Patent Application
20250237096
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.
Electronic gaming machines are complex devices and are often housed within cabinets having multiple access points in the form of doors or trays that may be opened or slid out in order to access internal components, cables, connectors, etc.
Disclosed herein is a modular locking apparatus having a first actuator configured to simultaneously transition multiple latches from a latched state to an unlatched state; such modular locking apparatuses may be particularly well-suited for use in electronic gaming machines. As indicated above, electronic gaming machines often have cabinets with access panels, doors, or slide-out trays, or separate enclosures (e.g., a bill validator cage) within the cabinet each having its own access panel, door, or slide-out tray. Each access panel, door, or slide-out tray may be opened or slid out in order to access the contents or internal components of such devices (e.g., a cash box within an interior of the bill validator cage). Such electronic gaming machines may include various latch mechanisms that may be used to secure such access panels, doors, or slide-out trays in place, thereby preventing unauthorized access to the contents or internal components of such devices, e.g., in response to impact or pulling and/or prying the access panels, doors, or slide-out trays.
The modular locking apparatus discussed herein incorporate each latch in a first set of one or more latches (i.e., one or more teeth for a corresponding one or more latch points) and each latch in a second set of one or more latches (i.e., one or more teeth for a corresponding one or more latch points). While each latch in the first set of one or more latches is independently movable relative to each latch in the second set of one or more latches, the first set of one or more latches and the second set of one or more latches may be caused to simultaneously transition from a latched state to an unlatched state responsive to a single input provided to a first actuator, e.g., an actuator cam lock. The modular locking apparatus may be particularly well-suited for latching doors or trays in situations in which it is desirable to provide multiple points of securement to the item being latched. For example, an access door that has a single latch point may be more vulnerable to being pried open or being twisted about the single latch point than if it were to be latched at two or more separate, spaced-apart locations. Moreover, the modular locking apparatus may also be well-suited for use in mechanisms in which it is desirable to release multiple latch points simultaneously. For example, some electronic gaming machines have a bill validator cage, which generally refers to an enclosure that contains a separate cash box used to securely store money. Gambling facilities with multiple electronic gaming machines may have employees (i.e., a drop team) collecting the cash boxes from the corresponding bill validator cages, installing empty cash boxes in the corresponding bill validator cages, and transporting the collected cash boxes to a secure count room where money is retrieved from each of the cash boxes and fed through a currency counter. Each bill validator cage may have a plurality of walls and a door movable to a closed position to define an interior where the cash box is stored. If a single latch point is used to secure such a door in the closed position, there is a risk that a person may attempt to gain unauthorized access to the cash box in the bill validator cage by prying and/or impacting a corner of the door spaced apart from the single latch point, which may, in turn, damage the door and/or the latch and/or allow the door to be moved from the closed position to the open position. If multiple latch points are used to secure such a door in the closed position, one or more humans may operate a plurality of separate actuators (e.g., a plurality of cam locks) to release or secure a corresponding one of the multiple latch points.
Also disclosed herein is the modular locking apparatus having an actuator adaptor that allows the first actuator may be from a set of two or more actuators having a corresponding one of two or more different configurations (i.e., with a plurality of corresponding lengths different from one another) to be installed in the modular locking apparatus and transmit a rotational force from any of those actuators to a common cam member. The actuator adaptor includes one or more keying features configured to interlock with the first actuator and extending along a center axis from a first adaptor end portion to a second adaptor end portion, such that the first actuator in the set of two or more actuators has a first cam element in a first position interlocked with the first adaptor end portion and a second actuator in the set of two or more actuators has a second cam element in a second position interlocked with the second adaptor end portion. In one example where such modular locking apparatus is newly purchased directly from a manufacturer or a distributor, the first actuator installed in the modular locking apparatus may be a dummy lock without a lock cylinder (i.e., a thumb lock that does not require a key to transition the first actuator from a first state to a second state). The first actuator may include a body, a manually-operated handle (e.g., a knob, a wing nut, etc.) rotatable relative to the body, a shaft interlocked with the handle so as to constrain rotational movement of the knob relative to the handle, and a cam element interlocked with the shaft so as to constrain rotational movement of the cam element relative to the shaft, such that the cam element transitions between the first state and the second state responsive to a human rotating the handle in a corresponding one of two rotational directions. After purchasing the modular locking apparatus, the customer may replace the first actuator with the second actuator, i.e., a cam lock having the customer's preferred configuration and/or obtained from the customer's preferred lock vendor. The cam lock may further include a lock cylinder keyed, according to the customer's preference, to a common key or a batch of keys. The adaptor allows multiple different cam locks (i.e., cam locks having a corresponding one of multiple configurations and/or lengths, obtained from a corresponding one of multiple different lock vendors, having lock cylinders keyed to a common key, and/or having lock cylinders keyed to a batch of different keys) having a plurality of lock cylinders of different lengths to be installed in the modular locking apparatus without modifying other components of the modular locking apparatus (e.g., spacers, cams, latches, etc.) such that the adaptor can transmit a rotational force from any of those cam locks to a common cam member and cause multiple latches to simultaneously transition from the latched state to the unlatched state.
In some implementations, the modular locking apparatus may further include a lockout device including a lockout cam member and movable to a first configuration where the lockout cam member prevents the first actuator from transitioning from the first state to the second state and a second configuration where the lockout cam member allows the first actuator to transition from the first state to the second state. In other implementations, the lockout device may be disabled or entirely removed from the modular locking apparatus such that the lockout device does not prevent the first actuator from transitioning from the first state to the second state. For instance, in one implementation, the modular locking apparatus may include a retainer element configured to hold the lockout device in the second configuration and may not include one or more components of the lockout device (e.g., a lockout cam lock) that may, in other implementations, be used to move the lockout device from the first configuration to the second configuration. In still other examples, the modular locking apparatus may not include any components of the lockout device (i.e., the locking cam lock, a lockout adaptor, and the lockout cam member).
Such implementations of the modular locking apparatus with both the first actuator and the lockout device each with a corresponding adaptor and a corresponding cam member are discussed herein. The first actuator and the latching mechanism are discussed first, with discussion of the lockout device discussed afterwards.
In some implementations, an apparatus may be provided that includes a housing and a first actuator transitionable between a first state and a second state. The apparatus may further include a latching mechanism with a first set of one or more latches and a second set of one or more latches. Each latch in the first set of one or more latches may be configured to be transitioned between a corresponding latched state and a corresponding unlatched state. Each latch in the second set of one or more latches may be configured to be transitioned between a corresponding latched state and a corresponding unlatched state. Each latch in the first set of one or more latches and each latch in the second set of one or more latches may simultaneously transition from the corresponding latched state to the corresponding unlatched state responsive to the first actuator transitioning from the first state to the second state. Furthermore, each latch in the first set of one or more latches and each latch in the second set of one or more latches may simultaneously transition from the corresponding unlatched state to the corresponding latched state when the first actuator is in the first state.
In some implementations, the latching mechanism may further include a first latch body having the first set of one or more latches. The first latch body may be translatable relative to the housing and between an extended position relative to the housing and a retracted position relative to the housing to cause each latch in the first set of one or more latches to be in a corresponding one of the corresponding latched state and the corresponding unlatched state. The latching mechanism may further include a second latch body having the second set of one or more latches. The second latch body may be translatable relative to the housing and between an extended position relative to the housing and a retracted position relative to the housing to cause each latch in the second set of one or more latches to be in a corresponding one of the corresponding latched state and the corresponding unlatched state. The latching mechanism may further include a common cam member rotatable about a first center axis relative to the housing and between a first rotational position relative to the housing and a second rotational position relative to the housing. The common cam member may have a first cam surface and a second cam surface collectively configured to simultaneously exert, responsive to the common cam member rotating from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, an opposing lateral force on a corresponding one of the first latch body and the second latch body and cause a corresponding one of the first latch body and the second latch body to simultaneously translate from the extended position to the retracted position such that each latch in the first set of latches and each latch in the second set of latches transitions from the corresponding latched state to the corresponding unlatched state.
In some implementations, the housing may include a panel having an actuator aperture in which the first actuator Is installed. The first actuator may include a cam element rotatable about the first center axis when the first actuator is installed in the actuator aperture in the panel. The latching mechanism may further include an actuator adaptor having two or more keying features configured to interlock with a corresponding one of the cam element and the common cam member so as to constrain rotation of the actuator adaptor relative to the cam element and the common cam member and transmit a rotational force from the cam element to the common cam member.
In some implementations, the first actuator may be one actuator from a set of two or more actuators. The first actuator in the set of two or more actuators may have an end portion including a first cam element. The first cam element, when the first actuator is installed in the actuator aperture in the panel, may be spaced a first distance from the panel and located in a first position along the first center axis. A second actuator in the set of two or more actuators may have an end portion including a second cam element. The second cam element, when the second actuator is installed in the actuator aperture in the panel, may be spaced a second distance from the panel and located in a second position along the first center axis. Each corresponding actuator keying feature may extend along the first center axis such that those keying features are configured to interlock with the first cam element in the first position when the first actuator is installed in the actuator aperture in the panel and the second cam element in the second position when the second actuator is installed in the actuator aperture in the panel.
In some implementations, the corresponding actuator keying features of the actuator adaptor interlocking with the cam element may extend a length along the first center axis from a first adaptor end portion to a second adaptor end portion. The length may be at least the difference between the first distance from the panel and the second distance from the panel, such that the first adaptor end portion of the corresponding actuator keying features are configured to engage the first cam element in the first position when the first actuator is installed in the actuator aperture in the panel and the second adaptor end portion of the corresponding actuator keying features are configured to engage the second cam element in the second position when the second actuator is installed in the actuator aperture in the panel.
In some implementations, the corresponding actuator keying features of the actuator adaptor interlocking with the cam element may extend a length up to 1.25 inches along the first center axis.
In some implementations, the common cam member may include a collar portion interlocked with the actuator adaptor. The common cam member may further have a first cam portion including the first cam surface and a second cam portion including the second cam surface. The first cam portion and the second cam portion may extend from the collar portion such that the first cam surface and the second cam surface are spaced from one another along the first center axis.
In some implementations, the first cam portion and the second cam portion may extend from opposite faces of the collar portion and along the first center axis.
In some implementations, the first cam portion and the second cam portion may be located on diametrically opposite sides of the collar portion and with the first center axis interposed therebetween.
In some implementations, the first latch body may include a first actuator aperture, and the second latch body may include a second actuator aperture. The first actuator may be one actuator from a set of two or more actuators. The first actuator in the set of two or more actuators may have an end portion including a first cam element. The first cam element may be, when the first actuator is installed in the actuator aperture in the panel, spaced a first distance from the panel and located in a first position along the first center axis. A second actuator in the set of two or more actuators may have an end portion including a second cam element. The second cam element may be, when the second actuator is installed in the actuator aperture in the panel, spaced a second distance from the panel and located in a second position along the first center axis. The first cam portion may be in the first actuator aperture of the first latch body, and the second cam portion may be in the second actuator aperture of the second latch body when the first actuator is installed in the actuator aperture in the panel and when the second actuator is installed in the actuator aperture in the panel.
In some implementations, the latching mechanism may further include a spacer plate disposed between the first latch body and the second latch body. The spacer plate and the first latch body may have a first pair of sliding interfaces configured to permit the first latch body to translate relative to the spacer plate and the housing along a first translation axis. The spacer plate and the second latch body may have a second pair of sliding interfaces configured to permit the second latch body to translate relative to the spacer plate and the housing along a second translation axis.
In some implementations, the spacer plate may include an actuator clearance aperture. The collar portion may be in the actuator clearance aperture of the spacer plate when the first actuator is connected to the housing and when the second actuator is connected to the housing.
In some implementations, the first latch body may have a first plate including a first cam follower surface. The second latch body may have a second plate including a second cam follower surface. The first cam surface and the second cam surface of the common cam member may each exert an opposing lateral force on a corresponding one of the first cam follower surface of the first plate and the second cam follower surface of the second plate to cause a corresponding one of the first set of one or more latches and the second set of one or more latches to simultaneously transition from the corresponding latched state to the corresponding unlatched state responsive to the common cam member rotating from the first rotational position to the second rotational position.
In some implementations, the first latch body may include a side having a first region and a second region spaced apart from one another. The first latch body may further include a first latch in the first set of one or more latches located in the first region of the side. The first latch body may further include a second latch in the first set of one or more latches located in the second region of the side.
In some implementations, the second latch body may include a side having a first region and a second region spaced apart from one another. The second latch body may further include a first latch in the second set of one or more latches located in the first region of the side. The second latch body may further include a second latch in the second set of one or more latches located in the second region of the side.
In some implementations, the apparatus may further include an enclosure having a plurality of walls and a door movable between an open position and a closed position. The plurality of walls and the door may collectively define an interior when the door is in the closed position. Each latch in the first set of one or more latches and each latch in the second set of one or more latches may be configured to engage one or more of the walls so as to collectively secure the door in the closed position when the door is in the closed position and each latch in the first set of one or more latches and each latch in the second set of one or more latches is in the corresponding latched state. Each latch in the first set of one or more latches and each latch in the second set of one or more latches may be configured to be spaced apart from the walls so as to collectively release the door from the closed position and allow the door to be transitioned to the open position when each latch in the first set of one or more latches and each latch in the second set of one or more latches is caused to transition from the corresponding latched state to the corresponding unlatched state. Each latch in the first set of one or more latches and each latch in the second set of one or more latches may include a tapered feature configured to engage, when each latch in the first set of one or more latches and each latch in the second set of one or more latches are in the corresponding latched state and the door is moved from the open position toward the closed position, one or more walls to cause those latches to move from the corresponding latched state to the corresponding unlatched state and permit the door to be moved to the closed position.
In some implementations, the apparatus may further include a lockout device movable between a first configuration and a second configuration relative to the housing. The lockout device, when in the first configuration, may prevent the first actuator from transitioning from the first state to the second state. The lockout device, when in the second configuration, may allow the first actuator to transition from the first state to the second state.
In some implementations, the first actuator may be an actuator cam lock, and the lockout device may be a lockout cam lock. The latching mechanism may include a common cam member rotatable about a first center axis relative to the housing between a first rotational position and a second rotational position. The common cam member may have a first cam surface and a second cam surface configured to, responsive to the common cam member rotating from the first rotational position to the second rotational position, simultaneously transition each latch in the first set of latches and each latch in the second set of latches transition from the corresponding latched state to the corresponding unlatched state. The latching mechanism may further include an actuator adaptor having one or more actuator keying features configured to interlock with the actuator cam lock and the common cam member so as to constrain rotation of the actuator cam lock relative to the common cam member and transmit a rotational force from the actuator cam lock to the common cam member. The latching mechanism may further include a lockout cam member rotatable about a second center axis relative to the housing between a third rotational position and a fourth rotational position. The lockout cam member may include a locking feature in a locked position configured to engage, when in the third rotational position, the common cam member and block movement of the common cam member from the first rotational position to the second rotational position. The lockout cam member, when in the fourth rotational position, may include the locking feature in an unlocked position spaced from the common cam member to provide clearance for rotation of the common cam member from the first rotational position to the second rotational position. The latching mechanism may further include a lockout adaptor having one or more lockout keying features configured to interlock with the lockout cam lock and the lockout cam member so as to constrain rotation of the lockout cam lock relative to the lockout cam member and transmit a rotational force from the lockout cam lock to the lockout cam member.
In some implementations, the actuator cam lock may be in a set of two or more actuator cam locks having a plurality of corresponding configurations. The actuator keying features of the actuator adaptor may extend along the first center axis such that those actuator keying features are configured to interlock with each actuator cam lock in the set of two or more actuator cam locks when that corresponding actuator cam lock is installed in the housing. The lockout cam lock may be in a set of two or more lockout cam locks having a plurality of corresponding configurations. The lockout keying features of the lockout adaptor may extend along the second center axis such that those lockout keying features are configured to interlock with each lockout cam lock in the set of two or more lockout cam locks when that corresponding lockout cam lock is installed in the housing.
In some implementations, the latching mechanism may further include a first set of one or more force-biasing devices interposed between the housing and the first set of one or more latches The first set of one or more force-biasing devices may be configured to urge the first set of one or more latches from the unlatched position to the latched position. The latching mechanism may further include a second set of one or more force-biasing devices interposed between the housing and the second set of one or more latches. The second set of one or more force-biasing devices may be configured to urge the second set of one or more latches from the unlatched position to the latched position.
The Figures are provided for the purpose of providing examples and clarity regarding various aspects of this disclosure and are not intended to be limiting.
The following discussion provides overall context for electronic gaming machines, some of which may include an enclosures such as those discussed later herein starting with
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 blackjack, 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 may, for example, be a remote gaming server (RGS) or similar system in some implementations. 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 286b. 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.
As discussed earlier, electronic gaming machines such as those discussed above may include have cabinets with access panels, doors, or slide-out trays, or separate enclosures (e.g., a bill validator cage) within the cabinet each having its own access panel, door, or slide-out tray discussed herein.
In
In
The modular locking apparatus 408 further includes a first actuator 412 transitionable between a first state (
In
The first actuator 412 is one actuator selected from a set of two or more actuators having a corresponding one of two or more different configurations to receive an input from a human to cause each latch in a first set 414 of one or more latches and each latch in a second set 416 of one or more latches (i.e., four or more latches as can be seen in
For example, when a new modular locking apparatus 408 has been purchased directly from a manufacturer or distributor, the first actuator installed in the new modular locking apparatus 408 may be a dummy lock without a lock cylinder (i.e., a thumb lock that does not require a key to transition the first actuator from a first state to a second state). As can be seen in
Each cam lock (i.e., each actuator cam lock) in the set of two or more cam locks (i.e., two or more actuator cam locks each having a different length) may have a plurality of corresponding configurations to be installed in the modular locking apparatus 408 (i.e., by an actuator adaptor 456 as discussed with reference to
For example, when a first gambling facility obtains and installs its own preferred cam lock (i.e., the second actuator in
In
The common cam member 458 is rotatable about the first center axis relative to the housing 420 between a first rotational position (
In this implementation, the common cam member 458 includes a collar portion 480 interlocked with the actuator adaptor 456, a first cam portion 482 including the first cam surface 468, and a second cam portion 484 including the second cam surface 470. The first cam portion 482 and the second cam portion 484 extend from the collar portion 480 such that the first cam surface 468 and the second cam surface 470 are spaced from one another along the first center axis. The first cam portion 482 and the second cam portion 484 extend from a corresponding one of opposite faces of the collar portion 480 and along the first center axis, and the first cam portion 482 and the second cam portion 484 are located on diametrically opposite sides of the collar portion 480 and with the first center axis interposed therebetween.
Each latch in the first set 414 of one or more latches and each latch in the second set 416 of one or more latches simultaneously transition from the latched state to the unlatched state responsive, at least in part, to the first actuator 412 transitioning from the first state to the second state. Furthermore, each latch in the first set 414 of one or more latches and each latch in the second set 416 of one or more latches simultaneously may transition from the unlatched state to the latched state when the first actuator 412 is in the first state. The latching mechanism 432 further includes a first set 434 of one or more force-biasing devices in connection between the housing 420 (e.g., the support bracket 424) and the first set 414 of one or more latches, and the first set 434 of one or more force-biasing devices is configured to urge the first set of one or more latches from the unlatched position to the latched position. The latching mechanism 432 further includes a second set 438 of one or more force-biasing devices in connection between the housing 420 (e.g., the support bracket 424) and the second set 416 of one or more latches, and the second set 438 of one or more force-biasing devices is configured to urge the second set 416 of one or more latches from the unlatched position to the latched position.
The latching mechanism 432 further includes the first latch body 436 (i.e., having the first set 414 of one or more latches) translatable along a first translation axis relative to the housing 420 and between an extended position (
Somewhat similar to the first latch body 436, the latching mechanism 432 further includes the second latch body 440 (i.e., having the second set 416 of one or more latches) translatable along a second translation axis relative to the housing 420 and between an extended position (
The latching mechanism 432 further includes a spacer plate 492 disposed between the first latch body 436 and the second latch body 440 to facilitate movement of each of the first latch body 436 and the second latch body 440 between the corresponding extended position and the corresponding retracted position relative to the housing 420. More specifically, the spacer plate 492 and the first latch body 436 have a first pair of sliding interfaces 494 configured to permit the first latch body 436 to translate relative to the spacer plate 492 and the housing 420 along the first translation axis. The first pair of sliding interfaces 494 may include a linear guide element on the spacer plate 492 (e.g., one or more posts extending from the spacer plate 492) and a corresponding linear guide element on the first latch body 436 (e.g., one or more slots in the first latch body 436 each having a first end with a first stop surface and a second end with a second stop surface where a corresponding post in the slot may engage the first stop surface and the second stop surface when the first latch body 436 moves a maximum travel distance relative to the spacer plate 492). The linear guide element on the spacer plate 492 and the corresponding linear guide element on the first latch body 436 may constrain motion of the first latch body 436 relative to the spacer plate 492 to translation along the first translation axis. Similarly, the spacer plate 492 and the second latch body 440 have a second pair of sliding interfaces 496 configured to permit the second latch body 440 to translate relative to the spacer plate 492 and the housing 420 along the second translation axis. The second pair of sliding interfaces 496 may include a linear guide element on the spacer plate 492 (e.g., one or more posts extending from the spacer plate 492) and a corresponding linear guide element on the second latch body 440 (e.g., one or more slots in the second latch body 440 each having a first end with a first stop surface and a second end with a second stop surface where a corresponding post in the slot may engage the first stop surface and the second stop surface when the second latch body 440 moves a maximum travel distance relative to the spacer plate 492). The linear guide element on the spacer plate 492 and the corresponding linear guide element on the second latch body 440 may constrain motion of the second latch body 440 relative to the spacer plate 492 to translation along the second translation axis. The spacer plate includes an actuator clearance aperture 498 in which the collar portion 480 of the common cam member 458 rotates without contacting the spacer plate 492.
As can be seen, this implementation of the modular locking apparatus 408 further includes a lockout device 418 having a lockout cam member 459 rotatable about a second center axis relative to the housing 420 between a third rotational position (
The lockout device 418 includes a lockout cam member 459 rotatable about a second center axis relative to the housing 420 between a third rotational position and a fourth rotational position. The lockout cam member 459, when in the third rotational position, includes a locking feature 481 (e.g., a projection, one or more stop surfaces) in a locked position configured to exert a resultant force with a tangential component on the common cam member 458 so as to block movement of the common cam member from the first rotational position to the second rotational position. The lockout cam member 459, when in the fourth rotational position, includes the locking feature 481 in an unlocked position spaced from the common cam member 458 to provide clearance for rotation of the common cam member 458 from the first rotational position to the second rotational position.
Similar to one example first actuator 412 being one cam lock (i.e., one actuator cam lock) in a set two or more cam locks (i.e., two or more actuator cam locks) each configured to be installed in the modular locking apparatus 408 to allow a rotational force to be transmitted to the common cam member 458 by the actuator adaptor 456, one example lockout device 418 may include one cam lock (i.e., one lockout cam lock) in a set two or more cam locks (i.e., two or more lockout cam locks) each configured to be installed in the modular locking apparatus 408 to allow a rotational force to be transmitted to the lockout cam member 459 by a lockout adaptor 457. In one implementation (not shown), the first actuator installed in in the modular locking apparatus 408 is an actuator cam lock with a first lock cylinder keyed for a first key, and the lockout device installed in the modular locking apparatus 408 is a lockout cam lock with a second lock cylinder keyed for a second key different from the first key. The lockout adaptor 457 may have a plurality of lockout keying features 461 configured to interlock with the lockout cam lock and the lockout cam member 459 so as to constrain rotation of the lockout cam lock relative to the lockout cam member 459 and transmit a rotational force from the lockout cam lock to the lockout cam member 459. The lockout keying features 461 of the lockout adaptor 457 extend along the second center axis such that those lockout keying features 461 are configured to interlock with each lockout cam lock in the set of two or more lockout cam locks when that corresponding lockout cam lock is installed in the housing, The lockout keying features 461 of the lockout adaptor 457 extend along the second center axis such that those lockout keying features 461 are configured to interlock with the first cam element in the first position when the first lockout cam lock is connected to the housing and the second cam element in the second position when the second lockout cam lock is connected to the housing.
In another implementation, as can be seen in
The lockout cam lock is one lockout cam lock in a set of two or more lockout cam locks having a plurality of corresponding configurations. A first lockout cam lock in the set of two or more lockout cam locks includes a lock cylinder having an end portion with a first cam element. The first cam element, when the first lockout cam lock is installed in the lockout aperture 430, is located a third distance from the first panel 422, and located in a third position along the second center axis when the first lockout cam lock is connected to the first panel 422. A second lockout cam lock in the set of two or more lockout cam locks includes a lock cylinder having an end portion with a second cam element. The second cam element, when the second lockout cam lock is installed in the lockout aperture 430 in the first panel 422, is located a fourth distance from the first panel 422 and located in a fourth position along the second center axis, with the fourth distance being longer than the third distance. Stated another way, the set of compatible lockout cam locks that can be installed in the modular locking apparatus may have a plurality of lock cylinders with a plurality of lengths different from one another.
While the common cam member 458 in
Furthermore, while the first cam follower surface 472 and the second cam follower surface 476 in
The first latch plate 574 and the second latch plate 578 in
As discussed above, the modular locking apparatus 508 in
It is to be understood that the phrases “for each <item> of the one or more <items>,” “each <item> of the one or more <items>,” or the like, if used herein, are inclusive of both a single-item group and multiple-item groups, i.e., the phrase “for . . . each” is used in the sense that it is used in programming languages to refer to each item of whatever population of items is referenced. For example, if the population of items referenced is a single item, then “each” would refer to only that single item (despite the fact that dictionary definitions of “each” frequently define the term to refer to “every one of two or more things”) and would not imply that there must be at least two of those items.
The term “between,” as used herein and when used with a range of values, is to be understood, unless otherwise indicated, as being inclusive of the start and end values of that range. For example, between 1 and 5 is to be understood to be inclusive of the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, not just the numbers 2, 3, and 4.
The use, if any, of ordinal indicators, e.g., (a), (b), (c) . . . or the like, in this disclosure and claims is to be understood as not conveying any particular order or sequence, except to the extent that such an order or sequence is explicitly indicated. For example, if there are three steps labeled (i), (ii), and (iii), it is to be understood that these steps may be performed in any order (or even concurrently, if not otherwise contraindicated) unless indicated otherwise. For example, if step (ii) involves the handling of an element that is created in step (i), then step (ii) may be viewed as happening at some point after step (i). Similarly, if step (i) involves the handling of an element that is created in step (ii), the reverse is to be understood. It is also to be understood that use of the ordinal indicator “first” herein, e.g., “a first item,” should not be read as suggesting, implicitly or inherently, that there is necessarily a “second” instance, e.g., “a second item.”
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.
