Method and apparatus for operating networked gaming devices

Patent 5836817 Issued on November 17, 1998. Estimated Expiration Date:

November 17, 2015. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventors

Assignee

Acres Gaming, Inc.

Application

No. 465717 filed on 06/06/1995

US Classes:

463/26, Pool amount (e.g., jackpot, etc.)463/16, In a chance application463/42Network type (e.g., computer network, etc.)

Examiners

Primary: Harrison, Jessica J.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Marger, Johnson, McCollom & Stolowitz

Foreign Patent References

B 27572/84 AU. 05/26/1984
B 53370/89 AU. 08/26/1986
B 71194/91 AU. 08/26/1991
647234 AU 07/26/1992
2020986 AU 01/26/1993
2211975 GB 07/26/1993
WO 95/22811 WO. 08/26/1995

International Class

A63F 009/00

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.