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  Communications interface for a gaming machineRelated Patent Categories: Amusement Devices: Games, Including Means For Processing Electronic Data (e.g., Computer/video Game, Etc.), With Communication Link (e.g., Television Broadcast, Etc.), Network Type (e.g., Computer Network, Etc.)The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070197294. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention generally relates to a gaming system. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved communications interface for a gaming system. [0002] Gaming machines, such as slot machines, fruit machines, or poker machines, have in recent years become one of the more popular, exciting, and sophisticated wagering activities available at casinos and other gambling locations. At the same time, gaming machines have also become a source of greater revenue for gaming establishments. Thus, competition between manufacturers of gaming machines has intensified as competitors vie for business from gaming establishments. [0003] A gaming machine providing entertaining and enticing features for players would be highly desirable to attract both new and returning players to a gaming establishment. Additionally, a gaming machine that allows customization and dynamic modification by an operator would be highly desirable to provide new features to customers. [0004] Current gaming machines and other gaming systems are difficult to reconfigure and offer the same game or application to multiple users at multiple gaming establishments. Changing a gaming machine or other gaming system to a different game or format involves time-consuming and difficult procedures by an operator. Furthermore, adding or removing gaming machines or systems, such as gaming workstations, to a network is a time-consuming process involving a shutdown and reconfiguration of the network [0005] Additionally, configuration of a gaming machine by an operator raises concerns regarding security of data and integrity of a game on the gaming machine. That is, gaming establishments and legal authorities place high priority on the integrity of a game, such as a slot or poker game. Thus, there is a need for a configurable system that does not disturb sensitive game or prize data. [0006] Current gaming systems are limited in the types and amounts of information that may be passed to and between gaming systems. Furthermore, many gaming systems lack processing power to utilize and/or display data passed to the gaming system. Thus, an improved interface and processing system would be highly desirable. [0007] Thus, there is a need for an improved communications interface for a gaming machine that allows one or more gaming machines to communicate and dynamically alter operation and display. BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0008] The present invention provides a system and method for an improved communications interface for a gaming machine. Certain embodiments of the interface include at least one input/output port for facilitating communication with a gaming system, a display for displaying images and text, and a processor for processing data for communication and/or execution by the gaming system. In an embodiment, the processor initiates communication with an external server. The processor may allow an application to be downloaded from a web server, for example. The processor may provide a secondary game at the gaming system. In an embodiment, the processor facilitates purchase and/or confirmation of items and/or services at the gaming system. The at least one input/output port routes game data, player data, player tracking information, slot accounting information, and/or radio frequency identification information, for example. [0009] In an embodiment, the interface further includes a markup language viewer for processing a markup language document. The markup language viewer processes contents of the markup language document and resolves tokens in the markup language document to generate a resolved markup language document for display at a gaming system. The interface may also include an audio system providing audio output and/or audio input. The audio system may facilitate voice over internet protocol communication, for example. The interface may also include a printer for printing information from at least one of the gaming system and a server. [0010] Certain embodiments provide an improved gaming network including a gaming system including a communication interface, and a server providing at least one of an application, a service, and a status to the gaming system. The communication interface initiates communication with the server to transmit and/or receive information. The communication interface may allow games or other applications/services to be downloaded to the gaming system. In an embodiment, the communication interface facilitates voice over internet protocol communication, for example. The communication interface may also provide a secondary game at the gaming system and/or access to the Internet or other network, for example. In an embodiment, the communication interface facilitates purchase and/or confirmation of items and/or services at the gaming machine through the gaming system. The communication interface may translate information to an appropriate protocol for the gaming system. [0011] In an embodiment, the network includes a plurality of gaming systems, wherein each gaming system includes a communication interface. A communication from the server may be relayed among the plurality of gaming systems using the communication interfaces. In an embodiment, the plurality of gaming systems store redundant information, where the redundant information is retrievable via the communication interfaces. [0012] Certain embodiments of a dynamically configurable gaming environment include a gaming system including a smart communications interface for retrieving a markup language document, a server providing a copy of the markup language document to the gaming system, and a network for facilitating communication between the server and the gaming system. The smart communications interface resolves tokens in the markup language document and formats the markup language document for display. The server provides the gaming system with information to modify a copy of the markup language document for display. The gaming environment may also include a database including information used to resolve the tokens at the smart communications interface. [0013] In an embodiment, the smart communications interface further comprises a markup language viewer for resolving the tokens in the markup language document and formatting the markup language document for display. The smart communications interface may format and display secondary game content and the gaming system. The smart communications interface may facilitate at least one of purchase and confirmation of at least one of goods and services. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a casino network system with an improved communications interface used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a casino network system with an improved communications interface used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0016] FIG. 3 depicts a gaming machine used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a gaming network used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0018] FIG. 5 shows a sample ML file used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [0019] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0020] Referring to FIG. 1, a casino network system 11 includes a plurality of gaming machines 13, 15, and 17 interconnected across a network 19 to a server 21. Continue reading... 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