Patent Publication Number: US-9892588-B2

Title: Apparatus and method for gaming

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/100,927 having a filing date of Sep. 29, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     [Not Applicable] 
     MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE 
     [Not Applicable] 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for gaming and, particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus and method for displaying gaming related information. 
     Gaming is implemented by many types of gaming systems, providing many different types of games. These include traditional type casino games, such as roulette, Keno, bingo and many others, all of which may nowadays be implemented in electronic form (in many cases utilising video display screens). These also include gaming systems which comprise a game controller arranged to control the random display of several symbols from a pre-determined set of symbols and to determine a game outcome such as a game win, based on the displayed symbols. Such gaming systems may commonly be implemented as a stepper machine provided with reels, with each reel carrying several symbols of the set, or a video machine wherein selected symbols are displayed on virtual reels in a graphical display device. Win outcomes can occur based on symbols appearing on one or more horizontal lines, diagonal lines, or in any other pre-determined way. 
     Known gaming systems and gaming machines (such as Electronic Gaming Machines, “EGMs”), use various lighting and sound effects to attract, stimulate and entertain players, and also to provide information on progression of a game, which may be an individual game played on the machine or a linked game played by several players. Separate displays may be provided for displaying different information on different games, advertising or other information. The provision of separate displays or displays which provide different gaming and advertising information from the “main” game played on the machine, may require construction of expensive apparatus, particularly where the displays are implemented in an EGM. 
     In some gaming apparatus, such as EGMs, a “main” display may be provided for displaying aspects of a main game, for example symbol selection games such as discussed above, and a secondary display, usually mounted above the main display in a “top box”, may be provided to display other information. The other information may include information on other games, such as games played on the EGM, progressive jackpot levels, and/or various illuminated or video artwork associated with the EGM. 
     These secondary displays are part of the EGM and therefore add to the expense of the EGM. They are designed specifically to operate within and as part of the EGM. 
     It is known to provide “toppers” which are separate displays units that may be mounted to an EGM. Commonly, toppers merely display artwork (which may be illuminated) associated with the EGM or are driven by another device, such as a jackpot controller, for example, to show the progression of a linked jackpot. These toppers are usually machine specific. That is, they are designed for particular EGM, or a particular linked game. Typically these toppers are in the form of backlit printed glass bearing the name of the game. Inasmuch as the printed glass is a fixed medium, the toppers have been designed to identify the game to players from a distance so the players can find the game among other games on the casino floor. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides a display apparatus for a gaming system, comprising a display unit arranged to be mounted to an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM), and display circuitry arranged to control the display unit, the display circuitry being arranged to communicate with an EGM controller to display information under a control of the EGM controller. 
     In an embodiment, the display circuitry includes a display controller, arranged to communicate with or be controlled by the EGM controller. In an embodiment, the display controller may comprise a processor for intelligently controlling the display unit. 
     In an embodiment, the display circuitry is arranged to communicate to communication with an external device to display information under control of the external device. The external device may be a server of a gaming establishment arranged to control the display unit to display information desired by the gaming establishment (e.g. Casino). It may be a jackpot controller (JPC) arranged to control the display to display information about a jackpot, such as a linked jackpot. It may be any other external device. In an embodiment, the display circuitry is selectively arranged to communicate with the external device and the EGM to display information under control of either or both the external device and EGM. Where the display circuitry includes a display controller, the controller may be arranged to communicate with or be controlled by the EGM controller and/or an external device. 
     In an embodiment, the display circuitry is arranged to enable communication with any one of a plurality of different EGMs, so that it may display information under the control of any of the plurality of EGMs. The display unit may be mountable to one of several different EGMs which are arranged to play different games, and display information relating to that particular game, for example. The display unit may be generic, and able to be used with different EGMs. 
     In an embodiment, the display apparatus is arranged to be used with a configurable EGM. A configurable EGM is one which can be configured to play different games. For example, different software may be downloaded to the configurable EGM to enable it to play different games. The software may be downloaded from a remote server over a network. The display circuitry is responsive to the configurable EGM to display information associated with the particular software that has been downloaded, for example, the particular game that has been downloaded. 
     In an embodiment, the display apparatus comprises a housing mounting the display unit and display circuitry. The housing is arranged to be mounted to an EGM. In an embodiment, the housing forms a “topper” arranged to be mounted to the top of an EGM to provide a further display. In an embodiment, the housing may be selectively mounted to different types of EGMs, for example EGMs playing different games. 
     In an embodiment, the display circuitry is arranged to communicate wirelessly with an EGM and/or external device. 
     It is an advantage of at least an embodiment of the invention to provide a versatile display device positioned on the EGM as a topper which can be selectively mounted to different types of EGMs and which can be controlled by the EGM and/or external devices, such as, for example, casinos servers, to display gaming related information. The information may include information on a game being played on the EGM, advertising information, other promotional information provided on behalf of the casino, or generally any information that it is required to present. In an embodiment, the invention also has the advantage that provision of the display apparatus economises on costs of EGMs. The display apparatus, in an embodiment, is effectively a generic displayer which can be attached to different types of EGMs. This can therefore take the place of displays which would otherwise have to be particularly designed for an EGM. 
     It is an advantage of at least an embodiment of the invention where the display apparatus includes a controller, such as a processor, that the display apparatus is intelligent and can be programmed with appropriate software or controlled by external devices/EGMs to operate in accordance with control instructions. This provides versatility. 
     In accordance with a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of displaying information for a gaming system, the method comprising the steps of configuring a controller of the display apparatus to communicate with an EGM in order for the display apparatus to display information provided by the EGM. 
     In an embodiment, the method comprises the further step of configuring the controller to communicate with an external device, such as casino server. 
     In accordance with a third aspect, the present invention provides a computer programme, providing instructions for controlling a processor to implement a method in accordance with the second aspect of the invention. 
     In accordance with a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a computer readable medium providing a computer programme in accordance with the third aspect of the invention. 
     In accordance with a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a data signal providing a computer programme in accordance with the third aspect of the invention. 
     In accordance with a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a display apparatus for a gaming system, the display apparatus comprising a display unit arranged to be mounted to an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) which is arranged to receive downloadable software for changing the operation of the EGM, the display unit being arranged to change displays in response to the changed operation of the EGM. 
     In accordance with a seventh aspect, the present invention provides a method of displaying information for a gaming system, the method comprising the steps of configuring a controller of the display apparatus to be controlled by downloadable software for a downloadable EGM, in order for the display apparatus to display information in accordance with the downloadable software. 
     In accordance with an eighth aspect, the present invention provides a computer programme comprising instructions for controlling a processor to implement a method in accordance with the seventh aspect of the invention. 
     In accordance with a ninth aspect, the present invention provides a computer readable medium, providing a programme in accordance with the eighth aspect. 
     In accordance with a tenth aspect, the present invention provides a data signal, providing a computer programme in accordance with the eighth aspect of the invention. 
     In accordance with an eleventh aspect, the present invention provides a display apparatus for a gaming system, comprising a display unit mountable to an Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM), and being arranged to be selectively controlled by an EGM controller to display information under control of the EGM controller, and an external device, to display information under the control of the external device. 
     In an embodiment, the external device may be a gaming server, such as a Casino server. 
     In accordance with a twelfth aspect, the present invention provides a method of displaying information for a gaming system, the method comprising the steps of configuring a controller of a display apparatus to selectively communicate with an EGM in order for the display apparatus to display information provided by the EGM, and an external device in order for the display apparatus to display information provided by the external device. 
     In accordance with a thirteenth aspect, the present invention provides a computer programme including instructions for controlling a processor to implement a method in accordance with the eleventh aspect of the invention. 
     In accordance with a fourteenth aspect, the present invention provides a computer readable medium providing a computer programme in accordance with the thirteenth aspect of the invention. 
     In accordance with a fifteenth aspect, the present invention provides a data signal providing a computer programme in accordance with the thirteenth aspect of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments thereof, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of the components of a gaming system; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a stand alone gaming machine; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of the functional components of a gaming machine and a display apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram of the functional components of a memory; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of a network gaming system with a display apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective diagram from above and one side of a gaming machine and a display apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the gaming machine and the display apparatus in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of a display apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 9 and 10  are perspective views of gaming machines with display apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram of the functional components of a display apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic block diagram of a gaming system utilising display apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings, there is shown a gaming system, which in this embodiment includes an Electronic Gaming Machine (reference numeral  10 ,  FIG. 2 ) and a display apparatus (reference numeral  40 ,  FIG. 2  and also other forms which will be described later on with reference to other drawings) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     In this embodiment, the display apparatus  40  is arranged to be mounted to the EGM and comprises display circuitry arranged to control a display, the display circuitry being arranged to communicate with the EGM controller to display information under the control of the EGM controller. The display apparatus  40  may be selectively connected to different EGMs and, in this embodiment, is generic, so that it can be controlled by different EGMs which may, for example, provide different games. 
     Together with the EGM of  FIG. 2 , the display apparatus  40  provides a gaming system. The gaming system can take a number of different forms. In a first form, a stand alone EGM as illustrated in  FIG. 2  is provided, together with the display apparatus  40 , wherein all or most components required for implementing a game are present in a player operable gaming machine (EGM). 
     In a second form, a distributed architecture is provided wherein some of the components required for implementing the game are present in a player operable gaming machine and some of the components required for implementing the game are located remotely relative to the gaming machine. For example, a “thick client” architecture may be used wherein part of the game is executed on a player operable gaming machine and part of the game is executed remotely, such as by a gaming server; or a “thin client” architecture may be used wherein most of the game is executed remotely such as by a gaming server and a player operable gaming machine is used only to display audible and/or visible gaming information to the player and receive gaming inputs from the player. A display apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may also be utilised with this form of architecture. 
     However, it will be understood that other arrangements are envisaged. For example, an architecture may be provided wherein a gaming machine is networked to a gaming server and the respective functions of the gaming machine and the gaming server are selectively modifiable. For example, the gaming system may operate in stand alone gaming machine mode, “thick client” mode or “thin client” mode depending on the game being played, operating conditions, and so on. Other variations will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. 
     Irrespective of the form, the gaming system comprises several components. At the broadest level, the components are a player interface  50  and a game controller  60  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The player interface is arranged to enable manual interaction between a player and the gaming system and for this purpose includes the input/output components required for the player to enter instructions and play the game. 
     Components of the player interface may vary from embodiment to embodiment but will typically include a credit mechanism  52  to enable a player to input credits and receive payouts, one or more displays  54 , a game play mechanism  56  that enables a player to input game play instructions (e.g. to place bets and make selections), and one or more speakers  58 . 
     The game controller  60  is in data communication with the player interface  50  and typically includes a processor  62  that processes the game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and outputs game play outcomes to the display. Typically, the game play instructions are stored as program code in a memory  64  but can also be hardwired. Herein the term “processor” is used to refer generically to any device that can process game play instructions in accordance with game play rules and may include: a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a server. 
     In this embodiment, the game controller  60  may also include a wireless receiver/transmitter  66  which is arranged to communicate with a display apparatus  40  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     A gaming system in the form of a stand alone gaming machine  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The gaming machine  10  includes a console  12  having a display  14  on which are displayed representations of a game  16  that can be played by a player. A mid-trim  20  of the gaming machine  10  houses a bank of buttons  22  for enabling a player to interact with the gaming machine, in particular during game play. The mid-trim  20  also houses a credit input mechanism  24  which in this example includes a coin input chute  24 A and a bill collector  24 B. Other credit input mechanisms may also be employed, for example, a card reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A player marketing module (not shown) having a reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program. The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by the reading device. 
     A top box  26  may carry artwork  28 , including for example pay tables and details of bonus awards and other information or images relating to the game. Further artwork and/or information may be provided on a front panel  29  of the console  12 . A coin tray  30  is mounted beneath the front panel  29  for dispensing cash payouts from the gaming machine  10 . 
     The display  14  shown in  FIG. 2  is in the form of a video display unit, particularly a cathode ray tube screen device. Alternatively, the display  14  may be a liquid crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display unit, or the visible portion of an electromechanical device. The top box  26  may also include a display, for example a video display unit, which may be of the same type as the display  14 , or of a different type. 
     A display apparatus  40  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is mounted to the top of the stand alone gaming machine (or “EGM”) together with a tower light  41  (sometimes referred to as a “candle”) so as to define an active “topper” according to the various embodiments of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  shows a block diagram of operative components of a typical gaming machine which may be the same as or different to the gaming machine of  FIG. 2 . 
     The gaming machine  100  includes a game controller  101  having a processor  102 . Instructions and data to control operation of the processor  102  are stored in a memory  103 , which is in data communication with the processor  102 . Typically, the gaming machine  100  will include both volatile and non-volatile memory and more than one of each type of memory, with such memories being collectively represented by the memory  103 . 
     The gaming machine has hardware meters  104  for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring player credit, an input/output (I/O) interface  105  for communicating with peripheral devices of the gaming machine  100 . The input/output interface  105  and/or the peripheral devices may be intelligent devices with their own memory for storing associated instructions and data for use with the input/output interface or the peripheral devices. In this embodiment, the input/output interface  105  also includes a wireless communication facility  105   a . This may be used to communicate with a display apparatus  40  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Hardwired contacts are also shown schematically at  105   b  to provide an alternative communication channel to a display apparatus  40  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A random number generator module  113  generates random numbers for use by the processor  102 . Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reference to random numbers includes pseudo-random numbers. 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 3 , a player interface  120  includes peripheral devices that communicate with the game controller  101  comprise one or more displays  106 , a touch screen and/or buttons  107 , a card and/or ticket reader  108 , a printer  109 , a bill acceptor and/or coin input mechanism  110  and a coin output mechanism  111 . Additional hardware may be included as part of the gaming machine  100 , or hardware may be omitted as required for the specific implementation. 
     In addition, the gaming machine  100  may include a communications interface, for example a network card  112 . The network card  112  may, for example, send status information, accounting information or other information to a central controller, server or database and receive data or commands from the central controller, server or database. 
       FIG. 4  shows a block diagram of the main components of an exemplary memory  103 . The memory  103  includes RAM  103 A, EPROM  103 B and a mass storage device  103 C. The RAM  103 A typically temporarily holds program files for execution by the processor  102  and related data. The EPROM  103 B may be a boot ROM device and/or may contain some system or game related code. The mass storage device  103 C is typically used to store game programs, the integrity of which may be verified and/or authenticated by the processor  102  using protected code from the EPROM  103 B or elsewhere. 
     It is also possible for the operative components of the gaming machine  100  to be distributed, for example input/output devices  106 , 107 , 108 , 109 , 110 , 111  to be provided remotely from the game controller  101 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a gaming system  200  in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The gaming system  200  includes a network  201 , which for example may be an Ethernet network. Gaming machines  202 , shown arranged in three banks  203  of two gaming machines  202  in  FIG. 5 , are connected to the network  201 . The gaming machines  202  provide a player operable interface and may be the same as the gaming machines  10 , 100  shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , or may have simplified functionality depending on the requirements for implementing game play. While banks  203  of two gaming machines are illustrated in  FIG. 5 , banks of one, three or more gaming machines are also envisaged. 
     One or more displays  204  may also be connected to the network  201 . For example, the displays  204  may be associated with one or more banks  203  of gaming machines. The displays  204  may be used to display representations associated with game play on the gaming machines  202 , and/or used to display other representations, for example promotional or informational material. 
     In a thick client embodiment, game server  205  implements part of the game played by a player using a gaming machine  202  and the gaming machine  202  implements part of the game. With this embodiment, as both the game server  205  and the gaming machine  202  implement part of the game, they collectively provide a game controller. A database management server  206  may manage storage of game programs and associated data for downloading or access by the gaming devices  202  in a database  206 A. Typically, if the gaming system enables players to participate in a Jackpot game, a Jackpot server  207  will be provided to perform accounting functions for the Jackpot game. A loyalty program server  212  may also be provided. 
     In a thin client embodiment, game server  205  implements most or all of the game played by a player using a gaming machine  202  and the gaming machine  202  essentially provides only the player interface (and in some cases graphics processing). With this embodiment, the game server  205  provides the game controller. The gaming machine  202  will receive player instructions, pass these to the game server  205  which will process them and return game play outcomes to the gaming machine  202  for display. In a thin client embodiment, the gaming machines  202  could be computer terminals, e.g. PCs running software that provides a player interface operable using standard computer input and output components. 
     Servers are also typically provided to assist in the administration of the gaming network  200 , including for example a gaming floor management server  208 , and a licensing server  209  to monitor the use of licenses relating to particular games. An administrator terminal  210  is provided to allow an administrator to run the network  201  and the devices connected to the network. 
     Display apparatus  250  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may be associated with gaming machines  202  and/or displays  204  to provide further displays. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the display apparatus  250  may be arranged to communicate wirelessly with gaming machines  202  and/or the network  201 . The display apparatus  250  may display advertising materials unrelated to the game being played at the gaming machine  202 , game attract mode displays to advertise the game being played, jackpot information or other video or graphics materials as desired. For example, for a bank of machines, the display apparatus  250  can be controlled (e.g. locally, via the network, or wirelessly) to display composite or sequential images to depict certain advertising or bonusing events, e.g. a trail travelling around the bank of machine display apparatus  250 , from one to the other. 
     The gaming system  200  may communicate with other gaming systems, other local networks, for example a corporate network, and/or a wide area network such as the Internet, for example through a firewall  211 . 
     Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that in accordance with known techniques, functionality at the server side of the network may be distributed over a plurality of different computers. For example, elements may be run as a single “engine” on one server or a separate server may be provided. For example, the game server  205  could run a random generator engine. Alternatively, a separate random number generator server could be provided. Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of game servers could be provided to run different games or a single game server may run a plurality of different games as required by the terminals. 
     As discussed above,  FIG. 2  shows a representation of a display apparatus  40  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, which is arranged to be mounted to an EGM. The display apparatus  40  provides a display  41  which can be used in addition to the main display  16  (and also any secondary display in the top box  26 ) of the EGM  10 . The display apparatus  40  may be controlled, in this example, by the EGM  10 . It also may be controlled by an external device, such as a Casino server or jackpot controller (e.g. implemented by the jackpot server  207  shown in  FIG. 5 ). Information relating to the EGM may be displayed by the apparatus  40  under the control of the EGM, or information required to be displayed on the apparatus  40  by the server or jackpot controller may be displayed. 
     A display apparatus  40  is in this case is in the form of a housing separate to the EGM  10  which mounts a display unit and display circuitry. The housing is arranged to be mounted to the EGM  12  by mounting apparatus, such as interfering mechanical arrangements, screws, nuts and bolts, or any other convenient fashion. In some embodiments, electrical or wireless connections may be made between EGMs circuitry and the display circuitry and/or between a network to an external device and the display circuitry of the display apparatus. 
     The display apparatus can take different outward forms. For example,  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7 ,  FIGS. 9 and 10  show different types of EGMs, which may play different games. Although not described in detail here, they will have similar architectures to the EGM described with reference to  FIG. 2 . They may be programmed to play different games, may have different types of displays, etc, but generally their purpose is to play games for entertainment. 
     Each of the EGMs in  FIGS. 6, 7, 9 and 10  have a display apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention mounted thereto. Referring to  FIG. 6 , for example, the slant top EGM  300  is in this case provided with a primary video display  301  for playing a game where a plurality of symbol bearing reels are emulated by the video display  301 . The player interface and components of the EGM  300  are similar to those described with reference to  FIG. 2 , although the external shape of the EGM  300  is different and it may be arranged to play a different game. Mounted to the top box  302  of the EGM  300  is a separate display apparatus  303  including a display screen  304  which in this case has been retro-fitted to the EGM. The display apparatus  303  comprises a display controller  402  which has been programmed to interface with a display controller of the EGM (e.g. using the same protocols, drivers, or any other necessary software/hardware). In this embodiment, the display apparatus  303  is oval in shape. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , an EGM  310  of the form having actual reels  311  driven by stepper motors is illustrated. Attached to a top box  312  of the EGM  310  is a display apparatus  313  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. This has a display  314  and is also generally oval in shape. 
       FIG. 8  shows a display apparatus  330  in accordance with the present invention shown separate from the EGM. The housing  331  mounts display circuitry and a display  332 . In this embodiment, the display apparatus  330  is shown displaying particular artwork for a particular game played on the type of EGM illustrated in  FIG. 9  as EGM  340 . The display  332  is a video display, and can therefore display any artwork in either static or dynamic forms under the control of the EGM  340  (in this embodiment). It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that the display apparatus  330  could advantageously be mounted to a different type of machine, playing a different game, and, under control of the controller of the EGM, display different artwork (and, indeed, any information that it is required to display). 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a further type of EGM  350 , again having stepper reels  351 , is illustrated. A display apparatus  352  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, is mounted to the top box  353  of the EGM  350 . The display apparatus  352  is of a different and “fancy” shape to that of the other illustrated embodiments. It includes a video display  353  and also artwork  354 . 
     The display apparatus of embodiments of the present invention may be formed by any conveniently shaped housing. The housing may or may not include artwork, but will include a display, which may be a video display, which can be controlled by the EGM or another external device to display information as desired by the EGM or other external device. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a display apparatus  401  in accordance with the present invention, comprises a display  400 , which in this example is a LCD (liquid crystal display). It may be any other type of display in other embodiments, however, such as vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), an LED display, plasma display or any other display of any shape or size. 
     The display apparatus  401  also comprises display circuitry, in this embodiment being in the form of a display controller  402  which includes a processor and associated memory for intelligently controlling the display apparatus  401 . The display circuitry in this embodiment also includes an input/output interface  403  which includes a wireless communication facility  404  and also a hardwired connector  405  for connecting to external circuitry, such as contacts from an EGM or other external device. This embodiment therefore has the option of a hardwired connection or a wireless connection. The invention is not limited to this. Other embodiments may have hardwired or wireless connections, but not both. As previously mentioned, the controller  402  may be programmed with the necessary software and hardware to communicate with (and more particularly receive display instructions from) a device coupled to the apparatus by way of the input/output interface  403 . 
     In this embodiment, speakers  406  for providing audio outputs are provided. 
     This embodiment is therefore an intelligent device  401  which can be selectively controlled by an EGM or other external devices to display information on a display  400  required by the EGM and/or other external devices. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates just one way in which a display apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may be utilized. A plurality of different EGMs  501 ,  501  and  503 , are each provided with a generic topper unit display apparatus  504 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The display apparatus  504  includes a display and the other components described with reference to  FIG. 11 . In this embodiment, the topper display apparatus  504  may be controlled by the Casino server  500  which is hardwired (via contacts  405 , for example) to communicate with the display controller  402  to control displayed information on the display apparatus  504 , as desired by the Casino server  500 . The topper display apparatus  504  is selectively connectable to the EGM  501 ,  502 ,  503  controller to display information under control of the EGM controller. It will be appreciated that many other ways of utilising the display arrangement are available. For example, referring to  FIG. 5 , display apparatus  250  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may be used with a “downloadable” EGM, which is configured with software from a server to play different games, depending upon the software downloaded to it. Similarly, the display apparatus  250  may be driven to show different information depending upon the software downloaded to the configurable EGM  203 . 
     As discussed above, the display apparatus can be driven/controlled by the EGM itself or any other external device. The display controller  402  communicates with the EGM&#39;s controller. In some embodiments it is also possible that the display may be controlled directly by the EGMs controller and/or external device. Connectivity is wired, wireless, or a combination of both, as discussed above. 
     Audio may be generated through the EGMs controller, or external device, or the topper unit  401  may have its own audio programmed in. 
     Advantages of using this type of intelligent display apparatus are many and it can have many applications. It may be used in an attract mode, for example, to attract players to the slot machine or EGM, to display Casino promotions, information on Casinos, games and other matters. It does all this without compromising any space within the EGM it is mounted to. 
     A topper unit may be utilised on a bank of several EGMs to display live synchronised video streams animations, graphics, synchronised with sound. It can also be used as a stand alone unit on a single EGM (as discussed above) and linked to the game as part of a game feature, or may be controlled independently of game theme. 
     Additionally, the topper unit may be used for community gaming, group gaming or peer to peer gaming to display video, animation and/or sound based on different game themes. It can also be controlled by a jackpot controller, for example, to display jackpot/progressive information as needed and/or to display bonusing features depending upon game themes. 
     As discussed above, the topper unit also can be used with configurable or downloadable EGMs. When the downloadable EGM is updated with a different gaming and/or theme the topper unit may be updated at the same time or controlled by the EGM to be updated, so that the topper can remain consistent with the EGM game/theme. 
     The display controller of the gaming apparatus may include software (stored in memory) configurable to enable it to communicate with EGMs of different types and/or external devices of different types. 
     In the above embodiment, the display apparatus includes a processor arranged to control the display apparatus. The invention is not limited to this. Other embodiments may include display circuitry enabling the display to be directly controlled by the EGM and/or external device. 
     Note that the term “electronic gaming machine” is not limited to machines which play reel-type games. Other games, such as roulette, Keno, bingo and many others may be played on EGMs and display apparatus of the present invention may be used with EGMs playing these types of games. 
     In the above embodiment, the display apparatus are removable and selectively mountable on different types of EGMs. In an alternative embodiment, the display apparatus may be non-removable and permanently attached to an EGM. 
     It will be appreciated that programme code may be necessary to some embodiments for, for example, enabling the display apparatus controller to communicate with the EGM and/or external device. Any programme code may be supplied in a number of ways. For example, on a computer readable medium, such as a disc or a memory, or as a data signal (for example, by downloading it from a server). 
     In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.