Patent Publication Number: US-2004053694-A1

Title: Casino open network system architecture

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The present invention relates to networks and systems used in casino environments, including those used to collect and analyze gaming machine and other casino event transaction information.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] Casinos and other gaming establishments have evolved over time. In the early days, gaming machines were mechanically operated. Monies were collected from these gaming machines manually and counted in a backroom along with monies collected from table game play. Written ledgers were used to track the collected monies, as well as operating expenses such as payroll.  
       [0003] Over time, casinos began to employ new technology, including computers. Casinos began using a variety of different systems and software to accomplish various functions. For example, a casino would purchase one or more computers for a human resource/payroll department. The casino could then input information regarding employees, the amount of time they worked or salary information, and generate payroll data.  
       [0004] Gaming machines also became electronically operated. While the monies collected by the machines were still collected by hand, information could be obtained regarding the operation of the gaming machines apart from a manual count of the collected monies. For example, gaming machines began to include meters which provided raw data regarding amounts of money input or wagered by players, as well as monies paid out in the form of winnings.  
       [0005] Now the casino could have the gaming machines transmit information to a computer or computers where a slot accounting function could be accomplished. This slot accounting function could comprise tracking amounts bet and paid to the gaming machines to determine an amount held by the gaming machines. This information could then be compared to the manual count of monies.  
       [0006] A casino may also utilize other systems, such as a player tracking or reward system and others. Each of these systems, such as payroll, general casino accounting, gaming machine accounting, and player tracking, are independent. In many instances, it is desirable to use data or other information generated or used at one system at another system. This requires that the data or information be manually input into the other system for use.  
       [0007] The present casino environment comprises a plurality of disparate systems, resulting in substantial lost productivity. A method and apparatus for seamlessly integrating various casino functions is desired.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008] The present invention is a configuration or architecture for a network, and more particularly, a network including a plurality of generally disparate systems and devices found in a casino or similar gaming environment. The invention also includes various methods of configuring such a network and permitting communications between devices and systems in a casino.  
       [0009] In one embodiment, a network architecture for a gaming environment of the invention includes a plurality of gaming devices configured to generate and output gaming event data. The network architecture also includes a data repository adapted to collect data provided by the plurality of gaming devices, the data repository including at least one memory device. Also included are a plurality of otherwise generally disparate systems, each of the systems comprising one or more devices implementing one or more applications. In one embodiment, one or more of the systems implement a different application. In another embodiment, one or more of the systems and/or the repository utilize a different communication protocol or language. The network architecture also includes at least one open interface associated with the plurality of disparate systems, the open interface permitting communications between each of the plurality of disparate systems and the data repository, whereby data collected by the data repository may be transmitted to and used at any or all of the plurality of disparate systems.  
       [0010] In one embodiment, a plurality of open interfaces are provided, one open interface associated with each system. In this embodiment, each open interface may be configured as a socket.  
       [0011] In one embodiment of the invention, each open interface comprises an application program interface (API). The API is configured to translate information to or from XML format.  
       [0012] In one embodiment, the at least one open interface permits communication between the plurality of disparate systems. In this configuration, each system may communicate with any other system, although the systems implement different applications and/or use different communication protocols, languages or formats.  
       [0013] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the network architecture comprises a casino floor system comprising a plurality of gaming devices, each gaming device configured to present one or more games and generate data regarding gaming activities, and at least one data repository configured to collected the generated data. The network architecture also includes a main casino system, the main casino system including a plurality of casino applications, and at least one interface provided between the main casino system and the casino floor system permitting communications between the main casino system and the casino floor system. The network architecture also includes a plurality of general casino operating systems, the systems being generally disparate, and at least one open interface, the at least one open interface permitting communications between the plurality of general casino operating systems and the main casino system.  
       [0014] In this embodiment, the plurality of casino applications are selected from the group consisting of: marketing, player tracking, gaming machine accounting, bonusing, promotions, and advertising. The plurality of general casino operating systems include a payroll system and an accounting system.  
       [0015] In accordance with a method of the invention, data is generated by a plurality of casino floor devices, such as gaming machines. The generated data is collected, either temporarily for real-time transmission or for long term storage, at a data repository.  
       [0016] Data is transmitted from the repository to one or more disparate systems via at least one open interface. The open interface serves as an application interface, configuring messages from each system which may be understood by the data repository.  
       [0017] Data may similarly be transmitted from one system to another using one or more open interfaces. The open interface(s) configures messages which may be utilized by systems which implement different applications or otherwise utilize different languages/communication protocols.  
       [0018] Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.  
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0019]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an open network system in accordance with the present invention;  
     [0020]FIG. 1 b  illustrates effective communication paths between systems of the network illustrated in FIG. 1;  
     [0021]FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a gaming machine of the type which may generate data as part of the system illustrated in FIG. 1;  
     [0022]FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a gaming controller of a gaming machine such as that illustrated in FIG. 2;  
     [0023]FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a message format by which data may be transmitted through the system illustrated in FIG. 1; and  
     [0024]FIG. 5 illustrates a specific implementation of the system illustrated in FIG. 1.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
     [0025] The invention is a data network for a casino or gaming environment, and a method of collecting and using data. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.  
     [0026] In general, the invention is a network. The network is particularly suited for a casino or other gaming environment. The network includes a plurality of data generating devices. These devices may include, for example, gaming machines. Generated data is collected at a data repository. A plurality of disparate applications or systems interface with the single data repository. One or more interfaces permit the applications or systems to interface with one another. In this configuration, a single network includes a plurality of applications or systems which work seamlessly as a single system.  
     [0027] One embodiment of a network  20  in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. As illustrated, the network  20  includes a central data repository  22 . The data repository  22  comprises a device or devices for storing collected data. The repository  22  may comprise, for example, a memory device, such as a semiconductor type memory device (e.g. RAM, EEPROM or other flash memory), a magnetic type memory device (e.g. hard drives), an optical type memory device (e.g. CD/DVD), or other data storage devices now known or later developed. The repository  22  may comprise more than one device, and may include devices which are located remote from one another. Preferably, the data repository  22  includes or is associated with a transaction processor which may be used to perform various functions in association with the data repository, including storing and retrieving data.  
     [0028] A plurality of data generating devices  23  provide data to the repository  22 . In the case of a casino environment, these data generating devices may comprise gaming machines  24 . One embodiment of a gaming machine  24  is illustrated in FIG. 2. In general, the gaming machine  24  is adapted to present at least one game for play to a player. As illustrated, the gaming machine  24  includes a housing  26  which supports and/or houses the various components of the gaming machine  24 .  
     [0029] In one embodiment, the gaming machine  24  is a “video” type machine in which game information is displayed to a player. In this regard, the gaming machine  24  includes a display  28 . The display  28  may be of a variety of types, as is known, such as CRT, LCD, plasma and the like.  
     [0030] The gaming machine  24  includes a variety of controls and other features for presenting a game utilizing the display  28 . In one or more embodiments of the invention, the gaming machine  24  is adapted to present a wager-type game. In this arrangement, a player is required to place a bet or wager in order to participate in the game. In the event the outcome of the game is a winning outcome, then the player may be provided with an award. In one arrangement, the award may be winnings based upon the amount wagered or bet by the player.  
     [0031] In order to accept a wager, the gaming machine  24  may include a coin acceptor  30  for accepting coins. The gaming machine  24  may also include a bill acceptor or validator  32  for accepting paper currency. The gaming machine  24  may be provided with other means for accepting or verifying value, such as a credit card reader.  
     [0032] In one embodiment, the gaming machine  24  may include a card reader  34  for reading credit cards and/or player tracking cards. A keypad  36  or other input device may also be provided which permits a player to enter information, such as player identification information such as a password or PIN. Such player tracking devices, including various input devices which may be employed, are well known.  
     [0033] The gaming machine  24  may include a variety of player input devices. For example, push-type buttons or other input accepting elements may be provided. A player may utilize these buttons to place bets, initiate games and the like. Such input devices and their operation are well known.  
     [0034] In one embodiment of the game, a player may be awarded a prize or payout if the outcome of the game comprises a predetermined winning outcome. In one embodiment, the award may be paid in coins, such as to a coin tray  38 . In other embodiments, the award may be paid as a ticket, electronically indicated credit or the like.  
     [0035] It should be understood that the gaming machine  24  may be adapted to present one or more of a wide variety of games. Depending upon the game presented, the configuration of the machine may vary.  
     [0036]FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a control system  40  for a gaming machine, such as the gaming machine  24  illustrated in FIG. 2. In general, the gaming machine controller  40  is arranged to facilitate the presentation of a game to a player of the gaming machine.  
     [0037] In one embodiment, the gaming machine controller  40  includes a processing device  42 , such as a processor manufactured by AMD or Intel. Preferably, the controller  40  also includes a memory  44 . The memory  44  comprises a device configured to store data. The device may be of a variety of types. In one embodiment, to facilitate high speed data storage and access, the memory is a semiconductor device, such as RAM or EEPROM or a flash type memory.  
     [0038] The processor  42  and memory  44  are associated with a bus  46 . The bus  46  permits the transport of data, in the form of signals, from one device to another. For example, the memory  44  is arranged to store information, such as game software/code, which may be transmitted to the processing unit  42  for execution. The processing unit  42  outputs instructions/data through the bus  46  for controlling one or more peripheral devices of the gaming machine for presenting the game.  
     [0039] The peripheral devices may vary. As illustrated, the peripheral devices may include a display  48 . In the case of a slot game, the display  48  may comprise one or more reels. In the case of video poker and other games, the display  48  may comprise a CRT, LCD or the like. Other peripherals may include the above-referenced keys or buttons  50  for accepting user input, a coin acceptor  52 , and a bill validator  54 . The peripherals may also include a meter  56  which tracks information regarding the amounts paid to and paid by the gaming machine.  
     [0040] The gaming machine controller  40  may be located in an internal portion of the gaming machine. In general, the arrangement of a gaming controller and its method of operation in presenting a game is well known.  
     [0041] Preferably, the gaming controller  40  includes a communication interface  58 . The communication interface  58  preferably permits bi-directional communication to and from the gaming controller  40  and other device. The communication interface  58  may comprise a wide variety of devices. For example, the communication interface  58  may comprise a modem or a PC type card including an antenna for implementing a wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth. The communication interface  58  may comprise a PC type card facilitating a protocol over a wired network, such as Ethernet or Firewire®.  
     [0042] Referring again to FIG. 1, a communication pathway or link  60  is provided between each data generating device  23 , such as each gaming machine  24 , and the data repository  22 . The communication pathway or link  60  permits data to be transmitted from the gaming machine  24  to the data repository  22 . The pathway or link  60  may comprise a wired or wireless communication pathway. For example, if the link is a wireless link, the protocol/architecture may be Bluetooth, infrared or IEEE 802.11x. For wired links, the protocol/architecture may be USB, RS-485, IEEE-1394 (Firewire®), Ethernet, or TCP/IP. It will be appreciated that the configuration of the communication interface  58  associated with the gaming machine  24  may vary depending upon the form of the communication link  60 .  
     [0043] Though not illustrated, the device or devices comprising the data repository  22  preferably include a communication interface.  
     [0044] Though not illustrated, the data generating devices  23  may comprise devices other than gaming machines  24 . For example, the data generating devices  23  may comprise player tracking devices or monetary acceptors located at gaming tables.  
     [0045] As described in greater detail below, data generated by the data generating devices  23 , such as the gaming machines  24 , may be transmitted to the data repository  22 . This data may be stored at the repository and/or transmitted on to another device or location.  
     [0046] Still referring to FIG. 1, the system  20  includes a plurality of systems  62 . In the embodiment illustrated, there are four systems  62 . There may be a greater or lesser number of systems than the number illustrated in FIG. 1.  
     [0047] Each system  62  may comprise a variety of devices or components. For example, each system may include a plurality of computing devices and servers. In one embodiment, each system  62  includes hardware or software for implementing one or more applications or tasks. For example, as described in greater detail below, in the casino environment, the tasks may be player tracking, gaming machine accounting, payroll, and marketing.  
     [0048] The systems  62  may comprise devices or components in a variety of locations. In one embodiment, one or more of the components of the system are linked by one or more communication links. For example, the system  62  may comprise a plurality of computers all in communication with one or more hosts or servers via one or more communication links. As with the communication link  60  described above, the type and form of the link or links may vary. In one embodiment, the system  62  may be configured as a local area network (LAN). In other embodiments, the system  62  may be configured as a wide area network (WAN).  
     [0049] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more or all of the systems  62  may generally referred to as “disparate.” By “disparate,” it is meant that the system  62  is generally configured to operate or function independently of any other system  62 . In one or more embodiments, one or more of the systems  62  embody or implement different applications. In another embodiment, the one or more systems  62  use a language and/or communication protocol and/or information or data format which varies from that of another system and/or the data repository  22 . In this configuration, each system  62  may be independently configured to achieve, with greatest efficiency, the desired function. In such a configuration, however, one or more or all of the systems  62  may not directly be able to communicate with one another and/or may not be able to communicate with the data repository  22 .  
     [0050] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system  62  includes one or more open interfaces  64 . Each open interface  64  may comprise hardware and/or software. The term “software” as used herein is meant to include computer readable program code, such as code which may be executed by a general or special purpose computer processor. The application of computer code may be embodied in any form of computer program product, the computer program product comprising a medium for storing or transporting the code, or in which the code may be embedded. Some examples of computer program product include CD-ROM disks, hard drives, semi-conductor type memory devices and others.  
     [0051] The location of the open interfaces  64  may vary. As described in greater detail below, each open interface  64  permits communication between one or more of the systems  62  and the data repository  22 . In one embodiment, each open interface  64  permits communication between one or more of the systems  62  and another system  62 .  
     [0052] In one embodiment, as illustrated, an open interface  64  is associated with each system  62 . Thus, when there are four systems  62 , as illustrated, there are at least four open interfaces  64 . In this embodiment, each open interface  64  may be configured as a socket. Each system  62  “plugs in” to the socket.  
     [0053] In a preferred embodiment, each open interface  64  is configured as an application program interface (API). The API may be implemented as software executed by a processing device. In one embodiment, the API software may be executed by hardware of the system  62 . For example, where the interface  64  is configured as a socket, the API software may be executed by a processing device of a main server of the system  62 . In another embodiment, the API software may be implemented on an independent device, such as a dedicated remote server or other computing device.  
     [0054] As illustrated, each system  62  is in communication with its open interface  64  by at least one communication link  66 . In an embodiment where the API software is executed by a processing device of the system  62 , the link  66  may be an internal link. For example, the link  66  simply comprise an instruction invoked during execution of the main application which causes the API software to be executed.  
     [0055] In an embodiment where the API is implemented on a device or devices independent of the system  62 , the communication link  66  may comprise a wired or wireless communication link. As indicated above, such a link may be implemented using various hardware and/or software and utilize a variety of protocols or architectures.  
     [0056] Each open interface  64  permits communication between its associated system  62  and the data repository  22 . In one embodiment, a direct communication path is provided between each open interface  64  and the data repository  22 . In another embodiment, as illustrated, the open interfaces  64  are connected to the data repository  22  via one or more hubs  68 . The hub  68  may comprise hardware and/or software which serves as a router, directing data from the plurality of interfaces  64  to the data repository  22  and directing data from the repository  22  to the interfaces  64 . As is known, such a routing device may utilize various forms of addressing to accomplish this function and may operate as a packet-switched network.  
     [0057] In this embodiment, each open interface  64  is connected to the hub  68  by at least one communication link  70 . As described above, such a communication link  70  may have a variety of forms, being wired or wireless, and may use various protocols and architectures.  
     [0058] In this embodiment, the hub  68  is connected to the data repository  22  with at least one communication link  72 . Once again, this communication link  70  may have a variety of forms, being wired or wireless, and may use various protocols and architectures.  
     [0059] In one embodiment, the hub  68  may be directly associated with the data repository  22 . In this configuration, the data repository  22  may be configured as a server.  
     [0060] In the embodiment illustrated, each system  62  may communicate with any other system  62  through its respective open interface  64 . For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, system S 1  may communicate with system S 3  through their respective open interfaces  64  and the hub  68 . FIG. 1 b  illustrates the effective configuration of this arrangement. As illustrated, in this configuration communication paths effectively exists between each and every system, permitting each system to communicate with any other system and the data repository.  
     [0061] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the open interfaces  64  comprise or embody an API which permits the open interfaces  64  to communicate with their respective systems  62 , as well as with one another.  
     [0062] In one embodiment, each system  62  is configured as the “client” and the open interface  64  is configured as the server. Data which is communicated between the open interface  64  and the server  62  may be encrypted and authenticated. For example, in one embodiment, secure socket layer (SSL) protocol may be utilized.  
     [0063] The interface  64  and its system  62  are preferably time synchronized. In one embodiment, time synchronization is accomplished using timeservers that implement the standard network time protocol (NTP). Software is available from a variety of sources to implement this function.  
     [0064] In one embodiment, each API comprises an application which serves as a translator, converting information from or to the language of the associated system or application. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the API comprises a translator application which converts information from XML to the language of the system or application, and information from the language of the system or application to XML.  
     [0065] XML is a language in which information is coded as both text and data. XML uses “tags” defining the structure and content of the data. The tags are user-definable. As a result, the API comprising the open interface  64  may be custom-configured to include tags for custom-defining the structure and content of data which is suitable for use with the particular system or application with which the API is to interface.  
     [0066] In one embodiment, each open interface  64  is configured to translate information into XML format. This XML coded data may then be transmitted to and recognized by any other open interface  64 , and then decoded or translated in to the particular language of its associated system  62 .  
     [0067] In one embodiment, the data repository  22  may be configured as an XML server. In this manner, incoming information encoded in XML, such as a request for data from a server  64 , or data which is being transmitted from the data repository  22 , is in XML and compatible with the other elements of the system  20 . XML software and servers are available from Software AG of Darmstadt, Germany. One XML server is the Tamino XML server from Software AG.  
     [0068] In another embodiment, the data repository  22  may utilize a language other than XML. In this configuration, an open interface may be associated with the data repository  22 . In that manner, information received from other open interfaces  62  may be translated, and outgoing information may be into, XML.  
     [0069] Of course, the open interfaces  62  may be configured in other manners, including to convert information to or from other languages or formats.  
     [0070] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, data or information is configured in the form of a message  100 . The message  100  may have a variety of forms. As indicated above, XML permits messages to have forms which include user-defined tags.  
     [0071]FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of an exemplary message  100 , the message format including a transaction header  102 , transactional data  104 , and a terminator  106 . In one this embodiment, the messages are in ACSII text format.  
     [0072] In addition, each message  100  may be required to employ particular field formats. For example, general rules regarding numeric, text/string and date/time values may be implemented.  
     [0073] In the exemplary embodiment, each transaction header  102  includes multiple fields or elements of information. In one embodiment, the transaction header  102  includes a transaction ID  108 . The transaction ID  108  is a unique identifier for the message. The transaction ID  108  may be, for example, a six-digit numeric value which starts with 000001 and ends at 999999 before rolling over. In one embodiment, when a message  100  is transmitted, the transaction ID  108  is transmitted and continues to be retransmitted until the recipient responds.  
     [0074] The transaction header  102  may include other information, as well. In one embodiment, the transaction header  102  includes a transaction code  110 . The transaction code  110  may be used to identify a particular type of transaction. In one embodiment, the transaction code  110  may comprise a two-digit numeric value between 01 and 99, each code corresponding to one or more identified transaction types.  
     [0075] In one embodiment, the transaction header  102  includes a transaction time stamp  112 . The time stamp  112  preferably provides information regarding the time the message  100  was sent. The information may comprise numeric data representing the year, month, day, hour, minute and second the message was sent.  
     [0076] In one embodiment, the transaction header  102  includes transaction status information  114 . The transaction status information  114  may be of a variety of types. In one embodiment, the transaction status information  114  is a three-digit numeric code ranging between 000 and 999, each code representing a particular status. The status codes may represent, for example, the status of the prior message, including whether the message transaction was successful, or providing information regarding particular errors which occurred.  
     [0077] In one embodiment, the transaction header  102  includes transaction length information  116 . The transaction length information  116  provides information regarding the length of the particular transaction which follows as part of the message  100 . The transaction length information  116  may comprise, for example, a three-digit numeric code ranging from 000 to 999. Each value may represent a particular size or length of transaction/message to follow, or a range of sizes/lengths.  
     [0078] In this configuration, information or data is transmitted to and from the open interfaces  64  and/or the data repository  22  using a particular message format. It will be appreciated that communications within the system  62  may utilize an entirely different format.  
     [0079] A variety of transaction protocols or methods may be used to particularly implement the message transactions. In one embodiment, as described, when a message is being transmitted, the transaction ID  108  is first transmitted. Once a response is received from the receiving device, the other information from the transaction header  102  may be utilized. For example, the transaction status information  114  may be used to verify that no error occurred during transmission of the last message.  
     [0080] In accordance with the invention, this type of messaging format may also be used to permit each gaming machine  24  or other data generating device  23  to communicate with the data repository  22 . For example, XML format might be used to transmit data from the data generating devices  23  to an XML server comprising the data repository.  
     [0081] As described below, in one embodiment, the data generating devices  23  may all be part of a casino floor system. This floor system itself may utilize a particular communication language and protocol which varies from that of the systems  62  and of the data repository  22 . In such an event, an open interface may be utilized to permit the data generating devices  23  to communicate with the data repository  22 .  
     [0082] In this configuration, the gaming machines  24  may all communicate with a central gaming machine server (not shown). The communication link  60  may then be provided between the main floor or gaming machine server and the data repository  22 .  
     [0083] As described above, in one embodiment, an open interface may be associated with the data repository  22 . This open interface may be used to configure data or messages for transmission to the other open interfaces  64  when transmitting messages/data to the systems  62 , and for receiving messages.  
     [0084] The open interface  64  may be configured in a variety of manners. As illustrated in FIG. 1, an open interface  64  is associated with each system or application. The open interface  64  comprises a translator for that particular system or application.  
     [0085] In another embodiment, a single open interface may be utilized. This single open interface may comprise an API which is capable of translating information from a plurality of languages into XML or another format. In this embodiment, the open interface  64  may be configured as an API having multiple modules. The various modules may be configured specifically to permit communications with and between devices using a particular communication protocol/language. In this fashion, a “generic” API may be configured which permits communication with systems or applications using different communication protocols/languages.  
     [0086] One method of the invention comprises a method of configuring a system as described. In one embodiment, this method includes the step of associating one or more open interfaces with one or more systems as described above. The method may also include the step of configuring a central data repository and associating an open interface with that repository.  
     [0087] One embodiment of the invention comprises a method of collecting and utilizing data in a casino or other gaming environment. One embodiment of such a method will be described with reference to FIG. 1.  
     [0088] In general, data is generated by the one or more data generating devices  23 . In the embodiment, the data is gaming event data. For example, referring to the gaming machine  24  illustrated in FIG. 2, data may be generated when a player inputs coins into the coin acceptor  30  or bills into the bill acceptor  32 . Referring to the controller  40  illustrated in FIG. 3, such an event may cause a signal to be transmitted from that peripheral device to the processor  42 . The processor  42  increments the meter  56 , which generates a signal regarding the monetary value provided. This signal may be transmitted from the gaming machine  24  to the central repository  22 . In this fashion, data, such as a meter event representing coins (or other value) provided to or paid out by the gaming machine  24 , is provided to the central data repository  22 .  
     [0089] It will be appreciated that the type of data which is generated and provided to the data repository  22  may vary. The data may comprise, for example, data regarding events other than meter or monetary values. For example, information such as player tracking events, including a player&#39;s insertion of their player tracking card, may be generated and transmitted.  
     [0090] Information or data which is transmitted to the data repository  22  may be stored and/or retransmitted. In one embodiment, some or all of the data is stored in mass storage for later retrieval and use. In one embodiment, some or all of the data is only temporarily stored before being retransmitted. In this embodiment, the storage is short-term, only for the period of time necessary to configure an appropriate message by which the data may be transmitted on from the data repository  22  to the next device.  
     [0091] Information which is retransmitted from the data repository  22  may be transmitted directly to one or more of the systems  62  for immediate use. As indicated, the data may be transmitted as part of a particularly configured message generated by an API associated with the data repository  22 . This message is directed to the appropriate system  62  through its open interface  64 . It will be appreciated that an address is associated with the data/message for routing it to the appropriate location. Once the message reaches the open interface  64  of the destination system  62 , the message may be converted (i.e. translated into the language/format used by the system) for use by the system.  
     [0092] Data may also be transmitted from each system  62  to the data repository  22 . For example, one of the systems  62  may generate and send a message comprising a request for particular information. In this case, a message is generated and transmitted from the open interface  64  of that system  62  to the data repository  22 .  
     [0093] Data and other information may also be transmitted to and from each of the systems  62 . For example, one system  62  may generate particular data from data obtained from the data repository  22 . This manipulated or compiled data may be transmitted from this system  62  directly to another system  62 . This is accomplished by transmitting the data through the open interfaces  64  and hub  68 .  
     [0094] A variety of other configurations of systems  20  are contemplated within the scope of the invention, and the system of the invention may be implemented in a variety of forms. One particular embodiment of an implementation in a casino environment is illustrated in FIG. 4.  
     [0095] This embodiment system  220  includes a casino floor system  222 . Casino floor systems  222  are known and exist in nearly all casinos. The casino floor system  222  links the various gaming machines  224  or other devices. As described above, the floor system  222  may comprise a variety of devices, including hardware and software. In general, the floor system  222  permits communications between each gaming machine  224  and a server or host  226 . The server or host  226  may perform a variety of functions, such as be used to implement a player tracking or other rewards function, machine accounting and others.  
     [0096] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the system  220  includes a casino system  228 . A variety of casino systems  228  are known. The casino system  228  is configured to perform one or more functions. In one embodiment, as illustrated, the functions of the casino system  228  are implemented by a plurality of applications or sub-systems A 1 -A 5 . There may be as few as one and greater than five applications or sub-systems. The applications may be implemented as software executed by one or more processing devices. In another embodiment, the functions may be implemented by a plurality of sub-systems including hardware and/or software.  
     [0097] The functions which are implemented by applications or sub-systems may vary. In one embodiment, the functions which are implemented directly by the casino system  228  are functions related to the control and operation of the gaming machines  224 . For example, in the gaming environment, the applications may include marketing, player tracking and/or rewards, patron management, bonusing and promotions, gaming machine accounting and advertising. In general, these functions relate to the content of material displayed or disseminated by or at the gaming machines or other devices through the casino, and the operation of the gaming machines or devices, including monetary accounting and implementation of promotions, bonuses or other awards at the gaming machines.  
     [0098] In one embodiment, the system  220  includes an open interface  230  between the floor system  222  and the casino system  228 . The open interface  230  may be configured as above and permits the disparate floor and casino systems  228  to communicate with one another. For example, raw data generated and collected at the server  226  of the floor system  222  may be transmitted to and utilized by the casino system  228 . For example, gaming machine  224  meter data may be used by a gaming machine accounting application or system of the casino system  228 .  
     [0099] In one embodiment, a plurality of general systems  232  are associated with or connected to the casino system  228  and/or floor system  222 . These general systems  232  or applications may vary. Generally, these systems  232  may be general casino operating functions, such as payroll, general casino business accounting, including a general ledger or other functions, finance, human resources and others. The functions may be configured to track and pay employees, track overall casino revenues and expenses and the like.  
     [0100] As illustrated, five systems A 1 -A 5  are in communication with the casino system  228 . There may be a greater or lesser number of systems than the number illustrated in FIG. 4. The systems and their configurations may vary. For example, the payroll function may be implemented using a payroll server and a plurality of associated workstations.  
     [0101] Each general system  232  communicates with the casino system  228  via the open interface  230 . Such an interface  230  is described above in greater detail.  
     [0102] In this embodiment, the systems  232  may also communicate with one another. The systems  232  may also communicate with the floor system  222 . For example, a general accounting system  232  may communicate with the floor system  222  to obtain gaming machine  224  meter data in order to compile revenue information. In this configuration, the data which is generated and stored at the floor system  222  may be “raw” or undigested data. Thus, the data may need to be filtered or otherwise manipulated for its intended use. On the other hand, the general accounting system  232  could communicate with a gaming machine accounting application of the casino system  228 . The gaming machine accounting application could already have filtered and manipulated the raw gaming machine data to provide a modified or derived set of data. The accounting system  232  could use this derived set of data as part of the overall data used to generate complete casino accounting information.  
     [0103] Other configurations of apparatus and method are contemplated. It will be appreciated that the principles of the invention may be applied to a variety of systems, including layers of systems. The invention may also be applied to a wide variety of environments.  
     [0104] In one embodiment, the network may span multiple casinos or properties. For example, a single company may own multiple casinos. Each casino has its own casino floor with data generating devices. In accordance with the invention, data may be transmitted to a single central data repository from all casinos and then the casino systems associated with the various casinos may access this data repository or any other system of that or another casino. In another embodiment, each casino may have its own data repository, but once again all systems of all casinos may access the systems and repositories of another casino.  
     [0105] In one embodiment, the network may be accessed from a remote location, such as a computer at a regulatory agency. In this configuration, one of the sockets may be configured as a network interface, a dedicated communication link may be provided or the like. This permits, for example, an application at remote location (such as a regulatory body, external auditing agency or the like) to access the network including the data at the repository and any of the systems of the network.  
     [0106] The system and method of the invention have numerous advantages. In accordance with the invention, an open network system architecture is provided. The architecture is referred to as “open,” in that a plurality of systems and sub-systems may communicate with one another, even though the systems are otherwise disparate.  
     [0107] One advantage of the network of the invention is realized when considering existing casino structures. As indicated, many casinos already have disparate payroll, accounting, and floor or other gaming systems. In accordance with the invention, these otherwise disparate systems are linked, allowing the systems to communicate with one another. This configuration has the advantage that information generated or existing at one system may be used by another system directly, and without the need to manually input or provide the information to that other system.  
     [0108] Another advantage of the invention is that it permits a casino to select the “best of breed” applications or systems which they desire to be used. In other words, a casino may select the accounting system which best meets their needs independently of the payroll system which best meets their needs, even though the two systems may be entirely different, operating using different languages or protocols. No longer is a casino required to purchase all systems or applications from the same vendor in order to ensure compatibility.  
     [0109] A primary advantage of the invention is that the invention permits a variety of casino systems to be integrated. As indicated, by integrating these systems, inefficiencies such as the need to re-input data or the like is eliminated.  
     [0110] One advantage of one embodiment of the invention is the use of a central data repository. In accordance with this embodiment, a single source of data is provided. A plurality of systems may seek data from that single source. This efficient configuration prevents problems associated with storing data in a variety of locations, where data may be lost or which significantly increases the difficulty of finding the data. This configuration is akin to a “hub and spoke” configuration.  
     [0111] Another significant advantage of the invention is that the various systems or applications are also permitted to now communicate with one another. In this configuration, the systems or applications are similar to “nodes,” each node capable of communicating with any other node. In this respect, there is true integration of all systems.  
     [0112] In accordance with the invention, data may be provided to the various systems in real time, or by access to stored data. Thus, though a central data repository is used, the need for data in real time is not inhibited. For example, in the case of a player tracking function, when a player tracking card is inserted, this event may trigger a player tracking system providing player account information back to the player via a gaming machine display. In accordance with the invention, the card-in event information is transmitted in real time to the player tracking system.  
     [0113] One aspect of the invention is the ability to provide data to a variety of otherwise disparate systems in real time or on demand. In the past, the general accounting department might have to wait for several weeks for slot accounting data to be generated from within the slot accounting department. In addition, a delay occurred because this generated data would then have to be manually input to the general accounting system.  
     [0114] In accordance with the invention, casino employees in various departments and performing a variety of different tasks or functions have access to information from any other system linked in accordance with the invention. Thus, a casino employee may seek information or data on demand, even if the information or data is associated with an entirely different system. Decisions can be based on real-time or updated data, instead of data which may be days or weeks old.  
     [0115] It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.