CA2484568A1 - Gaming device with serial connections - Google Patents
Gaming device with serial connections Download PDFInfo
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- CA2484568A1 CA2484568A1 CA002484568A CA2484568A CA2484568A1 CA 2484568 A1 CA2484568 A1 CA 2484568A1 CA 002484568 A CA002484568 A CA 002484568A CA 2484568 A CA2484568 A CA 2484568A CA 2484568 A1 CA2484568 A1 CA 2484568A1
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- peripheral
- gaming device
- switches
- cabinet
- microcontroller
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Abstract
A gaming device comprising a cabinet, a door, a game control unit, a printed circuit board and an input/output microcontroller. The door is hingedly connected to the cabinet. The game control unit is housed within the cabinet. The printed circuit board is mounted to the door and disposed inside the cabinet. The printed circuit board carries a plurality of light sources and a plurality of switches switchable between an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition. The input/output microcontroller, which performs many of the functions conventionally performed by the game control unit, is mounted to the printed circuit board and connected to the game control unit by a serial link. The microcontroller is coupled to the switches to inform the game control unit of the condition of each of the switches. The microcontroller is coupled to the light sources to turn the light sources on and off.
Description
' FIELD OF THE IN''E:~1TION
The present invention relates generally to gaming devices, and rraore particularly, to a configuration which reduces the wiring within the gaming device and increases the overall speed of the gaming device.
BACKGROUND OF TH>~INVENTION
FIGS. I and 2 depict a prior art configuration within a gaming device which, in this case, is a slot machine. The slot machine includes a cabinet 10 having a hinged door 12. A button panel 14 supporting a plurality of button assemblies 15 is mounted io to the door 12 below a rectangular opening 16 that exposes a video display 18 when the door 12 is closed (FIG. i). When the slot machine is operating, the video display 18 depicts a plurality of slot reels 20. To play the slot machine, a player places a wager and then "spins" the slot reels 20. In response to a winning combination appearing on an active pay lines) of the slot reels 20, the slot machine pays out a is monetary amount determined by a pay table listing the winning combination.
The button assemblies I S on the button panel I4 are electrically connected to a game control unit (not shown) inside ~ the belly of the slot machine by a plurality of electrical wires 22. A player may press various ones of the button assemblies IS to cause the game control unit to perform various fi~nctions, such as cash out, select pay w lines, display the pay table on the video display I8, enter a wager, and spin the reels.
Each button assembly 15 typically includes a variety of elements, such as a button, an actuator, a switch, and a light source. The acauator, switch, and light source are generally positioned beneath the button. The actuator is coupled to the button and disposed to actuate the switch in response to pressing the button. The light source is a positioned to illuminate the button.
The game control unit monitors the button assemblies 15 to determine whether the buttons have been actuated. In addition, the game control unit debounces the switches and refreshes the light sources in the .button assembly. The game control unit also determines the outcome of the slot machine and controls the video display.
3o Because the game control unit must perfomn a number ~of functions nearly simultaneously, the speed at which the game control unit performs these functions is limited.
The process for manufacturing the slot machine in FIGS. l and 2 includes the following sequence of steps: (1) the button assemblies 15 are individually mounted to ........ ~, ., "~ ,.,.~.. rv. a~ rdw .~ ~...~..m; ..~.». ._m....._ .
the button panel t~, (2) the electrical wires 2? are connected to appropriate ones of the button assemblies 15. (3) the button panel 14 is mounted to the door 12, and (4) the electrical wires 22 are fed through the belly of the slot machine and connected to the game control unit. Thus, the button panel 14., button assemblies 15, and electrical s wires 22 are built as a sub-assembly prior to mounting the button panel 14 to the door 12. This manufacturing technique has several drawbacks.
One drawback is that when the button panel 14 is mounted to the door 12, there is a significant possibility that one of the. electrical wires 22 will be pinched between the button panel 14 and the door 12. Another drawback is that the wire side to of the button assemblies 15 will become buried within the cluster of electrical wires 22 that are left under the button panel 14 (FIG. 2'). This makes it difficult for a service technician to access any of the button assemblies 15 for maintenance or servicing (e.g., replacing burnt-out Iight sources). Yet another drawback is that conversion of the slot machine to a different game requiring; a different button configuration is ts_. . .difficult. To perform such conversion, the original sub-assembly comprised of the button panel 14, the button assemblies 15, and the electrical wires 22 must be removed from the slot machine and replaced with a suitable new sub-assembly with the different button configuration. This requires a service technician to reach inside the slot machine and disconnect the original ele<;trical wires 22 from the game control zo unit, detach the button panel 14 from the door 12, mount the new sub-assembly to the door 12, and feed the electrical wires 22 through the belly of the slot machine for connection to the game control unit.
