation of the network controller itself and / or one or more blocks of the network controller and / or additional equipment of gaming devices and / or information boards and / or means of transmitting information signals and / or their software and software and hardware means for protecting information signals and / or software for a network controller and / or means for transmitting information signals, wherein the controller processor contains an integrated program execution control device and at least one of the processor ports contains a universal asynchronous information signal transceiver or other similar means with the ability to process or convert in real time heterogeneous communication interfaces, for example TTL, RS232, RS422, RS485 or other standards or protocols for the information exchange of an information and computing center with gaming devices and / or additional gaming equipment devices and / or information boards or other switched devices, and the hardware blocks of the network controller are made with the ability to perform the functions of a network controller of a gaming device, a network controller of a information board and a network two-channel analyzer converter [RF Patent No. 2202124 G 07 F 19/00, G 07 F 161/00, A 63 F 13/12, publ. 2003.04.10, Bull. 10] (prototype).

The technical disadvantages of the network controllers in the prototype system are limited functionality, design complexity, a fixed, structurally limited number of communication ports for input / output of information signals of a predetermined type, the installation of all elements on one board, and the presence of one processor

(microcontroller) with an external supervisor of power and operation. In this case, if a new type of gaming equipment appears on the gaming network that operates via a communication interface or information exchange protocol that was not previously provided for in the network controller, it is necessary to change the design of the network controller and replace the network controllers in the entire game network.

TASKS OF A USEFUL MODEL

The main technical problem (a technical problem that has not been fully resolved to date) that is hampering the development of the gaming business is that increasing the mass character, increasing the requirements for the efficiency and economy of modern gaming networks, the attractiveness and excitement of games in gaming networks require joining local (within one slot machine hall or casino) and global (within several remote from any slot machine halls or casino halls) networks of heterogeneous construction and operation of gaming devices and gaming networks of heterogeneous hardware, but well-known and available to date network controllers or structurally complicated and not reliable enough to use, or permit to integrate into the local network only homogeneous playground equipment.

In modern gaming networks, simultaneous connection to a gaming network of a large number of different equipment with heterogeneous standards for transmitting information signals (TTL, RS232, RS422, RS485, etc.), new types of interfaces, new standards for transmitting signals in the radio range and fiber optic lines. Therefore, the design of the network controllers of the gaming network equipment should include all possible and necessary input / output ports of information signals of various types and, accordingly, should provide the ability to quickly adapt network controllers to newly arising specific tasks and provide the ability to quickly modify network controllers.

TECHNICAL RESULT OF A USEFUL MODEL

The required technical result (the purpose of the utility model) achieved by using the utility model is the solution of the above inventive problems by creating a new design of the network controller of the gaming network equipment, which allows combining remote gaming networks

almost at any distance from each other and from the ITC, the gaming network equipment (OIC), uniform and heterogeneous in design and function, allows you to transmit and process real-time information signals from gaming network equipment with different types of communication interfaces and information exchange protocols, while increasing economic efficiency, reliability, reducing the complexity of manufacturing and maintaining gaming networks, providing adaptive capabilities (if necessary, To solve a specific problem) to connect to the gaming network changes the number and variety of peripheral equipment gaming network operating according to different types of communication interfaces and protocols for information exchange.

ESSENCE OF A USEFUL MODEL

The required technical result when using the utility model (the goal) is achieved by the fact that the network controller of the gaming network equipment contains information and computer center (ITC) and gaming network equipment (OIC) connected by means of transmitting information signals.

ACCORDING TO THE USEFUL MODEL, it contains a main board with a main board processor with input / output ports for information signals, with an adaptation for the main board connected to one of the input / output ports for information signals of the main board processor, and a means for processing communication interfaces and information exchange protocols between the ITC and OIC connected to the adaptation of the main board and made in the form of at least one expansion card or several expansion cards containing conversion interfaces of information exchange protocols between the network controller and the ITC or OIC and expansion card processors with input / output ports of information signals, some of which are connected via the main board adaptation means to the input / output port of information signals of the main board processor, and others are configured connections through means of converting interfaces and protocols of information exchange between the information and computer center and the gaming network equipment and through the means of transferring information signaling with an information-computer center or with gaming network equipment.

At the same time, the means of converting information exchange interfaces between the network controller and the ITC or OIC is made in the form of a universal asynchronous transceiver of information signals, the main board adaptation means is made in the form of a bus driver.

In addition, the main board contains means for generating and / or storing a unique identification number of the network controller connected to one of the input / output ports of information signals of the main board processor, a read-only memory and random access memory connected to input / output ports of information signals of the main board processor , as well as an intelligent panel with a real clock connected to one of the input / output ports of information signals of the processor of the main board time, a power controller and an autonomous power source, providing autonomous operation of the network controller in case of damage to the transmission of information signals or interruption of the exchange of information signals with the ITC.

In addition, the main board and / or expansion cards contain diagnostic tools connected to the input / output ports of the information signals of the processors of the main board and expansion cards, one of the input / output ports of the information signals of the processor of the expansion board is connected via the main board adaptation means to the input / output port information signals of the processor of the main board, and the other input / output port of information signals of the processor of the expansion board is connected through the interface conversion tool and the protocol in the information exchange between and the ITC or OIC, through the means of transmitting information signals from the ITC or from the OIC.

In this case, the means of converting the interfaces and protocols of information exchange between the network controller and the ITC or OIC is made with the possibility of connecting through the means of transmitting information signals to the equipment of the gaming network in the form of gaming devices, visual and audio information devices, information card readers, devices for players to interact with OIC .

In this case, the network controller contains software located in the memory of the processor of the main board, the processor of the expansion board, in a read-only memory and random access memory,

providing the ability to receive information signals through the means of transmitting information signals from the IVC and from the IPO, their processing and transmission through the means of transmitting information signals to the IVC and to the IPO.

Moreover, the network controller is configured to receive information signals from the ITC and from the gaming device, process and transmit it to the ITC and the gaming device, and contains software with the ability to receive, process, and transmit information signals about the status and / or functioning of the gaming device, counters gaming device, additional equipment for the gaming device, their software, means of transmitting information signals, as well as with the possibility of remote configuration of the network controller, determining the type of protocols for the exchange of information signals, as well as with the possibility of autonomous automatic and remote zeroing and restarting the network controller in cases of detecting signs of incorrect operation or in the absence of signs of correct operation of the gaming device, game device counters, additional equipment for the gaming device, their software , means of transmitting information signals or directly to the network controller itself, and the corresponding ata extension comprises security means and converting the electrical signals from the OIS.

Moreover, the network controller is configured to receive information signals from the information and communication center and from visual and sound informing means, their processing and transmission to the information and computer center and visual and sound informing means, and contains software with the ability to control the functioning of the informative means in real time using appropriate means of visual and audible signaling and indication, as well as with the ability to control information means through om regulation of the composition, order and form of filing information signals about the facts of winnings, the current value of the sums of winnings and information of an advertising nature, the possibility of receiving information signals from the ITC and from visual and sound information tools, their processing and transmission to the ITC and to visual and sound information tools and contains software with the ability to receive, process and transmit information signals about the status and functioning of funds

information and their software, as well as with the ability to remotely configure the means of information, determine the connection schemes, the order and duration of activation of the equipment for certain events, as well as the ability to autonomously and remotely restart the corresponding software and reload templates that specify the form and order of information display signals of several or any of the means of informing in cases of detecting signs of incorrect work oty or in the absence of signs of the correct operation of the means of information, and their software.

In this case, the main board and expansion cards contain software and hardware for setting up and monitoring the operation, the main board and expansion cards of the network controller are configured to connect a software download device, as well as with the possibility of reprogramming, and the network controller is capable of autonomous functioning in case of damage to the funds transmitting information signals or when interrupting the exchange of information signals with the ITC.

Moreover, the network controller is configured to receive, process and transmit information signals in real time, further comprises a means of protecting information signals and / or software of the network controller from unauthorized access, and the means of protecting external incoming / outgoing information signals of the network controller is made in the form encryption / decryption software, and a means of protecting internal information signals and network control software lehr embodied as a hardware access restriction.

At the same time, the network controller is configured to autonomously automatically display in real time the results of monitoring the status and operation of the network controller itself, the main board, expansion cards, and OIS.

In addition, the network controller is configured to connect to means of transmitting information signals in the form of dedicated or switched communication lines, for example, in the form of fiber optic lines, in the form of electric or radio channels, in the form of a local network or wide area network

INTERNET, with the ability to connect to gaming devices in the form of electronic-mechanical gaming machines and machines, video game machines and video machines, computerized gaming devices or other homogeneous and heterogeneous information systems for the exchange of gaming devices, the ability to record, control and analyze financial parameters and gaming performance network, the ability to control and analyze the functioning of gaming devices and receive reports based on information collected my real-time gaming device gaming network, providing the ability to control the technical condition and operation of the gaming network equipment and the ability to ensure the organization and functioning of the system of additional local and wide area progressive winnings gaming devices gaming network.

