Integrated display and input system

• US 8,342,935 B1
• Filed: 09/28/2001
• Issued: 01/01/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 09/28/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sg Gaming, Inc. (Light & Wonder Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Bally Gaming Incorporated (Light & Wonder Incorporated)
• Inventors: Morrow, James, Hein, Marvin
• Primary Examiner(s): Lewis, David L
• Assistant Examiner(s): Thomas, Eric M
• Application Number:
  US09/967,221
• Time in Patent Office: 4,113 Days
• Field of Search: 463/1, 463/21, 463/23, 463/25, 463/29, 463/42, 463/31, 463 16- 20, 463/30, 700 2- 4, 700/11, 700 90- 91, 702/85, 705/1, 705/18, 713182-187, 713200-202
• US Class Current: 463/20
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0488 using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0641 Shopping interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0014 for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00 meter-controlled dispensing of liquid, gas or electricity G07F15/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3202 Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3204 Player-machine interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3209 Input means, e.g. buttons, touch screen
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3227 Configuring a gaming machine, e.g. downloading personal settings, selecting working parameters
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/323 wherein the player is informed, e.g. advertisements, odds, instructions
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3241 Security aspects of a gaming system, e.g. detecting cheating, device integrity, surveillance computer security G06F21/00

Abstract

A display and input system 10 provides an enhanced means for displaying service and system information 14 from a system network 18 to a player and to a casino employee. The display and input system 10 enables part or all of a video display screen 40 in a gaming device 50, which had previously been used only as a gaming interface 30, to be utilized as a systems interface 20 for data entry and retrieval of the service and system information 14. This provides a dramatic improvement over traditional system components 60 (input/output peripherals) that have been used as in the past to access service and system information 14 from the system network 18, such as 2-line, 20 character VF displays and 12-digit keypads. The display and input system 10, does not control game play itself (e.g., game play betting, game play flow, or game play operation). Rather, the system 10 provides a limited form of game play monitoring, indirectly, with respect to the monitoring player points.

Claims

1. A display and input system for integrating service and system functions with gaming functions via a display screen of a gaming device, the gaming device utilizing a multiple processor gaming platform, wherein at least one processor is capable of hard real time processing, and an additional processor is capable of supporting a graphic user interface;

the display and input system comprising;

a gaming interface incorporated within the display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the gaming interface enables a player to view a wagering game through the display screen and participate in the wagering game through the display screen;

a systems interface incorporated into the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the systems interface displays non-gaming system information from a system network through the gaming platform to a casino player or employee via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, and wherein the systems interface allows requests to be input into the system network from the systems interface through the gaming platform by a casino player or employee, and

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network.

2. The display and input system of claim 1, wherein the insertion of an identification card, on which only identification data is embedded, into a card reader activates the systems interface on the display screen.

3. The display and input system of claim 1, wherein the system functions interface includes a player services interface and an employee systems interface, and wherein insertion of an authorized player identification card, upon which only identification data is embedded, into a card reader activates the player services interface in the display screen which provides a player access to service features.

4. The display and input system of claim 1, wherein the system functions interface includes a player services interface and an employee systems interface, and wherein insertion of an authorized employee identification card, upon which only identification data is embedded, into a card reader activates the employee systems interface in the display screen which provides an employee access to system information.

5. The display and input system of claim 1, further comprising a converter card connected to the additional processor, wherein the converter card enables a systems logic process to facilitate communication between the systems interface and a system network which contains system information.

6. The display and input system of claim 1, further comprising a Y adapter that allows communication between the display screen and both the at least one processor and the additional processor.

7. The display and input system of claim 1, wherein the additional processor further includes calibration software that enables the additional processor to calibrate the display of system information on the display screen.

8. The display and input system of claim 1, wherein the systems interface utilizes touchscreen technology for inputting and accessing system information in the systems network.

9. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the gaming device utilizes a multiple processor platform, wherein the at least one processor supports hard real time processing for hardware applications, and the additional processor supports a graphic user interface,

wherein the at least one processor runs hard real time tasks related to controlling game peripherals;

wherein either the at least one processor or the additional processor runs a game logic process that includes the game rules necessary to generate a wagering game in the gaming interface;

wherein the additional processor runs a systems logic process that provides access to system information on a system network via the systems interface; and

wherein the additional processor also runs a game display process that includes the audiovisual functionality necessary to generate a wagering game via the gaming interface, wherein the systems logic process is maintained as a separate process from the game display process.

10. The display and input system of claim 9, wherein the gaming display screen includes a small region that, when selected, activates the systems interface.

11. The display and input system of claim 10, wherein the game display process is a master process and the systems logic process is a slave process, and wherein the game display process recognizes when the small region of the display screen is selected, and relinquishes control of the display screen to the systems logic process, allowing communication between the systems interface and a system network.

12. The display and input system of claim 9, further comprising a message section on the display screen, wherein the section of the display screen is allocated for showing messages to a player of the gaming device.

13. The display and input system of claim 12, wherein the message section of the display screen is dedicated to control by the systems logic process, and is free from control by the game display process.

14. The display and input system of claim 9, wherein the systems logic process and the game display process are separate processes that each comprise an independent thread.

15. The display and input system of claim 9, wherein the systems logic process is modifiable without impacting the game display process, and wherein the game display process is modifiable without impacting the systems logic process, thereby providing security and compatibility.

16. A display and input system for integrating service and system functions with gaming functions via a display screen of a gaming device within a gaming system, the gaming system including a system network containing system information;

a gaming device utilizing a multiple processor gaming platform, wherein at least one processor is capable of hard real time processing, and an additional processor is capable of supporting a graphic user interface; and

a network interface for connecting the gaming device to the system network;

the display and input system comprising;

a gaming interface incorporated within the display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the gaming interface enables a player to view a wagering game through the display screen and participate in the wagering game through the display screen;

a systems interface incorporated into the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the systems interface displays non-gaming system information from the system network through the gaming platform to a casino player or employee via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, and wherein the systems interface allows requests to be input into the system network from the systems interface through the gaming platform by a casino player or employee, and

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network.

17. The display and input system of claim 16, wherein the systems interface includes system information input and display capabilities.

18. The display and input system of claim 16, wherein the systems interface utilizes touchscreen technology for inputting and accessing system information in the systems network.

19. The display and input system of claim 16, further comprising a card reader, wherein the card reader functions to read identification cards, upon which only identification data is embedded.

20. The display and input system of claim 16, wherein the systems interface includes a player services interface and an employee systems interface.

21. The display and input system of claim 20, wherein the player services interface provides player access to service features including ordering beverages and receiving change.

22. The display and input system of claim 20, wherein the employee systems interface provides employee access to system information selected from a group including game information, game monitoring unit address, test mode, machine reservation, hopper status, account meters, program state, and a meter zeroing function.

23. The display and input system of claim 20, further comprising a card reader, and wherein insertion of an authorized player identification card into the card reader activates the player services interface in the gaming display screen.

24. The display and input system of claim 20, further comprising a card reader, and wherein insertion of an authorized employee identification card into the card reader activates the employee systems interface in the gaming display screen.

25. The display and input system of claim 16, wherein the gaming system includes a game logic process and a game display process that generate a wagering game via the gaming interface, and a systems logic process that generates communication between the system network and the systems interface.

26. The display and input system of claim 16, wherein the gaming device utilizes a multiple processor platform, wherein the at least one processor supports hard real time processing for hardware applications, and the additional processor supports a graphic user interface, and

wherein the at least one processor runs hard real time tasks related to controlling game peripherals;

wherein either the at least one processor or the additional processor runs a game logic process that includes the game rules necessary to generate a wagering game in the gaming interface;

wherein the additional processor runs a systems logic process that provides access to system information on a system network via the systems interface; and

wherein the additional processor also runs a game display process that includes the audiovisual functionality necessary to generate a wagering game in the gaming interface, wherein the systems logic process is maintained as a separate process from the game display process.

27. The display and input system of claim 26, wherein the gaming display screen includes a small region that, when selected, activates the systems interface.

28. The display and input system of claim 27, wherein the game display process is a master process and the systems logic process is a slave process, and wherein the game display process recognizes when the small region of the display screen is selected, and relinquishes control of the display screen to the systems logic process, allowing communication between the systems interface and the system network.

29. The display and input system of claim 26, further comprising a message section on the display screen, wherein the section of the display screen is allocated for showing messages to a player of the gaming device.

30. The display and input system of claim 29, wherein the message section of the display screen is dedicated to control by the systems logic process, and is free from control by the game display process.

31. The display and input system of claim 26, wherein the systems logic process and the game display process are separate processes that each comprise an independent thread.

32. The display and input system of claim 26, wherein the systems logic process is modifiable without impacting the game display process, and wherein the game display process is modifiable without impacting the systems logic process, thereby providing security and compatibility.

33. The display and input system of claim 26, wherein the game display process that runs the gaming interface supports a graphic user interface based wagering game.

34. The display and input system of claim 26, further comprising a game monitoring unit having a converter card.

35. The display and input system of claim 34, wherein the game monitoring unit includes a network interface card.

36. The display and input system of claim 34, wherein the converter card utilizes I2C hardware and signaling.

37. The display and input system of claim 34, wherein the converter card enables the systems logic process to communicate with the systems interface and the system network.

