Abstract

A secure smart card or other secure modular memory device is plugged into (or otherwise connected to) a port of a game controller board internal to a gaming machine. The smart card is programmed to detect an encrypted "challenge" message from the host CPU and output an encrypted "response". If the host CPU determines that the response has the expected properties, then the host CPU verifies that the game program is authentic (i.e., the game program is accurate and authorized for use by that particular gaming machine and customer), and the game can be played. The challenge/request exchange may be performed before every game is played on the machine or at any other time. If the response is improper, then the host CPU will issue a halt command to halt play of the game. By controlling access to the properly programmed smart card, gaming machines cannot run unauthorized copies of the game program. Various other security features are disclosed for protecting communications and data within the gaming machine, such as erasing secure memories if tampering is detected and requiring that an authorized secure smart card be connected to each one of multiple game boards in a single gaming machine for accurate secure communications between boards.

IPC Classes  ?

• G07F 17/32 - Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements

Abstract

A backlight for a reel assembly is disclosed comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). An array of red, green, and blue diodes are positioned behind a translucent reel strip to backlight three adjacent symbols on a reel strip. The LEDs are individually controllable to vary the color output of the LED array for a full spectrum of colors including white. Groups of LEDs can be illuminated to optimally illuminate any number of symbols of any size. The LEDs may be controlled to highlight special symbols such as by blinking or changing colors. LEDs are also arranged on both sides of the reel strip in a vertical array so as to outline the edges of the reel strip.

IPC Classes  ?

• G07F 17/34 - Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements depending on the stopping of moving members, e.g. "fruit" machines
• H05B 45/10 - Controlling the intensity of the light
• H05B 45/40 - Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] - Details of LED load circuits

Abstract

A player insert for a gaming machine, the player insert comprising: an electronically controllable screen, a controller for said electronically controllable screen, an interface adapted to communicate between said controller and a host system associated with said player insert and with further player inserts, said controller being adapted to receive signals from a said host system via said interface and to thereby effect a display on said electronically controllable screen synchronized with at least one further display on at least one further player insert. The electronically controllable screen can be controlled to operate in a first state in which it is transparent and permits a separate display provided behind the screen to be viewed by the player and in a second state in which it is adapted to effect the display as stated above. The description and claims also relate to a gaming system including a plurality of gaming machines each having a respective player insert and to a method of operating such a gaming system.

IPC Classes  ?

• G07F 17/32 - Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements