WO2007068048A1

WO2007068048A1 - Method for installing gaming software and firmware programming

Info

Publication number: WO2007068048A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/001891
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gavin Charles Jackson
Original assignee: Queensland Gaming Systems Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-12-13
Filing date: 2006-12-13
Publication date: 2007-06-21
Also published as: AU2006324384B2; GB0811709D0; GB2446762A; AU2006324384A1

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a method of installing gaming software programming and compatible gaming firmware programming by downloading to a gaming terminal without physical intervention by a technician. The method of installation of gaming programming provides the advantage that updates and programming fixes can be made once and then downloaded to various gaming terminals. The method of installation of gaming programming also provides the venue operator with the option of changing games according to the preference of the attending patrons.

Description

METHOD FOR INSTALLING GAMING SOFTWARE AND FIRMWARE

PROGRAMMING

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to software and firmware for processors and in particular to game software and firmware for a gaming terminal in a gaming venue. Reference in the specification to gaming software and firmware is by way of example and the invention is not limited to gaming software and firmware.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Software and firmware programming for a gaming terminal in a club, hotel or other gaming venue is usually installed by a technician who attends a venue and physically installs the programming. Furthermore a technician is required to be physically present on-site to install software updates and fix "bugs" in the programming for each gaming machine. There is a cost to the gaming venue for the technician's services each time the technician is in attendance and for the period of their attendance.

While the gaming machine is being updated or fixed it is not available for use by a venue patron. Downtime may be several hours or more and represents a financial loss while the gaming machine is non-operational. Currently this downtime is unavoidable and is a major concern for venue managers.

Furthermore the prohibitive costs associated with the technician's services and gaming machine downtime does not permit frequent changing of the games on any one gaming machine. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternate method of installing software and firmware programming that over comes, at least in part, one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current invention was developed by taking an alternative approach to conventional methods of installing, fixing and updating gaming software and firmware programming where the gaming software and firmware programming is formed remotely from a gaming terminal and is downloadable to a gaming terminal. In this way the problem is fixed or updates made once and downloaded to gaming machines simultaneously or at any time without the requirement of a technician to be present on-site and attend to each gaming machine one at a time. This provides the advantage of less downtime for a gaming machine. In one aspect the present invention broadly resides in a method for installing programming on a gaming terminal including forming a downloadable package of software and firmware programming modules; downloading the package to the gaming terminal; installing the package on the gaming terminal wherein the software and firmware programming of the package replaces the currently installed software and firmware programming.

Preferably the package forms a unitary package whereby the software and firmware are operationally interactive. In one preferred form the package is formed with two or more compatible modules with at least one module being software programming and another module being firmware programming. The software and firmware programming are preferably operationally interactive but are preferably separate modules. Different software modules may be combined with compatible firmware modules to form a new package. In this way new games and game formats may be formed.

In another aspect the invention broadly resides in a method for installing programming on a gaming terminal including having a plurality of downloadable software programming modules and at least one downloadable functionally-complementary firmware programming module; downloading one of the plurality of downloadable software programming modules and a firmware programming module or downloading one of the plurality of downloadable software programming modules; installing the downloaded programming module or modules on the gaming terminal, wherein when the software programming module and firmware programming module is downloaded and installed it will replace current software and firmware programming, and when only the software programming module is downloaded and installed it will replace current software programming and interact with current firmware programming to become functionally operational. The above mentioned method allows software and or firmware to be updated, fix a "bug" or programming problem and add enhancements without physical intervention. The method also allows a game on any one gaming terminal to be changed to a different game via the method of downloading a new package of programming. In another aspect the invention broadly resides in a gaming machine including - A - gaming machine software; a controller circuit board; a microcontroller which is located either on the circuit board or inside the sealed logic area of the gaming machine; firmware for the controller circuit board; and housing means and display means for the gaming machine, wherein the gaming machine is adapted to receive and install a downloadable package of software and firmware programming.

The software and firmware programming may be formed in modular units as described above.

Preferably the circuit board and firmware functions include connection to at least one player input means, control one or more lights associated with a player input means, control one or more array of lights used as indicator means, control the information displayed on one or more buttons which have built in liquid crystal or similar display means indicating the function of one or more input means, storage of security keys for the encrypting or decrypting of data and or software, interfacing with a coin validator and or coin diverter mechanism for securely determining the number of coins inserted into the gaming machine and into which coin receptacle the coins are deposited and identify coin faults. The firmware sends data to the software regarding inputs (such as buttons pressed), coins inserted and the gaming terminal's public key when encryption is used. Software sends data to the firmware including whether one or more lights are operational, whether a coin validator is disabled or enabled, wording for electronic button displays and coin diverter status. The software may also be used to send firmware updates, through a network to the gaming machine's microcontroller. In one preferred form, the software and firmware update programming can be downloaded and installed independently of each other.

In another aspect, the invention broadly resides in a system for operating one or more gaming terminals wherein gaming machines as described above are adapted to receive and install a downloadable package of software and firmware programming. The package is preferably downloaded via a network. The package may be formed remotely and downloaded via the network to a gaming terminal in a gaming venue. The same package may be downloaded to two or more gaming terminals in one or more gaming venues. The gaming package may be downloaded via the internet or a dedicated intranet. The gaming package may be downloaded to a local controller in a gaming venue and then downloaded to one or more gaming machines operationally controlled by the local controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention can be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a preferred embodiment of the gaming system; Figure 2 is a photograph of a preferred embodiment of the gaming machine; and

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of the interactive console of the gaming machine shown in Figure 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A gaming package is formed from software and firmware programming and downloaded from a host controller to a local controller (server) for installation on one or more gaming terminals. The new gaming package allows for correction of any software "bugs" including predictable game outcomes due to problems with the random number generator and credit meters suddenly incrementing to millions of credits. The new gaming package may also include software updates which include new game features and enhancements to gaming machine menus. The new gaming package may also include firmware updates which allow changing the lighting patterns for standard buttons and information on buttons and other displays.

Where the gaming machine has one or more peripheral components (such as bank note acceptors) with firmware, the firmware can preferably be updated with firmware programming from the gaming package. With respect to bank note acceptors, the firmware programming needs to be updated where the Reserve Bank changes a bank note, adds a bank note or changes the dye used with bank notes. The firmware of the bank note acceptors needs to be updated to maintain the sensitivity of bank note detection to maintain their fraud detection mechanisms.

The new gaming package allows the installation of a new game type which is preferred by the current venue patrons. In this way a gaming terminal may have one or more game changes within a day. The game changes may be made by the venue managers depending on what they believe the preferences of the current venue patrons. The new gaming package may be downloaded and installed in a relatively short period of time having no or minimal downtime for the gaming machine.

With reference to Figure 1 there is shown a gaming system 10 having a host controller 11 , local controller 12 and gaming machines 13. The host controller 11 includes a server which stores game programming encoding games for playing on licensed gaming machines. The game programming includes binary images of approved games. The host controller 11 stores game programming as game software and firmware for the licensed gaming machines. The host controller 11 also has a downloading server where licensed venues can download one or more different games or game updates. The host controller 11 has administrative details and license details for each venue. The administrative details include name and contact details for the venue, number of local controllers 12 at each venue, number of gaming machines 13 at each venue and lists of games at each venue. The host controller 11 issues each venue with a license key that enables the venue to download games in accordance with their license. For games or game updates to be downloaded, the license details for the particular venue must be provided to the host controller 11. After the license details have been entered and authorization given, the games or game updates are downloaded in an encrypted format via the internet or a secure intranet to a local controller 12 within the licensed venue.

The local controller 12 downloads the games to one or more gaming machines 13 as scheduled by venue management or download game updates to one or more gaming machines 13 automatically. Venue management then runs a particular game from the game server so that it can be played on one or more gaming machines 13. The games can be readily changed depending on the usage of each type of game and the game preference of the users. The games can be readily changed as the game programming includes the game and associated artwork and instructions for display on the screens of the top and main screen panels of the gaming machines 13. The local controller 12 controls the gaming machines 13. The local controller 12 also encodes a management system providing a graphical interface allowing the venue operators to determine the status of each gaming machine 13 in the venue at any one particular time. The management system also includes having a venue map showing the location and type of gaming machine 13 in the venue, the ability to remote test a gaming machine 13 to receive and analyze feedback data from each gaming machine 13 to provide operational and functional statistics relating to each game played and each gaming machine 13. The management system also has the facility to change the denomination of moneys of the gaming machine 13 and display corresponding instructional information. The management system also stores information regarding faults, their diagnosis and instructions on how to repair the faults. The management system also records faults and gaming machine history. The management system also has the facility to generate and transmit promotional information and displays to the gaming machines 13. The management system is also used to control terminal-to-terminal communications, which allow messages and/or graphics to be moved from one terminal's screen to another.

Data concerning the usage of each game is provided as feedback to the host controller 11 from the local controller 12 in order to monitor user trends and satisfy user demands. Each gaming machine 13 is operatively linked to a local controller 12. The operative link may be by means of a wireless connection or a wired connection. Information transmitted through a wireless connection from the local controller 12 to the gaming machines 13 is encrypted. Where there are two or more gaming machines 13 in the venue, they may be wired together in series. With a series type connection or with suitable programming, messages or light features can be displayed from one gaming machine 13 to the next.

With reference to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown a gaming machine 20 having an outer plastic casing 21 , a top box panel 22, a main screen panel 23 and an interactive console 24. There is also shown a beacon light 25 positioned on top of the gaming machine 20 for alerting management to a faulty machine, requesting assistance from a user of the particular machine, additional gaming or promotional purposes. The top box panel 22 has a screen displaying graphic artwork relevant to the game operating on the gaming machine 20. The screen of the top box panel 22 can also display instructions for the game. These instructions are accessible through the console player buttons.

The console 24 has two play buttons 30 on either side to accommodate ambidextrous players and provide additional comfort to the left handed player. The design of the buttons on the interactive console 24 allows the same buttons to be used for different games played on the same gaming machine 20. The buttons are controlled by the processor of the gaming machine 20 and the game programming firmware. In this way the same console 24 can be used for different games. Consequently, when a game is changed there is no need to send a technician on- site to change the console 24 and artwork/instructions for the new game. The console 24 has a series of push buttons including a menu button 31 , a rules button 32 to display the rules of a particular game, a gamble button 33, a 'take win' button 34, a collect button 35 and betting buttons 36. The betting buttons 36 are arranged to allow the user to choose the number of lines and bets per line by using the 'bet up/down' and 'lines up/down' buttons 36. The versatility of the arrangement of the betting buttons 36 allows the user to make a bet irrespective of the number of lines and amounts per line.

The gaming machine 20 also has a single key switch 26. A venue operator can actuate the single key switch 26 by inserting and turning the relevant key. When the key switch 26 is in the operative position a menu screen appears on the main screen panel 23 providing a selection of audit menu functions, fault diagnosis and repair instructions and resetting of values of different parameters.

The gaming machine 20 may also include a card reader for the reading of specific smart cards specific for the system. The smart cards are issued by operators of the system for gambling on the gaming system. The smart card has an electronic monetary purse, player limits on the size of the bet, the amount of money spent in any one set period and the length of time that a person gambles. As a consequence, a player using a card will be prevented from exceeding their monetary or time limits and an automatic "cooling off period" is imposed before they can recommence gambling. In this way, responsible gambling behaviour is imposed on the player. Furthermore, card based gambling provides additional security by having a cashless environment. With card based gambling, transfers of money directly from the user's bank account can be made and loaded onto the cards. As well the cards can earn the user loyalty rewards associated with their use at a particular venue rather than another venue where the gaming system is operating.

The gaming software and firmware modules and combined packages of the preferred embodiment provide the advantage that games can be easily changed on gaming machines without physical intervention by a technician to satisfy the demands for preferred games by patrons. The method of the installation of the preferred embodiment is possible because of the transferable nature of the gaming software and firmware programming.

The method of installation of gaming programming provides the advantage that updates and programming fixes can be made once and then downloaded to various gaming terminals. The method of installation of gaming programming also provides the venue operator with the option of changing games according to the preference of the attending patrons.

VARIATIONS It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. A method for installing programming on a gaming terminal including having a plurality of downloadable software programming modules and at least one downloadable functionally-complementary firmware programming module; downloading one of the plurality of downloadable software programming modules and a firmware programming module or downloading one of the plurality of downloadable software programming modules; installing the downloaded programming module or modules on the gaming terminal, wherein when the software programming module and firmware programming module is downloaded and installed it will replace current software and firmware programming, and when only the software programming module is downloaded and installed it will replace current software programming and interact with current firmware programming to become functionally operational.

2. A method for installing programming on a gaming terminal including forming a downloadable package of software and firmware programming modules; downloading the package to the gaming terminal; installing the package on the gaming terminal wherein the software and firmware programming of the package replaces the currently installed software and firmware programming.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the package forms a unitary package whereby the software and firmware are operationally interactive.

4. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein different software modules are combined with functionally compatible firmware modules to form new game formats.

5. A method as claimed in any one of the above mentioned claims wherein the downloaded and installed programming introduces a new game on the gaming terminal.

6. A gaming machine including gaming machine software programming modules as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5; a controller circuit board; a microcontroller which is located either on the circuit board or inside the sealed logic area of the gaming machine; firmware programming modules as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 for the controller circuit board; and housing means and display means for the gaming machine, wherein the gaming machine is adapted to receive and install a downloadable software and firmware programming modules.

7. A gaming machine as claimed in claim 6 wherein the circuit board and firmware functions including one or more features: a connection to at least one player input means; control of one or more lights associated with a player input means; control of one or more array of lights used as indicator means; control of the information displayed on one or more buttons which have built in liquid crystal or similar display means indicating the function of one or more input means; storage of security keys for the encrypting or decrypting of data and software; interfacing with a coin validator and or coin diverter mechanism for securely determining the number of coins inserted into the gaming machine and into which coin receptacle the coins are deposited and identify coin faults.

8. A gaming machine as claimed in claim 6 or 7 wherein firmware interacts with the software programming to functionally operate buttons, lights, displays in response to playing the encoded game.

9. A system for operating one or more gaming machines as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein each of the gaming machines are adapted to receive and install a downloadable package of software and firmware programming modules, said package is formed remotely and downloaded via the network to the gaming machines