CN101467183B - Remote content management and resource sharing on a gaming machine and method of implementing same - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming system including a number of host devices each coupled to one or more gaming machines, wherein content provided by the host device is output on the gaming machine. To output the content provided by the remote host, a host-controlled process that is authenticated by the gaming machine and executed in a secure memory location such that it is isolated from other processes executing on the gaming machine may be utilized. The host-controlled processes may be decoupled from the process used to execute the game of chance played on the gaming machine such that the content output by the host-controlled process doesn't alter the play of game of chance.

Description

Remote content management on the game machine and resource sharing and implementation method thereof

Copyright notice

The part invention of this patent documentation comprises maybe possibly comprise the data that belongs to copyright protection.The copyright owner does not oppose that anyone is replicated reproduction to patent documentation or patented invention with its former state form in patent and trademark office patent file or record, in any case but in addition all keep all copyrights.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to game device and system, and remote content management on the game machine more precisely.

Background technology

Along with the game machine based on electronics and microprocessor becomes more popular than in the past, recreation ground and other recreation forms comprise the domestic and international multi-million dollar industry of growth.The game device of recreation mechanism may command distribution on global in much dissimilar facilities of game services is provided.For example, game machine can be placed in recreation ground, convenience store, horse-racing ground, supermarket, bar and pleasure-boat.In addition, through remote server, recreation mechanism can provide game services in the place that the user selects, as carrying on the mobile device at home computer or user.

Can comprise various hardware and software components so that many type of play miscellaneous and the recreation performance of travelling to be provided based on the game machine of electronics and microprocessor, such hardware and software component is generally known in the art.For example, cash inspecting machine, Coin acceptor, CR, keyboard, button, handle, touch-screen, display, player's tracker or the like is the example of the hardware that can be connected to game machine.Component software for example can comprise and to start and initialization routine, various recreation travel program and subroutine, credit and payment routine, image and sound generating routine, security monitoring program, authentication procedure and tandom number generator or the like.

Function available can be depending on game machine and whether relates to other game devices on game machine.For example, when being connected to other remote game devices, game machine can provide progression to reward together with sundry item, and the player follows the trail of and the loyalty point plan, the noncash recreation, and reward.The assembly of many these increases, performance and program can comprise the realization of various rear ends and/or network system, like more hardware and software elements that comprise of generally being known.

Electronic game machine at general location recreation ground; Like slot machine, video poker machine etc., travelling is activated through making a bet of currency or credit; So game machine is confirmed game result, show game result possibly provide some types for the player then according to game result award.In this example, game machine can be operated and receive, stores and provide credit token and calculate the game result that produces big award.Can be operated under this mode because generally be seated in place (like the recreation ground) game machine of being kept watch on, the game machine hardware and software component is fixed in the rack of locking and game machine comprises the security system of detecting swindle or theft attempt.

Because game machine can be operated to receive, the storage currency, game machine often is the target of theft attempt.Thereby except comprising security system, Games Software and game machine hardware are designed and/or select to defend to steal attempt and comprise the security performance that does not have in many PCs or other gaming platforms.For example, being used for stoping the hardware based safety method of illegal software modification is that Games Software is stored in constant storer, as at EPROM, and read-only CD/DVD CD or have and write the read-only magnetic disk memory of forbidding.Like other example, being used to stop the safety method based on software of illegal software modification is to carry out the relatively program of canned data and execution and authentication routine known and information trust on game machine.The information of this trust and authentication routine can be stored in the memory location like the trust of the EPROM of the verification on the game machine.

Employing is that the possibility of swindling and stealing significantly reduces based on an advantage of the hardware and software of above-mentioned safety method.In addition, for checking and approving through the game management person guaranteeing fair Games Software, the hardware and software that another advantage is based on safety method can be used for detecting any follow-up player that possibly make and is in the modification to Games Software of inequitable inferior position.An inferior position of above-mentioned safety method is to change or expand Games Software subsequently to be limited by part with the ability that increases supplemental characteristic or round-off error.For example, carry out Games Software for the game machine storage of adopting EPROM, this EPROM must be replaced to change this Games Software by physics in game machine.

Recreation mechanism can provide game services to ten hundreds of users.For example, the recreation ground of single land possibly comprise thousands of game machines.Player machine interest usually changes and is quite to take cost with new content is provided to user-dependent work.The happy ability of their their clients of operation profit and maintenance of recreation ground operator's maximization directly provides new relevant with desirable game content with them.Because above-mentioned, the game station and the method for the cost that the new game content is relevant on minimizing being provided and game device being provided are desirable.

Summary of the invention

The present invention is through providing games system to tackle above-mentioned demand.This games system can comprise many host apparatus that are connected to one or more game machines separately.Game machine can be operated to provide to the making a bet of game of chance result, and shows the result of this game of chance, receives cash or credit token and provide to reward as credit token is given the player of this game machine of use.

In a particular embodiment, game machine can be operated to set up communication line with host apparatus so that the content that host apparatus provides is outputed on the game machine.In order to export the content that distance host provides, can use the host computer control process, this host computer control process can be carried out by the game machine authentication and at secure memory location, make its can with other process isolation of on game machine, carrying out.The host computer control process can be separated with the process that is used for carrying out the game of chance on game machine, the carrying out that can not change game of chance by the content of host computer control process output like this.

In addition, game machine can be kept watch on and travel undesirable by the resource of host computer control process use with prevention.For example; The host computer control process adds overload to the CPU on the game machine; Cause the unfavorable image output of game of chance, perhaps the host computer control process can produce with the relevant inconsistent audio frequency of audio frequency output that carries out of game of chance and export, and produces offending recreation impression.In each such example; In order to stop recreation on the game machine impression of travelling to reduce; Game machine can limit and/or stop visit to some resource (as, restriction CPU uses) with initiatively keep watch on the resource that adopts by the host computer control process and keeping with what guarantee that gratifying recreation travels and show.

Other embodiment of the present invention belongs to the computer program that comprises the machine readable medium that stores the programmed instruction that is used to realize above-mentioned all methods.All methods of the present invention can be used as the programmed instruction and/or the data structure that can be provided on such computer readable medium, demonstrations such as database.

In one embodiment; Each game machine in the disclosed games system of this paper can be operated to provide one or more local control recreation (promptly; The recreation of making a bet by the primary games controller control that can comprise game machine CPU or one or more processors) and one or more external control processes are provided (promptly; Distance host control process), wherein each external control process must keep the complete of local control recreation by the mandate of primary games controller.In such embodiment, if the external control process by the mandate of primary games controller, external control process so provides: (a) player is given in one or more services; (b) one or more game machine enhancement function or performance are given the player; (c) one or more results give the player; Or (d) such service, the player is given in function and result's combination, wherein external control process at least part based on one or more aspects of this locality control recreation.In other embodiments, if the external control process, is independent of local control recreation so by the game processor mandate, the external control process provides; (a) player is given in one or more services; (b) one or more game machine enhancement function or performance are given the player; (c) one or more results give the player; Or (d) such service, the player is given in function and result's combination.

This embodiment can start games system so that at least one result from process (or a plurality of process threads) to be provided; The approval that this result has formerly obtained the game management council (promptly; Recreation and game result by the processor generation of the game machine of the booking procedure of random number generator that adopts one or more approvals and approval); Also provide at least one from the result (that is the result who, produces) who does not formerly obtain approval and can not need the process of game management council approval by distance host.

In a particular embodiment, but be controlled at the primary games controller executive's interface program based on the recreation of making a bet of playing on the game machine.This interface routine can be carried out by the approval of primary games controller.The interface routine of this execution can be used to provide the interface on game machine under distance host control.Distance host can provide like multimedia content data and other and utilize the instruction of executive's interface programing power.This executive's interface Cheng Xueke is by design/configuration and use in a sense, so that its result based on the recreation of making a bet who does not have the ability influence on game machine, to play.

This executive's interface program various game machine resources capable of using (as, display, input media and output unit, memory storage, processor, communication interface or the like).The utilization of these resources can appear at game machine and be operated to provide when carrying out based on the game of chance of making a bet.Particularly, the executive's interface program can be used to export the video and audio content that is provided by distance host and accept from the input that is connected to the device on the game machine, like touch-screen.Like this, the performance that this executive routine and its are relevant can be used on game machine, carrying out by the approval of primary games controller, but by the interface particular example that executive routine provides possibly not be previous approval or even need the authority approval.This performance allow primary games controller be connected that game device on the game machine is used for providing the dynamic adjustable joint with changeable game machine on content, be before to be used on game machine, carrying out and do not need all contents because formerly accomplish by the approval of primary games controller through the primary games controller process.

In a further embodiment, game machine can not need be approved external control process (perhaps external control process can be approved by the game machine processor in advance).In such embodiment, game device comprises independently special-purpose or is used to provide the display (or other devices) that all external control processes are given the player basically specially.In optional embodiment, one or more external control processes have lasting or long-term approval.In such embodiment, approval is present in the cycle of one or more qualifications.It should be understood that through using the primary games controller to be used at least one and confirm (promptly; What above-mentioned game of chance was rewarded confirms) and through using distance host to be used for that another is confirmed (promptly at least; The service of confirming; The game machine performance of the increase of confirming and/or the result who confirms who provides through the external control process); The embodiment that games system disclosed herein can be operated to provide a plurality of definite player to experience, wherein at least one mode of confirming can be carried out by remote control by the mode that carry out this locality and at least one is confirmed.

Correspondingly, should be appreciated that to provide game device to comprise players bet main recreation, at least one display device, at least one input media that can operate and the primary games controller that contains at least one native processor.This primary games controller can be programmed to communicate by letter with distance host; Make the player to make a bet to making of main recreation; Produce the main game result of the carrying out of main recreation; Make all or part display device show main the carrying out that plays, and at least one provides at least one long-range request that influences the course in display device from the distance host reception, this long-range influencing the course can be carried out by the primary games controller.If at least one provides the long-range request that influences the course to be received, primary games control just can be programmed to confirm the availability of at least one game device resource, like all or part display.In a specific embodiment, but when the game device resource was display device for time spent and game device resource, the primary games controller can be programmed accepted to provide the long-range request that influences the course; And can make distance host allow the part display device to influence the course displaying contents through long-range, through long-range influence the course content displayed and being simultaneously displayed on the display device in the main recreation on the game machine.If game resource is disabled, native processor just can be programmed refuses to provide the long-range request that influences the course.

In the additional embodiments of the disclosed games system of this paper, the customizable interface of games system through distance host control makes one or more players and game machine and/or the distance host on one or more game machines influence each other.In one embodiment, the embodiment of one or more customizable interfaces can change according to the performance that is provided by distance host, and the embodiment of one or more customizable interfaces can change according to the performance that is provided by game machine.In this embodiment, at least one the player's input results through customizable interface can cause and the relevant variation of local control recreation through communication between distance host and the game machine.For example, the award credit that on customizable interface, wins can cause that this award credit is added in the credit meter on the game machine and demonstration subsequently.In addition, at least one the player's input through customizable interface can influence the customizable structure that connects.For example, after having won a large number of progressive award, distance host can be apprised of and respond and change customizable interface structure, as showing congratulations message.Such structure makes the different customizable performance of being carried out at diverse location by different processor change by demonstration simultaneously and by the player, experiences thereby strengthen player.

In certain embodiment; Apparatus and method as herein described comprise; But be not limited to any two or more, three or more, four or more said elements or combination of features and/or all two or more; Or three or more, or element or the combination of features described in four or more this paper.

Embodiment of the present invention can be by the online game machine, and game server and other such devices are realized.The present invention is that these and other characteristic of embodiment is become reconciled and specified with reference to correlogram below being in.In addition, for those skilled in the art, consulting accompanying drawing and specifying back additive method of the present invention, characteristic and advantage are with clear obvious.The method that all are such, characteristic and advantage are included in the description, drop in the scope of the present invention, and are protected by the claim of being paid.

Description of drawings

The instance that the figure that is comprised is used for the illustrative purpose and only is used to provide possible structure and operation is used for disclosed customizable interface and the big creative system and method for remote content management that is used to provide on the game machine.These figure never are that restriction is by any change that do not break away from the spirit and scope of the present invention of those skilled in the art on form of the present invention and details.

Figure 1A, 1B and 1C are according to interactional block scheme between one embodiment of the invention explanation main frame and the game machine.

Fig. 2 is according to two main frames of one embodiment of the invention explanation and the interactional block scheme of game machine.

Fig. 3 A, 3B, and 3C shows hardware and software component and interactional block scheme between them on the game machine according to embodiments of the invention.

Fig. 4 A is according to interactional chart between one embodiment of the invention main frame and the game machine.

Fig. 4 B is the block scheme that the distance host of external control interface (ECI) startup according to one embodiment of the invention is connected to the game machine of a plurality of ECI startups.

Fig. 5 A and 5B are the block schemes according to external control interface (ECI) characteristic on the explanation game machine of one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 is the skeleton view of diagram game machine one embodiment.

Fig. 7 is the block scheme of diagram according to the games system of the embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 is the process flow diagram according to one embodiment of the invention, and the distance host that player's award is provided based on player activity during travelling at present is described.

Fig. 9 A is the amplification front elevation according to this paper game machine diagram player interface and separate games interface.

Fig. 9 B, 9C and 9D are the amplification front elevations of one embodiment of the invention, the different modes of nested menu of a plurality of differences of diagram and the player experience that can adopt nested menu to revise.

Embodiment

Demonstration Application according to system and method for the present invention will be described in this part.These instances are provided the note background separately and are helped understanding of the present invention.Thereby when clearly not having some or all these details to those skilled in the art this invention also can be implemented.In other cases, known processes is not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessary make the present invention obscure.Other application are possible, and the instance below making like this will can not be used as in scope or qualification or the restriction set.

In specifying below, to touching upon of accompanying drawing, as explanation, specific embodiment of the present invention is formed the part of explanation and is presented at wherein.Although these embodiment are described to such an extent that enough make those skilled in the art realize this invention in detail; Should be understood that these instances be not the restriction, like this so that other embodiment can be used and do not break away from the spirit and scope of the present invention the time can do variation.

Although the present invention mainly instructs game machine and system; It should be noted that some instrument disclosed herein, system and method be applicable to the device of other types, system or environment; As applicable, make that like this their use is not that unique qualification is relevant with it with game machine.According to the invention instrument of this paper being discussed diagram and argumentation, the assessment of system and method, it is tangible that such other adapt to variation.

Be described below the figure, method and the instrument that are applicable to various games system configurations and their associated components.This games system can comprise and is used to the network structure that makes that one or more main frames are communicated by letter with game machine.This game machine can be operated to be provided at making a bet on the game of chance.Like cash inspecting machine/ticket-validating machine, printer, machinery shows, video display, optic panel, load button, touch-screen, keyboard, card reader, a plurality of game devices of audio output device etc. can be connected on the game machine.Game device can be carried out authentic software by the control of primary games controller, the game interface on the game machine of experiencing of travelling to be provided for playing.

The external control interface process

In a particular embodiment; The software that can be carried out by the primary games controller 46 on the game machine (being found in Fig. 6 at least) at the game device on the game machine together with by the remote logic device of communicating by letter with game machine (as; Distance host, central server or central controller) software control carried out.This primary games controller can be carried out external control interface (ECI) process, will detail below, and it can make and outputed on the game machine in the content that generates on the distance host and manage.Game machine can receive and the transmission incident is given the distance host can act on by the content of the output of one or more ECI processes, and makes the ECI process on game machine, start.

The configurable employed resource of ECI process that on game machine, to be carried out that limits of primary games controller.Specific resource limit can be consulted perhaps its combination with control ECI host apparatus before the execution of the ECI on game machine by predetermined.In order to carry out the resource limit that all are set up, the primary games controller can be kept watch on by ECI process of on game machine, carrying out and the employed resource of other game machine processes always.

When game machine is operated to provide based on the playing of the game of chance of making a bet; ECI can be performed (in working time; One or more recreation and one or more execution simultaneously, one or more game machines one or more ECI when not having the ECI execution maybe to be played when playing are performed).Therefore, when the visit to game resource was given distance host, it was optimal that resource can limit the game experiencing that guarantees on game machine.Divide the resource task ECI to limit, for example guarantee that it is gratifying or from the purpose of security, the instance of describing among this paper only is provided from illustrative purpose that game and glee is experienced because of a variety of causes.For example, provide the cpu cycle of carrying out the ECI process to be defined and guarantee that the frame frequency that minimal figure reappears is stored on the game machine.

Be to be understood that the game device resource of being used by ECI comprises but the graphic resource that is not limited to game machine (promptly; The graphic resource of the available figure that does not hinder main recreation on display device); Game machine audio resource (that is, the audio content of the audio frequency that does not hinder main recreation that is provided by game machine), available timing resource is (promptly; Let main game over or main game machine begin), and/or the cpu process resource of game machine.In one embodiment, the such resource of visit possibly be based on the priority system that configuration maximizes each player's the most desirable game experiencing.

In certain embodiments, host computer control ECI process can with the process that is used for being created on the game of chance on the game machine separately can not changed playing of game of chance by the content of host computer control ECI process output like this.Therefore, the logic of game process can design to make the information of the content that generates about state or by the ECI process need not cause game of chance and/or recreation and associated process possibly not approve information that all are produced by ECI.The ECI process can design in a similar manner.

ECI software by this way possibly be from the function that is provided content enhancing game machine of distance host and available performance with the advantage of the Games Software that separates.A bit or less than revising make this content change easily to staying the software of depositing on the game machine.For example, utilize general startup to the ECI of the display on the game machine and touch-screen visit can provide a lot of performances and service on the game machine (as, being seen among Fig. 5 A and the 5B at least).External control interface, the interaction between distance host and game machine is explained according to figure below with the embodiment of hardware and software structure on the game machine of ECI.

Figure 1A is according to one embodiment of the present of invention explanation interactional block scheme between main frame and game machine to 1C.In Figure 1A, described and comprised game machine 100, the block scheme of the games system of the network that distance host 110 and making is communicated by letter between game machine and distance host 100 (not shown).Games system only provides with illustration purpose.Comprise multiple game machines and how far journey host game system is feasible.In addition, in certain embodiments, function or this distance host 110 that game machine 100 can be carried out distance host can be the game server that the recreation that is outputed to other game devices is provided, or distance host 110 can be the game machine that is similar to game machine 100.The further details of the games system and the embodiment of the game device that can be used is according to Fig. 2-9D explanation.

Game machine 100 comprises the touch-screen display 102 of the assembly that can be game interface 116.Game interface 116 comprises like the load button (not shown), the assembly of the game machine 100 that feasible recreation such as audio output device (not shown) are carried out on game machine.Operating system 104 is carried out and is comprised the game logic 106 that recreation on the game interface 116 is provided, a large amount of processes of the affair logic 108 and the communication logic 106 of communicating by letter with distance host 110 (not shown)s etc.The further details of game machine and the recreation of being played arrives the 9D explanation according to Fig. 2.

In Figure 1A, game interface 116 can be divided into two zones on touch-screen display 102.First zone comprises symbol and the pay lines that is used for video slot game.Second zone 117 comprises the game information that contains the quantity that can be used on the credit of making a bet on the slot machine game.In the said in the drawings game state, five credits can be used for making a bet.

Distance host 110 comprises processor, storer and communication interface (each does not all illustrate).Exportable content 114 on game machine 100 with make distance host 110 responses be sent to the affair logic 112 of game machine 100 from the incident and the information of game machine and/or the incident that makes.The other details of distance host at least can be according to Fig. 2, and 4 and 7 explain.

In Figure 1A, affair logic 108 detects the event message of event message and the information of sending the incident of carrying and gives distance host 110.Like what describe, make the content 114 that is stored on the distance host 110 be output at the external control interface (ECI) on the game machine through the ejection of request game machine, distance host 110 these incidents of response according to Figure 1B.Some examples that occur in the incident on the game machine 100 comprise but are not limited to the credit deposit on (1) game machine, and the player that (2) are inserted into card reader follows the trail of card, the information that read from the entrained mobile device of player (3) (as; Cell phone, RFID label or other wireless devices), (4) button actions; Like mechanical button or touchscreen button, the incident that triggers, the input that make a bet (6) are played in (5) recreation 106; (7) startup of recreation 106, available number of credits on (8) game machine, (9) one or more game results; (10) result that produces of one or more symbols, the number that wins that (11) are indicated, and (12) are shifted out the player from card reader and are followed the trail of card.As in greater detail, also can trigger the startup of the ECI on the game machine in the incident that generates on the distance host according to Fig. 2.

Affair logic 112 assessments on the course of event distance host 110 that game machine sends.The incident 110 that response receives, distance host are sent the message of resource on the request visit game machine 100.As reaction, game machine 100 can send message and give distance host resource that can be used in external control that 110 explanation game machines 100 are had and the use restriction that all are relevant with resource, as comprises the part of the display 102 of the size of being used by distance host.

Distance host 110 can use the resource information that is provided by game machine 100 to confirm to send to the content of game machine 100.For example, the video content of on the part of the display 102 that distribute to supply distance host to use, exporting can be generated and/or select and display window contradiction not dimensionally.Between distance host 110 and game machine 100, set up the process that resource sharing is provided with, the negotiation that it possibly be included between distance host 110 and the game machine 100 will further specify according to Fig. 2 to 4.

In Figure 1B, figure has released the state of game machine 100 and distance host 110, and game machine 100 has ejected two ECI that make distance host 110 outputs be used to reward the content of the service interface 120 on interface 118 and the touch-screen 102,122 and 124 here.Reward interface 118 and possibly only be an example of the interface that is provided.Multimedia player is like Flash Player ^TMBy Adobe ^TM(Adobe system house, San Jose, CA), be as as an example of the software of 122 and 124 ECI.As its a performance, this multimedia player can allow the content of multimedia from distance host to be displayed on the touch-screen 102 and/or output to as on other the game device that is connected to loudspeaker on the game machine etc.

Distance host can be downloaded conduct by ECI, the content of multimedia of the application file part of 122 and 124 uses.This application file can comprise the content of implantation, data, and script and other are used to visit the instruction of the ability of the ECI that is used.For example, Flash Player ^TMOperation and/or analysis can comprise Adobe Flash Action Script ^TMThe Flash file of file.This Flash file can comprise and use grating or polar plot, the script of player's control function be used to provide the bidirectional traffic that comprises audio & video information relevant information.Special, ECI can be operated to receive the video and/or audio stream from the content of distance host.Multimedia player and associated documents are like Flash Player ^TMIt possibly be " rich Internet application program " assembly (RIA).

Rich Internet application program (RIA) normally is provided to the interfacing application programs of the download component of the local setting of having of client and executive routine performance and function by main frame.RIAs is general, and the required process of interface that is generated by application program that transmits is given the client, but also preserves most of data (that is, save routine, the state of data etc.) on main frame.RIA be not limited to through the Internet effect based on the application program of webpage but can use other network architectures.Comprising host apparatus and customer set up (promptly; Distance host 110 can be considered to " main frame " and game machine 100 can be considered to " client ") RIA in, the application program that is used to be created on the interface of client executing can be operated to carry out the function that is independent of main frame, as calculating; Send and retrieve the data in the backstage; Local storage data, the clear screen part, and/or the audio & video of use integration mode etc.

Be used to generate other application program shared data that application program also comprises and carry out this locality of interface.For example, two ECI shareable datas of on game machine, carrying out.The data that should share can work to the content that is presented on one or two ECI.In certain embodiments, ECI possibly be prevented from directly and other process shared data of on game machine, carrying out.For example, in order to share data with non-ECI process, this ECI possibly at first transmission information give distance host, before it is exchanged back game machine, maybe or possibly not carry out other processes on the data then.

Get back to Figure 1B, at ECI, 122 and 124, after having been ejected by operating system 104, touch-screen display 102 can be divided into four zones.Game interface 116 can be presented at the first area, rewards interface 118 and can be presented at second area, and service interface 120 can be presented at the 3rd zone and game information 117 in the 4th zone.Game interface 116 is configured to be suitable for the zonule by comparison with Figure 1A, its diagram that can influence recreation with can influence the mapping of touchscreen button to the display 102 related with game interface 116.

Usually, the primary games controller in the game machine can be operated the viewing area content that different sizes are provided.For the viewing areas of content to different sizes are provided, game machine is one or more below can carrying out, 1) which content to be more suitable for given demonstrations size according to, from store like bitmap; Film, animation selects 2 in the content of geometric model etc.) relative to each other be rearranged in the position of one or more assemblies in the indicator gate; 3) scale content, 4) the extension content, 5) the interior content of inserting; 6) generate new content, 7) calibration is used to generate the 3-D graphics environment parameter of content, and 8) more than combine.

In one embodiment, change in configurable all information of all examples that mode that mode that recreation is carried out or game result generate can not be through ECI on from game machine 100 that come to make of the recreation of playing on the game machine based on making a bet.For example, in one embodiment, reward interface 118 can be used to be provided for game machine on the award multiplier of the relevant award of the result of game running, like ten times of awards.In such example, rewarding multiplier does not influence the carrying out of recreation or the generation of game result.But reward the award that multiplier can influence recreation, that is, it multiply by factor 10.

In the instance of describing in the paragraph in front, games can comprise generating rewards the logic that multiplier has been given the simple message that provides, such simple text message " you have won the award multiplier ".Reward interface ECI118 and can be used to strengthen the expression of rewarding with self-defined award multiplier.For example; In a particular embodiment; Rewarding multiplier can have local recreation ground to provide and reward interface ECI118 and can be used to show one or more recreation ground signs; From the message of the customization of sports ground and based on the introduction of theme, as as be used to reward recreation ground theme that multiplier rewards the part of expressing or vacation theme.

In many recreation authorities, after recreation went through, the content of game machine can not be changed.Thereby; For the self-defined recreation that is used for the special amusing field or the mechanism of travelling, self-defined content will be added to recreation and submit to then and be used for ratifying the dependent game authority which content of this place will be mounted (the recreation authority does not allow Games Software after it goes through, to change by any way).These examination and approval procedures are not only time-consuming but also expensive.

Before the particular game examination and approval procedures, the Games Software supplier of particular game does not usually know that which recreation ground or other mechanism of travelling will buy this recreation.For example, the recreation buyer often waits for observation situation in this particular game operation of other recreation grounds before they are ready to buy.Thereby, after the content that the demand of the self-defined version of this particular game is generally appeared at recreation has been fixed by examination and approval procedures.For the customization of wanting is provided behind examination and approval procedures, self-defined recreation will have to resubmited examine, and this will be expensive.

An advantage using ECI is that the demonstration of recreation can use ECI to strengthen, as through the demonstration that is used to reward multiplier together with the demonstration of recreation is provided as stated.The content that discharges back ECI in recreation can be by self-defined and change, and when provide by recreation be presented at its release after can not change.The demonstration that provides via ECI can be designed the relevant assembly of playing of picture; As; It can use same subject and can be displayed on the identical screen; And another assembly that therefore player can be used as relevant gaming display, although like what will further discuss, this ECI possibly be and the relevant logic mechanism of playing and separating.Thereby, use ECI, the appearance of recreation customization can be provided for the user of the actual play that does not have self-defined obedience authority approval.

In yet another embodiment, game device adopts a plurality of display device to show game interface and one or more ECIs.For example, first display device can show that the game interface and second display device can show the ECI that each is transmitted by distance host.In such embodiment, each display device can be controlled by one or more different processors, so each display device can produce and be independent of (perhaps depending on) by the information of other display device demonstrations and the display message or the data of data.

In another embodiment, distance host can what be presented on one or more display device of each game device in the games system to keep watch on (and perhaps control) with each such processor communication.In this embodiment, distance host directly or indirectly each game device in (as through player's tracing system) and the play facility communicate by letter.Even it is not directly to be connected with the CPU of the game device of assigning that this configuration provides distance host, distance host can still be operated the next one or more ECI as herein described of game device (and the game device in all play facilities) that communicate by letter with the one or more ECI as herein described of game device that assign like this and such appointment is provided.The example of the display device through ECI control is according to the 10/756th, 225 U. S. application that is entitled as " virtual glass that is used for game machine " in application on Dec 1st, 2004 such as Lemay, and it is all integrated with this paper and be used for used purpose with it.

Reward interface 118 and can make player's award that can win awards.In one embodiment, the player can be provided at the choice between many award multipliers, and the award probability of the multiplier of choosing here from first to last changes and the multiplier that can choose is a basic calculation.In one embodiment, the logic that determines whether specific multiplier selection is in being stored in the distance host 110.In another embodiment, the logic of confirming specific multiplier selection is in the use data that are stored in distance host and transmit from game device, like the data that are the basis with player's tracked information.

When the player had selected a multiplier, primary touch screen input data can be delivered to the temporal logic 112 on the distance host 110 via affair logic 108 and with necessary communication logic (not shown).As the ECI122 that is used to reward interface 118 during by example description, the part of being used by ECI122 of touch display screen 102 can be determined.This message provides the mapping of arriving ECI about the zone that is assigned to show.This message is arranged, and operating system 104 can determine whether have the input of touch distributing in the zone of ECI in specific place reception, and when confirming that input is being distributed in the specific ECI zone, the transmission touch information is controlled specific ECI to distance host.

In another embodiment, ECI can design or some data process from touch-screen of arranged for executing.For example, ECI is configurable receives the primary touch screen data and has determined whether that button is activated.Possibly come before carrying out ECI which part of regulation display screen can be used for to ECI with and relevant size/coordinate.Thereby the distance host as 110 can be downloaded and comprise and supplying as the application file of wanting content that 122 and 124 ECI uses, and this allows ECI to be used for process to touch and import.For example this application file can comprise mapping to the coordinate position of each Free Region (that is, be used to be received in behind the touch-screen the touch input that is presented at the button on the display).This mapping can allow the original touch data of ECI process, and the high-grade information of transmission as " pressing button activation " is given its peripheral control unit then, that is, and and main frame 110.

The input process logic can be furnished with the ECI that is used for input media rather than touch-screen.For example; As the example part of the ECI that the control of first distance host is arranged, that should admit ought be from one or more like touch-screen, card reader; The mechanical type keyboard; The input of the input media of mechanical type load button and combination wherein is detected, but input information will be the time spent to be sent to first distance host or to be sent to ECI to be used for process at ECI, and the information after the transmission process is subsequently given distance host.Thereby usually as the part of the initial example of ECI, the information that is sent to ECI and/or directly is sent to the distance host relevant with ECI about what device input information relevant with ECI and/or what type can be determined, and is stored in the game machine.The information relevant with ECI about what input media can be determined in the initial negotiation process process between main frame and game machine.

In another embodiment, ECI can provide the initial processes of information.For example, in the consultative process process, game machine can be stipulated about its information from the input that will receive with the various input medias that ECI shares.The information of regulation can include but not limited to the type of device, the manufacturer of device, one or more inputs that generated by device and to the form of each input information.Use provisioning information.Distance host can generate the application file that is used for ECI or generate carries out correct process/filtrations that receives from the input of game machine, and transmissions need information to the new ECI application software of distance host or the distance host relevant with ECI.

Of earlier paragraphs, game machine can not transmit about all it and receive the input from the device that is connected to game machine.For example, game machine can not transmit the information that is generated by cash inspecting machine that is connected to this game machine or currency operating means.In one embodiment, game machine can comprise the logic and the relevant input that can be provided for ECI that is used to provide standard covering device explanation.In another embodiment, game machine explanation and the relevant input that can promptly be used for the request resource change of ECI according to distance host.

As stated, even the input that receives from input media as distance host or ECI is that not all input information that is received from input media can be sent to the distance host of ECI and/or control ECI.For example, distance host can stipulate that following the trail of card from the player reads by the information of directly being delivered to distance host or transmitting through ECI rather than from the information of credit card.Like another example, but the distance host regulation is only sought from the input of the mechanical load button part on the game machine and directly sending distance host to or passing through input rather than other buttons of the button of ECI from regulation only.In yet another embodiment, but distance host can be stipulated the player insert the ticket list to cash inspecting machine and ECI to be the time spent game machine will directly transmit that ticket list information gives distance host or transmit through ECI.

Get back to Figure 1B; When distance host 110 receptions are imported from the corresponding original touch of the selection with an award multiplier of game machine 100; In one embodiment, the award interface manager on distance host 110 126 is confirmed the selection of this original touch input corresponding to " 2 * " multiplier described in Figure 1B.In another embodiment, original touch input can send the ECI122 of this original touch input of process to, notifies distance host to be selected by " 2 * " multiplier then.

In response to the selection of " 2 * " multiplier, the award interface manager can send the content of renewal and give indication " 2 * " multiplier selecteed game machine 100, and those can be shown to display screen by ECI process 122.For example, " 2 * " multiplier can be high bright or with outstanding in the award interface 118 of some mode on touch-screen display 102.In another embodiment, ECI122 can have refresh display not receive in addition from the interior perhaps ability of instruction of rewarding interface manager 126 to show that " 2 * " multiplier has been selected.

In this instance, reward interface manager 126 and next generate random number and confirm that the player has won this " 2 * " multiplier.As response, to reward interface manager 126 and send the content that the indication player who upgrades has won this " 2 * " multiplier, those are shown on the display screen through ECI process 122.Then, distance host 110 can send that two times give can be through the game machine 100 of reception of the affair logic on the game machine and process.

First incident from distance host 110 can make game machine 100 double to be stored in the credit in the credit meter on the game machine.First incident can be through affair logic 108 processes on the game machine.Shown in Fig. 1 C, doubled when the credit meter, game machine 100 can send a message to distance host 110 and indicate total number of credits to the player.Game machine 100 and distance host 110 boths can store this logout (that is, extra fidelity bonus) be used to verify and to as the solution to disputes of the secure storage unit of non--volatile memory.Should be understood that this first Event Description ECI (2 * multiplier in this case) has revised the generation of the game of chance mode of one or more local controls.

Second incident is sent word distance host 110 makes game machine 100 close or hiding award interface 118 ECI122 (at least be found in Fig. 1 C) relevant with this award interface with termination.Distance host 110 stops being used to send the content relevant with ECI122 and rewards interface manager 126 to game machine 100 (being found in Fig. 1 C at least).Word stops in the process process, and game machine 100 and distance host 110 be commutative to have the message of the no longer available information that stops with session of indication ECI122, this session termination message as between at a time, the date conversation end relevant etc. with ECI122.

In one embodiment, game machine makes the player can be part control among opening and closing (or hiding) ECI at least.In such embodiment, the player can open and close ECI through the button that is connected to (or otherwise being associated with) distance host.In this embodiment, the primary games controller can receive from showing of distance host and cut out or the message of the requirement of hiding ECI.In another embodiment, the player can open and close ECI through the button that is connected to (or otherwise being associated with) primary games controller.For example, special-purpose mechanical input switch/button can be provided on the game machine that produces the signal that shows the requirement that opens and closes ECI.

When ECI starts on game machine or stops; Response is from the input like the action of the input switch described in the earlier paragraphs of the input media on the game machine; Its some his incident that response generates on the game machine, or the incident that on distance host, generates of response, in one embodiment; Game machine can start and the session that the distance host of ECI is provided, or stops and provide the session of the distance host of ECI.

In another embodiment, stop ECI when request is received, game machine can keep with the session of distance host but can put ECI in inertia or hibernation-like state, and the state of this ECI of notice distance host.For example; When ECI is used to output content when being received for a part and the request of display to stop ECI; The display that game machine can formerly be used by ECI partly shows other guide; For example recover the original size of game interface to adapt to this part of display, put ECI in inactive state and need not stop session case its inactive state of distance host that sends a notice.When confirming that ECI is restarted subsequently, game machine can be opened ECI once more and notify the active state of distance host ECI on display.During this time, game machine can or need not consult to be used for the resource of ECI again.

Get back to Figure 1B and 1C, rewarding after interface 118 is terminated with ECI122, in addition be available with touch display screen 102 relevant resources at game machine.In this embodiment, after EC122 was terminated, 120 related ECI124 can still be available with service interface.Thereby game machine 100 and distance host 110 can consult to distribute to the resource of ECI124 again.

Of Fig. 1 C, after the negotiation again of resource, game interface 116 and/or service interface 120 can recover original size and distribute to the zones of different of touch display screen 102.As response, produce the new content that is used for the service interface consistent 120 content 114 of the service interface manager 128 on the distance host 110 on being stored in distance host 110 with new viewing area.Special, the icons that are presented in the service interface 120 can rearrange with respect to Figure 1B, and adapting to new viewing area, and distance host 110 can produce the corresponding to mapping of icon of new touch-screen and rearrangement.Distance host 110 is downloaded content, information, and application files etc. give game machine to realize the variation of all or part regulation.Providing can be through exporting on game machine 100 with service interface 120 relevant ECI124 from the content of distance host.

As said at Figure 1B and 1C, service interface 120 comprises much makes the user can select the icon of serving.These icons comprise food, beverage, coffee, information with other people communicating by letter like another game player or recreation ground related management personnel.The type of the icon that shows can be according to personal like and the player's on game machine the recreation custom and the service condition of recreation ground regulation.For example, the game player of the more purchasing power food of perhaps having the right to enjoy is arranged, beverage and coffee and perhaps the game player of littler purchasing power has only beverage and coffee.For the game player of little purchasing power, the food icon will can not be presented at service interface 120 accordingly.Subsidiary details about service interface will be explained according to Fig. 5 A and 5B.

Personalized in order to make like 124 ECI, if distance host 110 is not stored player information, distance host 110 can receive from another player information like the game device of player's tracking server, and this makes by the ECI of distance host control personalized.Player information can comprise the information about the amusement history of particular player.In addition, when recreation was played on game machine 100, distance host 110 can directly receive from game machine 100 or through middle device and receive as making a bet quantity; The quantity of winning, loss quantity, the type of play of object for appreciation; Be stored into the quantity of game machine; The recreation number of playing, recreation beginning, the information of game over etc.The information of game running can or need not be associated with particular player.

When the icon on service interface 120 was selected, touch-screen input data can be sent to the distance host 110 of confirming that what selection is made, and these selections are food, coffee, beverage etc.As response, further described according to Fig. 5 A and 5B, the service interface manager 128 on the distance host 110 can produce the fresh content that sends to game machine 100.For example, the selection of response food icon is sent to game machine 100. these optional foods about the fresh content of optional food and is displayed in service interface 120 zones on the touch display screen 102 and substitutes the icons that Figure 1B and 1C scheme to release.

After optional food was selected, in one embodiment, but distance host 110 can be got in touch recreation ground mechanism food service and order food are provided.When food all set, it can be sent to game machine 100.In another embodiment, after optional food is selected, but distance host 110 order food are printed ticket list and/or instruction time and/or food by the display message in the place of game machine selection with indication game machine 100.

As previously mentioned, form download message/content that distance host 110 can be suitable, as comprise the application file of implanting content, like video and audio file, and other are used for information and instruction like 122 and 124 ECI.This application file can be stored on the game machine 100 this locality.In addition, but when resource be time spent (monitoring resource is described according to Fig. 2 and 3A at least), one or more application files or one or more application file part can be stored on the game machine 100 or even after ECI is carried out fully.

Game machine 100 and/or distance host 110 can comprise about storing or know the logic of file.For example, some general file that uses can be stored the alternative document in certain time limit by permanent storage, and only being stored ECI is alternative document long between available life, and only being stored storage space is alternative document long between available life.When the application file of carrying out is when distance host 110 downloads on the game machine, can the offer help information of its application file of game machine management of main frame.For example, main frame 110 can assign that some rule uses with the application file that possibly need in the future.When confirming where be used for storing this application file and when confirming the cleaning scheme of application file, game machine can use this information.

An advantage of on game machine, preserving one or more application files is to reduce download time.For example; If after the award interface is terminated; Being used to of all or part produces award interface 118 application files that ECI122 uses and is stored in game machine; So similarly reward interface 118 can be subsequently with the application file example of one or more storages on game machine, once download the whole file that all need more precisely.

In addition, in certain embodiments, two or more ECI can the sharing application file or part be stored in the data in the application file.For example, the video image of recreation ground sign can be shared with service interface 120 by rewarding interface 118.Thereby, in case the video image of recreation ground sign be downloaded and store being used to reward interface 118 or service interface 120, through letting main frame 110 know that this video image has been possible for the available size that reduces download on game machine.In a particular embodiment, game machine 100 or main frame 110 can start the process of the information of the exchange between distance host 100 and game machine 100 of content on the game machine 100 that can be used for ECI that is stored in about application file or other this locality.Distance host 100 can use this information to confirm what information/content/instruction, downloads on the game machine 100 like application file or application file assembly.

In yet another embodiment, can be operated to like 118 and 120 ECI and another directly shares information.

In Figure 1A-1C, display screen 102 is divided into the mass part size and is used to provide the process time dependent part of content to this part.The process that the arrangement of display part is relevant with them is provided to only be used for illustration purpose.In a particular embodiment, the Pixel Dimensions or the screen coordinate that are used for the display part of output content can be selected to provide different shape, like circle basically, rhombus, triangle, star etc.For example, ECI can operate output content to give one or more rhombuses or star to Figure 1A, on the game interface 116 among 1B or the 1C.In this example, ECI can be operated to displaying contents in the mark that moves.Usually, ECI can be operated to displaying contents in the display part of moving around screen.For example, the display part that is assigned to ECI can be as presenting the mobile shape of jump, and the exportable content of ECI is in this sparse shape.

In another embodiment, a display part can be centered on or overlapping another display part.For example, an ECI or the exportable content of other processes are given and are had " hole " rectangle display part therein.This hole can only be another the position, hole by the 2nd ECI or like the display part of other processes controls of game process.In one embodiment, an ECI can notice this " hole " and arrange its content so that it can not disappear with the hole.

In yet another embodiment, game machine can be operated provides the display part of being used by ECI, as overlapping or cover " ejection " windows of one or more other display parts.Game machine can comprise and stop pop-up window not to be blocked in the important game component on the display, the load button of the recreation that is used for like touch-screen being played, or do not stop the important game information on the display, like the game result of being played.No matter be important game machine assembly or be that important game information can change in time, as when recreation is played or when not playing.

Usually, game machine can allow by in certain position with the time change mode " ejection " window (non-in addition-overlaid windows) of controlling.For example, when game machine from the idle condition of special time number, game machine can allow to be used for the pop-up window of the characteristic of attractive force, in pop-up window, has ECI to provide attractive characteristic and pop-up window to hinder the game interface part.Survey when can indicate the incident that the player hopes to play games when game machine, the pop-up window that is used for attractive characteristic can be closed, and this incident maybe is detected when card is inserted in card reader as being activated when cash inspecting machine or Coin acceptor.In another example, after incident indication player no longer hoped to play games, " ejection " window of being controlled by ECI can be provided.

In a particular embodiment, ECI can make and be used for output content to the display part at discontinuous display.For example; ECI can be allowed to output content and give and to comprise that rectangular bar intersects at the display part that display top and rectangular bar intersect at the display bottom, this display part rectangular bar at the display top and the rectangular bar that intersects at bottom the display do not have overlapping.

In another specific embodiment, ECI can make and be used for crossing the display part output content of crossing over multi-display.For example, ECI can be used on the secondary monitor that all or a part and display opened in 102 minutes and displaying contents on a part of display 102.Thereby in an example, the content that can be provided shows from a display to another.Like another example, independently secondary monitor possibly not comprise touch sensor and display 102 parts comprise touch sensor.Thereby, when ECI control touch display 102 parts and all or part secondary monitor, the load button of content on the secondary monitor that display 102 parts of being controlled by ECI can be used to provide influence to be presented at ECI control.

Journey main frame how far

Fig. 2 is according to one embodiment of the present of invention, and two main frames 202 and 204 are described, and the interactional block scheme between the game machine 201.The ECI of each host computer control on game machine 201.Main frame 202 control ECI226 and main frame 204 control ECI228.With independence respect to one another or independent mode, their ECI226 and 228 separately of main frame 202 and 204 may command.Under independent situation, carry out the execution that the incident that produces does not influence other ECI according to an ECI.Under the independent situation, one or two ECI can produce the incident of influence each other.In one embodiment of this invention, two distance hosts as 202 and 204 can be shared access of working as an ECI and the content that can replace or be provided for simultaneously ECI.In addition, as previously mentioned, the ECI as 226 and 228 can directly share information and need not pass through their main frame transmission separately.

Each main frame comprises state supervisor 206 and 208, content 214 and 216, and history management device 210 and 212, interface manager 218 and 220, and resource negotiation device 222 and 224. state supervisors can be preserved the state of ECI on game machine.If fault occurs in a) on the game machine, b) main frame or c) on the network between main frame and the game machine.Arrive the most approaching only state of the state before fault takes place if select to repair at the ECI on the game machine 201, state supervisor can be used to store the information that enables distance host.In one embodiment, game machine through state supervisor 234 keep its own state rather than any on game machine 201 state of the ECI of execution.In other embodiments, game machine can keep some about being presented at the status information of the content in the ECI.For example, game machine can be collected the framework that outputs to its display of the information of the ECI that comprises coming the Self Control display part.

Main frame 202 and 204 each can provide content to the ECI that on a plurality of game machines, carries out simultaneously.Being provided at content on each game machine can be different (as; But use about player's on each machine information and incident and respective alignment content that personalized content and main frame dynamic response are created on each game machine) and by the game machine of each host services can be different (as; When main frame 204 provides content to game machine B, C is during D; Main frame 202 can provide content to game machine A, B and C).Through ECI the game machine of content is provided for each main frame, main frame 202 and 204 can keep the state of content.As stated, this content can comprise data and/or the instruction that provides as the application file that is turned round by ECI and/or analyze.This application file can comprise information that is used for ECI and the command/instruction that is used to use one or more ECI functions.For example, ECI can be operated to receive the command/instruction about the vector plotting ability of using ECI.In addition, when having applied for polar plot, ECI can be operated to edge-smoothing should be based on the figure of vector.

About polar plot, computing machine can two kinds of forms: vector and bitmap show.Bitmap is made up of the discrete unit that is called as pixel.Each pixel comprises single color.After synthetic, the variation of pixel color produces the pattern of composition diagram picture.Bitmap comprises that color of pixel information adds size of images, and pixel transmitted image of a pixel among each figure.In order to change the bitmap images size, that is, in order to adapt to the viewing area of the outer different size of original bitmap, bitmap images must produce again with the size that requires or image must be extended, and has unwanted results usually.

By comparison, the polar plot storage is a series of to utilize straight line and curve to produce the essential command/instruction of image.Be called the command specifies of vector such as intensive, direction, the straight line of color and position and the attribute of curve.The processor relevant with the primary games controller can be used for the local command that process produces the regulation vector image.For example, but primary games controller executable operations analyze polar plot instruction and produce ECI by the image of instruction regulation.

Polar plot has good details and can not lost the convergent-divergent of resolution easily.The change straight line that the image that polar plot produces can comprise through image and the attribute modification of curve.The polar plot utmost point is applicable to and shows like icon the simple shape of the coloured plane domain of mark and animation types picture.Polar plot and bitmap can be drawn on request, but vector generally can use a lot of small documents sizes and can draw faster.When downloading, pixel of pixel of bitmap transmits, like this file size and download time direct ratio and picture size.Polar plot transmits the instruction that can on own processor, move thereafter, so file size and reproduction speed depend on the complicacy of instruction, rather than size of images.In various embodiment, various image techniques and data can be used in provides video content to comprising polar plot, bitmap images, the ECI of film etc.

State supervisor 206 and 208 can produce the information that is sent to their history management devices 210 and 212 separately.To be used for solution to disputes and audit purpose.If disputable, for example, the player possibly dispute on and when carrying out, occur in three incidents before the recreation as ECI226 and ECI228.Game machine 210 can comprise to make game machine be connected with each main frame and asks the logic about the information of its state of during dispute recreation, supporting of one or more ECI.Main frame can send this solicited message and supply to show to game machine.

In order to be used for solution to disputes; Game machine 201 is commutative like time mark with 204 with main frame 202, plays start-up time, plays the termination time; ECI start-up time; The ECI deadline, the information that incident takes place at time A place etc., it makes and is produced and had content of history management device storage to be retrieved and interrelated by each device.This information can be exchanged when ECI is performed, and when the request of canned data is received by a main frame, exchanges once more then.

Example like condition managing management and access; Game machine 201 can be stored each and play start and stop time; No matter one or more ECI are performed during playing and work as that at least one ECI is performed during particular game, the informational needs contact is provided for the main frame of the content of ECI.Thereby game machine 201 can be got in touch a distance host and during one-period, required the ECI state, and it is corresponding to particular game.Can send the information of requirement as the response main frame and give game machine.

Game machine 201 can provide by as many shared resources 240 of using of 226 ECI.For example in one embodiment; Game machine 240 can be operated to share a) to come freely the process resource of 240 processor; B) comprise like RAM or nonvolatile memory, like the storage 244 of the volatile memory of flash memory or hard disk drive, c) one or more displays like display A246 or display B248; D) one or more like network communication interface 250 or allow game machine and communication interface near the wave point (not shown) of the wireless device of game machine 201; E) like loudspeaker, the audio devices 252 of the decoding signals of amplifier and process audio files is f) like the input/output device of touch-screen 254 or card reader 256.

Before beginning ECI, at game machine with about when this ECI carries out, have negotiation between by one or more distance hosts of the resource of ECI use on game machine.In one embodiment; When as 226 ECI shared by two or more main frames or control; Perhaps but the ECI of each host computer control its oneself this ECI share public resource and/or based on the resource limit of the combination of resources purposes of being used by the ECI of each host computer control, between two or more main frames, can carry out the resource of resource negotiation to confirm that each main frame needs.The negotiation of host-to-host can allow main frame that among content/instruction integrates mode to the ECI that shares or their the ECI each is provided, so that each main frame has enough resources to come in the ECI that shares or their ECI separately to show on each their content/instruction.

For example, if having an ECI of first host computer control to use display 246 and use display 246 by the 2nd ECI of second host computer control, each main frame can only need a part rather than the whole display of display 246.If one or two main frame attempt to use whole display so two displays can not be simultaneously through their ECI displaying contents.But if first and second main frames are agreed to use only a part of display through consultation and shared display, first and second main frames can be through their ECI while displaying contents on display 246 so.Usually, game machine can be resources allocation and can in the background of consulting with game machine, take place for the negotiation of last arbiter and the host-to-host of each ECI.

In certain embodiments; Resource negotiation device 222 can communicate by letter with the remote resource manager 230 on game machine 201 with 224 or confirm mutually what resource to each distance host control be effectively like ECI, these ECI are as 226 or 228 or the ECI that shares for distance host.One or more distance hosts can use this information to come its ECI adjustment separately is sent to the content of game machine.For example, display 246 can be different size with display 248.Thereby; Some the time; Distance host can provide the access of display 246 and the ECI of content to format compatible display 246 resolution is provided, and when other the time display 246 be not effectively and distance host the content (content that is provided on display 246 and 248 at different times can be identical or different content) of format compatible display 248 resolution can be provided.The further details of resource management will be at least according to Fig. 3 A and 3C explanation.

In yet another embodiment, the visit that can fight for the resource on the game machine of distance host 202 and 204.For example, distance host 202 can provide an ad stream/content and distance host 204 that another ad stream/content can be provided.Game machine can only allow an ad stream/content at every turn.Thereby game machine 201 can start negotiating resources visit where is tending towards this distance host, and which is the highest buyer of competing.

When but resource is the time spent, game machine can be notified potential main frame and from two or more these resources of main frames bid.In one embodiment; Game machine 201 can receive from the resource of another distance host when the content that shows from a main frame and submit a tender; After the better resource bid that receives from second distance host 202, and the use of conversion game machine from as 202 first distance host to as 204 second distance host.

In yet another embodiment, game machine 201 can provide about potential distance host there being the information of the different resource bag of different costs.The cost of resource packet can influence the number of resource and the right of priority of the access resources of the distance host that ECI is provided.For example, it is many that the display of the sharing part that rhetorical question is big can spend the display part littler than visit.Like another example; For specific period, the control of visit display can not be switched to another distance host that ECI is provided or can be spent than periodically using the display of this display big with another this display of distance host share and access and permission game machine by the display that game machine is taken over.

Interface manager 218 and 220 can be responsible for confirming to send to the content that sends to each ECI and sending this content.In addition, interface manager can be designed the incident that on game machine, produces that responds.For example; When interface manager 218 reception indications touch-screen on game machine had passed through the information of task manager 262 activation, interface 218 managers can determine whether that touch-screen is that the content that activates and whether be presented on the ECI226 need be adjusted in the viewing area of its control.Like another example; The information and the content visible that receive about the resolution of particular display when interface management 218 and 220 will be shown; Interface manager can be selected their contents of distance host separately that is stored in the immediate resolution of resolution that needs; Again this content of form (if desired) produces fresh content and downloads the content of needs like the source of another distance host with the resolution that adapts to particular display or setting and/or from another.

In a particular embodiment, ECI and/or distance host can not be authorized to visit all shared resource key elements.For example when card reader operation come from like the card read/write data of smart card to card.ECI can allow to receive the data of reading from card rather than write data to the card.In one embodiment; In the negotiation phase process; Game machine can provide a) available shared resource row, and b) by distance host directly and/or the key element of the shared resource of the ECI control through comprising order and the data layout that allows key element to be used, c) when key element can be used etc.

In one embodiment, the spendable data layout of ECI or distance host, order and/or instruction are integrated in the communication protocol by ECI and/or distance host and game machine (or game device) use.In a particular embodiment, ECI and distance host can be delivered to the command/instruction of game machine, as remove control device, possibly be to be transformed into by game machine to be used for actual execution and to require the high-grade order of the inferior grade instruction of operation.For example, be rotatably coupled to the award wheel disc on the game machine, distance host and/or ECI can send " runner " order and give game machine.It is many low-grade controlled instructions of stepper motor that are connected to game machine that game machine can transform this order.In another embodiment, ECI and/or distance host can be operated to provide and allow device to be instructed by directly actuated inferior grade.For example, ECI and/or distance host possibly send and be used for direct control step motor inferior grade and instruct and do not need the game machine conversion to rewarding wheel disc.

In a particular embodiment, the communication between game machine and distance host can be divided into two parts.The first of communication can comprise the information about the game machine transaction, like the money operation, measures, and game result, random number generates, player identification information.Usually, the first of communication can comprise the information that generates as from the result who carries out the main game of chance operation on game machine.In one embodiment, the game machine Transaction Information is capable of using by the meeting of game machine standard association (Fremont, California) the G2S agreement of approval.The second portion of the communication between game machine and the distance host can be enabled in the communication between distance host and the ECI, like order, and instruction and/or the data between distance host and ECI, it can comprise the content that is used for ECI output.

Separate communications advantage is that ECI can quilt and the information isolation of game running by this way.When the information isolation of ECI quilt, can produce safer system with game running.If the high-grade supposition of not knowing for the information of game running based on the process of carrying out on game machine of safety, the state like recreation more is difficult to and can not be played by the accepting method effect process.Possibly not notice the information of game running although should be noted that ECI, of earlier paragraphs, distance host can be noticed the information of game running.

The information of the said game running of earlier paragraphs is relevant with the information that generates as the main game of chance operation result that on game machine, generates.In addition, in certain embodiments, ECI self can provide the operation of the recreation that separates with main recreation.Yet ECI possibly not notice that it provides game running and can not notice that also having generated any recreation carries out information.From the skeleton view of ECI, it only exports utility command, the content of instruction and the data that provide by distance host, and ECI does not distinguish recreation relevant content and non-game machine related content.

In a particular embodiment, ECI can operate carry out the input that result generate of process as the recreation that is provided by ECI, but is not that operation picks out this input from other input types, and promptly it can not dispose to confirm the function relevant with input.For example, ECI can be by distance host instruction with the wager button on the touch display screen of the recreation output that is formed for using ECI.ECI can operate the input and the definite specific button that receive from touch-screen and be pressed.ECI can transmit this information can confirm that to distance host and this distance host this button is corresponding to wager button.ECI possibly notice not that this button that is used to bet is pressed or is activated, that is, it does not notice the function of this button.

In a particular embodiment; When the visit of ECI and/or distance host or control are prevented from one or more resources; As use peripheral unit or use to be connected in the key element of peripheral unit of game machine; And ECI and/or distance host produce the instruction of attempting to use or control this resource, and game machine can be responded by different way so.For example; In one embodiment; If device that key element ECI and/or distance host are attempted to visit or control or device is not crucial, so game machine can only ignore this order or instruction and perhaps notify this device its attempt to carry out disabled function concerning it.For example, ECI and/or distance host possibly send instruction and glisten to game machine, are not available and work as this function to it, and game machine can only be ignored this instruction.

In another embodiment, ECI and/or distance host can be attempted to visit or control key device with the mode that is prevented from.For example, ECI or distance host can manage to send order has the noncash ticket list of particular value to printer prints, and these are not allowed to.As some possible response, game machine sees 1) recording events, 2) stop with ECI get in touch 3) get into the state or 4 of inclination) and more than wherein combination.The details of some tilt operation can be used in the United States Patent (USP) 6,890,259 that is entitled as " modular tilt operation " the different embodiment that describe, and it is with reference to integrating with and being used for used purposes.

In a particular embodiment, can from the game device to the game device, change by the available resource that distance host uses as the ECI part.For example, there is the recreation ground type game machine of random number generative capacity can have than the more ability that can in ECI, use of mobile handsets.In addition, in other embodiments, can supply distance host to be used for using like the ability of the game machine of game machine 201 can change according to distance host.Therefore for example, comparable other distance hosts of some distance host are more by credible and can be given the authority of the visit recreation airborne device bigger than other distance hosts.

In the ECI operating process; Game machine can be checked the resource used by ECI to determine whether following the restriction of setting up as ECI by the resource that ECI uses; As during negotiation phase; Game machine 201 can use it to be included in the block management device 256 on the game machine 201, the local resource management 238 of device dispatch list 258 and meter 260 with check one or more ECI separately or with the utilization of resources of distributing to each independent ECI one group of ECI that makes up that maybe resource of this group ECI is opposite.When the resource of distributing to ECI was exceeded, a lot of remedial measuress can adopt.For example, when cpu resource was exceeded, the display characteristic that ECI can be rejected additional C PU cycle and ECI can slow down and become not steady.In addition, game machine can notify ECI its surpassed its resource requirement.Like another example, when resource was exceeded, game machine can stop with the session of distance host and stop at the execution of ECI on the game machine.The execution of ECI can stop lastingly or can be stopped temporarily up to more resources on game machine for available or up to the content of distance host adjustment ECI.

Like example, adjust the resource that can use ECI or the resource quantity that does not have correct estimation to need because of distance host downwards because of game machine after the beginning of ECI session, ECI can exceed the resource of its distribution.Cognitive on game machine, being assigned with to it of response exceeds resource, can adjust their contents to expend the resource on few game machine like 202 and 204 distance hosts.In a particular embodiment; Begin (the initial resource distribution can be appointment when session begins) in session after; Distance host as 202 and 204 can be operated to the content 1 by the ECI use that dynamically adjustment sends to game machine) with the satisfied changeable resources allocation that changes on the game machine, and therefore stop it to exceed its resources allocation.

Because the mode of visit or use game machine can change in ECI and/or distance host can be allowed to; As from a distance host to another; Different abilities can be arranged (promptly to another and different game machine from a time; Game machine can be with respect to the portable different abilities that have), game machine can comprise the logic that is used to check instruction and/or is received from the data of ECI and/or distance host according to their access right.For example, be merely illustrative purposes such as communication protocol and there is no need to be used, when instruction and/or data when encoding with communication protocol, whether game machine can at first instruct with meeting and/or data are considered to the part of agreement.So; Even instruction and/or data are the part of agreement; Game machine possibly not provide the ability of requirement; Thereby the compatibility that instruction and/or the data of game machine ability are arranged can be checked (in agreement phase, employable instruction of game machine and/or data, those possibly be to be used as the instruction of communication protocol and/or the subclass of data is set up).Then, instruction and/or the data access right that contrasts specific ECI and/or distance host is checked.For each distance host ECI relevant, can be stored (this information possibly produce in agreement phase or at certain other times) about the information of resource access authority with it.Authority and/or bug check can be checked logic 274 by the authority in the local resource manager 238 and carry out.

Resources allocation

Fig. 3 A is according to embodiments of the invention viewing hardware and component software and their interactional block schemes on game machine to 3C.In an embodiment of the present invention, operating system can keep " resource partitioning ".Resource partitioning can reasonable abstract be realized in the operating system logic that starts the operating system, with the resource that detects and restriction is used by all processes and the process threads of execution in each resource partitioning.At any given time, resource partitioning can comprise one or more member's processes or member's process threads.For example, in one embodiment of the invention, QNX operating system (Ottawa, Canada) may be utilized.QNX has been arranged, and each thread of carrying out can be assigned to the different resource subregion respectively.Thereby one process can have several threads that operate in separately in the different subregions.Usually, operating system can be POSIX compatible (POSIX-compliant) operating system, like the various mutation of Unix and Linux, WindowsTM NT, 2000, XP, Vista etc.

