U.S. patent application number 11/936652 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-15 for sentinel/guard for protecting a predefined gaming area.
Invention is credited to Christine Denlay.
Application Number | 20080113774 11/936652 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39369861 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080113774 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Denlay; Christine |
May 15, 2008 |
SENTINEL/GUARD FOR PROTECTING A PREDEFINED GAMING AREA
Abstract
Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for monitoring
and authorizing communication and activity in a gaming environment.
Certain embodiments provide a system for electronic gaming and
monitoring. The system includes an electronic gaming chip capable
of being activated or inactivated based at least in part on a
command received at the chip. The chip stores value and
identification information and provides the value and
identification information when authorized as activated. The system
further includes a sentinel monitoring communication in a certain
monitored area and authorizing activation and use of the chip based
on the identification information. Additionally, the system
includes a table intelligence facilitating game play using the chip
based on authorized received from the sentinel.
Inventors: |
Denlay; Christine; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
39369861 |
Appl. No.: |
11/936652 |
Filed: |
November 7, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60857828 |
Nov 10, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3232 20130101;
G06F 21/35 20130101; G07F 17/3251 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3241 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A system for electronic gaming and monitoring, said system
comprising: an electronic gaming chip capable of being activated or
inactivated based at least in part on a command received at said
chip, said chip storing value and identification information and
providing said value and identification information when authorized
as activated; a sentinel monitoring communication in a certain
monitored area and authorizing activation and use of said chip
based on said identification information; and a table intelligence
facilitating game play using said chip based on authorized received
from said sentinel.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a database including
chip identification information for use by the sentinel in
verifying and authorizing the chip.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a portable gaming
table providing mobile game play to a user, said portable gaming
table storing identification information and providing said
identification information for mobile game play when authorized by
said sentinel.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said chip comprises a morphable
chip including a processor, a memory, and a morphable surface
having at least one alterable characteristic.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein said sentinel turns said chip on
within said monitored area and off when said chip leaves said
monitored area.
6. The system of claim 3, wherein said sentinel turns said portable
gaming table on within said monitored area and off when said
portable gaming table leaves said monitored area.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said sentinel blocks data
transmissions entering said monitored area that originate outside
of said monitored area.
8. A method for monitoring and authorizing electronic transmissions
in a gaming environment including at least one electronic gaming
chip, at least one sentinel adapted to monitor and authorize
communication in a monitored area of the gaming environment, and at
least one table intelligence adapted to facilitate game play using
the at least one electronic gaming chip, said method comprising:
monitoring communication in a certain monitored area; receiving an
identification signal from an electronic gaming chip at a sentinel,
said identification signal comprising value and identification
information for said electronic gaming chip; identifying said
electronic gaming chip based on said identification information;
verifying said value for said electronic gaming chip; authorizing
activation and use of said electronic gaming chip for game play
with a table intelligence.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said authorizing step turns said
chip on within said monitored area and off when said chip leaves
said monitored area.
10. The method of claim 8, further comprising blocking data
transmissions entering said monitored area that originate outside
of said monitored area.
11. The method of claim 8, further comprising updating said value
associated with said chip based on authorization from said
sentinel.
12. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving a
communication from said electronic gaming chip at said table
intelligence; and transmitting, from said table intelligence, a
request for identification and authorization of said electronic
gaming chip by said sentinel.
13. The method of claim 8, further comprising authorizing, by said
sentinel, activation of a portable gaming table providing mobile
game play to a user in conjunction with said table intelligence,
said portable gaming table storing identification information and
providing said identification information for mobile game play when
authorized by said sentinel.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein said sentinel turns said
portable gaming table on within said monitored area and off when
said portable gaming table leaves said monitored area.
15. A system for monitoring and regulating electronic devices in a
gaming environment, said system comprising: a sentinel including a
processor, a memory, a transmitter and a receiver, said sentinel
adapted to 1) monitor communication in a certain area of the gaming
environment; 2) identify an electronic gaming device based on
identification information included in a received identification
signal; and 3) authorize activation and use of said electronic
gaming device based on said identification information, said
sentinel generating an authorization signal to enable said
activation and use.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein said sentinel comprises an
electronic gaming chip.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein said sentinel comprises an
electronic, portable gaming tablet.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the transmitter and receiver of
said sentinel are combined as a transceiver.
19. The system of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of
sentinels.
20. The system of claim 15, further comprising a cage computer in
communication with said sentinel, said cage computer including a
database having identification information for use in identifying
said electronic gaming device.
20. The system of claim 15, further comprising a remote computer in
communication with said sentinel, said remote computer including a
database having identification information for use in identifying
said electronic gaming device.
22. The system of claim 15, wherein said certain area of the gaming
environment comprises a casino gaining area.
23. The system of claim 15, wherein said certain area of the gaming
environment comprises at least one of a poolside area and a dining
area.
24. The system of claim 15, wherein said sentinel generates at
least one of a field and a signal to interfere with unauthorized
transmissions in said certain area.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/857,828 filed on Nov. 10, 2006, entitled
"Sentinel/Guard for Protecting a Predefined Gaming Area," which is
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention generally prevents wireless information from
affecting electronic gaming devices within a predefined gaming
area. A purpose of the prevention is to protect or secure the area
from unwanted information, instructions or commands which may
activate electrical devices within the area or provide data on the
state or operation of those devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Transmission of electronic signals in a gaming environment
is becoming increasingly commonplace. Transmission of electronic
signals invites greater opportunities for interference and
tampering in a gaming environment which is intended to be highly
regulated and secure.
[0004] Casinos utilize chips, such as poker-style chips, to
represent a player's funds. Electronic chips may be used to provide
greater flexibility, as well as greater capacity to track and relay
information, for casinos, players, and manufacturers alike.
[0005] Electronic gaming chips having an adjustable display which
may include value may provide such flexibility but introduce an
element of gaming system vulnerability to outside attack or
interference which cannot be remedied using current systems and
methods.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for
monitoring and authorizing communication and activity in a gaming
environment.
[0007] Certain embodiments provide a system for electronic gaming
and monitoring. The system includes an electronic gaming chip
capable of being activated or inactivated based at least in part on
a command received at the chip. The chip stores value and
identification information and provides the value and
identification information when authorized as activated. The system
further includes a sentinel monitoring communication in a certain
monitored area and authorizing activation and use of the chip based
on the identification information. Additionally, the system
includes a table intelligence facilitating game play using the chip
based on authorized received from the sentinel.
[0008] Certain embodiments provide a method for monitoring and
authorizing electronic transmissions in a gaming environment
including at least one electronic gaming chip, at least one
sentinel adapted to monitor and authorize communication in a
monitored area of the gaming environment, and at least one table
intelligence adapted to facilitate game play using the at least one
electronic gaming chip. The method includes monitoring
communication in a certain monitored area and receiving an
identification signal from an electronic gaming chip at a sentinel.
The identification signal includes value and identification
information for the electronic gaming chip. The method also
includes identifying the electronic gaming chip based on the
identification information and verifying the value for the
electronic gaming chip. The method further includes authorizing
activation and use of the electronic gaming chip for game play with
a table having compatible intelligence.
[0009] Certain embodiments provide a system for monitoring and
regulating electronic devices in a gaming environment. The system
includes a sentinel including a processor, a memory, a transmitter
and a receiver. The sentinel is adapted to 1) monitor communication
in a certain area of the gaming environment; 2) identify an
electronic gaming device based on identification information
included in a received identification signal; and 3) authorize
activation and use of the electronic gaming device based on the
identification information. The sentinel generates an authorization
signal to enable the activation and use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a casino floor having gaming machines
networked to a central computer, and a bar coded player tracking
module.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram for a method for providing
data security in a predefined gaming area in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will
be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended
drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain
embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood,
however, that the present invention is not limited to the
arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
[0013] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a
"sentinel" which stands guard and monitors data coming into or
leaving a particular area. Certain embodiments prevent wireless
data transmissions from affecting electronic gaming devices within
a predefined gaming area. Certain embodiments protect or secure an
area in a gaming environment from unwanted information,
instructions, commands, and/or intrusions which may activate
electrical devices within the area, affect operation of those
devices, and/or intercept transmissions to and/or from the
electrical devices, for example.
[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, a particular localized area is shown in
box 11. Two sentinels 13, 15 monitor area 11. A "smart" gaming chip
17 (e.g., a chip or other token including a processor and/or other
circuitry for data transmission, reception and/or processing, such
as an electronic poker chip) sends particular formatted data to
table intelligence, diagrammatically shown at 19, 21, 23 (e.g., via
wireless data transmission). Table intelligence 19, 21, 23 may
include a processor and/or other processing circuitry, one or more
memories storing at least game play information, a communication
mechanism such as an antenna, receiver, transmitter, transceiver,
and/or other transmission/reception device, and/or the like. Data
transmitted along transmission path 25 is encrypted such that table
intelligence 19 recognizes the smart chip 17, and may change the
value of chip 17 as play progresses.
[0015] An unauthorized person 27 cannot send information into
localized area 11 in order to affect table intelligence 19 or chip
17. When chip 17 receives data, as for example from table
intelligence 19, chip 17 will, in turn, send a request to Sentinel
13 for authorization. Sentinel 13 will authorize the particular
signal that was received by chip 17. Thus, an unauthorized person
27 outside of area 11, when sending information in an attempt to
control or change chip 17, will be stopped by action of Sentinel
13. The Sentinel 13 will only authorize data coming from table
intelligence 19 to chip 17. The Sentinel 13 may authorize data
and/or otherwise enable a chip based on a signal transmitted to the
chip 17, a field generated to activate the chip 17, etc. In certain
embodiments, sentinels 13, 15 may generate a field to block and/or
interfere with other signals in the area 11, for example.
[0016] Chip 17 may be used on any one of the tables managed by
intelligence 19, 21, 23. Sentinel 13, for example, contains a
database of the identities of chips 17 which may be used on any of
the three tables. Sentinels 13, 15, monitor signals transmitted
from table intelligence 19, 21, 23, identifying the play at the
tables and the chips involved.
[0017] In certain embodiments, Sentinels 13, 15, 39, 41 include a
processor, memory, and a communication mechanism such as an
antenna, receiver, transmitter, transceiver, and/or other
transmission/reception device. Sentinels 13, 15, 39, 41 communicate
with chip 17, table intelligence 19, 21, 23, and/or other external
system (e.g., cage 35 and/or a remote server) to verify chip 17
authenticity and/or value, for example.
[0018] For example, Sentinels 13, 15 are able to sense a chip 17
moving into and out of area 11 as the chip 17 is carried by a
player indicated at 29. If desired, Sentinels 13, 15 may be
programmed to generate a jamming signal that is focused so as to
jam any electrical signals entering and/or leaving area 11.
[0019] When a player 29 moves outside of area 11, indicated by path
31, Sentinel 15, for example, places a value of the chip 17 carried
by the player into the player's account in a database, and erases
the value held by the chip 17 or else turns the chip 17 "off".
[0020] In certain embodiments, table intelligence 19, 21, 23
includes a processor, memory, and a communication mechanism such as
an antenna, receiver, transmitter, transceiver, and/or other
transmission/reception device. Table intelligence 19, 21, 23
communicate with chip 17, table sentinel 13, 15, 39, 41, and/or
other external system to verify chip 17 authenticity and/or value,
configure table game play, provide player tracking information,
etc.
[0021] For example, table intelligence 19 changes the value or
display of a particular chip 17 during play at the table. Table
intelligence 19 sends a signal for chip value change to the chip 17
which in turn is sent to Sentinel 13 by chip 17 to authorize the
signal. Sentinel 13 confirms or authorizes the signal to allow chip
17 to respond and change its value
[0022] Additionally, when player 29 walks into area 11 along path
33, Sentinels 13, 15 communicate with a chip 17 in the possession
of player 29. Sentinel 15, for example, may sense the chip's
presence and perform a number of functions. For example, Sentinel
15 may have previously turned chip 17 off, effectively putting the
chip 17 to sleep. When the chip 17 now returns to area 11, an
electrical signal from Sentinel 15 turns the chip 17 back on
permitting it to play on any of the three tables in the area 11.
Once the chip 17 moves into area 11, it is turned on and begins to
listen for a value signal on a very low power scheme.
[0023] When turned on, chip 17 provides a visual indicator, for
example, an ink color, which indicates the chip 17 is active and
the value of the chip 17. Alternatively, a display mechanism on the
chip 17 may display its value. Alternatively, a table (such as a
gaming table, gaming terminal, other gaming device, and/or other
table) may determine and indicate the value of the chip 17. As the
chip 17 is placed onto the table, the table lights up a $10
display, for example, indicating the value of the chip 17.
[0024] In addition, in certain embodiments, a cage 35 located on
the casino or other gaming floor has a database for identifying all
chip numbers that are usable on the floor. The cage is linked to
the database in order to retrieve the value of each chip 17. In
other embodiments, a chip identification database is located
remotely and is in communication with the cage 35 computer,
sentinels 13, 15, 39, 41, and/or table intelligence 19, 21, 23.
[0025] In addition, in certain embodiments, a central system 43
located on the casino or other gaming floor has a database for
authenticating chip and/or other game play information usable on
the floor. The central system 43 may include and/or be linked to
the database in order to retrieve the value of each chip 17, for
example. In other embodiments, the central system 43 may be located
remotely and be in communication with the cage 35 computer,
sentinels 13, 15, 39, 41, and/or table intelligence 19, 21, 23, for
example.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a portable table 37 may be moved into
and out of area 11. Portable table 37 may be a notebook or pad that
provides a game display, as an example. When portable table 37
resides inside area 11, it operates properly. Portable table 37 may
be moved to, for example, the swimming pool area and continue to
operate correctly. However, if the table 37 is moved outside of
Sentinels 39, 41, where the player leaves the casino, Sentinels 39,
41 will turn off table 37.
[0027] Each of the tables 37 may have a location sensor, a GPS, to
monitor locations of the tables 37. If a table 37 is removed from a
particular designated area, the table 37 is taken or removed from
the trusted table list. Alternatively, an alarm may be sent that
the table 37 is no longer able to be activated. To reactivate the
table 37, the table 37 must be taken to security. When the table
leaves the area, Sentinels 39, 41 will turn the table 37 off as
well as notify the central database that the table 37 has left the
area. Alternatively, the table 37 itself may identify its location
and send a signal to a Sentinel 39, 41 when it determines that it
is leaving the area.
[0028] In certain embodiments, the table 37 may be a portable table
or tablet for use in wireless gaming within a gaming environment,
such as a casino. The table or tablet may be carried to a plurality
of locations in and/or adjacent to the gaming environment, as for
example, the swimming pool area, allowing the player to participate
in live table games occurring on the casino floor or else allowing
the player to play non-table games. In certain embodiments, a
tablet includes a two-way communication device allowing the player
of the tablet to participate in a live casino game. The tablet
establishes an identification number for the tablet, for example,
so that wager and win information may be accounted. The player's
personal identification number is downloaded to the tablet by the
casino. The tablet may be authorized to participate only within a
predefined distance from a defined geographical area. When the
tablet moves outside of the area, some parts of the tablet are
deactivated by Sentinels 39, 41. In certain embodiments, the tablet
display screen remains active so that a message may be sent to the
player that the tablet has moved outside of the area. A check is
performed at the tablet to approve its activity. Its geographic
location may disqualify the tablet from further play, for
example.
[0029] Chips 17, sentinels 13, 15, 39, 41, and table intelligence
19, 21, 23 may also operate in conjunction with one or more gaming
devices. For example, one or more sentinels 13, 15 and/or table
intelligence 19, 21, 23 may be incorporated into and/or associated
with one or more gaming devices. Gaming devices may be any
electronic gaming machine (EGM) such as a slot machine, fruit
machine, video Poker machine, Keno or Bingo machine, or any other
electronic gaming device or terminal. Gaming devices may also
include a live table game such as Blackjack, Pai Gow, or Baccarat,
a multi-terminal gaming machine such as multi-terminal roulette,
Sik Bo, Poker, dice game, and others that may be interfaced with a
player tracking module and slot accounting system. As an example, a
gaming table layout may be embodied as a video display. Thus gaming
devices as used herein includes gaming tables as well, and are not
limited to any specific kind of gaming device. Sentinel(s) and/or
table intelligence incorporated in and/or associated with gaming
device(s) may serve to activate, update, and/or deactivate chips
within a given area, for example. In certain embodiments, chips may
serve as tokens or credits for use with electronic gaming devices,
for example.
[0030] In certain embodiments, chips 17 may be implemented as an
electronic chip with a display surface, such as a liquid crystal
display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) display, electronic ink
(e-ink) display, or micro-mirror display surface, and/or other
morphable surface responsive to a field or pulse, for example. For
example, an image, monetary or credit value, color, indicator,
and/or other design may be altered on the chip 17.
[0031] In certain embodiments, the chip 17 is adapted to provide a
display to a player. For example, the chip surface 17 may display
an image of the player on the chip 17. As another example, the chip
surface 17 may display advertising text, pictures, and/or video. As
another example, the chip surface 17 may display an image, logo,
casino or company name. As another example, the chip surface 17 may
display a color, pattern, room number, identification number, name,
initials, and/or custom symbol representing the player. As another
example, the chip surface 17 may indicate the value of the chip 17.
Alternatively and/or in addition, the chip 17 may communicate with
table intelligence to display chip value on a table display. As
another example, the display may remind a player to play when it is
the player's turn in a game, provide help to the player such as a
suggest play or move, and/or display rules. For example, a player's
chips 17 may flash when it is the player's turn to play while
sitting at an electronic gaming table. As another example, the chip
17 may display the rules of the game that the player is standing
closest to.
[0032] The chip 17 may be adapted to communicate. For example, the
chip 17 may be adapted to communicate with a casino system such as
an accounting system, a player tracking system, or a chip
management system. As another example, the chip 17 may be adapted
to communicate with another chip 17. The chip 17 may be adapted to
communicate wirelessly, for example. For example, a wireless signal
may be transmitted with a particular chip identifier. The processor
120 may receive the signal and compare the chip identifier to an
identifier of the chip 100. For example, each chip 100 may have a
unique identifier. When a sentinel, table intelligence, and/or
other processor detects that the transmitted chip identifier
matches the chip identifier of the chip 17, the chip 17 may be
activated, the chip 17 may be deactivated, the value of the chip 17
may be changed, etc.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram for a method 200 for
providing data security in a predefined gaming area in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. At step 210, a
monitored area is established using a plurality of sentinels. For
example, sentinel devices form a border around a gaming area within
which signals are monitored to, for example, identify and authorize
chips in play. Sentinel devices may be configured to help ensure
unauthorized signals are not broadcast to and/or from the monitored
area to interfere with game play, chip identification, etc., and/or
illegally monitor gaming activity, for example.
[0034] At step 220, within the monitored area, a chip transmits
identification information to table intelligence. For example, a
chip including a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit
responds to a table intelligence reader at a gaming table to
provide identification information.
[0035] At step 230, a request is sent to a sentinel for chip
authorization. For example, a chip identifier contained in an RFID
response from the chip may be transmitted to a sentinel for
authentication or verification of the chip identifier. The sentinel
may include and/or be in communication with a database of chip
identifiers and/or algorithm(s) to authenticate or verify chip
identity and authorize use of the chip in the monitored area, for
example. In certain embodiments, the chip may communicate with the
sentinel to request authorization. In other embodiments, the table
intelligence makes the authorization request of the sentinel.
[0036] At step 240, the sentinel authorizes the chip. For example,
if the sentinel verifies the chip identifier and determines that
the chip value is correct and is approved for use in the monitored
area, the sentinel may authorize the chip for use with the table
intelligence. In certain embodiments, the sentinel authorizes the
chip to communicate with the table intelligence. In certain
embodiments, the sentinel authorizes the table intelligence to
communicate with the chip.
[0037] At step 250, the chip is used at a table controlled by the
table intelligence. For example, the table intelligence and
sentinel allow a player to use the chip to wager at a table and/or
other game in the monitored area.
[0038] One or more of the steps of the method 200 may be
implemented alone or in combination in hardware, firmware, and/or
as a set of instructions in software, for example. Certain
embodiments may be provided as a set of instructions residing on a
computer-readable medium, such as a memory, hard disk, DVD, or CD,
for execution on a general purpose computer or other processing
device.
[0039] Certain embodiments of the present invention may omit one or
more of these steps and/or perform the steps in a different order
than the order listed. For example, some steps may not be performed
in certain embodiments of the present invention. As a further
example, certain steps may be performed in a different temporal
order, including simultaneously, than listed above.
[0040] The sentinel system described above may be used in
conjunction with a variety of gaming systems/environments. The
gaming system can take a number of different forms. In a first
form, a stand alone gaming machine is provided wherein all or most
components required for implementing the game are present in a
player operable gaming machine. In a second form, a distributed
architecture is provided wherein some of the components required
for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming
machine and some of the components required for implementing the
game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For
example, a "thick client" architecture may be used wherein part of
the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part
of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a
"thin client" architecture may be used wherein most of the game is
executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable
gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible
gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the
player.
[0041] However, it will be understood that other arrangements are
envisioned. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a
gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective
functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are
selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate
in stand alone gaming machine mode, "thick client" mode or "thin
client" mode depending on the game being played, operating
conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons
skilled in the art.
[0042] In a thick client embodiment, a game server implements part
of the game played by a player using a gaming machine and the
gaming machine implements part of the game. With this embodiment,
as both the game server and the gaming machine implement part of
the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database
management server may manage storage of sentinel and chip
information, game programs and/or associated data for downloading
or access by the gaming devices in a database. Typically, if the
gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a
Jackpot server will be provided to monitor and carry out the
Jackpot game.
[0043] In a thin client embodiment, the game server implements most
or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine and
the gaming machine essentially provides only the player interface.
With this embodiment, the game server provides the game controller.
The gaming machine will receive player instructions, and pass the
instructions to the game server which will process them and return
game play outcomes to the gaming machine for display. In a thin
client embodiment, the gaming machines could be computer terminals,
e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable
using standard computer input and output components.
[0044] Servers may also be provided to assist in the administration
of the gaming system, including for example a gaming floor
management server and a licensing server to monitor the use of
licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal is
provided to allow an administrator to monitor the network and the
devices connected to the network.
[0045] The gaming system may communicate with other gaming systems,
other local networks such as a corporate network, and/or a wide
area network such as the Internet, for example through a
firewall.
[0046] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in
accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side
of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different
computers. For example, elements may be run as a single "engine" on
one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the
game server could run a random number generator engine.
Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be
provided.
[0047] The components, elements, and/or functionality of the
system(s) described above may be implemented alone or in
combination in various forms in hardware, firmware, and/or as a set
of instructions in software, for example. Certain embodiments may
be provided as a set of instructions residing on a
computer-readable medium, such as a memory or hard disk, for
execution on a general purpose computer or other processing
device.
[0048] Several embodiments are described above with reference to
drawings. These drawings illustrate certain details of specific
embodiments that implement the systems and methods and programs of
the present invention. However, describing the invention with
drawings should not be construed as imposing on the invention any
limitations associated with features shown in the drawings. The
present invention contemplates methods, systems and program
products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing its
operations. As noted above, the embodiments of the present
invention may be implemented using an existing computer processor,
or by a special purpose computer processor incorporated for this or
another purpose or by a hardwired system.
[0049] As noted above, certain embodiments within the scope of the
present invention include program products comprising
machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable
instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such
machine-readable media can be any available media that can be
accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other
machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable
media may comprise RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash, CD-ROM or
other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or
store desired program code in the form of machine-executable
instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a
general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a
processor. When information is transferred or provided over a
network or another communications connection (either hardwired,
wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine,
the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable
medium. Thus, any such a connection is properly termed a
machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also
included within the scope of machine-readable media.
Machine-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions
and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose
computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a
certain function or group of functions.
[0050] Certain embodiments of the invention are described in the
general context of method steps which may be implemented in one
embodiment by a program product including machine-executable
instructions, such as program code, for example in the form of
program modules executed by machines in networked environments.
Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects,
components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types. Machine-executable
instructions, associated data structures, and program modules
represent examples of program code for executing steps of the
methods disclosed herein. The particular sequence of such
executable instructions or associated data structures represent
examples of corresponding acts for implementing the functions
described in such steps.
[0051] Certain embodiments of the present invention may be
practiced in a networked environment using logical connections to
one or more remote computers having processors. Logical connections
may include a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network
(WAN) that are presented here by way of example and not limitation.
Such networking environments are commonplace in office-wide or
enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet and
may use a wide variety of different communication protocols. Those
skilled in the art will appreciate that such network computing
environments will typically encompass many types of computer system
configurations, including personal computers, hand-held devices,
multi-processor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable
consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe
computers, and the like. Embodiments of the invention may also be
practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are
performed by local and remote processing devices that are linked
(either by hardwired links, wireless links, or by a combination of
hardwired or wireless links) through a communications network. In a
distributed computing environment, program modules may be located
in both local and remote memory storage devices.
[0052] An exemplary system for implementing the overall system or
portions of certain embodiments of the invention might include a
general purpose computing device in the form of a computer,
including a processing unit, a system memory, and a system bus that
couples various system components including the system memory to
the processing unit. The system memory may include read only memory
(ROM) and random access memory (RAM). The computer may also include
a magnetic hard disk drive for reading from and writing to a
magnetic hard disk, a magnetic disk drive for reading from or
writing to a removable magnetic disk, and an optical disk drive for
reading from or writing to a removable optical disk such as a CD
ROM or other optical media. The drives and their associated
machine-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of
machine-executable instructions, data structures, program modules
and other data for the computer.
[0053] The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention
has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It
is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the
precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are
possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from
practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and
described in order to explain the principals of the invention and
its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to
utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[0054] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to the formation of a
variety of gaming systems. Certain features of the embodiments of
the claimed subject matter have been illustrated as described
herein; however, many modifications, substitutions, changes and
equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art.
Additionally, while several functional blocks and relations between
them have been described in detail, it is contemplated by those of
skill in the art that several of the operations may be performed
without the use of the others, or additional functions or
relationships between functions may be established and still be in
accordance with the claimed subject matter. It is, therefore, to be
understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such
modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the
embodiments of the claimed subject matter.
[0055] While certain embodiments of the present invention have been
described, it should be understood that these embodiments are
subject to many modifications and changes without departing from
the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it will
be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this
specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or
more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text
or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various
alternative aspects of the invention. It will also be understood
that the term "comprises" (or its grammatical variants) as used in
this specification is equivalent to the term "includes" and should
not be taken as excluding the presence of other elements or
features.
* * * * *