WO2005059848A1 - A data management device within an electronic gaming device and a method for monitoring electronic gaming devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming devices (100a-100n) including respective data management devices (101a-101n) having a processor unit (102) for processing gaming data in the respective electronic gaming device (100a-100n) in response to a gaming sequence being performed using the electronic gaming device, a memory unit (103) for storing the gaming data generated in the electronic gaming device (100a-100n) and a communication device (104) for communicating gaming data with at least one other data management device, and a databus device (201) for connecting the plurality of data management devices (101a-101n) with each other by means of communication devices (104) provided in each of the electronic gaming devices (100a-100n) for exchanging gaming data between the data management devices (101a-101n).

Description

A DATA MANAGEMENT DEVICE WITHIN AN ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICE AND A METHOD FOR MONITORING ELECTRONIC GAMING DEVICES

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an electronic gaming device, and in particular to an electronic gaming system comprising a plurality of data management devices interconnected by means of a databus .

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

A typical electronic gaming device is preferably electronic in design and operation and has only a few or no electromechanical or mechanical parts for an operation. Furthermore, a typical gaming device can be cashless in operation and as such must accept electronic cards or tokens as wagers. An electronic gaming device may comprise an electronic token acceptor which is designed to accept designated tokens and reject others. All fund receivers of an electronic gaming device are designed such that a secure operation can be provided.

Preferably a computer connected to all electronic gaming devices of an electronic gaming system is provided to control and monitor specific electronic gaming devices connected to the computer and to receive data from the electronic gaming devices.

The electronic gaming devices of the present invention may comprise slot machines, a device interfacing card playing tables, roulette tables, dice tables etc. The electronic gaming system which comprises a plurality of electronic gaming devices interconnected by means of a databus can be a part of a casino system.

The publication wo 0 230 532 discloses a method operating a gaming device comprising at least one roulette basin having a roulette ball circulating therein, a sensor which is used to detect the movement of the ball, e.g. the speed or the duration of a revolution a simulation means for calculating two characteristic moments of the games from the movement data of the moment when the roulette ball falls past a specific place and the moment when the roulette ball comes to rest in a field, a generating means used to determine at least one winning value and/or a joker symbol once a signal is received from the simulation means, a gaming value sensor which is used to detect the play value of the roulette basin, a comparison means for comparing the play value with the winning value and/or joker symbol, and a control means which controls an optic and/or acoustic display in synchronization with the moments calculated by the simulation means and generates a signal corresponding to the result of the means of calculation. The corresponding method and a gaming device for carrying out that method are especially characterized in that the game becomes more attractive by synchronizing the display with the gaming process without forcing the player the change his or her gaming habits.

A further cash accounting and surveillance system for games is disclosed in the US-Patent 4,283,709. This publication describes a cash accounting and surveillance system for games whereby operation of a number of player operated gaming devices may be monitored for purposes of detecting abnormal operation and/or cheating and for providing automatic accounting information for record keeping and pilferage detection purposes. The system utilizes a node concept with each node having a non-volatile data storage capability and a communications capability for communicating with each of a plurality of gaming devices coupled to the node. The exemplary embodiment disclosed operates in conjunction with slot machines having mechanically rotatable reels and a microprocessor control system for randomizing the reel stopping payouts and other machine functions.

Commonly used electronic gaming devices are connected by a network, e.g. a computer network. The network connection provides many advantages such as the ability to gather a gaming data for acccunting from the individual gaming devices. Date collection systems are commonly known (e.g. described in the US-Patent 4,283,709) and provide an operator of an electronic gaming system with the capability to monitor the usage and payouts, collectively known as audit data. This audit data includes data related to the money (cash and cashless) played, the number of times the device has been played, the amount paid in raises, the number and type of the jackpots paid by the machine, the number of door openings, etc. The operator is able to compile an accounting report based on the audit data from each of the electronic gaming devices.

Another advantage of the connection of electronic gaming devices via a computer network is the usage of the audit data for marketing purposes. Marketing and management of electronic gaming devices is based on the provision of statistical data of specific electronic gaming devices, e.g. slot machines. Thus the data have to be collected in regular periods, have to be stored, processed and optionally displayed. If a network is provided, the operator can easily operate the operation of the specific electronic gaming devices from a remote location.

in order to implement jackpot gaming systems the electronic gaming devices have to be interconnected via a computer network to attract the players' interest. A relatively large number of different jackpot and bonus systems implemented requires a data management to handle and operate these systems.

For example, data used for the above mentioned purposes usually are generated in various acceptors and meters (e.g. coin acceptor, bill acceptor,...) whereas additional data are collected from door openings, hand payouts, jackpot payouts, display systems etc.

It is necessary that most of the data are collected, stored, processed and explored. This is why data have to be communicated from the location where they are generated to the location where they can be processed and have to be provided for the operator. Such a data management and communication require stable data management systems.

Fig. 3 illustrates a conventional electronic gaming system. A number n of electronic gaming devices 301a-301n are connected via a communication network device 309. Data from particular electronic gaming devices 301a-301n are transferred to and stored in a central database 304 which is usually provided twice. A floor server 401 is provided for connecting the central database 304 with the communication network device 309. A computer 308, e.g. a workstation for configuration purposes, is connected to the central database 304. The floor server 401 comprises a data concentrator for concentrating data which is usually provided twice and three operating servers 305, 306 and 307 serving, e.g. as an accounting server 305, a clearance server 306 and a journal server 307, respectively. Furthermore, a display controller 311 is connected to the communication network device 309 for displaying gaming data at a display device 310.

Each of the electronic gaming devices 301a-301n comprises an interface controller 302a-302n for communicating data to and from the communication network device 309. In the conventional electronic gaming system shown in Fig. 3 gaming data are forwarded to a central database 304. The electronic gaming devices 301a-301n each communicate with a casino operator via the interface controller 302a-302n, a control processor unit for the electronic gaming device a data concentrator and a propriety user interface to export the data.

It is thus a major disadvantage of a conventional electronic gaming system that at least three independent communication interfaces have to be provided, and that in case of total redundancy each communication interface has to be built up twice for each electronic gaming device, because each communication interface is to be regarded as a source of failure, in case of a breakdown of a singular commun cation interface device the data management system becomes instable. Thus, each single failure can destroy a secure communication between the operator and a specific electronic gaming device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide an electronic gaming system having reduced failure rates and performing an improved, stable operation.

This object is achieved by a data management device within an electronic gaming device of a network of interconnected data management devices of an electronic gaming system according to claim 1.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by an electronic gaming system according to claim 11.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for controlling and monitoring an electronic gaming device of a network of interconnected electronic gaming devices of an electronic gaming system according to claim 21.

Further advantages and embodiments are according to the dependent c aims.

An essential idea of the invention is to provide a data management device within an electronic gaming device having a processor unit for processing gaming data and a memory unit for storing gaming data, wherein a commun cation device for communicating gaming data with at least one other data management device included in the other electronic gaming device. It is thus an advantage of the present invention that gaming data of another electronic gaming device can be stored in the memory unit of the data management device by means of the processor unit, Furthermore, the processor unit for processing gaming data is adapted for processing gaming data stored in the memory unit, Thus, a data management system is advantageously simplified by storing gaming data not at a central database as in conventional electronic gaming systems but at each of the data management devices within the electronic gaming devices. Advantageously a data management is provided which permits identical data to be stored in the respective memory units of the electronic gaming devices interconnected in an electronic gaming system. Furthermore, it is preferred that the memory units of the data management devices are arranged such that gaming data can be multiply stored in the electronic gaming system.

A further advantage of the present invention is that a kind of "hopping" server function can be provided which means that all data management devices within the electronic gaming system are equal such that, if a server function cannot be provided due to failure or a removal of a specific data management device within the electronic gaming device, then another data management device within the other electronic gaming device provides the server function.

Furthermore, it is an advantage that gaming data is pi u rally provided in each of the data management devices within the electronic gaming devices to provide a n-times redundancy.

As the gaming data are stored within the electronic gaming system in each of the data management devices within the electronic gaming devices a central database is not required.

Furthermore, it is an advantage of the present invention that each data management device comprises an automatic protocol detection unit for the detection of different protocols which are typical for a manufacturer of an electronic gaming device. This results in the advantage that a data management device is capable of automatically exchanging data with any electronic gaming device. It is thus an advantage that a casino operator does not have to identify the specific protocol types provided by the electronic gaming devices.

Another advantage of the present invention is that gaming data are processed at the location of each electronic gaming device of the electronic gaming system. This means that data are processed at a location where they are generated. Thus, the operator can request data directly from a specific data management device and another data management device within the other electronic gaming device can request data from the specific data management device.

Gaming data do not have to be communicated to a central location for processing and thus do not have to be communicated back to the electronic gaming device resulting in reduced data rates in a databus device connecting the electronic gaming devices of the electronic gaming system. Due to reduced commun cation requirements less computing power is required.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that a redundancy is provided concerning the data storage of gaming data and that gaming data may be processed at the location of a specific data management device within the electronic gaming device. Furthermore it is an advantage that less communication interfaces have to be actuated when gaming data are transferred and/or stored. Furthermore, it is an advantage that a processing speed due to a combination of data management devices within electronic gaming devices may be increased.

The redundancy of the electronic gaming system is large, because the gaming data are stored in each of the data management device within the electronic gaming devices and transferred to the remaining data management devices. Thus, an electronic gaming device having a failure is prevented from becoming an obstacle to the whole electronic gaming system. Furthermore, it is an advantage of the invention that no additional propriety client software is necessary for processing the relevant gaming data. Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention that the automated transfer of relevant information from one data management device within the electronic gaming device to another may be provided. Furthermore, no multilayer communication path is required as only a single point communication between an data management device and an operator exists.

Furthermore, it is an advantage of the present invention that a simplified software maintenance is provided. Furthermore, an installation procedure may be performed in a simple manner as no server installation and no central database installation requiring separate setup and tuning implementations are necessary.

Moreover it is an advantage that an easy hardware maintenance due to a simple exchange of hardware components receiving configuration data automatically from another data management device within the other electronic gaming device connected to the network can be provided. Furthermore, it is preferred that the usage of an internet connection which allows an access to site data (casino/location data) can be provided.

The inventive electronic gaming system of a network of interconnected data management devices within the electronic gaming devices of an electronic gaming system comprises a processor unit for processing gaming data generated in the gaming device in response to the game being played using the electronic gaming device and a memory unit for storing gaming data generated in the gaming device, by means of the processor unit, wherein a communication device communicating game data with the correlating electronic gaming device and at least one other electronic game device of said electronic gaming system is provided, and wherein said gaming data of said other electronic gaming device are stored in the memory unit of the data management device within the electronic gaming device by means of the processor unit, and wherein the processor unit for processing gaming data, is adapted for processing gaming data stored in that memory unit.

According to an aspect of the present invention the gaming data comprise one or more of audit data, door opening data, payout data, jackpot payout data, cashflow data, number of games data, identification data, position related data, jackpot configuration data, site configuration data and system related data. The gaming data comprise static and/or dynamic data and/or other treated data wherein the static data include one or more of position related data, parameters of the electronic gaming device, denom nation data maximum-bet data, payout percentage data, serial numbers, game identification data, pay table identification data, bill country and game number data, whereas the dynamic data comprise one or more of site configuration data, jackpot configuration data and audit data.

According to another aspect of the present invention the communication device of the data management device within an electronic gaming device comprises an output unit for outputting gaming data to an external device, Preferably the external device is another electronic gaming device of a network of interconnected data management devices within electronic gaming devices of an electronic gaming system.

Furthermore, the communication device of the data management device within an electronic gaming device comprises an input unit for inputting control data and external data from the external device such that these data can be transferred to and stored in the memory unit by means of the processor unit. As gaming data are processed in a specific data management device within the electronic gaming device and external data from another data management device within the other electronic gaming device can be stored in the memory unit of the data management device within the electronic gaming device, the gaming data may be plurally stored in a series of data management devices within electronic gaming devices such that a redundancy of storing the relevant gaming data is provided. The communication device for communicating gaming data with at least one other data management device within the other electronic gaming device of the electronic gaming system can comprise serial interfaces for a connection to the electronic gaming device.

An electronic gaming system according to the present invention comprises a plurality of gaming devices each comprising a data management device, including a processor unit for processing gaming data generated in the respective electronic gaming device in response to a gaming sequence being performed using the electronic gaming device, a memory unit for storing gaming data generated in the gaming device, by means of the processor unit; and a communication device for communicating gaming data with at least one other data management device within the other electronic gaming device of said electronic gaming system, and a databus device for connecting the plurality of data management devices with each other by means of the communication devices provided in each of the data management devices within the electronic gaming devices for exchanging gaming data between said data management devices within the electronic gaming devices of said electronic gaming system.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention the memory units of the data management devices within electronic gaming devices are designed such that the data can be multiply stored in the electronic gaming system.

According to yet another aspect of the invention the databus device for connecting said plurality of data management devices by means of communication devices is provided as a one to many communication device, e.g. 100 BaseTBus

According to yet another aspect of the present invention the memory units of the data management devices within the electronic gaming devices are designed to store identical data. Preferably, the databus device is provided as an Ethernet connection.

It is preferred that an operator terminal is provided and connected to the databus device for controlling and monitoring one or more of the electronic gaming devices interconnected in an electronic gaming system.

Preferably, the electronic gaming devices of said electronic gaming system each include a human interface unit comprising a display unit for displaying gaming data, a player identification unit for gathering player related information, an input unit for communication purpose between the player and the electronic gaming system and other peripheral devices.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention the databus device for connecting the plurality of data management devices with each other by means of the communication devices provided in each of the electronic gaming devices is formed by an internet connection.

A method for controlling and monitoring an electronic gaming device of a network of interconnected data management devices within the electronic gaming devices of an electronic gaming system comprises the steps of processing gaming data generated in the electronic gaming device in response to a game sequence being formed using the gaming device by means of a processor unit provided in the data management device within the electronic gaming device; and storing of gaming data generated in the electronic gaming device in a memory unit provided in the data management device within the electronic gaming device, by means of the processor unit, wherein gaming data are communicated with at least one other data management device within the other electronic gaming device of the_^electronic gaming system by means of a communication device provided in the data management device within the electronic gaming device, wherein the gaming data of the other electronic gaming device are stored in the memory unit of the data management device by means of the processor unit, and wherein gaming data stored in said memory unit are processed by the processor unit of the data management device within the electronic gaming device. According to yet another aspect of the present invention statistical data are generated using the gaming data output from the plurality of electronic gaming devices.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention a data management is performed using the processor unit, the communication device and the memory unit of a data management device within an electronic gaming device such that gaming data stored in the memory units can be processed.

It is preferred that the data management comprises a protocol detection step for detecting protocols generated by the electronic gaming devices. More preferably the data management periodically synchronizes and/or updates the data stored in the memory units of the data management device within the electronic gaming devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention are depicted in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a data management device within an electronic gaming device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates an electronic gaming system comprising a plurality of data management devices within electronic gaming devices interconnected by means of a databus, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 3 shows a conventional electronic gaming system having electronic gaming devices.

Same reference numerals refer to same or similar elements or steps in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown.

Fig. 1 exhibits a schematic block diagram of an electronic gaming device 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The electronic gaming device 100 according to the present invention comprises a data management device 100, comprising a processing unit, a processor unit 102.

The processor unit 102 is connected to a memory unit 103 and optionally a human interface unit 107 comprising a display unit for displaying gaming data, a player identification unit for gathering player related information, an input unit for communication purpose between the player and the electronic gaming system and other peripheral devices. The processor unit

102 is adapted to store gaming data into the memory unit 103 and to read gaming data from the memory unit 103.

Furthermore, the processor unit 102 is connected to a communication device which is designed for communicating gaming data with at least one other data management device within the other electronic gaming device connected to an electronic gaming system. The data management device 101 within the electronic gaming device 100 is one of a network of interconnected data management devices lOla-lOln within electronic gaming devices lOOa-lOOn (to be described with reference to Fig. 2) of the electronic gaming system. The communication device 104 essentially consists of an output unit 105 for outputting gaming data to an external device, e.g. to another data management device lOla-lOln within the other electronic gaming devices 100a- lOOn of the electronic gaming system, and an input unit 106 for inputting control data and external data from the external device (e.g. from another data management device lOla-lOln) such that these data can be transferred to and stored in the memory unit

103 by means of the processor unit 102.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide serial or parallel interfaces for the connection of the communication device 104 and a corresponding electronic gaming device 100 and a one to many communication to the databus device 201 (Fig. 2). in a preferred embodiment of the present invention all data management devices lOla-lOln within electronic gaming devices lOOa-lOOn include a communication device 104 such that they are able to communicate via serial connections of some type using a protocol of some type typical for a brand of an electronic gaming device (e.g. a slot accounting system; SAS protocol). In the preferred embodiment the communication device 104 is located within the data management device (i.e. the slot machine interface board) which basically provides the interface between the electronic gaming device and the operator.

Fig. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of an electronic gaming system comprising a plurality of data management device lOla-lOln within electronic gaming devices lOOa-lOOn interconnected by means of a databus device 201. Furthermore, Fig. 2 shows an operator terminal 202 which is provided for an operator to control and monitor one or more of the electronic gaming devices lOOa-lOOn.

Furthermore, it is possible to provide an interface for the connection of the communication device 104 and a databus device 201 (Fig. 2). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention all electronic gaming devices lOOa-lOOn include data management device (i.e. the slot machine interface board) lOla-lOln, including a communication device 104 such that they are able to communicate with each other, in the preferred embodiment a data management device 101 is located within the electronic gaming device and basically provides the interface between the electronic gaining device and the operator.

Gaming data relevant to control, operate and to monitor the electronic gaming devices lOOa-lOOn are communicated to the specific communication device 104 of data management device 101a- lOln.

Gaming data from one electronic gaming device 100a thus may be transferred to one or more of the remaining data management devices lOlb-lOln within the remaining electronic gaming devices lOOb-lOOn via the communication devices 104. The respective processor unit 102 of a data management device is able to transfer external data from other data management devices 101b- lOln within other electronic gaming devices lOOb-lOOn to the memory unit 103 of the data management device 101a.

in a preferred embodiment of the present invention a data management system periodically synchronizes the data stored in the memory units 103 of the data management devices lOla-lOln in order to ensure that the data in the respective memory units 103 of the data management devices lOla-lOln have consistent data, preferably all the gaming data stored in one data management device 101a of one electronic gaming device 100a are transferred to all other data management devices lOlb-lOln in all other electronic gaming devices lOOb-lOOn.

The databus device 201 connecting the plurality of data management device lOla-lOln in the electronic gaming devices lOOa-lOOn by means of communication devices 104 may be provided as a one to many communication. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the databus device 201 as a lOOBaseTBus or as a one-to- many communication, e.g TCP/IP. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the databus device 201 as an Ethernet / or Internet connection.

The gaming data exchanged between the data management devices lOla-lOln within the electronic gaming devices lOOa-lOOn roughly can be divided into two different groups:

(i) static data; and

(ii) dynamic data.

The static data are data that are strictly correlated to the data management devices lOla-lOln of a respective electronic gaming device lOOa-lOOn. The static data cannot be changed and are not suited for data processing in another data management device lOla-lOln. Thus, the static data specifically correspond to one single data management device lOla-lOln.

The static data comprise: a) position identification data where a position identifier can be equivalent to an IP address of the data management device lOla-lOln. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the position identifier may be alphanumeric. Furthermore the position identifier can be a function of different groupings as there are e.g. bank, area, site name, game, etc. or a combination of these. Furthermore the position identifier can be the IP Address of the electronic gaming device in the network.

b) parameter data of an electronic gaming device lOOa-lOOn; these data are manually input into the data management device lOla-lOln. The electronic gaming device lOOa-lOOn does not provide any information about these data via a protocol. Examples for these data are inventory numbers, manufacturer names, model names, cabinett style, etc.;

and

c) automatic parameter data for electronic gaming devices 100a- lOOn; these data are communicated from the electronic gaming device automatically via a protocol. Examples for these data comprise denomination data defining -the relation between currency units and gaming units, maximum-bet data defining a possible maximum bet during a game sequence, payout percentage data, serial number data, game identification data, pay table identification data, bill country code data, data relating to the number of games implemented, etc.

The above mentioned dynamic data (ii) comprise data which are communicated from one electronic gaming device lOOa-lOOn to the data management device lOla-lOln and to the other data management devices lOla-lOln, these data being transferred by each communication device 104.

The dynamic data comprise:

a) site configuration data defining the characteristics of the site and operation characterist cs; for example, these data include a site name, a site short name, a day closing period, a clearance period, etc.;

b) jackpot configuration data including all data required to define jackpot systems, e.g, jackpot name data, jackpot type data, jackpot parameter data, etc.; and

c) audit data which are related to a respective gaming sequence performed at the electronic gaming device and which are related to in situ maintenance data. These data are generated by the specific electronic gaming devices 100a- lOOn. These data include, for example, the amount of funds (cash and cashless) being wagered, the number of times the electronic gaming device lOOa-lOOn has been used, the number and type of the jackpots played by the electronic gaming device, the number of door openings, etc.

In the following the procedure for exchanging data between the data management devices lOla-lOln via the databus device 201 will be described.

When an electronic gaming system with its respective data management devices lOla-lOln and its communication devices 104 is set up, the operator initially assigns identification data and configuration data to each each data management device lOla-lOln. These data comprise static data and an initial dynamic data. The operator utilizes a standard web browser to assign all required information to the respective data management devices lOla-lOln by the means of the communication devices 104.

The operator assigns static data comprising the position identification data of a specified data management device 101a- lOln at a specified location, in the electronic gaming system the position number (position identifier) of a data management device lOla-lOln including a communication device 104 can be used as the IP address of the data management device lOla-lOln. Furthermore, the user assigns the parameter data of the electronic gaming device. The automatic parameter data of the electronic gaming devices are communicated automatically by the electronic gaming devices 100a- lOOn to the respective data management device lOla-lOln via the respective communication devices 104. it is possible that different manufacturers of electronic gaming devices utilize different protocols for a communication. Therefore, the data management device 101 comprising the communication device 104 starts an automated scanning procedure with the purpose to identify the protocol of the electronic gaming device. The data management device 101 comprising the communication device 104 is capable of automatically identifying protocols of most of the relevant brands of electronic gaming devices lOOa-lOOn.

For assigning the initial dynamic data the operator connects a specific data management device lOla-lOln to the databus device 201. The identification of the communication device 104 of the data management device lOla-lOln to be connected is performed by entering the IP address and/or the position identification data.

The data management device 101 comprising the communication device 104 being automatically connected obtains a server function for a specific data set. This means that the data management device 101 having the server function transfers required data to any other data management device lOla-lOln if requested unless the server function is switched off due to a failure or due a removal of the specific data management device lOla-lOln or the specific electronic gaming device lOOa-lOOn. In this case a specified procedure starts to determine a new data management device 101 of another electronic gaming device 100a- lOOn for getting the server function to correlate the specific dataset .

During an operation of the electronic gaming devices lOOa-lOOn comprising the data management devices lOla-lOln connected by the databus device 201 audit data are related to the gaming sequence, i.e. meter readings, gaming data and jackpot data and furthermore are related to the maintenance of the electronic gaming device, e.g. door openings. Those data are communicated from the electronic gaming device to the communication device 104 of the data management device lOla-lOln via a protocol. Each data management device lOla-lOln processes, stores and transfers audit data in regular time intervals.

Furthermore, audit data may be transferred to the operator terminal 202 when requested. As the audit data are transferred to the databus device 201 it is possible to display relevant data at a display system preferably consisting of a data management device comprising a communication device and a display device (not shown) .

Furthermore, it is to be noted that data may be processed in each data management device lOla-lOln by means of a respective processor unit 102. Thus, the processor unit 102 is designed to handle various jackpot data as defined by the operator.

The electronic gaming system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprising a plurality of data management devices lOla-lOln within electronic gaming devices lOOa-lOOn permits gaming sequences to be performed using a jackpot system.

The data management device lOla-lOln within an electronic gaming device lOOa-lOOn of a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a processor board, Ethernet PHY and R345 Ethernet connector and a real time clock, a power supply connector, three connectors for serial communications, an I2C bus having connectors for I2C off-board connections and headers for on-board I2C devices which can also be used as an additional power supply for SPI expansions and connectors which are multiplexed with an I2C multiplexer chip to allow different speeds on different boards as well as to manage the capacitance issue of the I2C bus.

The following table 1 summarizes the specific connectors associated with a data management device 101.

Table 1

Connector

The usages of the specific connectors are as follows:

31 power :

power supply 5VDC .. 24VDC

32 network

Data management device to the databus device

33 - SM Interface:

this connector is either directly or indirectly, via back panel, connected to a CPU board of a respective electronic gaming device 101,

Levels: RS232

Current loop via external converter

protocols to be handled:

SAS

MS10

Grips

ASP

Parallel machine will be connected through an external parallel/serial converter, which will convert the parallel machine signals into SAS-protocol .

34 - General purpose serial iol:

All serial l/θs have the same type of connector and are on RS232- level Siol is provided for the following purposes

in-machine display serial return others

35 - General purpose serial 102:

Same as Siol SI02 can be used for the connection to any other devices

In machine display serial return others

36 - Main-Door:

On the data management device main board there is only one door connector (switch-over contact) to monitor the machine main door.

Any other doors will be connected to a door expansion module connected to any I2C port. This door expansion module may be in different variations to fulfill different levels of requirements on number of doors as well as on security of door surveillance.

such doors may be:

bill door logic door door connector on

top box

others

37 - Flash Memory:

Removable flash memory expansion for non volatile data storage. The flash memory is plugged directly on the data management device board.

38 - Expansion Interface for high speed 10:

With this high speed serial port additional modules for later expansion can be connected to realize the following:

Graphic display, card reader, keyboard sound (MP3)

39 - interface to Position-ID:

There are additional l2C-interfaces, with the same type of connector and same pin-out. These l2c-ports are interchangeable, whereby the first one is by default assigned for the connection to the Position Identification (PID) module. On the PID-module the Position-ID is written during setup of the machine base. Also on the PID-module it is possible to connect the cashbox door switch.

310 - Optional nputs/outputs via I2C: This I2C port is intended to connect additional IO's like

additional door contacts machine lockout

311 - Optional inputs/outputs via I2C:

This port is provided for a connection of one of the following items :

push buttons or key-switches and LED's for clearance activation; or

simple player insert with display, keyboard and means of player identification (with feed-through connection)

312, 313 onboard I2C:

There are 2 l2c-port for add-on devices plugged directly onto the board. For the following exemplary extensions:

an optional tamper switch, power supply in combination with the SPI ports,

Flash memory module:

The flash memory module holds permanent data.

The electronic gaming system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention thus being described, a skilled person will recognize that it is a major advantage of the present invention that gaming data are being stored where they are generated and processed. The operator terminal 202 is only required in such cases where an operator wishes to control and monitor specific electronic gaming devices lOOa-lOOn. Furthermore, it is an advantage of the present invention that a stable operation of the electronic gaming system can be provided even if one or more of the electronic gaming devices lOOa-lOOn have a failure. Due to the redundancy of gaming data storage in a plurality of data management device lOla-lOln within electronic gaming devices lOOa-lOOn of the electronic gaming system an improved operation having reduced failure rates is obtained.

While preferred embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Accordingly it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation.

Furthermore the invention is not limited to the specific application areas mentioned above.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

101 El ectroni c gami ng devi ce

101a lOln

102 Processor unit

103 Memory unit

109 Communication device

105 Output unit

106 input unit

107 Human interface unit

201 Databus device

202 Operator terminal

301 Electronic gaming device prior art

301a 301n

302 Data Controller prior art

303 Data Concentrator prior art

304 Central Database prior art

305 - 307 Operating server prior art 308 operator terminal prior art

309 databus prior art

310 Display unit

311 Display Controller prior art 401 Communication Server prior art

Claims

A data management device (101, lOla-lOln) within an electronic gaming device (100, lOOa-lOOn) of a network of interconnected data management devices (101, lOla-lOln) of an electronic gaming system, comprising:

a) a processor unit (102) for processing gaming data generated in the gaming device (100) in response to a gaming sequence being performed using the electronic gaming device (100); and

b) a memory unit (103) for storing gaming data generated in the gaming device (101), by means of the processor unit (102);

characterized by

c) a communication device (104) for communicating gaming data with at least one other data management device within another electronic gaming device of said electronic gaming system;

wherein

d) said gaming data of said other electronic gaming device are stored in the memory unit (103) of data management device (101) by means of the processor unit (102); and

e) the processor unit (102) for processing gaming data is adapted for processing gaming data stored in said memory unit (103) .

2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the gaming data comprise one or more of audit data, door opening data, hand payout data, jackpot payout data, cash flow data, number of games data, identification data, position related data, jackpot configuration data, site configuration data and system related data.

3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the gaming data comprise static data and/or dynamic data as well as any other treated data in the electronic gaming system.

4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that the gaming data comprise static data including one or more of position related data, parameters of the electronic gaming device (100), denomination data, maximum-bet data, payout percentage data, serial numbers, game identification data, paytable identification data, bill country and game number data.

5. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that the gaming data comprise dynamic data including one or more of site configuration data, jackpot configuration data and audit data.

6. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication device (104) comprises an output unit (105) for outputting gaming data to an external device.

7. A device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that the communication device (104) comprises an input unit (106) for inputting control data and external data from the external device such that these data can be transferred to and stored in the memory unit (103) by means of the processor unit (102).

8. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication device (104) for communicating gaming data with the electronic gaming device it is located in comprises at least one serial interface.

9. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that a the processor unit (102) is able to handle gaming data generated in an additional and/or external system.

10. A device according to claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the electronic gaming device (100, lOOa-lOOn) is a slot machine or any device featuring games, e.g. an electronic roulette, an electronic Black 3ack, an electronic Bingo, etc. or a device interfacing gaming tables, e.g. a card playing table, a roulette table, a dice table, etc..

11. An electronic gaming system, comprising:

a) a plurality of gaming devices (lOOa-lOOn) each including a data management device (lOla-lOln) having

al) a processor unit (102) for processing gaming data generated in the respective electronic gaming device (lOOa-lOOn) in response to a gaming sequence being performed using the electronic gaming device (100) ;

a2) a memory unit (103) for storing gaming data generated in the gaming device (lOOa-lOOn) , by means of the processor unit (102); and

a3) a communication device (104) for communicating gaming data with at least one other data management device (lOla-lOln) within another electronic gaming device (lOOa-lOOn) of said electronic gaming system; and

b) a data bus device (201) for connecting the plurality of data management devices (lOla-lOln) with each other by means of the communication devices (104) provided in each of the electronic gaming devices (lOOa-lOOn) for exchanging gaming data between said data management devices (lOla-lOln) provided in the electronic gaming devices (lOOa-lOOn) of said electronic gaming system.

12. A system according to claim 11, characterized in that the memory units (103) of the data management devices (lOla-lOln) are designed such that the data can be multiply stored in the electronic gaming system.

13. A system according to claim 11, characterized in that the databus device (201) for connecting said plurality of data management devices (101a- lOln) by means of communication devices (104) is provided as a one-to-many communication, e.g TCP/IP.

14. A system according to claim 11, characterized in that the memory units (103) of the data management system (lOla-lOln) are designed to store identical data.

15. A system according to claim 13, characterized in that the databus device (201) is provided as an Ethernet connection.

16. A system according to claim 11, characterized in that an operator terminal (202) is provided and connected to the databus device (201) for controlling and monitoring one or more of said data management devices (lOla-lOln) .

17. A system according to claim 11, characterized in that the data management devices (101a- lOln) of the electronic gaming system each include a human interface unit (107).

18. A system according to claim 17, characterized in that the human interface (107) comprises a display system for displaying gaming data.

19. A system according to claim 17, characterized in that the human interface (107) comprises a player identification unit for collecting player related data.

20. A system according to claim 11, characterized in that the databus device (201) for connecting the plurality of data management devices (101a- lOln) with each other by means of the communication devices (104) provided in each of the data management devices (lOla-lOln) is formed by an Internet connection.

21. A method for controlling and monitoring electronic gaming devices (100, lOOa-lOOn) of an electronic gaming system using a network of interconnected data management devices (101, lOla-lOln) provided in the electronic gaming devices (100, lOOa-lOOn) , comprising the following steps:

a) processing gaming data generated in the electronic gaming device (100, lOOa-lOOn) in response to a gaming sequence being performed using the gaming device (100, lOOa-lOOn) by means of a processor unit (102) provided in the data management device (101, lOla-lOln) ; and

b) storing gaming data generated in the electronic gaming device (100, lOOa-lOOn) in a memory unit (103) provided in the data management device (101, 101a- lOln) , by means of the processor unit (102); characterized in that

c) gaming data are communicated with at least one other data management device (101, lOla-lOln) provided in the other electronic gaming device (100, lOOa-lOOn) of said electronic gaming system by means of a communication device (104) provided in the data management device (101, lOla-lOln) of the electronic gaming device (100, lOOa-lOOn) ;

d) said gaming data of said other electronic gaming device (100, lOOa-lOOn) are stored in the memory unit (103) of data management device (101, lOla-lOln) by means of the processor unit (102), and

e) gaming data stored in said memory unit (103) are processed by the processor unit (102) of the data management device (101, lOla-lOln) .

22. A method according to claim 21, characterized in that statistical data are generated using the gaming data output from the plurality of electronic gaming devices (100, lOOa-lOOn) .

23. A method according to claim 21, characterized in that a data management is performed using the processor unit (102), the communication device (109) and the memory unit (103) of a data management device (101, lOla-lOln) such that gaming data stored in the memory units (103) can be processed.

24. A method according to claim 23, characterized in that the data management device (101, lOla-lOln) comprises a protocol detection for detecting protocols generated by the gaming devices (100, lOOa-lOOn) .

5. A method according to claim 23, characterized in that the data management device (101, lOla-lOln) period cally synchronizes and/or updates data stored in said memory units (103) of said data management device (101, lOla-lOln) .