U.S. patent application number 11/051280 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-10 for configurable gaming machine and method for configuring games in a gaming machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to Multimedia Games, Inc.. Invention is credited to Clifton E. Lind.
Application Number | 20060178186 11/051280 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36778038 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060178186 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lind; Clifton E. |
August 10, 2006 |
Configurable gaming machine and method for configuring games in a
gaming machine
Abstract
A gaming machine 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.
Inventors: |
Lind; Clifton E.; (Austin,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE CULBERTSON GROUP, P.C.
1114 LOST CREEK BLVD.
SUITE 420
AUSTIN
TX
78746
US
|
Assignee: |
Multimedia Games, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
36778038 |
Appl. No.: |
11/051280 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/323 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine including: (a) a number of game implementation
devices, each respective game implementation device being operable
to implement at least a portion of a respective game at the gaming
machine when the respective game implementation device is in an
enabled state in the gaming machine; (b) an enabling arrangement
for selectively placing any of the respective implementation
devices in the enabled state; and (c) a video display for
displaying graphic portions of a respective one of the games when
the respective game is implemented at the gaming machine.
2. The gaming machine of claim 1 further including a processing
device for driving the video display to produce the graphic
portions of the respective one of the games being implemented at
the gaming machine.
3. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein each respective
implementation device includes a circuit carrier containing at
least one electronic circuit device.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the enabling arrangement
includes at least one socket and a manipulating device for
selectively inserting or withdrawing a respective one of the
circuit carriers in the socket.
5. The gaming machine of claim 1 further including a processing
device, wherein each respective implementation device comprises a
memory device storing operational program code, and wherein the
enabled state enables the processing device to execute the
operational program code stored by the respective memory
device.
6. The gaming machine of claim 5 wherein each respective memory
device comprises a read only memory device.
7. The gaming machine of claim 5 wherein the enabling arrangement
comprises a memory device changer for selectively accessing any one
of the memory devices.
8. The gaming machine of claim 1 further including at least two
additional video displays for displaying additional graphic
portions of the respective one of the games being implemented at
the gaming machine.
9. A method including: (a) housing a number of game implementation
devices in a secure area of a gaming machine, each respective game
implementation device being operable when in an enabled state to
implement at least a portion of a respective game at the gaming
machine; (b) 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; and (c)
conducting a game at the gaming machine, the game being conducted
at least in part through the respective implementation device in
the enabled state.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the placing the selected game
implementation device in the enabled state includes inserting a
circuit carrier in a socket.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein the placing the selected game
implementation device in the enabled state includes placing a data
carrier in a data reading position in a data carrier changer.
12. The method of claim 9 wherein the placing the selected game
implementation device in the enabled state includes reading game
implementation data and instructions from the respective
implementation device in the enabled state.
13. The method of claim 9 further including the step of receiving
the game loading command from a separate processing device over a
network communications path.
14. The method of claim 9 further including the step of generating
the game loading command at the gaming machine in response to a
player input.
15. A program product stored on at least one machine readable
medium, the program product including: (a) game enabling program
code executable to selectively enable a respective game
implementation device in response to a game loading command, the
respective game implementation device being selected from among a
number of different game implementation devices, each respective
game implementation device being operable when in a respective
enabled state to implement at least a portion of a game offered
through a gaming machine; and (b) command program code executable
to receive a game selection input and generating the game loading
command in response to the game selection input.
16. The program product of claim 15 wherein the command program
code is executed by a processing device at the gaming machine and
further including player interface program code for enabling a
player at the gaming machine to enter the game selection input.
17. The program product of claim 15 wherein the command program
code is executed by a processing device remote from the gaming
machine and further including command communications program code
that configures the gaming machine to receive the game loading
command over a communications network.
18. The program product of claim 15 wherein the game enabling
program code is executed to address a respective one of the game
implementation devices from among the number of different game
implementation devices.
19. The program product of claim 15 wherein the game enabling
program code is executed to position a respective one of the game
implementation devices in a socket to facilitate communications to
and from the game implementation device.
20. The program product of claim 15 wherein the game enabling
program code is executed to position a respective one of the game
implementation devices in a reading position in a media changer.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 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.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] Regardless of whether general purpose or special purpose
processing devices are employed in a gaming machine, modern gaming
machines employing such electronic devices may be relatively easy
to modify as compared to traditional mechanical gaming machines. In
the case of gaming machines using general purpose processing
devices, games may be modified substantially by causing the
processing devices to execute new or different operational program
code. In the case of gaming machines employing 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.
