Patent US726868A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6443839B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Standard peripheral communications
Assignee: International Game Technology
•
Filing: 2001-03-26
•
Granted: 2002-09-03
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Expires: 2021-03-26
Abstract
Abstract A disclosed gaming machine has a plurality of “gaming peripherals,” each communicating with a master gaming controller via a standard peripheral interface such as the USB (Universal Serial Bus). Further, the gaming peripherals employ a standard peripheral controller and one or more specialized “peripheral devices” (e.g., the actual lights, bill validators, ticket printers, etc. that perform the specific functions of the gaming peripherals). Much of the hardware associated with the peripheral controller is identical from one gaming peripheral to the next. Only a portion of the peripheral controller hardware is specific to the different types of gaming peripherals.
Inventors
- 👤 James Stockdale
- 👤 Steven G. LeMay
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 07:37
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/32; G07F17/3202
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 76
Claim 1
Independent Claim
222 words
A gaming machine comprising: a master gaming controller that controls one or more games played on the gaming machine; a mother board connected to the master gaming controller, said mother board comprising: a root expansion hub containing a plurality of communications ports designed to connect to a peripheral communications connection; a plurality of gaming peripherals coupled to the gaming machine and in communication with the master gaming controller via communication ports in the root expansion hub, each of the plurality of gaming peripherals comprising: the peripheral communications connection, one or more peripheral devices specific to each gaming peripheral, and a peripheral controller designed or configured to control the one or more peripheral devices, the peripheral controller including (i) a control microprocessor, separate from the master gaming controller, designed or configured to control communication with the master gaming controller over the peripheral communications connection using a communication protocol, and (ii) a peripheral interface that directly connects to the one or more peripheral devices and is specific to the individual gaming peripheral; wherein the master gaming controller and each of the plurality of gaming peripherals communicate using the same communication protocol and wherein the mother board is configured to allow additional gaming peripherals to be connected to the master gaming controller via the root expansion hub without requiring that the mother board be rewired.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
222 words
A gaming machine comprising: a master gaming controller that controls one or more games played on the gaming machine; a mother board connected to the master gaming controller, said mother board comprising: a root expansion hub containing a plurality of communications ports designed to connect to a peripheral communications connection; a plurality of gaming peripherals coupled to the gaming machine and in communication with the master gaming controller via communication ports in the root expansion hub, each of the plurality of gaming peripherals comprising: the peripheral communications connection, one or more peripheral devices specific to each gaming peripheral, and a peripheral controller designed or configured to control the one or more peripheral devices, the peripheral controller including (i) a control microprocessor, separate from the master gaming controller, designed or configured to control communication with the master gaming controller over the peripheral communications connection using a communication protocol, and (ii) a peripheral interface that directly connects to the one or more peripheral devices and is specific to the individual gaming peripheral; wherein the master gaming controller and each of the plurality of gaming peripherals communicate using the same communication protocol and wherein the mother board is configured to allow additional gaming peripherals to be connected to the master gaming controller via the root expansion hub without requiring that the mother board be rewired.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The gaming machine of claim 1 , further comprising a mother board including an acceptor for the master gaming controller.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The gaming machine of claim 2 , wherein the acceptor is configured to allow the master gaming controller to be removed from the mother board without requiring disconnection of the gaming peripherals from the root expansion hub.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The gaming machine of claim 2 , wherein at least one of the communications ports is a secure port, having a level of security exceeding that of other communication ports on the root expansion hub.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The gaming machine of claim 4 , wherein the master gaming controller is configured to require that a specified gaming peripheral be connected only through the secure port.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The gaming machine of claim 4 , wherein the secure port is secured by one or more doors, locks, sensors, evidence tapes, and combinations thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
56 words
The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein the gaming machine includes a plurality of hubs, each containing a plurality of communications ports for connecting to the plurality of gaming peripherals, and wherein at least one of the hubs is a secure hub, having a level of security exceeding that of one or more other hubs.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The gaming machine of claim 7 , wherein the master gaming controller is configured to require that a specified gaming peripheral be connected only through the secure hub.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The gaming machine of claim 7 , wherein the secure hub is secured by one or more door locks, sensors, evidence tapes, and combinations thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The gaming machine of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of hubs are USB hubs.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein the gaming machine is a mechanical slot machine, a video slot machine, a keno game, a lottery game, or a video poker game.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein the master gaming controller includes a memory storing software for a device identification protocol for at least some of the gaming peripherals.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein the master gaming controller includes a memory storing one or more device drivers for at least some of the gaming peripherals.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein the master gaming controller includes a memory storing software for the communication protocol that allows communication with each of the gaming peripherals.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein the same communication protocol used by the master gaming controller and the gaming peripherals is at least one of a USB communication protocol and a IEEE 1394 communication protocol.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
38 words
The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein the master gaming controller includes a memory storing software for encrypting, decrypting, or encrypting and decrypting communications between the master gaming controller and at least one of the gaming peripherals.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
60 words
The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein the master gaming controller is configured to communicate high-level instructions that do not specify precise control of the peripheral devices of one of the gaming peripherals, and wherein the peripheral controller of the one gaming peripheral provides low-level instructions precisely controlling the operation of its peripheral devices and following the high-level instructions.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
39 words
The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral controller includes a non-volatile memory arranged to store at least one of a) configuration parameters specific to the individual gaming peripheral and b) state history information of the peripheral.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
32 words
The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral controller includes a power converter arranged to convert a voltage coming from the gaming machine to voltages used by the gaming peripheral.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
46 words
The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein the one or more peripheral devices are selected from a group consisting of lights, printers, coin hoppers, bill validators, ticket readers, card readers, key pads, button panels, display screens, speakers, information panels, motors, mass storage devices and solenoids.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
59 words
The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein the master gaming controller is configured to communicate with a second plurality of gaming peripherals connected through hubs in the form of a daisy chain wherein at least one of the hubs is connected to the root expansion hub on the mother board which is connected to the master gaming controller.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
28 words
The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of gaming peripherals further comprises a communications huo including a plurality of communication ports.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
33 words
The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the peripheral communication connections is at least one of a USB compatible communication connection and a IEEE 1394 compatible communication connection.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
172 words
A gaming machine comprising: a master gaming controller that controls one or more games played on the gaming machine; and a plurality of gaming peripherals coupled to the gaming machine and in communication with the master gaming controller, said gaming peripheral comprising: a peripheral communications connection compatible with a communication protocol, one or more peripheral devices, and a peripheral controller designed or configured to control the one or more peripheral devices, the peripheral controller including (i) a control microprocessor, separate from the master gaming controller, designed or configured to control communication with the master gaming controller over the peripheral communications connection using the communication protocol, and (ii) a peripheral interface that directly connects to the one or more peripheral devices wherein the master gaming controller is designed or configured to: a) to enumerate each of the peripheral devices in the one or more gaming peripherals, b) to load software drivers used to operate the enumerated peripheral devices and c) to communicate with each of the peripheral controllers using the same communication protocol.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
172 words
A gaming machine comprising: a master gaming controller that controls one or more games played on the gaming machine; and a plurality of gaming peripherals coupled to the gaming machine and in communication with the master gaming controller, said gaming peripheral comprising: a peripheral communications connection compatible with a communication protocol, one or more peripheral devices, and a peripheral controller designed or configured to control the one or more peripheral devices, the peripheral controller including (i) a control microprocessor, separate from the master gaming controller, designed or configured to control communication with the master gaming controller over the peripheral communications connection using the communication protocol, and (ii) a peripheral interface that directly connects to the one or more peripheral devices wherein the master gaming controller is designed or configured to: a) to enumerate each of the peripheral devices in the one or more gaming peripherals, b) to load software drivers used to operate the enumerated peripheral devices and c) to communicate with each of the peripheral controllers using the same communication protocol.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
38 words
The gaming machine of claim 24 , further comprising a mother board including an acceptor for the master gaming controller, a root expansion hub containing a plurality of communications ports for connecting to the plurality of gaming peripherals.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
37 words
The gaming machine of claim 25 , wherein the acceptor is configured to allow the master gaming controller to be removed from the mother board without requiring disconnection of the gaming peripherals from the root expansion hub.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
39 words
The gaming machine of claim 25 , wherein the mother board is configured to allow additional gaming peripherals to be connected to the master gaming controller via the root expansion hub without requiring that the mother board be rewired.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
32 words
The gaming machine of claim 25 , wherein at least one of the communications ports is a secure port, having a level of security exceeding that of other ports on the hub.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
28 words
The gaming machine of claim 28 , wherein the master gaming controller is configured to require that a specified gaming peripheral be connected only through the secure port.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
25 words
The gaming machine of claim 28 , wherein the secure port is secured by one or more doors, locks, sensors, evidence tapes, and combinations thereof.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
25 words
The gaming machine of claim 25 , wherein the communication ports are at least one of USB compatible communication ports and IEEE 1394 communication ports.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
56 words
The gaming machine of claim 24 , wherein the gaming machine includes a plurality of hubs, each containing a plurality of communications ports for connecting to the plurality of gaming peripherals, and wherein at least one of the hubs is a secure hub, having a level of security exceeding that of one or more other hubs.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
28 words
The gaming machine of claim 32 , wherein the master gaming controller is configured to require that a specified gaming peripheral be connected only through the secure hub.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
25 words
The gaming machine of claim 32 , wherein the secure hub is secured by one or more doors, locks, sensors, evidence tapes, and combinations thereof.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
The gaming machine of claim 32 , wherein the plurality of hubs are USB hubs.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
The gaming machine of claim 24 , wherein the gaming machine is a mechanical slot machine, a video slot machine, a keno game, a lottery game, or a video poker game.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
31 words
The gaming machine of claim 24 , wherein the master gaming controller includes a memory storing software for a standard device identification protocol for at least some of the gaming peripherals.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
29 words
The gaming machine of claim 24 , wherein the master gaming controller includes a memory storing one or more device drivers for at least some of the gaming peripherals.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
34 words
The gaming machine of claim 24 , wherein the master gaming controller includes a memory storing software for the communication protocol that allows communication with all the gaming peripherals via the peripheral communications connections.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
35 words
The gaming machine of claim 24 , wherein the same communication protocol used by the master gaming controller to communicate is at least one of a USB communication protocol and an IEEE 1394 communication protocol.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
38 words
The gaming machine of claim 24 , wherein the master gaming controller includes a memory storing software for encrypting, decrypting, or encrypting and decrypting communications between the master gaming controller and at least one of the gaming peripherals.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
60 words
The gaming machine of claim 24 , wherein the master gaming controller is configured to communicate high-level instructions that do not specify precise control of the peripheral devices of one of the gaming peripherals, and wherein the peripheral controller of the one gaming peripheral provides low-level instructions precisely controlling the operation of its peripheral devices and following the high-level instructions.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
39 words
The gaming machine of claim 24 , wherein the peripheral controller includes a non-volatile memory arranged to store at least one of a) configuration parameters specific to the individual gaming peripheral and b) state history information of the peripheral.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
32 words
The gaming machine of claim 24 , wherein the peripheral controller includes a power converter arranged to convert a voltage coming from the gaming machine to voltages used by the gaming peripheral.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
46 words
The gaming machine of claim 24 , wherein the one or more peripheral devices are selected from a group consisting of lights, printers, coin hoppers, bill validators, ticket readers, card readers, key pads, button panels, display screens, speakers, information panels, motors, mass storage devices and solenoids.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
64 words
The gaming machine of claim 24 , wherein the master gaming controller is configured to communicate with a plurality of gaming peripherals connected through hubs with the peripheral communication connections in the form of a daisy chain where at least one of the gaming peripherals is connected to the root expansion hub on the mother board which is connected to the master gaming controller.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
44 words
The gaming machine of claim 24 , wherein the gaming peripheral includes a communications hub including the peripheral communications connection for communicating with the master gaming controller and a plurality of communications ports for connecting to the plurality of devices within the gaming peripheral.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
The gaming machine of claim 24 , wherein the peripheral communication connections are at least one of USB compatible communication connections and IEEE 1394 compatible communication connections.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
39 words
The gaming machine of claim 24 , wherein the same communication protocol used by the master gaming controller to communicate with the peripheral controllers is at least one of a USB communication protocol and an IEEE 1394 communication protocol.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
149 words
A gaming machine comprising: a master gaming controller that controls one or more games played on the gaming machine and that communicates with a plurality of gaming peripherals using a USB communication protocol; and the plurality of gaming peripherals coupled to the gaming machine and in communication with the master gaming controller, each of the plurality of gaming peripherals comprising: a USB compatible communication connection, one or more peripheral devices specific to each gaming peripheral, and a peripheral controller designed or configured to control the one or more peripheral devices, the peripheral controller including (i) a control microprocessor, separate from the master gaming controller, designed or configured to control communication with the master gaming controller over the USB compatible communication connection using the USB communication protocol, and (ii) a peripheral interface that directly connects to the one or more peripheral devices and is specific to the individual gaming peripheral.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
149 words
A gaming machine comprising: a master gaming controller that controls one or more games played on the gaming machine and that communicates with a plurality of gaming peripherals using a USB communication protocol; and the plurality of gaming peripherals coupled to the gaming machine and in communication with the master gaming controller, each of the plurality of gaming peripherals comprising: a USB compatible communication connection, one or more peripheral devices specific to each gaming peripheral, and a peripheral controller designed or configured to control the one or more peripheral devices, the peripheral controller including (i) a control microprocessor, separate from the master gaming controller, designed or configured to control communication with the master gaming controller over the USB compatible communication connection using the USB communication protocol, and (ii) a peripheral interface that directly connects to the one or more peripheral devices and is specific to the individual gaming peripheral.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
38 words
The gaming machine of claim 50 , further comprising a mother board including an acceptor for the master gaming controller, a root expansion hub containing a plurality of communications ports for connecting to the plurality of gaming peripherals.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
The gaming machine of claim 51 , wherein a portion of the communication ports are USB compatible communication ports.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
37 words
The gaming machine of claim 51 , wherein the acceptor is configured to allow the master gaming controller to be removed from the mother board without requiring disconnection of the gaming peripherals from the root expansion hub.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
39 words
The gaming machine of claim 51 , wherein the mother board is configured to allow additional gaming peripherals to be connected to the master gaming controller via the root expansion hub without requiring that the mother board be rewired.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
32 words
The gaming machine of claim 51 , wherein at least one of the communications ports is a secure port, having a level of security exceeding that of other ports on the hub.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
28 words
The gaming machine of claim 55 , wherein the master gaming controller is configured to require that a specified gaming peripheral be connected only through the secure port.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
25 words
The gaming machine of claim 56 , wherein the secure port is secured by one or more doors, locks, sensors, evidence tapes, and combinations thereof.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
56 words
The gaming machine of claim 50 , wherein the gaming machine includes a plurality of hubs, each containing a plurality of communications ports for connecting to the plurality of gaming peripherals, and wherein at least one of the hubs is a secure hub, having a level of security exceeding that of one or more other hubs.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
28 words
The gaming machine of claim 58 , wherein the master gaming controller is configured to require that a specified gaming peripheral be connected only through the secure hub.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
25 words
The gaming machine of claim 58 , wherein the secure hub is secured by one or more doors, locks, sensors, evidence tapes, and combinations thereof.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
31 words
The gaming machine of claim 50 , wherein the gaming machine is a mechanical slot machine, a video slot machine, a keno game, a lottery game, or a video poker game.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
31 words
The gaming machine of claim 50 , wherein the master gaming controller includes a memory storing software for a standard device identification protocol for at least some of the gaming peripherals.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
29 words
The gaming machine of claim 50 , wherein the master gaming controller includes a memory storing one or more device drivers for at least some of the gaming peripherals.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
34 words
The gaming machine of claim 50 , wherein the master gaming controller includes a memory storing software for the communication protocol that allows communication with all the gaining peripherals via the peripheral communications connections.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
25 words
The gaming machine of claim 50 , wherein the same communication protocol used by the master gaming controller to communicate is a USB communication protocol.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
38 words
The gaming machine of claim 50 , wherein the master gaming controller includes a memory storing software for encrypting, decrypting, or encrypting and decrypting communications between the master gaming controller and at least one of the gaming peripherals.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
60 words
The gaming machine of claim 50 , wherein the master gaming controller is configured to communicate high-level instructions that do not specify precise control of the peripheral devices of one of the gaming peripherals, and wherein the peripheral controller of the one gaming peripheral provides low-level instructions precisely controlling the operation of its peripheral devices and following the high-level instructions.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
39 words
The gaming machine of claim 50 , wherein the peripheral controller includes a nonvolatile memory arranged to store at least one of a) configuration parameters specific to the individual gaming peripheral and b) state history information of the peripheral.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
32 words
The gaming machine of claim 50 , wherein the peripheral controller includes a power converter arranged to convert a voltage coming from the gaming machine to voltages used by the gaming peripheral.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
46 words
The gaming machine of claim 50 , wherein the one or more peripheral devices are selected from a group consisting of lights, printers, coin hoppers, bill validators, ticket readers, card readers, key pads, button panels, display screens, speakers, information panels, motors, mass storage devices and solenoids.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
64 words
The gaming machine of claim 50 , wherein the master gaming controller is configured to communicate with a plurality of gaming peripherals connected through hubs with the peripheral communication connections in the form of a daisy chain where at least one of the gaming peripherals is connected to the root expansion hub on the mother board which is connected to the master gaming controller.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
44 words
The gaming machine of claim 50 , wherein the gaming peripheral includes a communications hub including the peripheral communications connection for communicating with the master gaming controller and a plurality of communications ports for connecting to the plurality of devices within the gaming peripheral.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
25 words
The gaming machine of claim 1 , wherein the communication ports are at least one of USB compatible communication ports and IEEE 1394 communication ports.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-09-02 | 2006-03-04 | 2006-09-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-09-02 | 2010-03-04 | 2010-09-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-09-02 | 2014-03-04 | 2014-09-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |