Method and apparatus for operating networked gaming devices
First Claim
1. A method of providing feedback to a user inserting a user identification card having a unique user identification code encoded thereon into a gaming device, the method comprising:
- receiving the card into a card reader opening defined by a translucent bezel having a front side and a rear side;
sensing the code on the card;
determining whether the sensed code is a valid identification code; and
lighting the bezel from the rear side about the periphery thereof with a first lighting mode if the sensed code is a valid identification code and with a second lighting mode if the sensed code is not a valid identification code.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands. The gaming device reconfigures its payout schedule responsive to the reconfiguration commands to provide a variety of promotional bonuses such as multiple jackpot bonuses, mystery jackpot bonuses, progressive jackpot bonuses, or player specific bonuses.
735 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method of providing feedback to a user inserting a user identification card having a unique user identification code encoded thereon into a gaming device, the method comprising:
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receiving the card into a card reader opening defined by a translucent bezel having a front side and a rear side; sensing the code on the card; determining whether the sensed code is a valid identification code; and lighting the bezel from the rear side about the periphery thereof with a first lighting mode if the sensed code is a valid identification code and with a second lighting mode if the sensed code is not a valid identification code. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A card reader having user feedback which reads a user identification card having a user identification number encoded thereon comprising:
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a translucent bezel defining a card reader opening; means for sensing the user identification code on the card; means for determining whether the sensed number is a valid identification code; and
means for illuminating said bezel with a first lighting mode if the sensed code is avalid identification code and with a second lighting mode if the sensed code is not a valid identification code, said illuminating means being located adjacent a rear surface of said bezel. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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- 13. A card reader having user feedback according to claim illuminating 12 wherein the means includes a plurality of light emitting diodes disposed around the card reader opening.
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21. A method of providing feedback to a user inserting a user identification card having a unique user identification code encoded thereon a card reader on one of a plurality of gaming devices interconnected by a computer network to a host computer, the method comprising:
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receiving the user'"'"'s card in an opening on the card reader defined by a translucent bezel having a front side and a rear side; sensing the code on the card; tracking the user'"'"'s play on the gaming device; and lighting the bezel from the rear side about the periphery thereof with a predetermined lighting mode to provide the user with information relating to his or her play. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A system for tracking players of a plurality of gaming devices interconnected by a computer network to a host computer comprising:
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a translucent bezel defining a card reader opening; a sensor operative to sense a user identification code on a card insertable in the opening; means for monitoring the user'"'"'s play; a light positioned on a rear side of said bezel; and means for operating said light in a manner which indicates eligibility for a bonus award based on the user'"'"'s play. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31)
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Specification