[0005] While the ability to easily modify modern gaming machines
opens up a great number of possibilities for gaming facility
operators, the relative ease with which modern gaming machines may
be 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] 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 a remote 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. In particular, 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] In some forms of the invention, each game implementation
device comprises a read only memory device storing operational
program code. In these forms of the invention, 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. In these forms of the invention, 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.
[0009] As used in this disclosure and the accompanying claims,
implementing a portion of a game at a gaming machine means that at
least some aspect of the game is performed. For example, the
portion of the game may be a portion of a display generated at a
video monitor in the course of the game. As another example, 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. It will
be noted that 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.
[0010] A preferred method according to the present invention
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.
[0011] Some forms of the present invention are implemented through
a computer program executed at the gaming machine. Thus, the
invention also encompasses program products. A program product
according to one preferred form of the present invention 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.
[0012] By housing a number of different game implementation devices
at a gaming machine according to the invention, 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.
[0013] These and other advantages and features of the invention
will be apparent from the following description of the preferred
embodiments, considered along with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is view in perspective of a gaming machine embodying
the principles of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is diagrammatic representation of the various
components that may be included in a gaming machine according to
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of a game instruction
library according to one preferred form of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic end view of the game instruction
library shown in FIG. 3.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of an alternate game
instruction library according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of another alternate
game instruction library according to the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a process flow diagram illustrating a process
according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The claims at the end of this application set out novel
features which the Applicants believe are characteristic of the
invention. The various advantages and features of the invention
together with preferred modes of use of the invention will best be
understood by reference to the following description of
illustrative embodiments read in conjunction with the drawings
introduced above.
[0022] FIGS. 1 and 2 may be used to describe a particular gaming
machine embodying the principles of the present invention. FIGS. 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 FIG. 7
will be referred to below to describe a method embodying the
principles of the invention.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, 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. In 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 FIG. 1 and the descriptions of positions
above or below certain elements are made with reference to this
illustrated operating position.
[0024] Gaming machine 100 illustrated in FIG. 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. With this
separate player control touch screen, 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. In 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. However, all of the traditional player control inputs
from devices such as switches, buttons, and pointer controls, can
be provided through the illustrated touch screen display/player
control device 105 and/or touch screen elements incorporated with
the other displays 104, 107, and 108 included in gaming machine
100. Using the separate player control touch screen display 105 in
gaming machine 100 allows the player controls to be modified
readily from one game presentation to the next and even within a
single presentation.
[0025] It will be appreciated that gaming machines may also include
player interface devices in addition to devices that are considered
player controls for use in playing a particular game. For example,
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 FIG. 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. However, 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.
[0026] Although FIG. 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 may be used. For example, a gaming machine according to
the invention may include only a single video to produce a game
presentation or a portion of a game presentation. However, the use
of 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. Also, although each video display shown in FIG. 1 is
indicated as being a single display, it will be appreciated that
each video display 104, 105, 107, and 108 shown in FIG. 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.
Furthermore, 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.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing further components of
gaming machine 100 together with displays 104, 105, 107, and 108
shown in FIG. 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 FIG. 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.
[0028] All of the elements 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, and 211
shown in FIG. 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
FIG. 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 FIG. 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.
Rather, communications from the touch screen elements may be
accommodated through any suitable peripheral interface such as a
USB controller or a IEEE 1394 controller. Thus, 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.
Numerous other variations in the gaming machine internal structure
and system may be used in accordance with the principles of the
present invention.
[0029] It will also be appreciated that 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 may be 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.
[0030] In the illustrated gaming machine 100, 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. For example, some gaming machines
rely on remote processing units for providing accounting functions
associated with game play and also for providing game results. U.S.
Pat. 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.
[0031] Audio interface 209 provides an interface for an audio
system that may be 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. Commonly, 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. However, it will
be appreciated that 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.
[0032] Those familiar with modern gaming machines will understand
that gaming machine 100 will include basic components other than
those shown in FIG. 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.
[0033] 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. In the particular form of the invention
shown in FIG. 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. In this form of
the invention, 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. For
example, 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 FIGS. 3 through 6.
[0034] The present invention is not limited to instances where the
game implementation devices comprise data carriers storing
operational program code. In some forms of the invention, 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. For example, 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. Instead of or in
addition to a result determining circuit, 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. As
another example, 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.
[0035] In forms of the present invention in which the game
implementation devices include processing circuits, some or all of
the processing performed by CPU 205 in FIG. 2 may be performed
instead by the enabled one of the game implementation devices.
Thus, some forms of the invention may omit CPU 205. It should also
be noted that some forms of the present invention may include
processing elements, random access memory, and non-volatile memory
on a single game implementation device. Thus, not only CPU 205, but
also RAM 206 and non-volatile memory 207 may be 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.
[0036] FIGS. 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 may be used
for element 217 shown in FIG. 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 306 for moving any selected one of the game
implementation devices from a stored position on the carousel
structure to an operating position in connector 305. Game
implementation device library/enabling arrangement 300 also
includes a controller 307 for controlling the operation of carousel
motor 304 and manipulating structure 306.
[0037] In the operation of game implementation library/enabling
arrangement 300, controller 307 receives a game loading instruction
to place a particular one of the game implementation devices 302 in
an enabled state. Preferably, 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. Once the desired game implementation device 302
is aligned 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 FIGS. 3 and 4) until the game
implementation device is in the operating position, securely
engaged with connector 305. At this point electrical contacts
between game implementation device 302 and connector 305 allow the
game implementation device to function as required to implement the
desired game or game portion. For example, where 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 FIG. 2) when the game
implementation device is in the operating position.
[0038] 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 FIGS. 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 FIG. 4). In this
engaged position, 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 FIG. 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. For example, 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. When it is no longer necessary to operatively engage a given
game implementation device 302 in connector 305, manipulating
arrangement 306 returns the game implementation device to its
stored position on carousel 301. In the illustrated form of the
invention shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 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.
[0039] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
numerous different arrangements may be used to selectively place a
given one of the game implementation device 302 in FIGS. 3 and 4 in
the operating position in which the operational program code and
data stored on the respective device 302 may be read by a suitable
processing device such as CPU 205 in FIG. 2. For example there are
numerous ways to engage a particular one of the game implementation
devices 302 to bring it into operative contact with connector 305.
Numerous drive arrangements may be used in lieu of a solenoid for
drive device 309. For example, a pinion gear may be driven by a
suitable motor to drive a rack which in turn causes the engagement
structure 308 to move as required to position the aligned game
implementation device 302. Also, some forms of the invention may
not include a separate controller associated with the game
implementation device library/enabling arrangement 300. Other forms
of the invention may control drive device 309 and carousel motor
304 directly through signals from a processing device such as CPU
205 in FIG. 2.
[0040] The game implementation device library/enabling arrangement
300 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is suitable for many different types of
game implementation devices. For example, each game implementation
device may be a flash memory device with a USB or IEEE 1394
connector. In this case, 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. For example, each game
implementation device 302 in FIGS. 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. In this
example, 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. Also, a custom
interface may also be used to operatively connect a selected game
implementation device 302 in the operating position.
[0041] FIG. 5 shows an alternate game implementation device
library/enabling arrangement 500 within the scope of the present
invention. In this arrangement, each game implementation device 502
is associated with a respective drive device 504 and respective
connector 505. In particular, FIG. 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. However, when a given one of the
game implementation devices 502 is in the operating position in its
respective connector 505, the respective game implementation device
is operable to implement a portion or all of a given game available
at the gaming machine in which game implementation device
library/enabling arrangement 500 is included. As in the game
implementation device library/enabling arrangement shown in FIGS. 3
and 4, 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. Also as
with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, 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.
[0042] In operation of the game implementation library/enabling
arrangement 500 shown in FIG. 5, 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 FIG. 5 into operative engagement with the respective
connector 505. Once the operative engagement with the respective
connector 505 is no longer necessary, 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.
[0043] As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the game
implementation library/enabling arrangement 500 shown in FIG. 5
preferably stores the various game implementation devices 502 in
known positions. In this way, 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.
Unlike, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the embodiment shown
in FIG. 5 has the possibility of leaving two or more of the
different game implementation devices in an enabled state. Thus,
different game implementation devices may be mixed and matched to
implement a given game. For example, one game implementation device
may include a circuit that produces a random result for a game,
while 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 FIGS. 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.
[0044] FIG. 6 shows yet another alternate embodiment for a game
implementation device library/enabling arrangement shown at
reference numeral 217 in FIG. 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.
FIG. 6 shows five separate game implementation devices 602
connected to bus 601 through a suitable connection 605. As in the
embodiments of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, 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 may be any of the types
of connections discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3 through 5.
Also, the connections employed in the embodiment of FIG. 6 may also
be permanent or soldered connections, such as C4 connections for
example. Bus 601 may be a system bus (such as bus 208 shown in FIG.
2) or any other suitable communications bus over which the desired
signals may be communicated to the other components of the gaming
machine. For example, the bus may comprise a USB type bus and each
of the sockets may comprise a USB connector. In this USB example,
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.
Alternatively, bus 601 could be a PCI bus, a SCSI bus, or some
non-standard/custom bus.
[0045] The different game implementation device libraries/enabling
arrangements described above with reference to FIGS. 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. In other forms of the
present invention, some or all of the game implementation devices
may be read only memory devices such as CD-ROMs or DVD ROMs, for
example, and the enabling arrangement may be a CD or DVD changer.
In these forms of the invention the CD or DVD changer may interface
with the other components of the gaming machine in any suitable
fashion. For example, such a CD or DVD changer may rely on a PCI,
SCSI, EIDE, USB, IEEE 1394, or any other suitable interface.
Regardless of the particular interface employed, a CD or DVD in
this CD or DVD changer form of the invention would preferably be
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 FIG.
2.
[0046] It will be noted from the above alternate game
implementation device libraries/enabling arrangements that the
meaning of an "enabled state" for a given game implementation
device depends upon the nature of the game implementation device
and how it is used in the given gaming machine. For example, where
one or more processing devices make up a game implementation
device, 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. Where 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 FIG. 2 may access and execute the operational
program code to implement the desired game or portion of a
game.
[0047] The method of configuring securely configurable gaming
machine according to the present invention may be described with
reference to the process flowchart shown in FIG. 7. The method
includes housing a number of the game implementation devices (302
in FIGS. 3 and 4, 502 in FIG. 5, and 602 in FIG. 6) at a gaming
machine as shown at process block 701 in FIG. 7. The method also
includes receiving a game change/game loading command as indicated
at process block 702. In response to the game change/game loading
command, 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.
[0048] The process shown in FIG. 7 enables a gaming machine, such
as gaming machine 100 shown in FIGS. 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. For example, prior to performing the steps
indicated at blocks 702, 703, and 704 in FIG. 7, 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 may be conducted as indicated at block
704. These first and second games may be entirely unrelated games.
For example, 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. As another example, the first game might
be video poker game with a certain graphic theme or presentation,
and 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.
[0049] 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. As
discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3 through 6, 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.
[0050] The invention encompasses any manner for receiving the game
change/game loading command at the gaming machine. In some forms of
the invention, 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 other forms of invention
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.
[0051] Regardless of where the game change/game loading command
originates, the command may take any suitable form. In 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. In some preferred forms
of invention, the game change/game loading command comprises a code
which prompts the desired action. For example, a controller
associated with a game implementation device library/enabling
arrangement (such as controller 307 in FIG. 3 for example) may
interpret a received game change/game loading command code to
identify the game implementation device or devices which must be
enabled to conduct a given game. As another 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. In yet other forms of the invention, 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 FIGS. 3, 5, and 6,
respectively).
[0052] The steps required to enable the required game
implementation device(s) required for the respective game
associated with the game change/game loading command will depend
upon the nature of the game implementation device and the enabling
arrangement. For example, 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 FIGS. 3 and 4 and the embodiment of FIG. 5. In these
arrangements, once each required game implementation device is in
the operating position, 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. Where
the game enabling arrangement includes an arrangement such as that
shown in FIG. 6, the step shown in process block 703 in FIG. 7 may
include simply addressing the required game implementation
device(s) on the bus.
[0053] Where a particular game implementation device (302/502/602)
stores operational program code that must be executed by processing
device such as CPU 205 shown FIG. 2, 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. Where one or more game
implementation devices comprise a data carrier such as a CD-ROM or
DVD-ROM, the enabling step shown at process block 703 in FIG. 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.
[0054] In any of the embodiments of the game implementation device
library/enabling arrangement, it will be appreciated that the step
shown at process block 703 in FIG. 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. For
example, where 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 FIG. 3).
Alternatively, where a game implementation device only stores
operational program code executed by a gaming machine processor
(such as CPU 205 in FIG. 2) 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.
[0055] The specific processes or functions that are performed for
process block 704 in FIG. 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.
Conducting this sort of game includes determining the result at the
gaming machine and producing a graphic presentation to show the
result. In 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.
[0056] The above described preferred embodiments are intended to
illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit the
scope of the invention. Various other embodiments and modifications
to these preferred embodiments may be made by those skilled in the
art without departing from the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *