Patent Application
20230377410
The field of disclosure relates generally to electronic gaming systems including an electronic gaming machine (EGM) supported on a stand and, more specifically, to an integrated stand for supporting an EGM and housing electronic accessory components thereof and electronic gaming systems including the integrated stand and the EGM.
Electronic gaming machines (“EGMs”) or gaming devices provide a variety of wagering games such as slot games, video poker games, video blackjack games, roulette games, video bingo games, keno games and other types of games that are frequently offered at casinos and other locations. Play on EGMs typically involves a player establishing a credit balance by inputting money, or another form of monetary credit, and placing a monetary wager (from the credit balance) on one or more outcomes of an instance (or single play) of a primary or base game. In some cases, a player may qualify for a special mode of the base game, a secondary game, or a bonus round of the base game by attaining a certain winning combination or triggering event in, or related to, the base game, or after the player is randomly awarded the special mode, secondary game, or bonus round. In the special mode, secondary game, or bonus round, the player is given an opportunity to win extra game credits, game tokens or other forms of payout. In the case of “game credits” that are awarded during play, the game credits are typically added to a credit meter total on the EGM and can be provided to the player upon completion of a gaming session or when the player wants to “cash out.”
“Slot” type games are often displayed to the player in the form of various symbols arrayed in a row-by-column grid or matrix. Specific matching combinations of symbols along predetermined paths (or paylines) through the matrix indicate the outcome of the game. The display typically highlights winning combinations/outcomes for identification by the player. Matching combinations and their corresponding awards are usually shown in a “pay-table” which is available to the player for reference. Often, the player may vary his/her wager to include differing numbers of paylines and/or the amount bet on each line. By varying the wager, the player may sometimes alter the frequency or number of winning combinations, frequency or number of secondary games, and/or the amount awarded.
Typical games use a random number generator (RNG) to randomly determine the outcome of each game. The game is designed to return a certain percentage of the amount wagered back to the player over the course of many plays or instances of the game, which is generally referred to as return to player (RTP). The RTP and randomness of the RNG ensure the fairness of the games and are highly regulated. Upon initiation of play, the RNG randomly determines a game outcome and symbols are then selected which correspond to that outcome. Notably, some games may include an element of skill on the part of the player and are therefore not entirely random.
One aspect is an electronic gaming system that includes an electronic gaming machine (EGM) and a stand coupled to the EGM. The EGM includes a cabinet, the cabinet including a cabinet base defining a notch therein. The stand includes a housing defining an interior cavity, the housing including a housing cover, the cabinet being seated on the housing cover. The stand also includes a keeper bracket coupled to the housing cover. The keeper bracket is received within the notch to align the cabinet on the housing cover and restrain against tipping of the EGM relative to the stand.
Another aspect is a stand for supporting an electronic gaming machine (EGM) thereon. The stand includes a housing defining an interior cavity for receiving one or more electronic gaming components therein. The housing includes a cover for supporting the EGM, the cover defining at least one window extending therethrough to allow the one or more electronic gaming components to be communicatively coupled to one or more internal components provided within the EGM via communication wiring. The stand also includes a keeper bracket including a first portion coupled to the cover and a cantilevered second portion that is raised relative to the first portion. The second portion is sized and shaped to be received within a corresponding notch of the EGM to align the EGM on the cover and restrain against tipping of the EGM relative to the stand.
Another aspect is a method of assembling an electronic gaming system including an electronic gaming machine (EGM) and a stand. The EGM includes a cabinet having a cabinet base defining a notch therein, and a stand including a housing defining an interior cavity, the housing including a housing cover. The method includes coupling a keeper bracket to the housing cover; positioning the cabinet on the housing cover; and inserting the keeper bracket into the notch to align the cabinet on the housing cover and restrain against tipping of the EGM relative to the stand.
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
Known electronic gaming machines (EGMs) include a cabinet that is typically supported on a stand. The stand elevates the EGM such that a display screen of the EGM is at a suitable height for a player when using the EGM. Elevating the EGM on a stand creates the opportunity for the EGM to become off-balanced and tip off the stand, thereby creating a potential hazard for players in a vicinity of the EGM and a risk that the EGM will be damaged or destroyed by falling off the stand and impacting a ground surface (e.g., a casino floor). Some known stands may also provide an enclosure that houses electrical and communication wiring for electronic gaming components of the EGM. The electronic gaming components for operating the EGM are typically internal to (e.g., positioned within the cabinet of) the EGM, which increases the size and footprint of the EGM. It would be desirable, therefore, to house at least some of the electronic gaming components within the stand to facilitate reducing the size and footprint of the EGM. However, this presents several challenges. For example, certain gaming regulatory requirements exist that require electronic gaming components of an EGM must be attached to and/or provided within a cabinet of an EGM or a structure attached to a cabinet of an EGM. Moreover, the electronic gaming components are susceptible to overheating during operation of the EGM, and adequate ventilation and/or cooling within the stand must be provided to mitigate thermally induced damage to the components. A need exists, therefore, for a stand for supporting an EGM that addresses some or all of the above-described problems and challenges.
