Selective indication of a bonus at a gaming device with player input

A method and apparatus for controlling a bonusing promotion system using a bonus server interconnected to a plurality of gaming devices is described. A percentage of a wager played on each gaming device is accumulated into a bonus pool stored on the bonus server. The bonus pool is compared to a threshold value stored on the bonus server each time the bonus pool changes. One of the gaming devices is selected when the threshold value is substantially met. A bonus prize funded by the bonus pool is awarded to the selected gaming device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to gaming devices and more particularly to a method and apparatus for promoting play on a network of gaming devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention is a method and apparatus for controlling a bonusing promotion system using a bonus server interconnected to a plurality of gaming devices. A percentage of a wager played on each gaming device is accumulated into a bonus pool stored on the bonus server. The bonus pool is compared to a threshold value stored on the bonus server each time the bonus pool changes. One of the gaming devices is selected when the threshold value is substantially met. A bonus prize funded by the bonus pool is awarded to the selected gaming device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/425,544 entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROMOTING PLAY ON A NETWORK OF GAMING DEVICES,” filed Oct. 22, 1999, now pending is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Bonus Promotion Description and Operation

A. Gaming Device

B. Individual Bonus Promotions1. Cash Bonus Prize2. Participation (Mystery) Bonus Prize3. Progressive Jackpot Bonus Prize4. Multiple Jackpot Bonus Prize5. Welcome Back Bonus Prize6. Match Play Bonus Prize7. Personal Progressive Bonus Prize

C. Player Eligibility

II. Bonus Promotion System

B. Bonus Server1. Cash, Mystery and Progressive Bonuses2. Multiple Jackpot3. Player Points4. Welcome Back Bonus5. Match Play Bonus6. Personal Progressive Bonus

C. Bank Controller

D. Machine Communication Interface

E. Card Reader

B. Bonus Server

C. Bank Controller

D. Machine Communication Interface1. Memory Structure2. Boot Loader Operation3. Communication With Bank Controller4. Code Updates5. Communication With Gaming Device6. Communication With Peripheral Devices7. Bonus Engines8. Player Tracking Records9. Software Structurea. Software Modulesb. Module Implementationc. Bank Controller Communication Super Moduled. Local OL Communication Super Modulee. Gaming Device Communication Module
I. Bonus Promotion Description and Operation

A. Gaming Device

FIG. 1shows a functional block diagram of a gaming device300according to the present invention. The gaming device300(also referred to as an electronic gaming machine or “EGM”) is configured as a component in a bonus promotion system, which is further described below with reference to FIG.5. Each gaming device300can be a slot machine or other gaming device. During operation of the gaming device300, a player (not shown) places a wager301on the gaming device300. The wager301generally represents some multiple of a fixed monetary value, also known as “coin-in.” If the player wins the game, a jackpot302equalling some multiple of the wager301in the form of coins, tokens or credits is awarded to the player according to a payout table (not shown) associated with the gaming device300.

According to the present invention, bonus prizes are awarded as part of bonus promotions. The gaming industry is highly regulated and some minimum percentage of all coin-in must be paid out at each gaming device300. The bonus promotions create bonus prizes which are awarded in addition to the jackpots302based on a separate set of payout tables or criteria, as further described below in Section III. A bonus prize can be in the form of cash, credits or non-monetary awards, such as a car, or any combination thereof. The bonus prize can also be tiered into a main bonus prize and multiple secondary bonus prizes, plus optional consolation prizes, and similar combinations.

Each gaming device300has a display assembly210, a bonus button315and an audible bonus indicator (ABI)122(shown inFIG. 10) for providing a visual and audible indication of bonus prize award status. Generally, when a bonus prize is about to be awarded, the display assembly210on each active or eligible gaming device300begins to flash. Player eligibility is discussed further in Section I.C. Once a winning gaming device300has been selected, the display assembly310stops flashing and the bonus button315begins to flash and audible bonus indicator122(shown inFIG. 10) begins to beep if a consolation prize is being awarded on that particular gaming device300.

According to the present invention, seven forms of bonus prizes are awarded: cash307, participation (mystery)308, progressive309and multiple jackpot310, welcome back316, match play317and personal progressive318bonus prizes, as further described below in section i.B. A base percentage303of each wager301is accumulated into a bonus pool304for funding each bonus prize. Optionally, a secondary percentage305of each wager301is accumulated into a “hidden” pool306for creating a seed value for the next bonus prize. At the appropriate time, the bonus prize is awarded based on a predefined bonus criteria at an eligible gaming device300, thereby depleting the bonus pool304. Some forms of bonus or consolation prize awarding require the player to accept by pressing a bonus button315located on the gaming device300. The hidden pool306, if used, is rolled over into the bonus pool304to start the next bonus promotion. The bonus prize can be paid to the player through the gaming device300or manually.

B. Individual Bonus Promotions

1. Cash Bonus Prize

The cash bonus prize307(hereinafter “cash bonus”) is a fixed cash prize funded by the bonus pool304. The cash bonus307is awarded when the coin-in collected into the bonus pool304substantially equals the cash bonus307. Consolation prizes, which consist of fixed cash prizes whose values are not based on the bonus pool304, are also awarded.

The hidden pool306is not used to directly fund the cash bonus307. However, the hidden pool306can be used to collect interim coin-in which would otherwise be lost for bonus promotion purposes, such as the coin-in received during periods of gaming device ineligibility or inactivity.

In the described embodiment, the cash bonus307is one millon dollars. In addition, consolation prizes of $50 are also awarded. However, only active players whose wagering activity exceeds a predefined frequency of play can win the cash bonus307. The base percentage303of each wager301is 0.54% but can be programmed to other desireable percentages. Other values or percentages can be used. The cash bonus307is manually awarded when the bonus pool304substantially equals one million dollars. Consolation prizes are awarded in three categories. Eligible member players receive 200% of the consolation prize while eligible anonymous players and ineligible, uncarded players receive 100% of the consolation prize. The distinction between member versus anonymous players is described below in Section I.C.

All gaming devices300interconnected to the bonus promotion system350(shown inFIG. 5) participate in the cash bonus307. When the bonus pool304substantially equals one million dollars, the following sequence of events occurs:

(1) All gaming devices300are locked up from further game play, thereby creating a noticeable silence and disrupting normal activities.

(2) The display assembly210on each active gaming device300begins flashing.

(3) The bonus server351(shown inFIG. 5) randomly selects a winner from all active gaming devices300.

(4) Optionally, an anticipation message is played over the music system358(shown inFIG. 5) announcing the imminent awarding of the cash bonus prize.

(5) Floor personnel are notified.

(6) A consolation prize is awarded at all active gaming devices300except the winning gaming device300. For each gaming device300receiving a consolation prize, the display assembly210stops flashing and the bonus button315begins flashing. Preferably, the audible bonus indicator122(shown inFIG. 10) begins to beep and a message appears on the display assembly210instructing the player to press the bonus button315to collect the consolation prize. Preferably, each player has unlimited time to press the bonus button315. Once the bonus button315is pressed, the gaming device300awards the consolation prize and unlocks so normal game play can resume.

(7) Optionally, celebration music is played over a public address system (not shown) using the music system358for several minutes.

(8) The winner of the cash bonus307is manually announced.

(9) The display assembly210on the winning gaming device300continues flashing and indicates winner status.

(10) The cash bonus307is manually paid and the winning gaming device300is unlocked.

The participation (mystery) bonus prize308(hereinafter “mystery bonus”) is a cash, credit or non-cash prize, such as a car, finded by the bonus pool304. The mystery bonus308is awarded when the coin-in collected into the bonus pool304substantially equals a “mystery” threshold. In addition, consolation prizes, which consist of fixed cash prizes also funded by the bonus pool304, are awarded. Multiple mystery bonuses308can be awarded at one time. The mystery threshold is randomly selected before each new promotion starts and must fall within a range of pre-defined values. Player eligibility is required, as described further in Section I.C.

The hidden pool306is not used to directly fund the mystery bonus308. However, the hidden pool306can be used to create a seed value for the next set of prizes to be awarded as well as to collect interim coin-in which would otherwise be lost for bonus promotion purposes, such as coin-in received during periods of gaming device ineligibility or inactivity.

In the described embodiment, three kinds of mystery bonuses are awarded. First, a car is awarded when the value of the bonus pool304substantially equals a lucky number falling between ten thousand and forty thousand. In addition, progressively larger secondary cash prizes ranging between $100 and $400 and consolation prizes of $50 are also awarded. Funding for the car and secondary cash prizes is provided by the bonus pool304and funding for the seed value for the next set of prizes is provided by the hidden pool306. For the bonus pool304, the base percentage303of each wager301is 1.5% for the car and 0.75% for the secondary cash prizes. For the hidden pool306, the secondary percentage305of each wager301is 1.0% for the car and 0.5% for the progressive cash prizes. Other values or percentages can be used. The consolation prizes are awarded under the same eligibility categories as the cash bonus307, but player eligibility is required to win.

Second, a large cash prize is awarded when the value of the bonus pool304substantially equals a pre-selected random value falling between $10,000 and $40,000. In addition, progressively larger secondary cash prizes ranging between $100 and $400 and consolation prizes of 50 credits are also awarded. Funding for all cash prizes is provided by the bonus pool304and funding for the seed value for the next set of cash prizes is provided by the hidden pool306. For the bonus pool304, the base percentage303of each wager301is 1.5% for the large cash prize and 0.75% for the progressive cash prizes. For the hidden pool306, the secondary percentage305of each wager301is 1.0% for the large cash prize and 0.5% for the progressive cash prizes. Other values or percentages can be used. The consolation prizes are awarded under the same eligibility categories as the cash bonus307, but player eligibility is required to win.

Third, a rapid hit mystery prize randomly awards progressively larger cash prizes falling between $100 and $400 when the bonus pool304substantially equals a current progressive prize value. In addition, consolations prizes of 50 credits are also awarded. Funding for the cash prizes is provided by the bonus pool304and funding for the seed value for the next set of cash prizes is provided by the hidden pool306. For the bonus pool304, the base percentage303of each wager301is 1.5%. For the hidden pool306, the secondary percentage305of each wager301is 0.75%. Other values or percentages can be used. The consolation prizes are awarded under the same eligibility categories as the cash bonus307, but player eligibility is required to win.

Each mystery bonus308uses the overhead display357(shown inFIG. 5) for encouraging game play by displaying the mystery umber. For the car mystery bonus, the overhead display357is configured as a curved tricolor light emitting diode (LED) display which mimics a car odometer and shows the lucky number without commas or decimal point. For the large cash prize, the overhead display is configured as a 3′4 flat, tricolor LED display which shows the pre-selected random value in dollars and a monochrome vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) which shows the secondary prize amount. For the rapid hit mystery prize, the overhead display is configured as a 2′2 flat, tricolor LED display which shows the current progressive prize value in dollars.

Typically, a subset of all of the gaming devices300interconnected to the bonus promotion system350(shown inFIG. 5) participate in the mystery bonus308and of that subset, only eligible gaming devices300can win the mystery or a consolation prize. The pre-defined threshold value, that is, the lucky number for the car mystery bonus, the pre-selected random value for the large cash prize and the current progressive prize value for the rapid hit mystery prize, is generically referred to as the “mystery number.” When the bonus pool304substantially equals the mystery number, the following sequence of events occurs:

(1) The gaming devices300are locked up from further game play, thereby creating a noticeable silence and disrupting normal activities.

(2) The display assembly210on each active gaming device300begins flashing and the audible bonus indicator122(shown inFIG. 10) begins beeping.

(3) The gaming device300at which the wager301causing the bonus pool304to equal or exceed the mystery number is selected as the winner.

(4) Optionally, an anticipation message is played over the music system358(shown inFIG. 5) announcing the imminent awarding of the mystery bonus prize.

(5) Floor personnel are notified except for the rapid hit mystery prize.

(6) A consolation prize is awarded at all active gaming devices300except the winning gaming device300. For each gaming device300receiving a consolation prize, the display assembly210stops flashing and the bonus button315begins flashing. Preferably, the audible bonus indicator122(shown inFIG. 10) begins to beep and a message appears on the display assembly210instructing the player to press the bonus button315to collect the consolation prize. Preferably, each player has unlimited time to press the bonus button315. Once the bonus button315is pressed, the audible bonus indicator122(shown inFIG. 10) beeps to acknowledge payment of the consolation prize, the gaming device300awards the consolation prize and unlocks so normal game play can resume.

(7) Optionally, celebration music is played over a public address system (not shown) using the music system358for several minutes.

(8) The winner of the cash bonus307is manually announced.

(9) The display assembly210on the winning gaming device300continues flashing and indicates winner status. The overhead display357shows the number of the winning gaming device300alternating with the amount won and new amount available except for the rapid hit mystery prize.

(10) The cash bonus307is manually paid and the winning gaming device300is unlocked except for the rapid hit mystery prize.

3. Progressive Jackpot Bonus Prize

The progressive jackpot bonus prize309(hereinafter “progressive bonus”) is a cash prize funded by the bonus pool304. The progressive bonus309is awarded when the coin-in collected into the bonus pool304substantially equals a preselected cash value which progressively increases with each successive prize award. In addition, consolation prizes are also awarded. The preselected cash value is randomly selected before each new set of progressive promotions starts and must fall within a range of pre-defined values. Player eligibility is required, as described further in Section I.C.

The hidden pool306is not used to directly fund the progressive bonus309. However the hidden pool306can be used to create a seed value for the next set of prizes to be awarded as well as to collect interim coin-in which would otherwise be lost for bonus promotion purposes, such as coin-in received during periods of gaming device ineligibility or inactivity.

In the described embodiment, a cash prize of starting at $10,000 is awarded when the bonus pool304substantially equals the current progressive cash prize value. In addition, consolation prizes of 50 credits are also awarded. Funding for the cash prize is provided by the bonus pool304and funding for the seed value for the next set of prizes is provided by the hidden pool306. For the bonus pool304, the base percentage303of each wager301is 1.5%. For the hidden pool306, the secondary percentage305of each wager301is 0.75%. Other values or percentages can be used. The consolation prizes are awarded under the same eligibility categories as the cash bonus307, but player eligibility is required to win.

The progressive bonus309uses the overhead display357(shown inFIG. 5) for encouraging game play by displaying the current progressive cash prize value.

Typically, a subset of all of the gaming devices300interconnected to the bonus promotion system350(shown inFIG. 5) participate in the progressive bonus309and of that subset, only eligible gaming devices300can win the progressive or a consolation prize. When the bonus pool304substantially equals the current progressive cash prize value, the following sequence of events occurs:

(1) The gaming devices300are locked up from further game play, thereby creating a noticeable silence and disrupting normal activities.

(2) The display assembly210on each active gaming device300begins flashing and the audible bonus indicator122(shown inFIG. 10) begins beeping.

(3) The gaming device300at which the wager301causing the bonus pool304to equal or exceed the current progressive cash prize value is selected as the winner.

(4) Optionally, an anticipation message is played over the music system358(shown inFIG. 5) announcing the imminent awarding of the mystery bonus prize.

(5) Floor personnel are notified.

(6) A consolation prize is awarded at all active gaming devices300except the winning gaming device300. For each gaming device300receiving a consolation prize, the display assembly210stops flashing and the bonus button315begins flashing. Preferably, the audible bonus indicator122(shown inFIG. 10) begins to beep and a message appears on the display assembly210instructing the player to press the bonus button315to collect the consolation prize. Preferably, each player has unlimited time to press the bonus button315. Once the bonus button315is pressed, the audible bonus indicator122(shown inFIG. 10) beeps to acknowledge payment of the consolation prize, the gaming device300awards the consolation prize and unlocks so normal game play can resume.

(7) Optionally, celebration music is played over a public address system (not shown) using the music system358for several minutes.

(8) The display assembly210on the winning gaming device300continues flashing and indicates winner status. The overhead display357shows the number of the winning gaming device300alternating with the amount won and new amount available.

(9) The progressive bonus309is manually paid and the winning gaming device300is unlocked.

4. Multiple Jackpot Bonus Prize

The multiple jackpot bonus prize310(hereinafter “multiple jackpot”) multiplies the amount of the jackpot302received by a player for a fixed time period. The bonus jackpot award period begins with the insertion of a special card into a designated card reader in a bank controller355(shown in FIG.5). Unlike the other bonus promotions, no eligibility is required, no special or consolation prizes are awarded and the bonus pool304and hidden pool306are not used. Also, player eligibility is not required. The present invention is similar to the method and apparatus for implementing a jackpot bonus, including multiple jackpot wherein the gaming device reconfigures its payout to be a multiple of its default payout schedule, on a network of gaming devices described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,284, issued on Mar. 2, 1999, owned by the assignee of the present application, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

In the described embodiment, multiples of two, three and five are used to award multiple jackpots whenever the jackpot302at each gaming device in the bank exceeds a minimum winnings threshold of 20 credits. The bonus jackpot award period lasts for about one minute. Other values can be used. In addition, the number of times a bank of gaming devices300can be activated by the special card is limited for a given time period and an exception is sent to a DACOM354host (shown inFIG. 5) if a user attempts to excessively activate a bank.

Only the gaming devices300interconnected to the selected bank controller355participate in the multiple jackpot310. When the special card is inserted into the designated card reader, the following sequence of events occurs:

(1) The display assembly210on each gaming device300interconnected with the selected bank controller355begins flashing.

(2) For about 60 seconds, each interconnected gaming device300pays out some multiple of the normal jackpot amount for any jackpot302above 20 credits.

(3) Optionally, a sound sequence is played over the music system358(shown inFIG. 5) when the special card is inserted.

(4) At the end of 60 seconds, normal game play resumes.

5. Welcome Back Bonus Prize

The welcome back bonus prize316(hereinafter “welcome back bonus”) offers a period of half-price wagering to any valid carded player who earns a minimum required number of points. Valid, carded play is described further in Section I.C. The purpose of the welcome back bonus316is to encourage players to visit the gaming establishment or casino frequently. Each welcome back bonus316award is not immediately available when earned. Instead, the player must wait until a later pre-defined time to redeem the welcome back bonus316through half-price wagering. In the described embodiment, the minimum required points are published and known by most players.

An example of the welcome back bonus316will now be described. In this example, use of the welcome back bonus316via half-price wagering is deferred until 6:00 AM the following morning, although any other time could be used. If a player earns the welcome back bonus316at 6:15 am, she must wait 23 hours and 45 minutes to redeem the bonus. However, if she earns the bonus at 5:45 AM, she must wait only 15 minutes. The fixed award time makes player education easy and simplifies implementation. In addition, a $4.00 welcome back bonus316is used in this example which provides $8.00 of half price wagering. The player earns one point for every $2.00 wagered with 300 points required to earn the $4.00 welcome back bonus316. The amount of the bonus, number of required points and rate at which points are earned are adjustable.

The points required for each welcome back bonus316can be cumulatively earned over successive visits. Once earned, a player must wait until after 6:00 AM the following morning before using the bonus. No player can accumulate more than one award during a single playing session. For instance, suppose a player earns a welcome back bonus316at 10:00 PM on a Monday, yet continues to play over the next 6 hours to earn an additional 900 points. While the 900 points are enough to earn three additional welcome back bonus316awards, only one award will be granted.

The award of each welcome back bonus316is made automatically upon the first card insertion following the 6:00 AM threshold. The play must accept the award. Further deferral is not allowed. However, on those occasions in which a gaming session lasts for more than 12 hours, the player can collect the welcome back bonus316at the end of the session instead of having to come back again.

Suppose a player wins one welcome back bonus316by earning at least 300 points on a Thursday. She can return at any time after 6:00 AM the following morning to use the welcome back bonus316. However, since the welcome back bonus316extends “half-price” gaming instead of coins, tokens or credits, the player must play to collect the bonus. Each welcome back bonus316is in effect only as long as it takes to wager the earned bonus. In the example, bonus play lasts until $8.00 has been wagered. On Friday, if she earns at least 300 additional points, she is eligible for another the welcome back bonus316award at 6:00 AM the following morning. The points earned during welcome back bonus play count towards the next bonus.

In the described embodiment, the display assembly210(shown inFIG. 1) and ABI122(shown inFIG. 10) on each gaming device300serve as important status indicators for players familiar with the welcome back bonus316. Each time a valid card312is inserted into a card reader311on the gaming device300(shown in FIG.1), the display assembly210displays a welcome message that greets the player with her name, current point balance and a message explaining her welcome back bonus status. Three status conditions are possible:

(1) Player has no pending welcome back bonus316awards. A message appears on the display assembly210stating “Earn XX more points to win a Welcome Back award” where “XX” indicates remaining points until a Welcome Back bonus316award has been earned. The ABI122sounds a tone at the start of the message to alert the player.

(2) Player has earned a welcome back bonus316award, but cannot use it at the present time. A message appears on the display assembly210stating “Congratulations. You have earned a Welcome Back award. It is available to you anytime after 6:00 AM.” The actual time is adjustable. The ABI122sounds a tone to alert the player of this important message.

(3) Player has earned the welcome back bonus316and is qualified to use it at the present time. A message appears on the display assembly210stating “Congratulations. Your Welcome Back award is now available. Half Price gaming begins NOW!” The ABI122sounds a different tone to alert the player to an immediate award. During game play, the display assembly210keeps the player informed of exactly what is happening. There are three possible conditions:

(1) Player has not yet earned enough points for a welcome back bonus316award. Each time a player reaches a 50 point interval, the ABI122sounds a beep and a message appears on the display assembly210stating “only XXX points required to earn your Welcome Back award” where “XXX” indicates the remaining points until a Welcome Back bonus316award has been earned. The pointer interval is adjustable.

(2) Player has earned a welcome back bonus316award, but cannot use it at the present time. No messages appears.

(3) Player has earned a welcome back bonus316award and is qualified to use it at the present time. Immediately after the card insertion messages have completed, the display assembly210displays “Welcome Back=$YY.YY” where “YY.YY” indicates the balance of the welcome back bonus316award available.

Each time a wager301is placed by the player on the gaming device300, half of the wager value is subtracted from the displayed amount and added to an internal EGM credit meter. For example, suppose a ten credit wager is placed with $4.00 showing on the display assembly210of a nickel slot machine with a 50 credit balance. The ten credits are removed from the internal EGM credit meter and five credits of value equalling $0.25 are deducted from the display assembly210amount. The five credits are simultaneously added to the credit meter. Thereafter, the display assembly210shows “Welcome Back=3.75” and the credit meter shows 45 credits. The player has just gotten a 10 credit wager while spending only five credits.

The amount shown on the display assembly210display is decremented until the welcome back bonus316award remaining is less than one credit. The ABI122sounds a tone to indicate the end of the welcome back bonus316session and a message appears on the display assembly210indicating the bonus points required to earn the next the welcome back bonus316award. Bonus points are earned during each welcome back bonus316session in the same manner as earned during normal game play. Thus, if the welcome back bonus316award equals $8.00, the player earns 4 bonus points during the welcome back bonus316session. After the end of a welcome back bonus316session, the display assembly210reverts to normal operation and provides alert messages at regular bonus point intervals.

If the player removes her card312before the welcome back bonus316session has ended, no messages appear on the display assembly210. When the player later inserts her card312into a card reader311on another gaming device300, either during this visit or on a future visit, the same set of messages and tones as described above are presented, although the display assembly210shows only the welcome back bonus316award balance remaining.

Message sequences and sequence parameters are stored in a bonus server351(shown in FIG.5). Whenever the bonus server351starts operation or has its values modified, the bonus server351broadcasts a message packet containing sequence parameters to each MCI356associated with a gaming device300as described below in Section III.A. If an MCI356is replaced or restarted, the MCI356requests the necessary parameters from the bonus server351. In an alternative embodiment, the DACOM host354(also shown inFIG. 5) can be modified to store interim values for each MCI356which does all calculations. The parameters used in the welcome back bonus316are listed below in Table 1.

Upon the insertion of a card312into a card reader311, the MCI356retrieves the player record from the DACOM host354. Each player record must have the values listed above in Table 1 initialized to zero values at system start up, except for the $turnover/point value which must be initialized to the appropriate amount.

The MCI356calculates the total points and welcome back bonus316points as they are earned. The MCI356also controls the messages displayed on the display assembly210as described above using the parameters obtained from the bonus server351. When enough welcome back bonus316points have been earned, the MCI356sets the welcome back bonus316earned bonus points status byte and clears the points towards next award value. The latter value is not incremented as long as the earned flag bonus points status byte is set. In addition, the MCI356also calculates the date and time at which the player will be qualified by adding a waiting time to the current date and time.

When the card312is removed from the card reader311, the parameters are sent to the DACOM host354for storage in the associated player record. When the card312is inserted a card reader311for another gaming device300, the player record is again retrieved from the DACOM host354and is used by the associated MCI356to control the welcome back bonus316session. Once the date and time at which the player will be qualified has been met or exceeded, the MCI356clears the earned flag bonus points status byte and adds points for the welcome back bonus316award to the total point balance.

6. Match Play Bonus Prize

The match play bonus prize317(hereinafter “match play”) offers a further incentive for frequent play. In one embodiment of the present invention, one credit point is accumulated for every $2.00 wagered. These credit points can be redeemed for restaurant vouchers at one cent per point or used for purchasing televisions and related goods at a significantly lower rate of exchange.

In a further embodiment, credit points are still accumulated but can be converted to a match play317value at the player's option. The match play317value is essentially regular game play at a 50% discount. Each time a player wagers two credits, one credit is removed from the bonus pool304(shown inFIG. 1) and transferred to an internal EGM credit meter for recording Match Play points. For example, if a player wagers ten credits, he will receive five credits back, so long as there are at least five credits in his Match Play account. In this embodiment, each Match Play point is worth one cent, although other values could be used.

During match play, several components in each gaming device300are used, including the display assembly210, ABI122(shown in FIG.10), the bonus button (BB)315and internal EGM credit meter (not shown). An example of the player activity steps are shown below wherein the left hand column describes player actions and the right hand column describes the game response:

Standard Carded Play with No Match Play Points Used.(1)Player insertsDisplay assembly 210 greets player by namecard 312and displays credit point balance.(2)Play beginsFor every $2.00 wagered, credit pointsincreased by one point. ABI 122 beepsonce after each point is awarded.(3)Player removesTotal credit points, including those justcard 312earned, are stored in DACOM host 354.Carded Play with Match Play Points Used.(1)Player insertsDisplay assembly 210 greets player by namecard 312and displays credit point balance.(2)Play beginsFor every $2.00 wagered, credit pointsincreased by one point. ABI 122 beeps onceafter each point is awarded.(3)Player pushesCredit point balance on display assemblyBB 315210 is replaced by “Match Play = XXX.XX”and ABI 122 sounds a special tone to signifyentry into Match Play. For example, ifplayer has 5,372 points, the displayassembly 210 will show “Match Play =$53.72”.(4)Player wagersTen credits are removed from the internal10 creditsEGM credit meter and five credits areimmediately added back. For example, on anickel slot machine, the display assembly210 would now show “Match Play =$53.47”.(5)Player wagersFifteen credits are removed from the internal15 creditsEGM credit meter and seven credits areadded back. The DACOM host 354 recordsthe half Match Play point owed. Thedisplayed amount is decremented by 7credits equalling thirty-five cents and nowreads “Match Play = $53.12”.(6)Player wagersTen credits are removed from the internal10 creditsEGM credit meter and five credits are addedback. The displayed amount is decrementedby five credits or twenty-five cents and nowreads “Match Play = $52.87”.(7)Player wagersFive credits are removed from the internal5 creditsEGM credit meter and three credits areadded back, including the half credit fromStep (5). The displayed amount isdecremented by three credits or fifteen centsand now reads “Match Play = $52.72”.(8)Player continuesMatch Play credits are decremented asto wagerdescribed above and the appropriate amountsof credits are added to the internal EGMcredit meter. Each time the wagers total$2.00, one cent is added back to the creditmeter.(9)Player decidesRemoving the card 312 automatically sendsto eat lunchthe unused credit point balance to theDACOM host 354 where it is stored in theplayer record. For example, if the displayedamount was $40.00 when the card 312 wasremoved, the credit point balance will be4,000. Any credits on the EGM credit meterare cashed out.(10)Player wantsPlayer presents card 312 and asks for $20.00$20.00 lunchlunch voucher. After showing appropriatevoucherID, coupon is printed and points deducted atappropriate rate from player record. Creditpoint balance is now 2,000(11)After lunch,Upon card insertion, she is greeted by nameplayer returnsand her point balance is displayed as 2,000to casinopoints(12)Player wagersA total of fifty points are added to her$100 overaccount and 2,050 are shown on the display15 minutesassembly 210.(13)Funds runningPoints are immediately converted to Matchlow, playerPlay. ABI 122 beeps to signify change ofpushes BB 315playing mode and display assembly nowto entershows “Match Play = $20.50”Match Play(14)Player wagersAppropriate Match Play points are added toadditional $10.00internal EGM credit meter after each game.over severalIn this example, an additional five pointsgameswere earned because $10 was wagered.These points increase the Match Play meterby five cents. After subtracting $5.00 fromdisplayed amount, display assembly 210now indicates “Match Play = $15.55”(15)Player pushesBy pushing BB 315 again, Match Play isBB 315 to endended. ABI 122 sounds distinctive tone toMatch Playconfirm and display is converted back topoints display. In this example, it nowindicates “1,555 Points”.

Players may enter and exit Match Play as often as desired. However, another bonus button315event, for instance, the awarding of a consolation prize, can cause the bonus button315to change function. For example, if a player is in points mode and a consolation prize is offered which requires her to press the bonus button315within 30 seconds, the initial bonus button315press claim the consolation prize and not change the mode from Points to Match Play. A distinctive ABI122tone indicates that a consolation prize was collected. The player must press the bonus button315again to enter Match Play.

The match play317value provides an easy way for players to convert bonus points to Match Play points without having to visit the club center or requiring the assistance from casino personnel. Moreover, the rate at which points are converted to Match Play points is adjustable as is the rate at which these points are converted to restaurant vouchers.

7. Personal Progressive Bonus Prize

The personal progressive bonus prize318(hereinafter “personal progressive”) enables each player to “grow” their own mystery award which only they are eligible to win. Often, players participating in a bonus promotion, such as the progressive bonus309, are discouraged to see a jackpot winner walk away with all the jackpot growth, particularly the bonus contribution the non winning player has made. The player might have contributed a large portion of the progressive bonus309yet not have any chance of sharing in the bonus. The personal progressive318helps a player to avoid this situation.

With the personal progressive318bonus, a player can play on any gaming device300and the bonus follows them to each successive EGM, although the actual bonus increment rates can vary between different types of EGMs. The player must use a valid card312for game play to contribute to the personal progressive318bonus amount and can win a bonus on any denomination of gaming device300. The player's chance of winning on any particular game is directly proportional to the size of the bet. The personal progressive318bonus stays with their card312until the bonus is won, even if it takes months or years.

In the described embodiment, the following parameters are used. First, all gaming devices300participate and no consolation prizes are awarded. A valid player card312is required and the bonus button315must be pressed, with no time limit, to collect the bonus. Optionally, the bonus button315can be disabled or a time limit set. Each personal progressive318bonus can be between $10 and $40, but can be programmed to other suitable ranges. The personal progressive318bonuses are funded by 0.25% of each wager301, but other percentages can be programmable.

During game play, player tracking is provided via the display assembly210(shown inFIG. 1) which shows the amount of the bonus earned upon card insertion and after every $0.50 increment thereafter. Upon a win, the ABI122(shown inFIG. 10) beeps to inform of the player of the win who is then prompted to push BB to collect the personal progressive318bonus. The award is paid to the internal EGM credit meter.

C. Player Eligibility

Each gaming device300includes a card reader311for reading a player card312to determine player eligibility. The card reader311includes a card slot313into which the player card312is inserted. A bezel314surrounds the card slot313for providing continuous visual feedback to the player regarding eligibility to win prizes. However, the card reader311only effects player eligibility for the bonus promotions and each gaming device300will continue to operate with or without the insertion of a player card312. However, depending upon the particular bonus promotions in progress at the time, uncarded play can limit the prizes to the jackpot302.

The player card312is used by the gaming establishment for identifying individual players. The player card312can also be used as a wager debit card and for tracking game play. A player is “registered” or “named” if the player card312has been entered into a player database (not shown), whereas the player is “numbered” or “anonymous” if the player card312has been issued to the player, but has not been entered into the player database. All other players are “uncarded.”

For those bonus promotions which require eligibility, a player is ordinarily eligible to win a bonus or consolation prize if a minimum frequency of play is maintained as measured by games played per minute. In the described embodiment, eligibility requires the playing of at least one game every ten seconds, that is, at least six games per minute. Other game playing frequencies can be used.

A combination of three colors for the bezel314in combination with either a flashing or solid condition are used for indicating player eligibility. The bezel314feedback combinations are shown below in Table 2.

FIG. 3shows a flow diagram of a method for controlling visual feedback of bonus eligibility using the gaming device of FIG.1. Its purpose is to control the color and condition of the bezel314according to the above table. Eligibility is determined by the machine communication interface (MCI)356for each gaming device300and the associated card reader311. Blocks320-323and327describe inactive game play conditions resulting in the method ofFIG. 3terminating whereas blocks324-335describe active game playing conditions.