LIST OF DRAWINGS FIGURES

The disclosure of the utility model is illustrated by the drawings of figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the connection of a heterogeneous OIC with the ITC through a network controller according to a utility model.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a design of a network controller.

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of expansion cards of the EX-A type, designed primarily for connecting to the information center, connecting indicators of advertising information boards with the type of communication interface RS485 and devices for user interaction with the system.

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of expansion cards of the EX-B type, designed primarily for connecting indicators of advertising information boards with a type of communication interface RS422, sound notification devices about system events with a type of communication interface RS422 and devices for reading user identifiers ( card readers).

Figure 5 shows a block diagram of a variant of the design of the expansion card type EX-C, designed primarily for connecting indicators of advertising information boards with the type of communication

RS232 interface, user ID readers (card readers) and gaming devices with the RS232 communication interface type.

Fig. 6 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of an EX-D type expansion card designed primarily for connecting gaming devices with a type of communication interface StykS2, sound notification devices about system events with a type of communication interface StykS2 and devices for reading user identifiers (card readers )

Figure 7 shows a block diagram of the organization of the gaming network with the most commonly used, but not all possible, options for connecting the IPO to the network controller to ensure communication of the IPO with the ITC.

Fig. 8 shows a flowchart of a method for organizing and operating a system of additional local and global progressive wins on gaming devices of a gaming network using network controllers.

EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION OF A USEFUL MODEL

Some individual particular features of the utility model are known, however, the totality of essential features of the utility model among technical solutions known in science and technology, in the scope of the search, was not found.

The set of essential features of the utility model performs new, previously unknown functions, that is, it provides the opportunity to obtain a new technical result.

Typical technical features of network controllers according to a utility model are the presence of main boards and expansion cards (up to 6 pcs or more, depending on the design of adaptation means - bus shapers), the presence on each expansion board of its own processor with software, and a variable number and types of input ports - output of information signals located on expansion cards.

All this allows us to provide the above functionality and adapt network controllers to solve a specific task of modifying or functioning a gaming network, install as many ports and the type that is necessary for a specific gaming network, reduces the cost of solving a specific problem, as well as the cost of manufacturing and maintaining a network controller . If you need to use new types of interfaces,

the problem is easily solved by manufacturing and installing new modified expansion cards with appropriate interfaces and software in the network controllers.

A characteristic feature of the network controller according to the utility model is also the modularity of the hardware and software construction, therefore, the software and hardware tools for monitoring and functioning of the OIC do not negatively affect each other. This dramatically increases the reliability of the OIC and ensures the simplicity of its control and management.

The software update of the main board and expansion cards is performed without replacing the microcircuits - by downloading through special software and hardware modules (ports) located on the main board and expansion cards. It is advisable to update the software mainly in the repair area using specialized programmers.

The design of the network controller according to the utility model allows the use of modern element base and software to perform the specified functionality. This allows you to significantly miniaturize the network controller, significantly reduce the cost of its manufacture, increase the reliability of its operation and ensure the implementation of these functionality at the hardware level.

At the same time, it is possible to combine the functions of network controllers of gaming devices and network controllers of information boards in the same hardware and software systems, that is, the same network controllers, can be used both to control the operation of gaming machines and to monitor and control the operation of indicators of advertising information boards . It is also possible to use network controllers according to a utility model and as network analyzer-converters.

Using network controllers according to a utility model allows for scalability (changing the scale of implementation) and scalability of the composition of gaming networks by installing additional, usually heterogeneous equipment, connecting new and modifying existing equipment without making significant changes to it, thus, new types and

the number of end devices of gaming network equipment does not affect the quality of functioning of network controllers according to a utility model.

The essence of the utility model is illustrated by examples of the implementation of the utility model.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the connection of the network controller 1 with the ITC 2 and with a heterogeneous OIC in the form of gaming devices 3, indicators of advertising information boards 4, sound notification devices about system events 5, devices for reading user identifiers and operation indicators of these devices 6 , devices for user interaction with the system 7.

IVC 2 is, for example, a personal computer with a database installed on it, database management tools, software and client applications that provide gaming network functions. The tasks of the ITC include: detecting equipment newly connected to the network (initialization of network controllers and gaming network equipment or restoration of communication with them after a loss of connection); fast detection of loss of communication with equipment; making decisions on messages received from equipment; formation and sending messages to the gaming network equipment.

To communicate with the IVC 2 in the network controller 1, an expansion card 10 of type EX-A is used (Fig. 3). The software of expansion cards of type 10 EX-A is intended for organizing communication between the network controller 1 and the data center 2.

To connect the gaming devices 3 to the gaming network, an expansion card 10 of EX-C type (Fig. 5) and EX-D type (Fig. 6) corresponding to the type of communication interface used in the gaming devices 3 (RS232 - EX) is installed in the network controller 1 -C, StykS2 - EX-D), and with software designed to connect to gaming devices 3.

Indicators of advertising information boards 4 are intended for displaying information on accumulated winnings, on the size and place of winnings, for displaying system messages and information of an advertising nature. Typically, in game networks, several types of indicators are used, differing in size, color, external design, etc., as well as types of communication interfaces - RS232, RS422, RS485.

To connect the indicators of the advertising information boards 4 to the network controllers 1, install expansion cards 10 corresponding to the type of communication interface used in these indicators, for example RS232 - EX-C (figure 5), RS422 - EX-B (figure 4), RS485 - EX-A (figure 3) having software designed to connect to these indicators.

The sound notification device for system events 5 is an MPEG player module for sounding events in the gaming network by playing back a sequence of sound fragments located in an external storage device for controlling additional warning devices using a 6-channel switch. To connect the sound notification device 5, an expansion card 10 is installed in the network controller that corresponds to the type of communication interface used in this sound notification device 5 (RS422 - EX-B, StykS2 - EX-D), which has software designed to connect to this device sound alert 5.

The device for reading user identifiers and operation indicators of these devices 6 are devices for reading magnetic, chip or other information cards and are intended to identify users of the gaming network, for example, to accrue bonus points to a player for a game. To connect devices for reading user identifiers 6, an EX-C type expansion card (Fig. 5) or EX-D (Fig. 6) is installed in the network controller

To connect devices for user interaction with the system 7 in the network controller 1 install expansion card 10 type EX-A (figure 3), with software designed to connect with these devices. The user interaction devices with system 7 allow the player to determine the desired actions (for example, cashless transfer of the amount from the player’s account to the machine, from the machine to the account, account selection, PIN input, etc.), provide the display of the result of the operation and / or other information and can be performed, for example, in the form of additional modules for gaming machines, with a set of buttons and graphic or text indicators, or in the form of touch screens.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the design of a network controller 1 according to a utility model, containing a main board 8 with an identifying device 9 in the form of a chip (for example, chip DS2401, http://pdfserv.maxim-ic.com/en/ds/DS2401 .pdf) or other similar means generating and / or storing a unique identification number to uniquely identify the network controller 1 in the gaming network, expansion cards 10, the processor of the main board 12 (for example, the Atmega 128 processor, http://www.atmel.com / dyn / resources / prod documents / doc2467.pdf, with program memory built into the Atmegal 28 processor m - 128kB, internal RAM - 4kB integrated into the Atmegal 28 processor, 4kB internal ROM integrated into the Atmegal 28 processor, internal firmware and / or functional adjustment built into the Atmegal 28 processor, with an Atmega128 UARTO processor port for connecting boot devices software 11 in the memory of programs and / or diagnostics (for example, a Palm 105 microcomputer or a personal computer with special software), an Atmega128 SPI processor port, and other input / output ports of information signals ), external EPROM 13 (for example, an external sequential access EPROM based on the AT24C256 microcircuit, http://www.atmel.com/dyn/resources/prod documents / doc0670.pdf) for storing text templates displayed on indicators of billboards 4, external RAM 14 (for example, external 32 kB RAM based on the SRAM 8X256kBit chip, http://www.sharpsma.com/sma/products/memory/specifications/slow sram / tec specs lh52256ch-8511.pdf) for storing configuration files and system messages, adaptation means 15 in the form of a bus driver for communication with expansion cards, an intelligent connection panel 16 (for example, a panel al DS1216, http://pdfserv.maxim-ic.com/en/ds/DS1216-DS1216D.pdf) for ensuring the non-volatility of external RAM 14 and for the formation of system time.

The main board 8 of the network controller 1 in a preferred embodiment has adaptation means 15 in the form of a bus driver, mainly into six (or more, if necessary) slots (for example, a bus driver based on the 74HC243SO chip, http://focus.ti.com /lit/ds/symlink/cd74hc243.pdf) for connecting boards

extension 10, which is determined by the needs of the network for connecting equipment and ensuring the optimal size of the network controller.

Depending on the type of equipment to be connected, various types of expansion cards with various software are installed in the network controller, in particular, an expansion card 10 of type EX-A is installed in one of the slots (Fig. 3) for communication with the data center 2, and in others - expansion cards 10 corresponding to the type of equipment to be connected.

For example, to the network controller 1 for communication with the information and computing center 2, you can connect four indicators of the advertising information boards 4, operating via the RS485 interface, one indicator of the advertising and information display 4, operating via the RS232 interface, game device 3 operating via the RS232 interface and a user ID reader 6 mounted on the gaming device 3, for which two racks are installed in the randomly selected slots of the bus driver 15 on the main board 8 of the network controller 1 extension EX-10 type A (with software), and two expansion cards, type EX-C (with software), the two slots of the bus driver 15 on the baseboard 8 network controller 1 remains unused.

Figure 3, 4, 5, 6, shows the block diagrams of the main options for the design of expansion cards, in particular, expansion cards of the EX-A type, designed primarily for connecting indicators of advertising information boards, devices for user interaction with the system and connecting with information and computing center (Fig. 3), expansion cards of the EX-B type, designed primarily for connecting indicators of advertising information boards, reading devices for user identifiers and sound devices information about system events (Fig. 4), expansion cards of the EX-C type, designed primarily for connecting indicators of advertising information boards, gaming devices and readers of user identifiers (Fig. 5) and expansion cards of the EX-D type, designed primarily for connecting gaming devices, sound notification devices about system events, devices for reading user identifiers (Fig.6).

Expansion cards 10 contain the processors of expansion cards 18 installed on them (for example, Atmega323 processors, http://www.atmel.com/dyn/resources/proddocuments/doc1457.pdf) containing program memory (for example, program memory built into the Atmega323 processor - 32kB), RAM (for example, 2kB internal RAM integrated into the Atmega323 processor), ROM (for example, 1kB internal ROM integrated into the Atmega323 processor), ports for connecting built-in diagnostic devices 19 (for example, parallel ports of Atmega323 processors), software hardware controls and / or settings are functional ia (for example, internal firmware and / or functional settings built into the Atmega323 processor), ports for connecting software download devices 17 (for example, a personal computer with special software and a programmer) to the program memory and / or connecting to the main board (for example, SPI ports of the Atmega323 processor), input / output ports of information signals (for example, UART ports of the Atmega323 processor), as well as diagnostic devices 19 (for example, LEDs of different colors) and with interface conversion tools 20 (for example, for the RS485 interface, the ADM485 chip, http://www.analog.com/UploadedFiles/Data Sheets / 32947177190506ADM485e.pdf, for the JointS2 interface, the RS829 chip http://smaecom1.sharpsec.com/eprise/main / FldrSharp / / Techpub / productfocus / publications / opto / infrared / photocpl / tec datasheet pc829 849.pdf, for the RS422 interface chip ADM488, and for the RS232 interface chip ADM202J, http://www.analog.com/UploadedFiles/Data Sheets / 373417631ADM488 9 b.pdf.http: //www.analog.com/UploadedFiles/Data Sheets 440303855ADM202 3 a.pdf).

The main technical functions of the network controller according to the utility model are the reception of messages from the ITC, sending messages to the ITC, receiving messages from the gaming network equipment and sending messages to the gaming network equipment.

Messages received from the IVC include requests for various information about the operation of the network controller and the gaming network equipment connected to it, as well as the commands that must be executed by the network controller or gaming network equipment connected to it. Via

The ITC receives, for example, information on the current operating parameters of the network controller and gaming equipment (settings, type of communication protocol, available additional equipment), information on the version of software installed on the network controller or gaming equipment, information on counters of gaming equipment (for example, the number of games played on the gaming device). Commands include, for example: loading network controller and game network equipment operation parameters, resetting and restarting the network controller or game network equipment. The network controller should send a confirmation of receipt of a command or a response to a request to all messages arriving from the IVC. If no response is received from the network controller within the time specified in the IVC, the IVC deletes the non-responding network controller from the list of gaming equipment working equipment in the IVC.

Some IVC messages are broadcast. Broadcast messages include information and information center messages with information for a large number of gaming network equipment, for example, loading the current progressive win value for display on several indicators of the scoreboard or transmitting the current operating mode of gaming network devices (usually inside one room - for example, a test operating mode of equipment, for checking the operation of display devices). Messages sent by the ITC broadcast usually do not require acknowledgment from network controllers.

The network controller, in order to start working as part of the gaming network, needs to wait for the request of the ITC, and then obtain from the ITC the operating parameters of the network controller itself and the gaming network equipment connected to it. These parameters are stored in the IVC and recorded there until the network controller is connected to the gaming network.

In order for the network controller to transmit its own messages and messages from the OIC connected to it to the IVC, the IVC, at the intervals specified in the IVC, sends requests to all network controllers connected to the gaming network. In response to such a request, the network controller can transmit any message it has. Messages sent by the network controller to the IVC include responses to the IVC requests, as well as

messages about events that occur in the network controller or OIC connected to it, for example, a message about a jackpot winning on a gaming device or about incorrect operation of the network controller or OIS itself.

The interaction of the network controller with the OIC depends on the type of equipment connected to the network controller and is determined by the software of expansion cards for this equipment. For example, the following main types of equipment can be used in a gaming network: one type of equipment can only send messages to the network controller about events that have occurred inside the gaming network equipment (this type includes devices for reading user identifiers and some game devices used on the network), another the type can receive messages from the network controller and send responses to requests from the network controller and messages about events that occurred inside the OIC - these are indicators of advertising information onnyh display, audible warning devices for system events, device users interact with the system, as well as most gaming device used in gaming network.

All messages received by the network controller from the IPO are stored in the memory of the network controller and then either sent to the information center (for example, a message about the jackpot winning on the gaming device, the number of games played on the gaming device, a message about incorrect operation of the user ID reader), or are processed by ourselves network controller (for example, a message stating that in the indicator of the advertising information board there is no one of the templates for displaying information, as a result of which the network controller sends the indicator the desired template, which is stored in the ROM of the network controller itself).

In order for the gaming network equipment that can receive messages from the network controller to be able to transmit its own messages to the network controller and further to the ITC, the network controller, at intervals specified in it, sends requests to the entire OIC connected to it. In response to such a request, the equipment can transmit any message it has, for example, about winning a jackpot on a gaming device or about incorrect operation. If no response from the network controller is received from

equipment within the time specified in the network controller, the network controller will send a message to the ITC about the loss of communication with the IPO.

When commands and requests from the IVC appear in the network controller, the network controller, in response to some messages, transmits information it has previously received from the OIC (for example, requesting game device counters — the number of credits put on the game, the number of credits won, the number of games played, the maximum gain of the gaming device), and transfers the other part to the gaming network equipment for execution (for example, a command to restart the equipment, a command to load the current value of the progressive winning for Brazi on the indicator of an advertising information board).

In the event of damage to the means of transmitting information signals or interrupting the exchange of information signals with the IVC, the autonomous functioning of the network controller is ensured. For this, with the help of an intelligent panel, the non-volatility of the external RAM of the network controller is ensured and all messages received by the network controller are stored in the external RAM of the network controller with the indication of the time they were received for further transmission to the ITC. If there is no communication with the ITC, then the network controller will send all messages after reconnecting with the ITC.

The network controller operates and provides the transmission of messages from the information center to the OIC as follows:

A message from the ITC 2, for example, information about the place and amount of the winnings, is transmitted by means of transmitting information signals to the expansion card 10 of the EX-A type (Figure 3). Through a means of converting heterogeneous interfaces 20, if an interface conversion is necessary, the message is transmitted to the input / output port of information signals of the processor of the expansion board 18 and placed in the internal RAM of the processor 18. Using the input / output port of the processor of the expansion board 18, the message is transmitted to the main board 8 network controller (Figure 2). Through the adaptation means, the bus driver 15, the message is transmitted to the input / output port of the information signals of the processor of the main board 12. The processor of the main board 12 places the message in the external RAM 14, putting a time stamp on it using the real-time clock built into the smart panel 16. The processor the main board 12 determines which of the connected to this

the received controller is addressed to the network controller of the gaming network equipment (for example, to the indicator of the advertising information board 4) and transmits the message from the external RAM 14 via the input / output port via the bus driver 15 to the corresponding expansion card 10 of the network controller (for example, EX-B. see Fig. 4). Through the input / output port of the processor of the expansion card 18, the message is placed in the internal RAM of the processor of the expansion card 18. Then, using the input / output port of the processor of the expansion card 18, the message is transmitted through the means for converting heterogeneous interfaces 20 (if conversion is necessary) to the gaming network equipment (for example, an indicator advertising and information board 4).

Using network controllers according to a utility model allows you to organize a system of additional local and global progressive wins (Jackpots) on the gaming devices of the gaming network. The jackpot can be played at the player’s main bet, when the player does not need additional investments to participate in the Jackpot, and the additional winnings are formed from deductions from the main bets of the players. The jackpot can also be played at the player’s bet, additional to the main game, while the additional win is formed from deductions from the players ’extra bets. Each player bet can take part in several jackpots. The percentage of deductions to the Jackpot, as well as the range of values of the main and additional bets of the players taking part in a certain draw, are set by the organizers of the games and recorded in the ITC.

Fig. 8 shows a flowchart of a method for organizing and operating a system of additional local and global progressive wins on gaming devices of a gaming network, when a value of a win amount is randomly generated or randomly generated within a predetermined range of additional win values. The winner of the additional win is determined by the player on the gaming device on which the last bet was made, deductions from which led to the coincidence of the generated and accumulated values. After the occurrence of the winning event, the accumulated jackpot amount is reduced to the starting value set in the IVC.

A high degree of adaptation of the network controller is achieved through the use of various expansion cards in the design. This allows you to increase the number of types of communication interfaces and information exchange protocols used in the equipment of the gaming network, as a result of which provide an almost unlimited coverage area of the gaming network, provide the ability to integrate an unlimited number of homogeneous and heterogeneous gaming equipment into the gaming network, as well as drastically reduce the complexity of network maintenance, to provide the possibility of remote control and operational reprogramming of network software blocks ontrollers.

Thus, the combination of general and private essential features of inventions provides the opportunity to solve the set inventive problems, achieve the goal of inventions and confidently achieve the required new technical result when using inventions.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY.

To confirm the feasibility of implementing the utility model in an industrial way and experimentally confirm the feasibility of achieving the required technical result, pilot industrial models of the claimed network controllers were manufactured and tested, a gaming equipment system was created and implemented using network controllers according to the utility model within the framework of a single information and prize game network, which showed high efficiency of using network controllers according to a utility model.

Practical field tests showed that the use of the inventive network controllers of the gaming network equipment allows us to implement the utility model in an industrial way and confirmed the fundamental performance of the utility model with its wide practical application in a real-life, created with the participation of the applicant, unified prize-winning network “JACKPOT” in St. Petersburg , Moscow, Arkhangelsk, Bishkek, Blagoveshchensk, Cheboksary, Yekaterinburg, Khabarovsk, Irkutsk, Kaluga, Kazan, Kemerovo, Kiev, Krasnodar re, Krasnoyarsk, Murmansk, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Orenburg, Penza, Perm, Pyatigorsk, Rostov, Ryazan, Samara, Saratov, Sochi, Surgut, Tver, Ulan Ude, Ulyanovsk, Vladikavkaz, Vladivostok, Volgograd, Vorka Yakutsk, Yaroslavl.

Claims (25)

1. A network controller of a gaming network equipment comprising an information and computing center and gaming network equipment connected by means of transmitting information signals, characterized in that the network controller comprises a main board with a main board processor with input / output ports for information signals, with means for adapting the main board, connected to one of the input / output ports of information signals of the processor of the main board, and means for processing communication interfaces and information protocols exchange between the information and computing center and the gaming network equipment connected to the main board adaptation means and made in the form of one or more expansion cards containing means for converting interfaces and information exchange protocols between the network controller and the information and computing center or gaming network equipment and circuit processors extensions with input / output ports of information signals, some of which are connected via the main board adaptation tool to the input / output port nformatsionnyh signal processor of the main board, and the other adapted to connect through the protocol conversion interfaces and data exchange between the computer center and hardware gaming network and information signals through transmission means with computer center or equipment gaming network. 2. The network controller according to claim 1, characterized in that the main board adaptation means is in the form of a bus driver, and the means for converting interfaces and information exchange protocols between the network controller and the data processing center or gaming network equipment on expansion cards are made in the form of universal asynchronous transceivers of information signals. 3. The network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the main board comprises means for generating and / or storing a unique identification number of the network controller connected to one of the input / output ports of information signals of the processor of the main board. 4. The network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the main board and / or expansion cards contain diagnostic tools connected to the input / output ports of the information signals of the processors of the main board and expansion cards. 5. A network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the main board contains read-only memory and random access memory connected to input / output ports of information signals of the main board processor. 6. The network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the main board contains an intelligent panel connected to one of the input / output ports of the information signals of the processor of the main board with a real-time clock, a power controller and an autonomous power source that provide autonomous operation network controller in case of damage to the means of transmitting information signals or interrupting the exchange of information signals with the information and computer center. 7. The network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the means of converting the interfaces and protocols of the information exchange between the network controller and the information processing center or the gaming network equipment is configured to connect through the means of transmitting information signals to the gaming network equipment in in the form of gaming devices, visual and sound information tools, information card readers, devices for players to interact with game network equipment. 8. The network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the network controller contains software located in the memory of the processor of the main board, processors of expansion cards, in a read-only memory and random access memory, which provide the possibility of receiving information signals through means transmission of information signals from the information and computing center and from the equipment of the gaming network, their processing and transmission through means of transmitting information signals to the information computing center and to the equipment of the gaming network. 9. The network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the network controller is configured to receive information signals from the information and computing center and from the gaming device, process and transmit them to the information and computer center and to the gaming device, and comprises software with the ability to receive, process and transmit information signals about the status and / or functioning of the gaming device, counters of the gaming device, additional equipment of the gaming device, their program there is a lot of support, means of transmitting information signals, as well as with the ability to remotely configure the network controller, determine the type of protocols for exchanging information signals, as well as with the possibility of autonomous automatic and remote zeroing and restarting the network controller in cases of detecting signs of incorrect operation or in the absence of signs of correct game operation devices, counters of the gaming device, additional equipment of the gaming device, their software both sintering, means of transmitting information signals or directly to the network controller itself. 10. A network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the expansion card comprises means for protecting and converting electrical signals from gaming network equipment. 11. The network controller according to any one of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the network controller comprises means for receiving information signals from the information and computer center and from visual and sound information, processing and transmitting them to the information and computer center and visual and sound informing and contains software with the ability to control in real time the functioning of the means of informing using appropriate means of visual and sound signaling and display, as well as to control information by means of regulating the composition of the order and the form feed information signals on wins facts, the current value of the sums of gains and advertising information. 12. The network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the network controller comprises software with the ability to receive, process and transmit information signals about the status and functioning of the information media and their software, as well as with the ability to remotely configure the media , definition of connection schemes, order and duration of activation of equipment for certain events, as well as with the possibility of autonomous automatic and remote restart accordingly of the corresponding software and reloading of templates defining the form and display order of information signals of several or any of the means of informing in cases of detecting signs of incorrect operation or in the absence of signs of correct operation of the informing means, and their software. 13. A network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the main board and expansion cards comprise software and hardware for setting up and monitoring the functioning. 14. The network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the main board and expansion cards of the network controller comprise means for connecting a software download device and reprogramming. 15. The network controller according to claim 14, characterized in that the network controller comprises means for providing autonomous functioning in case of damage to the transmission of information signals or when interrupting the exchange of information signals with the information and computer center. 16. The network controller according to any one of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the network controller comprises means for receiving, processing and transmitting information signals in real time. 17. The network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the network controller further comprises a means of protecting information signals and / or network controller software from unauthorized access. 18. The network controller according to claim 17, wherein the means of protecting the external input / output information signals of the network controller is in the form of encryption / decryption software, and the means of protecting the internal information signals and software of the network controller is made in the form of access control hardware . 19. A network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the network controller comprises means for autonomous automatic real-time indication of the results of monitoring the status and functioning of the network controller itself, the main board, expansion cards and gaming network equipment. 20. A network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the network controller is connected to means for transmitting information signals in the form of dedicated or switched communication lines, for example, in the form of fiber optic lines, in the form of electrical or radio channels, in the form of a local network or global internet. 21. A network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the network controller is connected to gaming devices in the form of electronic-mechanical gaming machines and machines, video game machines and video machines, computerized gaming devices or other uniform and heterogeneous information communication interfaces and protocols gaming devices. 22. The network controller according to any one of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the network controller comprises means for accounting, control and analysis of financial parameters and gaming network performance. 23. A network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the network controller comprises means for monitoring and analyzing the functioning of gaming devices and receiving reports based on information collected in real time from gaming devices of the gaming network. 24. The network controller according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the network controller comprises means for monitoring the technical condition and functioning of the gaming network equipment. 25. The network controller according to any one of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the network controller is connected to a system of additional local and global progressive wins on gaming devices of the gaming network.