Patent Publication Number: US-6702674-B1

Title: Method of and system for operating gaming machines

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to gaming machines and, in particular, to a plurality of inter-linked gaming machines that provide a jackpot prize-winning mode of operation. The jackpot prize-winning mode is additional to the prize-winning that occurs during normal play on the machines. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Systems for awarding jackpot prizes that are separate from the normal prizes available during the normal playing of gaming machines are known. These systems consist of linked gaming machines communicating with a central computer. The central computer receives information from the gaming machines relating to each play on a machine and, sometimes, the value of the wager on the machine. A jackpot prize pool accumulates with each machine play and the accumulated jackpot prize is available on a display. The jackpot prize is awarded when a randomly selected jackpot prize value is reached and the prize is awarded to the player of the machine who was responsible for causing the accumulated jackpot prize to reach or exceed the random value. 
     Another system uses a prize accumulation phase and a prize awarding phase which are independent of one another. During the prize accumulation phase a starting or initial value is determined as a monetary value between prescribed limits and a random prize value between two limits is added to the initial value. A percentage accumulation is caused in a prize pool when gaming machines are played. When the prize pool equals the sum of the random prize value and the initial value, the prize pool is frozen and the prize accumulation phase is concluded. A prize-awarding phase is then commenced and a “win count” value is randomly selected. Each player of a machine has a chance of winning the known prize value. The prize-awarding phase is independent of the prize accumulation phase. 
     Each play-input event during the prize-awarding phase is counted and units wagered are separately accumulated in an “excess pool”. A processor then compares the number of input events with the randomly determined win count. If the number of input events is less than the randomly determined win count the process continues. If the number of input events is greater than or equal to the randomly determined win count a win occurs and the machine whose play was responsible for equaling or exceeding the win count is recorded as the winner and the player is entitled to redeem the prize. The excess pool value is then added to the starting value. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of and a system for jackpot prize-winning mode of operation, which differs from the previously mentioned systems and encourages machine usage and player enjoyment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing a jackpot award for a plurality of gaming machines linked by at least one venue jackpot controller to a central jackpot controller, the method comprising the steps of: 
     a. randomly determining whether to award the jackpot value; 
     b. randomly selecting a venue for award of the jackpot value; 
     c. randomly selecting a gaming machine for award of the jackpot value; 
     d. awarding the jackpot value. 
     The jackpot value can have an initial value that is randomly determined. 
     Preferably, the jackpot value can be increased by a percentage of the total increase in turnover associated with the venue jackpot controllers. 
     Preferably, the step of determining whether to award the jackpot value further comprises the steps of: 
     generating a random number from a random number generator; and 
     determining whether the random number is equal to a jackpot hit value. A range for the random number generator is determined prior to the step of generating the random number 
     Preferably, the method includes the steps of: 
     randomly determining a venue hit number; 
     adding together the increase in turnover associated with each venue jackpot controller until the addition of the increase in turnover associated with a particular venue jackpot controller results in the venue hit number being equaled or exceeded; 
     randomly determining a gaming machine hit number; 
     adding together the increase in turnover of each gaming machine associated with the venue jackpot controller responsible for the venue hit number being equaled or exceeded until the addition of the increase in turnover of a particular gaming machine results in the gaming machine hit number being equaled or exceeded; and 
     awarding the jackpot value to the gaming machine responsible for the gaming machine hit number being equaled or exceeded. 
     Preferably, the step of awarding the jackpot value is repeated if the jackpot value is unsuccessfully awarded to a gaming machine. 
     According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for providing a jackpot award for a plurality of gaming machines, the system comprising: 
     a central jackpot controller; one or more venue jackpot controllers associated with one or more venues; a wide area communications network linking the central jackpot controller and the one or more venue jackpot controllers; a local area communications network associated with each of the one or more venue jackpot controllers; and a plurality of electronic gaming machines in communication with each the one or more venue jackpot controllers via the local area communications network; wherein the central jackpot controller includes processor means programmed to: 
     (a) periodically poll the venue jackpot controllers to obtain turnover data; 
     (b) randomly determine whether to award the jackpot value; 
     (c) randomly select the venue for award of the jackpot value based upon the turnover data; and 
     (d) randomly select the electronic gaming machine to be awarded the jackpot value based upon the turnover data. 
     Preferably, at least one jackpot display is linked to an associated venue jackpot controller. Each venue jackpot controller controls and monitors an associated jackpot display. 
     Preferably, a data management system is linked to the central jackpot controller. 
     Preferably, the jackpot award comprises a plurality of jackpot values. 
     Preferably, each venue jackpot controller monitors the turnover of all associated gaming machines. 
     Preferably, each venue jackpot controller transmits an associated turnover to the central jackpot controller in response to the central jackpot controller periodically polling the venue jackpot controllers. The central jackpot controller determines whether the turnover associated with each venue jackpot controller has increased since the last poll. Any unacceptable venue turnover is rejected by the central jackpot controller. 
     Preferably, the central jackpot controller increases the jackpot value by a percentage of the total increase in turnover associated with the venue jackpot controllers. 
     Preferably, the central jackpot controller determines whether to award the jackpot value by generating a random number and then determining whether the random number is equal to a jackpot hit value. 
     Preferably, when the central jackpot controller determines that the jackpot value is to be awarded the central jackpot controller randomly determines a venue hit number and adds together the increase in turnover associated with each venue jackpot controller until the addition of the increase in turnover associated with a particular venue jackpot controller results in the venue hit number being equalled or exceeded. The central jackpot controller then randomly determines a gaming machine hit number and adds together the increase in turnover of each gaming machine associated with the venue jackpot controller responsible for the venue hit number being equalled or exceeded until the addition of the increase in turnover of a particular gaming machine results in the gaming machine hit number being equalled or exceeded. The central jackpot controller then awards the jackpot value to the gaming machine responsible for the gaming machine hit number being equalled or exceeded. 
     Preferably, the central jackpot controller re-selects a gaming machine if the jackpot value is unsuccessfully awarded to a gaming machine. 
     Preferably, the jackpot value has an initial value that is randomly determined. 
     In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a jackpot gaming system according to an embodiment of the invention, 
     FIG. 2 is a timing diagram of the general poling cycle of the system illustrated in FIG. 1, 
     FIG. 3 is a timing diagram of the general polling cycle of the system illustrated in FIG. 1 when there is a hit on the Jackpot Hit Value, 
     FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a Venue Jackpot Controller (VJC) and other associated system elements according to an embodiment of the invention, 
     FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a Central jackpot Controller (CJC) and other associated system elements according to an embodiment of the invention, 
     FIG. 6 is a detailed block diagram of the Venue Jackpot Controller (VJC) illustrated in FIG. 4, 
     FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of the Central jackpot Controller (CJC) illustrated in FIG. 5, 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram of a portion of the processor board used in the Central Jackpot Controller (CJC) and the Venue Jackpot Controller (VJC) according to an embodiment of the present invention, 
     FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram of the TCV25P module used with the processor board of FIG. 8, 
     FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram of the fiber optic communication module used with the processor board of FIG. 8, 
     FIG. 11 is a schematic circuit diagram of the display module used with the processor board of FIG. 8, 
     FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the power board used in the Central Jackpot Controller (CJC) and the Venue Jackpot Controller (VJC) according to an embodiment of the invention, 
     FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the communications module used with the power board of FIG. 12, 
     FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the security board used in the Central Jackpot Controller (CJC) according to an embodiment of the invention, 
     FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the network board used in the Central jackpot Controller (CJC) and the Venue Jackpot Controller (VJC) according to an embodiment of the invention, 
     FIG. 16 is a flowchart that illustrates the software flow of the Venue Jackpot Controller (VJC) according to an embodiment of the invention, 
     FIG. 17 is a flowchart that illustrates the Boot Up stage referred to in FIG. 16, 
     FIG. 18 is a flowchart that illustrates the Check and Update EGM Tables stage referred to in FIG. 16, 
     FIG. 19 is a flowchart that illustrates the Process Loops stage referred to in FIG. 16, 
     FIG. 20 is a flowchart that illustrates the VJC Turnover Handling stage referred to in FIG. 19, 
     FIG. 21 is a flowchart that illustrates the software of the Central Jackpot Controller (CJC) according to an embodiment of the invention, 
     FIG. 22 is a flowchart that illustrates the Shut Down stage of the Jackpot Controller software flow according to an embodiment of the invention, 
     FIG. 23 is a flowchart that illustrates the Boot Up stage referred to in FIG. 21, 
     FIG. 24 is a flowchart that illustrates the 6 Second Poll Cycle stage referred to in FIG. 21, 
     FIG. 25 is a flowchart that illustrates the Update Jackpot Levels stage referred to in FIG. 21, 
     FIG. 26 is a flowchart that illustrates the Jackpot WIN Generation stage referred to in FIG. 21, 
     FIG. 27 is a flowchart that illustrates the Select Winning Venue stage referred to in FIG. 21, 
     FIG. 28 is a flowchart that illustrates the Select Winning EGM stage referred to in FIG. 21, 
     FIG. 29 is a flowchart that illustrates the Display WIN Message stage referred to in FIG. 21, and 
     FIG. 30 is a flowchart that illustrates the Shut Down stage referred to in FIG.  22 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The system operation will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to  3 . 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a non-deterministic jackpot system  10 . A non-deterministic jackpot system is one in which the triggering of a jackpot win is not dependent on a previous event, and in which there is no increased probability over time of the jackpot being awarded. Thus, the jackpot amount that is offered by the system  10  does not have an upper value limit. 
     The system  10  comprises a Central Jackpot Controller (CJC)  200  communicating with a plurality of Venue Jackpot Controllers (VJC)  300  via a Wide Area Network (WAN)  20 . The CJC  200  also communicates with a Data Management System (DMS)  100 . 
     Each VJC  300  is located at a gaming venue having one or more Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM)  40 . The EGMs  40  at each venue communicate with an associated VJC  300  and Site Controller  30 . The EGMs  40  could, for example, be electronic poker machines of the type that are commonly supplied at gaming venues. 
     The system  10  also includes other peripheral equipment such as electronic displays, power supplies and network boards which are not shown in FIG.  1 . 
     The CJC  200  is the controller at the centre of the jackpot system  10 . The CJC  200  is the only device in the system  10  that is capable of triggering a jackpot win. 
     The VJC  300  is a device whose functions include monitoring turnover on the EGMs  40 , verifying the turnover for validity and transmitting the turnover to the CJC  200 . Each VJC  300  also controls and monitors any associated electronic displays (not shown). There can be more than one VJC  300  located at each venue. 
     The DMS  100  is the user interface to the CJC  200  and VJC  300  devices. The DMS  100  facilitates the uploading of information to the CJC  200  and the receipt of messages from the CJC  200 . 
     The system  10  of the present embodiment works on a 6-second polling cycle with the CJC  200  controlling all system functions and timing. Other fixed duration polling cycles between 1 second and 10 seconds may also be suitable. The system  10  provides a plurality of jackpot levels however, for simplicity, only one jackpot level will be discussed here. It should be noted thought that with multiple jackpot levels the functions are the same and all jackpot levels are calculated simultaneously. 
     FIG. 2 is a timing diagram of the polling cycle of the system  10 . 
     The polling cycle is commenced at T=0 seconds when the CJC  200  polls each VJC  300  for the sum of the current accumulated turnover of all EGMs  40  as well as an EGM Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) verification number for the associated EGMs  40 . 
     Since the turnover supplied by each VJC  300  to the CJC  200  is accumulated turnover, this turnover will include turnover from previous polling cycles. 
     Cyclic Redundancy Checking is a commonly used technique for obtaining data reliability and is used to protect blocks of data, called frames, from being corrupted. The technique essentially consists of appending an extra n-bit sequence (called a Frame Check Sequence or FCS) to every frame. The FCS holds redundant information about the frame that enables errors in the frame to be detected. Cyclic Redundancy Checking is one of the most commonly used techniques for error detection in data communications and, as a result, this document will not attempt to explain the theory of Cyclic Redundancy Checking in any more detail as it is well known by those skilled in the art. 
     The EGM CRC verification number is a number arrived at by calculating a CRC across the turnover contribution of each EGM  40  since the commencement of the previous polling cycle. As an example, assume,that there are three EGMs  40  allocated to a particular VJC  300  at a venue, and the increase in turnover of the EGMs  40  since the commencement of the last polling cycle is 3, 2 and 1, respectively. The EGM CRC verification number is calculated by running a CRC across the 3 then continuing across the 2 and continuing across the 1. The resultant number is the EGM CRC verification number. Even though the EGM CRC verification number is sent to the CJC  200  each polling cycle, it is only used during the jackpot verification process when a jackpot is to be awarded. 
     In the present embodiment, the current accumulated turnover amounts and EGM CRC verification numbers are received by the CJC  200  from each VJC  300  approximately 3 seconds after the commencement of the polling cycle at T=0 seconds. 
     Upon receiving the current accumulated turnover amounts and EGM CRC verification numbers the CJC  200  checks each current accumulated turnover amount by verifying that the amount sent by each VJC  300  does not exceed a realistic value. At this point it should be noted that the turnover per unit time of an EGM  40  (and, hence, a VJC  300 ) will have an upper limit which cannot be exceeded by normal play of the EGM  40 . Thus, if some of the equipment at a particular venue was tampered with, or malfunctioned in such a way as to simulate a very large turnover in order to influence the jackpot picking process (to be described later), the unrealistic amount would be identified by the CJC  200  which would then take appropriate action. 
     The current accumulated turnover amounts that pass the verification process are then used to calculate the turnover amount for the current polling cycle or, in other words, the amount of turnover since the last polling cycle. The turnover amount for the current polling cycle is called the Actual Turnover Contributed (ATC). 
     After the ATC has been calculated, a percentage of the ATC is added to the jackpot amount (also known as the jackpot value). This percentage is called the Jackpot Increment Percentage and is a constant that is entered into the DMS  100  and then uploaded to the CJC  200 . If there is more than one jackpot level, a percentage of the ATC is added to the jackpot amount of each jackpot level. The Jackpot Increment Percentage for each jackpot level may vary. The new jackpot amount is then stored in the CJC  200  and a CRC is built across the new jackpot amount. 
     The CJC  200  then determines whether to award the updated jackpot amount. This is done by generating a random number within the CJC  200  and comparing the random number with a predefined Jackpot Hit Value. If the random number is equal to the Jackpot Hit Value this is classed as a jackpot hit. If there is more than one jackpot level, a random number is drawn for each jackpot level and compared with a corresponding Jackpot Hit Value. 
     Before an additive random number generator RNG within the CJC  200  generates the random number, a range called the Jackpot Hit Range for the RNG may first be determined. The Jackpot Hit Range is effectively the chance of winning a jackpot during the polling cycle and is inversely proportional to the ATC during the poll. In other words, the higher the ATC for a particular polling cycle, the smaller the Jackpot Hit Range and, hence, the greater the chance of the jackpot being awarded. 
     The Jackpot Hit Range for a particular polling cycle is calculated as follows;          Jackpot Hit Range     =       System Range     ×       Expected Turnover Contributed       Actual Turnover Contributed                         
     Where, the System Range and the Expected Turnover Contributed (ETC) are constants that are entered into the DMS  100  and then uploaded to the CJC  200 . The System Range is a number that determines the overall (probable) frequency that a particular jackpot level will be awarded at. For example, a 
     System Range of 100,000 for a particular jackpot level will result in that jackpot level being awarded twice as often compared to the case where the System Range is equal to 200,000. The ETC is an estimate of the amount of turnover that will be contributed to a particular jackpot level for each polling cycle. The Actual Turnover Contributed (ATC) has been discussed previously. 
     With reference to FIG. 2, if there is no hit on the Jackpot Hit Value of any particular jackpot level, the CJC  200  waits until  6  seconds have elapsed from the commencement of the current polling cycle to commence a new polling cycle in which the previously described process is repeated. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates the instance where there is a hit on a Jackpot Hit Value of a particular jackpot level. In this case, if the ATC is greater than 0 (i.e. if there was turnover for the polling cycle), the CJC  200  then proceeds to pick the VJC  300  which will be awarded with the jackpot amount of the jackpot level. If there was no turnover for the polling cycle (i.e. ATC is equal to 0) and there was a hit on a Jackpot Hit Value of a particular jackpot level, the jackpot hit is simply ignored and thrown away since no jackpot can be awarded if none of the EGMs  40  were being played during the poll. 
     In order to pick a winning VJC  300 , the CJC  200  uses the ATC as the range for the RNG. The RNG then generates a number which is called the Venue Hit Number. The cycle turnover of each VJC  300  (i.e. the turnover within the current polling cycle of each VJC  300 ), commencing with a first VJC  300 , are then successively added together until the addition of the cycle turnover of a particular VJC  300  results in the Venue Hit Number being equalled or exceeded. The VJC  300  responsible for the Venue Hit Number being equalled or exceeded is the winning VJC  300 . Thus, say for example, that there are three VJCs  300  and that the first VJC  300  has a cycle turnover of 9, the second VJC  300  has a cycle turnover of 3 and the third VJC  300  has a cycle turnover of 4. Therefore, the ATC is 16 and this number is used as the range for the RNG. The RNG then generates a Venue Hit Number between 0 and 16. If the generated Venue Hit Number is 10 (say) the CJC  200  then commences adding the cycle turnover of each VJC  300  starting with the first VJC  300 . Thus, starting with 0, the cycle turnover of the first VJC  300  is added giving 9 which does not equal or exceed 10 (the Venue Hit Number) so, the cycle turnover of the second VJC  300  is added which gives 12. Since the addition of the cycle turnover of the second VJC  300  resulted in the Venue Hit Number being exceeded, the second VJC  300  is the winning VJC  300 . It should be noted that this method of selecting the winning VJC  300  results in the VJCs  300  with greater cycle contributions to the jackpot levels having a greater chance of winning. 
     Once all of the winning VJCs  300  of each winning jackpot level have been determined, the winning VJCs  300  are polled (see FIG. 3) by the CJC  200  to transmit the cycle turnover of each of their EGMs  40  starting with the VJC&#39;s  300  first EGM  40 . The CJC  200  then runs a CRC over the received cycle turnovers of the EGMs  40  and verifies it with the EGM CRC verification number that was previously determined during the first part of the polling cycle. If this verification fails, the system  10  is shutdown because it indicates that the system  10  may possibly have been tampered with. If the verification passes, the CJC  200  then proceeds to determine the EGM  40  (or EGMs  40  in the case of more than one jackpot level having been won) which has won the jackpot level. 
     The selection of the winning EGM  40  is preformed in the same way as the winning VJC  300  is selected. The cycle turnover of the winning VJC  300  is used as the range of the RNG. The RNG then generates an EGM Hit Number. The cycle turnover of each EGM  40  of the winning VJC  300  is then added (starting with the first EGM  40 ) and the EGM  40  that causes the EGM Hit Number to be equaled or exceeded is the winning EGM  40 . Thus, for example, there might be three EGMs  40  with the first EGM  40  having a cycle turnover of 3, the second EGM  40  having a cycle turnover of 2 and the third EGM  40  having a cycle turnover of 2. The cycle turnover of the winning VJC  300  is therefore equal to 7. The RNG then generates an EGM Hit Number between 0 and 7. Assume that the EGM Hit Number is 5 (say). Now, starting with a value of 0, the cycle turnover of the first EGM  40  is added giving 3 which does not equal or exceed 5 (the EGM Hit Number) so the cycle turnover of the second EGM  40  is added which gives 5. Since the addition of the cycle turnover of the second EGM  40  resulted in the EGM Hit Number being equalled, the second EGM  40  is the winning EGM  40 . This method of selecting the winning EGM  40  results in the EGMs  40  with greater contributions to the jackpot levels having a greater chance of winning. 
     With reference to FIG. 3, once the winning EGM  40  (or EGMs  40  in the case of multiple jackpot levels being won) is determined, the CJC  200  logs the win as being valid and the winning VJC  300  is notified of the win (about 7 seconds after the commencement of the cycle) followed by the other VJCs  300 . Checks are made to ensure that each venue has received all jackpot win information. The DMS  100  is also sent the win information. 
     If a winning VJC  300  fails to acknowledge to the CJC  200  during the jackpot allocation process, the jackpot is deemed not to have occurred and a “re-pick” mode is initiated. In the re-pick mode the CJC  200  will attempt during the next polling cycle to allocate the jackpot. The whole procedure of choosing a winning venue, choosing a winning gaming machine and so on is repeated to ensure that the jackpot is not awarded to an inactive gaming machine. 
     In order to indicate to players the jackpot amount and/or that a jackpot has been won, each venue is provided with a display that is controlled by a VJC  300 . In the winning venue, the display indicates the winning EGM  40  and the winning jackpot amount. At non-winning venues, the winning jackpot amount and the name of the venue where the jackpot was won will be displayed. The displays also indicate when a venue is offline to the CJC  200 . The displays may also be provided with a means for audibly alerting the players when a jackpot has been won. 
     Next, the current jackpot amount for the awarded jackpot level is reset with a Jackpot Starting Amount, all other online VJCs  300  are notified of the award of the jackpot and then the next polling cycle is commenced. The Jackpot Starting Amount is a constant that is initially entered into the DMS  100  and then uploaded to the CJC  200 . 
     As previously mentioned, the CJC  200  accepts a number of input parameters from the DMS  100  for each jackpot level. These input parameters dictate the operating characteristics of the respective jackpot levels. In summary, the input parameters that must be provided to the CJC  200  are the Jackpot Starting Amount, Jackpot Hit Range, Jackpot Increment Percentage and the Expected Turnover Contribution (ETC). Each of the aforementioned parameters are interrelated and influence the characteristics of the jackpot level at any given time. 
     The various hardware components of the system  10  will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 4 to  15 . 
     FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the VJC  300  located at a particular venue having a plurality of EGMs  40 . The system  10  includes at least one venue with EGMs  40  although it is preferred that a plurality of venues each controlled by a VJC  300  and each having a plurality of EGMs  40  be present in the system  10 . 
     The VJC  300  receives information from the EGMs  40  and is able to transfer information from the EGMs  40  to the network  20  via a suitable Network Termination Unit (NTU)  50 . The NTU  50  may comprise a suitable modem for communicating with the CJC  200 . 
     The only verification that the VJC  300  performs is that it checks the validity of the turnover of each associated EGM  40 , ensuring that the turnover of each associated EGM  40  does not exceed a given amount within a given time. 
     Two displays JP 0  and JPI are associated with the VJC  300  and function to display jackpot amounts and a jackpot win message. The displays also indicate if a venue is offline. 
     The VJC  300  does not have any user interface or mechanism to permit: 
     triggering any jackpot; 
     resetting any jackpot; 
     making configuration changes to any site or EGM data; 
     changing any jackpot parameters; or 
     altering any data pertaining to EGM turnover or jackpot contribution amounts. 
     The VJC  300  controls the jackpot displays JP 0 , JP 1  and their associated meters to denote current jackpot amounts and display jackpot win messages. There is a means of acknowledging that the meters of the jackpot displays JP 0 , JP 1  have received messages. This is monitored by the VJC  300  so that if a meter does not acknowledge, the CJC  200  can be informed of this. 
     FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the CJC  200  which communicates with the, or each, VJC  300  shown in FIG.  4 . The CJC  200  communicates with the DMS  100  via a security device  500  configured for key operation. The CJC  200  operates two displays JP 0 , JP 1  to provide a visual and/or audible indication of jackpot wins. The CJC  200  has high levels of security and data integrity and is able to trigger a jackpot. The CJC  200  may also have high levels of redundancy to ensure efficient and continual operation. The CJC  200  operates the RNG algorithm used to determine whether a jackpot has been won and to select the winning VJC  300  and winning EGM  40 . 
     The CJC  200  will accept the following input from the DMS  100 : 
     venue details; 
     EGM  40  configuration details; 
     jackpot parameters (discussed previously); 
     time; 
     jackpot resets; 
     system start-up; and 
     system shutdown. 
     The CJC  200  will provide output to the DMS  100  of the following: 
     system error messages; 
     data sufficient to comply with any government regulation requirements; 
     data sufficient to permit any Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) processes to sweep nominated venue accounts of jackpot contributions; and 
     other output sufficient to provide a detailed view of the status of the entire system  10  at any time. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates the VJC  300  of FIG. 4 in greater detail. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates the different circuit boards from which the VJC  300  is composed. The circuit boards include a processor board  11 , power board  12  and a network board  13 . 
     A schematic circuit diagram of a portion of the processor board  11  is illustrated in FIG.  8 . The processor board  11  is based around a TCV 25 P 6-bit microprocessor module  21  (see FIG. 9) that is incorporated into the processor board  11 . The TCV 25 P 16-bit microprocessor module  21 , in turn, is based on the NEC V25+ microprocessor. A Real Time Clock (RTC) (not shown) and a Dual UART (DUART) (not shown) are included in the module  21  in addition to the extensive peripherals contained within the V25+ processor. The RTC and SRAM of the module  21  can be buffered an external battery. The module  21  and, more particularly, the NEC V25+ microprocessor will not be detailed any further in this document as further information can be obtained from the component manufacturers. 
     The DIP switch S 1  (see FIG. 8) is used to set the address of the VJC  300  in the system  10 . For example, if a VJC  300  is to be defined as the first venue in the system  10 , the DIP switch must be set with all except the first switch in the OFF position. Likewise, for the VJC  300  to read commands sent from the CJC  200  to the ninth venue, the DIP switch must be set with all except the first and fourth switches in the OFF position. 
     FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram of the fibre optic communication module  22  that is incorporated into the processor board  11 . The fibre optic communication module  22  provides two fibre optic ports COM 5 , COM 6  and either one or both of these ports can be linked to a Site Controller  30  and EGMs  40 . The fibre optic ports COM 5 , COM 6  interface with the processor board  11  via the Philips SCC2692AC1A44 UART (see FIG.  8 ). 
     FIG. 11 is a schematic circuit diagram of the display module  23  that is incorporated into the processor board  11 . The display module  23  enables the processor board  11  to interface with the displays JP 0 , JP 1  via the communication port COM 3 . 
     Referring back to FIG. 8, the processor board  11  also has a number of LEDs that enable the status of the VJC  300  to be ascertained at a glance. A first LED functions as the system&#39;s “Heartbeat” LED and indicates that the system  10  is running by periodically turning ON and OFF. A second LED indicates that the VJC  300  has completed its boot sequence. A third LED indicates the VJC  300  is online and enabled. 
     The power board  12  illustrated in FIG. 6 supplies power to the processor board  11  and the network board  13 . The power board  12  derives its power from a plug pack (not referenced) that is rated to supply 9 VDC at &gt;500 mA. 
     FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic circuit diagrams of the power Aboard  12 . The power board  12  includes a bridge rectifier D 7 , some filtering Capacitors C 2 -C 6  and a 5 VDC voltage regulator U 2 . These components provide the regulated 5 VDC voltage required by the power board  12 , Processor board  11  and the network board  13 . In addition to supplying power to the various circuit boards contained within the VJC  300 , the power board  12  also provides three communication ports, namely COM 1 , COM 2  and COM 4 . COM 1  enables the power board  12  to connect to the network board  13 . COM 2  enables a PC to be connected to the VJC  300  to monitor the data tables that are stored within the VJC  300 . COM  4  is used to program the VJC  300 . 
     FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the network board  13  used in the VJC  300 . The network board  13  is designed to interface the VJC  300  to the network  20 , which is a TCP/IP network. 
     In summary, the communication ports of the VJC  300  are COM 1  through to COM 6 . The functionality of each of the communication ports is as follows: 
     COM 1 —This port is a full duplex RS232 communication port having a maximum baud rate of 115,200 bd. This port is used to connect the VJC  300  to the network  20  via the network board  13 . 
     COM 2 —This port is a full duplex RS232 communication port having a maximum baud rate of 115,200 bd. This port is used as a debugging port during development and enables setup and fault finding during actual operation of the VJC  300 . 
     COM 3 —This port is a full duplex RS422 communication port having a maximum baud rate of 38,400 bd. This port is used to connect the VJC  300  to the displays JP 0  and JP 1 . 
     COM 4 —This port is a full duplex RS232 communication port having a maximum baud rate of 38,400 bd. During development, this port is used to upload system parameters to the VJC  300  and is not used during actual operation of the VJC  300 . 
     COM 5 , COM 6 —These two ports are identical and are both fibre optic ports. They conform to the Hewlett Packard VersaLink system. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates the CJC  200  of FIG. 5 in greater detail. In particular, FIG. 7 illustrates the different circuit boards from which the CJC  200  is composed. The circuit boards include a processor board  11 , power board  12 , security board  500  and a network board  13 . 
     The processor board  11  used in the CJC  200  is identical to the processor board  11  that was previously described in connection with the VJC  300 . 
     The DIP switch (see FIG. 8) on the processor board  11  is not used by the CJC  200 . Also, the fibre optic ports COM 5 , COM 6  (see FIG. 10) are only used by the CJC  200  to connect to a standby CRC  200  (see FIG. 5 which illustrates a fully redundant CJC  200 ). 
     Displays JP 0  and JP 1  connect to the processor board  11  via the communication port COM 3  of the display module  23  illustrated in FIG.  11 . 
     Referring back to FIG. 8, a number of the LEDs on the processor board  11  enable the status of the CJC  200  to be ascertained at a glance. A first LED functions as the systems “Heartbeat” LED and indicates that the system  10  is running by periodically turning ON and OFF. A second LED indicates that the CJC  200  is running normally. A third LED turns ON and OFF once every six seconds to indicate that the 6-second polling cycle is being performed. The length of ON time compared to OFF time of the third LED provides an indication of the CJC  200  transmit to non-transmit ratio. A fourth LED indicates whether any of the security features associated with the CJC  200  are turned ON or OFF. When the fourth LED is OFF, the security features are ON. When the fourth LED is ON, the security features are not fully ON and alterations may be made to the CJC  200 . 
     The power board  12  used in the CJC  200  is identical to the power board  12  that was previously described in connection with the VJC  300 . However, in addition to providing the regulated 5 VDC voltage required by the power board  12 , processor board  11  and the network board  13  the power board  12  in the CJC  200  also powers the security board  500 . COM 1  enables the power board  12  to connect to the network board  13 . COM 2  connects to the security board  500 . COM 4  is used to program the CJC  200 . 
     FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the security board  500  used in the CJC  200 . The security board  500  essentially consists of two microprocessors U 1  and U 2  that monitor communications between the CJC  200  and the DMS  100  so that only valid information is allowed to pass between the two. If a message to be passed from the DMS  100  to the CJC  200  is valid, the message is passed on. If a message to be passed between the DMS  100  and the CJC  200  is invalid, the message is discarded. 
     A message is valid when a valid password key (not shown) is inserted into a password key reader (not shown) that communicates with the security board  500 . The microprocessors U 1 , U 2  read the password key every 100 ms. Therefore, the key must remain in place at all times when the DMS  100  is to send commands to the CJC  200 , but is not required for messages from the CJC  200  to the DMS  100 . 
     Different password keys may be programmed to provide different levels of access to the system  10 . The password keys used in the system  10  are of the Dallas 1991 (touch multikey) ibutton type. Each key is assigned a security level and a key number. The security level indicates the level of access that is permitted to the holder of the key while the key number is assigned to a person. Thus, any alterations that are made to the system  10  using a particular key will be attributed to the person who is assigned as the holder of the key. 
     The network board  13  used in the CJC  200  is identical to the network board  13  that was previously discussed in connection with the VJC  300 . The network board  13  is designed to interface the CJC  200  to the network  20 , which is a TCP/IP network. 
     In summary, the communication ports of the CJC  200  are COM 1  through to COM 6 . The functionality of each of the communication ports is as follows: 
     COM 1 —This port is a full duplex RS232 communication port having a maximum baud rate of 115,200 bd. This port is used to connect the CJC  200  to the network  20  via the network board  13 . 
     COM 2 —This port is a full duplex RS232 communication port having a maximum baud rate of 115,200 bd. This port is used to connect the security board to the CJC  200 . 
     COM 3 —This port is a full duplex RS422 communication port having a maximum baud rate of 38,400 bd. This port is used to connect the CJC  200  to the displays JP 0  and JP 1 . 
     COM 4 —This port is a full duplex RS232 communication port having a maximum baud rate of 38,400 bd. During development, this port is used for debugging and is not used during actual operation of the CJC  200 . 
     COM 5 , COM 6 —These two. ports are identical and are both fibre optic ports. They conform to the Hewlett Packard VersaLink standard. These ports can be used by the CJC  200  to connect to a standby CRC  200 . 
     The software flow of the system  10  will now be-discussed with reference to FIGS. 16 to  30 . 
     FIG. 16 illustrates the major stages in the software flow of the VJC  300 . 
     The Boot Up, Check and Update EGM Tables, and Process QCOM Loops stages of the VJC  300  software flow referred to in FIG. 16 are expanded upon in FIGS. 17 to  19 , respectively. 
     FIG. 20 expands upon the VJC Turnover Handling stage referred to in FIG.  19 . 
     A reference to Translux displays in FIGS. 16 to  30  is equivalent to a reference to the displays JP 0  and JP 1 . A reference to. EGM tables in FIGS. 16 to  30  is a reference to the data tables contained in the VJCs  300  which store information pertaining to associated EGMs  40 . A reference to QCOM loops in FIGS. 16 to  30  is a reference to the fibre optic loops that connect a VJC  300  to any associated EGMs  40 . 
     FIG. 21 illustrates the major stages in the software flow of the CJC  200 . 
     The Shut Down, Boot Up, 6-Second Poll Cycle, Update Jackpot Levels, Jackpot WIN Generation, Select Winning Venue, Select Winning EGM and Display Winning EGM stages of the CJC  200  software flow referred to in FIG. 21 are expanded upon in FIGS. 22 to  30 , respectively. 
     The foregoing describes only one embodiment of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     It is to be understood that the term “comprising” as used herein is to be understood in the inclusive sense of “having” or “including” and not in the exclusive sense of “consisting essentially of”.