Method and apparatus for operating networked gaming devices
First Claim
1. A method of operating gaming devices interconnected by a host computer having a user-operated input device comprising:
- associating each gaming device with a unique address code;
preselecting less than all of the gaming devices interconnected by the host computer responsive to a user-effected action at the input device which identifies the preselected gaming devices with the respective associated address codes;
using the network to track activity of the preselected gaming devices;
initiating a bonus play period;
issuing a command over the network to each of said preselected gaming devices responsive to initiation of the bonus play period; and
paying a bonus at each of said preselected gaming devices in accordance with the command.
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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.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of operating gaming devices interconnected by a host computer having a user-operated input device comprising:
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associating each gaming device with a unique address code; preselecting less than all of the gaming devices interconnected by the host computer responsive to a user-effected action at the input device which identifies the preselected gaming devices with the respective associated address codes; using the network to track activity of the preselected gaming devices; initiating a bonus play period; issuing a command over the network to each of said preselected gaming devices responsive to initiation of the bonus play period; and paying a bonus at each of said preselected gaming devices in accordance with the command. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 17, 18, 19)
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10. A method of operating gaming devices interconnected by a host computer having a user-operated input device comprising:
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associating each gaming device with a unique address code; preselecting less than all of the gaming devices interconnected by the host computer responsive to a user-effected action at the input device which identifies the preselected gaming devices with the respective associated address codes; using the network to track activity of the preselected gaming devices; issuing a command over the network to one of said preselected gaming devices responsive to a predetermined event; and paying at said one gaming device in accordance with the command. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification