Patent ID: 7537520

Claim:
A modular bingo system comprising: a first ball console module at which an operator is stationed to conduct a first bingo game, said first ball console module having opposing left and right sides and including: first bingo ball chamber into which a first plurality of numbered bingo balls are loaded and from which the first bingo balls are dispensed in an unpredictable order; a first ball tray into which the operator places first bingo balls dispensed from the first ball chamber, the first ball tray having a plurality of ball receiving locations corresponding to the plurality of first bingo balls, each receiving location designated for one specific numbered first bingo ball; a first switch matrix that identifies where bingo balls have been placed in the first ball tray; and, a first ball console computer that monitors the first switch matrix and transmits data regarding its state from the first ball console module; and, a primary console module separate and distinct from the first ball console module, said primary console module arranged to be selectively positioned on either side of the first ball console module, said primary console module receiving the data regarding the state of the first switch matrix from the first ball console module and including: a main computer distinct from said first ball console computer and operatively connected thereto, said main computer programmed to conduct a bingo game; an input device by which the operator enters commands into the main computer; a local display operatively connected to said main computer; said local display displaying game information under the control of said main computer; a holder upon which the local display is supported, said holder providing a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement for selectively adjusting the position of the local display relative to the primary console; and, a data router operatively connected to the main computer, said data router providing communications links for the exchange of data between the main computer, the first ball console computer and a remote display indicating gaming data, wherein the data router monitors the communications link with the main computer such that if the communications link with the main computer fails, then in response thereto the data router: (i) produces a signal sent to the first ball console computer to automatically place the first ball console module in the manual play mode; and (ii) routes data regarding the state of the first switch matrix from the first ball console module to the remote display wherein the data router also provides power from the primary console module to the first ball console computer, wherein the data router comprises: a central processing unit that controls operation of the data router under the direction of programming stored in a memory; a plurality of interfaces providing connectivity to the main computer, the first ball console computer and the flashboard; and, a data bus upon which the interfaces are operatively supported.