A cost-effective button panel assembly 'that facilitates future modifications is the subject of a Canadian Patent Application* (hereinafter "the *
application"), filed ~ June, 2000 (serial No. currently unassigned), assigned to~ the assignee of the present invention. and incorporated herein by reference. The * application discloses an embodiment wherein a printed circuit board is mounted to the door of a gams control unit. The inclusion of the printed circuit board solves many of the drawbacks outlined above; however, a plurality of wires remain within the gaming device connecting the button assetriblies so to the game control unit.
Accordingly, there is a need far a new design within the gaming device that overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings.
The present invention relates generally to gaming devices, and rraore particularly, to a configuration which reduces the wiring within the gaming device and increases the overall speed of the gaming device.
BACKGROUND OF TH>~INVENTION
FIGS. I and 2 depict a prior art configuration within a gaming device which, in this case, is a slot machine. The slot machine includes a cabinet 10 having a hinged door 12. A button panel 14 supporting a plurality of button assemblies 15 is mounted io to the door 12 below a rectangular opening 16 that exposes a video display 18 when the door 12 is closed (FIG. i). When the slot machine is operating, the video display 18 depicts a plurality of slot reels 20. To play the slot machine, a player places a wager and then "spins" the slot reels 20. In response to a winning combination appearing on an active pay lines) of the slot reels 20, the slot machine pays out a is monetary amount determined by a pay table listing the winning combination.
The button assemblies I S on the button panel I4 are electrically connected to a game control unit (not shown) inside ~ the belly of the slot machine by a plurality of electrical wires 22. A player may press various ones of the button assemblies IS to cause the game control unit to perform various fi~nctions, such as cash out, select pay w lines, display the pay table on the video display I8, enter a wager, and spin the reels.
Each button assembly 15 typically includes a variety of elements, such as a button, an actuator, a switch, and a light source. The acauator, switch, and light source are generally positioned beneath the button. The actuator is coupled to the button and disposed to actuate the switch in response to pressing the button. The light source is a positioned to illuminate the button.
The game control unit monitors the button assemblies 15 to determine whether the buttons have been actuated. In addition, the game control unit debounces the switches and refreshes the light sources in the .button assembly. The game control unit also determines the outcome of the slot machine and controls the video display.
3o Because the game control unit must perfomn a number ~of functions nearly simultaneously, the speed at which the game control unit performs these functions is limited.
The process for manufacturing the slot machine in FIGS. l and 2 includes the following sequence of steps: (1) the button assemblies 15 are individually mounted to ........ ~, ., "~ ,.,.~.. rv. a~ rdw .~ ~...~..m; ..~.». ._m....._ .
the button panel t~, (2) the electrical wires 2? are connected to appropriate ones of the button assemblies 15. (3) the button panel 14 is mounted to the door 12, and (4) the electrical wires 22 are fed through the belly of the slot machine and connected to the game control unit. Thus, the button panel 14., button assemblies 15, and electrical s wires 22 are built as a sub-assembly prior to mounting the button panel 14 to the door 12. This manufacturing technique has several drawbacks.
One drawback is that when the button panel 14 is mounted to the door 12, there is a significant possibility that one of the. electrical wires 22 will be pinched between the button panel 14 and the door 12. Another drawback is that the wire side to of the button assemblies 15 will become buried within the cluster of electrical wires 22 that are left under the button panel 14 (FIG. 2'). This makes it difficult for a service technician to access any of the button assemblies 15 for maintenance or servicing (e.g., replacing burnt-out Iight sources). Yet another drawback is that conversion of the slot machine to a different game requiring; a different button configuration is ts_. . .difficult. To perform such conversion, the original sub-assembly comprised of the button panel 14, the button assemblies 15, and the electrical wires 22 must be removed from the slot machine and replaced with a suitable new sub-assembly with the different button configuration. This requires a service technician to reach inside the slot machine and disconnect the original ele<;trical wires 22 from the game control zo unit, detach the button panel 14 from the door 12, mount the new sub-assembly to the door 12, and feed the electrical wires 22 through the belly of the slot machine for connection to the game control unit.
A cost-effective button panel assembly 'that facilitates future modifications is the subject of a Canadian Patent Application* (hereinafter "the *
application"), filed ~ June, 2000 (serial No. currently unassigned), assigned to~ the assignee of the present invention. and incorporated herein by reference. The * application discloses an embodiment wherein a printed circuit board is mounted to the door of a gams control unit. The inclusion of the printed circuit board solves many of the drawbacks outlined above; however, a plurality of wires remain within the gaming device connecting the button assetriblies so to the game control unit.
Accordingly, there is a need far a new design within the gaming device that overcomes the aforementioned shortcomings.
- SU1~L~I~RY OF THE I'~'''WTIOV
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a Qaming device comprises a game control unit, a printed circuit board and an input/output microcontroller. The printed circuit board carriEa a plurality of light sources an<i a s plurality of switches switchable between an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition. The input/output micracontroller is mounted to the printed circuit board.
Because the microcontroller performs many of the functions conventionally performed by the game control unit, the game control unit processes data quicker, thus increasing the speed of the overall game. The microcontroller is connected to the io game control unit by a serial link, thus reducing the wiring between the printed circuit board and the game control unit. The input/output microcontroller is coupled to the switches to inform the game control unit of the condition of each of the switches. The microcontroller is coupled to the light sources to turn the light sources on and off.
The above summary of the present invention is riot intended to represent each is embodiment, or every aspect of the present invention. This is the purpose of the figures and detailed description which follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF'T'HE DRAWINGS
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon zo reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a prior art gaming device; _ FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming device. of FTG. 1 with the door in the open position;
zs FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gaming device in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of a button panel system; and FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the gaming device of FIG. 3.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative 3o forms, a specif c embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular form described, but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a Qaming device comprises a game control unit, a printed circuit board and an input/output microcontroller. The printed circuit board carriEa a plurality of light sources an<i a s plurality of switches switchable between an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition. The input/output micracontroller is mounted to the printed circuit board.
Because the microcontroller performs many of the functions conventionally performed by the game control unit, the game control unit processes data quicker, thus increasing the speed of the overall game. The microcontroller is connected to the io game control unit by a serial link, thus reducing the wiring between the printed circuit board and the game control unit. The input/output microcontroller is coupled to the switches to inform the game control unit of the condition of each of the switches. The microcontroller is coupled to the light sources to turn the light sources on and off.
The above summary of the present invention is riot intended to represent each is embodiment, or every aspect of the present invention. This is the purpose of the figures and detailed description which follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF'T'HE DRAWINGS
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon zo reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a front view of a prior art gaming device; _ FIG. 2 is a front view of the gaming device. of FTG. 1 with the door in the open position;
zs FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gaming device in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of a button panel system; and FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the gaming device of FIG. 3.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative 3o forms, a specif c embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular form described, but, on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
___ .._ __..__.~., ~.~.~. ,. :~:,~~~.~__.R.~.__~....~.....~...__~...."~..~----___.._ __. ___._e__s...~__ _ _ DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE E1~TBODIMENTS
FIG. 3 depicts a gaming device 28 in accordance with the present invention.
The gaming device 28 may, for example, be a slot machine, a video lottery terminal, s or any other machine on which a player places a wager on a game of chance for an opportunity to win some sort of monetary or non-monetary prize. The illustrated gaming device 28 includes a cabinet 30 having a hinged door 32. The hinged door 32 includes a rectangular opening that exposes a video display 34 when the door is closed. When the gaming device 28 is operating, the video display 34 depicts a game co of chance, which may, for example, include a plurality of slot reels of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Beneath the video display 34 are a coin acceptor 3b and a bill acceptor 38 for receiving wagers. The gaming device 28 illuminates a light 40 in response to a win occurring on the game of chance and dispenses payouts resulting from the win to a coin tray 42 and a bill hopper 43. ~ Also, the light 40 may be is illuminated to indicate an error condition or a request for service. A
button paJnel . system 44 is mounted to the door 32 beneath the coin and bill acceptors 36 and 38.
FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the button panel system 44. The button panel system 44 includes a button panel assembly 45 and a printed circuit board assembly 47. The button panel assembly 45 includes a button panel 46 and actuator zo assemblies 50-58, while the printed circuit boa,sd assembly 47 includes a printed circuit board 48, switch assemblies 60-64, and an input/output (I/O) microcontroller 66. A serial link 70 extends from the UO microcontroller 66. The actuator assemblies 50-58 are assembled on the button panel 46, while the switch assemblies 60-64 are assembled on the printed circuit board 48.
is Each actuator assembly includes a lens 50, an actuator 52, a compression spring 54, a bezel 56, an optional plastic spacer 57, and a plastic nut 58.
When the button panel assembly 45 is assembled, the compression spring 54 is contained within the bezel SG between a lower shelf formed by the bezel 56 and an upper square portion of the actuator 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 52 includes the 3o upper square portion and three arms extending downward from the upper square portion. It is contemplated, however, that the actuator ~~ may nave vanvus vu~e~
forms, so long as the actuator 52 is capable of actuaxing the switch 64. When the button panel assembly 45 is assembled, the lens 50 is secured to the upper square portion of the actuator 52 and extends upward above the bezel 56. The lens 50 contains a printed label describing the function of the associated button and is the portion of the button pressed by a player to cause the gaming device 28 to perform that function. The lens 50 also serves to diffuse light emitted by a light source 60, which is one of the components of the switch assembly 60-64 connected to the printed s circuit board 48. The bezel 56 is inserted into a <:orrespondi.ng aperture formed by the button panel 46 and is secured to the button panel 46 by the nut 58, which is threadably engaged to a threaded outer surface of the bezel 56 below the spacer 57.
The spacer 57 may be located immediately beneath the button panel 46, as shown, or may alternatively be located immediately above the button panel 46 to raise the button to further above the button panel 46. To retain the actuator 52 within the actuator assembly 50-58 and thereby prevent removal thereof, the lowermost ends of the respective arms of the actuator 52 are fumed outward such that these ends abut a lowermost surface of the bezel 56 when the lens :50 has not been pressed.
Each switch assembly 60-64 includes a light source 60, a socket 62 and a is switch 64, Because the socket 62 and the switch 64 are soldered to the printed circuit board 48, these components are depicted in the drawings as already being attached to the printed circuit board 48. When the printed circuit board assembly 4"1 is assembled, the Iight source 60 is secured within the socket 62 which, in turn, is secured to the printed circuit board 48. Alt~iough the light source 60 is ~
shown 2o connected to the printed circuit board 48 by a socket 62, the light source 60 may be connected directly to the printed circuit board 48. The light source may be a lamp, a light-emitting diode, or another suitable source of light. The upper square portion of the actuator 52 forms an aperture to allow light from the light source 60 within the socket 62 to pass therethrough and illuminate the: lens S0. The switch 64 is secured to a the printed circuit board 48 at a location adjacent to the socket 62 and beneath one of the arms of ttie actuator 52. Although the switclx 64 is illustrated as a "pancake-t'~pe"
mechanical switch, it is contemplated that the switch 64 may take various other foams, such as a proximity switch or an optical switch.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the gaming device 28 of FIG. 3. The panning 3o device 28 comprises the printed circuit board 48, an input/output (I/O) microcontroller 66 and a game control unit 68. The game control unie 68 is housed within the cabinet 30. The printed circuit board is mounted to the door 32 of the gaming device 28, and is disposed inside the cabinet 30. The I/O niicr~ontroller 66 is mounted on the printed circuit board 48; and is connected to the; game control unit 68 by a serial link 70. T'he serial link 70 comprises a single cable, which replaces the plurality of wires 22 in conventional gaming devices. Examples of suitable serial links 70 are a universal serial bus, RS-232, RS-485 or Ethernet link.
The printed circuit board 48 carries the plurality of switches 64 and the s plurality of light sources 60. The switches 64 are switchable between an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition. The mticrocontroller 66 is coupled to t:he switches 64 by a logic circuit 72. The logic circuit 72 interacts with the UO
microcontroller 66, determines which switches 6'4 are in the actuated condition, and sends the information to the UFO microcontroller 66, which, in turn, informs the game io control unit 68 of the condition of each of the switches 64. The UO
microcontroller 66 is coupled to she light sources 60 by a drive. circuit 74. Although shown as a separate entity, the drive circuit 74 may also be part of the microcontroller 66., The microcontroller 66 determines which light sources 60 should be on, and in turn'signals the drive circuit 74 to illuminate the respective light sources 60. The logic circuit '72 is and the drive circuit 74 are mounted on the printed circuit board 48.
The UO microcontroller 66 performs many of the functions conventionally performed by the game control unit 68. For example, the UO microcontroller 66 continuously scans each of the switches 64 to determine whether each switch 64 is in the actuated or non-actuated condition. Tn addition, the UO microcontroller 66 zo debounces each switch 64 to filter the transient noise from the switching signal before it reaches steady state. Finally, the microcontroller 66 continuously refreshes the light sources 60 via the drive circuit 74 to make it appear, to the naked eye, as though the light sources 60 are always illuminated. When ~~the game control unit 68 needs to determine the configuration and function of the switches 64, rather than scanning each is of the switches.64, it merely acquires this information from the UO
microcontroller 66, thus simplifying game setup. The printed circuit board 48 may include a plurality of jumpers or dip switches (not shown) for identifying the printed circuit board configuration and functions to the microcontroller 66. Further, under the direction of the game control unit 68, the UO microcontroller 66 performs diagnostic tests on the ~o printed circuit board 48 to assist ~ in troubleshoadng and ensure proper operation during start-up.
The game control unit 68 is the main controller of the gaming device 28.
Accordingly, the game control unit 68 determines the outcome of the gaming devi<:e 28, and, thus, ultimately controls the video display 34. The inclusion of the I/~
_7_ microcontroller 66 removes the need for the ga~rne control unit 68 to perform the aforementioned functions now performed by the microcontroller 66, thereby allowing the game control unit 68 to process data quicker and increase the speed of the overall game.
s Providing a serial link ?0 between the I/~~ microcontroller 66 and the game control unit 68 reduces the amount of wiring between the button panel assembly and the game control unit 68. This reduces the cost to manufacture the gaming device 28, improves the reliability of the gaming device 28, and facilitates future modifications.to the button panel assembly 44. Examples of suitable microcontrollers io for the present invention are Cypress Univ~:rsal Serial Bus microcontrollers, manufactured by Cypress Semiconductor Corp.., and C541U Family Multipurpose Microcontroller with On-Chip USB Module, rr~anufactured by Siemens AG. ST
Microelectronics also manufactures suitable microcontrollers for the present invention.
a While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following 29 Cla.ImS.
_g_
FIG. 3 depicts a gaming device 28 in accordance with the present invention.
The gaming device 28 may, for example, be a slot machine, a video lottery terminal, s or any other machine on which a player places a wager on a game of chance for an opportunity to win some sort of monetary or non-monetary prize. The illustrated gaming device 28 includes a cabinet 30 having a hinged door 32. The hinged door 32 includes a rectangular opening that exposes a video display 34 when the door is closed. When the gaming device 28 is operating, the video display 34 depicts a game co of chance, which may, for example, include a plurality of slot reels of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Beneath the video display 34 are a coin acceptor 3b and a bill acceptor 38 for receiving wagers. The gaming device 28 illuminates a light 40 in response to a win occurring on the game of chance and dispenses payouts resulting from the win to a coin tray 42 and a bill hopper 43. ~ Also, the light 40 may be is illuminated to indicate an error condition or a request for service. A
button paJnel . system 44 is mounted to the door 32 beneath the coin and bill acceptors 36 and 38.
FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the button panel system 44. The button panel system 44 includes a button panel assembly 45 and a printed circuit board assembly 47. The button panel assembly 45 includes a button panel 46 and actuator zo assemblies 50-58, while the printed circuit boa,sd assembly 47 includes a printed circuit board 48, switch assemblies 60-64, and an input/output (I/O) microcontroller 66. A serial link 70 extends from the UO microcontroller 66. The actuator assemblies 50-58 are assembled on the button panel 46, while the switch assemblies 60-64 are assembled on the printed circuit board 48.
is Each actuator assembly includes a lens 50, an actuator 52, a compression spring 54, a bezel 56, an optional plastic spacer 57, and a plastic nut 58.
When the button panel assembly 45 is assembled, the compression spring 54 is contained within the bezel SG between a lower shelf formed by the bezel 56 and an upper square portion of the actuator 52. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 52 includes the 3o upper square portion and three arms extending downward from the upper square portion. It is contemplated, however, that the actuator ~~ may nave vanvus vu~e~
forms, so long as the actuator 52 is capable of actuaxing the switch 64. When the button panel assembly 45 is assembled, the lens 50 is secured to the upper square portion of the actuator 52 and extends upward above the bezel 56. The lens 50 contains a printed label describing the function of the associated button and is the portion of the button pressed by a player to cause the gaming device 28 to perform that function. The lens 50 also serves to diffuse light emitted by a light source 60, which is one of the components of the switch assembly 60-64 connected to the printed s circuit board 48. The bezel 56 is inserted into a <:orrespondi.ng aperture formed by the button panel 46 and is secured to the button panel 46 by the nut 58, which is threadably engaged to a threaded outer surface of the bezel 56 below the spacer 57.
The spacer 57 may be located immediately beneath the button panel 46, as shown, or may alternatively be located immediately above the button panel 46 to raise the button to further above the button panel 46. To retain the actuator 52 within the actuator assembly 50-58 and thereby prevent removal thereof, the lowermost ends of the respective arms of the actuator 52 are fumed outward such that these ends abut a lowermost surface of the bezel 56 when the lens :50 has not been pressed.
Each switch assembly 60-64 includes a light source 60, a socket 62 and a is switch 64, Because the socket 62 and the switch 64 are soldered to the printed circuit board 48, these components are depicted in the drawings as already being attached to the printed circuit board 48. When the printed circuit board assembly 4"1 is assembled, the Iight source 60 is secured within the socket 62 which, in turn, is secured to the printed circuit board 48. Alt~iough the light source 60 is ~
shown 2o connected to the printed circuit board 48 by a socket 62, the light source 60 may be connected directly to the printed circuit board 48. The light source may be a lamp, a light-emitting diode, or another suitable source of light. The upper square portion of the actuator 52 forms an aperture to allow light from the light source 60 within the socket 62 to pass therethrough and illuminate the: lens S0. The switch 64 is secured to a the printed circuit board 48 at a location adjacent to the socket 62 and beneath one of the arms of ttie actuator 52. Although the switclx 64 is illustrated as a "pancake-t'~pe"
mechanical switch, it is contemplated that the switch 64 may take various other foams, such as a proximity switch or an optical switch.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the gaming device 28 of FIG. 3. The panning 3o device 28 comprises the printed circuit board 48, an input/output (I/O) microcontroller 66 and a game control unit 68. The game control unie 68 is housed within the cabinet 30. The printed circuit board is mounted to the door 32 of the gaming device 28, and is disposed inside the cabinet 30. The I/O niicr~ontroller 66 is mounted on the printed circuit board 48; and is connected to the; game control unit 68 by a serial link 70. T'he serial link 70 comprises a single cable, which replaces the plurality of wires 22 in conventional gaming devices. Examples of suitable serial links 70 are a universal serial bus, RS-232, RS-485 or Ethernet link.
The printed circuit board 48 carries the plurality of switches 64 and the s plurality of light sources 60. The switches 64 are switchable between an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition. The mticrocontroller 66 is coupled to t:he switches 64 by a logic circuit 72. The logic circuit 72 interacts with the UO
microcontroller 66, determines which switches 6'4 are in the actuated condition, and sends the information to the UFO microcontroller 66, which, in turn, informs the game io control unit 68 of the condition of each of the switches 64. The UO
microcontroller 66 is coupled to she light sources 60 by a drive. circuit 74. Although shown as a separate entity, the drive circuit 74 may also be part of the microcontroller 66., The microcontroller 66 determines which light sources 60 should be on, and in turn'signals the drive circuit 74 to illuminate the respective light sources 60. The logic circuit '72 is and the drive circuit 74 are mounted on the printed circuit board 48.
The UO microcontroller 66 performs many of the functions conventionally performed by the game control unit 68. For example, the UO microcontroller 66 continuously scans each of the switches 64 to determine whether each switch 64 is in the actuated or non-actuated condition. Tn addition, the UO microcontroller 66 zo debounces each switch 64 to filter the transient noise from the switching signal before it reaches steady state. Finally, the microcontroller 66 continuously refreshes the light sources 60 via the drive circuit 74 to make it appear, to the naked eye, as though the light sources 60 are always illuminated. When ~~the game control unit 68 needs to determine the configuration and function of the switches 64, rather than scanning each is of the switches.64, it merely acquires this information from the UO
microcontroller 66, thus simplifying game setup. The printed circuit board 48 may include a plurality of jumpers or dip switches (not shown) for identifying the printed circuit board configuration and functions to the microcontroller 66. Further, under the direction of the game control unit 68, the UO microcontroller 66 performs diagnostic tests on the ~o printed circuit board 48 to assist ~ in troubleshoadng and ensure proper operation during start-up.
The game control unit 68 is the main controller of the gaming device 28.
Accordingly, the game control unit 68 determines the outcome of the gaming devi<:e 28, and, thus, ultimately controls the video display 34. The inclusion of the I/~
_7_ microcontroller 66 removes the need for the ga~rne control unit 68 to perform the aforementioned functions now performed by the microcontroller 66, thereby allowing the game control unit 68 to process data quicker and increase the speed of the overall game.
s Providing a serial link ?0 between the I/~~ microcontroller 66 and the game control unit 68 reduces the amount of wiring between the button panel assembly and the game control unit 68. This reduces the cost to manufacture the gaming device 28, improves the reliability of the gaming device 28, and facilitates future modifications.to the button panel assembly 44. Examples of suitable microcontrollers io for the present invention are Cypress Univ~:rsal Serial Bus microcontrollers, manufactured by Cypress Semiconductor Corp.., and C541U Family Multipurpose Microcontroller with On-Chip USB Module, rr~anufactured by Siemens AG. ST
Microelectronics also manufactures suitable microcontrollers for the present invention.
a While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following 29 Cla.ImS.
_g_
Claims (45)
1. A gaming device comprising:
a game control unit;
a printed circuit board carrying a plurality of switches switchable between an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition; and an input/output microcontroller mounted to said printed circuit board and connected to said game control unit by a serial link, said microcontroller being coupled to said switches to inform said game control unit of the condition of each of said switches.
a game control unit;
a printed circuit board carrying a plurality of switches switchable between an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition; and an input/output microcontroller mounted to said printed circuit board and connected to said game control unit by a serial link, said microcontroller being coupled to said switches to inform said game control unit of the condition of each of said switches.
2. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein said serial link comprises a universal serial bus, RS-232, RS-485 or Ethernet link.
3. The gaming device of claim 1, further comprising:
a button panel mounted in proximity to said printed circuit board;
a plurality of buttons mounted to said button panel; and a plurality of actuators coupled to said respective buttons and disposed to actuate said respective switches in response to pressing said respective buttons.
a button panel mounted in proximity to said printed circuit board;
a plurality of buttons mounted to said button panel; and a plurality of actuators coupled to said respective buttons and disposed to actuate said respective switches in response to pressing said respective buttons.
4. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein said microcontroller scans said switches to determine whether each of said switches is in the actuated or non-actuated condition.
5. The gaming device of claim 1, wherein said microcontroller debounces said switches.
6. The gaming device of claim 1, further comprising:
a light source mounted on said printed circuit board, wherein said microcontroller determines when to illuminate said light source.
a light source mounted on said printed circuit board, wherein said microcontroller determines when to illuminate said light source.
7. The gaming device of claim 6, wherein said microcontroller refreshes said light source.
8. A gaming device comprising:
a cabinet;
a door hingedly connected to said cabinet;
a game control unit housed within said cabinet;
a printed circuit board mounted to said door and disposed inside said cabinet, said printed circuit board carrying a plurality of light sources and a plurality of switches switchable between an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition; and an input/output microcontroller mounted to said printed circuit board and connected to said game control unit by a serial link, said microcontroller being coupled to said switches to inform said game control unit of the condition of each of said switches, said microcontroller being coupled to said light sources to turn said light sources on and off.
a cabinet;
a door hingedly connected to said cabinet;
a game control unit housed within said cabinet;
a printed circuit board mounted to said door and disposed inside said cabinet, said printed circuit board carrying a plurality of light sources and a plurality of switches switchable between an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition; and an input/output microcontroller mounted to said printed circuit board and connected to said game control unit by a serial link, said microcontroller being coupled to said switches to inform said game control unit of the condition of each of said switches, said microcontroller being coupled to said light sources to turn said light sources on and off.
9. The gaming device of claim 8, wherein said serial link comprises a universal serial bus, RS-232, RS-485 or Ethernet link.
10. The gaming device of claim 8, further comprising:
a button panel mounted to said door in proximity to said printed circuit board;
a plurality of buttons mounted to said button panel; and a plurality of actuators coupled to said respective buttons and disposed to actuate said respective switches in response to pressing said respective buttons.
a button panel mounted to said door in proximity to said printed circuit board;
a plurality of buttons mounted to said button panel; and a plurality of actuators coupled to said respective buttons and disposed to actuate said respective switches in response to pressing said respective buttons.
11. The gaming device of claim 8, wherein said microcontroller scans said switches to determine whether each of said switches is in the actuated or non-actuated condition.
12. The gaming device of claim 8, wherein said microcontroller debounces said switches.
13. The gaming device of claim 8, wherein said microcontroller refreshes said light sources.
14. A gaming device comprising:
a cabinet;
a door hingedly connected to said cabinet;
a game control unit housed within said cabinet;
a printed circuit board mounted to said door and disposed inside said cabinet, said printed circuit board carrying a plurality of light sources and a plurality of switches switchable between an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition; and microprocessor means for scanning and debouncing said switches, informing said game control unit of the condition of each of said switches, turning said light sources on and off, and refreshing said light sources, said microprocessor means being mounted to said printed circuit board and connected to said game control unit by a serial link.
a cabinet;
a door hingedly connected to said cabinet;
a game control unit housed within said cabinet;
a printed circuit board mounted to said door and disposed inside said cabinet, said printed circuit board carrying a plurality of light sources and a plurality of switches switchable between an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition; and microprocessor means for scanning and debouncing said switches, informing said game control unit of the condition of each of said switches, turning said light sources on and off, and refreshing said light sources, said microprocessor means being mounted to said printed circuit board and connected to said game control unit by a serial link.
15. A gaming device, comprising:
a main controller for determining an outcome of a wagering game;
a peripheral device; and a peripheral controller coupled to the main controller via a standard communications link and directly controlling the peripheral device.
a main controller for determining an outcome of a wagering game;
a peripheral device; and a peripheral controller coupled to the main controller via a standard communications link and directly controlling the peripheral device.
16. The gaming device of claim 15, wherein the peripheral device includes one or more switch assemblies.
17. The gaming device of claim 16, wherein each switch assembly includes a switch and a light source.
18. The gaming device of claim 17, wherein the switch is switchable between an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition, the peripheral controller scanning and debouncing each switch, informing the main controller of the condition of each switch, turning each light source on and off, and refreshing each light source.
19. The gaming device of claim 15, wherein the peripheral controller includes an input/output microcontroller.
20. The gaming device of claim 15, wherein the standard communications link is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) link.
21. The gaming device of claim 15, wherein the peripheral controller is configured to receive high-level instructions from the main controller that do not specify precise control of the peripheral device, and wherein the peripheral controller provides low-level instructions precisely controlling the operation of the peripheral device.
22. The gaming device of claim 15, wherein the standard communications link includes a serial link.
23. The gaming device of claim 15, further including a drive circuit, the peripheral controller being coupled to the peripheral device via the drive circuit.
24. The gaming device of claim 15, further including a logic circuit, the peripheral controller being coupled to the peripheral device via the logic circuit.
25. A peripheral for a gaming device comprising:
a peripheral device;
a peripheral controller that directly controls the peripheral device; and a standard communications connection for coupling the peripheral controller to a main controller.
a peripheral device;
a peripheral controller that directly controls the peripheral device; and a standard communications connection for coupling the peripheral controller to a main controller.
26. The peripheral of claim 25, wherein the main controller is for determining an outcome of a wagering game played on the gaming device.
27. The peripheral of claim 25, wherein the standard communications connection includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection.
28. The peripheral of claim 25, wherein the standard communications connection includes a serial connection.
29. The peripheral of claim 25, wherein the peripheral device, the peripheral controller, and the standard communications connection are assembled together in a peripheral assembly.
30. The peripheral of claim 25, wherein the peripheral controller is configured to receive high-level instructions from the main controller that do not specify precise control of the peripheral device, and wherein the peripheral controller provides low-level instructions precisely controlling the operation of the peripheral device.
31. The peripheral of claim 25, further including a drive circuit, the peripheral controller being coupled to the peripheral device via the drive circuit.
32. The peripheral of claim 25, further including a logic circuit, the peripheral controller being coupled to the peripheral device via the logic circuit.
33. A gaming device comprising:
a cabinet;
a door hingedly connected to the cabinet;
a display for displaying an outcome of a wagering game, the display being disposed within the cabinet;
a main controller for determining the outcome of the wagering game, the main controller being disposed within the cabinet;
a peripheral device disposed within the cabinet; and a peripheral controller disposed within the cabinet, the peripheral controller being coupled to the main controller via a standard communications link and directly controlling the peripheral device.
a cabinet;
a door hingedly connected to the cabinet;
a display for displaying an outcome of a wagering game, the display being disposed within the cabinet;
a main controller for determining the outcome of the wagering game, the main controller being disposed within the cabinet;
a peripheral device disposed within the cabinet; and a peripheral controller disposed within the cabinet, the peripheral controller being coupled to the main controller via a standard communications link and directly controlling the peripheral device.
34. The gaming device of claim 33, wherein the standard communications connection includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection.
35. The gaming device of claim 33, wherein the standard communications connection includes a serial connection.
36. A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game, comprising:
a cabinet;
a main controller within said cabinet for determining an outcome of said wagering game in response to receiving a wager, said main controller being disposed within said cabinet;
a display device for displaying said outcome; and a peripheral assembly disposed within said cabinet, said peripheral assembly including input/output devices and a peripheral controller, said peripheral controller being coupled to said main controller via a standard communications link and directly controlling said input/output devices.
a cabinet;
a main controller within said cabinet for determining an outcome of said wagering game in response to receiving a wager, said main controller being disposed within said cabinet;
a display device for displaying said outcome; and a peripheral assembly disposed within said cabinet, said peripheral assembly including input/output devices and a peripheral controller, said peripheral controller being coupled to said main controller via a standard communications link and directly controlling said input/output devices.
37. The gaming device of claim 36, wherein said peripheral controller includes a microcontroller.
38. The gaming device of claim 36, wherein said input/output devices include electromechanical components.
39. The gaming device of claim 38, wherein said electromechanical components include switches.
40. The gaming device of claim 36, wherein said input/output devices include lights.
41. The gaming device of claim 36, wherein said input/output devices include actuatable buttons.
42. The gaming device of claim 36, wherein said main controller sends diagnostic instructions to said peripheral controller, said peripheral controller performing diagnostic tests in response to receiving said diagnostic instructions.
43. The gaming device of claim 42, wherein said diagnostic tests are for detecting proper operation during start-up of said gaming machine.
44. The gaming device of claim 42, wherein said diagnostic tests are for troubleshooting errors in said gaming machine.
45. The gaming machine of claim 36, wherein said standard communications connection includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/368739 | 1999-08-05 | ||
| US09/368,739 US6117010A (en) | 1999-08-05 | 1999-08-05 | Gaming device with a serial connection |
| CA002311609A CA2311609C (en) | 1999-08-05 | 2000-06-14 | Gaming device with serial connections |
Related Parent Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002311609A Division CA2311609C (en) | 1999-08-05 | 2000-06-14 | Gaming device with serial connections |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2484568A1 true CA2484568A1 (en) | 2001-02-05 |
Family
ID=34081386
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002484568A Abandoned CA2484568A1 (en) | 1999-08-05 | 2000-06-14 | Gaming device with serial connections |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2484568A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7351147B2 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2008-04-01 | Igt | Standard peripheral communication |
| US7704147B2 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2010-04-27 | Igt | Download procedures for peripheral devices |
| US7819750B2 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2010-10-26 | Igt | USB software architecture in a gaming machine |
| US8371945B2 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2013-02-12 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited | Gaming machine and a network of gaming machines |
-
2000
- 2000-06-14 CA CA002484568A patent/CA2484568A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7351147B2 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2008-04-01 | Igt | Standard peripheral communication |
| US7704147B2 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2010-04-27 | Igt | Download procedures for peripheral devices |
| US7819750B2 (en) | 1999-10-06 | 2010-10-26 | Igt | USB software architecture in a gaming machine |
| US8371945B2 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2013-02-12 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited | Gaming machine and a network of gaming machines |
| US8702524B2 (en) | 2007-12-18 | 2014-04-22 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited | Gaming machine and a network of gaming machines |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |