Patent ID: 12254741

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a system diagram illustrating various components of a gaming system according to embodiments of the invention. The gaming system2includes several EGMs10, similar to EGM200inFIG.2, that are each ultimately connected to a gaming network11. Each of EGMs10ofFIG.1connect to the gaming network11(which may be an Ethernet network) through first, a gaming machine interface (GMI)12and then a bridge control circuit (bridge)14. Each GMI12is a circuit that is contained in a metal box which, in the present embodiment, measures 1.75 inches long by 1 inch wide by 0.625 inches tall. As can be seen, each GMI12is further connected to a bridge14, each bridge accommodating multiple GMI connections, via their respective cables13. In the present embodiments, up to 8 EGMs may be connected to each bridge. It should be appreciated that the number of connections is merely a matter of design, and more or less could be connected. For example, a single bridge may accommodate up to 64 EGMs, which would enable a single bridge to serve all of the machines in most all slot machines banks. It should be noted that not all of the jacks must be used. In other words, fewer than 8 GMIs (or whatever the maximum number is) can be connected to each bridge. The dots adjacent the groups of EGMs inFIG.1signify additional EGMs each with a corresponding GMI connected to a bridge, but to simplify the drawing only 3 machines in each group are depicted. The bridge circuit is also contained in a metal box, which measures 7.75 by 7.75 inches by 1.625 inches tall. The bridge box may be contained in the cabinet of one of the EGMs, in a base that supports an EGM, or in another suitable location with the cables running from the GMIs of adjacent EGMs to a common bridge box.

A conventional bonus controller16is connected directly to some of the bridges14and may communicate over the network to any of the EGMs so connected in the network. Note that the bridges may communicate via an Ethernet protocol through the bonus controller or may bypass the bonus controller as shown for bridge14in the middle group of EGMs inFIG.1. In addition, bridges14can be connected in a daisy chain configuration, as shown via Ethernet link17inFIG.1. The bonus controller16generally communicates through a non-SAS protocol, such as another well-known communication protocol known as GSA. GSA is typically carried over an Ethernet network, and thus the bonus controller16includes an Ethernet transceiver, which is described with reference toFIG.3below. Because the bonus controller16communication may be Ethernet based, a switch18may be used to extend the number of EGMs that may be coupled to the bonus controller16. The bonus controller16and/or the bridge14may create or convert data or information received according to a particular protocol, such as SAS, into data or information according to another protocol, such as GSA. In this way the bridge14and bonus controller16are equipped to communicate, seamlessly, between any EGM10and gaming network11no matter which communication protocols are in use. Further, because the bridge14and bonus controller16are programmable, and include multiple extensible communication methods, as described below, they are capable of communicating with EGMs10that will communicate using protocols and communication methods developed in the future. The functions implemented by any of the controllers or processors mentioned herein might be distributed among a plurality of controllers or processors.

Other games or devices on which games may be played are connected to the gaming network using other connection and/or communication methods. For instance, a player kiosk20may be directly coupled to the gaming network. The player kiosk20allows players, managers, or other personnel to access data on the gaming network11, such as a player tracking record, and/or to perform other functions using the network. For example, a player may be able to check the current holdings of the player account, transfer balances, redeem player points for credits, cash, or other merchandise or coupons, such as food or travel coupons, for instance.

A wireless transceiver22couples the gaming network11to a wireless EGM24, such as a handheld device, or, through a cell phone or other compatible data network, the transceiver22connects to a cellular phone26. The cellular phone26may be a “smart phone,” which in essence is a handheld computer capable of playing games or performing other functions on the gaming network11, as described in some embodiments of the invention.

The gaming network11also couples to the internet28, which in turn is coupled to a number of computers, such as the personal computer30. The personal computer30may be used much like the kiosk14, described above, to manage player tracking or other data kept on the gaming network11. More likely, though, is that the personal computer30is used to play actual games in communication with the gaming network11. Player data related to games and other functions performed on the personal computer30may be tracked as if the player were playing on an EGM10.

In general, in operation, a player applies a starting credit into one of the games, such as an EGM10. The EGM10sends data through its SAS or other data communication port through the GMI12and associated bridge14to the gaming network11. Various servers32and databases34collect historical accounting information about the gameplay on the EGMs10, such as wagers made and jackpots for example. And, as will be described in more detail, they may continue to provide some services for the EGMs while the present embodiments take over others of the services. As will also be described in more detail, this feature permits any of the services offered by a legacy system, including bonus controller16, to be taken over by the present system, one at a time.

In addition, each EGM10may accept information from systems external to the EGM itself to cause the EGM10to perform other functions. For example, these external systems may drive the EGM10to issue additional credits to the player. In another example, a promotional server may direct the EGM10to print a promotional coupon on the ticket printer of the EGM.

The bonus controller16is structured to perform some of the above-described functions as well. For example, in addition to standard games on the EGM10, the bonus controller16is structured to drive the EGM10to pay bonus awards to the player based on any of the factors, or combination of factors, related to the EGM10, the player playing the EGM10, particular game outcomes of the game being played, or other factors.

In this manner, the combination of the bonus controller16and bridges14are a sub-system capable of interfacing with each of the EGMs on a gaming network11. As a result, each bridge14may gather data about the game, gameplay, or player, or other data on the EGM10, and forward it to the bonus controller16. The bonus controller16then uses such collected data as input and, when certain conditions are met, sends information and/or data to the EGM10to cause it to perform certain functions.

In a more detailed example, suppose a player is playing an EGM10coupled to the bridge14and the bonus controller16described above. The player inserts a player tracking card so the gaming network11knows the player identity. Bridge14also stores such identifying information, or perhaps stores only information that the player is a level-2 identified player, for instance. The bridge passes such information to bonus controller16, which has been programmed to provide a welcome-back bonus to any level-2 player after he or she has played two games. Gameplay on the EGM10continues and, after the player plays two games, bonus controller16instructs EGM10to add an additional 40 credits to EGM10as the welcome-back bonus. Such monitoring and control of EGM10can occur in conjunction with, but completely separate from any player tracking or bonusing function that is already present on the gaming network11. In other words, the bonus controller16may be set to provide a time-based bonus of 10 credits for every hour played by the player of the EGM10. The above-described welcome-back bonus may be managed completely separately through the bonus controller16and bridge14. Further, all of the actions on the EGM10caused by the bonus controller16are also communicated to the standard accounting, tracking, and other systems already present on the gaming network11. Alternatively, the welcome-back bonus described above may be implemented on servers32along with other functions.

With reference back toFIG.1, recall that the bonus controller16couples to each of the bridges14, and by extension to their coupled EMGs to cause data and commands to be sent to the EGMs to control functions on each EGM.FIG.3is a detailed block diagram of such a bonus controller.

Consideration will now be given to the structure and operation of bonus controller16before providing a general overview of the operation of system2. A bonus controller300ofFIG.3may be an embodiment of the bonus controller16illustrated inFIG.1. Central to the bonus controller300is a microprocessor310, which may be an Atmel AT91SAM9G20, which is readily available to developers. The microprocessor310is coupled to one or more memory systems320,325. A memory system320is a 2 Megabyte FRAM while memory system325is a 64 Megabyte Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM). Each memory system320,325has various advantages and properties and is chosen for those properties. FRAM maintains its data autonomously for up to ten years, while SDRAM is relatively fast to move data into and out of, as well as being relatively inexpensive. Of course, the sizes and types of memory included in any bonus controller according to embodiments of the invention may be determined by the particular implementation.

The microprocessor310also couples to a pair of card readers,340,345, which are structured to accept easily replaceable, portable memory cards, as are widely known. Each card reader may further include Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) devices to prevent damage to internal circuitry, such as the microprocessor310, when cards are inserted or removed from the card readers340,345. In practice, a card in one of the card readers340,345may store program code for the microprocessor310while a card in the other reader may store data for use by the bonus controller300. Alternatively, a single card in either of the card readers340,345may store both program and data information.

A port connector330includes multiple communication ports for communicating with other devices. The communication processor of each bridge14couples to a connected bonus controller through such a communication port. The communication port330is preferably an Ethernet interface, as described above, and therefore additionally includes a MAC address331. The port connector330includes multiple separate connectors, such as eight, each of which connect to a single bridge14(FIG.1), which in turn connects to up to eight separate EGMs10. Thus, a single bonus controller300may couple to sixty-four separate EGMs by connecting through appropriately connected bridges.

Further, a second port connector335may be included in the bonus controller300. The second port connector may also be an Ethernet connector. The purpose of the second port connector335is to allow additionally connectivity to the bonus controller300. In most embodiments the second port connector335may couple to another bonus controller300or to other server devices, such as the server60on the gaming network11ofFIG.1. In practice, the second port connector335may additionally be coupled to a SMIB, thus providing the bonus controller300with the ability to directly connect to nine SMIBs.

Yet further, Ethernet connections are easily replicated with a switch, external to the bonus controller300itself, which may be used to greatly expand the number of devices to which the bonus controller300may connect.

Because the bonus controller300is intended to be present on gaming network11, and may be exposed to the general public, systems to protect the integrity of the bonus controller300are included. An intrusion detection circuit360signals the processor310if a cabinet or housing that contains the bonus controller300is breached, even if no power is supplied to the bonus controller300. The intrusion detection circuit may include a magnetic switch that closes (or opens) when a breach occurs. The microprocessor310then generates a signal that may be detected on the gaming network11indicating that such a breach occurred, so that an appropriate response may be made. An on-board power circuit370may provide power to the bonus controller300for a relatively long time, such as a day or more, so that any data generated by the processor310is preserved and so that the processor310may continue to function, even when no external power is applied. The on-board power circuit370may include an energy-storing material such as a battery or a large and/or efficient capacitor.

Similarly to the microprocessor processor260of the SAS processor210described above, the microprocessor310of the bonus controller300is additionally coupled to a program/debug port for initially programming the microprocessor310during production, and so that program and/or other data for the microprocessor may be updated through the program/debug port.

In operation the bonus controller300configures and controls bonus features on gaming devices through gaming network11or through other communication systems. Bonus features are implemented through each gaming device's internal structure and capabilities, and may include integration with additional peripheral devices. Bonusing programs for the connected games may be introduced to the bonus controller300by updating data stored in the memory systems directly on the bonus controller, or by inserting new memory cards in one or more of the card readers340,345. Such a platform provides a facility for game developers, even third-party developers, to define and program new types of bonus games that may be used in conjunction with existing EGMs on existing gaming networks, or on new games and new networks as they are developed.

Before providing an overview of the system of embodiments disclosed herein, consideration will first be given to a typical electronic gaming machine that can be incorporated into the new system.FIG.2is a functional block diagram that illustrates an example electronic gaming machine (EGM). These EGMs may include all types of electronic gaming machines, such as physical reel slot machines, video slot machines, video poker gaming devices, video blackjack machines, keno games, and any other type of devices may be used to wager monetary-based credits on a game of chance.

The illustrated gaming device200includes a cabinet205to house various parts of the gaming device200, thereby allowing certain components to remain securely isolated from player interference, while providing access to player input/output devices so that the player may interact with the gaming device. The securely housed components include the game processor210, memory215, and connection port250. The game processor210, depending on the type of gaming device200, may completely or partially control the operation of the gaming device. For example, if the gaming device200is a standalone gaming device, game processor210may control virtually all the operations of the gaming device and attached equipment. In other configurations, the game processor210may implement instructions generated by or communicated from a remote server or another controller. For example, the game processor210may be responsible for running a base game of the gaming device200and executing instructions received over the network from a bonus server or player tracking server. In a server-based gaming environment, the game processor210may simply act as a terminal to perform instructions from a remote server that is running game play on the gaming device200. The functions implemented by the processor might also be distributed among several processors.

The memory215is connected to the game processor210and may be configured to store various game information about gameplay or player interactions with the gaming device200. This memory may be volatile (e.g., RAM), non-volatile (e.g., flash memory), or include both types of memory. The connection port250is also connected to the game processor210. This connection port250typically connects the gaming device200to a gaming network. The connection port250may be structured as a serial port, parallel port, Ethernet port, optical connection, wireless antenna, or any other type of communication port used to transmit and receive data. Although only one connection port250is shown inFIG.2, the gaming device200may include multiple connection ports. Virtually all gaming machines, however, permit transfers of cash or promotional credits between the slot accounting system and the machine via a single designated port. As described above, in many existing gaming devices, this connection port250is a serial connection port utilizing a SAS protocol to communicate to one or more remote game servers, such as player tracking servers, bonus servers, accounting servers, etc.

The player input/output devices housed by the gaming cabinet205further include a bill/ticket reader270, a credit meter285, and one or more game speakers295. Various gaming devices may include fewer or more input/output devices (e.g., a game handle, a coin acceptor, a coin hopper, etc.) depending upon the configuration of the gaming device.

The gaming display220may have mechanical spinning reels, a video display, or include a combination of both spinning reels and a video display, or use other methods to display aspects of the gameplay to the player. If the gaming display220is a video display, the gaming display may include a touch screen to further allow the player to interact with game indicia, soft buttons, or other displayed objects. The button panel230allows the player to select and place wagers on the game of chance, as well as allowing the player to control other aspects of gaming. For example, some gaming devices allow the player to press one of buttons233to signal that he or she requires player assistance. Other buttons may bring up a help menu and/or game information. The buttons233may also be used to play bonuses or make selections during bonus rounds.

Ticket printers275have relatively recently been included on most gaming devices to eliminate the need to restock coin hoppers and allow a player to quickly cash-out credits and transfer those credits to another gaming device. The tickets can also typically be redeemed for cash at a cashier cage or kiosk. The ticket printers are usually connected to the game processor and to a remote server, such as a TITO server to accomplish its intended purpose. In gaming devices that have more than one peripheral device, and which include only a single SAS port, the peripheral devices all share communication time over the connection port250.

Another peripheral device that often requires communication with a remote server is the player club interface device260. The player club interface device260may include a reader device and one or more input mechanisms. The reader is configured to read an object or indicia identifying the player. The identifying object may be a player club card issued by the casino to a player that includes player information encoded on the card. Once the player is identified by a gaming device, the player club interface device260communicates with a remote player server through the connection port250to associate a player account with the gaming device200. This allows various information regarding the player to be communicated between the gaming device200and the player server, such as amounts wagered, credits won, and rate of play. In other embodiments, the card reader may read other identifying cards (such as driver licenses, credit cards, etc.) to identify a player. AlthoughFIG.2shows the reader as a card reader, other embodiments may include a reader having a biometric scanner, PIN code acceptor, or other methods of identifying a player to pair the player with their player tracking account. As is known in the art, it is typically advantageous for a casino to encourage a player to join a player club since this may inspire loyalty to the casino, as well as give the casino information about the player's likes, dislikes, and gaming habits. To compensate the player for joining a player club, the casino often awards player points or other prizes to identified players during game play.

Other input/output devices of the gaming device200include a credit meter285, a bill/ticket acceptor270, and speakers295. The credit meter285generally indicates the total number of credits remaining on the gaming device200that are eligible to be wagered. The credit meter285may reflect a monetary unit, such as dollars, or an amount of credits, which are related to a monetary unit, but may be easier to display. For example, one credit may equal one cent so that portion of a dollar won can be displayed as a whole number instead of decimal. The bill/ticket acceptor270typically recognizes and validates paper bills and/or printed tickets and causes the game processor210to display a corresponding amount on the credit meter285. The speakers295play auditory signals in response to game play or may play enticing sounds while in an “attract-mode,” when a player is not at the gaming device. The auditory signals may also convey information about the game, such as by playing a particularly festive sound when a large award is won.

The player may initially insert monetary bills or previously printed tickets with a credit value into the bill acceptor270. The player may also put coins into a coin acceptor (not shown) or a credit, debit, or casino account card into a card reader/authorizer (not shown). In other embodiments, stored player points or special ‘bonus points’ awarded to the player or accumulated and/or stored in a player account may be able to be substituted at or transferred to the gaming device200for credits or other value. For example, a player may convert stored loyalty points to credits or transfer funds from his bank account, credit card, casino account or other source of funding. The selected source of funding may be selected by the player at time of transfer, determined by the casino at the time of transfer or occur automatically according to a predefined selection process. One of skill in the art will readily see that this invention is useful with all gambling devices, regardless of the way wager value-input is accomplished.

The gaming device200may include various other devices to interact with players, such as light configurations, top box displays290, and secondary displays280. The top box display290may include illuminated artwork to announce a game style, a video display (such as an LCD), a mechanical and/or electrical bonus display (such as a wheel), or other known top box devices. The secondary display280may be a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), a plasma screen, or the like. The secondary display280may show any combination of primary game information and ancillary information to the player. For example, the secondary display280may show player tracking information, secondary bonus information, advertisements, or player selectable game options. The secondary display may be attached to the game cabinet205or may be located near the gaming device200. The secondary display280may also be a display that is associated with multiple gaming devices200, such as a bank-wide bonus meter, or a common display for linked gaming devices.

In operation, typical play on a gaming device200commences with a player placing a wager on a game to generate a game outcome. In some games, a player need not interact with the game after placing the wager and initiating the game, while in other games, the player may be prompted to interact with the gaming device200during game play. Interaction between the player and the gaming device200is more common during bonuses, but may occur as part of the game, such as with video poker. Play may continue on the gaming device200until a player decides to cash out or until insufficient credits remain on the credit meter285to place a minimum wager for the gaming device.

Before going into detail about the structure and operation of bridge14and gaming machine interface12—as well as a detailed description of the overall operation of system2—consideration will first be given to a high-level view of the operation of system2. As mentioned above, prior art systems for providing services to and management functions for networked gaming machines suffer from a number of problems. One of the ways system2addresses these problems is by providing the services, such as TITO, dispatch, bonuses, etc. from the bridge circuit as opposed to a server in a secure IT room.

TITO services are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,265,874; 5,290,033; 6,048,269; and 6,729,957, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. Dispatch services are described in US Patent Application Publication 2017/0186270, which is also incorporated by reference.

As will be discussed in detail, each bridge circuit has a SAS processor and a network processor. The SAS processor handles SAS communications, which is a commonly used protocol for communicating via a gaming machine port. The network processor handles communication between and among the bridges, the bonus controller—and any other devices connected to network11—and ultimately to the servers32and databases34. When all services, such as TITO, dispatch, bonuses, etc., are implemented by processes on bridge14, servers32function only to collect and store (in databases34) historical data sent from flash memory in each bridge. This is in contrast to prior art systems in which the processes that provide various services to the EGMs are located on the servers in a secure room.

The SAS processor in bridge14communicates with a SAS port on the EGM to which it is connected via GMI12. The GMI converts signals from the SAS port of the EGM to the commonly used RS232 standard for two-way serial communication over a USB connection to bridge14. The bridges, bonus controller, switches, (like switch18inFIG.1), and all the other devices, including servers32, communicate with one another via the Ethernet protocol. The bridge includes a network processor that communicates with both the SAS processor in the bridge, via USB, and with network11, via Ethernet, to relay information to and from the SAS processor.

In operation, bridge14conducts high-speed polling to retrieve data that appears at the EGM SAS port. Unlike prior art systems, which typically poll only for EGM meter readings, bridge14requests and receives extensive information related to any activity on the EGM. For example, each actuation of a button on the EGM and each reel stop during display of a game outcome are collected, each with its own time stamp. The collected data is stored in a flash memory contained in bridge14, and is also sent to flash memory in each of two additional bridges, which functions as a backup system. One manner in which the collected data can be used is described in applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 10,553,072 issued on Feb. 4, 2020, invented by John Acres, which patent is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Computer programs that provide the various services, such as TITO cashless tickets, progressive jackpots, player tracking, and other services are run on the SAS processor or on network processor42. Although all required services may be run by the bridge, if a legacy system that includes a suite of programs to provide services remains in place, selected services can be run on the bridge while letting other of the services continue to be run by the legacy system. This permits the present system to take over services provided by one or more other vendor systems one at a time, if that is desired. Ultimately, the bridge can take over all management and EGM services.

The bridge has a robust power management system, including large capacitors that provide several functions. First, in the event of a brownout, a power failure that lasts less than about 30 seconds, all power to bridge14and GMI12is supplied from the capacitors. As a result, all no functionality is lost during the brownout. Second, in the event of a longer outage, data for transactions in process are stored, and when power is resumed the transaction is properly completed. Third, the SAS processor can run for as many as three days in the event power is lost. This enables the processor to continue to monitor box (not shown) in which bridge14resides for tampering during a prolonged power outage. Fourth, if cable13, which connects bridge14with one of its associated GMIs12, is unplugged, GMI12is supplied with power via a capacitor that permits an orderly shutdown of GMI12to preserve data in a current transaction.

The software programs in the bridge have high-speed access to data as soon as it is stored in the flash memory. The software programs may be provided by the owner of the hardware system described herein or by third parties. Because the hardware and its functionality will already be approved by gaming regulators, third-party developers of new software services for EGMs can gain ready approval for features provided by the new services. Put differently, a third-party developer need only gain approval of its software and the services it provides, rather than having to gain regulatory approval for hardware or interfaces with the system. This will enable small or even individual developers to create bonus games or other new services without the need to develop hardware and obtain extensive regulatory approval.

Alternatively, data is rapidly moved upstream from the flash memory to a repository managed by a server where specialized software captures, indexes, and correlates real-time, machine-generated data. Software sockets are used to monitor specific data in the repository. As a result, the repository can be used by third parties, each of whom are granted secure access, to implement any of the services that might be required on the casino floor, including bonus games, progressive jackpots, TITO services, accounting and reports, etc. The present system can provide data in the repository within a typical range of about 50-150 milliseconds from the time the event occurs on the gaming machine. This contrasts with prior art systems that provide data, but not all of the data, to a data base where the lag time from the event on the machine to appearance in the database is typically in the range of 1-3 seconds. This delay prevents or impairs implementing robust services using the prior art systems.

One software tool for capturing and making available real-time, machine-generated data in a Web-style interface is branded as Splunk, which is made by Splunk, Inc.

Security is maintained via a novel system of manufacturing and venue certificates and tokens as well as a tamper-proof feature for each bridge box.

Consideration will now be given to the bridge hardware devices and how they are connected to one another. InFIGS.4A and4B, a block diagram illustrates the various components and functionality provided by the bridge. Additional detail will be provided in later description and drawings for some of these, which are shown only generally in theFIG.4overview.

Bridge circuit14inFIG.4Bincludes 8 game jacks, indicated generally at36inFIG.4B. Each of the game jacks is a receptacle for an RJ45 jack. Cable13(inFIG.1), which is not shown inFIGS.4A and4B, connects each GMI12to its associated bridge14via RJ45 plugs on either end of the cable. Each GMI12is in turn connected to a SAS port on its associated EGM as will be later described in more detail. Each of gaming jacks36includes pins to accommodate RS245 serial communications as well as pins to accommodate 100 MB Ethernet communications between GMI13and bridge14. The Ethernet connection is not used in the current implementations but may be used to extend the bridge to control a variety of other devices that are on or could be added to the EGM, e.g., a bonus game or a player-tracking unit.

Considering game jacks in more detail, attention is directed toFIGS.7A and7B. Each of game jacks36is connected to an Ethernet transformer44, each transformer handling communications to and from 2 EGMs. In the present embodiments, each Ethernet transformer is manufactured by Halo Electronics and identified by Part Number TG111-MSC13LF. The Ethernet 100 MB signal lines for each EGM are shown generally at46and are available for expansion of services to the EGM via Ethernet communications, as previously mentioned, but are not connected in the present embodiments. Electrostatic discharge protection for Ethernet signal lines46is provided by components48. Each of game jacks36also includes signal lines indicated generally at50to accommodate the RS245 signals from the GMI that the game jack is connected to. These are the signal lines that carry SAS data from the EGM. Each EGM has 2 signal lines, e.g., EGM3inFIG.7Bhas lines labeled EGM3.5and EGM3.4to indicate the third of eight potential EGM connections to bridge14, with the connections being on pins4and5of each jack. Each of the other 7 EGM connections are similarly labeled. Each of the EGM RS245 signal lines is connected to a galvanic isolation circuit43inFIG.4Band each line bears the same label inFIG.4Bas inFIGS.7A and7B.

The network jacks, indicated generally at38inFIG.4B, are used to connect the bridge to network11via an Ethernet connection. In addition, there is a jack39inFIG.4Bthat is one end of a connection that is internal to bridge14, which will be shortly described. The network jacks38may be used in a variety of ways. Two of the jacks are connected to the network to provide redundancy in the event that communication over one of the connections is impaired. One jack could be used to connect to a peripheral device, such as bonus controller16inFIG.1. In addition, bridges14can be daisy chained together to facilitate communications with network11, also shown inFIG.1.

Considering the network jacks38in more detail, inFIGS.10A and10B, show all 6 jacks labeled A through F. Each of the jack lines internal to bridge14are connected to electrostatic protection devices39. Each of the lines are labeled as shown at45. These lines connect to a correspondingly labeled pin on an Ethernet switch inFIG.13.

In addition, jack39(also shown inFIG.4B), which is shown in more detail inFIG.11, has internal lines labeled as shown that are connected to correspondingly labeled lines on the Ethernet switch ofFIG.13. Jack39is connected to one end of a cable40, inFIGS.4A and4B. The other end of the cable is plugged into a jack that is provided on network processor42board. As a result, this cable connects the network processor to the network Ethernet switch, depicted somewhat schematically inFIGS.4A and4B.

InFIG.12, shift registers45are connected to LEDs on each of network jacks38as shown. The shift registers also connect to lines LED.CK and LED.DA, which in turn are connected to the correspondingly labeled lines on an Ethernet switch controller56inFIG.9C. These signals on these lines ultimately light LEDs on each network jack to indicate connection status and when data is moving over the connection.

In the present embodiments, network processor42is a credit-card size, 64-bit, single-board computer with both USB and Ethernet ports. The current embodiment uses the ROCK64 single-board computer manufactured by PINE64, but any suitable single-board computer could be used. As a result of these connections, data in the bridge is transmitted to and from the Ethernet switch inFIG.13and from there to and from network11.

Returning again toFIG.4B, the SAS data (shown in more detail at50inFIGS.7A and7B) on the RS485A and RS485B lines from each of game jacks36are connected to one side of a galvanic isolator circuit43shown inFIG.4Band in more detail inFIG.6. In the present embodiment, isolation is provided for each signal pair from the game jacks36, like signal pair RS485.5A and RS485.5B inFIG.6, by galvanically-isolated transceivers52. In the present embodiments, transceivers52comprise model number ISO1410 manufactured by Texas Instruments. The other side of each transceiver52generates a TTL signal on 4 lines as shown and is connected to a microcontroller53, shown generally inFIG.4Band with more detail inFIGS.5A and5B.

In the present embodiments, microcontroller53comprises a SAM E53 microcontroller manufactured by Microchip. Each of the four lines of transceivers52is connected to microcontroller53via the correspondingly labeled lines inFIGS.5A and5B, on the one hand, and inFIG.6. These connections are also shown in the diagram ofFIG.4B.

Microcontroller signal lines are also connected to Ethernet switch controllers54,56inFIGS.9A and9C. In the present embodiments, each switch controller is a Realtek RTL8370MB-CG switch controller. Switch controller54controls 100 MB Ethernet communications, and switch controller56controls 1G Ethernet communications.

Both switch controllers54,56are connected to microcontroller53inFIGS.5A and5Bvia the labeled lines shown at the bottom ofFIG.9B. The labels at the bottom ofFIG.9Bcorrespond to labels on microcontroller53lines shown inFIGS.5B. These connections are also shown inFIG.4Bat the lower portion of the microcontroller marked Ethernet Switch Logic. In addition, Ethernet switch controller56is connected to microcontroller53as shown inFIG.9Cin the block labeled RMII Interface (Reduced Media-Independent Interface), although these connections are not shown inFIGS.4A,5A, and5B.

Turning again toFIGS.4A and4B, microcontroller53includes a line58that goes to one of the voltage regulators60inFIG.4A. These include a 5V regulated power supply (not shown in the drawings). The 5V supply supplies network processor42, which requires 5 volts at 3 amps. A signal on line58can be used to shut this power supply down under conditions that will be further explained. There is also a regulated 3V power supply for microcontroller53, which draws considerably less current than network processor42. In addition, there is an isolated regulated 5V power supply drawing 1 amp that supplies power to each GMI12and a 3.3V at 1-amp supply and 1V at 1-amp supply for the Ethernet switches.

Power is provided by power supply61inFIG.4A, which is a 40-Watt supply that provides 12 volts to the voltage regulators. In the present embodiments, it is manufactured by XP Power under model number VEC40US12. It plugs into a conventional power outlet.

Beneath voltage regulators60inFIG.4Ais a tamper detection circuit62, which is shown in more detail inFIG.16. In the present embodiments, the circuit comprises a switch63that includes a magnetic ferrous ball64, which adheres to a plate66that is part of the container for ball64. The plate is relatively flush against a lid68of the metal box (not otherwise shown) that contains bridge14. When the lid is lifted to gain access to bridge14, the ball drops onto a contact70, which completes a circuit between the container for ball64, which is grounded as shown, and contact70, which is connected to the TAMPER line inFIG.4A. This provides a low-state signal to the microcontroller, which in turn sends generates a signal that destroy a cryptographic key in microcontroller53. The key is used to encrypt and decrypt data sent to and from bridge14. Destruction of the key under these circumstances prevents further operation of bridge14and the associated GMIs12until the box containing the bridge can be inspected (either by the manufacturer or the appropriate gaming authority) to confirm that all is in order and there has been no tampering. If that is the case, a new encrypted key is delivered over the network to return bridge14and its associated GMIs12to service.

Beneath tamper detection circuit62is a temperature monitoring circuit72.

And beneath temperature monitoring circuit72is a super-capacitance (supercap) control circuit74, which will be described in more detail after description of bridge14and GMI12.

Before considering operation of the supercap control circuit74, consideration will be given to the manner in which network processor42is connected to other components in bridge14. As previously mentioned, plugs on either end of cable40connect at one end to the Ethernet switch inFIG.13and at the other end to network processor42. This connection is shown diagrammatically inFIGS.4A and4B. This connects network processor42to network11. Network processor42is also connected to microcontroller53via a cable that includes USB, PIO (Programmed Input/Output), and 5V power, as shown inFIG.4A. The jack on bridge14that enables this connection is shown at76inFIG.14with pin labels that correspond to those inFIG.4A. TheFIG.4Adiagram shows these connections in box75marked SBC Connect (SBC is single board computer, namely network processor42). As can be seen on jack76inFIG.14, each of the labeled lines is connected to a correspondingly labeled line in box75, except for PFO, which is tied to the 5V line inFIG.14. Two of the connections, namely MON.USB.DM on line78and MON.USB.DP on line80inFIG.14are filtered via a single pair common mode filter82. The signals on lines78,80are shown with corresponding labels in box75inFIG.4A, which provide USB communication between network processor42and microcontroller53.

FIG.15is a second jack having similar connections to jack76inFIG.14. The jack inFIG.15may be used for diagnostics.

Consideration will now be given to the structure of GMI12and how it is connected to its associated EGM10 and to its associated bridge14. GMI12is shown in several drawings,FIGS.17-20. It is formed on two boards, one of which is a motherboard, indicated generally at77inFIG.20. The motherboard includes 3 jacks78,79,80. Jack78receives a plug (not shown) on one end of a cable13, inFIG.1. The other end of cable13also includes a plug that is connected to any one of game jacks36inFIG.7A and7B, thus connecting GMI12to bridge14.

Jack79is an expansion port, which is not used in the current embodiments. It is available to connect to equipment on an EGM, such as a player tracking unit, a bonus feature, or any other auxiliary device that could be implemented using communications over network11. The pins in jack79are tied to the pins in jack78and therefore may communicate with the pins in the associated gaming jack36to which cable13is connected in the same manner as jack78.

Jack80provides communication between motherboard77and a daughterboard, the components of which are shown inFIGS.17-18. One end of a cable (not shown) is plugged into jack80and the other end of the cable is plugged into a jack82, inFIG.19, on the daughterboard. The signal labels shown on the pins of jack82are connected to correspondingly labeled lines inFIG.17.

A brief description of a typical gaming network into which the present embodiments are installed will aid understanding of how GMI12is further connected. As mentioned above, prior art systems for managing and providing services to EGMs typically include a suite of programs that deal with such things as accounting, cashless tickets, loyalty, and audit functions. The prior art system is referred to herein as a legacy host system. Communication with each EGM and the network that provides these services is made through the primary SAS port of each EGM. The primary SAS port is the only port that permits transfers of credits to and from the machine so must be used whenever money is transferred to and from the EGM, e.g., bonus credits, TITO transactions, etc. As a result, the port to which GMI12must be connected is already connected to the network.

The current embodiments address this situation by connecting to network11in a manner that interposes bridge14between the EGM and the legacy host system. When installing GMI12when a legacy system is present, the cable from the legacy system that is plugged into the primary SAS port of EGM10is first unplugged. Interposing bridge14between the host system and EGM10is accomplished via a jack81inFIG.18, which receives one end of a connector (not shown) that plugs into jack81. Two cables (also not shown) emerge from the plug that connects with jack81. The other end of one of the cables is a male plug that connects to the SAS port (not shown) of EGM10with which GMI12is associated. And the other end of the other cable is a female plug that plugs into the host system cable. As a result, GMI12communicates with both the EGM, the signals of which are labeled EGM.TX (transmit) and EGM.RX (receive) inFIG.18, and the host legacy system, the signals of which are labeled LEGACY.TX and LEGACY.RX inFIG.18. These EGM and legacy signals are on lines on the daughterboard that are correspondingly labeled inFIG.17.

Turning now toFIG.17, a microcontroller82is responsible for, among other things, SAS communications with its associated EGMs. In the present embodiments, microcontroller82comprises a SAMD51G18A microcontroller manufactured by Microchip Technology. The microcontroller includes internal memory, and it is also connected to a ferroelectric random-access memory83. Memory83is an MR45V064B memory manufactured by Lapis Semiconductor Co. in the present embodiments. It can retain data for up to 10 years without a source of power.

A line driver and receiver device, indicated generally at84, is connected to receive and transmit ports on microcontroller82inFIG.17as shown. Device84includes two receive drivers84a,84cand two transmit drivers84b,84d.These drivers are connected to transmit and receive lines for the EGM SAS port and the legacy system port via jack81inFIG.18. In the present embodiments, device84is a TRS3232 manufactured by Texas Instruments.

Microcontroller82is programmed with a SAS replicator. As a result, when the legacy system sends a SAS command, it is received at GMI12by microcontroller83via line driver84cinFIG.17. For example, if a player at the EGM presses the cashout button to receive a TITO ticket for the balance on the EGM credit meter, that command is received by line driver84aand passed to the legacy system via driver84d.When the legacy system determines all is in order, it assigns a ticket number for the TITO ticket and sends that data with a command to issue the ticket, which is received by line drier84c.When this happens, the SAS replicator acknowledges the command, and immediately confirms to the legacy system that it has been executed. This must be done quickly for timing reasons. The confirmation is sent by microcontroller82via the transmit line driven by line driver84d.Next, microcontroller82generates a SAS command to issue the ticket, which is sent to the EGM via line driver84b.

In the event of a power failure that happens between the time bridge14confirms issuance of the ticket to the legacy system and the time the command to issue the ticket is sent to the EGM via line driver84b,the data for this transaction is stored in FeRAM83. When power is restored, the data is retrieved and the transaction is completed. Further attention will be given to the manner in which bridge14responds to a power failure.

In this manner bridge14is interposed between the legacy system and the EGM. If the operator of the EGMs wishes to implement a TITO system provided by a vendor different from the vendor that provided the legacy system, the new TITO system can be implemented as a computer process run by network processor42. When that happens the legacy system may still remain in place because it may be providing other services, such as accounting and collecting player-tracking data. But legacy TITO commands received at driver84care ignored because all TITO communications and commands are being transmitted via line drivers84a,84b.

Many of the new services, such as TITO and bonuses, can be provided via software installed at bridge14. This vastly reduces the regulatory burden. While the software must be approved, in many cases no additional hardware is required. This enables small design firms and even individuals to provide various products that require only new software.

In this way, various services, such as bonusing, dispatch, player-tracking, etc., can be implemented, one at a time, on bridge14while leaving the legacy system in place. An operator of EGMs may be interest in receiving EGM data to use for analytics and reporting. As previously mentioned, most prior art systems poll only for events, such as a cashout, hand-pay jackpot, etc., and current meter values. The present embodiments poll rapidly and continuously to receive data that represents virtually all activity on the EGM, including reel stops, time between game play, and the like. If new data is detected, the present system generates a request to receive all available data. In other words, if the present system detects any available activity, it requests and polls for everything. This provides a robust data stream for reporting and analytics. The present system can be installed to provide only this data stream initially and thereafter be expanded to provide additional services, one at a time, as previously described.

Another line driver85includes a driver and receiver with electrostatic discharge protection. In the present embodiments, line driver85is an SN65HVD72 half-duplex line driver and receiver manufactured by Texas Instruments. Line driver85is connected to the R485.A and RS485.B lines from jack82inFIG.19, which (as shown inFIG.20) is connected via jack80to lines on jack78. As will be recalled jack78is connected to one of game jacks36. These are the transmit and receive lines between GMI12and bridge14.

The signal lines SWCLK and SWDIO are lines that can be used to program flash memory contained in microcontroller82. These lines are connected to the corresponding lines in jack82and from there via a cable (not shown) that connects the motherboard and daughterboard and ultimately via jack78to one of game jacks36on bridge14. This enables the flash memory in microcontroller82to be programmed with code delivered to it over network11.

The four lines that connect to memory83are used to store transactions in process that are contained in a memory of microcontroller82in the event of a power failure, as will be more fully described.

The LED lines on the lower left of microcontroller82drive LEDs that are diagnostic indicators to indicate the status of the communications between the EGM and GMI12and between the legacy host and GMI12.

The remaining components inFIG.17show power supply connections, biasing resistors, and capacitors, which are routinely used in connection with microcontrollers, like microcontroller82.

The present embodiments rely on a number of existing software programs to build the infrastructure of applications and users to trust each other and interact with each other securely and effectively. Consul and Nomad, both open-source programs provided by HashiCorp, provide dynamic application coordination. Vault, also open source and provided by HashiCorp, provides the backbone for security and trust. Kafka, an open source program provided by Apache Software Foundation, provides asynchronous messaging and publish/subscribe functionality for communications from one bridge14to another. These programs enable a single identified bridge14to be a master, e.g., in connection with issuing TITO tickets, and all the others to be slaves. The master tracks and issues ticket numbers at the single bridge14and authorizes other bridges accordingly when a TITO ticket is authorized to be issued. If the master goes out of service, another board is automatically selected to become the new master, thus providing seamless operation.

Consideration will now be given to various backup power supplies, which are each provided by large capacitors that are kept charged during normal operation, i.e., when power supply61inFIG.4Ais connected to power. There are three sources of backup power that each provide a different function.

The first backup power supply is supercap control74inFIG.4A. Although not depicted in a drawing beyondFIG.4A, circuit72includes a high current supercapacitor backup controller and system monitor manufactured by Linear Technology and identified as LTC3350EUHF. This device controls charging of 4 10-Farrad capacitors connected in series.

Along with several power MOSFETs and biasing components, the Linear Technology device maintains a charge on the 4 capacitors. These capacitors back up the 5V and 3.3V regulated power supplies for microcontroller53and various other components.

These capacitors have enough stored charge to provide power to all components on bridge14and its associated GMIs12for at least 30 seconds. If power is out for under 30 seconds, or if it drops below normal levels for a short time, supercap control74maintains power to all components on bridge14and GMIs12associated with the bridge. As a result, normal operation continues without interruption for short power failures and brownouts.

If, however, the power failure extends beyond 30 seconds, supercap control74generates a signal that goes to microcontroller53. In response, microcontroller53launches a process that notifies network processor42that power is about to be lost. In response, bridge14and the GMIs12associated with the bridge begin a partial-shutdown operation and enter a hibernation mode during which a second backup power supply, indicated generally at86inFIG.5B, provides power to microcontroller53only. Power to network processor42, which draws a large current compared to microcontroller53is removed. In addition, any data in microcontroller82inFIG.17on the GMI daughterboard is stored in FeRAM83.

Second backup power supply86includes a 1 amp diode87with a very low voltage drop. In the present embodiments, diode87is a MAX40200 manufactured by Maxim Integrated. Second backup power supply86also includes a 45 Farad capacitor, which has enough charge to run microcontroller53for at least 100 hours. Its only function during this time is to detect a tamper signal from circuit62, inFIGS.4A and16. As will be recalled, the cryptographic key expires every48hours and a new encrypted key is delivered over the network. If the power is out long enough for the key to expire, no new key will be delivered. Or if the tamper circuit detects that the box containing bridge14is opened, the key will be destroyed.

In either of these circumstances, the box containing bridge14must be inspected, by either the manufacturer or an appropriate gaming authority, and reset to receive a new key when the box is reinstalled. This procedure provides a highly secure environment for data transactions handled by bridge14.

A third backup power supply comprises a capacitor88inFIG.20. This capacitor maintains power to microcontroller83for a short time in the event cable13is unplugged. As will be recalled, cable13provides power to GMI12. When the voltage on capacitor88drops below a predefined value, microcontroller82shuts down in the same manner as when it receives a signal from bridge14indicating that power supply61is no longer providing sufficient power to run bridge14. As a result, if cable13is unplugged, any SAS data in microcontroller82is stored in FeRAM83. When power is restored, i.e., when cable13is plugged back in, that data is retrieved and microcontroller82resumes processing where it left off.