First, if the gaming device300is malfunctioning or the card reader is out of order (block320), the bezel314is turned off (block321) and the method terminates. However, if the gaming device300is not malfunctioning (block320), the MCI356checks to determine whether game play is active. Active game play means a game has been wagered on the gaming device300within a predefined time period. In the described embodiment, 30 seconds must elapse before game play becomes inactive.

Ordinarily, if no game play is taking place (block322), the bezel314is red (block323) and the method terminates. Otherwise, if game play is active (block322), the card reader300is checked for a player card312insertion (block324). If a player card312is inserted in the card reader311(block325), the card reader311determines whether the player card312is valid and properly inserted. If the player card312is invalid or is improperly inserted into the card reader311(block326), the bezel314is a flashing red color (block327) and the method terminates.

Otherwise, if a valid player card312has been inserted (block327), the MCI356determines the carded player's eligibility (block328) as further described below with reference to FIG.4. If no player card312has been inserted (block325), the MCI356determines the uncarded player's eligibility (block328), as further described below with reference to FIG.4. If no card has been inserted (block325) yet the player is eligible (block329), the bezel314is orange (block330). Otherwise, if no player card312has been inserted (block325) and the player is ineligible (block329), the bezel314is a flashing orange color (block331). If a valid player card312has been inserted (block326) and the player is eligible (block332), the bezel314is a green color (block334). Otherwise, if a valid player card312has been inserted (block326) yet the player is not eligible (block332), the bezel314is a flashing green (block333).

FIG. 4shows a flow diagram of a routine for determining bonus eligibility in the method shown in FIG.3. Its purpose is to classify the gaming device300as either eligible, ineligible or inactive. If a wager301has been placed on the gaming device300within the last 10 seconds (block340), the player is eligible to win a bonus (block341). Otherwise, if a wager301has not been placed within the last 10 seconds (block340), the MCI356determines whether 10 seconds elapsed due to a legitimate delay, such as a detected coin-in jam, jackpot payout needing additional time to complete the incrementing of the credit meter or other legitimate causes. The 10 second eligibility period is extended by the duration of these events. However, if the player presses the bonus button315to accept or “cash out” his bonus award, eligibility is terminated immediately. Thus, if there has not been a wager within the last 10 seconds (block340) yet the delay was due to a legitimate cause (block342) and the player has not pressed the button315(block343), the player is eligible (block341). Otherwise, if the delay was legitimate (block342) yet the bonus button315was pressed (block343), eligibility is lost (block344). If there is no legitimate reason for the delay (block342) yet a wager has been placed within the last 30 seconds (block345), game play is active yet the player has still lost eligibility (block344). Otherwise, if there has been no wager within the last 30 seconds (block345) the game is considered inactive (block346) and the routine returns.

II. Bonus Promotion System

FIG. 5shows a functional block diagram of a bonus promotion system350according to the present invention. The system350includes a bonus server351which is the central control point for each of the bonus promotions except the multiple jackpot310. The bonus server351tracks cash-in for the bonus pool304and hidden pool306and determines the appropriate time at which to award each bonus prize. In the described embodiment, a single bonus server351controls all progressive jackpots309. Second and third bonus servers351respectively control the car mystery and cash mystery variants of the participation bonuses308. A fourth bonus server351controls the cash bonus307. Since the multiple jackpot310is initiated at random times by insertion of a special card in a bank controller355, no bonus server351is dedicated to controlling the multiple jackpot310.

A concentrator352interfaces each bonus server351with a bank controller355and a translator353. Its purpose is to optimize performance within the bonus promotion350by freeing bonus servers351from the task of having to poll each individual MCI356for bonus meter readings for the associated gaming device300(not shown). The concentrator352broadcasts a table of all current bonus meters and their respective statuses twice every second to the bonus servers351. Each bonus server351controls it's respective bonus promotion through bonusing meters broadcast from the concentrator352.

The translator353integrates the communication and system control protocols used by the DACOM host354, further described below with the rest of the bonus promotion system350. As such, the translator353serves as a bridge between the DACOM host354and the bonus promotion system350.

The DACOM host354provides monitoring capabilities over the various components comprising the bonus promotion system350. By monitoring their respective states during operations. In addition, the DACOM host354accumulates accounting information, slot accounting, player tracking and runs casino management applications.

The bank controller355controls a bank of gaming devices300which are each interconnected to an MCI356. In addition, the bank controller355controls the overhead displays357and music system358. Finally, the bank controller355includes a card reader (not shown) used in slot bank bonus promotions, such as the multiple jackpot310. The bank controller355monitors the communication status of all attached MCIs356and determines when one of those units has gone off line.

Finally, an MCI356is imbedded into each gaming device300. It is responsible for allowing the DACOM host354to communicate directly with the attached gaming device300. Each MCI356controls the card reader311(shown in FIG.1), the ABI122(shown in FIG.10), a fluorescent flasher, a bonus button315(also shown inFIG. 1) and a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) mounted on or in each gaming device300. During normal operations, the MCI356continuously monitors changes to turn over, stroke, wins and bonus out and can quickly send any changes to these meter, referred to as bonus meters to the bank controller355at a rate of up to four times per second. The MCI356also detects player card312insertion and removals via the card reader311. Finally, the MCI356periodically configures itself for the bonus promotion to which it has been assigned.

A configuration workstation359is used to monitor, configure and modify bonus parameters on the bonus server351.FIGS. 2A through 2Nshow screen images for configuring the bonus promotions of the present invention using the configuration workstation359.

B. Bonus Server

In the described embodiment, each bonus server351is implemented as an IBM compatible personal computer having an Intel TM “PENTIUM” compatible microprocessor and running the pSOS real time operating system. Each bonus server has an IP address which is identified by a dongle attached to its parallel port. Each bonus server is configured with both primary and secondary non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) for storage of bonusing data. This NVRAM is implemented on PCMCIA cards (PC-cards). Two megabytes of static RAM is required, and PC-card based hard disks can be used to increase storage capacity. Each bonus server also includes an Ethernet interface for communication with the concentrator352.

C. Bank Controller

FIG. 6is a block diagram of an embodiment of a bank controller355constructed in accordance with the present invention. The bank controller includes a central processing unit (CPU) which is preferably an NS486 type microprocessor. The NS486 processor is compatible with an Intel type 80486 microprocessor. The CPU is interfaced to an industry standard type SIMM72 RAM chip504and an industry standard type 27C4096 ROM chip506through a system bus502. The system bus includes all of the address, data, and control lines, as well any decoding circuits, direct memory access (DMA) circuitry, and “glue logic” required to interface the CPU to the memory devices and any other peripheral devices.

The Bank Controller includes a network interface circuit508which interfaces the CPU500to the concentrator352of FIG.5. The network interface circuit is based on an ETHERNET compatible type SMC91C94 network interface chip which is connected to the CPU through the system bus502and is accessible through connector J411. The network interface circuit includes an industry standard type 78Z11228B-01 I/O driver chip which interfaces the network interface chip to the connector J411.

The Bank Controller also includes two dual universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (DUART) chips510and512which are also interfaced to the CPU through the system bus502. The duart chips are preferably industry standard type ST16C552 devices having two serial ports and one parallel port each. The two serials ports on DUART510are coupled to a connector J46 through two optical isolation circuits514and516which are based on industry standard type HCNW139 opto-coupler chips. The isolation circuits are designed to be compatible with the “OL” type serial communication ports described below with reference to the Machine Communication Interface. In a preferred embodiment, the isolation circuits are powered by an isolated power supply and are designed to provide 3 KV of electrical isolation between the DUART and the connector J46. The isolation circuits are configured to function as “master” communication ports, i.e., they supply the power necessary for running the serial communication link. Each of the isolation circuits514and516includes a set of high current totem-pole complimentary output transistors which allows it to drive up 32 slave communication ports in parallel. Thus, the bank controller can communicate with a total of 64 Machine Communication Interfaces.

The parallel ports on DUARTs514and516are accessible through parallel port connectors J48 and J49 and allow the bank controller to read a bank ID number from a dongle attached to one of the parallel ports.

One of the serial ports on DUART512is coupled to connector J46 through another optical isolation circuit518which is identical to circuits514and516. This port is preferably connected to the overhead display device357ofFIG. 5, a card reader assembly for use in, for instance, the multiple jackpot310, such as assembly311ofFIG. 7, and/or any other device having an “OL” compatible serial communication link operating as a slave. The other serial port on DUART512functions as an auxiliary port and is coupled to connector J41 through a dual RS232 interface chip520such as an industry standard type ADM232AARN which converts standard logic level signals from the DUART512to the RS232 drive levels.

The bank controller further includes a sound chip522which provides two channels of analog audio output and a serial communication port. The sound chip, which is preferably a type AD1812, is commonly known as a “sound blaster” chip and is interfaced to the CPU through the system bus502. The two audio output channels are accessible through sub-miniature phone jacks524and526. The audio signals from the sound chip must be amplified by external equipment.

The serial port of sound chip522functions as a Musical Instrument Device Interface (MIDI) port and is used to control MIDI compatible special effects devices such as lighting equipment, motors, external sound devices, and any other devices as required for specific promotions. The serial port is coupled to connector J41 through the RS232 interface chip520described above so as to convert standard logic level signals from the sound chip522to the RS232 drive levels that are required by MIDI compatible equipment.

Support for four Personal Computer Memory Card Interface Architecture (PCMCIA) slots528-529are provided by two PCMCIA interface chips which are interfaced to the CPU through system bus502. The PCMCIA interface chips532and534which are preferably type CL-PD6722 devices.

An IDE interface circuit536is interfaced to the CPU through the system bus and provides an IDE standard port for interfacing the bank controller to a CD-ROM drive through connector J43.

The bank controller includes an “iRda” compatible infra-red communication port which utilizes an asynchronous serial communication port on the CPU500. The iRda port includes an iRda interface circuit538and is accessible through connector J47. The iRda interface circuit includes input/output buffers and high current complimentary output transistors for driving iRda compatible equipment. The iRda interface circuit is preferably coupled to an infra-red receiver/transmitter mounted above the bank controller on a stalk or pole.

A system clock circuit540is based on an AV9154A-27 chip and generates a 50 MHz system clock signal for the CPU, as well as clock signals for the various UART serial port circuitry, and a 14 MHz clock signal for the sound chip522.

A watchdog circuit542monitors the CPU and resets it if stops sending a periodic signal to the watchdog circuit or if the power supply voltage exceeds predetermined limits. The watchdog circuit is preferably based on an MAX705CSA type watchdog chip.

Finally, an LN514RA type 7-segment LED display544with decimal point is interfaced to eight discrete I/O lines on the CPU through an industry standard type 74ACTQ245 logic chip.

D. Machine Communication Interface

In the described embodiment of the present invention, each gaming device300(also referred to as an electronic gaming machine or “EGM”) includes a machine communication interface (MCI)356which is interfaced to several peripheral components as shown inFIG. 7. Adisplay assembly210is mounted to the front of the gaming device for displaying bonus amounts, greeting messages, instructions, anticipation messages an other information. The display assembly210includes a display device11, which is preferably a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) module, and a display interface board12.

A card reader assembly311is also mounted to the front of the gaming device. The card reader assembly includes a card reader interface board14, a lighted bezel314, and a card reader module16. An audible bonus indicator18is fabricated integral to the card reader interface board.

Both the display interface board12and the card reader interface board14are coupled to the MCI through a local serial link13which provides two-way communication between the MCI and the display assembly210, and between the MCI and the card reader assembly311. The serial local link13is also referred to as the local “On-Line” link or local OL. Additional components can be added to the serial local link13as the need arises. The local serial link also provides power to the display assembly and card reader assembly.

A lighted bonus button315is mounted to the front of the gaming device300and derives power from the card reader interface board14. The bonus button includes a switch which is coupled to both the card reader interface board and the MCI to provide an electronic signal whenever the button is pressedby a player. The selection of the bonus button is driven primarily by aesthetic considerations rather than engineering factors since the “look and feel” of the bonus button are important considerations for a gaming device.

An identification circuit (also referred to as an “ID chip”)20is connected to the MCI to provide a unique identification number to each MCI installed in a gaming device.

A fluorescent flasher unit22is optionally coupled to the MCI to provide additional signaling capabilities to gaming devices equipped with fluorescent illumination lights.

The MCI is coupled to an EGM communication port24on the gaming device through an industry standard RS422 serial link26. Each gaming device300is controlled by an internal control system which operates independently of the bonusing promotion system350. The communication port24allows other equipment to access the internal control system of the gaming device for data collection and control purposes. In the described embodiment, the MCI communicates with the gaming device by using a protocol such as ASP1000which is published by Aristocrat Leisure Industries of Australia. The communication port24is typically used by a third-party accounting system to extract accounting data from the gaming device. However, in a gaming device that is configured for bonusing operation in accordance with the present invention, the communication port is used by the MCI to monitor meters and events from the gaming device and to issue bonus related commands to the gaming device.

To allow third party accounting systems to operate even when an MCI is connected to the communication port24, each MCI also includes an optional serial interface28which acts as an accounting data replication port.

Each MCI is coupled to its associated bank controller through a multi-drop serial communication link30. The serial link230is also referred to as an “On-Line” or “OL” link. On the OL link30, all of the MCI receivers are connected to the transmitter of the bank controller, and all of the MCI transmitters are connected to the receiver of the bank controller. Thus, all MCIs “hear” the Bank Controller communications simultaneously, but the MCIs do not “hear” each other. Only one MCI can transmit at a time. The OL link utilizes a four-conductor cable to physically couple each MCI to the bank controller.

Similarly, on the local OL link13, the receivers of all of the peripheral devices such as the display10and card reader311are connected to the transmitter of the MCI, and the transmitters of all the peripheral devices are connected to the receiver of the MCI so that all peripherals “hear” the MCI communications simultaneously, but the peripherals do not “hear” each other.

Not all of the peripheral components need be installed in each machine, and some components, such as the card reader assembly and display assembly can be installed in a gaming device and operated in a “stand alone” mode without an MCI.

FIGS. 8A and 8B, which are referred to collectively asFIG. 8, form a block diagram of an embodiment of a machine communication interface (MCI)356constructed in accordance with the present invention. This block diagram would enable one of ordinary skill in the art to design an MCI which is capable of performing all of the functions necessary to practice the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 8, each MCI includes a microprocessor32. In a preferred embodiment, the microprocessor is a microcontroller having two serial communication ports and numerous discrete digital input and output ports such as an “H8/325” type controller manufactured by Hitachi of Tokyo, Japan. Although the processor32could possibly be run exclusively from internal memory, in a preferred embodiment, the processor utilizes a combination of internal and external memory devices to increase the available memory space and to provide more flexibility in selecting the microprocessor.

The external memory is arranged in a paged addressing scheme to facilitate a software implementation structure which is described below. A 32 Kbyte read only memory (ROM) chip40and a 128 Kbyte random access memory (RAM) chip42are interfaced to the processor through data bus34, address bus36, control bus38, and a memory decode logic circuit44. Control bus38includes the control lines which are typically required to interface memory and I/O devices to a microprocessor such as read, write, and I/O strobe lines. ROM chip40is preferably an industry standard type 27C256, while RAM chip42is preferably an industry standard type KM681000.

Memory decode logic circuit44enables the processor to access either the ROM chip or a 32K page of the RAM chip in response to the PAGE SELECT X, PAGE SELECT Y, and ROM/RAM signals which are generated by the processor through discrete digital I/O lines. When the ROM/RAM signal is low, ROM is selected. When ROM/RAM is high, a 32K page of RAM is selected depending on the state of the PAGE SELECT X, PAGE SELECT Y signals. If both PAGE SELECT X and PAGE SELECT Y are low, the lowest 32K page is selected using the A15 and A16 address bits of the RAM chip. If PAGE SELECT X is high and PAGE SELECT Y is low, the next lowest 32K page is selected, etc.

By using a pull-up resistor on the ROM/RAM line, the memory decode logic circuit takes advantage of the fact that the digital I/O lines are configured as high impedance inputs when the processor is initialized to assure that the processor always accesses the ROM chip after power-up or reset initialization.

A dual universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (DUART) chip46is interfaced to the processor through data bus34, address bus36, control bus38, and an I/O decode logic circuit48. The DUART chip46provides two additional serial communication ports as well as several discrete digital I/O lines. The serial ports and digital I/O lines of the DUART are mapped into the I/O space of the processor by an I/O decode logic circuit48as is known in the art. The DUART is preferably an industry standard type 16C452/552 device.

Each MCI includes a serial OL port50for communicating with the bank controller355over an OL link. The OL port50is configured as a slave, which means that power for the link is supplied by the equipment on the other end of the cable, i.e., the bank controller. Configuring the OL port as a slave also means that it can only “hear” communications from the master, i.e., bank controller, but not from other slaves. Likewise, a slave OL port can only transmit to the master and not other slaves.

The OL port50includes a connector P3for connecting the port to the bank controller via a four-wire OL cable (not shown). The OL port also includes an optical isolation circuit52which optically couples connector P3to a native serial port on the processor32and provides fill duplex communication. In a preferred embodiment, the optical isolation circuit utilizes industry standard type CNW139 opto-isolator chips and provides full electrical isolation to 3KVDC between the OL cable and the rest of the MCI to comply with regulatory standards. Such optical isolation circuits are known in the art and will not be discussed further.

Each MCI also includes a “local” serial OL port54which is configured as a master, i.e., it supplies the power necessary to run the local OL link. The local OL port54includes a connector P2for connecting the port to peripheral devices such as card readers, displays, etc. through a cable (not shown). An optical isolation and drive circuit56couples connector P2to a native serial port on the processor and provides full duplex communication between the MCI and the peripheral components. In a preferred embodiment, the local OL optical isolation circuit56utilizes an industry standard type 6N137 opto-isolator chip to receive signals, and a high-current Darlington transistor to enable the local OL port to drive about eight OL slave devices in parallel when transmitting.

The local OL port provides power to peripheral components through connector P2. Both board power (typically 5VDC and ground) and an unregulated power supply (typically 24VDC and common) are provided at P2. The unregulated power supply is necessary for powering the light on the bonus button315. Since the board power provided to P2is the same power supply used by the processor and other sensitive electronic devices in the MCI, care should be taken to assure that any peripheral devices attached to the local OL port through P2are mounted internal to the gaming device to reduce the possibility of coupling external sources of electrical interference back into the board power supply.

The local OL port also includes another optical isolation circuit58for coupling the bonus button switch to a discrete digital input on the processor. Optical isolation circuit58preferably utilizes an industry standard type TLP621 opto-isolator chip and any suitable circuit topology. In a preferred embodiment, the bonus button switch is wired in series with both the optical isolation circuit58on the MCI and a similar circuit on the card reader interface14so that a bonus button signal is provided instantaneously and simultaneously to the MCI and the card reader interface when the bonus button is pressed. The bonus button signal is preferably coupled to a discrete digital input which can generate an interrupt for software purposes.

Each MCI is interfaced to the gaming device through connectors P5and P6. Connector P5is coupled to four discrete digital output lines on the processor through a high-current, open-collector Darlington drive circuit60. This provides high current digital outputs for controlling auxiliary devices such as fluorescent flashers. Board power is also provided to connector P5.

Connector P6interfaces the MCI to the gaming device and allows the MCI to communicate with the gaming device's internal controller and monitor the status of various features of the gaming device. A differential/single-ended converter circuit62couples connector P6to a serial port on the DUART46and forms an RS422 port for coupling the MCI to the communication port in the gaming device. The differential/single-ended converter circuit62is based on an industry standard MAX490 integrated circuit and allows the RS422 port to be configured for the polarity of the driver circuit in the gaming device communication port.

Connector P6also interfaces the gaming device's DROP DOOR switch, BELLY DOOR switch, and GAME DOOR switch to discrete digital inputs on the DUART through optical isolation circuits64,66, and68, respectively. Another optical isolation circuit70couples a GAME POWER signal from the gaming device to a digital input on the DUART through P6. Optical isolation circuits64-70preferably utilize industry standard TLP620-2GB type opto-isolator chips.

The unique ID chip20is coupled to connector P6to through a set of “flying leads.” The unique ID chip provides the processor32with a unique 32-bit identification number through a single data line that is coupled to a discrete digital input line.

Three configuration lines74are coupled to digital inputs on the processor using pull-up resistors. These lines enable the processor to adjust the operation of the MCI based on the presence or absence of configuration jumpers76on connector P6.

In a preferred embodiment, connector P6is provided with feedthrough connections for machine drop switch signals.

Board power is supplied to P6to provide a ground reference for the RS422 communication link and configuration jumpers, and to provide a power source for the unique ID chip. The unregulated power supply is also provided to P6to provide power for driving the opto-isolators.

In a preferred embodiment, the digital inputs are connected to input pins on the processor which are capable of generating interrupt requests for programming purposes. The input and output lines for the OL serial links, high current outputs, and input power lines preferably have inductors in series to protect the MCI from electromagnetic transients.

Each MCI further includes a replication port78which emulates the communication port on the gaming device. This facilitates the use of older third party accounting (data collection) systems even when an MCI is connected to the gaming device's communication port. The MCI can be programmed to perform a translation function wherein the MCI transmits data to the data collection system in whatever language the system requires, e.g., “SAS.” The replication port includes a differential/single-ended converter circuit80which couples a serial port on the DUART to connector P4. The converter circuit80is based on a MAX490 integrated circuit. Connector P4is also provided with board power. In a preferred embodiment, the circuitry for the replication port is fabricated on a printed circuit board with the rest of the MCI circuitry, but the components for the port are only loaded on the board as an optional feature.

A power conditioning and watchdog circuit84receives an input power supply signal through connector P1. The power supply signal is rectified by two full-wave rectifier bridges. The first bridge is coupled to an electrolytic capacitor and produces the unregulated DC power supply for running the light on the bonus button, opto-isolators and other devices that do not require regulated power. The output voltage of the unregulated power supply varies with the voltage of the input power supply signal.

The second bridge is coupled to another electrolytic capacitor, which in turn, is coupled to a switching voltage regulator that generates the board power source. The switching voltage regulator is preferably based on an industry standard type LM2576 and produces a 5VDC power signal suitable for powering the microprocessor32, memory chips40and42and other sensitive devices. The board power supply must have adequate current capacity to power the electronics on the MCI356, the card reader311, the display10, and any other devices coupled to the local serial link13. Although the input power supply signal can be either an AC or a DC signal and can range from 8.5 volts to 24 volts for the board power supply to operate properly, at least 18 volts are required to cause the unregulated power supply to generate the 24VDC required to operate the light on the bonus button.

The input power supply signal is preferably provided by an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) so that the MCI retains its supervisory capability even if the gaming device it is installed in looses power. Thus, the MCI can detect a door opening on the gaming device in the event of a power outage as required by some regulatory authorities.

The power conditioning and watchdog circuit84also includes a watchdog timer and power-down manager based on an industry standard type HA16103FPJ watchdog integrated circuit. This type of circuit is well known in the art and drives the RESET line to the processor to assure the processor is initialized properly after a power-up, or a watchdog fault condition.

A backup power circuit86is provided to preserve the operational state of the MCI in the event of a power failure. The backup power circuit can be any suitable type of power supply such as a battery back-up circuit, but in a preferred embodiment, it is passed on a “super capacitor” circuit which is well known in the art. The backup power circuit derives charging current from the board power supply and supplies backup power to the processor32and RAM chip42.

The MCI is preferably fabricated on a single printed circuit board having board-mounted connectors P1-P6for connecting the MCI to the peripheral components and the bank controller. The board is mounted in a sealed metal box inside the gaming device to protect it from damage and tampering. A box entry detector circuit82includes a reflective opto-sensor such as an industry standard type LTH209-01. The box entry detector generates a digital signal which produces a digital signal at the processor if the box is tampered with. The box entry detector is mounted so that it is extremely difficult to open the box without triggering the sensor.

E. Card Reader

Referring toFIGS. 9A,9B, and9C, an embodiment of a card reader assembly in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at311. As seen in the exploded view ofFIG. 9A, the card reader includes Panasonic type ZUM2121-S15 magnetic card reader module88which is mounted to a bracket90. Card reader88has a slot89into which a magnetic card is inserted during operation. A card reader interface board14is mounted to the bracket with two screws92. A bezel PC board94is mounted to bracket90and electrically coupled to the card reader interface14through a connector P12on the card reader interface. The bezel PC board has a slot95through which the magnetic card slides into the card reader88. Two pieces of heat shrink tubing93are attached to mounting tabs on the bracket80to insulate the bezel PC board from the bracket. A bezel96, which also has a slot97through which the magnetic card slides, is attached to the bezel board so as to be illuminated by light emitting diodes (LED's) on the bezel board. A cover98trims the bezel. The card reader assembly also includes two polycarbonate covers99and100which enclose the card reader and card reader interface while still allowing access to connectors P11, P13, and P14on the card reader interface.

More details of the card reader interface14are shown in block diagram form in FIG.10. This block diagram would enable one of ordinary skill in the art to design a card reader interface which is capable of performing all of the functions necessary to practice the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 10, the card reader interface14includes a microprocessor102which is preferably an AT89C2051 type of microcontroller (also known as a “'51”). This is a completely self-contained controller having internal RAM and ROM.

The card reader interface also includes a “local” OL serial port104which is configured as a slave which means that power for the link is supplied by the equipment on the other end of the cable, i.e., the MCI. The local OL port includes a connector P11for connecting the port to the MCI through a cable (not shown). An optical isolation circuit106couples connector P11to a native serial port on the processor102and provides full duplex communication between the card reader interface and the MCI (or other master device if the card reader assembly is operated in a stand-alone mode). In a preferred embodiment, the local OL optical isolation circuit106utilizes an industry standard type 6N137 opto-isolator chip to receive signals, and an industry standard type TLP621 opto isolator chip to transmit signals. The transmit opto-isolator chip only needs to supply enough current to drive a single 6N137 opto-isolator device on the MCI since the card reader interface only communicates with the MCI over the local OL.

The local OL slave port104receives regulated power to run the card reader interface through connector P11. The card reader interface also receives an unregulated power supply (typically 24VDC and ground) through connector P11.

The card reader interface further includes a power conditioning and watchdog circuit108which includes one of two different watchdog subcircuits depending on the voltage level of the regulated power supply105provided to connector P11. If 10VDC is provided, the power conditioning and watchdog circuit108uses a first subcircuit which is a standard watchdog circuit based on an industry standard type HA16103FPJ watchdog IC chip. The first subcircuit includes a PNP transistor which is connected in series between the 10VDC power supply and the board power bus to reduce the 10VDC power supply to 5 volts for board power. The PNP transistor is controlled by the HA16103FPJ IC chip.

If a regulated 5VDC power supply is provided to connector P11, a second watchdog circuit based on an industry standard DS1232LPS-2 watchdog IC chip is used. In this case, the 5VDC power supply runs the board directly. The circuitry for both the first and second subcircuits is fabricated on the printed circuit board with the rest of the card reader interface circuitry, but the components for only one of the subcircuits are loaded depending on whether the board is intended for use with a 5 volt or 10 volt supply.

The processor102on the card reader interface communicates with the card reader module88through connector P14which couples the card reader to three discrete digital input lines on the processor. The digital input lines are preferably capable of generating interrupt requests for programming purposes. The communication protocol for the card reader is well known in the art and will not be discussed further. Board power is supplied to connector P14to provide power for running the card reader.

The lighted bonus button is coupled to the card reader interface through connector P13which is preferably a right angle header as shown in FIG.9A. The bonus button light is controlled by a discrete digital output on the processor through an optical isolation circuit110which is based on a TLP621 opto-isolator chip. Power for the bonus button light is provided by the unregulated power supply which is received at connector P11. An optional voltage regulator112regulates the power for the bonus button light to 24VDC.

The switch from the bonus button is coupled to a discrete digital input on the processor through optical-isolation circuit114and connector P13. Optical-isolation circuit114is also based on a TLP621 opto-isolator chip and is powered by the unregulated power supply. The optical-isolation circuit114on the card reader interface14is preferably wired in series with optical isolation circuit58on the MCI (shown inFIG. 58) so that the switch closure signal from the bonus button is received at the processors in the MCI and card reader interface simultaneously when the bonus button is pressed by a player.

The card reader interface is coupled to the bezel board94through connector P12which is preferably a right angle header as shown in FIG.9A. Board power is provided to the bezel board through connector P12. The processor102utilizes two or more discrete digital output lines to drive the LED's or other light sources on the bezel board94through either a Darlington driver circuit116or a network of jumpers118. If the bezel board does not have on-board LED drivers, the Darlington driver circuit is loaded with an industry standard type ULN2003A 7-channel Darlington drive chip. If the bezel board has on-board drive circuitry, a network of jumpers is loaded instead of the Darlington drive chip to couple the drive signals from the processor directly to the bezel board.

The card reader interface further includes a speaker drive circuit120which drives an audible bonus indicator (ABI)122, such as a STAR MUT-03A speaker in response to four or more digital output signals from the processor. Such speaker drive circuits are known in art and allow the audible indicator to vary in tone and volume under software control. The tone of the audible indicator is preferably selected to be noticeably different from other common electronic audible indicators such as those used for cellular telephones.

A schematic diagram of the bezel PC board94is shown in FIG.11. The bezel PC board includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LED's)124which are mounted around the perimeter of the opening95in the printed circuit board which is shown in FIG.9A. In the preferred embodiment, the LED's are dual light-emitting diodes capable of producing two primary colors and a third combination color. The LED's receive drive signals and power from the card reader interface through connector P21.

The display assembly210includes essentially the same hardware including the controller, driver, and vacuum fluorescent display unit as shown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/322,172 entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPERATING NETWORKED GAMING DEVICES,” filed Oct. 12, 1994, now pending, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

A. Data Flow Between Components

The individual components of the system350communicate with the bonus server351via messages exchanged as data packets. The process of data packet exchange is referred to as the data flow. From the standpoint of the bonus server351, there are four types of data packets. First, broadcast packets originate at one source and are received at several destinations. For example, a meter broadcast packet originates from a concentrator352and is received by several bonus servers370for communicating meter information potentially utilized by the several bonus servers370in the funding of their respective bonus promotions. Second, an event packet originates at one source and is received at a single destination. Typically, an event packet communicates the occurrence of a particular condition to the receiving destination. For example, a bonus pay packet communicates the amount, hit sequence number and bonus server identifier (ID) from a bonus server370to a particular MCI356. Third, a query packet also originates at a single source and is received at a single destination. For example, a history query packet originates at the DACOM host354for requesting the number of records and the start date and time of operation for a particular bonus server370. Finally, a response packet is a packet sent in reply to a query packet for providing the particular information sought. The particular packets exchanged between the individual components varies according to the bonus promotion, as further described below.

2. Cash Bonus

FIG. 22shows a functional block diagram of the data flow and packet format table for the bonus server351ofFIG. 5in conducting the cash bonus307. operating on the system of FIG.5. Each unidirectional connection in the functional block diagram is labelled with one or more alphabetic characters corresponding to a row in the packet format table. The packet's type, source and destination, name and description are set forth in each column of the packet format table.

During normal operation, a meter broadcast packet A is sent from the concentrator352to each bonus server370every half second. The meter broadcast packet A includes a machine field for identifying the transmitting concentrator352, a meter vector containing individual meter readings and a status field for indicating the status of each MCI356. As described above with reference toFIG. 5, each concentrator352is interconnected with a plurality of bank controllers355and each bank controller355is interconnected with a plurality of MCIs356. Individualized reporting of updated meter values from each MCI356every half second would create a substantial volume of data packets. Instead, the concentrator352collects all of the individual meter readings from each MCI356and sends the combined readings as a single meter broadcast packet A to the bonus server370. This consolidation of meter readings frees the bonus server370from having to receive individual updated meter readings from each MCI356and substantially decreases the volume of data packets. Upon receipt of the meter broadcast packet A, the bonus server370parses the meter vector and updates the bonus pool304and hidden pool306with a percentage of each meter reading.

When the bonus pool304substantially equals the cash bonus307, a sequence of data packets is exchanged as follows. Prior to cash bonus307award, the bonus server370broadcasts a start anticipation message B to the group of bank controllers355participating in the cash bonus307for controlling the anticipation music of the each music system358. Similarly, the bonus server370broadcasts a start anticipation message C to the group of MCIs356participating in the cash bonus307for configuring each associated gaming device300. The bonus server370sends additional start anticipation messages D and D1respectively to the bank controller355group and music system358for controlling another selection of anticipation music. The bonus server370also sends a before bonus notify message E to the DACOM host354for reporting the location of the winning gaming device300and related accounting information, a bonus pay message G to the winning MCI356and a consolation message H to the remaining MCIs356.

Upon the awarding of the cash bonus307, the bonus server370broadcasts a start celebration message I and a start anticipation message I1respectively to the music system358and bank controller355group for controlling the celebration music.

The DACOM host354maintains historical data regarding the bonuses paid. Periodically, the DACOM host354sends a history query message J to the bonus server370and in response the bonus server370returns a history response message K. Similarly, each MCI356periodically sends a bonus pay complete message L to the bonus server370upon the pressing of the bonus button315. In turn, the bonus server370sends an after bonus notify message R to the DACOM host354upon the completion of a bonus promotion pay-out.

Each gaming device300can participate in a number of bonus promotions, each of which is controlled by a separate bonus server370. In the described embodiment, the bonus promotion system350can support up to 32 separate bonus servers370. Each bonus server370communicates to the gaming devices participating in its bonus program using bonus configuration messages which include an enroll MCI message M, a display configuration message N, an effects configuration message O, a de-enroll MCI message P. In addition, every half second, the bonus server370receives approximately 1% of the floor map from the MCIs356using a floor map message Q.

3. Mystery Bonus

FIG. 23shows a functional block diagram of the data flow and packet format table for the bonus server351ofFIG. 5in conducting the mystery bonus308. Each unidirectional connection in the functional block diagram is labelled with one or more alphabetic characters corresponding to a row in the packet format table. The packet's type, source and destination(s), name and description are set forth in each column of the packet format table.

During normal operation, a meter broadcast packet A is sent from the concentrator352to each bonus server370every half second in the same manner and with the same content described above for the Cash Bonus in Section III.A.2. Upon receipt of the meter broadcast packet A, the bonus server370parses the meter vector and updates the bonus pool304and hidden pool306with a percentage of each meter reading.

When the bonus pool304substantially equals the cash bonus307, a sequence of data packets is exchanged as follows. Prior to cash bonus307award, the bonus server370broadcasts an anticipation message D to the group of MCIs356participating in the cash bonus307for configuring each associated gaming device300to lock machines, activate the florescent flasher22, beep the ABI122and so forth. The bonus server370sends a bonus pay packet E to the selected MCI356, including the amount, hit sequence number and bonus server ID, and a consolation packet F to the remaining MCIs356, including member, non-member and uncarded amounts and a consolation pay message number. In addition, the bonus server370sends effects messages G and H to the bank controller355for respectively controlling the overhead display357and music system358.

The DACOM host354maintains historical data regarding the bonuses paid. Periodically, the DACOM host354sends a history query message Q to the bonus server370and in response the bonus server370returns a history response message R. Similarly, each MCI356periodically sends a bonus pay complete message S to the bonus server370upon the pressing of the bonus button315.

Between bonus promotions, each bonus server370can be configured using the configuration station359via a config message T. In turn, the bonus server370sends a configuration change message U to the DACOM host354and group, display and effects configuration messages V, W and X to the MCIs356. An MCI356can be removed from a bonus group with a remove MCI message Y. Finally, every half second, the bonus server370receives approximately 1% of the floor map from the MCIs356using a floor map message Z.

4. Progressive Bonus

FIG. 24shows a functional block diagram of the data flow and packet format table for the bonus server351ofFIG. 5in conducting the progressive bonus309. Each unidirectional connection in the functional block diagram is labelled with one or more alphabetic characters corresponding to a row in the packet format table. The packet's type, source and destination(s), name and description are set forth in each column of the packet format table.

During normal operation, a meter broadcast packet A is sent from the concentrator352to each bonus server370every half second in the same manner and with the same content described above for the Cash Bonus in Section III.A.2. Upon receipt of the meter broadcast packet A, the bonus server370parses the meter vector and updates the bonus pool304and hidden pool306with a percentage of each meter reading. In addition, each MCI356sends a jackpot packet B to the bonus server351indicating the awarding of a jackpot prize by the associated gaming device300.

When the bonus pool304substantially equals the cash bonus307, a sequence of data packets is exchanged as follows. Prior to cash bonus307award, the bonus server370broadcasts a consolation setup packets E and G to the group of MCIs356participating in the cash bonus307, including member, non-member and uncarded amounts and a consolation pay message number, and a bonus pay packet H to the selected MCI356, including the amount, hit sequence number and bonus server ID. In addition, the bonus server370sends effects messages H1and H2to the bank controller355for respectively controlling the overhead display357and music system358.

The DACOM host354maintains historical data regarding the bonuses paid. After awarding each progressive bonus309, the bonus server370sends a program payout packet I to the DACOM host354. Periodically, the DACOM host354sends a history query message S to the bonus server370and in response the bonus server370returns a history response message T. Similarly, each MCI356periodically sends a bonus pay complete message U to the bonus server370upon the pressing of the bonus button315which-the bonus server370reports to the DACOM host354via a DACOM paid bonus packet U1.

Between bonus promotions, each bonus server370can be configured using the configuration station359. The bonus server370sends group, display and effects configuration messages V, W and X to the group of MCIs356. An MCI356can be removed from a bonus group with a remove MCI message Y. Finally, every half second, the bonus server370receives approximately 1% of the floor map from the MCIs356using a floor map message Z and online message Z1.

FIG. 25shows a functional block diagram of the data flow and packet format table for the bonus server351ofFIG. 5in conducting the multiple jackpot310. Each unidirectional connection in the functional block diagram is labelled with one or more alphabetic characters corresponding to a row in the packet format table. The packet's type, source and destination(s), name and description are set forth in each column of the packet format table.

Each multiple jackpot310begins with the insertion of a special card into the card reader of a bank controller355, as described above in Section II.C. In response, the bank controller355sends a card in packet A to the DACOM host354. The DACOM host354then confirms the validity of the inserted special card to the bonus controller355via a card response packet B. Finally, the bank controller355notifies the bonus server370of the special card insertion via a card packet C.

Upon commencing the awarding of multiple jackpots310, the bonus server370sends a multiple jackpot time (“MJT”) start packet D to the DACOM host354. The bonus server370also sends an MJT group start packet E to the group of MCIs356participating in the bonus promotion.

The DACOM host354maintains historical data regarding the bonuses paid. Periodically, the DACOM host354sends a history query message G to the bonus server370and in response the bonus server370returns a history response message H.

Between bonus promotions, each bonus server370can be configured using the configuration station359. The bonus server370sends group, display and effects configuration messages J, K and L to the group of MCIs356. An MCI356can be removed from a bonus group with a remove MCI message M. Finally, every half second, the bonus server370receives approximately 1% of the floor map from the MCIs356using a floor map message N.

B. Bonus Server

1. Cash, Mystery and Progressive Bonuses

FIG. 26shows a method for controlling a bonus promotion according to the present invention using the bonus server370of FIG.5. In the described embodiment, the method is embodied as a computer program implemented in the C programming language, although other computer languages are equally suitable. The bonus server370is controlled by the pSOS operating system, an event-driven, real-time operating system.

The control method is organized into four event managers: request response manager (RRM)373; configuration service manager (CSM)380; meter calculation manager (MCM)376; and bonus control manager (BCM)378. Within the bonus server370, messages are passed for communicating information and revising status indicators. Each event manager will now be discussed.

RRM373controls the interfacing of the bonus server370over the network to the remainder of the bonus promotion system350. RRM373sends and receives data packets over the network via a socket connection371. Incoming data packets are temporarily stored in a message queue372. If an incoming data packet is a broadcast message or is addressed to the bonus server370, the data packet is initially placed in the message queue372by the socket connection371and subsequently forwarded by RRM373to a packet decode module374. Outgoing data packets from CSM380and BCM378are temporarily stored in a message queue385. Each outgoing packet is removed from the message queue385by a response module386and subsequently forwarded by RRM373to the socket connection371for transmission over the network.

CSM380interfaces the bonus server370to the DACOM host354and configures the gaming devices300participating in the bonus server's promotion through their respective MCIs356. Incoming packets for CSM380are stored in a message queue379. CSM380accesses stored configure values382for the bonus server370through a configuration data control module381. For interfacing with the DACOM host354, CSM380process history response queries, controls the on-line status of the bonus server370and sends a software signature at least once a day. For gaming device300configuration, CSM380transmits configuration information whenever a new MCI356comes on-line and can take any MCI356off-line.

BCM378detects a bonus condition and notifies the other components in the bonus promotion system350prior to, during and after the bonus award. Incoming packets for BCM378are stored in a message queue377. BCM378accesses stored configure values382for the bonus server370through the configuration data control module381. BCM378also accesses the bonus pool304and hidden pool306values stored in pool value and previous meters384through a pool data control module383.

MCM376calculates updated meter values for each participating gaming device300. Incoming packets for MCM376are stored in a message queue375. MCM376accesses stored configure values382for the bonus server370through the configuration data control module381. MCM376also accesses the bonus pool304, hidden pool306and previous meter values stored in pool value and previous meters384through a pool data control module383. Finally, MCM376updates the bonus server's configuration by sending updated configuration values to CSM380.

FIG. 27shows a flow diagram of a routine for controlling a message receipt from the network using RRM373as shown in FIG.26. The routine identifies and decodes incoming messages and routes them to the appropriate event manager. Blocks392-394form an infinite processing loop that is performed whenever a new message (event) is received into the message queue372. During each iteration of the loop (blocks392-394), each new message is received and decoded (block392). If the message is addressed to the particular bonus server370(block393), the message is routed to the appropriate event manager (CSM380, BCM378or MCM376) (block394). Otherwise, the message is ignored.

FIG. 28shows a flow diagram of a routine for controlling a message dispatch over the network using the request response manager as shown in FIG.26. The routine sends outgoing messages from the event managers. Blocks402-405form an infinite processing loop that is performed whenever a new message (event) is received into the message queue385. During each iteration of the loop (blocks402-405), the routine waits for a message queue event to occur, that is, a new message arriving in the message queue385(block402). If the message queue event is an outgoing message (block403), the message is read (block404) and sent over the network through the socket connection371(block405).

FIG. 29shows a flow diagram of a routine for controlling CSM380in the method shown in FIG.26. The routine sets up the appropriate configuration parameters and environment for the bonus server370for controlling the bonus promotion. Blocks412-417form an infinite loop that is performed whenever a new message (event) is received into the message queue379. During each iteration of the loop (blocks412-417), the routine waits for a message queue event to occur, that is, a new message arriving in the message queue379(block412). If the message queue event is a configuration message (block413), the routine reads the message queue379(block414) and processes the message (block415). The types of messages to process include synchronizing the bonus server370to a broadcast timestamp, resetting the bonus server370and the bank controller355, updating the meter array by sending the floor map to each of the respective MCIs356, revising the configure values382by adding new gaming devices300to the group of participants, deleting game devices300from the group of participants, passing messages through to the DACOM host354and sending a software signature message to the DACOM host354at least once a day upon request. In addition, CSM380responds to queries for accounting information from the DACOM host354. After the message has been processed, if a program timer has gone off (block416), a message is broadcast to each MCI356(block417), such as an anticipation, winner, consolation, congratulations, celebration or set-up message.

FIG. 30shows a flow diagram of a routine for controlling BCM378in the method shown in FIG.26. The routine determines the occurrence of a bonus event, processes a payout and writes the appropriate history record to the DACOM host354. Blocks423-437form an infinite loop that is performed whenever a new message (event) is received into the message queue377. Upon system initialization, space is allocated for storing all bonus data (block422). Space is allocated for all bonus data, including configuration values, anticipation configuration data, winner configuration data, celebration sounds, consolation configuration information, public address celebration configuration information and the bonus definition. During each iteration of the loop (blocks423-437), the routine waits for a message queue event to occur, that is, a new message arriving in the message queue377(block423). Once the message queue event occurs (block424), the message is read from the message queue377(block425). The message is then processed (block426). Processing includes synchronizing the message to a broadcast time, detecting a bonus hit, detecting the payment of a bonus or passing the message through to the DACOM host354. If the value of the bonus pool304exceeds the threshold value (block429), a winning gaming device300(“machine”) is selected, preferably at random (block430). The bonus pool304is “rolled over” by taking an accounting of the payment of the bonus and resetting the bonus pool to a new value (block431). Once a winning machine has been found (block432), the identifier for the gaming device300is sent to the DACOM host354(block433). The bonus server351waits approximately one minute (block434) before sending the winner message to the MCI356for the winning machine (block435). Consolation prizes, if applicable, are awarded to eligible MCIs356in the group of participating gaming devices300(block436). Finally, the history for the awarding of the bonus is updated, the bonus pool304and hidden pool306are reset and the bonus server370set for the next game (block437).

FIG. 31shows a flow diagram of a routine for controlling MCM376in the method shown in FIG.26. The routine accumulate a percentages of the coin-in for each of the participating gaming devices300and adds the coin-in percentage to the appropriate pool. Blocks442-445form an infinite loop that is performed whenever a new message (event) is received into the message queue375. Upon system initialization, the bonus pool304and hidden pool306are initialized and the current meter values for each participating gaming device300are read (block441). During each iteration of the loop (blocks442-445), the routine waits for a message queue event to occur, that is, a new message arriving in the message queue375(block442). Once the message queue event occurs (block443), the message is read from the message queue375(block444) and a event for process an update of the pool values is dispatched (block445), is further described below with reference to FIG.32.

FIGS. 41A and 41Bshow a flow diagram of the routine for updating pool values in the routine shown in FIG.31. If this is the first time that the bonus server370is receiving a set of meter values (block450), the sequence number used to track the set of meter values is set to the next set of meter values (block451) and the routine returns. Otherwise, if this is not the first time up (block450), the sequence number is checked to see whether it has changed since the last meter broadcast message was received (block452). This step is necessary because messages are sometimes retransmitted and duplicate messages bearing the same sequence number are possible. Thus, if the sequence number has changed (block452), a copy of the old pool values for the bonus pool304and hidden pool306are saved before the pools are updated with the new meter increments (block453). The sequence number is reset to reflect no change (block454) to enable the next segment of the routine (blocks456-462) to be executed.

If the sequence number has not changed (block455), a loop to iteratively process each of the meters (blocks456-462) is entered. Once all the meters have been selected (block456) the routine returns. Otherwise, meters still remain to be selected (block456) and a meter is selected (block457). A delta value for the increase in each gaming device300meter is determined for each bonus pool304and hidden pool306in which the gaming device300participates (block458). If there has been a change in the meter value, that is, the delta is non zero (block459), each pool is selected using a bonus meter table stored in the memory space for pool value and previous meters384(block460). Finally, depending on the status of the gaming device300, either the bonus pool304or hidden pool306is updated (block461). Ordinarily, a percentage of the coin-in for a particular gaming device300is added to the appropriate pool. However, if the bonus promotion uses the hidden pool306to accumulate a second percentage of the coin-in, both the bonus pool304and hidden pool306are updated. In the special case of a new MCI356coming on-line, a percentage of any increase of coin-in between the current meter reading and the last recorded meter reading is added to the hidden pool306. Once all pools have been updated (block462), the next meter is selected and the processing loop (blocks456-462) is repeated.

Each multiple jackpot310is activated for a particular bank of gaming devices300(shown inFIG. 1) by sliding a special award card into the card reader attached to the bank controller355, as described above in Section II.C. for that bank of gaming devices. Several types of award cards are available. Each card only contains an ID number which indicates the particular multiple jackpot310award being made. The actual award parameters are stored in a dedicated bonus server370(shown in FIG.25).

In the described embodiment, multiple jackpot310awards are always paid at 2×, 3×, 4×, 5×, 6×, 7×, 8× or 9× their normal jackpot values. Each multiple jackpot310award is programmable in two ways: (1) award duration; and (2) minimum and maximum jackpots required for multiplied payout eligibility. In addition, participation can be dependent upon player eligibility, such as described above in Section I.C., and type of card312, such as uncarded, numbered (anonymous) or named. Up to ten award cards can be defined at any one time using the following parameters stored in the dedicated bonus server370:

FOR all CARDS, regardless of IDMIN TIMEMinimum time 00 to 999minutes between awardsFOR each CARD X, where X is from 1 to 10CARD IDID of card assigned to award XUNCARDEDMULTIPLIER2-9DURATION00-99 secondsMINIMUMMinimum jackpot value multipliedMAXIMUMMaximum jackpot value multipliedMESSAGEActions of display assembly 210,ABI 122, bonus button 315 andfluorescent flasher 22 (shown in FIG. 7)NUMBEREDMULTIPLIER2-9DURATION00-99 secondsMINIMUMMinimum jackpot value multipliedMAXIMUMMaximum jackpot value multipliedMESSAGEActions of display assembly 210,ABI 122, bonus button 315 andfluorescent flasher 22NAMEDMULTIPLIER2-9DURATION00-99 secondsMINIMUMMinimum jackpot value multipliedMAXIMUMMaximum jackpot value multipliedMESSAGEActions of display assembly 210,ABI 122, bonus button 315 andfluorescent flasher 22CD_ROMTRACK#Sound track to be playedDURATIONSound track durationREPEATNumber of times to repeat sound trackVOLUME00 to 100%

All bank controllers355(shown inFIG. 5) participate in the multiple jackpot310, although the casino can exclude a bank controller by removing or disconnecting the card reader attached to that bank controller355. The dedicated bonus server370regularly transmits all award card IDs and values to all bank controllers355as broadcast messages about every minute. No acknowledgment messages are sent. Each bank controller355echoes the values, except music system358settings, to all attached gaming devices300.

The card readers attached to each bank controller355are identical to those used in each gaming device300. When no award card is inserted, the bezels of these specially connected card readers are turned off. When an invalid award card insertion occurs, the bezel flashes red.

Upon the valid insertion of an award card, the bank controller355searches its memory for a matching card ID. If none is found, the bezel flashes orange and no multiple jackpot310award occurs. Otherwise, if the card ID is found, the bank controller355requests permission to pay from the dedicated bonus server370. In turn, the dedicated bonus server370examines a table in which it has recorded all bank controller355requests. The table is ordered by bank controller ID. If the required minimum amount of time between multiple jackpot310awards sessions has elapsed, a permission signal is returned to the requesting bank controller355. Otherwise, the bank controller355is sent a denial message. If the multiple jackpot310request is denied, the bezel on the special card reader turns a steady orange for indicating that permission was denied.

If permission is granted, the bank controller355sends an acknowledgement to the dedicated bonus server370and the bezel on the special card reader turns a steady green. In all cases, the bezel color remains until the card is removed.

Once the bank controller355acknowledgement is received, a log of the time and bonus controller ID is made in the table. This log is reported to the DACOM host354for tracking the number of multiple jackpot310awards made each day. However, no information regarding the actual awards paid is recorded. Rather, the individual amounts paid increment each gaming device's bonus meter which report the sum of all bonus payments.

During the multiple jackpot310, the bank controller355sends an activation signal to each of the gaming devices300in the bank, including the card ID. When each gaming device300receives the activation signal, it tests eligibility and card type and implements the corresponding multiple jackpot310bonus according to the player card type, that is, uncarded, numbered or named, and player eligibility status. The bank controller simultaneously plays the specified CD ROM sound track on the music system358.

3. Player Points

In the described embodiment, player points are calculated by the MCI356(shown inFIG. 7) associated with each gaming device300for the welcome back316, match play317and personal progressive318bonuses. When a player card312is inserted into the card reader311of the gaming device300, the MCI356sends the card ID to the DACOM host354which responds with that player's record, including player name, various points data, $Turnover/Point and related information.

During each game, the following information is obtained by the MCI356from the DACOM host354and used to calculate the player points:NAME_FIRST Player's first name (16 bytes)NAME_LAST Player's last name (16 bytes)CROWN_POINTS Total points (4 bytes)SLOT13POINTS Gaming device300earned points (4 bytes)$TURNOVER_POINT Dollars of player per point increase (2 bytes)

When the inserted card312is properly read and a valid player record returned from the DACOM host354, the MCI356tests whether the card312is the same as was last card312inserted into that card reader311and that no game play has transpired since the card312was last removed. If the card312is the same and no interim game play has occurred, the MCI356uses the variables it already stores from the last game session. Otherwise, the MCI356requests a player record from the DACOM host354and clears all point balances and related information remaining from any previous game session. If the MCI356receives an invalid player record from the DACOM host354, the card reader bezel314displays a fast flashing red and requests a re insertion of the card312.

If the new player record is valid or if the previous player record is being used, the MCI356turns the card reader bezel314a flashing orange to indicate player card acceptance. The display assembly210displays a welcome message which may include the player name and points total using the CROWN_POINTS+POINTS_EARNED value.

As game play continues, the MCI356increments the POINTS_EARNED total by one count each time play activity equal to $TURNOVER_POINT occurs. This process continues until the card312is removed and a summary player record of POINTS_EARNED is returned to the DACOM host354.

4. Welcome Back Bonus

The welcome back316bonus is administered by each MCI356(shown inFIG. 7) using information obtained from the DACOM host354and a dedicated bonus server351, known as a “Player Server” (PS). The PS351is responsible for calculating the time-based WB_TODAY flag (defined below). The PS351is configured for determining the appropriate time to begin each welcome back315bonus session. At the same time each day, the PS351simply increments WB_TODAY by a value of one. In the described embodiment, the WB_TODAY flag is a two-byte unsigned integer. It is initialized at startup to a value of one and can be incremented to 65,535, thereby requiring about 179 years to roll over. The PS351creates the WB_MSG1flag with the time of rollover embedded within it.

The DACOM host354stores parameter information specific to individual players, including the following:WB_ENABLE Determines whether participation in a welcome back bonus316is allowed (1 bit)WB_POINT_NEXT Points required until next welcome back bonus316award (2 bytes)WB_BALANCE Welcome back bonus316award balance remaining (2 bytes)WB_DAY_EARNED Day number of award earned (2 bytes)

The dedicated bonus server351provides award information common to all players, including the following:WB_TODAY Current Day Number (2 bytes)WB_AWARD Welcome back bonus316award value (2 bytes)WB_POINTS Points per welcome back bonus316(2 bytes)WB_HOUR Hour of day welcome back bonus316becomes effective (6 bytes, e.g., “6:00 AM”)WB_UPDATE Point interval for update messages (2 bytes)

The following message formats for the display assembly210, fluorescent flasher22(shown inFIG. 7) and ABI122are used:WB_MSG1Welcome back bonus316earned but not time qualified messageWB_MSG2Welcome back bonus316active messageWB_MSG3Points required until next welcome back bonus316award message

b. Functional Operation

The PS351functions in a manner similar to the other bonus servers351. All assigned gaming devices300are enrolled in a group. Each period, the PS351broadcasts a “training” sequence containing all values and messages required to administer a welcome back bonus316session. Each MCI356regularly issues a “group assignment” message which the PS351uses to confirm group enrollments.

c. Card Insertion Event

When a card312is inserted into the card reader311, the MCI356sends a message containing the card ID to the DACOM host354. In response, the DACOM host354sends the player record storing data for the player. The MCI356displays the programmed welcome message described above, including points balance, while examining the player record for welcome back bonus316status. Based on that status, the MCI356performs the following steps.(1) If WB_ENABLE=0, welcome back bonus316participation is not allowed.(2) Existing Welcome Back Bonus316Balance: The MCI356tests whether the welcome back bonus316was active in a prior session. If WB_BALANCE>0, the welcome back bonus316is already active and the MCI356proceeds accordingly.(3) Make New Award: The MCI356tests whether an award has just become active. WB_DAY_EARNED contains the day number on which the welcome back bonus316award was earned. If WB_DAY_EARNED=0, no award has been earned. Otherwise, if WB_DAY_EARNED>0, WB_DAY_EARNED is tested for whether it is less than the current day, WB_TODAY. If (WB_DAY_EARNED>0 AND WB_DAY_EARNED<WB_TODAY), the welcome back bonus316is old enough and therefore immediately available. The MCI356then sets the following:WB_BALANCE:=WB_AWARDWB_POINT_NEXT:=0and proceeds to process the welcome back bonus316award.(4) Not Time Qualified: If WB_DAY_EARNED>0 and WB_DAY_EARNED=>WB_TODAY, the welcome back bonus316is not yet time qualified. The MCI356causes the WB_MSG1message to appear and proceeds with normal operation.

d. Operation During Play1) Ordinarily, if WB_ENABLE=0, welcome back bonus316participation is not allowed. Otherwise, the following activities are performed.2) No Welcome Back Bonus316Active: If no welcome back bonus316is active and conditions have not been met to earn a new award, the MCI356simply monitors game play and calculates the next award. The welcome back bonus316portion is calculated as follows:a) Each time another Player Point is awarded by the MCI to the player account, the MCI also increments WB_POINT_NEXT. After each point increment:i) If WB_DATE_EARNED>0, normal operation proceeds. Do not add points to WB_POINT_NEXT or display any other welcome back bonus316messages.ii) If WB_DATE_EARNED=0, RESULT=WB_POINTS−WB_POINT_NEXT(a) If RESULT<=0, enough points have been earned for a welcome back bonus316. The MCI356causes the WB_MSG1message to appear and sets WB_DATE_EARNED:=WB_TODAY to set the time for the award.(b) If RESULT>0, not enough points have been earned. The MCI356must check whether it is time for a message update telling the player how close to an award he is. The MCI356divides the result of WB_POINTS WB_POINT_NEXT by the value in WB_UPDATE. If the result is a whole integer, the MCI356causes the WB_MSG3message to appear.
Welcome Back Bonus Active(1) If a welcome back bonus316is ACTIVE, the MCI356places the game into welcome back bonus316mode. The WB_MSG2message is constantly displayed on the display assembly210. Each time a wager301is made, half of the wager amount is subtracted from WB_BALANCE and added to the internal EGM credit meter. WB_BALANCE is displayed within the WB_MSG2message and is constantly updated. WB_POINT_NEXT is also incremented after every point earned.(2) If WB_BALANCE drops to zero, the welcome back bonus316has been used up. The WB_MSG3message disappears and normal operation resumes.

e. Card Removal Event

When the card312is removed from the card reader311, the MCI356sends a removal event message along with current values of WB_POINT_NEXT, WB_BALANCE and WB_DAY_EARNED to the DACOM host355for storage in the associated player record.

5. Match Play Bonus

Match play317begins when a qualified player, with a valid card312inserted in a card reader311, pushes the bonus button315to enter Match Play mode. The internal EGM credit meter records each match play317value won. The DACOM host354stores the following parameters:MATCH_PLAY_ENABLE Player qualified for Match Play (1 bit)SLOT_POINTS Points convertible to Match Play value
A dedicated bonus server351, known as a “Player Server” (PS), maintains message formats and other data as follows:MATCH_MSG1Match Play message for the display assembly210, fluorescent flasher22(shown inFIG. 7) and ABI122MATCH_CONVERSION Multiplier to convert Slot Points to Match Play value (4 bytes $0.9999)

Ordinarily, each participating MCI356calculates and displays player points. However, if the player presses the bonus button315and if the MATCH_PLAY_ENABLE flag is set, the MCI356enters Match Play mode. The decimal value in MATCH_CONVERSION is used to convert Slot Points into Match Play value. For example, if each Slot Point is worth one cent, MATCH_CONVERSION would contain 0100.

As Match Play value is consumed, the Match Play balance decreases. When the player ends a Match Play session or removes his card312, the MCI356reports the net change in point balance, that is, points earned less points used in Match Play, to the DACOM host354.

6. Personal Progressive Bonus

Each personal progressive bonus318is assigned to a single player account and differs from the standard progressive bonus309in that the bonus is assigned to individual player accounts. Only game play on a given player account will increment the personal progressive bonus318award and only that given player account can win the award.

A dedicated bonus server351is used. The DACOM host354stores parameter information concerning the account's current value, “lucky number” and interim values when the player has no active session in process. The DACOM host354takes no active role in the implementation of the personal progressive bonus318. The DACOM host354stores the following parameters:

MMM_ENABLEDetermines whether personal progressive bonus318 participation is allowed (1 bit)MMM_POOLCurrent personal progressive bonus 318 pool value(4 bytes)MMM_LUCKY“Lucky number” at which the pool award is won(4 bytes)

The dedicated bonus server351maintains the following message formats and related data:

MMM_MSG1Current pool value message for the display assembly 210,fluorescent flasher 22 (shown in FIG. 7), ABI 122 andbonus button 315MMM_MSG2Winner Message for the display assembly 210,fluorescent flasher 22, ABI 122 and bonus button 315MMM_NOWCurrent lucky number value to assign (4 bytes)MMM_BASEStarting personal progressive bonus 318 value (4 bytes)MMM_INCPersonal progressive bonus 318 award increment rate (4bytes)

b. Functional Operation

The bonus server351dedicated to the personal progressive bonus318functions in a manner similar to the other bonus servers351. All assigned gaming devices300are enrolled in a group. Each period, the dedicated bonus server351broadcasts a “training” sequence containing all values and messages required to administer a welcome back bonus316session. Each MCI356regularly issues a “group assignment” message which the PS351uses to confirm group enrollments.

At ten second intervals, the dedicated bonus server351calculates a new “lucky number” MMM_LUCKY and broadcasts this value to the group of enrolled gaming devices300at half second intervals. Any MCI356for an associated gaming device300which is initializing an account or has just processed a personal progressive bonus318award will use the lucky number as the next lucky number for that account. The MCI356also sets the current award value to the base award value MMM_BASE just broadcast.

After each game has completed, the MCI356increments the personal progressive bonus318pool value MMM_POOL based on play amount and increment rate MMM_INC. If the new pool value equals the lucky number value after the personal progressive318award has been made, the pool is reset and a new lucky number chosen. The process is then repeated.

c. Card Insertion Event

When a card312is inserted into the card reader311, the MCI356sends a message containing the card ID to the DACOM host354. In response, the DACOM host354sends the player record storing data for the player. The MCI356displays the programmed welcome message described above, including points balance, while examining the player record for welcome back bonus316status. Based on that status, the MCI356performs the following steps.(1) If MMM_ENABLE=0, personal progressive bonus318participation is not allowed.(2) If MMM_LUCKY=0, the MCI356tests whether the personal progressive bonus318has just become active. The DACOM host354initializes MMM_LUCKY=0 at enrollment. If MMM_LUCKY is still zero, the personal progressive bonus318has never been activated. The MCI356sets MMM_POOL:=MMM_BASE and MMM_LUCKY:=MMM_NOW.

d. Operation During Play(1) Ordinarily, if MMM_ENABLE=0, personal progressive bonus318participation is not allowed. Otherwise, the following activities are performed by the MCI356:(a) MMM_VALUE:=MMM_VALUE+(MMM_INC*$AMOUNT WAGERED)(b) If MMM_VALUE=>MMM_LUCKY, a personal progressive bonus318award is made as described below.(c) If MMM_VALUE INT(MMM_VALUE)=0, MMM_MSG1is displayed.
MMM Award Made

Whenever a personal progressive bonus318award is made, the MMM_MSG2message is displayed. Also, the amount in MMM_VALUE is paid to the game device's credit meter and normal play resumes. Finally, the MCI356starts a new pool in the manner described above.

e. Card Removal Event

When the card312is removed from the card reader311, the MCI356sends a removal event message along with current values of MMM_VALUE and MMM_LUCKY to the DACOM host355for storage in the associated player record.

C. Bank Controller

More detailed consideration will now be given to the operation of a bank controller355(shown in FIG.5). Referring toFIG. 6, the bank controller355is controlled by CPU500which runs a real-time operating system such as pSOS. A bootstrap portion of the operating system, which includes a network operation kernel, is stored in ROM device506. When the bank controller starts up, the CPU executes the network kernel from ROM. The kernel establishes communication with the concentrator352ofFIG. 5which downloads the remainder of the operating system to the bank controller. The operating system is then stored in, and executed from, RAM device504.

Alternatively, the bootstrap code stored in ROM can be programmed to retrieve an operating system from a CD-ROM drive through the IDE interface536. This is advantageous for operating a bank controller as a stand-alone unit.

The sound chip522plays sound sequences that are stored on the CD-ROM drive. The CD-ROM can generally store about 120 minutes of high-fidelity monophonic sound which the sound chip plays back as a 16-bit 44.1 KHz audio signal.

During normal operation, the bank controller routes communications to and from the MCIs356and concentrator352of FIG.5. The bank controller monitors the communication status of all attached MCIs356and determines when one of these units goes off line. It also determines when a machine communication interface (MCI) has come back on-line and whether it needs to have updated code down loaded to it as described below with respect to the operation of the MCI.

After a bank controller successfully downloads a new version of code to an MCI, it sends of message to the host telling it that an MCI has come on-line. The host then issues a message telling the bank controller to get a signature or ID number from the MCI. The bank controller retrieves the ID number from the MCI and forward it to the host through the concentrator. The host then checks the MCI ID and sends an MCI ID status message. If the MCI fails the check the bank controller sends a message to the host telling it that the MCI is off-line. This message is intercepted and passed along by the concentrator which marks the MCI as off-line and prevents any further communication with the bonus servers. Communications with the bonus servers resumes after the MCI has successfully passed the ID check and the concentrator marks the MCI as on-line.

D. Machine Communication Interface

More detailed consideration will now be given to the operation of a Machine Communication Interface (MCI). The following description would enable one skilled in the art to implement communications between the Bank Controller and the MCI in accordance with the present invention.

1. Memory Structure

FIG. 12is a simplified diagram of the MCI's internal memory structure showing how the different memory areas are paged. A RAM code page (P0) and a ROM page182are referred to as lower pages, while RAM pages184,186, and188(P1, P2, and P3) are referred to as upper pages. Only one of the three upper RAM pages can be accessed at a time.

A boot loader program is contained in ROM182and is preprogrammed during factory assembly. The RAM code page P0contains the actual executable MCI code, while the primary RAM page P1contains most of the MCI's variable and data space. The secondary and third RAM pages P2and P3are used for miscellaneous memory and storage of infrequently accessed data. Page P3and part of page P2are also used to temporarily store downloaded code when it is received from the bank controller. After validation, the downloaded code is moved to page P0. All RAM is battery backed with a super capacitor circuit.

Page P1is divided into two regions: a SACRED region (in the lower part of the page) which contains variables that rely on battery back-up and are not reinitialized during startup; and a BSS region which is initialized to zero after every software reset.

An internal RAM section190is the only memory region that is immune to paging. The internal RAM is reserved for the STACK except for a PROTECTED region (8 bytes at the top of internal RAM) which contains variables that must be available regardless of which page is active. To conserve the STACK space, the MCI program favors global variables, declares locals as static, and limits the number of arguments to and from functions. This also improves the execution speed.

Referring toFIG. 8, whenever the MCI resets (e.g., power-up, watchdog reset, etc.) the input and output lines on MCI processor32are initialized to a high impedance state. This causes the RAM/ROM line to be pulled to a high logic level by a pull-up resistor in the memory decode logic circuit44. This, in turn, causes the ROM chip40to be selected as the lower memory page.

2. Boot Loader Operation

After a reset, the processor begins executing the boot loader code in ROM. The boot loader code first checks and initializes the hardware. Digital I/O lines that are used for output are set to an appropriate logic level and configured as outputs. The boot loader code then determines if the code located in the RAM code page is valid by calculating a software check figure (SCF) between a start address and an end address specified at predefined memory locations. The calculated SCF is then compared to an SCF stored at another predetermined memory location. If the two SCFs do not match, the boot loader retains control of the MCI until proper code has been downloaded from the bank controller. No gaming device or card reader communication takes place during that time. If the two SCFs match, this only indicates that the software currently in the RAM code area is not corrupt—it does not guaranty, however, that it is the proper version of the software.

After verifying the integrity of the RAM code, the boot loader next attempts to confirm that the software in the RAM code is the proper version. To accomplish this, it attempts to establish communication with the bank controller to receive the Software Identification Number (SID) of the software it should be running. If the SID matches the SID of the software currently in RAM, the Boot Loader executes the software in RAM, otherwise it downloads new code (using a method described below).

If the bank controller is down, the boot loader times out in its attempt to establish communication, and runs the software currently in its RAM (as long as the SCF checks out). The boot loader passes a parameter to the software in RAM, indicating that it was started without verification of being the proper revision. There is a “short” type of time out when no communication is detected at all, and a “long” type of time out when the MCI is not being addressed by a bank controller, but still detects some kind of traffic on the line.

When the boot loader decides to switch to the software in RAM, a small section of code is copied into the high end of RAM and then executed. The PAGE SELECT X and PAGE SELECT Y lines are set to the appropriate logic levels to select RAM page P0. The RAM/ROM output line on the processor (shown inFIG. 8) is then pulled to a low logic level, thereby switching from ROM to RAM and causing RAM page P0to be mapped to the memory space where the ROM used to be. Jumping to the small section of code at the high end of RAM allows the pages to be switched during a fetch-execute cycle.

3. Communication with Bank Controller

Referring toFIG. 7, the MCI356communicates with the bank controller355via a multidrop opto isolated serial link30at 19.2Kbaud and full duplex. The four wire cable between the MCI and the bank controller is commonly referred to as an “On Line cable” or OL cable. The OL communication link carries all communications between the MCI and the rest of the system (e.g., bank controller, concentrator and bonus servers). The OL link30allows the MCI to report data needed for bonusing to the bonus servers, report the meters to be cached for the front end host system (DACOM 6000) via the concentrator, report gaming device, bonusing, and card reader events, set up all MCI and bonusing parameters, and download new MCI code.

The bank controller is the master of the OL communication link, and the MCI does not communicate unless polled. There is never more than one outstanding poll per MCI. This means that the bank controller waits for a poll answer (or a reasonable time out) before polling the MCI again. However, the bank controller sends broadcasts (such as current participation jackpot values) at any time.

Each MCI in the system is uniquely identified by a 32 bit Unique ID preprogrammed in a unique ID chip272which is attached to MCI wiring harness with flying leads. However, using the unique ID for addressing purposes is inefficient, so instead, the controller dynamically assigns a one byte “nickname” to each MCI through the following “binary search” process:(1) The bank controller issues a SEARCH poll containing a range of unique IDs. All MCIs whose unique ID are within that range answer with their unique ID.(2) If several devices answered the SEARCH poll (i.e., if several MCIs have a unique ID falling in the specified range), the response will be corrupted due to the collision of the responses, and the bank controller issues a new SEARCH poll with a smaller range.(3) When the Controller detects that only one MCI answers within the specified range, the bank controller assigns it a nickname that identifies this MCI on the OL link for the duration of the session (i.e. until the MCI drops off line, power is lost, etc.).

Each MCI can also be addressed as part of a group identified by a 16 bit group number. MCIs always belong to a group known as an “everyone” group. Any MCI message can be addressed to a group, but an MCI never answers a group message. The SEARCH poll and ACTIVITY poll (described below) are special broadcast messages that do not comply with this rule.

The bank controller communicates with the MCIs primarily through the use of scan polls and activity polls. Referring toFIG. 13, the bank controller first broadcasts a SCAN poll to determine which MCIs have something to report. Each MCI is given a response time slice following the last byte of the SCAN poll. MCIs that need to report data answer the SCAN poll with their nickname during their allocated time slice. MCIs having no data to report do not respond to the SCAN poll. In the example shown inFIG. 13, MCIs2,3and N2indicate that they have something to report. N is a fixed parameter in the system and determines the polling speed. Preferred values of N are 16 or 32 (i.e. a maximum of 16 or 32 MCIs per bank controller).

Timing has to be very precise at the MCI end to ensure that the MCI answers during its allocated time slice and that its answer does not collide with another MCI's response. The time slice allocated to each MCI is preferably 1.5 times greater than a byte transmission time. Timing is accomplished by using hardware timers at interrupt level. The bank controller does not have to check the timing of the responses because each MCI answers with its nickname. The bank controller takes each byte as it comes in and compiles a list of the MCIs that have information to report. An MCI answers the SCAN poll every time a primary meter changes, every time a new event report packet is generated (i.e. every time a new event occurs), every time the MCI status changes, every time an event report packet needs to be resent, and any other time it wants to be polled by an activity poll.

After conducting a SCAN poll, the bank controller uses one or more ACTIVITY polls to retrieve the information from the MCIs that responded to the SCAN poll.FIG. 14shows the sequence of activity polls that would be used after the example scan poll shown in FIG.13. Referring toFIG. 14, the bank controller first polls MCI2. MCI2then answers with a response that includes the information it has for the bank controller. The bank controller then polls MCI3, which answers with its response. The bank controller continues polling the MCIs until it has collected information from all of the MCIs that responded to the scan poll.

A typical response sent by an MCI is shown in FIG.15. The response includes the following: a routing and identification header192; an MCI and player status field194; a bonusing meters table196; one or more event report packets198; and a cyclical redundant check figure (CRC)200. The exact contents of the activity poll response can be changed to accommodate different applications; however, the bonusing meters table is always included so as to allow recovery of the meter values if a message is not received properly by another device in the system.

The MCI and player status field194includes information on whether the gaming device is actively being played, card status, etc. The bonusing meters table196includes all meters204that need to be monitored on a real time basis to support bonusing. The meters being monitored can be changed to accommodate different applications, so the table is preceded by a meter map bit field202that indicates which meters out of the entire set of meters being monitored are used for bonusing.

Each event report packet198includes information on security events, jackpots, card insertions, etc. Each event report packet has its own sequence number208and is acknowledged separately. Event report packets are appended to the ACTIVITY response until they are acknowledged. If the number of packets is too great for the total message length, the events that occurred first are appended, and subsequent events are appended on subsequent polls.

If the MCI does not receive an acknowledgment to an event within a predetermined number of SCAN polls, it appends the event to the subsequent SCAN poll and increments the retry count associated with the event. After a certain number of retries, the MCI appends the event to its SCAN is less frequent intervals. The MCI keeps appending this event at the reduced frequency until it has been acknowledged by the bank controller (potentially forever). The retry count associated with the event informs the rest of the system how many times the event has been transmitted. When the retry counter reaches its maximum value it stays at that value, but the MCI keeps retrying. Another device in the system can then decide to log the event to a special file and acknowledge the event to inform the MCI that it should stop sending it.

The bank controller (and other parts of the system, using the bank controller as a gateway) can poll the MCI for a variety of data such as its status or the values of the meters it maintains on its own (such as number of openings of the MCI cover) or to ask the MCI to perform other specific actions. The MCI answers the bank controller either with the proper poll answer, an acknowledgment message, or no answer at all depending on the communication protocol used between the bank controller and MCI. The MCI typically has very little processing to do before it answers the poll, so the poll answer is sent immediately following the poll, i.e. there won't be any outstanding polls. If the MCI does not answer within a predetermined period of time, the bank controller decides the MCI did not answer and takes proper action, e.g., retry the transmission. With passthrough polls (described below), however, the bank controller does not expect a response from the MCI. Polls for data are given a lower priority than the SCAN/ACTIVITY cycle in the processor on the MCI and are used as sparsely as possible. The MCI is code is preferably written to minimize the time required to answer polls.

The bonusing promotion system of the present invention can also act as a “conduit” to pass queries from a host system all the way to the gaming device. To facilitate this function, queries from the host are embedded in a special passthrough packet. It can take a substantial amount of time for the MCI to pass the query on to the gaming device, for the gaming device to process it, and for the MCI to get the answer back to the bank controller. Thus, to prevent a communications bottleneck on the OL link while the gaming device is processing a passthrough query, the MCI does not answer passthrough messages as it does with other polls. Instead, the MCI passes the message through to the gaming device and waits for a response. The bank controller does not look for a normal response from the MCI, but instead, expects to eventually see an event message from the MCI which the bank controller treats as the response. When the MCI receives the gaming device's response to query message, it embeds the response into a special event packet and answers the next SCAN/ACTIVITY poll, thus allowing it to send the information back asynchronously. The bank controller then detects this “event” and builds a proper response packet for the rest of the system, i.e., makes it look like a normal query response to the rest of the system. The bank controller then acknowledges this “event,” and if the source of the query does not receive the answer, it sends the query again. Thus, by using an event to acknowledge a passthrough message, the bank controller is allowed to keep generating other polls, thereby increasing the throughput of the entire system.

The bank controller (and other devices through the bank controller) can also access the MCI's peripherals directly. For example, a bonus server can cause the card reader bezel to change color when a specific condition is met by addressing the card reader device directly through the MCI. To accomplish this, all messages addressed to an MCI, whether point-to-point or broadcast, are passed directly into the MCI's peripherals through the local OL serial link.

4. Code Updates

Referring toFIG. 12, the MCI code contained in the RAM code page P0can be updated by the bank controller. Code downloading is done at installation time, during a code upgrade (to support new bonuses for example), or in the event the RAM code is corrupted. Each version of the MCI software is identified by a software identification number (SID). The SID is unique for each version of the MCI software.

Each version of the MCI software is also provided with a software check figure (SCF) as discussed in the section on boot loader operation. The software check figure is a two byte quantity that allows verification of software integrity. When a new version of the code is downloaded and validated, its SCF is stored at a predefined memory location, and that stored value is used for all subsequent checks. The MCI continuously runs a background code integrity check by continuously recalculating the SCF of the code it is running and comparing it to the stored SCF. The SCF can be implemented as a fixed seed and polynomial or as a checksum. The SCF is only used as an internal code integrity check, it is not used as a security feature against tempering like the SID is.

The bank controller uses a “CHECK” message to inform the MCIs of the SID of the software they should be running. As with any bank controller message, the CHECK message can be sent to all MCIs on the link, to a specific group of MCIs, or to a single MCI. When an MCI receives a CHECK message, it will compare its own SID to the SID embedded in the message. If the SIDs match, the MCI does not answer. If the SIDs are different the MCI answers with a “NACK” message. Note that several MCIs could be answering a CHECK message simultaneously, thus causing a collision resulting in an unintelligible packet. Therefore, if the bank controller detects any line activity after a CHECK message, the answer packet is interpreted as a NACK (i.e. at least one MCI needs a code upgrade). The bank controller then knows that at least one MCI on the link needs a code update.

Since checking of the SID is initiated by the bank controller, it must be done often enough to service any MCI that needs a code update in a timely fashion. As a guideline, the CHECK message should be sent by the bank controller every time an MCI or group of MCIs come on line, each time a software upgrade is needed, and at regular intervals.

When the Bank Controller determines that at least one MCI on the link needs a code update, it sends a series of DOWNLOAD messages either to a specific MCI, a group of MCIs, or all MCIs on the link. Preferably, however, the DOWNLOAD message is sent to all MCIs whether they need it or not. The MCI loads the downloaded code into its scrap code pages (P2and P3) and does not overwrite the code that is running at that time. No acknowledgement of to the DOWNLOAD message is required because, if an MCI were to miss a packet, the code upgrade would not be validated, and the whole cycle would over with the next CHECK message. Code is preferably downloaded during times when there is no other activity so that new code can be sent without interrupting the operation of the gaming device. The code can ultimately originate from the bank controller, the concentrator, or any other device which can receive new code from a modem or storage disk.

The bank controller sends a REBOOT message to the MCIs after all DOWNLOAD messages have been sent. The REBOOT message is substantially similar to the CHECK message, but instead of validating the code currently being executed, it validates the downloaded code. If the validation is correct and the SID is different from the software currently being executed, the MCI copies the downloaded code into the main code page and reboots. If the validation is not correct, the MCI answers the next CHECK message and the downloading cycle starts over. The REBOOT message preferably provides options for conditions under which to reboot such as: reboot immediately; reboot only if no card is present; reboot only if credit meter is zero; reboot only if the main gaming device door is open; reboot at a specific time; etc.

5. Communication with the Gaming Device

Referring toFIG. 7, the MCI collects information from the gaming device over the RS422 serial link26using a suitable protocol such as ASP 1000. The MCI only utilizes a subset of the information available from the gaming device. The rest of the information is either used by the host or other parts of the bonusing promotion system, or goes unused. The information that is actively collected or monitored by the MCI includes the primary meters used for bonusing purposes, bonusing related parameters, and some events. All requests received from the front end system (host), or events generated by the gaming device that do not fall into any of the categories above, are passed blindly to and from the gaming device. This means that they encapsulated in a “wrapper” and routed through the bonusing promotion system without any processing being done to the packet. It is important to note that using pass through messages can degrade the performance of the bonusing system. This is why primary meters are collected independently rather than using the pass through mechanism.

Primary meters are the meters that are constantly collected by the MCI and constantly updated at the Concentrator. The primary meters are used for bonusing purposes. Examples of primary meters are: total money turnover, total money won (including jackpot), and total money out as bonus credit. At initialization time, the parameters corresponding to the primary meters above are set up to generate an event every time they change. Whenever the MCI receives an update to one of the meters, it copies the corresponding value into its local copy of the meters to be reported to the bank controller.

The MCI reports events received from the gaming device in the course of regular polling of the gaming device. The MCI also issues commands to the gaming device over the serial link. For example, when a bonus needs to be awarded, as for instance, when a participation jackpot is hit, the MCI issues credits to the player by sending a command to the gaming device. The command includes information such as whether to issue money or credits, the amount of the bonus, the unique ID of the MCI and a transaction count. A transaction count is incremented by one at the end of the bonus operation. The transaction count is saved in non volatile RAM and is never cleared by the MCI. Alternatively, the gaming device can keep track of the transaction count and report it when it confirms a bonus payout.

The bonusing system may want to disable a gaming device, for example when a bonus is awarded by hand or when the bonus is a non cash bonus such as a car. In order to disable the gaming device, the MCI issues a command over the serial link telling the gaming device to lockup and providing a “reason” parameter for the lockup, so that lockups due to bonuses are not mistaken for malfunctions. Then, when the bonusing system has determined that the game can be re enabled (the system detected a bonus attendant card for example), the MCI will release the game by issuing another command.

6. Communication with the Peripheral Devices

Referring again toFIG. 7, the “Local OL” is the multi drop opto isolated serial link13that the MCI uses to communicate with its peripherals such as the card reader, displays, etc. On the local OL link13, the MCI is the master, and the local OL devices do not communicate unless polled. In a preferred embodiment, the protocol used on the local OL is compatible with the protocol used on the OL (the communication line between the Bank Controller and the MCI). Most OL communications addressed to the MCI are propagated on the Local OL. This enables external devices such as Bonus Servers to address the MCI's peripherals directly (e.g., to update ajackpot value on the display). The system can be implemented so that most local OL devices (such as displays) do not answer to the MCI, but receive their commands from other components.

An example of a local OL packet is shown in FIG.16and includes a header216with the MCI address, a local OL type message identifier218, a local OL device type220(e.g., card reader, display, etc.), an action to be taken222, data for the local device224, and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) value226. The header216and CRC226are used by the MCI to decide whether to pass the message from its OL to its local OL. The local OL devices do not use the header and CRC value except for the purpose of checking the CRC.

As an example of local OL communication, the MCI polls the card reader on a regular basis, for example, three times per second. The card reader replies with the following information: card status (no card, valid read, invalid read, etc.), card ID number (typically 20 digits, zero padded if needed), and the bonus button state. The bezel color and flash rate are controlled separately through different messages.

Each MCI can support up to 16 displays, with each display being uniquely identified by a DIP switch setting on the display board. In order to increase system efficiency, display messages are loaded into the display at startup, and then retrieved in response to a shorthand message for quicker display response operation. Preferably, the display messages are sent from the bonus server which “teaches” the display by sending it strings of information (display messages). The strings are passed to the display by the MCI which does not understand the contents of the strings.

There are three different types of display information: static information, dynamic information, and control information. Static information, also referred to as message definition information, includes such things as message text, for example: “Hello, welcome to the Casino.” Static information also contains information such as scroll rate, the pixel intensity, etc.

Dynamic information, also referred to as token values, includes information that indicates to the display the value associated with a specific token. Tokens can be embedded in static information, for example, “Hello <player name>, welcome to the Casino. The current jackpot is <jackpot value>”. When the display finds a token in the static information of a message being displayed, it replaces it by the value associated with the token. For example <player name> is replaced by “John Doe”, and <jackpot value> is replaced by “$234.67”, etc. Tokens are continuously updated, regardless of whether they are actually used by the display or not. Preferably, the display updates the tokens that are being displayed in real time. Thus, if a message containing a token is scrolling across the display screen, the player can see the token change even as the message scrolls by as opposed to waiting until the next scroll cycle to update the value on the screen.

Control information indicates which message to display. The MCI is responsible for issuing the control information to the display based all the information available to it. In particular, the MCI will handle prioritization of messages.

The MCI preferably does not control the static display information, but rather, the display information is sent directly to the display at startup, from outside of the MCI, e.g. from a bonus server or translator. The MCI controls only the dynamic information it “owns.”

The MCI is also responsible for controlling other devices such as the card reader bezel and the audible bonus indicator ABI122(shown inFIG. 10) through the local OL link. In a preferred embodiment, these devices are integral to the card reader assembly and controlled by communicating with the card reader interface. These devices can be sent commands such as “flash bezel red 3 times a second”, or “alternate playing first and second frequencies on the ABI122for 3 seconds”.

To provide flexibility in the effects associated with all of the possible conditions that can change the devices' states, the MCI does not build the commands to these devices directly. Instead, at startup, the MCI receives a table of “local OL packets”. When a specific event occurs (the player wins a participation jackpot, for example), the MCI gets the corresponding packet from the table and sends it over the Local OL without any knowledge of what is contained in the packet. For example, the packet associated with a bonus winner could contain the Local OL messages “ring ABI122ten times”, “Flash Bezel red”, “display winner message”.

7. Bonus Engines

Bonus engines are MCI software modules that implement a specific type of bonus, either independently, or on cue from a bonus server. The bonus engines are the “intelligence” that use the MCI hardware and the software services available through other MCI software modules to support bonuses such as participation jackpots or progressive jackpots.

In a preferred embodiment, most of the decision making “intelligence” of the bonusing promotion system is located in the bonus servers. The MCIs execute tasks and pass along message packets in response to instructions from the bonus servers. However, the MCIs must implement some decision making functions for bonusing features that are time-critical or would require excessive communication overhead if controlled by the bonus server.

An example of a bonusing promotion that requires decision making by a bonusing engine is a multiple jackpot promotion. To implement this promotion, the MCI sends a command to the gaming device instructing it to multiply all wins between a specified minimum and maximum amount (inclusive) by a certain multiplier. The command includes parameters specifying the multiplier, minimum win amount, maximum win amount, and the duration of the promotion. The duration parameter is set to the total expected duration of the bonus, plus an additional margin. The MCI can re iterate its message several times during the bonus session with an adjusted duration, and possibly a different multiplier. To end the bonus session, the MCI sends a message with a duration set to zero.

Another bonus engine is the eligibility engine. Although not a bonus per se, eligibility to receive a bonus is an “intelligent” decision with specific rules, which could change. It is isolated in its own software module to allow easier modification. This module provides a service function which returns the current eligibility status of the player to any other module.

The eligibility engine is also responsible for triggering the changes in the visual eligibility indicator which is preferably the card reader bezel. For example the eligibility engine can cause the bezel to be illuminated solid red if the EGM is not eligible for bonuses, solid orange if the EGM is eligible for bonuses and no card is inserted, solid green if the EGM is eligible for bonuses and a valid card is inserted, etc. The bezel can also be used to indicate other conditions, such as flash red if a card is not inserted properly.

An example of eligibility logic that can be implemented by the eligibility engine is as follows; for uncarded play, the player is eligible if there has been a coin or currency insertion within the past XX seconds, the game has been played within the last YY seconds, or credits have been paid within the last ZZ seconds; for carded play, the player is eligible if there has been a valid insertion of card within last AA seconds, there has been a coin or currency insertion within the past XX seconds, the game has been played within the last YY seconds, credits have been paid within the last ZZ seconds, or average play during the session exceeds bonus button315credits per minute. In the example above, XX, YY, and ZZ are variables which can be adjusted by the operator.

Any game tilt extends eligibility. For example, if a player is playing a game with eligibility on (Orange bezel) and the game detects a coin jam, the eligibility light stays on until the tilt is cleared.

8. Player Tracking Records

When a player inserts a card in the card reader, the MCI opens a Player Tracking Record (PTR). All relevant play data that occurs while that card is inserted is recorded until the card is removed. When the card is removed, the MCI forwards the record to the front end system (DACOM host), via the rest of bonusing promotion system. If the link is down (i.e. the MCI does not receive an acknowledgment for a PTR it has transmitted), the record is queued in the MCI's battery backed up memory and is sent whenever the link comes back up. The MCI only queues a limited number of Player Tracking Records, after which it will not accept any new card insertions. Instead, it displays an appropriate message to the player indicating that no play will be recorded. This message can be accompanied by a change of bezel color or ABI122ring.

The maximum number of Player Tracking Record depends on available memory but preferably is not less than 25. The more memory that is available for PTRs, the longer the system can be down without loosing data. Player Tracking Records that do not contain any play information (“trivial records”) are not queued. If a player inserts a card, then plays some, removes the card, then reinserts the card, play some more, and finally removes the card, two different player tracking records are generated. If the MCI is powered down while a card is inserted, the MCI generates a PTR at power up, indicating how much play occurred before the power loss.

An example of the type of information recorded in a Player Tracking Record is as follows: Player Tracking Record Identifier Number, Card Number, Turnover played, Wins, Coin to drop, Games Played, Canceled Credits, Time Played, credits used, Credits awarded, and Player Compensation Points received.

9. Software Structure

a. Software Modules

A simplified functional block diagram of a software structure (program architecture) for controlling the machine communication interface is shown in FIG.17. In the described embodiment, the program structure is embodied as a computer program (software or firmware) running on the microprocessor32as shown in FIG.8. The program is preferably written in the “C” programming language with portions written in assembly language if necessary.

In the example shown inFIG. 17, the architecture includes numerous, somewhat independent modules and a central message engine156which implements all of the “intelligence” of the interactions between modules. Some modules are grouped together into “super modules.” A bank controller communication supermodule126(also referred to as a network communication super module or OL communication super module) performs all of the tasks required to maintain communications with the bank controller over the OL serial link. A gaming device supermodule128interfaces the MCI to the gaming device and shields the rest of the modules from the details of the protocol used to communicate with the gaming device. The gaming device supermodule includes a bonus pay command module130and a multiple jackpot command module132.

A meters queue134stores the values of meters from the gaming device.

A local OL supermodule136shields the rest of the modules from the details of the protocol used to communicate with the peripheral devices over the local OL serial link. The local OL supermodule includes a card reader logic module138which handles communications with the card reader, a display services module140which handles communications with the display, and an event triggered output module442.

A bonusing supermodule144controls the bonusing decision making that occurs at the MCI level. The bonusing supermodule includes a multiple jackpot module146, a player tracking module148, a money or credit matching promotion (TM “MATCH PLAY”) module150, a bonus pay logic module152, and an eligibility module154.

The modules carry out actions through interface functions. For example, calling the display services module140with the “155D( )” function causes the display module to update the display token that is passed as a parameter. Thus, the action carried out is encapsulated within the display services module, or to a greater extent, within the Local OL super module136.

Modules can also run “on their own” through a cooperative multitasking scheme. For example, the card reader logic module138polls the card reader at regular intervals, regardless of whether its “155C( )” interface function is called or not.

The modules also communicate with other modules through the use of interface functions. For example, any module can ask the eligibility module154, which encapsulates the bonus eligibility rules, if the player is currently eligible for bonuses by using the “155L( )” function, which returns TRUE or FALSE. As another example, the bonus pay logic module152, which can award a bonus based on game results, can cause the gaming device to pay a bonus by calling the bonus pay command module130with the “155K( )” command. The bonus pay command module130then encapsulates all of the gaming device specific logic needed to cause the proper bonus to be paid.

The arrows inFIG. 17illustrate examples of interface functions which pass data and request actions between the modules and the message engine but is not an exhaustive representation of the system. Others modules, supermodules, and interface functions can be added or removed as needed to implement various bonusing promotions and to support different hardware configurations.

All messages are directed to the Message Engine, which in turn, decides what actions need to be taken (i.e. which module interfaces functions must be called). For example, when a card is put in the card reader, the card reader module sends a “155B( )” message to the message engine which tells it that a card has been inserted. In response to the card insertion, the Message Engine calls the following interface functions: “155H( )” which causes the player tracking module148to open a new player tracking record; “155G( ),” which causes the credit matching module150to perform the processing associated with a card insertion; “155F( )” which causes the bonus engine to re evaluate the player's eligibility; “155A( )” which causes the card insertion to be reported to the bank controller; “155E( )” which causes the proper Local OL packet to be sent to the bezel and display; and any other modules and interface functions necessary for responding to a card insertion.

Meters are a special independent type of module that can be updated by other modules through the “155I( )” interface function and read through the “155J( )” interface function.

An advantage of the software architecture described above is that it breaks the program into small and manageable modules with a well defined interface. Each module can be rewritten independently to support a new protocol or add new functionality. The design allows different members of a software development team to write up a modules independently of the other modules. Another advantage is that centralizing the “intelligent” decision making in the message engine156makes the software easy to understand, control, and debug. Yet another advantage is that it allows the gaming device's “language” or protocol to be largely isolated from the rest of the MCI software so that it can be adapted to other protocols by just changing a few modules.

b. Module Implementation

Each module is preferably implemented as a finite state machine to allow cooperative multitasking. Each interface function is called by a main program loop and returns after a single, small step has been executed. In many instances, the interface function does nothing but cause the state machine to change state. The main program loop needs to call each finite state machine engine to run them “simultaneously”.

FIG. 18is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a main program loop for the processor32of the MCI. The loop begins at step158by calling the bank controller communication super module126which performs a small step and then returns to the main loop. During the next step160, the main loop calls the local OL communication module138which, in turn, calls the card reader logic module138, the display services module140, etc. In steps162through166, the main loop calls all of the bonusing state machines, e.g., the multiple jackpot engine146, the eligibility engine154, etc. If one of the bonusing state machines is unused, it returns immediately when called.

The message engine is preferably implemented in the “C” programming language as a “switch( )” statement. This allows the MCI's behavior for a certain condition (a certain message), to be understood or changed by looking up or changing the corresponding “case” statement.

Interface functions are preferably defined as macros when possible to maintain the code's efficiency. The use of macros as interface functions hides (encapsulates) the actual variable or action behind the function. Efficiency is further enhanced by implementing some interface functions as in-line functions, thus eliminating the associated function call overhead.

c. Bank Controller Communication Super Module

FIG. 19is a simplified functional block diagram of the software structure of the bank controller communication super module126of FIG.17. Referring toFIG. 19, a low level interrupt OL driver168receives and transmits data bytes on the OL link to the bank controller. The interrupt driver includes a receive routine which extracts messages from the input stream using a simple state machine that waits for a length byte to come in to determine the number of bytes N in the message, then retrieves the N bytes and queues the message in a receive buffer172. The interrupt driver sets a flag when the buffer is full. A message validity and address checking submodule174validates messages and addresses received from the bank controller. A message dispatch submodule176then routes the messages to the appropriate destination, e.g., to another module within the MCI or to the local OL link for passthrough to a peripheral device.

A message framing module178processes messages from other modules and peripheral devices and stores them in a transmit buffer180. A transmit routine in the interrupt driver168then sends the messages out to the bank controller over the OL link. After the bank controller sends a poll to an MCI, it waits for a poll response before sending the next poll to that particular MCI. Thus, at any given time, there is only one poll response in the transmit buffer180.

The state machine resynchronizes to a “looking for header” state as soon as at least 4 characters time have elapsed without any character being received. This implementation, although less reliable, is preferred over a sliding window because it is less expensive in terms of processing power, and allows for the detection of the SCAN message at interrupt level through a SCAN poll handler170. In operation, most transmission are preceded by a time with no transmission. The receive interrupt driver also needs to detect SCAN messages to setup a fall-back timer as precisely as possible.

To improve efficiency, the implementation software avoids copying data between buffers. Also, to limit poll latency (especially for the ACTIVITY poll), poll answers are preprocessed before the poll is received. For example, when a SCAN message is received, the MCI “freezes” its ACTIVITY response buffer so that the buffer is ready to be sent when the ACTIVITY poll is received. Thus, this scheme spreads out what would be “burst processing” over a longer period of time.

d. Local OL Communication Super Module

FIG. 20is a simplified functional block diagram of the software structure of the local OL communication super module136shown in FIG.17. Referring toFIG. 20, the local OL super module136includes an interrupt driven, low level communication driver228which receives bytes from the local OL link and places them in a circular buffer230. A message retrieval and checking module232processes each message and passes it along to a message dispatch module234in response to an interface function. The message dispatch module234forwards the received messages to the card reader logic module138or other modules based on a protocol identification byte embedded in the message.

Messages that the MCI needs to transmit out over the local OL link are processed by a queuing module236which collects messages from the card reader logic module138, the event triggered output module142, and the display services module140and places them into a message queue238. The queue does not hold the actual messages, but rather, pointers to message descriptors. The low level driver228retrieves the messages from the queue and transmits them one byte at a time over the local OL link.

When the event triggered output module142receives an event notification from another module, it retrieves the corresponding message packet descriptor from a packet descriptor queue240and sends it to the message queuing module236by means of a function call.

The display services module140includes one or more local OL submodules such as submodules242and244which send messages in response to function calls from other modules. For example, when local OL submodule244is called with a parameter “N”, it sends a message to the display (via queuing module236, message queue238, and low level driver228) telling it to display message N. As another example, when local OL submodule242is called with a parameter “X”, it sends a message to the display telling it to update display token X.

The modules of the local OL super module136shield the rest of the software from protocol dependent considerations and maintaining the local OL link. Only protocol independent functions are called, for example to get the card number or update a display token.

e. Gaming Device Communication Module

FIG. 21is a simplified functional block diagram of the software structure of the gaming device communication super module128as shown in FIG.17. Referring toFIG. 21, the gaming device super module includes an interrupt driven, low level communication driver246which receives bytes from the gaming device over the RS422 serial link and places them in a raw message queue250. A message checking module252validates incoming messages by performing a cyclical redundancy check (CRC) calculation.

Messages that need to be transmitted to the gaming device are processed by a data link layer framing module256which calculates a CRC value for the message, assigns each packet a sequence number for multi-packet messages, determines the message length, and performs any other functions necessary to frame the message. The message is then placed in a circular transmission buffer248from which the low level driver246transmits it one byte at a time to the gaming device.

A data link layer module254interfaces application level modules, such as the pay command module130, to the lower level modules of the gaming device super module. The data link layer module also keeps manages retries of messages that are not properly acknowledged by the gaming device.

A message break down module260takes messages from the data link layer module254and breaks them down into “atomic” chunks which are then translated by the DACOM host translator module262into messages that can be used by other modules. The DACOM host translator module262also updates the meters values in the meters queue134.

A layer of application modules includes a passthrough module266, the multiple jackpot module132, the bonus pay command module130and other optional command modules268. Messages from the application layer modules are placed in a application layer queue258and then processed by the data link layer254before being sent out to the gaming device.

Having described and illustrated the principles of the invention in a preferred embodiment thereof, it should be apparent that the invention can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. We claim all modifications and variations coming within the spirit and scope of the following claims.