Peripheral device download method and apparatus

• US 5,759,102 A
• Filed: 02/12/1996
• Issued: 06/02/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 02/12/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: International Game Technology
• Original Assignee: International Game Technology
• Inventors: Luciano, Robert, Pease, Logan L.
• Primary Examiner(s): MANUEL, GEORGE C
• Application Number:
  US08/600,311
• Time in Patent Office: 841 Days
• Field of Search: 463/40, 463/41, 463/42, 463/43, 463/44, 463/30, 273/371, 324/74, 324/130, 221/3, 221/9, 235/380, 235/381, 235/382, 370/422, 370/423, 370/424, 340/825, 340/825.06, 340/825.07, 340/825.08
• US Class Current: 463/42
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/12 involving interaction between a plurality of game devices, e.g. transmisison or distribution systems protocols for networked virtual reality, networked games H04L29/06034
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/30 Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/206 Game information storage, e.g. cartridges, CD ROM's, DVD's, smart cards
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/50 characterized by details of game servers
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/552 for downloading to client devices, e.g. using OS version, hardware or software profile of the client device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/60 Software deployment
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/323 wherein the player is informed, e.g. advertisements, odds, instructions

Abstract

Memories in peripherals, coupled to a gaming terminal, are reprogrammed by a method and apparatus which includes transmitting information from an external information source to a gaming terminal. The information is then transmitted from the gaming terminal to the peripheral device, preferably without the need for control by the external information source.

Claims

1. In an electronic gaming system, a method for providing first information for storage in a first memory of a peripheral device coupled to a computer gaming terminal, said computer gaming terminal having a second memory for storing programming for said computer gaming terminal, the method comprising:

providing said first memory as a programmable memory coupled to said peripheral device, wherein said first memory is different from said second memory;

transmitting said first information from an external source to said computer gaming terminal;

transmitting said first information from said computer gaming terminal for receipt by said peripheral device;

storing said first information in said first memory;

using said first information during operation of said peripheral device.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said peripheral device is a currency acceptor.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said peripheral device is a card reader.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said peripheral device is a coin acceptor.

5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first memory is selected from among EEPROM and flash memory.

6. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said external source is a portable source.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein said portable source is a portable computer.

8. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said communication source is an optical link.

9. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said external source is a central computer coupled to a plurality of computer terminals.

10. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said communication link is a local area network.

11. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said step of transmitting said first information from an external source is performed before said step of transmitting said first information from said computer terminal.

12. An electronic gaming system with a capability for peripheral device reprogramming comprising:

a central computer coupled by a local area network to a plurality of gaming terminals, each gaming terminal including a microprocessor, a memory and a communications module;

at least first and second peripheral devices coupled to at least first and second of said plurality of gaming terminals, respectively, each of said first and second peripheral devices including a processor, and a communications module, coupled to said communications module of a gaming terminal;

a flash memory for holding a program which determines the manner in which said processor of said peripheral device operates;

wherein said central computer and first and second gaming terminals are configured to transmit a first program from said central computer to said first and second gaming terminals for receipt by said communication modules of said first and second gaming terminals and storage in said memories of said first and second gaming terminals; and

wherein said first and second gaming terminals and first and second peripheral devices are configured to transmit said program from said first and second gaming terminals to said first and second peripheral devices for storage in said flash memories of said first and second peripheral devices for use in controlling operation of said first and second peripheral devices.

13. An electronic gaming system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said peripheral devices comprise currency acceptors.

14. In an electronic gaming system, apparatus for providing first information for storage in a first memory of a peripheral device coupled to a computer gaming terminal, said computer gaming terminal having a second memory for storing programming for said computer gaming terminal, said first memory being a programmable memory coupled to said peripheral device, different from said second memory, the apparatus comprising:

means for transmitting said first information from an external source to said computer gaming terminal;

means for transmitting said first information from said computer gaming terminal for receipt by said peripheral device; and

means for storing said first information in said first memory for use during operation of said peripheral device.