38. The display and input system of claim 16, further comprising a Y adapter that connects the display screen to both the at least one processor and the additional processor.

39. The display and input system of claim 16, wherein the additional processor further includes calibration software that enables the additional processor to calibrate the display of system information via the display screen.

40. The display and input system of claim 16, wherein integrating the systems interface via the display screen lowers overall system costs due to hardware elimination and reduces maintenance costs due to fewer hardware parts.

41. A display and input system for integrating service and system functions with gaming functions via a display screen of a gaming device, the gaming device utilizing a multiple processor gaming platform, wherein at least one processor is capable of hard real time processing, and an additional processor is capable of supporting a graphic user interface;

wherein either the at least one processor or the additional processor runs a game logic process that includes the game rules necessary to generate a wagering game; and

wherein the additional processor runs a game display process that includes an audiovisual functionality necessary to generate a wagering game the display and input system comprising;

a gaming interface incorporated within the display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the gaming interface enables a player to view a wagering game through the display screen and participate in the wagering game through the display screen;

a systems interface produced by a systems logic process and that is viewable on the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the systems interface provides access to non-gaming system information on the system network through the gaming platform via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, and wherein the systems interface allows requests to be input into the system network from the systems interface through the gaming platform by a casino player or employee;

wherein the additional processor of the gaming platform runs the systems logic process that provides access to non-gaming system information on the system network through the gaming platform via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform; and

wherein the systems logic process is maintained as a separate process from the game display process;

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network;

a converter card enabling the additional processor to communicate with the systems interface and a system network;

a Y adapter that enables communication between the display screen and both the at least one processor and the additional processor; and

calibration software that enables the additional processor to calibrate the display of system information on the display screen.

42. A display and input system for integrating service and system functions with gaming functions via a display screen of a gaming device within a gaming system, the gaming system including a system network containing system information;

a gaming device utilizing a multiple processor gaming platform, wherein at least one processor is capable of hard real time processing, and an additional processor is capable of supporting a graphic user interface;

wherein either the at least one processor or the additional processor runs a game logic process that includes the game rules necessary to generate a wagering game; and

wherein the additional processor runs a game display process that includes audiovisual functionality necessary to generate a wagering game; and

a network interface for connecting the gaming device to the system network;

the display and input system comprising;

a gaming interface incorporated within the display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the gaming interface enables a player to view a wagering game through the display screen and participate in the wagering game through the display screen;

a systems interface produced by a systems logic process and that is viewable on the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the systems interface provides access to the non-gaming system information on the system network through the gaming platform via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform; and

wherein the systems interface allows requests to be input into the system network from the systems interface through the gaming platform by a casino player or employee;

wherein the additional processor of the gaming platform runs the systems logic process that provides access to non-gaming system information on the system network through the gaming platform via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform; and

wherein the systems logic process is maintained as a separate process from the game display process;

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network;

a converter card that enables the additional processor to communicate with the systems interface and the system network;

a Y adapter that enables communication between the display screen and both the at least one processor and the additional processor; and

calibration software that enables the additional processor to calibrate the display of system information on the display screen.

43. A gaming system for integrating gaming functions and system functions via a display screen of a gaming platform in a gaming device, the gaming system comprising:

a system network containing system information;

a network interface for connecting a gaming device to the system network;

a gaming interface incorporated into the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the gaming interface enables a player to view a wagering game through the display screen and wherein the gaming interface enables a player to participate in a wagering game;

a systems interface incorporated into the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the systems interface displays non-gaming system information from the system network through the gaming platform to a casino player or employee via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform;

wherein the systems interface allows requests to be input into the system network from the systems interface through the gaming platform by a casino player or employee, and

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network.

44. The gaming system of claim 43, wherein the systems interface utilizes touchscreen technology for inputting and accessing system information in the systems network.

45. The gaming system of claim 43, further comprising a card reader, wherein the card reader functions to read identification cards, upon which only identification data is embedded.

46. The gaming system of claim 43, wherein the systems interface includes a player services interface and an employee systems interface.

47. The gaming system of claim 46, wherein the player services interface provides player access to service features including ordering beverages and receiving change.

48. The gaming system of claim 46, wherein the employee systems interface provides an employee access to system information selected from a group including game information, game monitoring unit address, test mode, machine reservation, hopper status, account meters, program state, and a meter zeroing function.

49. The gaming system of claim 46, further comprising a card reader, and wherein insertion of an authorized player identification card into the card reader activates the player services interface in the gaming display screen.

50. The gaming system of claim 46, further comprising a card reader, and wherein insertion of an authorized employee identification card into the card reader activates the employee systems interface in the gaming display screen.

51. The gaming system of claim 43, wherein the gaming system includes a game logic process and a game display process that generate a wagering game in the gaming interface, and a systems logic process that generates communication between the system network and the systems interface.

52. The gaming system of claim 43, wherein the gaming device utilizes a multiple processor platform, wherein a plurality of processors support hard real time processing tasks, and an additional processor supports a graphic user interface, and

wherein the plurality of processors run hard real time tasks related to controlling game peripherals;

wherein the additional processor runs a systems logic process that provides access to system information on a system network via the systems interface; and

wherein the additional processor also runs a game display process and a game logic process that together manage all game control necessary to generate a wagering game, wherein the systems logic process is maintained as a separate process from the game display process.

53. The gaming system of claim 43, wherein the gaming device utilizes a multiple processor platform, wherein at least one processor supports hard real time processing for hardware applications, and an additional processor supports a graphic user interface, and

wherein the at least one processor runs a game logic process that includes the game rules necessary to generate a wagering game in the gaming interface;

wherein the additional processor runs a systems logic process that provides access to system information on a system network via the systems interface; and

wherein the additional processor also runs a game display process that includes audiovisual functionality necessary to generate a wagering game via the gaming interface, wherein the systems logic process is maintained as a separate process from the game display process.

54. The gaming system of claim 53, wherein the gaming display screen includes a small region that, when selected, activates the systems interface.

55. The gaming system of claim 54, wherein the game display process is a master process and the systems logic process is a slave process, and wherein the game display process recognizes when the small region of the display screen is selected, and relinquishes control of the display screen to the systems logic process, allowing communication between the systems interface and the system network.

56. The gaming system of claim 53, further comprising a message section on the display screen, wherein the section of the display screen is allocated for showing messages to a player of the gaming device.

57. The gaming system of claim 56, wherein the message section on the display screen is dedicated to control by the systems logic process, and is free from control by the game display process.

58. The gaming system of claim 53, wherein the systems logic process and the game display process are separate processes, each comprising an independent thread.

59. The gaming system of claim 53, wherein the systems logic process is modifiable without impacting the game display process, and wherein the game display process is modifiable without impacting the systems logic process, thereby providing security and compatibility.

60. The gaming system of claim 53, wherein the game display process that runs the gaming interface supports a graphic user interface based wagering game.

61. The gaming system of claim 43, further comprising a game monitoring unit having a converter card.

62. The gaming system of claim 61, wherein the game monitoring unit includes a network interface card.

63. The gaming system of claim 61, wherein the converter card utilizes I2C hardware and signaling.

64. The gaming system of claim 61, wherein the converter card enables the systems logic process to communicate with the systems interface and the system network.

65. The gaming system of claim 43, further comprising a Y adapter that enables communication between the display screen and both the at least one processor and the additional processor.

66. The gaming system of claim 43, wherein the additional processor further includes calibration software that enables the additional processor to calibrate the display of system information on the display screen.

67. The gaming system of claim 43, wherein integrating the systems interface into the display screen lowers overall system costs due to hardware elimination and reduces maintenance costs.

68. A gaming device having a display screen and a card reader, the gaming device comprising:

a gaming device utilizing a multiple processor gaming platform, wherein a plurality of processors support hard real time processing tasks, and an additional processor supports a graphic user interface,

wherein the plurality of processors run hard real time tasks related to controlling game peripherals;

wherein the additional processor runs a systems logic process that provides access to non-gaming system information on a system network through the gaming platform via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform; and

wherein the additional processor also runs a game display process and a game logic process that together manage all game control necessary to generate a wagering game, wherein the systems logic process is maintained as a separate process from the game display process; and

a gaming interface produced by the game logic process and the game display process, that is viewable on the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the gaming interface enables a player to participate in the wagering game; and

a systems interface produced by the systems logic process that is viewable on the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the systems interface provides access to non-gaming system information on the system network through the gaming platform via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, and

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network.

69. A gaming device having a display screen and a card reader, the gaming device comprising:

a gaming device utilizing a multiple processor gaming platform, wherein at least one processor is capable of hard real time processing, and an additional processor is capable of supporting a graphic user interface,

wherein the at least one processor runs a game logic process that includes the game rules necessary to generate a wagering game;

wherein the additional processor runs a systems logic process that provides access to non-gaming system information on a system network through the gaming platform via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform; and

wherein the additional processor also runs a game display process that includes audiovisual functionality necessary to generate the wagering game, wherein the systems logic process is maintained as a separate process from the game display process; and

a gaming interface produced by the game logic process and the game display process, that is viewable on the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the gaming interface enables a player to participate in the wagering game; and

a systems interface produced by the systems logic process that is viewable on the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the systems interface provides access to non-gaming system information on the system network through the gaming platform via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, and

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network.

70. The gaming device of claim 69, wherein insertion of an identification card, upon which only identification data is embedded, into the card reader activates the systems interface on the display screen.

71. The gaming device of claim 69, wherein the system functions interface includes a player services interface and an employee systems interface, and wherein insertion of an authorized player identification card, upon which only identification data is embedded, into the card reader activates the player services interface on the display screen which provides a player access to service features.

72. The gaming device of claim 69, wherein the system functions interface includes a player services interface and an employee systems interface, and wherein insertion of an authorized employee identification card, upon which only identification data is embedded, into the card reader activates the employee systems interface on the display screen which provides an employee access to system information.

73. The gaming device of claim 69, further comprising a converter card connected to the additional processor, wherein the converter card enables the systems logic process to facilitate communication between the systems interface and a system network which contains system information.

74. The gaming device of claim 69, further comprising a Y adapter that enables communication between the display screen and both the at least one processor and the additional processor.

75. The gaming device of claim 69, wherein the additional processor further includes calibration software that enables the additional processor to calibrate the display of system information on the display screen.

76. The gaming device of claim 69, wherein the systems interface utilizes touchscreen technology for inputting and accessing system information in the systems network.

77. The gaming device of claim 69, wherein the gaming display screen includes a small region that, when selected, activates the systems interface.

78. The gaming device of claim 77, wherein the game display process is a master process and the systems logic process is a slave process, and wherein the game display process recognizes when the small region of the display screen is selected, and relinquishes control of the display screen to the systems logic process, allowing communication between the systems interface and a system network.

79. The gaming device of claim 69, further comprising a message section of the display screen, wherein the section of the display screen is allocated for showing messages to a player of the gaming device.

80. The gaming device of claim 79, wherein the message section of the display screen is dedicated to control by the systems logic process, and is free from control by the game display process.

81. The gaming device of claim 69, wherein the systems logic process and the game display process are separate processes, each comprising an independent thread.

82. The gaming device of claim 69, wherein the systems logic process is modifiable without impacting the game display process, and wherein the game display process is modifiable without impacting the systems logic process.

83. A gaming system for integrating gaming functions and system functions into a display screen in a gaming device, the gaming system comprising:

a system network containing system information;

a gaming device utilizing a multiple processor gaming platform, wherein a plurality of processors support hard real time processing tasks, and an additional processor supports a graphic user interface, and

wherein the plurality of processors run hard real time tasks related to controlling game peripherals;

wherein the additional processor runs a systems logic process that provides access to non-gaming system information on a system network through the gaming platform via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform; and

wherein the additional processor also runs a game display process and a game logic process that together manage all game control necessary to generate a wagering game, wherein the systems logic process is maintained as a separate process from the game display process;

a network interface for connecting the gaming device to the system network;

a gaming interface produced by the game logic process and the game display process, viewable on the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the gaming interface enables a player to participate in the wagering game; and

a systems interface produced by the systems logic process that is viewable on the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the systems interface provides access to non-gaming system information on the system network through the gaming platform via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform; and

wherein the systems interface allows requests to be input into the system network from the systems interface through the gaming platform by a casino player or employee, and

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network.

84. A gaming system for integrating gaming functions and system functions into a display screen in a gaming device, the gaming system comprising:

a system network containing system information;

a gaming device utilizing a multiple processor gaming platform, wherein at least one processor is capable of hard real time processing, and an additional processor is capable of supporting a graphic user interface;

wherein the at least one processor runs a game logic process that includes the game rules necessary to generate a wagering game;

wherein the additional processor runs a systems logic process that provides access to non-gaming system information on a system network through the gaming platform via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform; and

wherein the additional processor also runs game display process that includes audiovisual functionality necessary to generate the wagering game, wherein the systems logic process is maintained as a separate process from the game display process;

a network interface for connecting the gaming device to the system network;

a gaming interface produced by the game logic process and the game display process, viewable on the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the gaming interface enables a player to participate in the wagering game; and

a systems interface produced by the systems logic process that is viewable on the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the systems interface provides access to non-gaming system information on the system network through the gaming platform via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform; and

wherein the systems interface allows requests to be input into the system network from the systems interface through the gaming platform by a casino player or employee, and

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network.

85. The gaming system of claim 84, wherein the systems interface utilizes touchscreen technology for inputting and accessing system information in the systems network.

86. The gaming system of claim 84, further comprising a card reader, wherein the card reader functions to read identification cards, upon which only identification data is embedded.

87. The gaming system of claim 84, wherein the gaming display screen includes a small region that, when selected, activates the systems interface.

88. The gaming system of claim 87, wherein the game display process is a master process and the systems logic process is a slave process, and wherein the game display process recognizes when the small region on the display screen is selected, and relinquishes control of the display screen to the systems logic process, allowing communication between the systems interface and the system network.

89. The gaming system of claim 84, further comprising a message section of the display screen, wherein the section of the display screen is allocated for showing messages to a player of the gaming device.

90. The gaming system of claim 89, wherein the message section of the display screen is dedicated to control by the systems logic process, and is free from control by the game display process.

91. The gaming system of claim 84, wherein the systems logic process and the game display process are separate processes, each comprising an independent thread.

92. The gaming system of claim 84, wherein the systems logic process is modifiable without impacting the game display process, and wherein the game display process is modifiable without impacting the systems logic process.

93. The gaming system of claim 84, wherein the game display process that runs the gaming interface supports a graphic user interface based wagering game.

94. The gaming system of claim 84, further comprising a game monitoring unit having a converter card.

95. The gaming system of claim 94, wherein the game monitoring unit includes a network interface card.

96. The gaming system of claim 94, wherein the converter card utilizes I2C hardware and signaling.

97. The gaming system of claim 94, wherein the converter card enables the systems logic process to communicate with the systems interface and the system network.

98. The gaming system of claim 84, further comprising a Y adapter that enables communication between the display screen and both the at least one processor and the additional processor.

99. The gaming system of claim 84, wherein the additional processor further includes calibration software that enables the additional processor to calibrate the display of system information on the display screen.

100. A gaming device having a display screen and a card reader, the gaming device comprising:

a gaming device utilizing a multiple processor gaming platform, wherein at least one processor is capable of hard real time processing, and an additional processor is capable of supporting a graphic user interface, and

a gaming interface incorporated into the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the gaming interface enables a player to view a wagering game through the display screen and wherein the gaming interface enables a player to participate in a wagering game;

a systems interface incorporated into the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the systems interface displays non-gaming system information from the system network through the gaming platform to a casino player or employee via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform; and

wherein the systems interface allows requests to be input into the system network from the systems interface through the gaming platform by a casino player or employee, and

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network.

101. A gaming system for integrating gaming functions and system functions into a display screen in a gaming device, the gaming system comprising:

a system network containing system information;

a gaming device utilizing a multiple processor gaming platform, wherein at least one processor is capable of hard real time processing, and an additional processor is capable of supporting a graphic user interface;

a network interface for connecting the gaming device to the system network;

a gaming interface incorporated into the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the gaming interface enables a player to view a wagering game through the display screen and wherein the gaming interface enables a player to participate in a wagering game;

a systems interface incorporated into the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the systems interface displays non-gaming system information from the system network through the gaming platform to a casino player or employee via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform; and

wherein the systems interface allows requests to be input into the system network from the systems interface through the gaming platform by a casino player or employee, and

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network.

102. A gaming device having a display screen and a card reader, the gaming device comprising:

a gaming device utilizing a multiple processor gaming platform, wherein at least one processor is capable of hard real time processing, and an additional processor is capable of supporting a graphic user interface,

a gaming interface incorporated into the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the gaming interface enables a player to view a wagering game through the display screen and wherein the gaming interface enables a player to participate in a wagering game;

a systems interface incorporated into the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the systems interface displays non-gaming system information from the system network through the gaming platform to a casino player or employee via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform; and

wherein the systems interface allows requests to be input into the system network from the systems interface through the gaming platform by a casino player or employee;

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network;

a game monitoring unit having a converter card that utilizes I2C hardware and signaling, wherein the converter card enables the additional processor to communicate with the systems interface and the system network;

a Y adapter that enables communication between the display screen and both the at least one processor and the additional processor; and

calibration software that enables the additional processor to calibrate the display of system information on the display screen.

103. The gaming device of claim 102, wherein the insertion of an identification card, upon which only identification data is embedded, into the card reader activates the systems interface on the display screen.

104. The gaming device of claim 102, wherein the system functions interface includes a player services interface and an employee systems interface, and wherein insertion of an authorized player identification card, upon which only identification data is embedded, into the card reader activates the player services interface in the display screen which provides a player access to service features.

105. The gaming device of claim 102, wherein the system functions interface includes a player services interface and an employee systems interface, and wherein insertion of an authorized employee identification card, upon which only identification data is embedded, into the card reader activates the employee systems interface in the display screen which provides an employee access to system information.

106. The gaming device of claim 102, wherein the systems interface utilizes touchscreen technology for inputting and accessing system information in the systems network.

107. The gaming device of claim 102, wherein the gaming device utilizes a multiple processor platform, wherein the at least one processor comprises a plurality of processors that support hard real time processing for hardware applications, and the additional processor supports a graphic user interface, and

wherein the plurality of processors run hard real time tasks related to controlling game peripherals;

wherein the additional processor runs a systems logic process that provides access to system information on a system network via the systems interface; and

wherein the additional processor also runs a game display process and a game logic process that together manage all game control necessary to generate a wagering game, wherein the systems logic process is maintained as a separate process from the game display process.

108. The gaming device of claim 107, wherein the gaming display screen includes a small region that, when selected, activates the systems interface.

109. The gaming device of claim 108, wherein the game display process is a master process and the systems logic process is a slave process, and wherein the game display process recognizes when the small region of the display screen is selected, and relinquishes control of the display screen to the systems logic process, allowing communication between the systems interface and a system network.

110. The gaming device of claim 107, further comprising a message section of the display screen, wherein the section of the display screen is allocated for showing messages to a player of the gaming device.

111. The gaming device of claim 110, wherein the message section of the display screen is dedicated to control by the systems logic process, and is free from control by the game display process.

112. The gaming device of claim 107, wherein the systems logic process and the game display process are separate processes, each comprising an independent thread.

113. The gaming device of claim 107, wherein the systems logic process is modifiable without impacting the game display process, and wherein the game display process is modifiable without impacting the systems logic process.

114. A gaming system for integrating gaming functions and system functions into a display screen in a gaming device, the gaming system comprising:

a system network containing system information;

a gaming device utilizing a multiple processor gaming platform, wherein at least one processor is capable of hard real time processing, and an additional processor is capable of supporting a graphic user interface,

a network interface for connecting the gaming device to the system network;

a gaming interface incorporated into the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the gaming interface enables a player to view a wagering game through the display screen and wherein the gaming interface enables a player to participate in a wagering game;

a systems interface incorporated into the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the systems interface displays non-gaming system information from the system network through the gaming platform to a casino player or employee via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform; and

wherein the systems interface allows requests to be input into the system network from the systems interface through the gaming platform by a casino player or employee;

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network;

a game monitoring unit having a converter card that utilizes I2C hardware and signaling, wherein the converter card enables the additional processor to communicate with the systems interface and the system network;

a Y adapter that enables communication between the display screen and both the at least one processor and the additional processor; and

calibration software that enables the additional processor to calibrate the display of system information on the display screen.

115. The gaming system of claim 114, wherein the systems interface includes system information input and display capabilities.

116. The gaming system of claim 114, wherein the systems interface utilizes touchscreen technology for inputting and accessing system information in the systems network.

117. The gaming system of claim 114, further comprising a card reader, wherein the card reader functions to read identification cards, upon which only identification data is embedded.

118. The gaming system of claim 114, wherein the systems interface includes a player services interface and an employee systems interface.

119. The gaming system of claim 118, wherein the player services interface provides player access to service features including ordering beverages and receiving change.

120. The gaming system of claim 118, wherein the employee systems interface provides an employee access to system information selected from a group including game information, game monitoring unit address, test mode, machine reservation, hopper status, account meters, program state, and a meter zeroing function.

121. The gaming system of claim 118, further comprising a card reader, and wherein insertion of an authorized player identification card into the card reader activates the player services interface in the gaming display screen.

122. The gaming system of claim 118, further comprising a card reader, and wherein insertion of an authorized employee identification card into the card reader activates the employee systems interface in the gaming display screen.

123. The gaming system of claim 114, wherein the gaming system includes a game logic process and a game display process that generate the wagering game via the gaming interface, and a systems logic process that generates communication between the system network and the systems interface.

124. The gaming system of claim 114, wherein the gaming device utilizes a multiple processor platform, wherein the at least one processor comprises a plurality of processors that support hard real time processing for hardware applications, and the additional processor supports a graphic user interface, and

wherein the plurality of processors run hard real time tasks related to controlling game peripherals;

wherein the additional processor runs a systems logic process that provides access to system information on a system network via the systems interface; and

wherein the additional processor also runs a game display process and a game logic process that together manage all game control necessary to generate a wagering game, wherein the systems logic process is maintained as a separate process from the game display process.

125. The gaming system of claim 124, wherein the gaming display screen includes a small region that, when selected, activates the systems interface.

126. The gaming system of claim 125, wherein the game display process is a master process and the systems logic process is a slave process, and wherein the game display process recognizes when the small region of the display screen is selected, and relinquishes control of the display screen to the systems logic process, allowing communication between the systems interface and the system network.

127. The gaming system of claim 124, further comprising a message section of the display screen, wherein the section of the display screen is allocated for showing messages to a player of the gaming device.

128. The gaming system of claim 127, wherein the message section of the display screen is dedicated to control by the systems logic process, and is free from control by the game display process.

129. The gaming system of claim 124, wherein the systems logic process and the game display process are separate processes, each comprising an independent thread.

130. The gaming system of claim 124, wherein the systems logic process is modifiable without impacting the game display process, and wherein the game display process is modifiable without impacting the systems logic process.

131. The gaming system of claim 124, wherein the game display process that runs the gaming interface supports a graphic user interface based wagering game.

132. The gaming system of claim 114, further comprising a game monitoring unit.

133. The gaming system of claim 132, wherein the game monitoring unit includes a network interface card.

134. The gaming system of claim 132, wherein integrating the systems interface into the display screen lowers overall system costs due to hardware elimination and reduced maintenance costs.

135. A gaming system for integrating gaming functions and system functions into a display screen in a gaming device, the gaming system comprising:

a system network containing system information;

a gaming device utilizing a multiple processor gaming platform, wherein at least one processor is capable of hard real time processing, and an additional processor is capable of supporting a graphic user interface, and wherein the gaming device connects directly to the system network;

a gaming interface incorporated into the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the gaming interface enables a player to view a wagering game through the display screen and wherein the gaming interface enables a player to participate in a wagering game;

a systems interface incorporated into the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the systems interface displays non-gaming system information from the system network through the gaming platform to a casino player or employee via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform; and

wherein the systems interface allows requests to be input into the system network from the systems interface through the gaming platform by a casino player or employee;

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network; and

a game monitoring unit having a converter card that utilizes I2C hardware and signaling, wherein the converter card enables the additional processor to communicate with the systems interface and the system network.

136. A gaming device having a display screen and a card reader, the gaming device comprising:

a gaming device utilizing a multiple processor gaming platform, wherein at least one processor is capable of hard real time processing, and an additional processor is capable of supporting a graphic user interface, and

a gaming interface that is viewable on the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the gaming interface enables a player to view a wagering game through the display screen and wherein the gaming interface enables a player to participate in a wagering game;

a player services interface, wherein insertion of an authorized player identification card, upon which only identification data is embedded, into the card reader activates the player services interface on the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform which provides a player access to service features; and

an employee systems interface, wherein insertion of an authorized employee identification card, on which only identification data is embedded, into the card reader activates the employee systems interface on the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform which provides an employee access to non-gaming system information through the gaming platform via the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, and

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network.

137. A method of integrating gaming functions and system functions into a display screen of a gaming platform in a gaming device, wherein the gaming device includes a card reader, the method comprising:

generating a wagering game via a gaming interface by running a game logic process that includes the game rules necessary to generate the wagering game, and by running a game display process that includes audiovisual functionality necessary to generate a wagering game and that writes to the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform in the gaming device;

displaying the wagering game on the display screen;

enabling a player to interact with the wagering game through the gaming interface that is incorporated into the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform;

generating a systems interface by running a systems logic process that provides access to non-gaming system information on a system network through the gaming platform and that writes to the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the systems logic process is maintained as a separate process from the game display process; and

enabling activation of the systems interface, wherein insertion of an authorized identification card, upon which only identification data is embedded, into the card reader activates the systems interface in the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform which provides access to non-gaming system information in a system network through the gaming platform, and

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network.

138. A method of integrating gaming functions and system functions into a display screen of a gaming platform in a gaming device, wherein the gaming device includes a card reader, the method comprising:

generating a wagering game via a gaming interface by running a game logic process that includes the game rules necessary to generate a wagering game, and by running a game display process that includes audiovisual functionality necessary to generate the wagering game and that writes to the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform in the gaming device;

displaying the wagering game on the display screen;

enabling a player to interact with the wagering game through the gaming interface that is incorporated into the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform;

generating a systems interface by running a systems logic process that provides access to non-gaming system information on a system network through the gaming platform and that writes to the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform, wherein the systems logic process is maintained as a separate process from the game display process;

enabling activation of a player services interface, wherein insertion of an authorized player identification card, upon which only identification data is embedded, into the card reader activates the player services interface in the gaming interface display screen which provides a player access to service features by accessing non-gaming system information in a system network through the gaming platform; and

enabling activation of an employee systems interface, wherein insertion of an authorized employee identification card, upon which only identification data is embedded, into the card reader activates the employee systems interface in the gaming interface display screen of the gaming platform which provides an employee access to non-gaming system information in a system network through the gaming platform, and

wherein the systems interface utilizes the gaming platform to produce enhanced system request capabilities with enhanced graphics and animation for enabling interactions with the system network.