Resource partitioning is a virtualized example or mode.Virtual is performance logical groups or computational resource subclass so that they can be by through the process of original configuration with the method access of given right.Especially, virtual can be from influencing the other system of these resources, application file, or be provided for hiding the technology of computational resource physical characteristics in terminal user's the mode.These technology can comprise that structure seems function such as a plurality of logical resource single physical resource (like server, operating system, application file or memory storage); Maybe can comprise a plurality of physical resources (memory storage or server) that occur as single logical resource of structure.Virtually refer to the abstract of the resource of a lot of account forms and can comprise the virtual machine and the system management software.Thereby the example of resource partitioning and other virtualized examples only provide that to be used for illustrative purposes be not the virtualized example that intention limits the invention to provides virtual or other this paper of resource partitioning only to mention.

As stated, thread can be assigned to the different subregions among some embodiment of the present invention.Thread can be the abbreviation of the thread of execution.To be program oneself be divided into two or more modes of (or pseudo--simultaneously) operation task simultaneously with it to thread.From an operating system and another, thread is different with process, and still, in general, it is different with the mode of generation process and shared its resource with the mode of sharing its resource to produce thread.

Multithreading can be on a lot of computer systems executed in parallel.This multithreading can provide according to time slicing, and single here processor switch is between different threads, and it is not almost simultaneous in either case handling, and only once does something for single processor.To such an extent as to this switch can carry out giving the simultaneous illusion of terminal user so soon.For example, general calculation element possibly only comprise a processor, and still a plurality of programs can once be moved, as also depending on the ECI that the player follows the trail of that is used for of games; Though user experience these as taking place simultaneously, in fact, processor is independently to switch back and forth fast in the thread at these.On multicomputer system, can obtain thread through multiprocessing, wherein different threads can almost move on different processor simultaneously.

In the embodiment of the invention, there is the multicomputer system of many CPU to use together with multiprocessing.For example, when recreation was carried out on one or more different CPU, ECI process or ECI thread can be carried out on one or more CPU.In a particular embodiment, at multicomputer system, the CPU accessibility limits according to application program.For example, ECI can only carry out manage somewhere on the device and recreation on other processors.ECI can stop the processor that uses distribution to carry out recreation or other application programs.

The difference of thread and traditional multiple task operating system process is that process generally is independent, carries important state information, independent address space is arranged and the inter-process communication mechanisms that only provides through system is carried out alternately.On the other hand, multithreading is generally shared the status information of individual process, and direct shared storage and other resources.Although as pointed, the thread of same process can be assigned to the different resource subregion.Association conversion between the thread in same process is general faster than the conversion between the process.

Usually, term " process " refers to data manual operation on like the device of computing machine.Data can be by with a lot of modes " processing ", like logical order through example on hardware, and through utilizing processor executive routine logic, perhaps wherein combination.Therefore, start from " process " of the purpose of instructions and can describe one or more hardware that are exemplified as, software or the logic module that wherein makes up, it can be utilized to allow data to be operated with some mode.Therefore, term " process " and " process threads " to be provided to be merely like description and purpose to be described clearly rather than in order limiting.

Fig. 3 A has explained four resource partitionings 360,366,368 and 370.Operating-system resources subregion 360 comprises the process of being carried out by operating system (or process threads).Game resource subregion 366 is from the game process that is performed (or process threads).ECI resource partitioning 382 from an ECI process 382 (or ECI process threads) of carrying out and ECI resource partitioning 368 from second process of carrying out 380 (or ECI process threads).As above-mentioned mentioned, resource partitioning can be carried out on the process level, process threads level or combination wherein.

In one embodiment, resource partitioning definition 308, as the resource carried out at each subregion (like, subregion distribution 310) that is activated that is assigned to each resource partitioning and process can be stored in the safe storer 326.The data that are stored in safe storage possibly be utilized certified component 304 authentications that are stored on the boot ROM 302.When by the os starting process, possibly check and utilize subregion to distribute the resource partitioning of 310 distribution process that it can comprise a series of processes of in each subregion, carrying out.In one embodiment, some process can be assigned to and surpass a resource partitioning.Thereby when the resource related with first resource partitioning fully used, process can be performed according to second resource partitioning that available resources are arranged.

In another embodiment, the subregion assignment information can be along with like image 316, but each carries out image of 318 and 320 is stored.When process or process threads were activated, operating system can be confirmed the subregion of process of being assigned to or process threads (usually, each process will have at least one process threads).Use this method, the remote-control device that still is assigned to resource partitioning but new carries out image can never list in subregion distribution 310 downloads on the game machine.

In certain embodiments, operating system only allows an ECI process or ECI process threads on subregion, to carry out at every turn.In other embodiments, a plurality of ECI processes can be carried out from single subregion at every turn.When single ECI process only can be allowed to carry out from subregion at every turn, to the ECI process that takies subregion can with number of resources possibly be more foreseeable.When ECI was provided by two or more different main frames simultaneously, such structure was valuable, and each distance host there is no need to know the resource requirement that is used by ECI from another distance host here.When two or more ECI were allowed to take single subregion and carry out simultaneously, if each difference ECI competition finite population resource, the resource that offers each ECI respectively can more be changed more.

When resource by two or more near ECI need or when surpassing one or more resources and being provided in the subregion, it is sharp-pointed that resource contention can become.In one embodiment, game machine can be paid the utmost attention to the resource that each ECI process is used.For example, execution priority can be distributed to each and carry out in the ECI of resource partitioning process, makes that like this when both's competitive resource, another ECI of ECI advance ratio is more favourable based on right of priority.

Distributing to each ECI priority of a process can be based on another factor.Right of priority to resource can be distributed to the ECI process based on its function.For example, the high right of priority of the ECI that is used to provide the ECI that rewards interface can give than provide advertisement is to resource.In another embodiment, right of priority can be distributed to the ECI process according to paying the price that allows ECI process and its content on game machine, to show.Usually, being used to use the priorization of resource is that virtualized another method is provided on game device.

Monitored and to each minute area definition resource comprise but be not limited to CPU and use that use like RAM, NV-RAM uses, the storer use of harddisk memory etc.; GPU (graphics process purposes), the network bandwidth, sound card use and like display, audio devices; Card reader, cash inspecting machine (for example, as described according to Fig. 2, is used for some resource partitioning; Be used for the security purpose, visit some device, like cash inspecting machine and noncash dress, or the device key element maybe be unavailable) the visit to game machine.Monitored resource comprises execution space 338, process device 348, game machine 358 and safe storage 326 on game machine 300.Local resource gauging table process 238 can be monitored the resource of each subregion and used.In Fig. 3 A, local resource gauging table process 238 shows monitoring, device A, and device B, the network bandwidth uses, and processor uses 340 and 342, and electricity usage and storer use.

Local resource gauging table process 238 can be to resource partitioning manager 256 report informations.In a particular embodiment, based on the restriction that places each resource partitioning, resource partitioning manager 256 can stop from carrying out in the new process of specific resources subregion or even can stopping some process and carry out the process at other subregions to discharge resource.For example, if the output of the recreation on the game machine 300 is undesirable because of the resource of being used by ECI380 or ECI382, game machine can suspend carries out or stops carrying out among ECI380 and the ECI382 one or two.

In certain embodiments of the invention; Before ECI on the startup distance host control game machine 300 and based on its resource partitioning system; When it hoped that control ECI carries out on game machine 300, game machine 300 can be notified the information of distance host about its available resources.In one embodiment, remote resource manager 230 can be reported this information to distance host.In another embodiment, game machine can be broadcasted its available resources by the distance host of ECI on a plurality of may command game machines 300.But these message periodic broadcastings also can be used variation according to existing resource on the game machine.

Resource information can comprise about the available resources upper limit (as, maximum CPU use 10%, the 100MB among the RAM); The available resources lower limit (as; 5% of minimum CPU use, the 50MB among the RAM does not have sound capabilities); The expectation of available large quantities of resources in time (as; At least 400 * 300 pixel windows of cycle access 1600 * 1200 windows and 4 passages in the 32 passage sound cards of all passages of cycle access at least), based on the platform property of available resources estimate (as, use the output frame frequency of 16 looks with 60Hz screen-refresh frequency per second 25 frames).When ECI carried out, the bound of resource can provide because of available resources on the game machine change in time.

Other partition information can comprise as the display mode of the transparent covering of game screen and display position (as, place the 3rd display screen).In addition, the information that sends to distance host can comprise game themes, figure and the acoustic information on game machine 300, carried out.Distance host can use this information to come to be theme of on game machine 300, carrying out and the consistent ECI customized content of carrying out at game machine 300 of recreation.

In addition, game machine can send fileinfo and give the information of distance host about file, as being carried out by ECI, is stored in the application file of resource partitioning.File possibly before downloaded from this distance host or previous different distance host.One or more files or the information/order in one or more files can be useful for distance host, and therefore, distance host can be organized the download based on fileinfo.For example, distance host can be downloaded the file/data/content that except being stored in file/data on the game machine/content, only needs.

Response receives resource information from game machine, and distance host determines whether that resource is suitable for exporting it through ECI and wants content displayed on game machine.In certain embodiments, distance host can be adjusted content through ECI output to the explanation available resources.For example, when resource-constrained, preparatory rendering image, 2-D figure or can be used to replace dynamically playing up the 3-D figure based on vector graphics.Like another example, if when network traffics are high, cause the network bandwidth limited like this, distance host can reduce the data number that sends to game machine.The instrument that the figure that uses in the embodiment of the invention is relevant and the details of method equal the U.S. the 6th that is entitled as " the 3-D game environment in virtual camera and the game machine " of submission on August 9 calendar year 2001 according to LeMay; 887; 157 patent descriptions, it is integrated with this paper and is used for used purpose.

In a particular embodiment, can to require except game machine 300 is known be other resource the available resource to distance host.As response, game machine 300 can produce the resource partitioning as 370 or 368 temporarily, or another type when ECI carries out, can start virtual (like, virtual machine) that distance host visit requires resource in addition.In other embodiments, available resource possibly be inappropriate for the available content of distance host and distance host can determine not control the ECI as 382 or 380 on game machine.

Using the virtualized advantage like resource partitioning possibly be when guaranteeing that game performance is satisfactory, and the distance host of control ECI can be activated controlling resource on game machine.The game machine operator always requires game machine to show good game experiencing, and it includes gratifying graphic presentation and sound.If through ECI provide the excessive deterioration that visit to the game machine resource can make game experiencing (as, figure become sawtooth or beat), use ECI to share game resource through being not gratifying so.New game machine becomes from strength to strength on its ability.When guaranteeing that good game experiencing offers the game player always, the use that ECI combines with resource partitioning makes the game machine resource of using carry out with effective means.

Using virtualized another advantage like resource partitioning possibly be that the test request relevant with the ECI software development with game software can become simple.When one or more ECI processes are carried out will be at the one or more ECI processes of extensive testing under the different situations and game process the time, the game process that method that guarantees good game experiencing is played when generation is kept on the game device when on game machine, carrying out.According to cost and time, test each possible and one or more possible ECI process fast and become very attractive together with the ECI process that each different recreation distortion combines.

Use virtual; The permission maximum resource that is used by one or more ECI processes is prevented from the qualification above a group; When game machine just was performed, being used to generate the game software of playing on the game machine can be by test when the maximum resource that allows one or more ECI processes to use is simulated.Test recreation under various conditions of work is as when the cpu cycle of utilizing maximum number or graphic process unit during the cycle, for the one or more ECI process maximum resource operating positions of the competent permission of the game machine that guarantees to generate.After test, the deducibility game performance will be suitable for any one or a plurality ofly use the combination that the maximum that is used for ECI allows the ECI process of resource.Therefore, needn't test recreation and each new ECI bonding properties, recreation can be developed new ECI process after discharging.

In addition, each ECI process can be testedly confirm allow under the various resources supplIess to be used on the game device single ECI on during to maximum resource, whether their performance competent.This process can allow ECI developer's development& testing ECI and be suitable for the different resource scope to allow the related content of resource and need not test each possibility game machine that their combine up to maximum.In addition, the developer can use the different resource number to coexist and test the understanding that each ECI of back will fully carry out, develop many ECI and the related content of carrying out specific function.For example, an ECI can use polar plot that animation is provided, and it needs less storer and allows download time faster, compares with the 2nd ECI, uses and plays up bitmap in advance to provide the animation place first and second ECI functions the same.

As stated, about virtual, the present invention is unqualified in resource partitioning.Virtualized other examples that adopt by the embodiment of the invention such as following.Virtual technology (or technology of corresponding AMD) through Intel; These microprocessors supplier has the characteristics of introduction in their micro-architecture, these characteristics can be improved the operation multiple operating system of processor and as the ability of the application program of independent virtual machine.Use this Intel Virtualization Technology, a computer system can show many " virtual " system.Thereby in various embodiments, the difference that the game environment place operating system of use virtual game machine can adopt from the virtual game machine to the virtual game machine.In a particular embodiment, the virtual game machine can use a core of multi-core processor.

The virtual game machine can use virtual machine monitor (VMM), and virtual machine monitor can be the master routine that allows single computing machine to support a plurality of identical execution environments.All users can notice their the system's conduct and the independently computing machine of other user isolation, even each user is by the uniform machinery service.Under this background, virtual machine can be for by bottom control program management point operation system (OS).

Low interrupt latency, assurance and the right of priority of real-time task that can " in time " decision to the random access of special I/O and VMM possibly be important for the real-time virtual game machine that is used for game environment.In one embodiment of the invention, the combination of multi-core CPU and Intel VT or correlation technique can be used to make up the real-time management program based on dynamic virtualization.

The real-time management program possibly be to use the hardware virtualization technology to isolate and VMM simultaneously with the main frame general-purpose operating system and real time operating system.Be different from static virtualization, can use " early start " technology, come the control hardware platform by the dynamic virtual enforcement that the real-time management program is implemented.Thereby just after the real-time management program had been constructed the virtual machine that is used for them, operating system can only be allowed to " startup ".Client operating system can be related with the particular game that is provided by software provider.Therefore, in the present invention, gaming platform can be supported the recreation that provided by many software vendor, can compatible different UEFA Champions League operating systems in these different recreation.

In comprising the processor of IntelVT, added the arch operator scheme, be referred to as the VMX root, carried out together with the final control of CPU hardware in this supervisory routine.Use the supervisory routine of Intel VT can stop the crucial management mode operation of carrying out by any software operation except that the VMX root, and need not require the compound or inner priori of client OS.Use this Intel VT hardware auxiliary virtual, can make up the Host Protection pattern of crucial cpu resource control is not abandoned in execution in annular 0 operation supervisor VMM.Simultaneously, Intel VT provides VMM to realize the method for virtual interruption.

In the present invention, can use static and dynamic virtualization.Yet; Two advantages through using dynamic virtualization rather than many OS of static virtual structure real-time system are: the first, the operating system of wide region, multi-usage and real-time all can support and; The second, the initiating sequence of each client OS can be under the control of supervisory routine.Among the embodiment in the present invention, second advantage means when other client operating systems and continues operation and can restart a client OS when not interrupting.

TenAsys is provided for the example of the supervisory routine of the embodiment of the invention.When carrying out the general-purpose operating system (GPOS) simultaneously, supervisory routine can be supported the requirement of real time operating system (RTOS), as Windows or Linux.Through the subregion of control interrupt latency and the I/O between many client operating systems is provided, supervisory routine can strengthen the response and the reliability of the real-time application file in " many OS, single platform " environment.

In various embodiment, supervisory routine can be used to distinguish can by the VMM multiplex with those resources of monopolizing by virtual machine.For example, when user interface I/O does not have correlation time during strict incident, like keyboard, mouse, control desk, the input media of hard disk and enterprise's Ethernet interface can be shared by multiplex and in all virtual machines.Yet, the specialized hardware that real-time control is used, like video frequency collection card, field-bus interface, or specify the ethernet network interface card of communicating by letter, not multiplex between virtual machine with real-time I/O device.The use and management program, special-purpose I/O in real time can be applicable to its real-time virtual machine, so the application file of RTOS and this I/O of use can keep confirming in real time and control.

In the embodiment of VMM, some or all storeies is commutative to hard disk in each virtual machine, in order in a plurality of virtual machines, more effectively to distribute limited physics RAM.In another embodiment, the real-time management program can be used to guarantee each real-time virtual machine by depositing in physics RAM, and never exchanges to hard disk.This action can be used to guarantee that each real-time event served unanimity, has definite timing.In yet another embodiment, supervisory routine can be used to be used for give the virtual machine like the virtual game machine with the core of multi-core processor.

Fig. 3 B is the block scheme that comprises hardware and software component game machine 100 according to one embodiment of the invention.Much more more game machine 100 can comprise that RNG software or game machine 100 can be the terminal of random number from the policy of Central Government system of the long-range generation of game machine, or be wherein combination (being found in Fig. 6 and 7 at least, possibility game machines/device embodiment).ECI uses under described distance host control together with the various game machines that are connected to game machine and on game machine 100, game services is provided.ECI can be the assembly of game software 103 and can be used as the process (being found in Figure 1A and 4 at least) that the game operation system on the game machine 100 carries out.

In one embodiment, the game operation system is the part of the main game machine controller of game machine.The primary games controller is also controlled the carrying out of game of chance on the game machine 100.In another embodiment, the logical unit that separates with the primary games controller like the logical unit at player's tracing unit, also can be used to carry out the ECI process.

In a such embodiment, the player's tracing unit that comprises executive operating system and be connected to the logical unit of game machine also can be used to the main frame ECI process by the distance host control that comprises the remote logic device.In brief, the disclosed game machine of this paper can combine with one or more player's tracing systems related with one or more player's tracing systems or on the contrary.In this embodiment, game machine and/or player's tracing system are followed the trail of the ludic activity of player on game machine.In such embodiment; Game machine and/or relevant player's tracing system are followed the trail of the player in good time and are inserted the time that they player follows the trail of the card beginning Console Game time; And follow the trail of when Exit Game during the time, the player removes the time that they player follows the trail of card. in good timeIn another embodiment; Game machine can use that one or more players carry like cell phone; The portable unit of RFID tag or any other suitable radio device is followed the trail of the player and is begun the time with the Exit Game time, rather than requires the player to insert the player to follow the trail of card.In another embodiment, game machine can use any suitable biometric techniques or ticket list technology to begin the time with the Exit Game time to follow the trail of the player.

In the process, game machine and/or player's tracing system are followed the trail of any suitable information during one or more recreation are carried out, and like any number of making a bet, on average make a bet number and/or these time of making a bet.In various embodiment, for one or more players, player's tracing system comprises player's number of the account, player's card number; Player's name, player's surname, player's the title of liking, player's player follows the trail of registration; Anyly follow the trail of the relevant distribution state of card, player's address, player's birthday with player's player; Player's anniversary, the gaming session that the player is nearest, or any other suitable data.

In another such embodiment, player and/or other people are kept or followed the trail of to distance host in games system on the game machine or the activity relevant with game machine.In one embodiment; Distance host is followed the trail of player on each game machine; At least comprise: mainly play for the number of each game machine players bet (that is, insert coins sum or part and follow the trail of on all are mainly played the sum of game machine in all games systems or the part gauging table of making a bet of inserting coins) for each (1); The time of (2) making a bet or to each game machine at each time numerical value between carrying out of mainly playing.In another embodiment, each game machine comprises the sum and insert coins, the make a bet gauging table or the pond of separating partly of inserting coins or making a bet on the tracking game machine.Be to be understood that game machine that the player plays design can change and this tracking can be played with specific player and specifies game machine irrelevant in this tracing process.Should further understand makes a bet can be followed the trail of with any suitable mode that maybe can compare, as credit make a bet (that is) or monetary unit if all system games machines are same denomination (as, dollar or other currencies sum) make a bet.Should be understood that further that following the trail of game machine and/or the game machine that monetary unit can explain that game machine has multiaspect volume and/or different denominations accepts different currencies.

Through distance host communication 113, ECI124 can receive the content of distance host 110.As according to Fig. 2 at least, an ECI can receive from the content of first distance host and the 2nd ECI can receive the content from second distance host.In a particular embodiment, the content that is received from distance host 110 comprise can be connected on the game machine 100 as 16,34 and 42 display device and as 12 and 14 audio devices on the video and/or audio content exported.In addition, distance host 110 can send instruction to control physical equipment 105 and to receive the input from physical equipment 105 through telecommunication 113.Distance host 100 can be communicated by letter through distance host and 113 sent contents/instruct ECI and instruction to control one or more physical equipments 105.Should can be sent to hardware/software interface 101 subsequently to physical equipment 105 from distance host communication from the instruction that is used for physical equipment 105 of distance host 110.

Like Adobe ^TMThe program of flash player or compatible player can be used to export the content that is received from distance host.This program can be used to export the content that is used for a lot of different game services, and this content such as player follow the trail of ATM, communication, lottery ticket, reception, booking and amusement.In certain embodiments, game machine can not stored the content relevant with specific ECI.After ECI began, the storage space that ECI can be young goes into memory device or protection was on game machine 100, and game machine 100 can directly load the content that is received from distance host in volatile memory then.After ECI was terminated, the volatile memory that the content relevant with ECI of download may be lost and ECI uses can be distributed to other processes.In one embodiment, the information flow like video and audio-frequency information may be utilized.

In one embodiment, the memory device of game machine comprises but is not limited to random-access memory (ram), and RAM comprises non-volatile ram, magnetic RAM (MRAM), and ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), and other are as the form of common sense in the recreation industry.In one embodiment, memory storage comprises ROM (read-only memory) (ROM).In one embodiment, memory storage comprises flash memory and/or EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable ROM).Any other suitable magnetic, optics and/or semiconductor memory can with game machine attended operation disclosed herein.In the embodiment that substitutes, part or all of as stated program code and/or service data can be stored in separable or movably in the memory device, include but not limited to suitable tape, disk, CDROM, DVD, flash memory, or USB memory device.

In another embodiment, the content of closing earlier with specific ECI can be written into volatile memory but also can be stored nonvolatile memory, like hard disk or flash memory.In Fig. 3 B, the content relevant with many ECI is stored on the game machine and as 111 explanations of ECI content memorizer.When distance host provided repeatedly game services on game machine 100, main frame possibly use some before to be stored in the content on the game machine and therefore reduce the size that the required download of game services is provided during the advantage of this method.

The storer of the previous ECI content of using like ECI content memorizer 111, can cause the other communication between distance host 110 and game machine 100.For example, distance host 110 and game machine 100 can comprise start distance host 110 and come 1) confirm and checking ECI content 111 is stored on the game machine 100 and 2) guiding ECI122 loads the logic from the content of ECI content memorizer 111.But ECI122 pseudostatic ram 111 combines so that game services to be provided with the content that directly is received from distance host 111.

In another embodiment, distance host 110 and/or game machine 100 can comprise the logic of the content of confirming to store the content of ECI content memorizer 111 into and from ECI content memorizer 111, deleting.In one embodiment, when the storer limit arrived, content can be deleted from ECI content memorizer 111.In another embodiment, when it was run ragged or is out-of-date, content can be deleted.The information what content of distance host transmission differentiation is at first deleted is to game machine.Therefore, for example when the arrival of the storer limit, game machine can be prior to the content of deleting low priority before the content of deleting high priority.In another example, memory content can relate to coming last passing through or the incident relevant with the vacation of process.Like another example, memory content can only be changed the interest that keeps the player.In another example, game machine follow the trail of last time use interior perhaps frequency of utilization and deletion with respect to nearest use content item last use be before for a long time content item or at the more normal content item that uses of the content item money deletion of the less use of deletion.

The ECI application program

The example of storage ECI content comprises but is not limited to 1) virtual players that can be used to provide the player to follow the trail of service follows the trail of 612 and 614; 2) make game machine provide with funds and allot the virtual automatic cash register of managing with monetary accounts (ATM) 616; 3) can make game machine that the virtual entertainment center 618 of one or more entertainment service the recreation is provided on game machine; 4) make the player can buy the virtual lottery machine 620,5 of some lottery ticket on the game machine) make the player can on game machine, obtain the virtual change machine 622,6 of change) make the player can be on game machine to incident make a bet, the fantasy sport match 624 of monitoring events and reception result; 7) can make what the player a) communicated by letter with other game machines; Other people or recreation ground sides, b) send and receive electronic information with or c) locate other players' virtual communication center 625,8) player a) understood and obtain various hotel/recreation grounds; The restaurant; Amusement and travel agency and b) do predetermined virtual reception 628,9) make the player can buy the virtual automatic vending machine 628,10 of various sale projects on the game machine) and make it possible to a) Internet can service; Like web page browsing, b) registration as the service and the c of loyalty program) than the virtual information booth (not shown) of the redemption of pride and award and loyalty program.As stated, the ECI content needn't be stored on the game machine for a long time and can directly receive also from distance host 110 and be stored in nonvolatile memory temporarily, like the RAM when ECI124 carries out.Be suitable for using that ECI provides the additional application program of embodiment to be pursuant to the United States Patent (USP) of submitting to first September 20 calendar year 2001 6 that is entitled as " player follows the trail of touch display screen game services interface " on the game machine; 712; The United States Patent (USP) 6 that is entitled as " method and apparatus that entertainment content on the game machine is provided " that on September 19th, 698 and 2000 submitted to; The United States Patent (USP) 6,997 that is entitled as " game machine virtual game peripheral devices " that on March 12nd, 942,574 and 2002 submitted to; 803 explain, more than integrate with this paper and be used for used purpose with hereby.

Virtual automatic vending machine 628 can make directly distribution project of game machine give the player, makes the player can order project, and it is given the player or sends to the player, or distributes the medium that can be used for the project redemption.In addition, virtual automatic vending machine 628 can be used to redeem or fixed the award or commodity.Virtual players is followed the trail of ECI612 and 614 and can be used to provide the player to follow the trail of service.The subsidiary details that the player follows the trail of service is integrated with the U. S. application the 09/642nd that is entitled as " virtual players tracking and related service " of common 18,2000 submission such as LeMay in unsettled on August; Among the ECI described in 192, it is all integrated with this paper and is used for used purposes with it.

As stated, exportable its content of ECI give the game device in the physics game machine 105 combination game services to be provided and to show its content.In one embodiment, device is given in ECI process may command or issue an order, but the distance host of control ECI also issue an order give the physical unit that combines with ECI.Device combination and distance host that ECI uses can change according to game machine available on the particular game machine.

Like the example of the device combination used together with ECI and distance host, the distance host may command connects cash inspecting machine 30, printer 18, and keyboard 22, display 34, the virtual A TMECI616 of card reader 24 and touch-screen 35 is to provide ATM service.Card reader 22 can be used to receive atm card.Keyboard 22 can be used to key in personal identification number.Cash inspecting machine 30 can be used to the printing ticket list that receives cash or surrender value is arranged.The fund that gets into game machine may be transferred to bank account.Display 34 can be used to show and select various ATM services with touch-screen 35.Printer 18 can be used to provide the receipt and printing noncash ticket list that can be used as other Console Games.

The combination that fantasy sport match ECI624 and virtual lottery machine ECI620 also can be used for the described device of virtual A TM ECI616 provides service.Yet the background that this device uses maybe be different.For example, printer 18 can be used to print for virtual lottery machine 620 print lottery tickets ticket lists with for fantasy sport match 164 the ticket list of making a bet of alternative receipt.In addition, display 34 can be used to show and does lottery ticket with touch-screen 35 and sports bets is selected to select to substitute ATM.Staying the logic that has distance host 110 can make it confirm the environment that device uses.

Like another example, payment of virtual entertainment central periphery equipment ECI618 may command or Coin acceptor 28, load button 32, secondary monitor 42 and loudspeaker 12 and 14 are to provide entertainment resource to the player.In one embodiment, virtual entertainment center ECI618 can be used as the music video planter.Use load button 32, the player can select to export the music video on secondary monitor 42 and loudspeaker 12 and 14.In another embodiment, the player possibly select to export the music format on loudspeaker 12 and 14.In yet another embodiment, when recreation on the game machine was carried out, the player possibly keep watch on game events on the secondary monitor.Sometimes, the player possibly be asked to through payment receiver 28 deposits to use the virtual entertainment center.

In yet another embodiment, the player possibly be able to win or buy the entertainment content portable unit that carries to the player of download entertainment content then.Be used for the interface of communicating by letter,, can be connected to game machine so that download on this portable unit like wave point with portable unit.In another example, the player can be received in effective voucher of another callable entertainment content in place.

As stated, follow the trail of session in order to start the player, the player can insert player's tracking and snap into card reader 24, keys in personal identification codes and receives player's tracked information through small displays 16 with keyboard 22.Second virtual players is followed the trail of ECI614 and is used display 34, touch-screen 35, card reader 24, fingerprint read its 39 with luminous plaque 44.Follow the trail of session in order to start the player, the player can insert player's tracking and snap into card reader 24, finger print information is provided and receives player's tracked information through display 34 through finger-printer reader 39.Use touch-screen 35, the player can select the choice from the player follows the trail of services menu and the interface that is presented at display 34, key in personal identification code or other alphanumerics inputs are provided.Luminescent panel 44 can be used to transmit player's operation information.For example, luminescent panel can be worked as their player of the incorrect insertion of player and followed the trail of when snapping in the game machine variable color or flash of light.

In one embodiment, one or more above-mentioned ECI processes are followed the trail of the card player for effective to non-player.In such embodiment, if games system provides one or more ECI processes to non-card player and notify the player player will obtain the player and follow the trail of card, different ECI processes will be available to the player.In one embodiment, games system makes the player add the player's tracing system on the game machine.

In the present invention, the process of one or more ECI processes and game play can be shared same game device on the game machine.For example, card reader 24 can be by virtual A TM ECI616, and first virtual players follows the trail of peripherals 612 and second virtual players is followed the trail of peripherals 614 uses.Like another example, cash inspecting machine 30 can be used by the primary games controller on virtual A TM peripherals 616 and the game machine.

Usually, the function of the particular game device that do not limited by different software element or the process of on game machine, carrying out and clear of game device is shared.For example, card reader reads player's tracked information for normally only being used for following the trail of card from the player on the game machine.In addition, card reader is by separating from the primary games controller that control is provided and not being in player's tracing unit of the logical unit that the primary games controller can be obtained on the game machine.Like another example, cash inspecting machine 30 only makes usually and is used for inserting credit in game machine.Therefore, use the conflict between the different game process of game machine not have to usually on game machine, be considered simultaneously in hope.

Because given game device can be shared by many software entitys, the environment of the setter that is using is important.For example, the player follows the trail of session and can be usually follows the trail of and begin when snapping into card reader 24 when the player inserts the player.When card is inserted in the card reader 24, virtual players follow the trail of peripherals (as, 612 and 614) can detect the card embolus and begin the player and follow the trail of session.When virtual A TM peripherals 116 activates, the player can insert atm card to card reader 24 with beginning ATM service (, insert card and also can activate ATM peripherals) if not activating.Therefore, a possible scheme using card reader 24 is that the player has required the ATM service, and virtual A TM peripherals 116 possibly be that the given control and the virtual A TM peripherals 116 of card reader 24 waits for that the player inserts atm card to card reader 24.If the insertion player of player's mistake follows the trail of and snaps in the card reader 24, virtual A TM peripherals 116 can not be that atm card produces mistake because of the player follows the trail of card.In another embodiment, the disclosed games system of this paper can make that following the trail of card (person identifier special-purpose with the player who uses appointment) through the player downloads credit from player's account.Following the trail of peripheral (112 and 114) when virtual A TM peripherals 116 and virtual players can operate simultaneously, and the logic on the game machine can be asked to confirm whether the player follows the trail of session in the above-mentioned situation will be begun or produce mistake.

In a particular embodiment, the ECI process of carrying out on game machine can be defined only output video and/or audio content.For example, ECI can be defined only output video content output audio content on display 34 parts and on loudspeaker 12 and 14.In another example, ECI can be defined and only export video content on display 34 parts.

Operating system

Usually; When game device is shared like entity of ECI or ECI and the process of another recreation execution on game machine by two or more; And when situation occurs in two or more entities and requires to use same shared game device place simultaneously, share the arbitration control that the game device logic can require to share game device.At common game machine, the arbitration of shared game device control can not propose usually, because the most games device perhaps is used for single purposes usually or by individual process control.Sharing the control of game device can confirm according to the environment of the device that is being used.For example, use payment receiver 28 possibly be given than use under the small change environment the virtual change machine 622 of use or use vending machine 628 under the situation of game machine from the high right of priority of the Coin acceptor of game machine bought item keying in credit.Device scheduling and resource management are at least according to Fig. 2 and 3A explanation.

Fig. 3 C is for further specifying the block scheme of the details relevant with the hardware and software shown in Fig. 3 B according to one embodiment of the present of invention.Exemplary software structure comprise much by shown in the process carried out of operating system 23.ECI w/ virtual players is followed the trail of content 226 and is served as reasons and stay " process " that the operating system that has game machine can 213 be carried out.In a particular embodiment, protected " process " definable is as the separation software execution module of being protected by operating system and performed by logical unit on the primary games controller 224.When the process that comprises ECI226 is protected, the storer that other software process carried out by the primary games controller or software unit can not be visited protected process.Process comprises one or more threads relevant with process.

Be used for realizing that the operating system 213 of Games Software structure of the present invention is one of a lot of commercial applicable operating systems, like Canada, the QNX of the similar UNIX of the Kanata of Ontario QNX Software Systems Co., Ltd. exploitation; The Windows NT of Washington Edmond Microsoft, 2000, XP; Vista; Or Linux or Linux distortion, like northern Ka Lailuona state Da Lamo Redhat exploitation, it is the operating system of open-source program based on Unix.Different operating system can use different process definitions.In QNX, protected during process.For other operating system, " process " possibly be the special logic of carrying out.Use different operating system, a lot of different enforcements of the present invention are possible and the present invention is not defined the constraint with specific operation system.

The details of the process that some are carried out on game machine of the present invention is following.229 controls of NV-RAM manager are to the visit of nonvolatile memory on the game machine.Through using NV-RAM manager 229, game process can be shared the nonvolatile memory resource simultaneously.Thereby the use of nonvolatile memory is the best utilization that can reduce the cost relevant with increasing the new function of game machine.In certain embodiments, the ECI process is prevented from visiting nonvolatile memory because of security reason, and in other embodiments, the ECI process can be sent and reception is stored on the game machine information in the nonvolatile memory.

The process of the part of operating system included but not limited to contact manager 223 when other were considered to; Zone manager 256; Task manager 263, game supervisor 221, electric power impulse detection process 228; Device scheduler program 258 and ECI process 226, it provides the player to follow the trail of content for illustration purposes.The player follows the trail of ECI process 226 and is used to use card reader 24 together with the logical foundation Fig. 3 B that on distance host, carries out is said, keyboard 22, and finger-printer reader 39 provides the player to follow the trail of service with luminescence display panel 44.

Device scheduler program 258 can be used to arbitrate control and manage the use of sharing means on one or more game machines." sharing means " refers to the physical unit on the game machine that can be used in the multiduty varying environment.For example, display 34 can be used to export the result of the game of chance that on game machine, generates through game supervisor 221 again and can be used to export the player who follows the trail of ECI226 from the player and follow the trail of content.Game supervisor process 221 can be used the display part of display 34 with comprising of control variation of whole viewing areas control often simultaneously with ECI226.Device scheduler program 258 can be used to confirm that what of display 34 are under what environment which process be allowed to visit.

As above according to Fig. 3 C; But device scheduler program 258 process requests for arbitration; Especially simultaneous request; Using shared game device like display 34, different game process of carrying out from the game operation system or from the request of carrying out the process on distance host, and confirm to be given entity to the visit of sharing game device based on priority settings.For example, be given the right of priority higher with the relevant process of game of chance output than ECI process.Therefore, when game supervisor 221 needed the control of whole display 34, ECI process 226 can not or maybe not can be allowed to the visit to the display of primary importance to display 34 visits.

In a particular embodiment, player's input can influence the visit to sharing means.In one embodiment, can make ECI be shown or the input switch hidden or the export structure of other types are provided on the game machine.Thereby when the player actions switch, game machine can allow maybe can not allow the ECI visit to share display.Game machine can have default location, imports generation or does not generate ECI corresponding to the player as allowing, and this changes with the input that receives on the game machine.After some incident, game machine can turn back to default location, these times as but be not limited to that credit reaches null value on the game machine, the player follows the trail of card and inserts/remove, confirm that player institute Play Station games changes or at time phase to after date.

In some cases, game machine possibly ignored player's selection does not provide ECI.For example, indicate the player when already provided input and do not hope to see this ECI, game machine can allow the ECI access certain resources, like discontinuity visit display, like corresponding some incident.Thereby tout court or a period of time, camera can allow ECI to produce its interface, after the time durations expiration, does not allow ECI to produce its interface then.

Device scheduler program 258 also can comprise confirming when be received from the logic that physical equipment 105 is given distance host through 101 transmission of hardware/software interface.For example, the ECI process begun and visit be authorized to a touch display screen part after, possibly be sent to distance host corresponding to the input from touch-screen of the part of the display of ECI control.Although as according to Figure 1A-1C is pointed at least, ECI can comprise that also its processing of permission and transmission are received from the information processing capability of the information of a physical equipment.

In Fig. 3 C, be received from raw data like the device of touch-screen 35 or card reader 24 and can be driven 259 through touch-screen or card reader arrangement and passed to task manager 262 and pass to device interface 255 like touch screen device interface 241 or card reader interface 245 as incident.Like example, device scheduler program 258 can be watched incident attentively and confirm that the touch-screen input has been received and has transmitted the incident that this message of indication is copied and sends to distance host.Contact manager 223 can be watched the incident of being transmitted by device scheduler program 256 attentively and use suitable communication protocol 211 to send message and give distance host.For example, when distance host B used 205 communications of host B agreement, distance host A can use 203 communications of host A agreement.Game device of the present invention can be operated to realize nature person's entitlement (as; The Netplex of IGT specialized protocol) or artificial person's entitlement (USB; WI-FI; IEEE1394-compatable, Ethernet and by California Fremond game criteria federation-GSA ratified like SAS, G2S or S2S) wireless with wire protocol arranged.

Device scheduler program 262 can merge the logic of complicacy in various degree and give distance host with the information that transmission is received from input equipment.For example, in one embodiment, after ECI was associated with one or more definite devices by example and it, scheduler program 262 can be checked to determine whether that being received from one or more device inputs is that distance host is concerned about.Is that the distance host related with ECI is concerned about when when input from one or more devices, imports like the described touch-screen of earlier paragraphs, and input can be sent to distance host.

After distance host receives input, its determine whether to import be concerned about and make what response.For example, distance host can not control input be received the display part come and, therefore, confirm that response is unnecessary.On the other hand; As it is described according to Figure 1A at least to 1C; Distance host can confirm to come from the input of the display area of distance host through ECI control; Send then new content to ECI be presented on the game machine with the/instruction that replenishes to its content that will export of ECI control (as, the content that has been downloaded to game machine need can indicate ECI to export it in response to touch-screen input and output and distance host).

The input that is received from physical equipment except that response is sent content and/or is instructed to the ECI226 the long-range game machine that influences its operation that sends instructions to.Distance host can send the incident that transmits through task manager 262 and arrive one or more other processes.For example, distance host can send instruction to increase credit in game machine, and it can cause that the credit gauging table increases and the demonstration meeting of credit is adjusted.As previously mentioned, at least according to Fig. 2, game machine can be provided for checking the logic (not shown) whether distance host is allowed to provide particular event.For example, all distance hosts can not be allowed to increase credit on the game machine.In another embodiment, distance host can send the incident that causes that performance is unlocked in the recreation, and it influences the output of playing on the game interface.Game supervisor 221 can receive this message and the distribution of thing receiving element through task manager 262.

As noted above, device scheduler program 258 or other processes that some is carried out on game machine can comprise the logic of the information that more complicated confirming is received from physical unit and is sent to distance host.For example, for the interested device of each distance host, device scheduler program 258 can have the check input information and determine whether that it is the interested ability of distance host.For example, the device scheduler program can determine whether that touch-screen input is by the zone of host computer control and only transmit the input that is received from this zone.In another example, distance host can provide the player to follow the trail of and serve rather than the ATM service, therefore be inserted in the card reader 24 when the player follows the trail of card, and device scheduler program 258 can confirm that it is that the player follows the trail of card and biography sends them to distance host.When credit card was inserted in the card reader 24, device scheduler program 258 can confirm that this card is that credit card does not transmit this information to distance host.

In a particular embodiment, for each game device of sharing, the device scheduler process 258 of separation can be used to arbitrate the control of shared game device, and evaluation is received from the information of sharing game device and arrives other processes and host apparatus with this information of guide.Like another example, device scheduler process 258 can be used to arbitrate the control of a plurality of shared game devices.Usually, game machine can comprise a plurality of device scheduler process of managing one or more shared game devices separately.

Described like following more details, device scheduler program 258 can obey and respond through task manager 262 and time distribute 225 etc. be exclusively used in incident be asked to the game events that gets into or withdraw from for any environment that it is known.Environment can be described to be defined in the position in the logic, requires the control of specific shared game device in this process.Can produce the environment that surpasses shared game device like process through one or more process threads.For example, ECI process 226 can produce together with the relevant main frame of process and be used for display 34, touch-screen 35, the environment of card reader 24 and luminescence display panel 44.This display 34, touch-screen 35, card reader 24 can all be to share game device with luminescence display panel 44.Can authorize at sharing means manager 115 and to share game device control down, by at least two kinds of situation: 1) use the current environment of sharing game device to finish or 2) the shared game device of environmental requirement visit of high priority.

Request based on incident is that a kind of control is to sharing the method for game device visit.Another method is to arbitrate request or the similar process that directly sends to device scheduler program 258.In embodiments of the present invention, based on the request of incident, the request of arbitration or combination are wherein all used.

Display 34 is examples also sharing the game device of game device.The environment that can ask to visit display screen 34 includes but not limited to: the menu environment that a) is used for the display device menu of hold mode; B) demonstration comprises the inclination environment because of the heeling condition managing payment; C) game environment of demonstration game, bonus game; D) eye-catching menu is at the eye-catching environment of full position, e) shows the master menu environment of game services menu available on game machine choice menus and other game machines.The environment of display 34 can be produced by effective various game process on game machine.For example in one embodiment, game services menu environment can be by one or more ECI generations of following the trail of ECI process 226 like the player.Like another example, game machine manager process 226 can produce game environment.Therefore, display 34 can be the device of repeatedly sharing.Physical constraints is applied to display 34 or any other shared game device can not used up to keep resource fully.

The above-mentioned environment that is used for display 34 possibly in a preferential order arranged.In one embodiment, the right of priority that is used for display can be arranged from being up to minimum listing, like machine menu environment by successively decreasing; The inclination environment; Game environment, bonus game machine environment, ECI environment; Eye-catching environment and master menu environment are when display is divided into the applicable zones of different of the above-listed environment of all or part.For example, the inclination environment can be asked All Ranges.Therefore, when game machine entering heeling condition, the inclination environment can be taken over whole displays of following minute of the display that comprises All Ranges.Like another example, some game machine or award camera can use whole screens in some time and possibly be given than ECI environment or the high right of priority of eye-catching environment and be used for the screen portions used by the ECI environment.In other embodiments, game machine environment and bonus game machine environment can use display 34 private parts and can not show resource with the competition of ECI environment.

Usually, distributing to the right of priority that is used for shared game device environment fixes.Yet the right of priority of variation also can be used for the environment of some shared game device.The right of priority of the eye-catching pattern environment that for example, is produced by different ECI can be used as the function of time to be increased or reduces with outstanding particular game service.Therefore, the right of priority of the eye-catching pattern environment that the particular game that is used for being provided by ECI is served possibly increase at special time, and is more frequent by other eye-catching pattern environment that other ECI processes produce so that eye-catching pattern environment is presented at its right of priority increase time ratio.For example, early stage in the afternoon or when being fated these services of customer requirement in other field, through increasing its right of priority, making that client cooks dinner eye-catching pattern environment predetermined or that amusement is predetermined can be by more outstanding.

Return Fig. 3 C, game software 201 can comprise communication protocol 211, task manager 262; With incident divider 225, device interface 255, device driver 259; With the game supervisor 221 of the game process interface that is used to produce game of chance, like the game resource of the electric power impulse detection manager 229 of keeping watch on recreation electric power, NV-RAM manager 229 and contact manager 223; It can be used by other processes, like the ECI of ECI226, arbitrates one or more shared game machine control device dispatching processes 258; Resource partitioning manager 256 is kept watch on the use of different resource partitioned resources like its that explain according to Fig. 3 A.

Software module comprises the game software 201 that can be written into primary games controller 46 (to rare Fig. 3 A and the 6) storer of game machine at game machine start-up time.The mass storage device loading and unloading game software module that game operation system (OS) can be used to from game machine is used for carrying out as the process on the game machine to RAM.Recreation OS also can keep bibliographic structure, the dispatch list that the state of monitoring process and process are carried out.The process of playing games gathers on game machine, and recreation OS can be with dynamical fashion loading and unloading process from RAM.Recreation OS, related locomotive girl can be by the authentication of the institute of the check on the game machine with relevant game data.The details that can be used for authentication method of the present invention and instrument is described in the United States Patent(USP) Nos. 5,643,086,6,149,522,6,620,047,6,106,396 by applications such as Alcorn, more than each with reference to integrating with this paper and being used for used purpose.The details that can be used for software check method of the present invention is described in the United States Patent (USP) of submitting to August 8 calendar year 2001 6,685,567 that is entitled as " process verification ", and it is integrated with this paper and be used for used purpose with reference.

NV-RAM manager 229 on the game machine by the protection process to keep the integrality in nonvolatile memory space on the game machine.All pass through NV-RAM manager 229 via the API of definition possibly to the visit of nonvolatile memory.Games Software 100 the term of execution; Non-volatile manager 229 can be through task manager 262 from comprising resource partitioning manager 256; Game supervisor 221; Other processes of ECI process 226 and one or more device interfaces 255 receive access request to deposit in or retrieve data in the physical non-volatile memory space.Requirement is read, client when other software units of writing or inquiring about the storage block of nonvolatile memory are considered to.

Comprise keyboard 235, display 237, card reader 245, be provided at when Coin acceptor 251, the device interface 255 of cash inspecting machine 243 and touch-screen 241 that device drives and game machine on the software unit of interface between the active process.Device interface 255 can receive the order from a physical unit operation of virtual game peripherals request.For example, in an environment, the player follows the trail of ECI process 226 and can send order and be displayed on the message on the display 34 for display interface 237 some type of request.Display interface 237 sends the device driver that message is given display 34.The device of display 34 drives the transmission order and message makes display 34 come display message to display.When display 34 can be controlled by a more than game process (can use display 34 to show game of chance like game supervisor 221); But device scheduler program 258 or similar process allocation priority are followed the trail of the environment that ECI process 226 produces to the player; And, give the control of this environment display 34 according to whether display 34 uses at present.If display 34 is using, device scheduler program 258 can determine whether to use at present the environment of this device should be switched to the environment of being followed the trail of 226 generations of ECI process by the player.

Device interface 255 also receives the incident from physical unit.Usually, incident can receive poll or direct communication by device interface 255.The path of filled black arrows indication incident between various software units.Use poll, device interface 255 inquires through device driver 259 whether incident has taken place or do not taken place, and communicates by letter with physical equipment 105 termly.Usually, device driver 259 is not carried out any high-level events processing.Whether for example, use poll card reader 245 device interfaces can regularly send a message to card reader physical unit 24 asks to block and is inserted in the card reader.

Use direct communication, interruption or indication incident be generation signals, when physical unit need be communicated by letter, can be sent out to device interface 255 through device driver 259.For example, when card is inserted into card reader, card reader 24 can be sent " card insertion information " and is used for card reader 245 indicating cards to device interface and insert, and it can be sent to task manager 262. card insertion information can be incident.Other comprise 1 through the example that device interface is received from the incident of a physical unit 105) switch of main door/overhang-door/cash door, 2) have the insertion billing information of face of note, 3) the bill clamping; 4) spool tilts, and 5) coin entering inclination, 6) power loss; 7) card inserts, 8) card removes 9) Bonus Card inserts; 10) Bonus Card removes, 11) progressive award, 12) abandon card and 13) touch-screen activates.

Usually, incident possibly be the packets of information by certain type package of device interface transmission.Incident has " source " and one or more " destinations ".Each incident comprises by additional information adheres to the standard gauge outfit on it.Additional information generally possibly used with some mode confession incident in the destination.

For example, the source of card insertion game events can be card reader 24.The destination of card insertion game events can be managerial credit and transfers to game machine bank management device (not shown), and contact manager 223 is followed the trail of ECI226 with the player.Contact manager 223 can transmit the information that reads from card to one or more devices that are positioned at outside the game machine, like distance host.Arrive game machine when magnetic card is used to deposit credit, the bank management device can impel card reader to carry out additional operations through card reader arrangement interface 255.Follow the trail of session when magnetic card is used to start the player, the player follows the trail of ECI226 or distance host can impel card reader 24 execution to follow the trail of relevant additional operations with the player through card reader arrangement interface 255.The many environment of quoted passage can be applied to card insertion incident, and the device scheduler program as 258 can be used to confirm to be given the environment of game device control.For example, ECI226 or distance host (not shown) are given or bank management device 222 in the control that can give card reader of device scheduler program 258.

Can, device interface 255 generate incident when detecting input.Incident also can produce and be sent to other process by process.For example, when device scheduler program 258 gave the control of a shared game device of environment, incident produced.In addition, no money is said, and incident also can produce by the entity outside being positioned at game machine.For example, distance host can be given game machine through contact manager 223 transmission incidents.Use incident distribution software process 225 can be assigned to one or more destinations through formation dissemination system incident.Yet, because game events can be assigned to a more than destination, or being only broadcast to the process of execution, incident is different from device order or device signal, the for example function call of program or internal process interprocess communication of generic point point to-point communication.

Because Event origin, it can be device interface or the outer distance host of game machine, can not be directly connected to the destination of incident usually, and task manager 262 is as the interface between source and the one or more incidents destination.After source transmission incident, the predetermined function of carrying out it is returned in the source.For example, the source can be the device interface of poll hardware device.Task manager 262 is handled the game events that transmits in the origin source and is put the formation of this game events in one or more distributions.Task manager 262 can in a preferential order be listed each incident and put it in different queue according to the right of priority of distributing to incident.For example, critical game events can be placed in and much be stored among the NV-RAM in the critical transaction queues, as the part of carrying out on game machine based on the state of state transaction system.

After task manager reception incident, incident can be sent to the incident divider 225 in the games system 213.225 broadcasting of incident divider are to the destination software unit incident that can on incident, operate.Operation on the incident can trigger the access request of one or more software units to NV-RAM through NV-RAM manager 229.In addition, but when the control of one or more software unit response incident request shared game devices, so as 258 device scheduler program can be used to this request of arbitration.

Another example like event handling; When the player uses cash inspecting machine 30 input bills in game machine; This incident can passed through device driver 259; Cash inspecting machine device interface 240, task manager 262 arrives the bank management device with incident divider 225 backs, can be sent to NV-RAM manager 229 by task manager 262 in this message like face of note about incident.After the incident of receiving, the bank management device is assessed this incident and determined whether need be to this event response.For example, bank management device 222 can determine to increase number of credits on the machine according to the face of note that gets into cash inspecting machine 30.In addition, bank management device 222 can be asked the control of cash inspecting machine.When cash inspecting machine 30 is when sharing game device, install scheduler program 258 and can arbitrate request cash inspecting machine 30.Therefore, can be used as the incident Discr. as the bank management device software of the process of on game machine, carrying out and a function of other software units.

More at large; Response events; Process can 1 on bank management device or other game machines) generate the new concurrent task manager 262,2 that sends them to of incident) send a command to device interface 255,3) use a kind of communication protocol to send order or information through contact manager to distance host; 4) do not process or 5) carry out above 1), 2) and 3) combination.

Non-volatile memories can be visited by means of the order that sends to game machine from the device that is positioned at the game machine outside through NV-RAM manager 229.For example, but account server or wide area accumulation server poll nonvolatile memory to obtain the information of cash flow on the particular game machine.The cash flow poll can send to nonvolatile memory task manager 262 through game events and carry out to NV-RAM manager 229 then through inquiring continuously.Poll can require to use the message of accumulating server from account server or wide area in communication protocol code translator 211 decodings that exist on the game machine.

Communication protocol generally from a communication format to another communication format Decoding Message.For example, game machine can adopt a communication format, and distance host can adopt another communication format through the ECI service.Communication protocol 211 can make that this information is sent and received from server from a communication format to another communication format Decoding Message.

Electric power impulse detection locomotive girl 229 keeps watch on game machine and prevents power fluctuation.Electric power impulse detection process 229 can be stored in the storer different with the storer of storing residue game software 103.The power failure that detects some type when electric power impulse detection software 229 will take place, and incident is given and sent to task manager 230 indication power failures generations.This incident can be transferred to the incident distribution software 225 to this message of devices broadcasting that influenced by power failure.If the time is feasible, this incident also can be sent to the process of execution on distance host.

Device interface 255 is used with game software 213 together; So that the variation in device driver software for example can not influence games system software 213 and even device interface software 255., but the game events that each physical unit 105 sends and receives with the order standardization so that all physical units 105 transmissions and receive same order and same game events.Thereby when physical unit 105 was replaced, new device driver 259 can be asked to converse with physical unit.Yet device interface 255 keeps constant with game machine system software 213.When new physical unit when old physical unit requires the NV-RAM of varying number, the advantage of NV-RAM manager 229 possibly be that new space can easily be assigned and this NV-RAM of not initialization in nonvolatile memory.Therefore, be used for physical unit that the player follows the trail of service can be easily exchange or upgrading under minimum software alteration.

Various software elements described in this paper (as, device driver, device interface, communication protocol etc.) can be used as software object or other executable codes or script block realizes.In preferred version, element is realized as the C++ object.Task manager, incident divider, software player tracing unit and other games systems 213 softwares also can be used as the C++ object and realize.Each is compiled as individual process and through incident and/or interprocess communication (IPC) and is transmitted.Event format and IPC form can be defined as one or more parts that are applied in the application programming interfaces (APIs) on the game machine.The compatible QNX operating system of this implementation method.

Operating system has been described in the context of game machine with its main frame.The primary games controller 46 of game machine can comprise operating system (to rare Fig. 6).The present invention does not so limit.Game process also can by by with game machine on the operating system activation of primary games controller different logical device control.For example, connect the game peripheral equipment like player's tracing unit of game machine, can comprise the logical unit of executive operating system.Should be identical or different in the operating system that the operating system on the game peripheral equipment can be and carries out on game machine primary games controller.

Game peripheral equipment can comprise one or more game devices.Control the game device process that is positioned at the recreation periphery as the game machine activation, the logical unit on the recreation periphery can activate the process of controlling the game device on recreation periphery and the game machine.In addition, as game machine, game machine can be carried out the ECI process under distance host control.In another embodiment, game peripheral equipment can be used as the distance host of the ECI process of on game machine, carrying out.For example, the player's tracing unit that is connected on the game machine is followed the trail of the distance host of ECI process 226 as the player who on game machine, carries out.In yet another embodiment, game machine can be used as the distance host of the ECI process of on another game device like another game machine, carrying out.

The interaction of distance host-game machine

Fig. 4 A is according to one embodiment of the present of invention interactional diagram 400 between main frame and game machine.As at least according to Figure 1A to 3C the part of above-mentioned ECI, game machine can be operated the resource access that provides by distance host control.In 430, game machine powers up and is available to playing.Certain constantly, game machine can be set up and the getting in touch of distance host.For example, in one embodiment,, between game machine and distance host, set up communication link as the part of initial phase on the game machine.When communication link was set up between game machine and distance host, game machine was confirmed the authentication/validation message 412 of communicating by letter and originating from proper with commutative game machine and the distance host of making of distance host.This process of giving can adopt means known in the art, like the signature of exchange message coding or public and private key pairing.

, can be used to confirm to cause that the information of ECI example on the game machine can exchange between device by after setting up between distance host and the game machine at communication link.In different embodiment, information request can be started or started by game machine by the distance host 402.This information request can be event-driven, can decide through consultation timetable or wherein combination generation according to both sides at regular intervals as result's generation of the polling message that on main frame or game machine, starts.

The different information types that need determine when example ECI possibly be transmitted.For example, in 404, game machine can send gives distance host about its current state like idle running or available status information.Like another example, in 406, game machine can send player and/or use information, like the coin input, to distance host.In another example, event information, as require game services on the game machine, can be sent to the distance host that causes that ECI begins.

In a particular embodiment, distance host can receive useful information indirectly.For example, the player follows the trail of session and can be based upon communication link between game machine and the player's tracking server start making on the game machine.As response, game machine can send the indication player and follow the trail of the message that session has started.As response, distance host can be got in touch player's tracking server and in 450, received the information from player's tracking server, and this is the example of remote game device.In another embodiment, after setting up communication link with game machine, player's tracking server is contact remote main frame and send information to the distance host in 450 automatically.

The information that is received from player's tracking server can be used to determine whether to begin the ECI on the game machine.In addition, when ECI was begun, what be received from player's tracking server and/or game machine finely was used to customize the content by ECI output on the game machine.For example, according to the customizable content of known player preferences.In another example, according to player's state customized content, it can be confirmed according to their amusement history.In addition, but the player chases that server can send or distance host storage operation person about the hobby of content or impel the operator to want to export through ECI.Operator's hobby also can be used to the ECI on the customized games machine.

In another embodiment, the game machine information of can sending is not set up the server of formal correspondence to it.For example, when game machine dallied, game machine can be to one or more its states of distance host broadcasting in LAN.In response to broadcasting, one or more distance hosts can confirm that during spinning they are hoped the content of on game machine, exporting and get in touch this game machine.In 402, distance host can be got in touch game machine with the request additional information, and it can be network or the device in 410 public available, and distance host can start the resource request 410 to resource control on the game machine.Before the information of exchange about the resource request parameter, like the state of resources that can use 414 medium-long range host computer control, the commutative information that is used for being used for authentication and checking purpose that makes by each device of game machine and distance host.More how far interactional details is explained in the figure as one embodiment of the invention between journey main frame and the game machine.

In 454, distance host can be assessed the resource limit that is provided by game machine and determine whether that it can provide the content that is suitable for the resource limit that game machine can use.Acceptable when distance host is confirmed resource limit, in 416, it can send indication, and it hopes to be enabled in the message of session between distance host and the game machine.

In 418, after receiving this message, distance host and game machine commutative one or more comprising make the clock information of their clock synchronization, the session parameter message of information such as device identification like timestamp.In one embodiment; With the state of the state that allows game machine and ECI usually with the state of recreation suitable mode during special time or particular event are definite, the information in session parameter message can be utilized to discern and be stored in distance host about the status information between distance host and the game machine.

After the session between game machine and the distance host begins, in 434,, carry out the ECI process, and begin to transmit the game machine transaction information to distance host if game machine is written into and the ECI process is not also carried out.The game machine transaction information can comprise the information about game state on the game machine, player identification information, currency process information etc.But the game machine transaction information dynamic effects distance host that is received from game machine sends to the content of game machine.The example that gaming transactions information can be transmitted be described in by game criteria federation (Fremont, CA) in the G2S agreement of approval, but the present invention be not restricted to describe in the transportation protocol or with the information of the form of protocol description.

In a particular embodiment, distance host can be simultaneously and a plurality of game machine sessions, receive by distance host based on the dynamic content of adjustment of the information that is received from game machine at this each game machine, as, be the content of each game machine particular game state customization.In addition, distance host can be operated the content that customizes based on " crowd " state.At crowd's state, the information that is received from a recreation group of planes can be united the state that defines the crowd.Distance host can be operated based on crowd's state and dynamically adjust the content that sends to one or more game machines in the crowd.Thereby at special time, sending from distance host the content to game machine can 1) influenced by the state of game machine; 2) not influenced by the state of game machine; 3) receive the state of one group of game machine to influence 4) do not receive the state of one group of game machine to influence 5) influenced by the state of another game machine (as; Under playing conditions; It is color to react another game machine and this game machine of having won or to have obtained specific prize that distance host can be adjusted its content), 6) not influenced by the state of another game machine, or 7) above combination.

In front in the paragraph, distance host send content to game machine can or can not be provided at the information that influences the particular cluster state preset time.For example, distance host or another main frame progressive game that can provide progressive award is given a recreation group of planes.Distance host send content to game machine can operate and carry out progressive game but can not current this progressive game of participation at special time, and therefore to encouraging color not contribution, its indicator in the crowd in this example the time by game machine.When progression prize coloured silk has arrived certain level, thus distance host can transmission information give game machine with indication prize coloured silk to a certain threshold value encourage that the player participates in the progressive game machine on the game machine.Thereby distance host can dynamically be adjusted the current impregnable content of game machine that sends to game machine based on crowd's state of a recreation group of planes.

In 456, distance host can select to send to the initial content of game machine, comprises order, instruction and/or be stored in the data that send to game machine in 420 of distance host.If desired, distance host can produce the content that all or part sends to game machine in real time.In a particular embodiment, game machine can be stored the content of using from interactional ECI above-mentioned and distance host or other distance hosts.Under these circumstances, game machine can be operated and collect the information that is stored in content on the game machine and send it to distance host.Game machine or distance host can begin this interaction.If the content that game machine storage is useful to distance host, as when not being presented on the game machine, need sending to game machine, distance host can be operated and only send the content that needs and do not have repeated content, and it is spendable to be stored on the game machine.

In 458, long-range information of storing about its state of on ECI, controlling, it can be by the content influence of its transmission.In 436, game machine can be through ECI storage and/or output content.In 438, game machine can receive the input from peripherals, like touch panel sensor or produce the information can influence the content that is provided by distance host.In 440, game machine really this information is that distance host and/or ECI are interested.In one embodiment, information can be sent to ECI and be used for extra processing, and it can send information to distance host subsequently or in 422, game machine directly send information to distance host.

460, distance host can be handled the information that is received from game machine and send the new order that comprises, the game machine in the content to 424 of instruction and/or data.In 442, game machine can and/or be exported new content through the ECI storage.In 462, distance host confirms that incident is triggered, and it can be relevant with the content that it has sent in 424.For example, incident can be rewarded the twice award and it can be the expression of this award in the content of 424 transmissions.Thereby in 426, event information can be sent to game machine, like instruction, gives the primary games controller to give double award of current recreation and corresponding renewal credit gauging table.

In 444, in response to event information, game machine can change the interface of this game machine.For example, under the described twice award of the paragraph situation, game machine can be rolled up in response to rewarding on the demonstration credit gauging table in front.

In 448, game machine can confirm that event can influence the state of session.For example the recyclable player of player follows the trail of card; Game machine possibly reach null value, and game machine possibly dally a period of time, and game machine is received resource request from the distance host that another is desirable to provide ECI; Game machine has received that indication hopes to close the input signal of the relevant window of the ECI that provides with distance host; Fault has occurred on the game machine, and heeling condition has occurred on the game machine, and resource available on the game machine changes.

In response to particular event, session is consulted or stopped to game machine again in 428.For example, when game machine dallies a period of time, game machine can stop and the current sessions of main frame or game machine consulting session parameter again, as provides the ECI related with distance host to go up attractive characteristic.In 449 and 466, game machine and distance host be storaging state information separately, like the information of indicating session to stop or consulted again.

Interactional chart is provided to only be used for illustrative purposes and the present invention is not limited by interactional type described in Fig. 4 or order.Correspondingly, be to be understood that in one embodiment that this paper openly provides the main recreation that comprises according to the players bet operation, at least one display device, the game device of at least one input media and at least one native processor.The primary games controller can be programmed to be operated distance host and makes the player on primary games, to make a bet, generate or receive the primary games result, and receive at least one from the request of distance host so that the process of at least one Long-distance Control to be provided on display device.If at least one provides the request of Long-distance Control process to be received, native processor can be programmed the request of accepting to provide the Long-distance Control process; And make distance host can make a display device part show the Long-distance Control process, wherein the Long-distance Control process will not influence integrality and the Long-distance Control process that main recreation carries out and can show simultaneously with primary games and produced simultaneously by the primary games controller on the game machine.If the game device resource is not available, local processing can be programmed the request of refusing to provide the Long-distance Control process.Be to be understood that keeping the integrality that primary games carries out comprises; But be not limited to: guarantee that primary games carries out speed and keeps identical or basic identical; Guarantee that the primary games graphical quality keeps identical or basic identical, guarantee that the primary games audio quality is identical or basic identical, guarantee not have unclearly to carry out related image with primary games and be shown; Guarantee that carrying out related correct result with primary games is provided for the player, and/or guarantee that the function of primary games keeps identical or basic identical.

In such embodiment, if the external control process by the authentication of primary games controller, external control process so can provide a) one or more services to give the player; B) performance of one or more increase functions or game machine is given the player; C) one or more results give player or d) service like this, the player is given in function and result's combination, wherein external control process be with, part is at least, one or more local control recreation embodiments are basic.In other embodiments, if the external control process by the authentication of primary games controller, does not rely on and local control recreation so, the external control process can provide a) one or more services to give the player; B) one or more enhancement function or game performance are given the player; C) one or more results give the player, or d) service like this, the player is given in function and result's combination.

In one embodiment, the service that offers the player through the external control process can include, but are not limited to one or more below:

(1) player can be ordered from game machine, beverage or coffee (possibly be distributed to the player on the game machine);

(2) make that the player can communicate by letter with the people on another game machine on the game machine;

(3) make that the people can communicate by letter with the play facility usher on game machine;

(4) player can be known about various hotels, play facility, restaurant, the information of public place of entertainment and/travel agency;

(5) it is predetermined the player to be done, as in the restaurant or because from the incident of game machine;

(6) make player's ability transfer fund or management monetary accounts from game machine;

(7) make the player can on game machine, buy lottery ticket;

(8) make the player on game machine, obtain change;

(9) make the player can to incident and other results that do not know, as sport event make a bet, monitoring events, reception result on game machine;

(10) player can be sent on game machine and receive electronic information, like e-mail;

(11) make the player can on game machine, buy the various projects of selling;

(12) service that the player can be provided in access internet;

(13) player can be checked and for commodity, amusement or service are redeemed the player and are followed the trail of and count;

(14) player can be received with match on the horizon or other play facilities and promote relevant message;

(15) make the player can on game machine, see TV or film;

(16) player can be listened to the music on game machine;

(17) make the player can visit player facility account; And

(18) make the player can check the distribution that to use the player.

In one embodiment, offer function or the performance that player's game machine strengthens through the external control process and comprise, but be not limited to one or more below:

(1) shows and the relevant information of one or more player experience modes;

(2) personalized audio and/or video content are provided on game machine;

(3) make the player can from a plurality of recreation of playing, choose the recreation of object for appreciation;

(4) make the player that the stake of one or more limits can be set;

(5) player being played games rewards to obtain one or more progressions;

(6) make the player can participate in competition game;

(7) virtual A TM is provided on game machine;

(8) the virtual entertainment center is provided on game machine;

(9) the virtual lottery machine is provided on game machine;

(10) virtual change machine is provided on game machine;

(11) the fantasy sport match is provided on game machine

(12) the virtual communication center is provided on game machine;

(13) virtual reception is provided on game machine;

(14) virtual automatic vending machine is provided on game machine;

(15) the virtual internet information kiosk is provided on game machine;

(16) make the player can customize one or more modes that are presented at the content on the display device;

(17) make the player can customize one or more game interface modes;

(18) make the player can add player's tracing system;

(19) make the player can be on game machine simultaneously or play a plurality of recreation basically simultaneously;

(20) make the player can visit personal settings on the game machine;

(21) player can be visited accomplish product of events to divide card (canaster machine result who obtains like the player and player also do not obtain canaster and add the result);

(22) make player's ability out match leader list;

(23) making the player can select hobby to reward type goes to play.

In one embodiment, the result who offers the player through the external control process comprises, but is not limited to following one or more:

(1) value;

(2) modifiers;

(3) reward the extraction inlet;

(4) match inlet;

(5) additional player follows the trail of and counts;

(6) session is unexpected rewards;

(7) modifiers of any main recreation award in the certain hour;

(8) the many free or discount of recreation is circled round or is activated;

(9) award

(10) progression is rewarded;

(11) trigger that uses in the recreation;

(12) the general-purpose symbol (wild symbol) that uses in the recreation;

(13) the anti-interrupter that uses in the recreation;

(14) award or auxiliary game;

(15) pushing hands of the rotating shaft of one or more runner recreation;

(16) handle of the rotating shaft of one or more runner recreation;

(17) dispersal pattern payment;

(18) one or more additional pay lines in the runner recreation;

(19) get one or more other methods of runner recreation;

(20) one or more other methods of triggering auxiliary game;

(21) one or more available sales promotion;

(22) one or more investigation; And

(23) one or more non-redeemable credits.

Fig. 4 B is according to one embodiment of the invention, and external control interface (ECI) makes the block scheme of distance host 150 of the game machine that the ECI that is connected to a plurality of as 151,152 and 153 enables.Distance host also can be connected to and operate the interface arrangement of controlling a plurality of as 154.For example, at a distance main frame 150 can be operated and control the content that overhead sign or other types display device near one group of game machine provide with ECI on the supplemental game machine.

In a particular embodiment, game machine 150,151,152, maybe as in one group of game machine the different location that is positioned at play facility close to each other or or even be positioned at the different play facilities of different location.In addition, the present invention is not relevant with game machine, and the player can be also at the desktop game active position with near the sign of desktop game that ECI enables, and long-range like this use allows.Thereby in a particular embodiment, distance host can be operated to provide the ECI enabled services to the player on desktop game and game machine, and this game machine comprises sharing and relates to the recreation of player in the mixing of desktop game and game machine, like slot machine.

Distance host 150 can be adjusted the content on two or more game machines through the ECI on game machine separately, as in 152,153 and 153 two or more.For example,, need be adjusted at content on two looms, mate during theme like this if two or more game machines are shared same theme.In another example, desirable during as certain products or service if two or more game machines are positioned at same product institute at this advertisement or commodity, possibly adjusted at the advertisement or the commodity that are positioned at equally on the game machine so, machine receives related content.Usually, the interior perhaps activity that single game device is relevant among any and this paper can coordinate or mark mode be extended to a group game machine.

In another embodiment, the content on a recreation group of planes can be according to player's in the recreation group of planes characteristic adjustment.For example, when on different game devices, playing games, distance host can make a group friend and/or household communicate with one another and the crowd plays shared recreation.For example, the crowd player can play game or bonus game mutually.Like another example, distance host can provide the ECI that allows the crowd player to receive the interested related content of crowd, and these contents are like predetermined or other movable notices that are about to begin to a part of dinner of crowd or crowd.

Usually, the player in the crowd can share some general interest and be not limited to being known each other.Collected the information about player interest and ludic activity when the player provides about preference information and/or play facility to ludic activity, distance host can provide aiming that player crowd's content of similar interest is arranged so.For example; When a group player plays on the game device that ECI enables; And have some to show the interest to game among the crowd, participate in game as transmitting, it is interested that part of to definite contrast match recreation of this group that distance host can only send information for the game so.

In another embodiment, distance host 50 can be adjusted the equal effect of the crowd of ECI with a plurality of game machines of generation leap.For example, game machine 151,152 and 153 can be arranged layout (as, side by side),, can adopt the video content of mode like this on display to appear to cross over a plurality of game machines to such an extent as to the video on 152 and 153 shows at game machine 151.For example, pass through the ECI on each game machine down in distance host control, figure can appear with continuation mode from first game machine to second game machine, to the 3rd game machine.If PIU peripheral interface unit 154 is used like overhead sign, distance host also can be operated from overhead sign mobile graphics to game machine so, and vice versa.

In another example, distance host can be adjusted content on a group game machine to provide as sharing the activity of bonus game or match.In this example, distance host can be adjusted and customized content.For example, match can relate to a group player and plays common recreation and be provided at ECI control and receive information from distance host down.Although can be played by each player by the recreation of same rule, distance host can be operated and allow each player to customize the ECI content, as allows each player to select to prefer the type slot machine game to be used for the match based on ECI.

In another other embodiment, the content with customization of adjustment can be created on a group game machine simultaneously.For example, the example in leading portion, game machine can comprise the main and secondary monitor that uses together with ECI separately.On each main display, distance host can influence its content through ECI, known its with event change (as, specific player is identified or particular game is carried out incident generation etc.).Thereby, by the content of distance host influence can be with on each game machine different.Provide on basic display unit together with ECI, distance host can be controlled in the ECI on each secondary monitor, so that shared bonus game to be provided on each game machine.Thereby distance host is adjusted content so that shared bonus game to be provided through the ECI on secondary monitor.In this example, game machine can be close to each other or in the place of the variation that differs greatly.

In the example of leading portion, can influence the content that the ECI on the game machine of participating in these shared bonus games through other provides in the activity of participating in shared bonus game machine on the game machine.For example, game machine 151,152 and 153 can all provide slot machine game, can be sent to distance host 150 in this result who only takes place on slot machine game.In response to this result, the bonus game content that is provided on each game machine can some mode change.

The ECI characteristic

Fig. 5 A and 5B are the block scheme according to external control interface (ECI) characteristic on the explanation game machine of the embodiment of the invention.In Fig. 5 A, the part that comprises touch-screen 34 has been described, loudspeaker 12 and 14, service button 518, mechanical load button 520, the game interface 503 of payment or Coin acceptor 28 and cash inspecting machine 30.Game interface 503 makes to make a bet to be made on the game of chance on the game machine 500.The part of game interface display 503 comprises many pay lines slot machine games, during a state of recreation, and the pay lines indicator 528 on a slot machine game left side and right side, game information 526 and recreation touch-screen load button.Game interface 503 can use the part of display 34 by regulation.Usually, game interface 503 can use many display devices of varying sizes parts by being defined in different displays place.In addition, game machine is not defined to single game interface and display can be divided into a plurality of parts so that a plurality of recreation can be played simultaneously.

ECI502 also adopts the part of display 502.In one embodiment, when the input signal that primary games controller reception indication service button has been pressed, ECI520 can be activated.Before ECI502 activated, game interface 503 can take whole displays 34.In the example in Fig. 5 A, ECI502 adopts a part and loudspeaker 12 and 14 of touch display 502.In different embodiment, ECI is through moving window conversion, and through the exchanging window conversion, through covering the window conversion, the conversion of passing ratio window is through one or the conversion of more hide windows or the part changing to adopt display through any suitable conversion.In other embodiments, game interface 503 can adopt other devices that is connected to game machine, and these devices comprise but are not limited to cash inspecting machine 30, card reader 24, payment receiver 28, mechanical load button 520 and service button.

ECI02 comprises many assemblies.Comprise that player name and the player information 504 that contains the loyalty program accounts information of counting in the loyalty program can be outputed on the display 34.Player information and loyal accounts information can insert player's tracking the player and snap into card reader 24 back acquisitions.Count and be presented at the touch-screen of ellipse wherein, addressable additional loyalty program accounts information of player or the additional menu of following the trail of about the player through activating club.After pressing close to oval touch-screen and being activated, the form of ECI502 on the display 34 convertible make additional information exported or through as through loudspeaker 12 14 or game machine on this information of alternative means output of another display.

In one embodiment, the distance host of control ECI502 can be used as player's tracking server and has local available player loyalty accounts information.In another embodiment, distance host 502 can be got in touch another game device to obtain the loyal accounts information relevant with the player of any needs.Under this situation, not the member's of loyalty program place the player, the information that the exportable inquiry of ECI502 player adds also provides the instruction about how to add.

Another main frame of ECI502 possibly be to reward extraction information 508.As the result of their recreation, the inlet that the player can win awards and extract.An ECI part shows output award extraction information 508.Through pushing the touch-screen that the ellipse of extraction information is rewarded in demonstration, the player can obtain the extraction gate number like them, rewards and extracts the related a series of numbers of ticket list and/or carry out rewarding next time the additional information that extracts what next time with each.

In such embodiment, activity provides the one or more awards of player to extract inlet to distance host based on player.One or more player manners followed the trail of by distance host and based on the ludic activity of such tracking, distance host provides the one or more awards of player to extract corresponding one or more awards of inlet or award.In different embodiment, the gate number that is provided for each player can be confirmed in advance, confirms at random; Based on player status definite (as confirming), confirm based on symbol that produces or symbol combination, based on definite at random the confirming of distance host through player's tracing system; Based on definite at random the confirming on the game machine; It is definite to make a bet based on one or more limits, mainly plays based on the player and makes a bet definitely, confirms or confirms based on any other suitable method or standard based on the time (as constantly).In one embodiment, at the appointed time or when allocate event takes place, distance host (or other suitable systems) is selected one or more extractions inlets at random and the player is provided and selects to extract the relevant suitable award that enters the mouth like this.For example, distance host provides the player to reward and extracts inlet for each CHERRIES symbol that produces in the recreation.In another embodiment, distance host based on the irrelevant one or more incidents of player activity, provide the player to reward the one or more inlets that extract.For example, distance host provides the player to reward and extracts inlet to whenever making a bet.

Another assembly of ECI502 possibly be advertisement 512 and attraction characteristic.Based on the information that the player is understood, advertisement maybe be according to indivedual player preferences hommizations with the attraction characteristic.In Fig. 5 A, the advertisement of displaying provides.When ECI touchscreen button 510 is activated, can be presented about the additional information of showing, like vidclip, show available time and location.When film provided, ECI touchscreen button 510 made the progress Be Controlled of film and carry out together or do not have sound.In one embodiment, ECI502 can make the player make predetermined to this displaying and print the ticket list of showing or print the receipt that can make the player pick up displaying ticket list.

Other assemblies of ECI502 are the menu button 514 that requires Additional Services.Supply the activation of the oval touch-screen of pressing close to of each menu button 514 to make ECI502 show and serve about can on game machine, obtaining, beverage or with the additional information of main-machine communication.In response to the activation of a menu button 514, ECI502 can show additional menu and information, and it illustrates in greater detail according to Fig. 5 B at least.

At last, example hereto, last assembly of ECI502 possibly be to reward status information 516.During recreation was carried out, the player can be towards the progress of annex award.This progress possibly rely on as but do not limit and amount bet the incident how many recreation they have started and during their recreation, triggered at random.Reward status information 516 and can be the gauging table that shows that their make progress towards additional award.

Being used at an ECI provides among the embodiment that additional award rewards, the disclosed games system of this paper based on single gaming session during the activity of player machine provide the one or more awards of player to reward.In one embodiment, single gaming session can be withdrawed from measurement by gamercard insertion and card through player's tracing system.In one embodiment, gaming session is rewarded and can be carried out Event triggered based on the one or more recreation that occur in during the single gaming session, drives like symbol and triggers.In other embodiments, gaming session rewards trigger event or the qualification situation possibly trigger (like recreation quantity, number of credits, or number of times quantity) by surpassing the recreation some, or during the recreation of single gaming session, arrives the specific number of counting that wins.In another embodiment, as if game device can be selected to provide one or more gaming sessions of this game device during player's individual session at random or at random.In such embodiment; Game device does not provide any and significantly wins reason that gaming session rewards to the player, and it possibly not be clearly by therein or be based on the Event triggered on any carrying out of any main recreation during the single gaming session that the gaming session that wherein wins is rewarded.In other words, the player can be provided the gaming session award and have no explanation or simple declaration is only arranged.In another embodiment, the player possibly be provided gaming session and reward at least part based on recreation triggering during the single gaming session or symbol trigger event, like part at least based on the carrying out of main recreation.

In such embodiment, like what in Fig. 8 center 1002, point out,, the player follows the trail of card when inserting the player, and distance host can be enabled in gaming session on the game device that the player just playing at present.When gaming session starts, shown in frame 1004, the player manner of the gaming session of the traceable one or more current objects for appreciation of distance host.In various embodiment, the traceable coin of distance host drops into quantity, and any player of accumulation follows the trail of and counts; The number of playing games; Obtain result's number and type, be inserted into the currency in the game machine, from the quantity of session start time; The quantity of time between some result generates, and/or any other appropriate games activity.Should be understood that in these embodiment, games system can be direct, the current institute of the mode integrated player of the positive feedback loop conversational mode of playing games is to ECI.In other words, when the player continues to play one or more recreation, the quantity of coin input and the player of accumulation follow the trail of and count and can be sent to distance host from game device, wherein the part of the content used as ECI of the distance host data of integrating this transmission.

In one embodiment, the same ludic activity mode of traceable each gaming session of distance host.For example, distance host can chase after the number that each player played games in each gaming session.In another embodiment, the different modes of the ludic activity of the traceable different gaming sessions of distance host.For example, distance host can be followed the trail of the number that each player played games in first gaming session, and in second gaming session, follows the trail of inserting coins of each player.In different embodiment; The mode of the ludic activity that distance host will be followed the trail of can be confirmed in advance, confirms at random, confirms (as confirming through player's tracing system) based on player status; Confirm based on symbol that produces or symbol combination; Based on definite at random the confirming of distance host,, make a bet definite based on one or more limits based on definite at random the confirming on the game machine; Mainly play based on the player and to make a bet definitely, confirm or confirm based on the time (as constantly) based on any other suitable method or standard.

In one embodiment, the same ludic activity mode of traceable each player of distance host.In another embodiment, the different ludic activity mode of the traceable different players of distance host.For example, the traceable recreation number that first player plays in first gaming session of distance host, second player inserts coins in first gaming session and do not follow the trail of.In different embodiment; The mode of the different players' that distance host will be followed the trail of ludic activity can be confirmed in advance, confirms at random, confirms (as confirming through player's tracing system) based on player status; Confirm based on symbol that produces or symbol combination; Based on definite at random the confirming of distance host,, make a bet definite based on one or more limits based on definite at random the confirming on the game machine; Mainly play based on the player and to make a bet definitely, confirm or confirm based on the time (as constantly) based on any other suitable method or standard.

In one embodiment, each player activity possibly be consistent being followed the trail of by distance host.For example, making a bet of first Wan Jia $1.00 counting made a bet the same for the gaming session threshold value with the second Wan Jia $1.00.In another embodiment, different player activities maybe be by different trackings.For example, making a bet of first player's De $1.00 can be more for the counting of making a bet of the gaming session threshold ratio second Wan Jia $1.00.In different embodiment; Each player activity can be confirmed (as confirming through player's tracing system), be based on, and the symbol or the symbol combination that produce in the basic game are definite based on player status, based on definite at random the confirming of distance host; Based on definite at random the confirming on the game machine; It is definite to make a bet based on one or more limits, mainly plays based on the player and makes a bet definitely, confirms or confirms based on any other suitable method or standard based on the time (as constantly).

In one embodiment, like what point out in the rhombus among Fig. 8 1006, distance host can determine whether that the player follows the trail of the assign thresholds that ludic activity arrived or surpassed ludic activity.In one embodiment, the assign thresholds of ludic activity possibly be the same to each gaming session.In another embodiment, the assign thresholds of ludic activity possibly be different to each gaming session.In various embodiment; The assign thresholds of ludic activity possibly be predetermined to each gaming session, confirms at random, confirms (as confirming through player's tracing system) based on player status; Confirm based on symbol that produces or symbol combination; Based on definite at random the confirming of distance host,, make a bet definite based on one or more limits based on definite at random the confirming on the game machine; Mainly play based on the player and to make a bet definitely, confirm or confirm based on the time (as constantly) based on any other suitable method or standard.

If the player activity does not arrive or surpasses the ludic activity specified threshold value, distance host can continue to follow the trail of this player activity and can return frame 1004.If the player activity meets or exceeds the ludic activity specified threshold value of the current gaming session of playing; As pointed at Fig. 8 center 1008 and 1010, distance host can produce the award award or the incident of rewarding reward quantity or incident and indicating the local game de-vice processor to provide the player to produce.For example, if the player inserts coins and equals the assign thresholds level of inserting coins at least during the single gaming session, distance host can produce the award award of rewarding reward quantity and can indicate game device to provide the player should produce.In another embodiment, when the player follows the trail of that ludic activity arrives or surpasses the ludic activity assign thresholds of the current session of playing games, distance host can produce a plurality of awards and reward and the award award that can indicate game device to provide the player to produce.Be to be understood that the gaming session award can be any suitable award, includes but not limited to: value, modifiers; For all modifierss of mainly playing and rewarding of a cover multiple quantity, the many free or discount of recreation is circled round or is activated, and rewards or auxiliary game; Award, progression is rewarded, and many awards are rewarded and are extracted the ticket list; Service or comparison, many player's accounts are counted, the running modification of player's account status; Many callable awards are counted, the many wheel in the match, and the crowd plays the bonus event inlet.

In another embodiment, when the player activity meets or exceeds the ludic activity assign thresholds, the different characteristic on game device (addressable through ECI) can become available to the player.For example, if the player activity meets or exceeds the threshold value of ludic activity, the song that game device can make the player listen to like or on game device, play the kind of song.In another embodiment, the difference service (with addressable through ECI) that can use of player can be activated when the player activity meets or exceeds the ludic activity assign thresholds.For example, if the player activity meets or exceeds the ludic activity assign thresholds, the player can be provided free drinks.In an embodiment of this example, games system can remind its attached play facility to go to inquire the player whether they are to free drinks.In another embodiment of this example, games system can activate the beverage order button on the player device.As above-mentioned, the beverage order button of this activation can or be visited the scheduler of work maybe can call attached play facility.

In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the current game device of playing of player shows the information of following the trail of ludic activity and assign thresholds about them for player 516.In one embodiment, game device can show the quantity of the ludic activity that the player follows the trail of to the player, as through one or more gauging tables, but does not show about specifying the ludic activity threshold value.In another embodiment, game device can show the information about appointment ludic activity threshold value to the player, but does not show the information of following the trail of ludic activity quantity about the player.

In one embodiment, the gaming session award can be identical to each player.In another embodiment, the gaming session award can be different to different players.In such embodiment, different players can carry out rewarding based on the different gaming sessions of each player status (as confirming through player's tracing system).For example; It possibly be that the progression of the first horizontal MLP is rewarded that gaming session reward player for bronze level, and to reward player for gold look level possibly be that the progression of the 3rd horizontal MLP is rewarded and gaming session is rewarded progression award that player for silver look level possibly be the second horizontal MLP and gaming session.In different embodiment, predetermined when the gaming session that each player carries out is rewarded, confirm at random; Confirm based on symbol that produces or symbol combination; Based on definite at random the confirming of distance host,, make a bet definite based on one or more limits based on definite at random the confirming on the game machine; Mainly play based on the player and to make a bet definitely, confirm or confirm based on the time (as constantly) based on any other suitable method or standard.

In one embodiment, when providing player session award to confirm, distance host can select the player to provide the accumulated value progression to reward.In another embodiment, but the player is when following the trail of that ludic activity arrives or surpassing the ludic activity assign thresholds, and distance host can be selected to reward from the award pond at random and the instruction game device provides the selected award of player to reward.In such embodiment, when providing player session award to confirm, distance host can be rewarded from the selection of award pond based on player status (as confirming through player's tracing system).For example; Bronze player session is rewarded and possibly from the first award pond, selected; The session of dialogue silver color player reward maybe be by from second; Different awards are selected in the pond, and the session of gold look player is rewarded maybe be by from the 3rd, and different awards are selected in the pond.In different embodiment; When providing the player session reward to confirm, distance host can be based on confirming based on symbol that produces or symbol combination, based on distance host confirm at random confirm; Based on definite at random the confirming on the game machine; It is definite to make a bet based on one or more limits, mainly plays based on the player and makes a bet definitely, confirms or confirms to select to reward from the award pond based on any other suitable method or standard based on the time (as constantly).

Promote in such embodiment that the award pond can comprise a plurality of inventory items (it can comprise invalid project) and therefore this award pond and fixed cost interrelate.In this embodiment, distance host can be from the pond be selected award and removes this award to offer the player as them at random, is wherein removed from promoting the award pond when award last time, promotes end.Be to be understood that in this embodiment selected and remove from the award pond when more award, selected probability is relevant with residue award variation.In another embodiment, each award and probability correlation and distance host are selected to reward based on these probabilistic.

In another embodiment, when the player followed the trail of ludic activity arrival or surpasses the ludic activity assign thresholds, distance host determined whether to provide the award of player session to reward to the player based on one or more probabilistic.In this embodiment, if distance host confirms to provide player's award of player session, distance host can produce the award of rewarding reward quantity and indicating game device to provide the player to produce and reward.On the other hand, if distance host confirms not provide the player session to reward to the player, player's award that the distance host of after fixed intervals, (inserting coins like an amount of time or accumulation) can determine whether the player session is provided again is to the player.

In one embodiment, the assign thresholds of ludic activity can be identical to each player.In another embodiment, the assign thresholds of ludic activity can be different to different players.In such embodiment, with the assign thresholds of each player activity association can be based on player status (as confirming) through player's tracing system.For example, bronze player has the ludic activity threshold value higher than silver look player, and the silver look can have the ludic activity threshold value higher than gold look player.In different embodiment, each player's assign thresholds can be confirmed in advance, confirms at random; Confirm based on symbol that produces or symbol combination; Based on definite at random the confirming of distance host,, make a bet definite based on one or more limits based on definite at random the confirming on the game machine; Mainly play based on the player and to make a bet definitely, confirm or confirm based on the time (as constantly) based on any other suitable method or standard.

After providing the player active session reward to the player, distance host can reset the player session the tracking ludic activity and restart the player activity of following the trail of.Through resetting or restarting the tracking (rewarding the back in that the player session is provided) of player activity, a plurality of gaming sessions were rewarded during the disclosed games system of this paper provided player's chance to remove to win single gaming session.Be to be understood that through what use comprised game device CPU or processor and be used at least one primary games controller of reward confirming (promptly; Game of chance as a result as stated) and be used at least one through use and reward the distance host confirmed (promptly; Gaming session is rewarded); The disclosed games system of this paper can be operated to provide a plurality of awards to the player, and wherein at least one is rewarded and locally to confirm and at least one is rewarded and long-rangely confirms.

Be to be understood that in one embodiment wherein ECI is used for providing additional award to the player; The disclosed games system of this paper can provide dissimilar award to the player based on player's tracked information, and wherein the different players of players bet fund follow the trail of based on stimulating or rewarding.In other words, games system can provide single player session to reward (wherein the player activity is based on player's tracked information of player) and also can provide the player to reward and extract award (wherein the player extracts the player tracked information of inlet based on the player).In this embodiment, games system can be operated the difference that allows a plurality of players to be arranged in simultaneously to promote or be equilibrated at and be shown to respectively promoting of player separately.Through making player wins get additional award based on their player's tracking state, this spline structure provides amusement that the player increased and happy.

In another embodiment; The employing of dynamic gaming interface with only be created in single display device or be created in the dynamic ECI of separation that provides that separates on the display as the game device of a games system part; Can operate simultaneously and show; Basically simultaneously show or sequence shows and carries out a plurality of recreation; Wherein at least one game result can confirm that (that is, game of chance) related with game interface and at least one result are by distance host long-range definite (that is, providing the result through ECI) by the game device processor is local.In another embodiment; The employing of dynamic gaming interface with only be created in single display device or be created in the dynamic ECI of separation that provides that separates on the display as the game device of the disclosed games system of a this paper part; Can operate and show that wherein at least one confirms the combination based on the symbol or the symbol of one or more generations to the result that a plurality of differences confirm, at least one confirm with any recreation carry out incident irrelevant and at least one confirm based on the distribution that provides.In such embodiment; At least one confirm to be carried out in " thin-client " structure (promptly; Show by the player of the main recreation of distance host control with by game machine, or the session of confirming by distance host unexpected reward and by the demonstration of game machine), and at least one is confirmed to carry out in " Fat Client " structure (promptly; Game of chance is rewarded by the primary games controller and is confirmed, wherein game of chance possibly downloaded from distance host).

In one embodiment, the result is provided or, confirms on distance host that long-range definite award is rewarded independent separately definite with the definite recreation in this locality except that the definite award of playing rewarding in this locality when ECI is used in this award based on ECI.In another embodiment, long-range definite award is at least partly based on the definite award in this locality.In another embodiment, locally confirm that result and relevant award are at least based on long-range definite result.

In another embodiment, when one or more ECI are used when one or more additional result being provided or rewarding to the player through one or more distributions, the disclosed games system of this paper is followed the trail of the distribution that respectively provides through ECI.In this embodiment, actual distribution result who provides of games system or award and the theoretical quantity of promoting result or award.That is to say that the actual distribution of each game device of games system comparison is returned with theoretic and returned, this possibly considered by the play facility operator when setting initial distribution.Compare based on these, games system can change or revise the standard that one or more requests obtain to promote results or award, returns to return actual distribution of calibration with the theory distribution of imagination.

Be to be understood that in one embodiment the disclosed games system of this paper provides the open rule instrument to produce for play facility and provides any suitable distribution to one or more players.In such embodiment; Games system makes play facility set up one or many rules; If wherein incident takes place (wherein incident perhaps carries out relevant with recreation or be independent of recreation carrying out), so based on the rule of setting up, some characteristic; Service, result or function can be provided for one or more players or otherwise one or more players be suitable for.In one embodiment; Games system can make play facility set up or import with to be used for the various criterion that the player wins awards relevant; Dissimilar awards are the available or rule of combination wherein during to the player, on average hopes the recovery and/or wherein any combination with what obtain one or more distributions.As stated, one or more distributions can provide through the ECI that carries out on one or more game devices.Therefore, open regular instrument give that the play facility operator provides enhancing flexible with further definition with dispose different player and experience modes.

In such an embodiment, the disclosed games system of this paper can make the play facility operator dispose the open rule instrument through the various criterion that the definition player wins awards.In different embodiment; Standard can be followed the trail of state based on player's player, if the player is followed the trail of in the game device that card is inserted into games system based on the player, carries out quantity based on player's recreation and surpasses set period; Be based on the generation of specifying designated symbols combination on the level of making a bet; It is definite to make a bet based on one or more limits, mainly plays based on the player and makes a bet definitely, confirms or confirms based on any other suitable method or standard based on the time (as constantly).For example; If the play facility operator can adopt the open rule instrument to set up the current device of playing games of player and produce the designated symbols combination that comprises three CHERRIES symbol; And if at least one credit of players bet is on each effective pay lines, the player is suitable for the distribution of play facility definition so.

In another such embodiment, the disclosed games system of this paper can make the play facility operator possibly get configuration open rule instrument through defining what type awards players.In different embodiment, the type of the award that the player can win comprises, but is not limited to non-currency award; Bought item is provided, promotes inlet, modifiers is for all modifierss of mainly playing and rewarding of a cover multiple quantity; The many free or discount of recreation is circled round or is activated, and rewards or auxiliary game, and progression is rewarded, and many awards are rewarded and extracted the ticket list; Service or comparison, many player's accounts are counted, the running modification of player's account status; Many callable awards are counted, the many wheel in the match, and the crowd plays the bonus event inlet.Above-mentioned example extends; If the current game device of playing of player produces the designated symbols combination that comprises three CHERRIES symbol; And if at least one credit of players bet is on each effective pay lines, open rule instrument (before having been set up by the play facility operator) can be used to confirm that the player is fit to win ten and rewards the awards of extracting the ticket lists so.

In another such embodiment, the open rule instrument can be used to confirm be shown to play facility operator player win awards different optional standards the theory payment or on average hope return rate and the different optional award type that offers the player.In this embodiment, the open rule instrument can make the play facility operator select various criterion to produce different the distribution, and wherein games system shows the theory payment that influence is promoted or on average hopes the variation of the various criterion of return rate.Use above-mentioned example; The open rule instrument can be operated and notify play facility operator difference on average to hope return rate, if games system comprises that first promotes, if the current game device of playing of player produces the designated symbols combination that comprises three CHERRIES symbol; And if at least one credit of players bet is on each effective pay lines; Be provided ten this player and extract the ticket list, contrast second is promoted, if the current game device of playing of player produces the designated symbols combination that comprises three CHERRIES symbol; And if at least one credit of players bet is provided eight this player and extracts ticket on each effective pay lines.Therefore, the employing of open rule instrument produces different play facilities and realizes providing the different distributions of distinguishing out self from other play facilities.

As noted above; In one embodiment; The disclosed games system of this paper can be operated to comprise any appropriate information of accumulating stake on information through the display on one or more game machines to player's demonstration through one or more ECI; Or display position is near the additional information of game machine, as above the system games machine.This information can be used to receive the player, notifies the player to occur in any way on one or more game devices in the games system about recreation, or notifies the player to be provided at any way of promotion on one or more game devices in the games system.Be to be understood that such information can be through any suitable sense of hearing, audiovisual or sighting device are provided for the player.

Player interface

Shown in Fig. 5 B, the example of the menu navigation that some can be used ECI502 has been described.In Fig. 5 B, ECI502 exports touchscreen button 530.In response to the activation of the touch-screen of pressing close to each menu button, the exportable different medium of ECI502 includes but not limited to the information based on video and audio frequency.In one embodiment, ECI502 can make the player obtain about the additional information in each restaurant and even the time make predetermined.The activation of the Back button can make ECI502 turn back to the Previous Menu page or leaf on the touch-screen.

The activation of " my calendar " button can cause that ECI502 shows about the information for the interested incident of player on the ECI502 on the horizon on the touch-screen.The activation of pressing close to the touch-screen of each incident can cause that ECI shows the additional information about incident.The activation of " beverage " button causes that ECI502 shows the additional menu items order (not shown) of the effective beverage that can select about the player on the touch-screen.These menus can make the player order the beverage that possibly brought game machine 500.

The activation of " main frame " button can cause that 502 show the ECI that communication interface is provided on the touch-screen.Described in Fig. 5 B, this communication interface can start the communication session with recreation ground side's " activity ".Comprise that video and audio transmission communication session are shown.Usually, communication interface can be used to start recreation ground representative, and other players and even long-range and cell phone and other communicators communicates by letter on the game machine.This communication interface can adopt video, audio frequency, literal or wherein make up so that communication to be provided.

In a particular embodiment, communication interface with show redeem the required comparison interface of counting of a meal can be used as separate be simultaneously displayed on ECI on one or more display screens by the while example.In this embodiment, provide the ECI of comparison can transmission information to the ECI that communication interface is provided, select to be transfused to like the restaurant.Use the main frame of communication to receive this information through the ECI of communication interface and use it provide as do as the player predetermined or transmission about the additional information in this restaurant to the player.

In another embodiment, of Fig. 9 A, games system makes interface and game machine and/or the distance host interaction of one or more players through customizing on one or more game machine.In Fig. 9 A-9D, ECI and game interface only are displayed in the single demonstration for purposes of illustration.In various embodiments; On single game device; One or more ECI can be distributed on a plurality of different displays with/game interface, change in time with the/location/position that is included on each display at a plurality of different display game interfaces in the distribution of the game interface of this ECI number and/or generation and ECI.In addition; Although at Fig. 5 A, 5B uses the ECI of touch-screen to make demonstration by outstanding among the 9A-9D; The present invention limits like this; And as according to Fig. 3 B at least, the touch-screen that comprehensively is not limited to of different input and output devices enables to show that so that require touch-screen to enable to show, the assembly that can be used as ECI uses.

In one embodiment, the function that the mode of one or more custom interfaces and distance host are carried out relevant (as, player or ECI interface 502) and/or the function of the mode of one or more custom interfaces and game machine execution relevant (like, game interface 503).In other words, of Fig. 9 D, at least one game machine the result of detected player input can cause the variation relevant with local control recreation (as, the player imports through the usher and notifies the play facility usher).In another embodiment, the mode of one or more custom interfaces can be irrelevant with game interface (the primary games controller that comprises the game machine processor) and/or the mode of one or more custom interfaces can be based on one or more and the related incident of game interface.In different embodiment; Interface and player's customized information of customization; About a plurality of different recreation to player's information available; From the information that the play facility service system transmits, be correlated with from the information of another game machine transmission at least or with the relevant information of suitable method that any other player machine is experienced.This configuration can make by the different custom features of carrying out at the different processor of different location and change by demonstration simultaneously and by the player, so strengthens player and experiences.

During first of an embodiment of the game machine in the disclosed games system of this paper set, display device can be operated to show game result.In second of this embodiment set, display can be operated to cover game result and press from the button single and begin to activate exchange player menu.This button can be touch-screen activator button or the mechanical button that is connected on the game device.When this button was pressed, menu can be shown by the selection that much will bring further menu, so drew a lot of nested menus 1020.Like Fig. 9 B, shown in 9C and the 9D, a plurality of nested menus 1020 can make the player browse through the distinct interface mode with efficient mode.Such embodiment can provide the corresponding minimal amount player's of the addressable information of player's maximum quantity input.In different embodiment; Demonstration and definite by in advance by the nested menu possibility of players accesses is confirmed (definite as passing through player's tracing system) based on player status, is confirmed by distance host; Confirm by the game machine processor; It is definite to make a bet based on one or more limits, mainly plays based on the player and makes a bet definitely, confirms or confirms based on any other suitable method or standard based on the time (as constantly).Be to be understood that and utilize one or more nested menus, through providing most interested characteristic to the effective interface of single button, the cheap property that maximization player machine uses.That is to say, visit this menu, the player only need press the single button that will upspring from basic game and menu bar, lets a lot of characteristics of player's zero access.

In one embodiment, of Fig. 9 B and 9C, first available submenu interacts player and the distance host that stores a plurality of recreation.For example, through visit " more recreation " submenu, the database of players accesses games available.In this example, game machine makes the player select recreation to go to play, and store one or more recreation as liking; By some type to recreation grading (as; In 4 stars 3.5, wherein 1 recreation and 4 for difference is outstanding recreation, or in 10 9; Wherein 1 is fabulous recreation on difference recreation and 10), or browse information about different games available.Such structure provides player capacity to go to be chosen in can to go on the current game machine of player any recreation of playing and therefore having got rid of the player has to search for special machine for special play.The mutual higher level's interface of ability that this sub-menu provides player and disclosed games system to exist.In a particular embodiment, submenu can be " record " form.

The grading information that is provided by the player can be merely the player, collect and with other players grade information combination or above wherein combination storage.In one embodiment, the combination grading information of selecting to produce from the player can be made by the game operation person and be used for confirming that the distribution of playing in the recreation ground need not be shown to the player.In another embodiment, combination grading information can be displayed to the player.The player who sees combination grading information can use this information conduct and select relevant the assisting of game play.

Grading information can be united demonstration by independent demonstration or with other information.For example, grading information can provide the recreation (hot game) of maximum awards together with the recreation of playing like most of people, provides the class information of the recreation (unexpected winner recreation) of minimum award to show.In addition, comprise grading information, the information of class information can be classified, as according to game themes or type of play.In addition, grading information can be sorted, as from being up to the lowest class or minimum to the highest, and 10 of foremosts, 3 of foremosts etc.In a particular embodiment; The grading and/or class information can by in classification the ordering (as; The grade of recreation and/or grading can be sorted on the data from specific classification) or integrated information can intersect the ordering of effectively playing of all data, data can be by according to classification and ordination then.

In another embodiment, second sub-menu makes the personal information of players accesses appointment and the information that the player monopolizes.For example, the player is through this sub-menu of " service " button visit.From this menu, the game machine of games system makes their recreation ground account of players accesses, redeems comparer, checks their counting, and upgrades their information, and redeeming has qualified distribution or award, or carries out any other player or play facility beneficial functions.In such embodiment, storage recreation preference information (as, denomination, recreation, pay lines etc.) account will be loaded on the game machine automatically.

In another embodiment, the 3rd available submenu makes the player instruct game machine processor and play facility service system exchange interaction.From this menu, as stated, the player can be with game machine and some play facility service linkage; These services are as making a reservation predetermined dinner, predetermined amusement; Call out sponsor or office worker; The report fault, service call, or carry out any other to player or the play facility service function useful to play facility.

In another embodiment, the 4th available submenu makes the player instruct game machine processor and another game machine exchange interaction at least.In this embodiment; Use such submenu, the player carries out from sharing recreation, on another each game machine result, makes a bet; Communication; Participate in the different disabled bonus games of the game machine at themselves, found the player team that themselves participates in bonus event, or the purpose of any other game function can be got in touch another game machine.Such configuration make the player through with the getting in touch of other game machines, search particular player/machine, add special match or progression incident or with other player's cohorts to form the team relevant with themselves bonus event, strengthen their game experiencing.

In another embodiment, the 5th available submenu makes the player revise the set-up function of at least one game machine.In this embodiment, the possible game settings that can be modified includes, but are not limited to play automatically set two-sided setting; Value is selected to set, and pay lines is selected to set, and makes a bet and selects to set; A plurality of objects for appreciation are selected to set, and volume is selected to set, or any other suitable modification to setting.This embodiment makes the player basically according to themselves personal like's customized games machine and setting.Be to be understood that this characteristic can store player's trace data storehouse hook of their hobby and use this sub-menu to realize them with the player.

In another embodiment, the 6th available submenu makes the player show payoff table information.Possible display message includes, but are not limited to pay screen message, game rule information, type of play information, scatter pay information, triumph pooling information, payoff table information or any other suitable information about recreation payment or recreation payment statistics.This embodiment makes the player can understand the recreation that they play, and understands what is that expenditure/triumph merges, and obtains the impression that recreation is carried out.

In another embodiment, the 7th available submenu makes the player can revise the function of at least one limit stake setting of game machine.In this embodiment, play facility can have a plurality of progressions of operation simultaneously rewards, and wherein through the player is provided the visit to special cooperation stake part, games system makes the player can select which progression to reward them to hope to participate in and make the limit and make a bet.Be to be understood that any other game events of making a bet relevant with the limit also can connect into this sub-menu.

Be to be understood that in order to set up one or more above-mentioned menus; Distance host uses the information that is exclusively used in each game device; As how to specify the recreation on the game device to be configured; Any recreation is stored in by this locality and specifies on the game device, and which player is specifying object for appreciation and qualified the doing of what distribution characteristic player on the game device.In one embodiment, the game device transmission information of the current object for appreciation of player sets up one or more menus based on this transmission information for distance host and distance host.In another embodiment, when the relevant information of the current program of playing games of distance host transmission or download and game device, distance host record appropriate information.In this embodiment, when confirming to set up one or more menus, this recorded information of distance host visit is to confirm the menu of the current device of being played games of one or more players.In another embodiment, information or the data from the result of these inspections are played and are stored in which recreation of distance host periodic test on one or more game devices.In this embodiment, when having set up one or more menus, this canned data of distance host visit is to confirm one or more menus of the current device of being played games of player.

In above-mentioned example, having explained can be by the ECI of player's use, and the present invention does not limit and the ECI that is used by the player.In other embodiments, ECI can be provided and mean the person that is only to visit the game operation, like structure, and game download, gauging table, the hand payment, checking is staked in accumulation, the form of paying taxes, or diagnostic menu, the particular game device is historical.Visit meaning is by the ECI of game operation person visit, and game device can require the additional information keying in and verify, like PIN code/password, inserts the personality card of card reader, biological information, as approval from the information of distance host or combination wherein.

Game machine

Fig. 6 has shown game machine 2 skeleton views according to specific embodiments of the present invention.At least according to Fig. 1 to 5B and 9A-9D, game device with at least can be by the assembly of merging as above-mentioned ECI according to the described game function of Fig. 6.In addition, game device can be according to the instruction running that is received from the distance host of getting in touch with game machine.In some cases, carry out in the host computer control process on the game machine and can share game device with the process of controlling by the control of the primary games on the game machine 46.

Of example among Fig. 6, machine 2 comprises usually around machine intimate and can be the visual mainframe of user 4.This mainframe is included in the main door 8 of machine front, and it is opened to be provided to the passage of machine intimate.

In one embodiment, what be connected to main door is at least one payment receiver 28 and cash inspecting machine 30, and coin tray 38.In one embodiment, the payment receiver can comprise coin slot and payment, and bill or banknote receiver insert currency this player, coin or token.The player can place coin at coin slot or bank note, and ticket list or voucher are to payment, bill or banknote receiver.In other embodiments, like reader or credit card, sign the recognizer of account card or the device of credit document and can accept payment.In one embodiment, the player can insert in the card reader that identity snaps into game machine.In one embodiment, ID card is the programming microchip to be arranged or player identification is arranged, the smart card of the magnetic stripe password of total number of credits (or related data) and other necessary data.In another embodiment, player's portability transmits player identification, and total number of credits (or related data) and other necessary data arrive the credit portable unit of game machine, like cell phone, and RFID tag or any other suitable wireless device.In one embodiment, currency can be transferred to game machine through EFT.When player infusion of financial resources, game machine, primary games controller 46 confirm the amount of funds that gets into another logical unit that is connected to game machine and show respective numbers on the credit or other like above-mentioned suitable display on.

What be connected to main door in one embodiment is a plurality of player's input switches or button 32.Load button can comprise that any suitable player that makes produces the device of the input signal that is received by processor.In one embodiment, after the suitable fund input of game machine, input switch is the recreation starter gear, as made torque arm or the start button that is used for beginning sequence of events in any main recreation or the game machine by the player.Player's button can be any suitable action trigger, as bets button No. one time, maximum wager button or repeat this wager button.In one embodiment, after suitable fund input, game machine can begin to play games automatically.In another embodiment, when the player combines in the action button one, the recreation of game machine automatically starting.

In one embodiment, an input switch is button of stake.The player bets through pressing button of stake.The player can press the each credit of button of this stake through the player increases stake.Bet a button when the player presses, the credit number is presented at credit and shows minimizing one, and is presented at the credit number increase by that stake shows.In another embodiment, input switch is the maximum button (not shown) of stake, and it makes the player can bet the maximum that the recreation for game machine allows and makes a bet.

In one embodiment, an input switch is the touch-screen that connects touch screen controller, or some other touch shows covering so that player and display epigraph interact.Touch-screen and touch screen controller can be connected to Video Controller.The player can make decision and through touching this touch-screen in suitable place input signal is input in the game machine.Touchscreen button control panel during such input switch.

In one embodiment, game machine can further comprise to be made the game machine processor and like the external video resource, expands bus, recreation or other displays, a plurality of communication ports of the external peripheral communication of SCSI mouth or keyboard.

As shown in Figure 6, through main door visual be video display monitor 34 and information board 36.Display monitor 34 generally will be cathode-ray tube (CRT), and high resolution flat LCD is based on the SED display; Plasma display; Television indicator is based on light emitting diode (LED) display, based on a plurality of Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLEDs) display; Based on polymer LED (PLEDs) display, comprise display or any other electron device or display that is fit to of projection and/or reflected image.Information panel 36 or intermediate glass 40 can be the static backlight of letter of the general game information of indication, the silk screen face glass, and these information for example comprise, the recreation denomination (as, or) or dynamic display, like LCD, OLED or electronic ink display.At least one display can be mobile display device in another embodiment, and like PDA or dull and stereotyped PC, it is enabled in away from the place of game machine and at least mainly plays or the part of auxiliary game.Display device can be any suitable size and structure, like square, and the rectangle of rectangle or elongation.

The display device configurations of game machine show at least one with preferred a plurality of recreation or other suitable images, symbol and sign, for example visual representation or as machinery; Virtual or video spool and wheel disc, dynamic light, video image; People's image; Characteristic, the place, object and card outward appearance or the like object moves displaying.In an alternate embodiment, be presented on the display device or interior symbol, image and sign can be mechanical type.Display device can comprise any electromechanical assembly in other words, like one or more mechanical objects, and like one or more rotatable wheels, spool or dice, configured for displaying at least one or a plurality of recreation or other image, symbol or signs that is fit to.In another embodiment, display device can comprise the electromechanical assembly that shows near video, as is positioned at the video display of the front of mechanical reel.In another embodiment, display device can comprise that bilayer looks screen and show that its common actions is to produce one or more images.

Cash inspecting machine 30, player's input switch 32, video display monitor 34 and the game device of information panel for being used on game machine 2, play games.In addition, these devices can be used for as a part that is provided at the ECI on the game machine.According to specific embodiments, device can be controlled by the code of being carried out by the primary games control zone in the mainframe that is accommodated in game machine 24 46.The primary games controller can comprise that one or more processors comprise common purpose and application specific processor, like graphics card, and one or more memory storage that comprises volatibility and nonvolatile memory.This primary games controller 46 can periodically dispose and/or the code on game machine is carried out in authentication.

In one embodiment, game machine can comprise the flexible piezoelectric sound-generating devices that is connected to one or more sound cards.In one embodiment, flexible piezoelectric sound-generating devices comprises that at least one and preferred a plurality of loudspeakers or other are used for sonorific sound generating hardware and/or software, as be main and/or auxiliary game or as other mode playback music of the game machine of attraction pattern.In one embodiment, game machine provides the dynamic voice of following attracting multi-media image on one or more display device to show that so that audio-visual expression or other to be provided full-motion video and sound come game machine to attract the player.During spinning, game machine can show that audio frequency and/or video attract the sequence of message to come game machine to attract potential player.Video also can or provide any suitable message for any suitable message customization.

In one embodiment, game machine can comprise sensor, locatees the camera of the player activity image that obtains to use game machine and/or game machine peripheral region like selectivity.In one embodiment, camera is configurable comes selectivity to obtain static or moves (like, video) image and can be configured to obtain simulation, the image of numeral or other suitable forms.Display device is configurable to be shown the image that obtained by camera and shows the performance that recreation is visible with split screen or picture-in-picture mode.For example, image and the processor that camera can obtain the player can merge that image to main and/or auxiliary game as game image, symbol or sign.

In another embodiment; The code that game device on the game machine can be carried out by primary games controller 46 (or another be connected to or get in touch the logical unit of game machine, like player's tracking controller) is together with the code control of being carried out by the remote logic device of getting in touch with primary games controller 46.As stated, arrive 5B and 7,8 according to Figure 1A at least, 9A-9D, primary games controller 46 can carry out to make and produce and manage the ECI process of on game machine, exporting in the content on the distance host.Game machine can receive and the transmission incident is given the distance host that can influence the content of output on the example of specific ECI.Primary games controller 46 can be configured to limit the resource that can be utilized to carry out at any given time ECI process on game machine, and can constantly keep watch on the resource of being used by the ECI process, and is best when guaranteeing the game experiencing on the game machine.

The recreation of being played

A lot of dissimilar recreation comprise mechanical slot machine game, video slot game, and video poker, video 21 points, video pachinko and lottery ticket can provide with game machine of the present invention by quilt.Especially, game machine 2 can be operated the carrying out that a lot of different game of chance are provided.Recreation can be according to theme, sound, and figure, type of play (as, slot machine game VS Card Games), denomination, the pay lines number, cumulative maximum is rewarded, differentiations such as progression or non-progression bonus game.

In one embodiment, game machine 2 can be operated to make the player from game machine the available a plurality of different recreation choice recreation go to play.For example, it is the menu of available difference recreation to playing on the game machine that game machine can provide row, and the player can select them and hopes first game of chance played from these row.In such embodiment, different games and instruction that the memory device stores of distance host is carried out by the game machine processor are with the control game machine.Difference recreation or type of play that each executable game program representation can be played on the game machine in one or more games systems.Such difference recreation can comprise the same or same basically recreation by different payoff tables.In different embodiment, the executable game program is used for main recreation, auxiliary game or both.In another embodiment, carry out games and be to be performed the auxiliary game that conduct and main recreation (it possibly be to download to or be installed to game machine) are carried out simultaneously, or vice versa.

In such embodiment, each game machine comprises and being used at least and the interactional one or more display device of player and/or one or more input switch.Like the native processor of above-mentioned game machine processor or home server processor, can quilt turn round with the input switch of display device and/or one or more game machines.In operation, the distance host games that are operated to transmit one or more storages are given at least one local game machine processor.In different embodiment; The games of storage through be implanted in device or assembly (as, microchip is inserted into game machine) the communication game program passed on or sent, on hard disk or other media, write games; Through private data network, the Internet or telephone wire are downloaded or are browsed.In different embodiment; The storage games can be downloaded to insert the player in response to the player follows the trail of card; The player selects the special play program; The player inserts the appointment amount bet, and distance host transfers data to the game device about match on the horizon or distribution or any other suitable trigger.After the games of storage were transmitted from distance host, local game machine processor traveled through the input switch on display device and/or the game machine through the player, and the program of carrying out transmission is to promote the carrying out of convey program.Give when games in other words and be sent to the local game processor, local game machine processor changes recreation or the type of play of playing at game machine.

In a particular embodiment; If primary games controller 46 can provide information to the distance host of content to ECI on the game machine 2, this make distance host be coupling on game machine 2 the current game graph of playing with the recreation audio theme ECI content choice figure and audio theme.

In one embodiment, the recreation that can play on the various game machines 2 can be stored as the Games Software on the mass storage device in the game machine.In such embodiment, program code and instruction that the memory device stores of game machine is carried out by the game machine processor are available with the recreation of playing on the control game machine.Memory storage also can be stored other data, like view data, event data, the player imports data, at random or pseudo-random count maker, payoff table data or information and with the application game rule of playing games relevant.In another embodiment, the recreation that can play on the game machine can be created on the remote game device but be presented on the game machine subsequently.

In one embodiment, game machine 2 executable game softwares, as but be not limited to make the video flowing software of gaming display on game machine.When recreation is stored on the game machine 2, download to RAM for execution from high-capacity storage.In some cases, after game selection, the Games Software of the recreation generation of choosing can be downloaded from remote game device like another game machine.

Of example among Fig. 6, game machine 2 comprises top box 6, and it is positioned at mainframe 4 tops.Top box 6 holds the device of the characteristic that much can be used to be increased in the recreation that game machine plays, and comprises loudspeaker 10,12; 14; Print the ticket list printer 18 of bar coded ticket single 20, key in the keyboard 22 of player's tracked information, show the display 16 (like the video LCD display) of player's tracked information; Input comprises the card reader 24 of the magnetic card of player's tracked information, and video display screen 45.Ticket list printer 18 can be used to print the ticket list that is used for noncash ticket single system.In addition, top box 6 can hold difference or the servicing unit that does not have explanation among Fig. 6.For example, top box can comprise award wheel disc or the silk screen panel backlight that is used for to the recreation increase award characteristic of being played on the game machine.Like another example, top box can comprise the display that is used for the progressive award on game machine.During playing, these devices can be controlled and powered up by the circuit of mainframe 4 contents in game machine 2 (like, primary games controller 46) part.

Be to be understood that game machine 2 only is an example of the wide region game machine that designs from the enforceable basis of the present invention.For example, not all suitable game machine all has top box or player's tracking feature.In addition, some game machine only has single gaming display device-machinery or video, and other game machines can have a plurality of displays.Network

In various embodiments, the remote game device can pass through like LAN, wide area network, and the network of some type of Intranet or Internet is connected to principal computer.In such embodiment, a plurality of game machines can be joined together through data network.In one embodiment, LAN during data network (LAN), wherein close to each other basically the and on-the-spot distance host of game machine exists equally, for example, the part of play facility or play facility.In another embodiment, wherein one or more game machines of wide area network (WAN) are communicated by letter with at least one distance host outside the venue during data network.In this embodiment, a plurality of game machines can be positioned at the different piece of play facility or play and be provided with removing outside the venue distance host institute difference outside.Therefore, wide area network can comprise outside the venue distance host and be located at like the game machine outside the venue in the play facility in the same geographic area in city or state.The wide area network games system can be identical with above-mentioned LAN games system basically, although the game machine number can be different each other in each system.

In another embodiment, data network is Internet or intranet.In this embodiment, the operation of game machine can be watched having on the game machine of at least one internet browser.In this embodiment; Black phone can be only passed through in the operation of game machine and the accumulation of credit; Other data transmission links, Digital Subscriber Line, T-1 circuit; Central server related to by concentric cable, light cable or other suitable connections or controller (Internet/intranet server) is accomplished.In this embodiment, the player can connect and computer from any Internet, or the effectively local visit Internet of other Internet service providers recreation webpage.The expansion of computer quantity and number and Internet speed has in recent years increased the chance that the player plays from ever-increasing remote site number.Be to be understood that the digital wireless communication bandwidth that increases can provide suitable technology of communicating by letter with some or all, if especially such communication is raised the price.Higher data rate can be useful to complicacy and the interaction between sensitivity and the player that improves display.

In another embodiment, the remote game device can be the portable game device, as but be not limited to cell phone, personal digital assistant, and wireless game player.The image that the 3-D game environment provides can be displayed on and be used to play on the portable game device of game of chance.In addition, game machine or server can comprise provides image in the virtual camera the 3-D game environment of order remote game device on being stored in the remote game device and shows the game logic of this image that provides on the display that is positioned on the remote game device.In addition, being combined in of various game devices all is possible on the game machine.For example, some game machine only receives cash, noncash voucher or electronic funds transfer and do not comprise Coin acceptor.Therefore, those skilled in the art can understand that aforesaid the present invention can be configured on the game machine of nearly all existing or later exploitation.

In another embodiment, the disclosed game machine of this paper can move on wireless network, like the part of wireless game system.In this embodiment, game machine can be to make the player play hand-held device, mobile device or any other suitable wireless device of any suitable recreation in various different places.Be to be understood that to can be and obtain device standard recreation council approval or that do not obtain the approval of the standard recreation council like the disclosed game machine of this paper.

Game machine and multi-purpose computer

The preferred game machine of some of this assignee realize having make they be different from multi-purpose computer (as, desktop PC or laptop computer) characteristics and/or adjunct circuit.Game machine height standard with guarantee fair with, under many circumstances, game machine is operated to distribute and rewards.So in order to satisfy the needs of game environment safety and standard, the hardware and software structure of on game machine, implementing is different from the general-use computing machine very greatly.Some add-on assemble that game machine exists with respect to the explanation of multi-purpose computer and game machine and the example shows of characteristic are following.

