U.S. patent application number 12/741581 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-14 for distinguishing multiple peripherals in wagering game.
This patent application is currently assigned to WMS Gaming Inc.. Invention is credited to Charles R. Bleich, Stephen A. Canterbury, Simon E. Sunblade, Muthu Velu.
Application Number | 20100261529 12/741581 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40626054 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100261529 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bleich; Charles R. ; et
al. |
October 14, 2010 |
DISTINGUISHING MULTIPLE PERIPHERALS IN WAGERING GAME
Abstract
Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to physically locate
substantially similar or identical universal serial bus (USB)
peripherals by receiving matching identification information from a
plurality of USB peripherals coupled to a wagering game machine,
and associating each one of the USB peripherals having the matching
identification information with a corresponding predetermined
physical location. Association may occur via automated reading of
location indication devices, such as USB hubs having
location-specific coupled to the USB peripherals. Other apparatus,
systems, and methods are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Bleich; Charles R.; (Cary,
IL) ; Canterbury; Stephen A.; (Antioch, IL) ;
Sunblade; Simon E.; (Chicago, IL) ; Velu; Muthu;
(Addison, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG & WOESSNER/WMS GAMING
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
WMS Gaming Inc.
Waukegan
IL
|
Family ID: |
40626054 |
Appl. No.: |
12/741581 |
Filed: |
November 4, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
November 4, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US08/12461 |
371 Date: |
May 5, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60986636 |
Nov 9, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/36 ; 463/42;
463/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3202 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3234 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/36 ; 463/42;
463/43 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: receiving matching identification
information from a plurality of universal serial bus peripherals
communicatively coupled to a wagering game machine; and associating
each one of the universal serial bus peripherals having the
matching identification information with a corresponding
predetermined physical location, the physical location being
uniquely specified in relation to the wagering game machine.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the matching identification
information comprises: at least one of a product identification, a
vendor identification, or a device driver identification.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving comprises:
presenting a human-sensible signal associated with at least one of
the universal serial bus peripherals having the matching
identification information; and receiving an indication of a user
input device activation.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the human-sensible signal
comprises a query on a video display, and wherein the indication
results from detecting at least one of a keyboard input, a touch
screen input, a voice recognizer input, or a joystick input.
5. (canceled)
6. The method of claim 1, comprising: communicating with at least
one universal serial bus hub coupled in a one-to-one correspondence
with at least one of the universal serial bus peripherals having
the matching identification information to obtain location-specific
information assigned to the at least one universal serial bus
hub.
7. The method of claim 1, comprising: modifying at least some of
the matching identification information provided by some of the
plurality of universal serial bus peripherals, or hub
identification information provided by at least one universal
serial bus hub coupled to the plurality of universal serial bus
peripherals, to provide modified information; and processing the
modified information as location indication information when
communicating with the plurality of universal serial bus
peripherals.
8. (canceled)
9. The method of claim 1, comprising: applying at least one of an
enable signal or power to at least some of the universal serial bus
peripherals having the matching identification information in a
predetermined sequence associated with multiple physical
locations.
10. (canceled)
11. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; a memory to
store at least a portion of a software program which, when executed
by the at least one processor, is associated with presenting a
wagering game upon which monetary value may be wagered; a plurality
of universal serial bus peripherals to provide matching
identification information as part of a power-up sequence initiated
prior to presenting the wagering game; and at least one of a
location indication device, a universal serial bus hub, or a user
input device to provide information to enable associating each one
of the universal serial bus peripherals having the matching
identification information with a corresponding predetermined
physical location, the physical location being uniquely specified
in relation to the wagering game machine.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the location indication
device includes at least one of a global positioning system (GPS)
location circuit, an orientation-sensitive switch, a radiolocation
device, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, a power
supply line, an enable line, or a non-volatile memory having
location-specific information stored therein.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, comprising: a memory to store a data
structure associating the matching identification information with
a plurality of physical locations.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the information is provided
responsive to queries provided by a peripheral location module.
15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the user input device
comprises one of a keyboard, a touch screen, and a joystick.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein universal serial bus hub
includes a physical location indication circuit.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the physical location
indication circuit comprises: a switch having plural settings, a
hard-coded conductor value, a global positioning system (GPS)
location circuit, an orientation-sensitive switch, a radiolocation
device, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, a power
supply line, an enable line, and a non-volatile memory having
location-specific information stored therein.
18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plurality of universal
serial bus peripherals to provide matching identification
information comprise: at least one of a pair of slot machine reel
controllers, a pair of video screens, a pair of touch screens, a
pair of keyboards, a pair of joysticks, or a pair of light
boards.
19. A system, comprising: a wagering game machine having at least
one processor, a memory to store at least a portion of a software
program which, when executed by the at least one processor, is
associated with presenting a wagering game upon which monetary
value may be wagered, and a plurality of universal serial bus
peripherals to provide matching identification information as part
of a power-up sequence initiated prior to presenting the wagering
game; at least one of a location indication device or a user input
device to provide information to enable associating each one of the
universal serial bus peripherals having the matching identification
information with a corresponding predetermined physical location,
the physical location being uniquely specified in relation to the
wagering game machine; and a wagering game server to couple to the
wagering game machine.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the location indication device
comprises a universal serial bus hub, a global positioning system
(GPS) location circuit, an orientation-sensitive switch, a
radiolocation device, a radio frequency identification (RFID)
device, a power supply line, an enable line, or a non-volatile
memory having location-specific information stored therein.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein the location indication device
is located outside of a housing containing the wagering game
machine.
22. (canceled)
23. The method of claim 1, comprising: presenting a query
associated with a selected one of the plurality of universal serial
bus peripherals on a video screen; and receiving information
indicating the corresponding predetermined physical location.
24. The method of claim 1, comprising: receiving information from
at least one location indication device to enable associating each
one of the universal serial bus peripherals having the matching
identification information with the corresponding predetermined
physical location.
25. (canceled)
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/986,636 filed Nov. 9,
2007, and entitled "DISTINGUISHING MULTIPLE PERIPHERALS IN WAGERING
GAME MACHINES," which application is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
LIMITED COPYRIGHT WAIVER
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever. Copyright 2007, 2008 WMS Gaming,
Inc.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Today's wagering game machine may include a computerized
system controlling a video display and/or reels to present wagering
games such as slots, video card games (poker, blackjack etc.),
video keno, video bingo, video pachinko and other games available
in the gaming industry. Such machines may form part of a wagering
game network of machines and servers. Various peripherals may be
coupled to individual wagering game machines to increase the
variety of interaction available between the machines and those
that play the games presented on them.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0004] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of
example and not limitation in the Figures of the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game
machine architecture according to various embodiments;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game
network, according to various embodiments;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating methods according to
various embodiments;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wagering game machine,
according to various embodiments; and
[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portable wagering game
machine, according to various embodiments.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Example Operating Environment
Example Wagering Game Machine Architecture
[0010] The universal serial bus (USB) allows wagering game machine
peripherals to communicate utilizing a standard protocol that
encompasses both hardware and software. Generally, when a USB
peripheral is connected to a wagering game machine USB port, USB
protocol determines what the peripheral is and what software driver
can be used to interface to it. For more specific information
regarding the USB protocol, the reader is encouraged to consult the
Universal Serial Bus Specification Version 2.0 (2000), published by
USB-IF; 5440 SW Westgate Drive, Suite 217; Portland, Oreg. 97221,
and amendments thereto, all incorporated herein by reference.
[0011] The inventors have discovered that when there are multiple
identical USB peripherals coupled to a single wagering game
machine, the same software driver will often be used for each of
the peripherals, with little or no distinction made between them.
This is because each peripheral receives a random unique
identification number during what is known to those of ordinary
skill in the art as the "enumeration process." Unfortunately, the
enumeration process does not provide a way to physically
distinguish which of the identical peripherals is which.
[0012] For example, if three USB keyboards are connected to a
single computer, the same driver might be used for all three
keyboards and any keyboard can be used with no distinction as to
its location. The same thing can occur when two identical
USB-compatible displays are coupled to a single computer. No
distinction might be made between the upper display and the lower
display, for example. This situation poses a problem in the gaming
environment, where it may be desirable for a wagering game machine
to interact differently when someone touches a first touch screen
versus a second identical USB touch screen in a different physical
location, for example, and the system electronics/software do not
distinguish between either of the two screens as to location.
[0013] The inventors have discovered three different ways to solve
this problem: a software-centric approach, a hardware-centric
approach, and a peripheral sequencing approach. In each case, the
association of a physical location with individual peripherals
allows the processor and/or a USB peripheral controller to respond
appropriately to information received. Examples of various
embodiments will be described in combination with the figures in
further detail below.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game
machine architecture 100 according to various embodiments of the
invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an apparatus 106, such as a wagering
game machine, includes a central processing unit (CPU) 126
connected to main memory 128, which in turn may include wagering
game machine software 132. The CPU 126 may include multiple
processing cores, a USB peripheral controller, and other
elements.
[0015] The main memory 128 may be subdivided into portions, such as
a first portion memory 134 and second portion memory 136. Each of
the portions of memory 134, 136 may comprise volatile memory,
non-volatile memory, and combinations thereof. Thus, wagering game
machine software 132 may be stored in the memory 136, which may
take the form, in whole or in part, of non-volatile memory,
including FLASH memory, phase-change memory, and read-only memory,
among others. In many embodiments, the wagering game machine
software 132 is associated with the presentation of a wagering
game, and when executed, can be used to present wagering games upon
which monetary value may be wagered. Such games include video
poker, video black jack, video slots, video lottery, etc.
[0016] The wagering game machine software 132 may alternatively, or
in addition, be stored in a mass storage unit 130, which may
comprise one or more mass storage devices 140, including a disk
drive, such as a hard disk drive or an optical disc drive (e.g., a
compact disc, read-only memory disc drive), a flash memory drive,
or some combination of these.
[0017] The CPU 126 may also be connected to an input/output (I/O)
bus 122, which facilitates communication between the components of
the apparatus 106. The I/O bus 122 is connected to a payout
mechanism 108, primary display 110, secondary display 112, value
input device 114, player input device 116, information reader 118,
and storage unit 130. The bus 122 may include one or more portions,
any one or more of which may comprise a universal serial bus. Thus,
any of the components coupled to the bus 122 may comprise USB
peripherals.
[0018] The player input device 116 can include the value input
device 114 to the extent the player input device 116 is used to
place wagers. The I/O bus 122 may be connected to an external
system interface 124, which can be coupled to external systems 104
(e.g., wired and wireless wagering game networks). The external
system interface 124 may comprise a network interface card for use
with wired networks 164, and/or a wireless transceiver that enables
the apparatus 106 to communicate with wireless networks. Thus, the
apparatus 106 may comprise a portable wagering game machine having
a wireless transceiver (e.g., see FIG. 5).
[0019] In one embodiment, the apparatus 106 can include additional
peripheral devices and/or more than one of each component shown in
FIG. 1. For example, in one embodiment, the apparatus 106 can
include multiple external system interfaces 124 and multiple
processors 126. In one embodiment, any of the components can be
integrated or subdivided. Additionally, in one embodiment, the
components of the apparatus 106 can be interconnected according to
any suitable interconnection architecture (e.g., directly
connected, serially connected, star network, hypercube, etc.).
[0020] In one embodiment, any of the components of the apparatus
106 can include hardware, firmware, and/or software for performing
the operations described herein. Thus, some embodiments may include
an article comprising a machine readable medium having instructions
stored thereon, wherein the instructions, when executed by one or
more processors, result in performing any of the methods described
herein. Machine-readable media includes any mechanism that provides
(e.g., stores and/or transmits) information in a form readable by a
machine (e.g., a wagering game machine, computer, etc.). For
example, tangible machine-readable media includes read only memory
(ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media,
optical storage media, flash memory drives, etc. Thus, many
embodiments may be realized.
[0021] For example, an apparatus 106, perhaps forming part of a
wagering game machine, may comprise one or more processors 126 and
a software program 132 which, when executed by the processor(s)
126, is associated with presenting a wagering game upon which
monetary value may be wagered.
[0022] Using a software-centric mechanism, it is possible to
determine the difference between similar or identical devices on a
USB bus by using information gained during the USB enumeration
process, such as the Vendor Identification (ID), Product ID, and
Serial Number along with some type of user input. For example, the
apparatus 106 may operate to discover the existence of all USB
peripherals coupled to the bus 122 after the apparatus 106
undergoes a "RAM clear" operation (known to those of ordinary skill
in the art in the gaming industry to mean volatile portions of the
memory 128 in the apparatus are cleared or reset to a known value).
The apparatus 106 might then operate, in some embodiments, to
display the list of devices discovered to a technician that
initiated the RAM clear operation, and then prompt the technician
to accept the list that is displayed.
[0023] If multiple devices have been discovered with the same
Vendor ID and/or Product ID, then the technician might be presented
with an option to determine the physical location of each device.
For example, consider the operation of a video slot machine with
two monitors, each having a USB-compatible touch screen. After a
RAM clear operation is completed, the monitors might be used to
display the list of USB devices that have been discovered, and
specifically show that two of these include touch screens. Both
touch screen peripherals would be enabled, and the technician might
be prompted to touch the main (e.g., bottom console) touch screen.
Once the main touch screen was identified, it would be associated
with a physical location (e.g., the bottom console), and the other
touch screen could be located without prompting, since the
processor 126 might be programmed to know that only two touch
screens can be connected for a particular machine, and they exist
in only two locations--the bottom console and the top console. In
some embodiments, the technician might also be prompted to touch
the secondary touch screen (e.g., on the top console) as a
redundant location check.
[0024] As another example, consider what may occur following the
discovery of two USB-compatible monitors (one each on the top and
bottom console) after power is applied to a wagering game machine.
Both monitors would be enabled, and the technician might be
prompted to press a button on the panel of the machine when the
proper location of the top console monitor was correctly displayed
on that monitor (e.g., if the top console monitor displayed "BOTTOM
CONSOLE" then the technician would refrain from pressing the
button). Once the top console monitor was identified, it would be
associated with a physical location (e.g., the top console), and
the other monitor could be located without prompting, since the
processor 126 might be programmed to know that only two monitors
could be connected for a particular machine, and only existing in
two locations--the bottom console and the top console. In some
embodiments, the technician might also be prompted to verify the
location of the monitor on the bottom console as a redundant
location check.
[0025] Finally, consider the example of activity the might follow
the discovery of two USB-compatible game buttons (side-by-side on
the top panel of the bottom console) after power is applied to a
wagering game machine. Both buttons would be enabled, and the
technician might be prompted to press the left-most button (or the
"RED" button if there are RED and BLUE buttons) some designated
number of times. Once the first button was identified, it would be
associated with a physical location (e.g., left side of bottom
console), and the other button could be located without prompting
(e.g., right side of bottom console), as noted for other devices
above. In some embodiments, the technician might also be prompted
to verify the location of the right-most button (or "BLUE" button)
on the bottom console panel as a redundant location check.
[0026] In any event, the physical location of each touch screen
might then be stored in a table 138 in the memory 134, perhaps
along with one or more of the Vendor ID, the Product ID, and/or the
serial number of each touch screen. The serial number for each USB
device so located would then be associated with the top and bottom
consoles until another RAM clear operation was performed (assuming
that the portion of memory 134 in which the table 138 comprises
volatile memory).
[0027] The table 138 might also be located in non-volatile memory
so that each device could be recognized by the serial number and
selected location across reset cycles. For the purposes of this
document, a "reset cycle" means an event which causes volatile
memory in the apparatus 106 to alter its contents, such as a
processor reboot or wagering game machine power cycle operation.
The content of non-volatile memory is not affected. In any case,
whether or not the memory 128 comprises non-volatile memory, the
memory 128 may be used to store a data structure (e.g., the table
138, or some other associative structure) that associates the
matching identification information 170 with a plurality of
predetermined physical locations (e.g., top and bottom consoles of
a wagering game machine).
[0028] In some embodiments, a more hardware-centric mechanism may
be implemented to locate peripherals. For example, location
indication devices DEV1, DEV2 might be attached to or associated
with identical USB peripherals (e.g., displays 110, 112) to provide
information LOC1, LOC2 to enable associating each one of the USB
peripherals having the matching identification information 170 with
a corresponding predetermined physical location (e.g., the
information LOC1 may indicate that the display 110 is located in
the bottom console, while the information LOC2 may indicate that
the display 112 is located in the top console).
[0029] In some embodiments, standard, unmodified off-the-shelf USB
peripherals might be used in conjunction with one or more "dongles"
162 or hardware keys that include location-specific identification
devices. For example, a dongle 162 might contain a USB hub (e.g., a
single-port USB hub).
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the dongles 162 that incorporate USB
hubs are each coupled to identical USB peripherals 156 (e.g., two
or more touch screens, keyboards, joy sticks, slot machine reel
controllers, video screens, and/or light boards, etc.). The CPU 126
can discover the address of each peripheral based on the hub to
which it is attached, and each of the hubs HUB1, HUB2 can provide a
device to distinguish its physical location of the peripheral to
which it is attached. For example, a dual-inline package (DIP)
switch or some other hardware device (e.g., similar to or identical
to the devices DEV1, DEV2, such as a physical location indication
circuit 166) could be located on the USB hub/dongle and set to code
the location LOC of the peripheral 156 coupled to that particular
dongle 162 (e.g., all switches set to OFF means bottom console, all
switches set to ON means top console, and various other
combinations can be used for more specific locations, such as "001"
binary for "attached to the upper front panel of the bottom
console"). Alternatively, the dongle 162 might contain non-volatile
memory that is programmed to indicate the physical location of the
peripheral to which it is coupled.
[0031] In some embodiments, the Product ID that is returned from
the dongle 162 including a USB hub is modified based on the setting
the attached DIP switch or stored in the included non-volatile
memory. By intercepting the information that is received during the
USB enumeration process and inserting known information in its
place, the CPU 126 can determine which Product ID number is
associated with one USB peripheral 156 that happens to be located
on the top console, and another USB peripheral 156 that happens to
be located on the bottom console, for example. In some cases, ID
information received directly from USB peripherals, instead of from
USB hubs, may be intercepted and modified.
[0032] In other embodiments, peripheral sequencing may be employed.
For example, external enable or power signals 168 may be controlled
by the CPU 126, enabling or turning on each of the peripherals 156
and/or dongles 162 in a known sequence so that the standard USB
enumeration process occurs with respect to one of the
similar/identical USB peripherals at a time. In this way, the CPU
126 can associate the random enumeration given as part of the
power-up or sequence with a peripheral at a known physical
location. For example, the upper and lower panels of the bottom
console might be enabled or powered in sequence, and each USB
peripheral at those locations can also be enumerated. Then, at a
later time, the top console of the wagering game machine can be
enabled or powered, and the USB peripherals located there can be
enumerated. Once the enumeration of peripherals is complete, the
association with locations can be stored and recalled by the CPU
126 whenever desired.
[0033] Another approach might include enabling or power-sequencing
the USB peripherals 156 directly (e.g., via line 168''), without
the use of dongles 162, perhaps via the use of an enable input
terminal, or simply by turning on the power to each peripheral
device in a sequence of locations controlled by the CPU 126.
[0034] Thus, many embodiments may be realized. For example, an
apparatus 106 may comprise one or more processors 126 and a memory
136 to store at least a portion of a software program 132 which,
when executed by at least one processor 126, is associated with
presenting a wagering game upon which monetary value may be
wagered. The apparatus 106 may also include a plurality of USB
peripherals (e.g., displays 110, 112) to provide matching
identification information 170 as part of a power-up sequence
initiated prior to presenting the wagering game.
[0035] In some embodiments, the apparatus 106 may include a
corresponding plurality of location indication devices DEV1, DEV2
to provide information to enable associating each one of the USB
peripherals 110, 112 having the matching identification information
170 with a corresponding predetermined physical location. The
location indication devices DEV1, DEV2 may include one or more of a
global positioning system (GPS) location circuit, an
orientation-sensitive switch, a radiolocation device, a radio
frequency identification (RFID) device, a power supply line (e.g.,
line 168'), an enable line (e.g., line 168''), or a non-volatile
memory having location-specific information stored therein (e.g., a
circuit 166 having a non-volatile memory with location information
LOC). The devices DEV1, DEV2 can be attached directly to
peripherals 110, 112, 156, or plugged into them as part of the
wiring harness, etc.
[0036] Additional embodiments may be realized. For example, an
apparatus 106 may comprise one or more processors 126, a memory 128
to store at least a portion of a software program 132 which, when
executed by at least one processor 126, is associated with
presenting a wagering game upon which monetary value may be
wagered. The apparatus 106 may further include a plurality of USB
peripherals 156 to provide matching identification information 170
as part of a power-up sequence initiated prior to presenting the
wagering game.
[0037] In some embodiments, the apparatus 106 may include a
peripheral location module (PLM) 148 to initiate queries with
respect to the location of various USB peripherals 156. Thus, the
apparatus 106 may include one or more of a corresponding plurality
of USB hubs (e.g., perhaps incorporated into the dongles 162) and a
user input device 116 to provide information, responsive to queries
152 provided by a PLM 148, to enable associating each one of the
USB peripherals 156 having the matching identification information
170 with a corresponding predetermined physical location. In this
case, the user input device 116 and/or USB hubs may be used to
locate the peripherals 156. As noted previously, the user input
device 116 might comprise a keyboard, a touch screen, and/or a
joystick, among other devices.
[0038] One or more of the dongles 162 may include a physical
location indication circuit 166. Thus, in various embodiments, the
physical location indication circuit 166 might comprise a switch
having plural settings, a hard-coded conductor value, a GPS
location circuit, an orientation-sensitive switch, a radiolocation
device, an RFID device, a power supply line, an enable line, and/or
a non-volatile memory having location-specific information stored
therein. That is, USB peripheral devices (e.g., displays 110, 112)
may include location-specific identifier circuitry DEV1, DEV2,
and/or the dongles 162 may include location-specific identifier
circuitry 166 of their own.
[0039] While FIG. 1 describes several embodiments of a wagering
game machine architecture, FIG. 2 shows how a plurality of wagering
game machines can be connected in a wagering game network.
Example Wagering Game Network
[0040] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a wagering game
network 200, according to various embodiments of the invention. As
shown in FIG. 2, the wagering game network 200 includes a plurality
of casinos 212 connected to a communications network 214.
[0041] Each of the plurality of casinos 212 includes a local area
network 216, which may include a wireless access point 204,
wagering game machines 202, and a wagering game server 206 that can
serve wagering games over the local area network 216. As such, the
local area network 216 includes wireless communication links 210
and wired communication links 208. The wired and wireless
communication links can employ any suitable connection technology,
such as Bluetooth, 802.11, Ethernet, public switched telephone
networks, SONET, etc. In one embodiment, the wagering game server
206 can serve wagering games and/or distribute content to devices
located in other casinos 212 or at other locations on the
communications network 214.
[0042] The wagering game machines 202 and wagering game server 206
can include hardware and machine-readable media including
instructions for performing the operations described herein. The
wagering game machines 202 may be similar to or identical to the
apparatus 106 shown in FIG. 1.
[0043] The wagering game machines 202 described herein can take any
suitable form, such as floor standing models, handheld mobile
units, bartop models, workstation-type console models, etc.
Further, the wagering game machines 202 can be primarily dedicated
for use in conducting wagering games, or can include non-dedicated
devices, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants,
personal computers, etc. In one embodiment, the wagering game
network 200 can include other network devices, such as accounting
servers, wide area progressive servers, and player tracking
servers.
[0044] In various embodiments, wagering game machines 202 and
wagering game servers 206 work together such that a wagering game
machine 202 may be operated as a thin, thick, or intermediate
client. For example, one or more elements of game play may be
controlled by the wagering game machine 202 (client) or the
wagering game server 206 (server). Game play elements may include
executable game code, lookup tables, configuration files, game
outcome, audio or visual representations of the game, game assets
or the like. In a thin-client example, the wagering game server 206
may perform functions such as determining game outcome or managing
assets, while the wagering game machine 202 may be used merely to
present the graphical representation of such outcome or asset
modification to the user (e.g., player). In a thick-client example,
game outcome may be determined locally (e.g., at the wagering game
machine 202) and then communicated to the wagering game server 206
for recording or managing a player's account.
[0045] Similarly, functionality not directly related to game play
may be controlled by the wagering game machine 202 (client) or the
wagering game server 206 (server) in some embodiments. For example,
power conservation controls that manage a display screen's light
intensity may be managed centrally (e.g., by the wagering game
server 206) or locally (e.g., by the wagering game machine 202).
Other functionality not directly related to game play may include
presentation of advertising, software or firmware updates, system
quality or security checks, etc.
[0046] Thus, other embodiments may be realized. For example, a
wagering game system may comprise one or more wagering game
machines 202, each of which may be configured to operate in a
manner similar to or identical to the apparatus 106 of FIG. 1. The
system may include one or more location indication devices (LIDs)
280 to provide information to enable associating each one of the
USB peripherals in the wagering game machines 202 having the
matching identification information with a corresponding
predetermined physical location. The system may also include a
wagering game server 206 to couple to the wagering game machines
202.
[0047] The LIDs 280 may comprise one or more of a USB hub, a GPS
location circuit, an orientation-sensitive switch, a radiolocation
device, an RFID device, a power supply line, an enable line, and/or
a non-volatile memory having location-specific information stored
therein. The LIDs 280 may be located inside or outside (shown in
FIG. 2) of a housing containing the wagering game machine 202.
Thus, for example, the LIDs 280 may comprise an RF sniffer
mechanism or a portion of a differential GPS receiver to physically
locate a USB peripheral device currently responding to USB protocol
queries.
Example Operations
[0048] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating methods 311 according to
various embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, a method
311 that operates to identify similar or identical USB peripherals
and associate them with a pre-determined physical location may
begin at block 321 with clearing volatile memory in a wagering game
machine (e.g., initiating a RAM clear operation prior to presenting
a wagering game on the wagering game machine).
[0049] The method 311 may continue on to block 325 with receiving
matching identification information from a plurality of USB
peripherals communicatively coupled to the wagering game machine.
The matching identification information may comprise one or more of
a Product ID, a Vendor ID, and/or device driver identification.
Thus, the fact that USB peripherals are identical might be
determined because they are found to share a common device driver
in some cases.
[0050] In some embodiments, receiving at block 325 may comprise
presenting a query associated with a selected one of the plurality
of USB peripherals on a video screen, and receiving information
indicating the corresponding predetermined physical location. An
example of such activity includes presenting a human-sensible
signal associated with at least one of the USB peripherals, and
receiving, in response, an indication of user input device
activation. The human-sensible signal might comprise a query on a
video display, and the indication might result from detecting one
or more of a keyboard input, a touch screen input, a voice
recognizer input, and/or a joystick input. This includes, for
example, the activity of prompting a technician to manipulate some
specific device attached to a wagering game machine (e.g., touching
a touch screen attached to the top console), and receiving feedback
therefrom. In a more hardware-centric system, receiving at block
325 may include, or alternatively comprise, receiving information
from at least one location indication device to enable associating
each one of the USB peripherals having the matching identification
information with a corresponding predetermined physical
location.
[0051] The method 311 may continue on to block 329 with
communicating with USB hubs coupled in a one-to-one correspondence
to each one of the USB peripherals having the matching
identification information. Such communication may include
communicating with at least one USB hub to determine the
corresponding physical location to associate with a selected one of
the plurality of USB peripherals. For example, communicating may
include communicating with at least one USB hub coupled in a
one-to-one correspondence with at least one of the USB peripherals
having matching identification information to obtain
location-specific information assigned to the at least one USB hub.
This may occur when the USB hubs have location information that is
uniquely-assigned to each hub, so that in some instances, only one
hub is addressed (e.g., to determine which touch screen is located
in the top console--a second touch screen, by default, would then
be located in the bottom console of some wagering game
machines).
[0052] In some embodiments, the method 311 may include, at block
335, modifying at least some of the matching identification
information provided by one or more of the USB peripherals, or hub
identification information provided by USB hubs coupled to the USB
peripherals, to provide modified information, and then processing
the modified information as location indication information when
communications are conducted with the USB peripherals. This may
occur, for example, when the received Product ID, and/or other ID
information, is forced to assume a modified value. Such information
may be obtained from USB peripherals, USB hubs, or both, and either
one or both sets of information may be modified, either repeatedly,
or one time (to be stored and recalled as needed thereafter).
[0053] At block 341, the method 311 may include determining whether
power sequencing will be used to individually address USB
peripherals in different physical locations. If power sequencing is
not to be used, then the method 311 may include applying an enable
signal at block 345 to at least some of the USB peripherals (and/or
the dongles associated with the peripherals) having matching
identification information in a predetermined sequence associated
with multiple physical locations. If power sequencing is to be
used, then the method 311 may include applying power at block 349
to at least some of the USB peripherals (and/or the dongles
associated with the peripherals) having the matching identification
information in a predetermined sequence associated with multiple
physical locations. Thus, the peripherals and/or associated dongles
may be enabled and/or powered-up in a predetermined sequence,
according to various physical locations, as described
previously.
[0054] The method 311 may conclude at block 355 with associating
each one of the USB peripherals having matching identification
information with a corresponding predetermined physical
location.
[0055] It should be noted that unless specifically claimed
otherwise, the methods described herein do not have to be executed
in the order described, or in any particular order. Moreover,
various activities described with respect to the methods identified
herein can be executed in iterative, repetitive, serial, or
parallel fashion. Information, including parameters, commands,
operands, and other data, can be sent and received in the form of
one or more carrier waves.
Example Wagering Game Machines
Example Wagering Game Machine
[0056] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a wagering game machine 400,
according to various embodiments of the invention. Referring to
FIG. 4, a wagering game machine 400 is used in gaming
establishments, such as casinos. According to most embodiments, the
wagering game machine 400 can be any type of wagering game machine
and can have varying structures and methods of operation. For
example, the wagering game machine 400 can be an electromechanical
wagering game machine configured to play mechanical slots, or it
can be an electronic wagering game machine configured to play video
casino games, such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack,
roulette, etc. The wagering game machine 400 may include one or
more of the apparatus 106 of FIG. 1, and may be used in a network
in the same was as the machines 202 of FIG. 2.
[0057] The wagering game machine 400 comprises a housing 412 and
includes input devices, including value input devices 418 and a
player input device 424. For output, the wagering game machine 400
includes a primary display 414 for displaying information about a
basic wagering game. The primary display 414 can also display
information about a bonus wagering game and a progressive wagering
game. The wagering game machine 400 also includes a secondary
display 416 for displaying wagering game events, wagering game
outcomes, and/or signage information. While some components of the
wagering game machine 400 are described herein, numerous other
elements can exist and can be used in any number or combination to
create varying forms of the wagering game machine 400.
[0058] The value input devices 418 can take any suitable form and
can be located on the front of the housing 412. The value input
devices 418 can receive currency and/or credits inserted by a
player. The value input devices 418 can include coin acceptors for
receiving coin currency and bill acceptors for receiving paper
currency. Furthermore, the value input devices 418 can include
ticket readers or barcode scanners for reading information stored
on vouchers, cards, or other tangible portable storage devices. The
vouchers or cards can authorize access to central accounts, which
can transfer money to the wagering game machine 400.
[0059] The player input device 424 comprises a plurality of push
buttons on a button panel 426 for operating the wagering game
machine 400. In addition, or alternatively, the player input device
424 can comprise a touch screen 428 mounted over the primary
display 414 and/or secondary display 416.
[0060] The various components of the wagering game machine 400 can
be connected directly to, or contained within, the housing 412.
Alternatively, some of the wagering game machine's components can
be located outside of the housing 412, while being communicatively
coupled with the wagering game machine 400 using any suitable wired
or wireless communication technology.
[0061] The operation of the basic wagering game can be displayed to
the player on the primary display 414. The primary display 414 can
also display a bonus game associated with the basic wagering game.
The primary display 414 can include a cathode ray tube (CRT), a
high resolution liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display,
light emitting diodes (LEDs), or any other type of display suitable
for use in the wagering game machine 400. Alternatively, the
primary display 414 can include a number of mechanical reels to
display the outcome. In FIG. 4, the wagering game machine 400 is an
"upright" version in which the primary display 414 is oriented
vertically relative to the player. Alternatively, the wagering game
machine can be a "slant-top" version in which the primary display
414 is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of
the wagering game machine 400. In yet another embodiment, the
wagering game machine 400 can exhibit any suitable form factor,
such as a free standing model, bartop model, mobile handheld model,
or workstation console model.
[0062] A player begins playing a basic wagering game by making a
wager via the value input device 418. The player can initiate play
by using the player input device's buttons or touch screen 428. The
basic game can include arranging a plurality of symbols along a
payline 432, which indicates one or more outcomes of the basic
game. Such outcomes can be randomly selected in response to player
input. At least one of the outcomes, which can include any
variation or combination of symbols, can trigger a bonus game.
[0063] In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 400 can also
include an information reader 452, which can include a card reader,
ticket reader, bar code scanner, RFID transceiver, or computer
readable storage medium interface. In some embodiments, the
information reader 452 can be used to award complimentary services,
restore game assets, track player habits, etc.
Example Wagering Game Machine
[0064] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portable wagering game
machine 500, according to various embodiments of the invention.
Like free standing wagering game machines, in a handheld or mobile
form, the wagering game machine 500 can include any suitable
electronic device configured to play a video casino games such as
blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, and roulette. The
wagering game machine 500 may include one or more of the apparatus
106 of FIG. 1, and may be coupled to a network in the same manner
as the machines 202 of FIG. 2.
[0065] The wagering game machine 500 comprises a housing 512 and
includes input devices, including a value input device 518 and a
player input device 524. For output, the wagering game machine 500
includes a primary display 514, a secondary display 516, one or
more speakers 517, one or more player-accessible ports 519 (e.g.,
an audio output jack for headphones, a video headset jack, etc.),
and other conventional I/O devices and ports, which may or may not
be player-accessible. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the
wagering game machine 500 comprises a secondary display 516 that is
rotatable relative to the primary display 514. The optional
secondary display 516 can be fixed, movable, and/or
detachable/attachable relative to the primary display 514. Either
the primary display 514 and/or secondary display 516 can be
configured to display any aspect of a non-wagering game, wagering
game, secondary game, bonus game, progressive wagering game, group
game, shared-experience game or event, game event, game outcome,
scrolling information, text messaging, emails, alerts or
announcements, broadcast information, subscription information, and
wagering game machine status.
[0066] The player-accessible value input device 518 can comprise,
for example, a slot located on the front, side, or top of the
housing 512 configured to receive credit from a stored-value card
(e.g., casino card, smart card, debit card, credit card, etc.)
inserted by a player. The player-accessible value input device 518
can also comprise a sensor (e.g., an RF sensor) configured to sense
a signal (e.g., an RF signal) output by a transmitter (e.g., an RF
transmitter) carried by a player. The player-accessible value input
device 518 can also or alternatively include a ticket reader, or
barcode scanner, for reading information stored on a credit ticket,
a card, or other tangible portable credit or funds storage device.
The credit ticket or card can also authorize access to a central
account, which can transfer money to the wagering game machine
500.
[0067] Still other player-accessible value input devices 518 can
require the use of touch keys 530 on the touch-screen display
(e.g., primary display 514 and/or secondary display 516) or player
input devices 524. Upon entry of player identification information
and, preferably, secondary authorization information (e.g., a
password, PIN number, stored value card number, predefined key
sequences, etc.), the player can be permitted to access a player's
account. As one potential optional security feature, the wagering
game machine 500 can be configured to permit a player to access
only accounts the player has specifically set up for the wagering
game machine 500. Other security features can also be utilized, for
example, to prevent unauthorized access to a player's account, to
minimize an impact of any unauthorized access to a player's
account, or to prevent unauthorized access to any personal
information or funds temporarily stored on the wagering game
machine 500.
[0068] The player input device 524 comprises a plurality of push
buttons on a button panel for operating the wagering game machine
500. In addition, or alternatively, the player input device 524 can
comprise a touch screen mounted to a primary display 514 and/or
secondary display 516. In one aspect, the touch screen is matched
to a display screen having one or more selectable touch keys 530
selectable by a user's touching of the associated area of the
screen using a finger or a tool, such as a stylus pointer. A player
enables a desired function either by touching the touch screen at
an appropriate touch key 530 or by pressing an appropriate push
button on the button panel. The touch keys 530 can be used to
implement the same functions as push buttons. Alternatively, the
push buttons 532, can provide inputs for one aspect of the
operating the game, while the touch keys 530 can allow for input
needed for another aspect of the game. The various components of
the wagering game machine 500 can be connected directly to, or
contained within, the housing 512, as seen in FIG. 5, or can be
located outside the housing 512 and connected to the housing 512
via a variety of wired (tethered) or wireless connection methods.
Thus, the wagering game machine 500 can comprise a single unit or a
plurality of interconnected (e.g., wireless connections) parts
which can be arranged to suit a player's preferences.
[0069] The operation of the basic wagering game on the wagering
game machine 500 is displayed to the player on the primary display
514. The primary display 514 can also display the bonus game
associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display 514
preferably takes the form of a high resolution LCD, a plasma
display, an LED, or any other type of display suitable for use in
the wagering game machine 500. The size of the primary display 514
can vary from, for example, about a 2-3'' display to a 15'' or 17''
display. In at least some embodiments, the primary display 514 is a
7''-10'' display. In one embodiment, the size of the primary
display can be increased. Optionally, coatings or removable films
or sheets can be applied to the display to provide desired
characteristics (e.g., privacy, anti-scratch, anti-glare,
bacterially-resistant and anti-microbial films, etc.). In at least
some embodiments, the primary display 514 and/or secondary display
516 can have a 15:9 aspect ratio or other aspect ratio (e.g., 4:3).
The primary display 514 and/or secondary display 516 can also each
have different resolutions, different color schemes, and different
aspect ratios.
[0070] As with the free standing embodiments a wagering gaming
machine, a player begins play of the basic wagering game on the
wagering game machine 500 by making a wager (e.g., via the value
input device 518 or an assignment of credits stored on the handheld
gaming machine via the touch screen keys 530, player input device
524, or buttons 532) on the wagering game machine 500. In some
embodiments, the basic game can comprise a plurality of symbols
arranged in an array, and includes at least one payline 528 that
indicates one or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes can
be randomly selected in response to the wagering input by the
player. At least one of the plurality of randomly selected outcomes
can be a start-bonus outcome, which can include any variations of
symbols or symbol combinations triggering a bonus game.
[0071] In some embodiments, the player-accessible value input
device 518 of the wagering game machine 500 can double as a player
information reader 552 that allows for identification of a player
by reading a card with information indicating the player's identity
(e.g., reading a player's credit card, player ID card, smart card,
etc.). The player information reader 552 can alternatively or also
comprise a bar code scanner, RFID transceiver or computer readable
storage medium interface. In one embodiment, the player information
reader 552 comprises a biometric sensing device.
General
[0072] Implementing the apparatus, systems, and methods disclosed
herein may permit distinguishing, in a location-specific fashion,
multiple USB peripherals that appear to the processor and/or USB
controller in a wagering game machine as substantially identical in
other respects. This capability facilitates the use of identical
peripherals for cost-effective stocking and ease of replacement,
while at the same time realizing the benefits of providing multiple
peripherals deployed in a variety of locations about the same
wagering game machine. An increase in player satisfaction, and
additional revenue for the owners of the machines, may result.
[0073] In this detailed description, reference is made to specific
examples by way of drawings and illustrations. These examples are
described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art
to practice the inventive subject matter, and serve to illustrate
how the inventive subject matter can be applied to various purposes
or embodiments. Other embodiments are included within the inventive
subject matter, as logical, mechanical, electrical, and other
changes can be made to the example embodiments described herein.
Features or limitations of various embodiments described herein,
however essential to the example embodiments in which they are
incorporated, do not limit the inventive subject matter as a whole,
and any reference to the invention, its elements, operation, and
application are not limiting as a whole, but serve only to define
these example embodiments.
[0074] Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be
referred to herein individually or collectively by the term
"invention" merely for convenience and without intending to
voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single
invention or inventive concept, if more than one is in fact
disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been
illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to
achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific
embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all
adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of
the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically
described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art
upon reviewing the above description.
[0075] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37
C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the
reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure.
It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to
interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition,
in the foregoing Description of the Embodiments, it can be seen
that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment
for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of
disclosure is not to be interpreted to require more features than
are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, inventive subject
matter may be found in less than all features of a single disclosed
embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into
this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a
separate embodiment.
* * * * *