Embodiments of the present disclosure include an electronic gaming system that includes an EGM and a stand coupled to the EGM for supporting the EGM. The stand is both mechanically and electrically integrated with the EGM. The term “mechanically integrated,” as used to describe the stand and the EGM, means that the stand and the EGM are joined to one another by mechanical means. The stand may be mechanically integrated with the EGM, for example, by including interlocking features (e.g., a keeper bracket) for engaging the cabinet to align the EGM and restrain against tipping of the EGM on the stand in addition to and/or alternative to other tooling and mechanical elements (e.g., fasteners) used to secure the EGM to the stand. The term “electrically integrated,” used to describe the stand and the EGM, means that the stand and the EGM each house computer hardware devices that are coupled in communication and used to operate the EGM. For example, the stand may be electrically integrated with the EGM by housing certain electronic gaming components (e.g., a media player, a multiport network switch, a modem, a player tracking device, or any other suitable computer hardware device) for operating the EGM within an interior cavity of the stand. The electronic gaming components of the EGM housed within the stand are coupled in communication with internal components positioned within the cabinet of the EGM (e.g., a game controller), for example, by communication wiring that is run between the stand and the EGM. Electrical integration between the stand and the EGM is further facilitated by various security features, for example, a selectively lockable access door and a lock-out security switch for alerting the EGM when a door of the stand is opened. Moreover, providing the security features of the stand in conjunction with the mechanical integration between the stand and the EGM facilitates electrically integrating the stand and the EGM in compliance with certain gaming regulatory requirements, which require that electronic components of a gaming system be attached to and/or provided within a cabinet of an EGM or a structure attached to a cabinet of an EGM.
The stand may include additional elements and features that further facilitate mechanical and/or electrical integration between the stand and the EGM and/or provide other advantages. For example, the stand may be suitably dimensioned (e.g., sized and shaped) to provide a smooth transition between the stand and a cabinet of the EGM and/or to elevate the EGM such that a display screen of the EGM is at an ergonomically suitable height for a player when using the EGM. Moreover, the stand may provide a compact and secure housing for storing certain electronic gaming components of the electronic gaming system and facilitates reducing the overall footprint of the electronic gaming system. For example, because electronic gaming components are stored in the stand, a size (e.g., width) of the cabinet of the EGM may be reduced compared to EGMs that house these electronic gaming components within the cabinet of the EGM. The reduced size of the EGM reduces a floor footprint of the electronic gaming system and/or improves stability of the gaming system by allowing for a reduced height and/or lower center of mass, making the gaming system less prone to tipping, for example. The reduced gaming system footprint provides certain benefits to casino operators who are required, in some cases by government regulations, to control an amount of floorspace used within the casino for EGMs. Moreover, the stand may also include balancing features, for example, feet that extend a suitable length outward from a base of the stand to facilitate improving stability of the gaming system. The stand may also include one or more cooling features, such as vent openings defined in the housing and a cooling fan for directing ambient air into the stand, which promote a flow of air through the interior cavity of the stand. The circulation of airflow into and out of the stand provides convective cooling of electronic gaming components housed within the stand to reduce overheating or other damage (e.g., thermally induced damage) to the gaming components. Further, the stand may include modular features that facilitate quick, easy, and efficient installation, servicing, and/or removal of the electronic gaming components housed therein. For example, a door of the stand may be removably coupled to the housing via door flaps that enable the door to be moved between an open and closed position without a hinge connection and/or enable the door to be removed from the housing without the need for tooling. Moreover, other components of the stand (e.g., an interior platform for supporting the electronic gaming components housed within the stand) may be include quick-connect features to facilitate quick, easy, and efficient assembly and customization of the stand.
The stand described herein thereby provides technical improvements and technical effects over known electronic gaming systems that include stands used to support and elevate EGMs including, for example: (a) reduced sizing of an EGM cabinet by offloading certain electronic components in communication with the EGM into the stand of the gaming system; (b) improved stability of a gaming system provided by lowering a center of mass of the gaming system; (c) improved stability of the EGM during installation on a stand provided by engagement between the keeper bracket on the stand and the notch defined in the EGM; (d) compliance with certain known gaming regulatory requirements, which require that certain electronic components of a gaming system be attached to and/or provided within a cabinet of an EGM or a structure attached to a cabinet of an EGM; (e) reduced floor footprint of a gaming system; (f) improved security to a stand of an EGM by providing communication between a door switch on the stand and the game controller in a cabinet of the EGM; g) improved cooling to electronic gaming components housed within the stand to reduce overheating or other damage (e.g., thermally induced damage) to the gaming components; and/or h) enable quick, easy, and efficient assembly of the EGM on the stand and/or installation, servicing, and/or removal of the electronic gaming components housed within the stand. Other technical improvements and technical effects may exist and will become apparent as the description of the example embodiments proceeds.
Communication between the gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102, and among the gaming devices 104A-104X, may be direct or indirect using one or more communication protocols. As an example, gaming devices 104A-104X and the server computers 102 can communicate over one or more communication networks, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks (e.g., local area networks and enterprise networks), and the like (e.g., wide area networks). The communication networks could allow gaming devices 104A-104X to communicate with one another and/or the server computers 102 using a variety of communication-based technologies, such as radio frequency (RF) (e.g., wireless fidelity (WiFi®) and Bluetooth®), cable TV, satellite links and the like.
In some implementations, server computers 102 may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, in one or more implementations, a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device 104A, gaming device 104B or any of the other gaming devices 104C-104X can implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers 102 described herein.
The server computers 102 may include a central determination gaming system server 106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server 108, a player tracking system server 110, a progressive system server 112, and/or a casino management system server 114. Gaming devices 104A-104X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server 106 and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices 104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players.
Gaming device 104A is often of a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device 104A often includes a main door which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device 104A typically includes a button area or button deck 120 accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons 122, an access channel for a bill validator 124, and/or an access channel for a ticket-out printer 126.
In
In many configurations, the gaming device 104A may have a main display 128 (e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area 118. The main display 128 can be a high-resolution liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma, light emitting diode (LED), or organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor.
In some implementations, the bill validator 124 may also function as a “ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device 104A (e.g., in a cashless ticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless implementations, the gaming device 104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer 126 for outputting a credit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer 126 on the gaming device 104A. The gaming device 104A can have hardware meters for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring the player credit balance. In addition, there can be additional meters that record the total amount of money wagered on the gaming device, total amount of money deposited, total amount of money withdrawn, total amount of winnings on gaming device 104A.
In some implementations, a player tracking card reader 144, a transceiver for wireless communication with a mobile device (e.g., a player's smartphone), a keypad 146, and/or an illuminated display 148 for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in gaming device 104A. In such implementations, a game controller within the gaming device 104A can communicate with the player tracking system server 110 to send and receive player tracking information.
Gaming device 104A may also include a bonus topper wheel 134. When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel 134 is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow 136 indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel 134 is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game.
A candle 138 may be mounted on the top of gaming device 104A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons 122) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device 104A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle 138 is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed.
There may also be one or more information panels 152 which may be a back-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game related graphics. In some implementations, the information panel(s) 152 may be implemented as an additional video display.
Gaming devices 104A have traditionally also included a handle 132 typically mounted to the side of main cabinet 116 which may be used to initiate game play.
Many or all the above described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a game controller) housed inside the main cabinet 116 of the gaming device 104A, the details of which are shown in
An alternative example gaming device 104B illustrated in
Example gaming device 104B includes a main cabinet 116 including a main door which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device 104B. The main or service door is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer 126 and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator 124. The main or service door may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations.
Another example gaming device 104C shown is the Helix™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device 104C includes a main display 128A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the main display 128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some implementations, main display 128A is a flat panel display. Main display 128A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display 128B is typically used for bonus game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some implementations, example gaming device 104C may also include speakers 142 to output various audio such as game sound, background music, etc.
Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming devices 104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class 2 or Class 3, etc.
The games available for play on the gaming device 200 are controlled by a game controller 202 that includes one or more processors 204. Processor 204 represents a general-purpose processor, a specialized processor intended to perform certain functional tasks, or a combination thereof. As an example, processor 204 can be a central processing unit (CPU) that has one or more multi-core processing units and memory mediums (e.g., cache memory) that function as buffers and/or temporary storage for data. Alternatively, processor 204 can be a specialized processor, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processor (DSP), or another type of hardware accelerator. In another example, processor 204 is a system on chip (SoC) that combines and integrates one or more general-purpose processors and/or one or more specialized processors. Although
Memory 208 can store one or more game programs 206 that provide program instructions and/or data for carrying out various implementations (e.g., game mechanics) described herein. Stated another way, game program 206 represents an executable program stored in any portion or component of memory 208. In one or more implementations, game program 206 is embodied in the form of source code that includes human-readable statements written in a programming language or machine code that contains numerical instructions recognizable by a suitable execution system, such as a processor 204 in a game controller or other system. Examples of executable programs include: (1) a compiled program that can be translated into machine code in a format that can be loaded into a random access portion of memory 208 and run by processor 204; (2) source code that may be expressed in proper format such as object code that is capable of being loaded into a random access portion of memory 208 and executed by processor 204; and (3) source code that may be interpreted by another executable program to generate instructions in a random access portion of memory 208 to be executed by processor 204.
Alternatively, game programs 206 can be set up to generate one or more game instances based on instructions and/or data that gaming device 200 exchanges with one or more remote gaming devices, such as a central determination gaming system server 106 (not shown in
Gaming devices, such as gaming device 200, are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming device 200 is operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices 200 that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices 200 is not simple or straightforward because of: (1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices 200, (2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices 200 operate, (3) security requirements, (4) fault tolerance requirements, and (5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, game mechanics, hardware components, and software.
One regulatory requirement for games running on gaming device 200 generally involves complying with a certain level of randomness. Typically, gaming jurisdictions mandate that gaming devices 200 satisfy a minimum level of randomness without specifying how a gaming device 200 should achieve this level of randomness. To comply,
In
Another regulatory requirement for running games on gaming device 200 includes ensuring a certain level of RTP. Similar to the randomness requirement discussed above, numerous gaming jurisdictions also mandate that gaming device 200 provides a minimum level of RTP (e.g., RTP of at least 75%). A game can use one or more lookup tables (also called weighted tables) as part of a technical solution that satisfies regulatory requirements for randomness and RTP. In particular, a lookup table can integrate game features (e.g., trigger events for special modes or bonus games; newly introduced game elements such as extra reels, new symbols, or new cards; stop positions for dynamic game elements such as spinning reels, spinning wheels, or shifting reels; or card selections from a deck) with random numbers generated by one or more RNGs, so as to achieve a given level of volatility for a target level of RTP. (In general, volatility refers to the frequency or probability of an event such as a special mode, payout, etc. For example, for a target level of RTP, a higher-volatility game may have a lower payout most of the time with an occasional bonus having a very high payout, while a lower-volatility game has a steadier payout with more frequent bonuses of smaller amounts.) Configuring a lookup table can involve engineering decisions with respect to how RNG outcomes are mapped to game outcomes for a given game feature, while still satisfying regulatory requirements for RTP. Configuring a lookup table can also involve engineering decisions about whether different game features are combined in a given entry of the lookup table or split between different entries (for the respective game features), while still satisfying regulatory requirements for RTP and allowing for varying levels of game volatility.
When a player wishes to play the gaming device 200, he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator 234 to establish a credit balance on the gaming device. The credit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader 230. During the game, the player views with one or more UIs, the game outcome on one or more of the primary game display 240 and secondary game display 242. Other game and prize information may also be displayed.
For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affect play of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amount wagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of lines played. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select options during course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonus round or select various items during a feature game). The player may make these selections using the player-input buttons 236, the primary game display 240 which may be a touch screen, or using some other device which enables a player to input information into the gaming device 200.
During certain game events, the gaming device 200 may display visual and auditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to enjoy the playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that are projected by the speakers 220. Visual effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming device 200 or from lights behind the information panel 152 (
When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer 222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play.
Additionally, or alternatively, gaming devices 104A-104X and 200 can include or be coupled to one or more wireless transmitters, receivers, and/or transceivers (not shown in
Although
According to some examples, the mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for stand-alone determination of game outcomes. However, in some alternative implementations the mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured to receive game outcomes from another device, such as the central determination gaming system server 106, one of the EGMs 104, etc.
Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured to accept monetary credits from a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app), via tickets, via a patron casino account, etc. However, some mobile gaming devices 256 may not be configured to accept monetary credits via a credit or debit card. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may include a ticket reader and/or a ticket printer whereas some mobile gaming devices 256 may not, depending on the particular implementation.
In some implementations, the casino 251 may include one or more kiosks 260 that are configured to facilitate monetary transactions involving the mobile gaming devices 256, which may include cash out and/or cash in transactions. The kiosks 260 may be configured for wired and/or wireless communication with the mobile gaming devices 256. The kiosks 260 may be configured to accept monetary credits from casino patrons 262 and/or to dispense monetary credits to casino patrons 262 via cash, a credit or debit card, via a wireless interface (e.g., via a wireless payment app), via tickets, etc. According to some examples, the kiosks 260 may be configured to accept monetary credits from a casino patron and to provide a corresponding amount of monetary credits to a mobile gaming device 256 for wagering purposes, e.g., via a wireless link such as a near-field communications link. In some such examples, when a casino patron 262 is ready to cash out, the casino patron 262 may select a cash out option provided by a mobile gaming device 256, which may include a real button or a virtual button (e.g., a button provided via a graphical user interface) in some instances. In some such examples, the mobile gaming device 256 may send a “cash out” signal to a kiosk 260 via a wireless link in response to receiving a “cash out” indication from a casino patron. The kiosk 260 may provide monetary credits to the casino patron 262 corresponding to the “cash out” signal, which may be in the form of cash, a credit ticket, a credit transmitted to a financial account corresponding to the casino patron, etc.
In some implementations, a cash-in process and/or a cash-out process may be facilitated by the TITO system server 108. For example, the TITO system server 108 may control, or at least authorize, ticket-in and ticket-out transactions that involve a mobile gaming device 256 and/or a kiosk 260.
Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty information. For example, some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for wireless communication with the player tracking system server 110. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured for receiving and/or transmitting player loyalty information via wireless communication with a patron's player loyalty card, a patron's smartphone, etc.
According to some implementations, a mobile gaming device 256 may be configured to provide safeguards that prevent the mobile gaming device 256 from being used by an unauthorized person. For example, some mobile gaming devices 256 may include one or more biometric sensors and may be configured to receive input via the biometric sensor(s) to verify the identity of an authorized patron. Some mobile gaming devices 256 may be configured to function only within a predetermined or configurable area, such as a casino gaming area.
In this example, a gaming data center 276 includes various devices that are configured to provide online wagering games via the networks 417. The gaming data center 276 is capable of communication with the networks 417 via the gateway 272. In this example, switches 278 and routers 280 are configured to provide network connectivity for devices of the gaming data center 276, including storage devices 282a, servers 284a and one or more workstations 286a. The servers 284a may, for example, be configured to provide access to a library of games for online game play. In some examples, code for executing at least some of the games may initially be stored on one or more of the storage devices 282a. The code may be subsequently loaded onto a server 284a after selection by a player via an EUD and communication of that selection from the EUD via the networks 417. The server 284a onto which code for the selected game has been loaded may provide the game according to selections made by a player and indicated via the player's EUD. In other examples, code for executing at least some of the games may initially be stored on one or more of the servers 284a. Although only one gaming data center 276 is shown in
In this example, a financial institution data center 270 is also configured for communication via the networks 417. Here, the financial institution data center 270 includes servers 284b, storage devices 282b, and one or more workstations 286b. According to this example, the financial institution data center 270 is configured to maintain financial accounts, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, loan accounts, etc. In some implementations one or more of the authorized users 274a-274c may maintain at least one financial account with the financial institution that is serviced via the financial institution data center 270.
According to some implementations, the gaming data center 276 may be configured to provide online wagering games in which money may be won or lost. According to some such implementations, one or more of the servers 284a may be configured to monitor player credit balances, which may be expressed in game credits, in currency units, or in any other appropriate manner. In some implementations, the server(s) 284a may be configured to obtain financial credits from and/or provide financial credits to one or more financial institutions, according to a player's “cash in” selections, wagering game results and a player's “cash out” instructions. According to some such implementations, the server(s) 284a may be configured to electronically credit or debit the account of a player that is maintained by a financial institution, e.g., an account that is maintained via the financial institution data center 270. The server(s) 284a may, in some examples, be configured to maintain an audit record of such transactions.
In some alternative implementations, the gaming data center 276 may be configured to provide online wagering games for which credits may not be exchanged for cash or the equivalent. In some such examples, players may purchase game credits for online game play, but may not “cash out” for monetary credit after a gaming session. Moreover, although the financial institution data center 270 and the gaming data center 276 include their own servers and storage devices in this example, in some examples the financial institution data center 270 and/or the gaming data center 276 may use offsite “cloud-based” servers and/or storage devices. In some alternative examples, the financial institution data center 270 and/or the gaming data center 276 may rely entirely on cloud-based servers.
One or more types of devices in the gaming data center 276 (or elsewhere) may be capable of executing middleware, e.g., for data management and/or device communication. Authentication information, player tracking information, etc., including but not limited to information obtained by EUDs 264 and/or other information regarding authorized users of EUDs 264 (including but not limited to the authorized users 274a-274c), may be stored on storage devices 282 and/or servers 284. Other game-related information and/or software, such as information and/or software relating to leaderboards, players currently playing a game, game themes, game-related promotions, game competitions, etc., also may be stored on storage devices 282 and/or servers 284. In some implementations, some such game-related software may be available as “apps” and may be downloadable (e.g., from the gaming data center 276) by authorized users.
In some examples, authorized users and/or entities (such as representatives of gaming regulatory authorities) may obtain gaming-related information via the gaming data center 276. One or more other devices (such EUDs 264 or devices of the gaming data center 276) may act as intermediaries for such data feeds. Such devices may, for example, be capable of applying data filtering algorithms, executing data summary and/or analysis software, etc. In some implementations, data filtering, summary and/or analysis software may be available as “apps” and downloadable by authorized users.
The UI system 302 includes one or more UIs that a player can interact with. The UI system 302 could include one or more game play UIs 304, one or more bonus game play UIs 308, and one or more multiplayer UIs 312, where each UI type includes one or more mechanical UIs and/or graphical UIs (GUIs). In other words, game play UI 304, bonus game play UI 308, and the multiplayer UI 312 may utilize a variety of UI elements, such as mechanical UI elements (e.g., physical “spin” button or mechanical reels) and/or GUI elements (e.g., virtual reels shown on a video display or a virtual button deck) to receive player inputs and/or present game play to a player. Using
The game play UI 304 represents a UI that a player typically interfaces with for a base game. During a game instance of a base game, the game play UI elements 306A-306N (e.g., GUI elements depicting one or more virtual reels) are shown and/or made available to a user. In a subsequent game instance, the UI system 302 could transition out of the base game to one or more bonus games. The bonus game play UI 308 represents a UI that utilizes bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N for a player to interact with and/or view during a bonus game. In one or more implementations, at least some of the game play UI element 306A-306N are similar to the bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N. In other implementations, the game play UI element 306A-306N can differ from the bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N.
Based on the player inputs, the UI system 302 could generate RNG calls to a game processing backend system 314. As an example, the UI system 302 could use one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) to generate the RNG calls. To process the RNG calls, the RNG engine 316 could utilize gaming RNG 318 and/or non-gaming RNGs 319A-319N. Gaming RNG 318 could corresponds to RNG 212 or hardware RNG 244 shown in
The RNG conversion engine 320 processes each RNG outcome from RNG engine 316 and converts the RNG outcome to a UI outcome that is feedback to the UI system 302. With reference to
After generating the UI outcome, the game processing backend system 314 sends the UI outcome to the UI system 302. Examples of UI outcomes are symbols to display on a video reel or reel stops for a mechanical reel. In one example, if the UI outcome is for a base game, the UI system 302 updates one or more game play UI elements 306A-306N, such as symbols, for the game play UI 304. In another example, if the UI outcome is for a bonus game, the UI system could update one or more bonus game play UI elements 310A-310N (e.g., symbols) for the bonus game play UI 308. In response to updating the appropriate UI, the player may subsequently provide additional player inputs to initiate a subsequent game instance that progresses through the game processing pipeline.
The EGM 402 is positionable on and couplable to the stand 404. When the EGM 402 is positioned on the stand 404, the EGM 402 extends a first height H1 above the stand 404. The EGM 402 is removably couplable to stand 404 to allow for coupling a plurality of EGMs 402 to a plurality of similarly configured stands 404. The EGM 402 includes a display 405 for presenting an electronic game to a player, a button deck 406, and a cabinet 408. The cabinet 408 includes a cabinet base 410 which is positionable on stand 404. As described in greater detail below, the cabinet base 410 and the stand 404 include corresponding interlocking features that facilitate aligning the cabinet 408 on the stand 404 and restraining against tipping of the EGM 402 on the stand 404. The cabinet base 410 supports the display 405, the button deck 406, and the cabinet 408 vertically above the stand 404.
The cabinet 408 houses internal components of the EGM 402. The internal components housed in the cabinet 408 may include primary and/or auxiliary computer hardware devices for operating the EGM 402 (e.g., for controlling the electronic game presented on the display 405). The internal components housed in the cabinet 408 may include, for example, any of the components described above for the gaming device 200 with reference to
The example stand 404 will now be described with additional reference to
The stand 404 includes a housing 412 defining an interior cavity 424 (shown in
The housing 412 includes a base 414, a cover 416, a left side panel 418, an opposing right side panel 420, and a rear panel 422. The base 414 defines a bottom of the housing 412 and the cover 416 defines a top of the housing 412. When the EGM 402 is positioned on the stand 404, as shown in
The stand 404 also includes an access door 428 coupled to the housing 412. The access door 428 extends across the front opening 426 and encloses the interior cavity 424 and limits access thereto. As described in further detail below, the access door 428 is movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively provide access to the interior cavity 424. The access door 428 includes a lock 430 (e.g., a keyed cam lock) that secures the access door 428 in the closed position to limit or prevent tampering with electronic gaming components (e.g., components 470 shown in
The base 414, the cover 416, the side panels 418, 420 and the rear panel 422 are supported and joined together by internal structural supports (not labeled) of the housing 412. In the example stand 404, the housing 412 includes four vertical supports coupled to and extending vertically above the base 414 at respective corners of the base 414. The housing 412 also includes horizontal supports coupled to and extending between each pair of adjacent vertical supports. For each adjacent pair of vertical supports, a pair of horizontal supports may be coupled thereto and extend therebetween at opposite ends of each vertical support of the pair. In particular, for each adjacent pair of vertical supports, a horizontal support may be coupled to an end of each vertical support proximate the base 414 and a horizontal support may be coupled to an end of each vertical support opposite the base 414. The base 414 and the horizontal and vertical supports provide a structural frame of the housing 412 for joining the cover 416, the side panels 418, 420, and the rear panel 422 to the base 414. The cover 416 may be joined to the base 414 by coupling the cover 416 to the ends of the vertical supports opposite the base 414 and/or the horizontal supports located opposite the base 414. The side panels 418, 420 and the rear panel 422 may be joined to the base 414 and the cover 416 by coupling the respective panel 418, 420, 422 to a pair of horizontal supports and/or a pair of vertical supports. The panels 418, 420, 422 may also be coupled directly to the base 414 and/or the cover 416 in addition or alternative to being coupled to structural supports. In the example stand 404, horizontal supports are not included between the pair vertical supports across which the front opening 426 extends to enable greater access to the interior cavity 424 when the access door 428 is opened and/or removed. More or fewer vertical and horizontal supports may be included in the housing 412. Moreover, in some examples, no structural supports may be included in the housing 412, and the panels 418, 420, 422 may be coupled directly to and join the base 414 and the cover 416. The base 414, the cover 416, and the panels 418, 420, 422 may be removably coupled to the structural supports and/or directly to one another using fasteners (e.g., screws and/or bolts) or another mechanical coupling means (e.g., a tab and corresponding slot connection). Additionally and/or alternatively, the base 414, the cover 416, and the panels 418, 420, 422 may be permanently coupled to the structural supports and/or directly to one another using a suitable means, such as welding.
The stand 404 also includes feet 434 extending outward from the base 414. The feet 434 may be coupled to the base 414 (e.g., using fasteners and/or a tab and corresponding slot connection) or the feet 434 may be formed integrally with the base 414. In the example embodiment, the feet 434 include a pair of feet 434 (i.e., two feet 434) extending outward from the base 414 proximate opposing ends thereof. The feet 434 are thereby spaced apart and define a seat gap 436 therebetween. The seat gap 436 is suitably sized (i.e., has a suitable width extending between the feet 434) to receive at least a portion of a base of a player chair (not shown) therein. A foot cover 438 is coupled to and extends across the feet 434, above the seat gap 436. In the example stand 404, the foot cover 438 is removably coupled to the feet 434 using fasteners or another suitable means (e.g., a tab and corresponding slot connection). When a player is seated in a chair at the electronic gaming system 400 (shown in
The feet 434 extend substantially parallel with one another in a direction that the access door 428 faces (i.e., the feet 434 extend perpendicular to the access door 428). In some examples, one or both of the feet 434 may extend at an oblique angle relative to one another and/or the access door 428, and/or one or both of the feet 434 may extend outward from the base 414 in a direction other than the direction that the access door 428 faces (e.g., in a direction that the rear panel 422 faces). However, the feet 434 suitably extend substantially parallel to one another to maximize the length that the feet extend 434 outward from the base 414, which in turn increases the stability of the electronic gaming system 400 as described further below. Moreover, the feet 434 suitably extend outward from the base 414 in the direction that the access door 428 faces as this may be the direction in which the electronic gaming system 400 is most susceptible to tip when assembled and installed on a casino floor. More specifically, when assembled and installed for use, the electronic gaming system 400 may typically be positioned such that the rear panel 422 is adjacent a wall of a casino floor and/or the electronic gaming system 400 may be aligned in a row or bank of multiple electronic gaming systems 400 (e.g., bank 600 shown in
The stand 404 is suitably dimensioned (e.g., sized and shaped) in correspondence with the EGM 402 and provides a smooth transition between the stand 404 and the cabinet 408 of the EGM 402. For example, the stand 404 may have approximately the same width on a floor of a casino as the EGM 402. Specifically, referring to
Additionally, as shown in
Referring to
Referring to
The stand 404 also includes a keeper bracket 452 coupled to the housing 412. In the example stand 404, the keeper bracket 452 is coupled to the top surface 446 of the cover 416. In other examples, the keeper bracket 452 may be coupled to the housing 412 at another suitable location (e.g., to a side surface of the cover 416 or to the rear panel 422). The keeper bracket 452 extends above the top surface 446 and is received within a corresponding interlocking feature defined in the cabinet base 410 of the EGM 402 to stabilize the EGM 402 when positioned on the stand 404 (as shown in
As shown in
During assembly of the electronic gaming system 400, the EGM 402 is positioned on (e.g., slid onto) the top surface 446 of the cover 416 of stand 404 and urged back towards the rear edge of the cover 416. The second portion 456 of the keeper bracket 452 is received within the notch 462 defined in the plinth 413. The EGM 402 may be urged back until a distal end of the second portion 456 contacts the side plinth surface 468. When the keeper bracket 452 (i.e., the second portion 456) is received within the notch 462 and engaged with the plinth 413, the keeper bracket 452 provides torsional stability to the EGM 402 by restraining against tipping of the EGM 402 on the stand 404 (e.g., in the counter-clockwise direction as shown in
Referring to
As shown in
In the example stand 404, the electronic gaming components 470 include auxiliary or peripheral computer hardware devices such as, for example, one or more network devices (e.g., a network switch, a modem, a router, or any other suitable network device), one or more media players, a bank controller (e.g., for controlling a progressive jackpot), a player tracking device, and other suitable auxiliary or peripheral devices used to operate the EGM 402. In the illustrated example, the electronic gaming components 470 include one or more multiport network switches 470a, a modem 470b, and a media player 470c. Communication wiring 472 is coupled to the electronic gaming components 470 (e.g., the one or more multiport network switches 470a, the modem 470b, and/or the media player 470c) and may be run between the interior cavity 424 and the cabinet 408 of the EGM 402 (shown in
The electronic gaming components 470 may also include power distribution components. For example, as shown in
Still referring to
As shown in
Accordingly, the electronic gaming components 470 housed within the stand 404 may cooperate and/or communicate with electronic components (e.g., the game controller 202) of the EGM 402 that are positioned within the cabinet 408. Thereby, the stand 404 and the EGM 402 may be electrically integrated with one another. Suitably, the stand 404 contains the electronic gaming components 470 to alleviate the footprint of the EGM 402, by facilitating reducing the number of electronic gaming components stored within the limited space of the cabinet 408. In particular, in conventional electronic gaming machines, the electronic gaming components 470 described herein may be positioned within a cabinet of the EGM. To fit such components inside of the cabinet, the size of the cabinet must be increased, resulting in an increased floor footprint of the electronic gaming machine (e.g., by making it wider), and/or resulting in an increased a height of the electronic gaming machine 402, reducing stability of the gaming machine and/or sacrificing the ergonomic size and shape of the electronic gaming machine. The gaming system 400 of the present disclosure provides an advantage over known electronic gaming machines in that it includes the electrically integrated EGM 402 and stand 404. More specifically, the stand 404 accommodates certain electronic gaming components 470 and provides communication between them and other gaming components (e.g., the game controller 202) housed within the cabinet 408 of the EGM 402, allowing for a more compact gaming system 400. Offloading electronic gaming components 470 into the stand 404 also facilitates lowering a center of mass of the electronic gaming system 400 and improving the stability thereof. Further, the mechanical coupling between the stand 404 and the EGM 402 enables the EGM 402 and the stand 404 to be electrically integrated while complying with certain gaming regulatory requirements. For example, at least some gaming regulatory requirements require that certain electronic components used for operating the EGM 402 be physically attached to the cabinet 408. The stand 404 forms an extension of the cabinet 408 through the physical coupling means described above, and therefore the electronic gaming components 470 housed within the interior cavity 424 may be considered to be physically attached to the cabinet. Thereby, the electronic gaming system 400 facilitates compliance with the above-described gaming regulatory requirements while minimizing the overall size (e.g., footprint and/or height) of the EGM 402 and providing an improved aesthetic and/or ergonomic design of the EGM 402.
The example electronic gaming system 400 also includes security features that facilitate electrical integration between the stand 404 and the EGM 402. For example, as shown in
Referring to
The stand 404 also includes a cooling fan 490 disposed within the interior cavity 424. The cooling fan 490 is operable to direct or draw ambient air through the vent opening 433 and into the interior cavity 424 for cooling the electronic gaming components 470. Suitably, the cooling fan 490 is disposed adjacent the vent opening 433 to enable the cooling fan 490 to draw ambient air through the vent opening 433 and into the interior cavity 424. For example, in the example stand 404, the cooling fan 490 is coupled to the base 414 above the vent opening 433 defined in the base 414. It will be appreciated that the cooling fan 490 may be coupled to any suitable internal component of the housing 412 to dispose the cooling fan 490 adjacent the vent opening 433. For example, the vent opening 433 may extend through one of the panels 418, 420, 422, and the cooling fan 490 may be disposed adjacent the vent opening 433 by coupling the cooling fan 490 to an interior surface of the respective panel 418, 420, 422. In some examples, more than one cooling fan 490 and corresponding vent opening 433 may be included in the stand 404 at the same or different locations within the interior cavity 424.
The cooling fan 490 is provided with first and second fan guards 491, 492. The cooling fan 490 and first fan guard 491 may be mounted in the interior cavity 424 adjacent (e.g., above) the vent opening 433 via fasteners 493 (e.g., screws, shown in
In operation, the cooling fan 490 draws or directs ambient air through the adjacent vent opening 433 and into the interior cavity 424. The air circulates within the interior cavity and exits through the vent outlets 432 and/or any other suitable openings in the housing 412. For example, the platform opening 480 may provide any additional and/or alternative egress location for air flowing within the interior cavity 424. Circulation of airflow into and out of the stand 404 provides convective cooling of electronic gaming components 470 housed within the stand 404 to facilitate reducing overheating or other damage (e.g., thermally induced damage) to the gaming components 470.
Referring now to
To enable movement and removal of the access door 428, the access door 428 is coupled to the housing 412 via a plurality of door flaps 502. The door flaps 502 may be made of any suitable material, such as a metal material for example. In one example, the door flaps 502 are made of galvanized steel. The door flaps 502 are attached (e.g., by welding, an adhesive, or other suitable means) to an interior surface 504 of the access door 428. Each door flap 502 includes a tongue 506 (shown in
To remove the access door 428 from the housing, an outward pulling force is applied to the access door 428 (e.g., at a top of the access door 428) to cause the access door 428 to pivot to a suitable position and allow the top of access door 428 to clear the cover 416. Once clear of the cover 416, the access door 428 may be pulled at a suitable angle (e.g., both upward and outward) to liberate the tongues 506 from the corresponding flap slots 508 and separate the access door 428 from the housing 412. Suitably, the provision of the door flaps 502 and corresponding flap slots 508 enables movably coupling the access door 428 to the housing 412 without a mechanical hinged connection and removing the access door 428 from the housing 412 with the use of tooling. However, in some embodiments, the access door 428 may be coupled to the housing 412 using a mechanical hinged connection.
Referring to
The spring clips 510 are made of a metal material (e.g., steel) to provide an earthing or grounding continuity between the access door 428 and internal structural supports of the housing 412 (e.g., vertical supports on opposite sides of the front opening 426). The access door 428 and structural components of the housing 412 (e.g., the internal structural supports and/or one or more of the panels 418, 420, 422) may be formed of a metal material (e.g., steel or aluminum) that has the ability to conduct electricity. The structural components of the stand 404 that have the ability to conduct electricity are suitably connected to an earthing or grounding system (e.g., an earthing strip) to reduce or eliminate the opportunity for the components to become electrically charged during operation. The spring clips 510 facilitate maintaining the electrical connection between the access door 428 and the earthing system when the access door 428 is closed. Thereby, the spring clips 510 facilitate increasing electrical safety of the stand 404 and, in particular, the access door 428.
The spring clips 510 may also provide a buffer between the access door 428 and the internal structural supports of the housing 412 when the access door 428 is closed and/or may provide an additional security feature by requiring that the cam 512 engage the overhanging panel 425 to maintain the access door 428 in the closed position. More specifically, when the access door 428 is moved to the closed position, the spring clips 510 may compress and, once a force is released from the access door 428, the spring clips 510 may deflect against the vertical supports of the housing 412 to urge the access door 428 to open. When the cam 512 engages the overhanging panel 425, the spring clips 510 remain compressed and are restricted from urging the access door 428 to open. This may ensure that an operator secures the access door 428 in the closed position using the lock 430. The spring clips 510 may also facilitate preventing operation of the EGM 402 when the cam 512 does not engage the overhanging panel 425. As described above, the security switch 478 is operable to detect whether the access door 428 is in a closed position. The security switch 478 is coupled to the overhanging panel 425 and engages the interior surface 504 of the access door 428 when closed. When the cam 512 does not engage the overhanging panel 425 and the access door 428 is urged to open by the spring clips 510, the security switch 478 provides a signal to the EGM 402 (e.g., to the game controller 202), which may cause the game controller 202 to generate an alert, interrupt game play, and/or take other suitable actions. Door buffers 514 (e.g., rubber stoppers, shown in
Referring to
As shown in
Each stand 404 includes suitable fastening or coupling means to couple adjacent stands 404 in the bank 600. Referring to
Exemplary technical effects of the methods, systems, and apparatus described herein include at least one of: (a) reduced sizing of an EGM cabinet by offloading certain electronic components in communication with the EGM into the stand of the gaming system; (b) improved stability of a gaming system provided by lowering a center of mass of the gaming system; (c) improved stability of the EGM during installation on a stand provided by engagement between the keeper bracket on the stand and the notch defined in the EGM; (d) compliance with certain known gaming regulatory requirements, which require that certain electronic components of a gaming system be attached to and/or provided within a cabinet of an EGM or a structure attached to a cabinet of an EGM; (e) reduced floor foot print of a gaming system; (f) improved security to a stand of an EGM by providing communication between a door switch on the stand and the game controller in a cabinet of the EGM; g) improved cooling to electronic gaming components housed within the stand to reduce overheating or other damage (e.g., thermally induced damage) to the gaming components; and/or h) enable quick, easy, and efficient assembly of the EGM on the stand and/or installation, servicing, and/or removal of the electronic gaming components housed within the stand.
While the disclosure has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims.
This written description uses examples to describe the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/344,232, filed May 20, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63344232 | May 2022 | US |