At first sight, may think that making the industry that is adapted to play of PC technology is simple proposition, because PC and game machine all adopt the microprocessor of controlling various devices.Yet, because such reason, as 1) place the code requirement of game machine, 2) rugged surroundings of game machine operation, 3) security requirement and 4) requirement of fault tolerance degree, make the PC technology be applied to game machine maybe the time suitable difficulty.In addition, solving the technology and the method for problem in the PC industry, like equipment compatibility and connection protocol property, possibly be not enough in game environment.For example; Fault or weak tolerance among the PC like security breaches in the software or frequent crashes, possibly not be that institute is patient in the game machine; Because these faults can cause the direct loss of fund in the game machine in game machine, like theft of the cash when the game machine mal-operation or revenue loss.

For illustrative purposes, some differences between PC system and the games system are described.Game machine and specifying as system when first is not both game machine between the common PC of computer system based on state.In the system based on state, system stores in nonvolatile memory and keeps its current state, and like this, under power failure or other failure conditions, game machine will return its current state when electric power is supplied again.For example, if the player show game of chance award and, player's power failure before award is provided, game machine will turn back to the state provide of rewarding when power recovery.Know like the people of any use PC, PC be not state machine and when fault takes place most of data can lose usually.This requires to influence the software and hardware design on the game machine.

Game machine and be the purpose from standard, the software on the game machine based on second important difference between the common PC of computer system be used for producing game of chance and running by the game machine operator specify be static and integral body to prevent deception.For example, in recreation industry, adopt with prevent to cheat and satisfy code requirement be used to make solution of game machine Dare and can use the application specific processor operating instruction from EPROM or other forms of nonvolatile memory, to produce game of chance.Code command on EPROM is static (non-variable) and must be by the game management person in specified permission approval, and is installed in face of the people of game representation authority.Any change to the software any part that requires to produce game of chance; Make and be used for the new equipment of rotating device and drive and to require to fire new EPROM as during game of chance produces, increasing the primary games controller, by the approval of recreation authority and in face of the game management person, reinstall on game machine.No matter whether the EPROM solution is used; In order to obtain the approval in the most games authority, game machine must prove and prevent that fully game machine operator or player are with the mode operational hardware that can give interests illegal under they unfair and some situation and the protection of software.It is legal means that game machine will have the code that determines whether its execution, and game machine must have the means that prevent that code is performed.The checking of the code in the recreation industry requires to influence the hardware and software that designs on the game machine.

The 3rd important not being both is used in the peripherals on the game machine at game machine and between based on the common PC of computer system number and kind are so much based on the PC of computer system.Usually, in recreation industry, game machine is simple relatively in a sense, and peripherals number and game computer function number are limited.In addition, be in operation, in case game machine by game development machine function relative fixed, that is, new peripherals and new game software seldom are added on the game machine.These are different with PC, and for PC, the application that the user can be as required removes to buy the various combination device and from the software of different vendor and be connected to PC to be fit to their needs.So the kind that is connected to the device of PC can have greatly and changes, rely on that they are individual to require and significant difference in time from user to user.

Maybe be although can be used for the device kind of PC greater than on game machine, game machine still has the unique apparatus requirement that is different from PC, and uncommon PC provides like the device security requirement; For example; Monetary unit, like Coin dispenser, cash inspecting machine and ticket list printer; With the computer installation that is used to the input of management game machine cash, having security requirement is not to be present among the PC usually.So the promotion device of a lot of PC exploitations is connective can not express safe place by emphasis with compatible technology and the method for device in recreation industry.

For some above-mentioned problem is described, a lot of hardware/software components and structure are used in the game machine and can be present in the multi-purpose computer like PC usually.These hardware/software components and structure will be described in detail as follows, include but not limited to watchdog timer, the voltage monitor system, and based on the software configuration and the support hardware of state, private communication interface, security monitoring and believable storer.

For example, watchdog timer is to be usually used in international game science and technology (IGT) game machine so that software fault testing agency to be provided.In the normal running system, function software is accessed in control register in the watchdog timer subsystem periodically with " again trigger " house dog.Function software can not access-control register in a period of time of presetting, and watchdog timer is with overtime and produce system reset.Common watchdog timer circuit comprises the time-out count register that loads that makes function software that timeout interval is set in scope sometime.The function that function software can not the total ban watchdog timer during distinguishing characteristics of some preferred circuit.In other words, watchdog timer is loaded from electric power that plate beginning always works.

IGT toy computer platform preferably uses some supply voltages with operation computer circuits part.These can be created in centre feed or the computing machine plate is local.If the tolerance limit that drops out their feed circuit arbitrarily in these voltages, the unpredictable operation of computing machine possibly take place.Though nearly all modern general-purpose comprises voltage monitoring circuit, these type circuit only report that voltage status gives function software.Exceed allowable voltage and can cause software fault, in toy computer, produce potential out of contior situation.Assignee of the present invention's game machine generally has the power supply of the voltage limit of the strictness that requires above function circuit.In addition, the voltage monitoring circuit of implementing in the IGT toy computer generally has two control threshold values.First threshold produces can be by the error condition of detected software event of function software and generation.When supply voltage drop out power supply tolerance limit but still the operation this circuit working range the time, trigger this threshold value.When supply voltage dropped out the operation tolerance limit of circuit, second threshold value was set up.Like this, the replacement of the computing machine that circuit causes is interrupted.

The standard operating instructions of IGT game software are to use state machine.The difference in functionality of recreation (stake is played games, result, counting etc. in the diagram) can be defined as state.When recreation moves to another kind of state from a kind of state, be stored in the non-volatile memory subsystem of customization about the critical data of Games Software.If this is crucial to guaranteeing that players bet and credit minimize potential dispute when being preserved with the game machine fault.

Usually, game machine can not be advanced to second state from first state and is stored up to the key message that first state is rebuild.If generation such as fault, power loss, this characteristic make recreation can return to the only current state that carries out before fault.During game of chance carried out, after the state of game machine was stored, recreation can restart and accomplish recreation according to fault identical mode not taking place.Usually, although being used to preserve this critical data, battery back ram set possibly adopt the other types non-volatile memory device.These storage arrangements are not used to general multi-purpose computer.

Of leading portion, during the game of chance when fault takes place, game machine only can be restored to the game of chance state before fault takes place.State was presented at gauging table information and graphical information on the game machine before this returned to form and possibly be included in the fault generation.For example, when fault took place, after playing cards were dealt out the cards, game machine can be resumed and have the playing cards of previous demonstration Dare as a playing cards part during the Card Games.Like another example, bonus game can be triggered during game of chance, is asked on video display screen, make a lot of selections this player.When fault had taken place after the player has made one or more selections, game machine only can be restored to and before fault, show illustrated state, and this diagram comprises the selection that indication has been made by the player.Usually, game machine can be restored to any in a plurality of states that occur in game of chance state when game of chance carries out or the state that between game of chance carries out, takes place.

About previous play as making a bet quantity, the recreation game history information of game result or the like also can be stored in the Nonvolatile memory devices.The information in the Nonvolatile memory devices of being stored in can have enough details with the state of the game machine at that time rebuilding the portion diagram that before is presented on the game machine and play at game machine (like, credit).If disputable, can use game history information.For example, the player possibly determine that formerly they do not receive the award credit that they believe that they win in the game of chance.Prove during the player is correct or incorrect in they advocate and/or the recreation of dispute proved that whether the player is correct or incorrect in they advocate after, game history information can be used to rebuild the state of previous game machine in the recreation of dispute.Based on the games system of state, the more details of recovery and amusement history are described in the United States Patent (USP) the 6th, 804 that is entitled as " heavy-duty battery back RAM interface " from fault; 763; The United States Patent (USP) the 6th, 863,608 that is entitled as " the frame collection that real gaming is movable "; The U.S. Patent application the 10/243rd that is entitled as " dynamic N V-RAM "; 104 and be entitled as in the U.S. Patent application the 10/758th, 828 of " real gaming movable frame collection ", each is with reference to integrating with this paper and being used for all purposes.

In a particular embodiment, the state of game device can be rebuild from the game history information that is stored in a plurality of positions.For example, in one embodiment, the single game interface information of only storing of the status information that operation provides the game device of ECI and game interface possibly not store ECI simultaneously.Thereby in order to rebuild the state that game device comprises ECI in dispute, in fault or after power failure, game history information possibly retrieved by local storage resources from game machine and the remote storage resource that is arranged in the distance host that ECI is provided.For example, long-range and game machine can be stored relevant information, and like timing information or indication information, the incident on this permission game machine is relevant with the incident on occurring in distance host.The relevant information that is stored in game machine and/or distance host can be used to the reconstruction of the game state on the synchronous game machine.In a particular embodiment, the distance host that provides ECI to serve to game device can provide permission about being presented at the ECI that the archive information of ECI is retrieved on the game device.

Another feature of game machine like the IGT toy computer, is that they generally include unique interface, comprises the serial line interface that is connected to the inside and outside special subsystem of game machine.Serial device can have the electric interfaces requirement that difference provides " standard " EIA232 serial line interface that multi-purpose computer provides.These interfaces can comprise EIA485, EIA422, and fiber optic serial, optics connects serial line interface, current return type serial line interface or the like.In addition, in order to preserve serial line interface in machine interior, serial device can be by to share, and daisy chaining connects, and is communicated with through single serial-port at these a plurality of peripherals.

Serial line interface can be used to transmit the information of using unique communication protocol in the recreation industry.For example, the Netplex of IGT is the private communication protocol that is used for serial communication between game device.In another example, SAS is used for from the game machine to the remote equipment, transmitting the communication protocol like the information of gauging table information.SAS is connected with player's tracing system.

In other words the IGT game machine can be taken as the peripherals of recreation ground communication controler and be connected in the single serial line interface to share daisy chaining.Under two kinds of situation, peripherals preferably is assigned with the device address.If like this, the Serial Control circuit must implement to produce or detect the method for single equipment address.The multi-purpose computer serial port can not be done this.

The security monitoring circuit detects through the safety switch attached to recreation rack inspection socket the IGT game machine is invaded.Preferably, access violation causes the time-out that recreation is carried out and sees and trigger extra safe operation to preserve the current state of recreation.When electric power was ended, through the use of back battery, these circuit also can move.In the electric power hang up, these circuit continue to keep watch on the inspection socket of game machine.When power recovery, game machine can determine whether when electric power is ended, to have security violations to take place, as through being used for the software of read status register.But the data verification operation of this trigger event log record and other game software.

Believable memory storage and/or trusted storage source preferably is included in the IGT game machine computing machine authenticity with the software that guarantees to be stored in less secure memory subsystem, and this less safety is facilitated year a back subsystem such as a high-capacity storage.Believable memory storage and control circuit generally are used to when memory storage is installed in game machine, do not allow to be stored in code on the memory storage and the modification of data.Code and data on these devices can comprise verification algorithm, and the inteilectual grows up to be a useful person at random, authentication secret, operating system nucleus etc.The purpose of these believable memory storages provide game management authorities can be followed the trail of in the computing environment of game machine and as the basic believable authority of original check.This can the trusted storage device be accomplished and checking of safe storage device content is that independently the third party veritifies the device completion through from the game machine computing machine, removing.In case it is believable that believable memory storage is verified; And based on the approval of the verification algorithm in the believable device; Game machine can be checked auxiliary code and possibly be positioned at the authenticity of the data of toy computer device, as is stored in code and data on the hard disk drive.The details of the present invention that is used to that some are relevant with believable memory storage is described in the U.S. Patent application of submitting to from August 8 calendar year 2001 the 09/925th that is entitled as " process check "; 098 United States Patent (USP) the 6th; In 685,567, it is all integrated with this paper together and is used for all purposes.

In at least one embodiment, the part in believable at least memory storage/source can corresponding to can not easy reformed storer (like, immutable storer) as; EPROMS for example, PROMS, Bios; Expand Bios; And/or other can be with being configured with in check mode of safety, check, and/or the storage of authentication (for authenticity) source.

According to particular embodiment, when believable information source and remote-control device during through network service, remote-control device uses proof scheme to verify the identity of believable information source.For example, the key exchange message of believable information source and the remote-control device public capable of using and special use is to verify identity each other.In another embodiment of the present invention, remote-control device and believable information source can add utilize zero knowledge proof with authentication they separately in the identity each.

Game device instrument capable of using or the method for storage reliable information detects and stops infringement.For example, the believable information that is stored on the believable memory storage can be encrypted to prevent its misuse.In addition, believable memory storage can be fixed on locking behind the door.In addition, one or more sensors can be connected on the memory storage to detect the infringement of memory storage and the record of infringement is provided.In another example, the memory storage of storing believable information can be used to detect the infringement attempt and removing or wipe it oneself when the attempt of infringement is detected.

The other details relevant with believable memory storage/source is described in the U.S. Patent application the 11/078th that is entitled as " secured virtual network in the game environment " that Nguyen equals submission on March 10th, 2005; In 966, this paper merge its all be used for all purposes.

The high-capacity storage that is used for multi-purpose computer generally makes code and data therefrom read and write.In the game machine environment, the modification that is stored in the game identification code on the high-capacity storage is by accurate control and can be only under the special maintenance types of events that electronics or physics enable to require, start.Though this safe class can be provided by software; The IGT toy computer that comprises high-capacity storage preferably includes to operate in and keeps watch on the circuit grade modification attempt that is stored in high-capacity storage and the hardware level mass storage data holding circuit that can cause the software and hardware erroneous trigger, and the data modification that not have participation of proper electronics and physics enabler is that this modification is attempted.Use this details that is used to high-capacity storage of the present invention to be described in,, in 522, it is all integrated with this paper and is used for all purposes with hereby like United States Patent (USP) 6,149.

Recreation

Return the example among Fig. 6, when the user hoped Play Station games 2, he or she passed through to pay or Coin acceptor 28 or cash inspecting machine 30 insertion ticket list or cashes.Additionally, cash inspecting machine can accept to print the ticket voucher, is accepted as credit sign by cash inspecting machine when noncash ticket single system is used Shi Qike.When the recreation beginning, the player can use card reader 24, keyboard 22 and fluorescent display screen 16 input player tracked information.In addition, the player play games other recreation hobbies can read in the card from be inserted into card reader.During playing, the player uses video display 34 to watch game machine information..Other recreation and award information also can be displayed on the video display screen 45 that is positioned at top box.

During game process, the player can be asked to make a lot of decisions that influence game result.For example, the player can change on particular game his or his and make a bet, and is that particular game is selected award from the award server, or makes those recreation that influences the particular game result and determine.Player's player's input switch 32 capable of using, video display screen 34 or utilize other to make player's input information do these selections to the device in the game machine.In certain embodiments, the player can utilize video display screen 34 and one or multi-input device visit as reception service and entertainment content different game services of serving more.

During certain game events, game machine 2 can show perceptible vision of player and auditory effect.These effects increase the stimulation of recreation, and it makes that the player prefers continuing to play.Auditory effect comprises by loudspeaker 10,12,14 alternative sounds that project.Visual effect comprises flash of light, grating or other by on the game machine or the pattern that demonstrates of the light behind intermediate glass 40 or.After the player accomplished recreation, the player can receive that from the gaming token of coin tray 38 or from the ticket list of printer 18 it can be used to further recreation or exchanges award.

In one embodiment, as stated, game machine can comprise any suitable make a bet main or basic game.Game machine or device can comprise the characteristic of some or all traditional game machines or device.Main or basic game can comprise any suitable rotary-type recreation; Card Games; Waterfall falls or down symbol recreation down; Numbers game or other are adapted at the game of chance of performance in form electronics or dynamo-electric, and it produces in one embodiment and is based on when making a bet or the random result of data probability after paying.That is, the difference recreation of mainly making a bet, like video poker game, 21 recreation of video or other any suitable main or basic games can be realized.

In one embodiment, basic or main recreation can be the slot machine game of one or more pay lines.Pay lines can be level, and is vertical, circle, diagonal line, angle or any wherein combination.In this embodiment, game machine comprises at least one and preferred a plurality of runner, like three to five runners, or the dynamo-electric form of mechanical rotating wheel is being arranged or simulate runner and the visual form that moves therein in.In one embodiment, dynamo-electric slot machine comprises a plurality of adjacent, rotatable runner, and it can be united and operability ground is connected with the electronics demonstration of any suitable type.In another embodiment, if runner is a visual form, the one or more display device that as above show show a plurality of analog video runners.Each runner shows a plurality of signs or symbol, like bell, and the heart, fruit, numeral, letter, bar or other images, preferentially it is with corresponding with the related theme of game machine.In another embodiment, one or more runners are independently runner or single symbol runner.In this embodiment, each independent or single symbol runner produces and shows that a symbol is to the player.In one embodiment; After the runner of main recreation stops the rotation; If occurring on the movable pay lines or occur on the contrary, the structure of specified type and/or sign or symbol wins pattern; Occur in the adjacent runner of necessary number and/or occur in and scatter in the payment arrangement game machine prize award.

In alternate embodiment; Game machine based in the movable character position that is created on the adjacent runner of necessary number (promptly; Not on the pay lines that wins symbol combination through any demonstration) number of related symbol; Confirm any player's of offering result, rather than through analysis be created on any any make a bet like the symbol on the above-mentioned pay lines, confirm any player's of offering result.In this embodiment, if the symbol combination that wins is created on the runner, because the generation game machine that wins symbol combination that generates provides the player award.If for example one is won symbol combination and is created on the runner, can provide single award to the player because win symbol combination (that is, not based on through winning the pay lines of symbol combination) game machine.Be to be understood that have the game machine of making a bet the player to be provided an award because of the identical single symbol combination (that is, if respectively through the identical a plurality of pay lines that win symbol combination) that wins in the mode of winning.

In one embodiment; Have at least one symbol to be created on movable character position for each runner of game machine, the number of symbols that the number of the mode of win is created on the movable character position on first runner through multiplication is multiplied by the number of symbols that is created on the movable character position on second runner and is multiplied by the number of symbols that is created on the movable character position on the 3rd runner etc. and confirms.For example, the mode that has three game machines that are created on movable character position symbol on each runner to comprise 27 modes to win of three runners 3 symbols of 3 symbols * the 3rd runner of 3 symbols * second runner of first runner (that is).Three game machines that are created on movable character position symbol on each runner that have of four runners comprise 81 modes 3 symbols of 3 symbols * the 4th runner of 3 symbols * the 3rd runner of 3 symbols * second runner of first runner (that is) of winning.Three game machines that are created on movable character position symbol on each runner that have of five runners comprise 243 modes 3 symbols of 3 symbols * the 5th runner of 3 symbols * the 4th runner of 3 symbols * the 3rd runner of 3 symbols * second runner of first runner (that is) of winning.Be to be understood that through perhaps revising the runner number or revising the number that generates symbol, revise the number of the mode of win through the number of revising the symbol that is created on movable character position on one or more runners.

In another embodiment, game machine can make players bet and thereby activating symbol position.In such embodiment, character position is on runner.In this embodiment, if based on the making a bet of player, runner is activated, and each character position of runner will be activated and each movable character position will become the part of the mode of one or more wins so.In one embodiment, if based on players bet, runner is not activated, and the default symbol position that specifies number so is like row's in the middle of the runner single character position, with being activated and the default symbol position will be as the part of the mode of one or more wins.This type game machine makes players bet at one, more or each runner, and the game machine processor uses to make a bet and confirms movable character position and the number of the mode that possibly win at the number of runner.In alternate embodiment, (1) does not have the demonstration of symbol as generating in any stop element position, or (2) any symbol that generates in any stop element position can be displayed to the player, but is assigned as stopping by suitable coverage or opposite.

In one embodiment; Players bet is on one or more runners; Making a bet of player's a credit can activate each in three character positions on first runner, and the character position of one of them acquiescence is activated on each of four remaining runners.In this example, as stated, game machine provides three kinds of modes of player to win 1 symbol of 1 symbol * the 5th runner of 1 symbol * the 4th runner of 1 symbol * the 3rd runner of 3 symbols * second runner of first runner (that is).In another example; The making a bet of nine credits of player can be activated each of three character positions on first runner, is activated on each in remaining two runners in each of three character positions on second runner with in each one of them default symbol position of three character positions on the 3rd runner.In this example, as stated, game machine provides the mode 1 symbol of 1 symbol * the 5th runner of 3 symbols * the 4th runner of 3 symbols * the 3rd runner of 3 symbols * second runner of first runner (that is) of 27 kinds of wins of player.

In one embodiment; In order to confirm that any award is provided for the player based on the symbol that generates, game machine determine whether respectively the symbol that generates in the movable character position on first runner form a part of winning symbol combination or opposite corresponding and be created on second runner on movable character position in symbol relevant.In this embodiment, game machine is classified each to symbol, and it forms the part of the symbol combination (that is, each is to related symbol) of winning as the combined symbol string.For example; Second CHERRIES symbol of row at the bottom of if movable character position comprises first CHERRIES symbol of the first trip that is created on first runner and is created on second runner; These two CHERRIES symbol of recreation classification are as the related symbol string, because two CHERRIES symbol form a part of winning symbol combination.

Determining whether that any related symbol string forms between the symbol on the symbol on first runner and second runner, game machine determines whether that any symbol from the adjacent runner of the next one should be added to the related symbol string of any formation.In this embodiment, in the related symbol string of classification first, game machine determines whether that any symbol that is created on the next adjacent runner forms and wins symbol combination or otherwise relevant with the symbol of the first related symbol string.If it is relevant with the first related symbol string that game machine confirms to be created on the symbol of next adjacent runner., that symbol is by the follow-up first related symbol string that is added to.For example, be created in the middle of the 3rd runner if the first related symbol string is the CHERRIES symbol string and the relevant CHERRIES symbol of being correlated with, the relevant CHERRIES symbol that game machine will be created on the 3rd runner is added to the CHERRIES symbol string of classifying in the front.

On the other hand, if game machine confirms that the symbol that is not created on the next adjacent runner is relevant with the symbol of the first related symbol string, game machine record or the such related symbol string of mark are completely.If for example the first related symbol string is relevant CHERRIES symbol string, and do not have to generate on the 3rd runner relevant symbol of symbol in the CHERRIES symbol string of classifying with the front, game machine record or this CHERRIES symbol string of mark are completely.

Or add related symbol to the first related symbol string or the mark first related symbol string be completely after; Game machine such as above-mentioned related symbol string to each remaining classification are disposed, its be previous classification or on first and second runners related symbol form.

After analyzing each remaining related symbol string, game machine is confirmed, to each remaining related symbol string unsettled or that do not accomplish, if any symbol from next adjacent runner is arranged, if having, should be added to the related symbol string of any front classification.This processing proceeds to or each related symbol string is completely or does not have the symbol of more heterogeneous neighbour's runner to be detected.In this embodiment, do not have the symbol of more heterogeneous adjacent runner to be detected, each remaining unsettled related symbol string of game machine mark is for completely.

When each related symbol string is marked as completely, each related symbol string of game machine comparison and suitable payoff table and provide the player any with each relevant award of symbol string completely.Be to be understood that if any to being created on the related symbol string of movable character position, the player is provided an award (that is, with will be based on how many pay lines be created on related symbol string of movable character position through each opposite).

In one embodiment, basis or main recreation possibly be canasters, and wherein game machine makes the player play the traditional game of video extraction playing card and begins to send out all supine five boards from a secondary virtual board of 52 boards.Playing cards can be used as in the conventional card recreation or in game machine, also can comprise the playing cards of from the playing cards of predetermined number, selecting at random.If the player hopes to extract, the player selects the board that will hold through one or more input equipments, as by relevant hold button or pass through touch-screen.The player presses that the board of dealing out the cards button and not wanting or abandon is removed and game machine is sent out the playing cards that substitute in remaining from board from show then.This makes last five boards.More last five boards of game machine confirm to win board with the payoff table that uses traditional playing card to arrange.Game machine provides the player award based on the credit of winning board and players bet.

In another embodiment, basis or main recreation can be many tablets held before the breast by officials video pokers originally.In this embodiment, game machine is issued player's at least two hand boards.In such embodiment, board is identical board.In one embodiment, each hand board is relevant with its own deck.The player select to hold in the main game hand playing cards.All playing cards of in main hand, holding also can be held in other delivery of hands of cards.The remaining non-playing cards of holding remove from each hand that shows and replace playing cards to be dealt in the hand at random to each hand.Because it is independent to each hand to replace playing cards to deal out the cards at random, replace playing cards different with usually to each hand.The playing card ordering is confirmed and is rewarded to offer the player then on the other hand.

In one embodiment, in basic or main game process, wherein game machine shows a plurality of optional mark or numbers at least one display device.In this embodiment, the player through as the selection of the input equipment of touch-screen at least one or a plurality of optional mark or number.Game machine shows a series of extraction numbers to confirm the quantity of group's match then, if any, extracts between the number at number and the game machine that the player selects.The player is provided award by the quantity based on match, if any, and based on the number of confirming match.

In one embodiment, except in basis or main recreation, winning credit or other awards, as stated, game machine also can give player's chance go to win awards credit or auxiliary game or award or auxiliary match office.Award or auxiliary game make the player can obtain award or payment except that award or payment, if any, from basis or main the recreation, obtain.Usually, reward or auxiliary game produces one and stimulates than basis or the significant high-grade player of main recreation, because it provides than basis or the triumph expectation of mainly playing big and has the basis concurrently or mainly play characteristic more attractive or rare.In one embodiment, award or auxiliary game can be the appropriate games of any kind, with identical or different fully in basis or the main recreation.

In one embodiment; Trigger event or qualification situation can be the particular arrangement of the mark on the display device in selection result or the one or more main recreation in main recreation, appear at three adjacent runners like numeral 7 along pay lines in the main slot machine game.In other embodiments, trigger event or qualification situation possibly be through surpassing a certain amount of recreation (like recreation number, credit number, time quantity), or during recreation is carried out, arrive given number and count.

In another embodiment, game machine processor or distance host provide one or more in the one or more auxiliary games of player arbitrarily.In such embodiment, game machine does not provide any tangible reason to be used for the auxiliary or bonus game of qualified object for appreciation to the player.In this embodiment, the qualification of bonus game does not have by the incident in any object for appreciation in any main recreation or clearly is based upon the Event triggered in any object for appreciation in any main recreation.That is game machine is seen and can only be made the qualified object for appreciation auxiliary game of player and need not any explanation or simple declaration.In another embodiment, game machine (or distance host) makes the qualified object for appreciation auxiliary game of player, and part is based on the incident of recreation or symbol triggering, as at least partly carrying out based on main recreation at least.

In one embodiment, accomplished trigger event or after the basis or the titular situation of mainly playing, game machine comprises the program of start rewarding the match wheel automatically the player.In another embodiment, the player qualification of playing bonus game is arranged after, in basis or main recreation, play through continuing, the player can strengthen subsequently his/her bonus game participates in.Thereby, reward the qualification incident for each, obtain to reward symbol like the player, the bonus game of given number is made a bet and is counted or credit can increase in programming and rewards the inlet of accumulating or participating at last bonus game in the credit " award gauging table " of making a bet.The generation of the award qualification incident of a plurality of so main recreation can cause the arithmetic or the exponential increase of rewarding the fidelity bonus quantity of making a bet.In one embodiment, extend during the carrying out of bonus game the convertible premiums of the player credit of making a bet at bonus game.

What in one embodiment, not independent free inlet or bonus game need adopt buys.That is the player possibly not buy the inlet of bonus game, and they must win or bring in through playing main recreation on the contrary, plays main recreation thereby reward.In another embodiment, the qualification of award or auxiliary game are accomplished through player's simple " buying ", for example, if the player fails on through other specified activities qualified.In another embodiment, the player must make that independent limit bonus game is made a bet or in main recreation, make a bet specified quantity with the qualified auxiliary game that carries out.In this embodiment, the auxiliary game trigger event must take place and the limit make a bet (or assign main recreation amount bet) be placed and triggered auxiliary game.

The games system assembly

Fig. 7 explicit declaration can be used to realize the block scheme of assembly in the games system 900 of different modes of the present invention.The assembly that in Fig. 7, is used to Games Software allowance and download games system 900 are provided is by functional description.This described function can be illustrated in hardware, in firmware and the/software and carry out and be fit on the device.In system 900, have the situation of a lot of identical functions, carry out interface 911 like many recreation.Yet, in Fig. 7, only show an example of each function.The function of assembly can be united.For example, single assembly can comprise game interface 911 and comprise the trusted storage device or originate 909.Described assembly and their function can be integrated with according among different with the client embodiment with 6 described servers of Figure 1A at least.

Games system 900 can receive from the input of different team/entities and export different UEFA Champions League services with or information give these group/entities.For example, game player's 925 main input cashes or credit sign are made the selection that recreation triggers software download, and are received amusement to exchange their input for to system.What Games Software content provider was provided for the Games Software of system and can receives the game machine operator is used for the compensation of the content that they provide based on permission agreement.The Games Software that game machine operator selection is used to distribute distributes Games Software on the game device in games system 900, receives the income of their software use and game machine operator's compensation.Game management person 930 can provide the rules and regulations that must be used to games system to report and the regular information of just being deferred to of other confirmations with receiving.

In the paragraph below, the details of some exchange interactions between each assembly and the assembly is described according to Fig. 7.Games Software permission main frame 901 can be to be connected to much to provide the service of allowance to the server on the remote game device of remote game device.For example; In other embodiments; Permitting main frame 901 can 1) receive the token requirement that is used to activate the software token of execution on the remote game device; 2) send token to remote game device, 3) follow the trail of token purposes and 4) authorize and/or reformulate and be used to carry out the software software license at the remote game device.The token purposes can be used to based on the application of permitting theme, like the theme of promptly paying once use.

In another embodiment, the use of the Games Software on the device that main frame 915 traceable a plurality of and main frame get in touch use is followed the trail of in recreation.Recreation uses tracking main frame 915 to carry out main frame with a plurality of recreation and game machine is got in touch.Carry out main frame and game machine from recreation, recreation is used and is followed the trail of the renewal that main frame 915 can receive the quantity that each effective recreation quantity on the device of having played and each recreation have been made a bet.This information can be stored in the database and be used for according to keeping accounts based on the method described in the application of permission agreement.

Games Software main frame 902 can provide under the Games Software and pass; Like Games Software or the following biography of recreation firmware; Each roundabout place in the games system 900; For example, not available when the software that produces recreation carries out interface 911 in recreation, Games Software main frame 902 can descend to pass the software that produces the game of chance of selecting to carry out on the interface in recreation.In addition, Games Software main frame 902 can be through asking down to pass the new game content to a plurality of game machines from the game machine operator.

In one embodiment, Games Software main frame 902 also can be the Games Software configuration and follows the trail of main frame 913.The function that main frame is followed the trail of in Games Software configuration be the software arrangements and/or the Hardware configuration of device that a plurality of and main frame are got in touch keep a record (as, denomination, pay lines number, payoff table, minimax stake).The details that can be used among the present invention recreation software host and Games Software configure host is described in the common unsettled United States Patent (USP) 6th that be entitled as " game terminal data repository and infosystem " of Rowe in submission on Dec 21st, 2000; 645; In 077, it is all integrated with this paper and is used for all purposes with it.

Recreation is carried out host apparatus 903 and can be the host server that is connected to a plurality of remote clients, and this server can produce and be presented at a plurality of remote games and carry out the game of chance on the interface 911.Like another example, recreation is carried out host apparatus 903 and can be produced game of chance, like slot machine game or video poker game, is presented on the remote client.Use the remote client game player to select from a lot of being provided at the recreation on the client computer through host apparatus 903.Recreation carry out host apparatus 903 can from Games Software main frame 902 receive as receive new game software following biography the Games Software management service and can receive as carry out the mandate of the software on device 903 or the Games Software licensed service that reformulates from recreation permission main frame 901.

In a particular embodiment, the game device that recreation is carried out in interface or other games systems 900 can be a portable unit, like electronic token, and cell phone, smart card, dull and stereotyped PC and PDA.But therefore this portable unit support of wireless communication also is called as portable radio device.Network hardware structure 916 can start the communication between the game device that is supported in portable radio device and other games systems.In one embodiment, this portable radio device can be used to play game of chance.

Games system 900 can use a lot of believable information sources.Believable information source 904 can be the device that is provided for other message slot information of authentication/activation like server.The crc value that is used for authentication software, the Product Activation sign indicating number that is used to make the permission of software use or be used for activating software is the example that possibly provide from the reliable information in reliable information source 904.The reliable information source can be the memory storage that is used for the reliable information of other information of authentication like comprising of EPROM.For example, interface 911 is carried out in recreation can store special-purpose key in believable memory storage, and it is used to private key-public key encryption scheme with the information of authentication from another game device.

When communicate by letter with remote-control device through network in reliable information source 904, remote-control device can adopt the identity of proof scheme with checking reliable information source.For example, the commutative use of reliable information source and remote-control device is open or the information of private key to verify identity each other.

Game device instrument capable of using or the method for storage reliable information detects and stops infringement.For example, the believable information that is stored on the believable memory storage can be encrypted to prevent its misuse.In addition, believable memory storage can be fixed on locking behind the door.In addition, one or more sensors can be connected on the memory storage to detect the infringement of memory storage and the record of infringement is provided.In another example, the memory storage of storing believable information can be used to detect the infringement attempt and removing or wipe it oneself when the attempt of infringement is detected.

Games system 900 among the present invention can comprise providing to authorize from first and installs device 906 that second device passes software down and active coding is provided or makes down the device 907 of the information that the software of biography is activated.Device 906 and 907 can be remote server and also believable information source.Provide an example that produces the method that can be used for active coding of the present invention to be described in the United States Patent (USP) the 6th, 264,561 of before integrating with this paper.

Keeping watch on a plurality of game devices can be included in the system 900 device of observing 906 of game management rule 908 to confirm device.In one embodiment, the game management rule server can scan in the game device software of a plurality of and game rule server contact and software arrangements to determine whether in the legal use in the on-site game management of game device of the software on the game machine.For example, the game rule server can require the digital signature like CRC of specific software components, and its digital signature value that is stored on the game management rule server with approval is compared.

In addition, the game management rule server can scan the remote game device and disposed by the mode of being accepted with game device location game management to determine whether software.For example; Maximum wager limit can be managed another management and change and rule is carried out server and can be scanned game device down to confirm its present software arrangements and its place from one, then configuration on the game device and the approval parameter that is used for its place relatively.

Game management can comprise describing how Games Software is by the rule that passes and permit down.Following biography transaction record and permissions records that the game management rule server can scan on the game device are undertaken by the mode of being accepted with game device location game management to determine whether down biography and permission.Usually, game management servers can be used for confirming the rule confirming to meet when informational needs by the long-range acceptance of server the time, meet all game rules through game management.

Stay the Games Software that exists in the particular game device, firmware or hardware also can be used to check meeting of local game rule.In one embodiment; When game device was installed in the particular game management, the software program that comprises rule information secure storage unit or the rule information on the game machine of can being downloaded to can be used as data and download and used by program on the game machine.Software program can be used to check game device software and the software arrangements that meets the local game rule with/rule information.In another embodiment, be used for guaranteeing that the software program and the management information that meet can be installed in game machine before loading, like the factory that is made at game machine.

Game device in the games system 900 can use trusted software and/or credible firmware.Credible firmware/software is believable on its meaning that does not suffer damage of supposition.For example, trusted software/firmware can be used to other Games Softwares of authentication or carries out the process on game device.For example, credible encipheror and authentication procedure can be stored among the EPROM on the game machine or be encoded in the special encryption chip.Like another example, credible Games Software, as, there is the approval of local game administrative authority to use and is asked on game device at the Games Software on the game device.

In the present invention, device can be connected to the hardware of dissimilar use different hardware architectures through network 916.Games Software maybe be quite big and frequent downloads add significant burden to the networking, it can reduce information transfer rate on the network.For requiring Games Software recreation of frequent downloads in network to handle immediately, efficient download is to keeping feasible being absolutely necessary of service.Thereby in the present invention, network efficiency device 910 can be used to effectively keep watch on and keep network efficiency.For example, the software steady arm can be used to be positioned near the peer-to-peer network transmission that is used for Games Software the Games Software position.In another example, network traffics can possibly be initiatively to detour to keep network efficiency by supervision and download.

One or more devices among the present invention can provide Games Software and the relevant audit of recreation permission, and bill and conciliation report to server 912.For example, software license bill server can produce the game device operator based on surpassing the bill that a time cycle recreation is used on the operator game device.In another example, the software audit server can provide and pass in the games system 900 on each game device under the Games Software and the report of the existing configuration of the Games Software on these game devices.

In particular game at interval, software audit server 912 also can require the software arrangements of a lot of game devices in the games system.Server possibly make that the software arrangements on each game device is consistent.In one embodiment, software audit server 912 can be at special time at storing software configuration record on each game device and occurred under the software on the device and to pass transaction record.Download item through the Games Software of using each record since seclected time and handle software arrangements record, obtain software arrangements in seclected time.The software audit server can be relatively from using game device that these items handle and the existing software arrangements that obtains from game device.After comparison, the software audit server can produce and confirm that biography transaction record unanimity is reported in upward existing the consistent of software arrangements of device down.This report also can be discerned any inconsistent.In another embodiment, game device and software audit server can be stored download and occurred in record and the software audit server that the item on the game device handles and can make that these records are consistent.

A lot of possible interactions are being arranged between the described assembly according to Fig. 7.The a lot of interaction mated.For example, be used to play that the method for permission can influence the method for the biography that is used to play down and vice versa.For purposes of illustration, described possible between the assembly of some systems 900 and passed relevant interaction details down with software license and software.These describe the selected interaction specific in the games system 900 that is illustrated in.These descriptions only provide for purposes of illustration rather than intention limits scope of the present invention.

The games system configuration

In one embodiment; As stated; The present invention can different game machines configuration realize, include but not limited to (1) special-purpose game machine, wherein control the computerize instruction (which is provided by game machine) of all recreation and before consigning to play facility, dispose game machine; (2) variable game machine can download to game machine in this computerize instruction (which is provided by game machine) of when game machine is in play facility, controlling all recreation through data network.In another embodiment, the computerize instruction quilt of controlling all recreation is from distance host, and central server or central controller are sent to the local processor and the memory storage of game machine.In such " Fat Client " embodiment, the game machine local processor is carried out the computerize that transmits and is instructed to control all recreation that offer the player (or other appropriate interface).

In an alternate embodiment, the computerize instruction of controlling all recreation is by distance host, and central server or central controller are carried out.In such " thin-client " embodiment, all recreation of long-range Han nationality and Long-distance Control (or other appropriate interface) and game machine are used for showing such recreation (or appropriate interface) and receive one or more inputs or from player's order.In one embodiment, in the games system one or more game machines can be the thin-client game machine and in games system one or more game machines be Fat Client.In another embodiment, some function of game machine is implemented in the thin-client environment and some other functions of game machine are implemented in Fat Client.In one embodiment, control all computerize of mainly playing instruction is sent to the game machine in the Fat Client configuration and controls all auxiliary games or awards faction from distance host computerize instruction by the distance host execution in the thin-client configuration.Be to be understood that in the distance host function disclosed herein, more or each can be carried out by one or more game machine processors.Should further understand as one in the function of the disclosed one or more game machine processors of this paper, more or each can carry out by distance host.

In one embodiment, game machine produces at random based on probability data and rewards and/or other game results.In such embodiment, this at random confirm that use through randomizer (RNG) provides, like true randomizer, pseudorandom number generator or other suitable randomization.In one embodiment, individual award or other game results and probability correlation and generation be provided for the player the game machine of award or other game results based on relevant probability.In this embodiment, because game machine bears results at random or bears results based on one or more probability calculations, how game machine will provide any special awards of player or other game results not to have certainty.

In alternate embodiment, distance host keeps one or more definite pond or predetermined game results of group in advance.In this embodiment, distance host receives the game result request and the predetermined game result of independent selection from the game result in group or pond.The result of use chosen in distance host mark or record.In case game result is labeled use, its stop other from group and pond selection and can not be by distance host according to another selection of making a bet.The game result that provides can comprise main game result, secondary game outcome, and main and secondary game outcome, or like a series of game results of free play.

Distance host transmits the game result that produces or select and gives the game machine that starts.Game machine receives the game result that produces or select and provides game result to the player.In an alternate embodiment; Game result that how to produce or that generate is expressed or is shown to the player; Like the proficiency of card reading in combination of the reel symbols of slot machine or the Card Games, also there is distance host to confirm and the game machine that sends startup to is represented or is shown to the player.Centralized production or control can help play facility or other entities to preserve suitable record, and the control recreation reduces or prevention deception or electronics or other error, reduce or eliminate profit loss outburst or the like.

In another embodiment, the game result that offers the player has distance host to confirm and is provided for the player on the game machine.In this embodiment, each in a plurality of such game machines communicated by letter with distance host.When the player is enabled in a recreation on the game machine, distance host is given in the request of the game machine of startup transmission game result.In one embodiment, distance host receives the game result request and produces the game result of main recreation based on probability data at random.In another embodiment, distance host produces the game result of auxiliary game at random based on probability data.In another embodiment, distance host produces the game result of main recreation and auxiliary game at random based on probability data.In this embodiment, distance host can be stored and the processor of service routine code or other similar game machines and the data of memory storage.

In another embodiment, one or more game machines are communicated by letter with distance host because of the purpose of keeping watch on.That is, when not with distance host about the communicating by letter of any ECI, each separate games machine produces the game result and the distance host that offer the player at random and keeps watch on activity and the incident on a plurality of game machines that occur in.In one embodiment, gaming network comprises that real-time or online account and operation are connected to the game information system of distance host.The account of this embodiment and game information system comprise and are used to store the player profile archives, follow the trail of player's the player's tracing module and the player database of the credit system that provides automatic recreation ground item to handle.

In another embodiment, a plurality of game machines in one or more recreation place can be networked to the distance host of progression configuration, as known in the art, wherein respectively start a part of making a bet basic or main recreation and can be dispatched to one or more progressions awards.In one embodiment, progressive game system host on-site computer is connected to and a plurality ofly is used to provide multinode to connect the progression automated gaming at the various each other remote on-the-spot distance hosts of recreation.In one embodiment, but progressive game system host on-site computer service distribution spreads all over a lot of praedial game machine of diverse geographic location, comprises like different cities in city incity diverse location or state.

In one embodiment, progressive game system host on-site computer is preserved the whole operations and the control of progressive game system.In this embodiment, progressive game system host on-site computer is supervised whole progressive game system and is to calculate the controller that all progressions are rewarded.The recreation scene of all participations is to progressive game system host on-site computer report, and from reception information.Each remote host computer is responsible for the data communication between game machine hardware and software and progressive game system host on-site computer.In one embodiment, the separate games machine can trigger the progression award of winning.In another embodiment, distance host (or progressive game system host on-site computer) determines when that the progression award of win is triggered.In another embodiment, separate games machine and distance host (or progressive game system host on-site computer) are worked each other to be connected to reward with the progression that determines when win and are triggered, and for example satisfy the predetermined requirement that distance host is set up through the separate games machine.

In one embodiment, the progression of win is rewarded and is carried out Event triggered based on one or more game machines, drives like symbol and triggers.Among other embodiment, it possibly be through surpassing a certain amount of recreation (like recreation number, credit number, time quantity) that trigger event or qualification situation are rewarded in progression, or during recreation is carried out, arrives given number and count.In another embodiment, game machine is at random to be selected to provide the one or more progressions of player machine to reward arbitrarily or obviously.In such embodiment; Game machine does not provide any tangible reason to winning the player that progression is rewarded, and wherein wins progression and rewards not by the incident in any object for appreciation in any main recreation or clearly be based upon the Event triggered in any object for appreciation in any main recreation.That is the player is provided the progression award and has no explanation or simple explanation is only arranged.In another embodiment, the player is provided progression and rewards at least that part triggers or the symbol trigger event based on recreation, like part at least based on the carrying out of main recreation.

In one embodiment, the player must place or make a bet the limit stake qualified and rewards to win the relevant progression of limit stake.In one embodiment, the player must place the stake of qualified maximum and limit stake to win a progression award.In another embodiment, if the limit stake that the player places or makes a bet and require, player's can any number of credits during main recreation make a bet (that is, the player needn't place qualified maximum stake and limit stake to win a progression award).In such embodiment, the player (except under limit stake) make a bet greatly more, contingency or possibility that player wins gets a progression award are big more.Should be appreciated that making a bet of can be at least in part placing on the basic game play based on the game machine of games system, through play facility or the mode through any appropriate, one or more progressive award of providing funds respectively to give.

In an alternate embodiment, the minimum level of making a bet is rewarded with qualified selected acquisition progression by the game machine requirement.In one embodiment, this minimum level of making a bet is the main recreation maximum level of making a bet in the game machine.In another embodiment, there is not the minimum level of making a bet selectedly to be obtained progression and reward with qualified by the game machine requirement.

In another embodiment, when incident takes place by (perhaps carrying out relevant or be independent of recreation carrying out with recreation), games system provides the player themselves progressive award.In such embodiment, the games system display, through one or more ECPs (as above-mentioned), information is rewarded relevant with their individual progression.

In another embodiment, a plurality of players on the game machine of a plurality of connections in games system participate in group game environment.In one embodiment, the work that is connected to each other of a plurality of players on a plurality of connection game machines is as as a team or the crowd is common plays, to win one or more awards.In such embodiment, any winning awards shared by the crowd, and perhaps the middle five equilibrium of different players perhaps distributes with any suitable standard in the middle of the different players in the crowd in the crowd.In another embodiment, a plurality of players on the game machine of a plurality of connections compete for one or more awards each other.In such embodiment, a plurality of players on the game machine of a plurality of connections participate in being the competition game of one or more awards.In another embodiment, a plurality of players on the game machine of a plurality of connections are that one or more awards wherein influence the result who is generated by one or more game machines by the result that a game machine generates.

Although the invention described above has described in detail through example and example from the purpose of knowing and understanding; Should admit be the above-described scope that does not break away from spirit of the present invention or essential characteristics of the present invention the time, can be summarized in a lot of other idio-morphosis with embodiment in.Some variation and revise and can be implemented, and be to be understood that the present invention is not limited by above-mentioned details, but the scope of paying claim to some extent defines.

Claims (47)

1. a games system comprises the network that distance host, game device and permission are communicated by letter between distance host and game device,

Distance host comprises:

First communication interface of communicating by letter with game device;

Processor is configured to:

A) set up communication session with game device;

B) reception becomes when wherein the state of game device is about the information of the state of game device;

C) response is about the information of first state of game device, and transmission makes first process that on game device, produces export the instruction of first video image that comprises first content, data or their combination at least to game device;

D) response is about the information of second state of game device, and transmission makes first process that on game device, produces export the instruction of first video image that comprises second content, data or their combination at least to game device;

Game device comprises:

Video display;

Be used for the second communication interface of communicating by letter with distance host;

The primary games controller is configured to:

A) be controlled at carry out on the game device based on the recreation of making a bet;

B) set up and the communicating by letter of distance host, and send message and limit to distance host explanation resource that can be used in external control that game device had and use that all are relevant with said resource;

C) generation can be exported first process that first video image is given video display, and wherein the content of first video image is controlled by distance host in time;

D) receive the instruction, data or their combination that first process are exported at least comprise first video image of first content from distance host;

E) receive the instruction, data or their combination that first process are exported at least comprise first video image of second content from distance host;

F) produce second process, this second process can produce based on the result of the recreation of making a bet and can export second video image and give and the relevant video display that carries out based on the recreation of making a bet; And

G) produce the 3rd process can control first process and the second process accessing video display, when wherein carrying out on based on the second portion of the recreation of making a bet at video display, the 3rd process allows the first of first process use video display;

Reception is used for the input mechanism to the credit token of based on the recreation of making a bet; And

The output mechanism of export credit mark.

2. the games system in the claim 1, wherein first content or second content comprise with below one or more relevant information: the load button that a) interrelates with the active region that is connected to the touch panel sensor on the game device; B) order or beverage from game device; C) with personal communication on another game device; D) communicate by letter with the recreation usher; E) know the information at hotel; F) know the information of play facility; G) know the information in restaurant; H) know the information of public place of entertainment; I) know the information of travel agency; J) do predetermined; K) transfer of funds is produced to game device or from game device; L) comprise that currency account or player follow the trail of the management of the account that the player of account can access; M) on game device, obtain change; N) sport event is made a bet; O) send and receive the electronic information that comprises e-mail; P) on game device, buy the article of selling, the article of said sale comprise lottery ticket; Q) visit the service that internet provides; R) check and redeem player's tracking for commodity, amusement or service and count; S) receive the information relevant with match on the horizon; T) receive the information relevant with the play facility sales promotion; U) on game device, see TV or film; V) on game device, listen to the music; W) visit player facility account; X) check the distribution or the y that can use to the player) their combination.

3. claim 1 or 2 games system, wherein processor is selected first content by further configuration or based on following one or more content: 1) player identification; 2) position of the game device in the play facility; 3) player status; 4) amount bet; 5) reward quantity; 6) based on the theme of the recreation of making a bet; 7) theme of the play facility at game device place; 8) player's hobby; 9) game device operator's hobby; 10) with the relevant incident of carrying out based on the recreation of making a bet; Or their combination.

4. the games system of claim 1, wherein distance host is communicated by letter with the one or more games system hardware componenies that are connected to games system, and controls said one or more games system hardware component together with first process on game device.

5. the games system of claim 4, wherein said one or more games system hardware componenies are selected from the group that HUD, auxiliary game display, information kiosk and award device are formed.

6. the games system of claim 1 further comprises a plurality of game devices, and wherein processor is by further configuration is next:

A) communication session of each in foundation and a plurality of game devices;

B) reception is about the information of the state of each in a plurality of game devices;

C) make the process output that on each of these game devices, produces comprise instruction, data or their combination of the video image of given content for each transmissions of these game devices.

7. the games system of claim 6, wherein processor is adjusted at the given content that produces on two or more these game devices by further configuration.

8. the games system of claim 7, wherein given content is adjusted each player in one group of player that correlated activation is provided.

9. the games system of claim 8, wherein correlated activation is that one or more matches or colony participate in recreation.

10. the games system of claim 8, wherein given content is adjusted the one or more players in one group of player that correlated results is provided.

11. the games system of claim 10, wherein correlated results is following one or more: (1) value; (2) modifiers; (3) reward the extraction inlet; (4) match inlet; (5) additional player follows the trail of and counts; (6) session is unexpected rewards; (7) many free or discounts are circled round or are activated; (8) award; (9) progression is rewarded; (10) retrigger that uses in the recreation; (11) the general-purpose symbol that uses in the recreation; (12) the anti-interrupter that uses in the recreation; (13) award or auxiliary game; (14) pushing hands of the rotating shaft of one or more runner recreation; (15) handle of the rotating shaft of one or more runner recreation; (16) dispersal pattern payment; (17) one or more additional pay lines in the runner recreation; (18) get one or more other methods that runner is played; (19) one or more other methods of triggering auxiliary game; (20) one or more sales promotion that can use; (21) one or more investigation; (22) one or more non-redeemable credits or (23) their combination.

12. the games system of claim 1, wherein distance host can be operatively receives information from the primary games controller, and this information representation is when the quantity of first process one or more game device resources that first process is allowed to use during by generation on game device.

13. the games system of claim 12, wherein the game device resource is one or more CPU uses, storer use, graphics process use, network bandwidth use, sound card use, video card use, electricity usage, peripherals uses or their combination.

14. the games system of claim 12, wherein processor is come based on selecting when the quantity of first process one or more game device resources that first process is allowed to use during by generation on game device by further configuration:

A) first process that makes that sends to game device can be exported the instruction of first video image that comprises first content, data or their combination at least; Perhaps

B) send to the instruction, data or their combination that first process are exported at least comprise first video image of second content of game device.

15. the games system of claim 1, wherein distance host receives about being stored in the information that make up the relevant instruction of first process on the game device, data or their with current.

16. the games system of claim 15; Wherein processor is reduced the quantity that is sent to the data on the game device from distance host by further configuration, so that based on making up and select with the current relevant instruction of first process on the game device, data or they of being stored in:

A) first process is exported at least comprise instruction, data or their combination of first video image of first content; Perhaps

B) first process is exported at least comprise instruction, data or their combination of first video image of second content.

17. the games system of claim 1, wherein distance host is also stored and following relevant information:

A) send to the instruction, data or their combination that first process are exported at least comprise first video image of first content of game device; Perhaps

B) send to instruction, data or their combination that first process that making of game device produce is exported first video image that comprises second content at least on game device.

18. the games system of claim 17, wherein distance host also from game device be received in first or second content be shown the back for the request of the information relevant at game device with first content or second content, and send this information and give game device.

19. the games system of claim 1, wherein first process is also communicated by letter with the one or more peripherals that are connected to game device.

20. the games system of claim 1, wherein under distance host control, first process is also sent the characteristic that instruction activates the peripherals that is connected to game device.

21. the games system of claim 1, wherein the primary games controller allows first process, distance host or its combined reception information relevant with the activation of the characteristic of peripherals.

22. the games system of claim 21, wherein peripherals is selected from the group of being made up of touch panel sensor, card reader, cash inspecting machine, award equipment, mechanical button, wave point, ticket list reader or keyboard and Coin acceptor.

23. the games system of claim 1, wherein first process is also come output sound through the device that is connected to game device.

24. the games system of claim 1, wherein the primary games controller is further disposed at least one game resource of keeping watch on the use of first process and stops first process to use at least one game resource that surpasses some.

25. the games system of claim 1, wherein about the information of first state or second state with following one or more relevant: a) state of game device; B) based on the state of the recreation of making a bet; C) heeling condition; D) be connected to the activation of the peripherals of game device; E) player identification; F) quantity of the credit on the game device; Or g) its combination.

26. the games system of claim 1, wherein the primary games controller also allow to shift on game device can with credit notify this credit transfer to start via provide movable of interface process and to distance host.

27. the games system of claim 26, wherein this activity is the carrying out that is independent of the recreation that provides based on the recreation of making a bet.

28. a games system comprises:

Have the distance host of the processor that is configured to communicate by letter with game device, said game device comprises

Game interface and primary games controller;

Said game interface comprises a plurality of input equipments and at least one output device, is used to be presented at the result based on the recreation of making a bet who carries out on the said game device;

Said primary games controller is configured to:

A) first resource partitioning relevant with first game resource and second resource partitioning relevant with second game resource are provided, wherein first game resource comprises processor, storer and a part of game interface;

B) allow executive's interface process in first resource partitioning, wherein this interface process only is allowed to use first game resource;

C) receiving the permission distance host from distance host uses this part game interface so that the information of enhancement function to be provided through interface process;

D) allow in second resource partitioning, to carry out one or more game process that are used on game device, generating based on the recreation of making a bet;

E) stop interface process to use first game resource that surpasses quantity allotted;

F) communication session of foundation and distance host; This communication session starts distance host and sends and allow distance host to use the information of this part game interface through interface process, and sends message and limit to distance host explanation resource that can be used in external control that game device had and use that all are relevant with said resource;

Wherein, said processor also is configured to transmission information and gives said game device, and this information allows distance host to use this part game interface through the interface process of on said game device, carrying out.

29. the games system of claim 28, wherein the primary games controller is configured to stop interface process to use cpu cycle, storer, graphic process unit cycle, the network bandwidth, sound card use, video card use, electricity usage, peripherals above quantity allotted to use or its combination.

30. the games system of claim 28; During to the control of the device relevant with this part game interface, the primary games controller is also arbitrated the control to this device by further configuration to first game process of wherein confirming interface process and one or more game process when the primary games controller in request.

31. the games system of claim 28; Wherein through this part game interface output video content, audio content or its combination, wherein this information comprises instruction, data or its combination that supplies interface process to use to interface process according to the information that receives from distance host.

32. the games system of claim 31, wherein interface process changes response outputs to game interface as the function of time from the information of distance host reception video content, audio content or its combination.

33. the games system of claim 28, the function that wherein strengthens comprises following one or more: (1) shows and the relevant information of one or more player experience modes; (2) personalized audio and/or video content are provided on game device; (3) player can be played from what a plurality of abilities were played based on choosing based on the recreation of making a bet the recreation of making a bet; (4) make the player that the stake of one or more limits can be set; (5) player being played games rewards to obtain one or more progressions; (6) make the player can participate in competition game; (7) virtual A TM is provided on game device; (8) the virtual entertainment center is provided on game device; (9) the virtual lottery machine is provided on game device; (10) virtual change machine is provided on game device; (11) the fantasy sport match is provided on game device; (12) the virtual communication center is provided on game device; (13) virtual reception is provided on game device; (14) virtual automatic vending machine is provided on game device; (15) the virtual information booth is provided on game device; (16) make the player can customize one or more modes that are presented at the content on the display device; (17) make the player can customize one or more game interface modes; (18) make the player can add player's tracing system; (19) it is a plurality of based on the recreation of making a bet the player to be played simultaneously on game device; (20) make the player can visit personal settings on the game device; (21) player can be visited and accomplish product of events branch card; (22) make player's ability out match leader list; (23) make the player can select hobby to reward type and go to play, or (24) their combination.

34. the games system of claim 28, wherein the primary games controller also allow to shift on game device can with credit notify this credit transfer to start via provide movable of interface process and to distance host.

35. the games system of claim 28, wherein this activity is the carrying out that is independent of the recreation that provides based on the recreation of making a bet.

36. a games system comprises:

The distance host that operation is communicated by letter with game device;

Said game device comprises:

The main recreation that players bet can be operated;

At least one display device;

At least one input media;

At least one memory storage;

At least one is programmed and operates with display device, input media and memory storage and communicate by letter so that carries out the following native processor of operating with distance host:

(a) make the player can making a bet to main recreation;

(b) the main game result of the carrying out of the said main recreation of generation;

(c) the main game result that generation is provided is to the player;

(d) make the part of said display device show main the carrying out that plays;

(e) receive at least one from distance host the request of at least one Long-distance Control process is provided in a part of display device;

(f), then confirm the availability of at least one game device resource if receive the said request that said Long-distance Control process is provided;

(g) if said game device resource is available:

(i) accept to provide the request of said Long-distance Control process, and send message and limit to distance host explanation resource that can be used in external control that game device had and use that all are relevant with said resource; And

(ii) make distance host allow said a part of display device to show said Long-distance Control process, wherein said Long-distance Control process is shown with the carrying out of main recreation simultaneously; And

(h) if said game device resource is disabled, then refusal provides the request of said Long-distance Control process.

37. the games system of claim 36 wherein should be stored on the said memory storage in main recreation.

38. the games system of claim 36, wherein a plurality of main recreation are stored on the said memory storage.

39. the games system of claim 38, wherein said distance host indication native processor is selected a said main recreation.

40. the games system of claim 36, wherein main recreation is stored away from said game device.

41. the games system of claim 36, wherein the native processor data that are configured to transmit the main game result that expression generates are revised the Long-distance Control process to distance host and distance host based on the main game result of said generation.

42. the games system of claim 36, wherein the Long-distance Control process comprises and makes at least one service can offer the player.

43. the games system of claim 36, wherein said Long-distance Control process is configured to not influence the integrality that main recreation is carried out.

44. the games system of claim 36, wherein the Long-distance Control process comprises that at least one enhancement function that makes game device can offer the player.

45. the games system of claim 44, the function that wherein strengthens comprises following one or more: (1) shows and the relevant information of one or more player experience modes; (2) personalized audio and/or video content are provided on game device; (3) making the player from a plurality of available main recreation, choose main recreation plays; (4) make the player that the stake of one or more limits can be set; (5) player being played games rewards to obtain one or more progressions; (6) make the player can participate in competition game; (7) virtual A TM is provided on game device; (8) the virtual entertainment center is provided on game device; (9) the virtual lottery machine is provided on game device; (10) virtual change machine is provided on game device; (11) the fantasy sport match is provided on game device; (12) the virtual communication center is provided on game device; (13) virtual reception is provided on game device; (14) virtual automatic vending machine is provided on game device; (15) the virtual internet information kiosk is provided on game device; (16) make the player can customize one or more modes that are presented at the content on the display device; (17) make the player can customize one or more game device interface modes; (18) make the player can add player's tracing system; (19) make the player can on game device, play a plurality of main recreation simultaneously; (20) make the player can visit the personal settings on the game device; (21) player can be visited and accomplish product of events branch card; (22) make player's ability out match leader list; (23) make the player can select hobby to reward type and go to play (24) or its combination.

46. the games system of claim 36, wherein the Long-distance Control process comprises provides at least one result to the player.

47. the games system of claim 46, wherein at least one result is following one or more: (1) value; (2) modifiers; (3) reward the extraction inlet; (4) match inlet; (5) additional player follows the trail of and counts; (6) session is unexpected rewards; (7) the many free or discount of recreation is circled round or is activated; (8) award; (9) progression is rewarded; (10) retrigger that uses in the main recreation; (11) the general-purpose symbol that uses in the main recreation; (12) the anti-interrupter that uses in the main recreation; (13) award or auxiliary game; (14) pushing hands of the rotating shaft in one or more runner recreation; (15) handle of the rotating shaft in one or more runner recreation; (16) dispersal pattern payment; (17) one or more additional pay lines in the runner recreation; (18) get one or more other methods that runner is played; (19) one or more other methods of triggering auxiliary game; (20) one or more sales promotion that can use; (21) one or more investigation; (22) one or more non-redeemable credits or (23) their combination.

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