Method and apparatus for operating networked gaming devices
First Claim
1. A method of operating gaming devices interconnected by a computer network to a host computer comprising:
- issuing a unique identification card to a player of one of the gaming devices;
receiving the card into a translucent card-reader bezel on the gaming device;
sensing a user identification code on the card;
actuating a plurality of lights that are behind the bezel if the sensed code is a valid identification code; and
tracking the user'"'"'s play responsive to sensing 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.
798 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A method of operating gaming devices interconnected by a computer network to a host computer comprising:
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issuing a unique identification card to a player of one of the gaming devices; receiving the card into a translucent card-reader bezel on the gaming device; sensing a user identification code on the card; actuating a plurality of lights that are behind the bezel if the sensed code is a valid identification code; and tracking the user'"'"'s play responsive to sensing 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 for reading a user identification card having a user identification code thereon comprising:
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a card-reader face; a first opening for receiving the card, said opening being defined in said face; a substantially planar board having a second opening defined therethrough, said board being mounted on a rear side of said card-reader face with said first and second openings in substantial alignment; a plurality of lights mounted on a front side of said board, said lights being adjacent and substantially surrounding the second opening and further being visible from a front side of said card-reader face; means for sensing the user identification code on the card; means for determining whether the sensed code is a valid identification code; means for actuating the lights in a first lighting mode if the sensed code is a valid identification code; and means for actuating the lights in a second lighting mode if the sensed code is not a valid identification code. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A card reader for reading a user identification card having a user identification code thereon comprising:
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a unique user identification card; a card reader including an elongate slot having first and second sides, said card being receivable in said slot; a bezel mounted on said card reader and having first and second sides substantially parallel to and adjacent said first and second slot sides; an elongate lighting mechanism mounted on said bezel, said lighting mechanism extending parallel to and substantially along the length of said slot, said lighting mechanism being constructed and arranged to emit light in a first lighting mode when said card is not received in said slot and to emit light in a second lighting mode when said card is received in said slot. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification