A CONVERSION DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device and a method for converting a game device for providing a game to a user.

BACKCROUND OF THE INVENTION

Any discussion of the prior ait throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

It is known for gaming machines to be linked to a centralised monitoring system (CMS). For example in New South Wales, Australia, gaming regulations require that all gaining machines, including Linked Progressive Jackpot Controllers, be connected to a CMS computer.

In a typical installation, each gaming machine is equipped with a Gaming Machine Interface Card (GMlC), which allows the gaming machine to communicate with a local CMS site controller. Each GMIC collects meter readings and other data from its respective gaming machine and transmits this information to the local CMS site controller at regular intervals. The site controller is in turn connected to a central CMS computer, to which it forwards the collected information, typically at intervals of one day.

The information collected from the GMICs forms the basis for compiling reports and calculating metered profit from each gaming machine. The information may also include data relating to "integrity events". Integrity events are generally defined by the regulator, they may include unusual events such as RAM resets or hardware and/or software errors.

The GMICs are typically connected to the CMS site controller via a Local Area Network (LAN). However, although the connection hardware may be made up of well- known Ethernet components, the data that is sent through the LAN is heavily regulated to ensure data integrity.

The requirement for gaming machines to communicate with a CMS is common to many jurisdictions. However, in some Jurisdictions, such as in New South Wales, the requirement is particularly onerous. Regulation in New South Wales prescribes that gaming machines communicate with their GMIC in the X-Series protocol. The GMICs then communicate with the CMS site controllers in a further protocol specified by the regulations. Another requirement is that gaming machines must have certain physical elements, such as hardware ports and/or electro-mechanical devices, particularly meters, if they are to be approved for use.

In view of differences in legislation, the requirements imposed by regulation of gaming are jurisdiction-specific As a result, there are many different hardware specifications and communications protocols in use, and different manufacturers tend to manufacture gaming machines using different specifications and protocols for various reasons. Therefore, a manufacturer operating in a particular jurisdiction may experience significant barriers to entry into another jurisdiction since, to do so, it may be necessary to modify significantly their production specification, to meet the minimum regulatory requirements of a target jurisdiction.

In this specification, "target jurisdiction" is to be taken to mean a state or territory having regulatory requirements relating to tbe operation of gaming devices. Consequently, "minimum regulatory requirements of a target jurisdiction" is to be taken to mean the minimum standards, numbers of technical features, communications protocols, etc required to operate gaming equipment lawfully in that jurisdiction.

To further exemplify the difficulties in enabling a gaming device to be used in a network for which it was not specifically designed, the following likely procedure is outlined. An operator might review the available technical details of the device, potentially subjecting the device to experimental probing to determine its native protocol, where this information is not readily available, The operator might then investigate whether it is technically possible to interpret and filter this native protocol into a protocol as prescribed under the regulations of a target jurisdiction. If this is possible, the operator must then conduct a detailed cost-benefit analysis to determine whether the cost of rendering a gaming machine suitable for use in a certain jurisdiction would be economically viable.

As can be appreciated, the cost of ensuring that a gaming machine is compliant with local laws and regulations can be restrictive. In addition to the substantial costs involved, taking the steps necessary to gain compliance in a local jurisdiction involves significant lead times. Therefore, even if a manufacturer is able accurately to determine trends within the local industry, they may not be able to take advantage of this due to the time required to conduct the technical and commercial investigations referred to above,

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least some of the difficulties associated with the procedure outlined above, or to provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides device for converting a game device, for providing a game to a user, to satisfy minimum regulatory requirements of a target jurisdiction.

Preferably, the device is adapted to enable the gaming; machine to communicate with a network.

Preferably, the device includes hardware to enable the game device to satisfy the minimum regulatory requirements of a target jurisdiction.

The preceding feature is also provided independently in a second aspect, which provides a device for enabling a game device for providing a game to a user to communicate with a network, the device including: hardware for enabling a game device to satisfy minimum regulatory requirements of a target jurisdiction.

The hardware preferably includes:. an input port for connecting to a game device for providing game to a user, the input port being configured to receive first signals encoded in accordance with a first protocol

The hardware preferably further includes: a processor configured to extract information from the first signals and, in response thereto, to generate second signals encoded in accordance with a second protocol.

The hardware preferably further includes: an output port for connecting to a network, and for communicating the second signals to the network.

Preferably, the hardware further includes an electro-mechanical device, and the processor is configured to actuate the electro-mechanical device in response to information extracted from the first signals. The electro-mechanical device preferably includes an electro-mechanical meter.

Preferably, the input port and the processor are configured respectively to receive and to extract information from signals encoded in accordance with a protocol selected from: ASP 2000, ASP 5000, SAS, SuporSAS, BoB, G2S, X-Series. In other embodiments, other proprietary or regulatory protocols might be used.

Preferably, the processor and the output port are configured respectively to generate and to communicate signals encoded in accordance with a standard protocol approved by a regulator of gaming activity.

The processor and the output port are preferably configured respectively to generate and to communicate signals encoded in accordance with the X-Series protocol.

Preferably, the processor and the output port are configured respectively to generate and to communicate signals encoded in accordance with a protocol selected from: ASP 2000. ASP 5000, SAS, SuperSAS, BoB, G2S.

The input port is preferably configured to be connected to at least one of an electronic gaming machine, a games console, and a personal computer.

The device preferably includes a number of communications ports and/or a number of electro-mechanical devices as required by the regulatory requirements.

A third aspect of the invention provides a device for providing a game to a user, including a device as set out above.

A further aspect of the invention provides a communications method for enabling a game device for providing a game to a user to communicate with a network, the method including the steps of: at an input port, receiving from a game device for providing a game to a user a signal encoded in accordance with a first protocol;

extracting information from the first signal and, in response thereto, generating a second signal encoded in accordance with a second protocol; and at an output port, communicating the second signal to a network.

The first protocol is preferably selected from: ASP 2000. ASP 5000, SAS, SuperSAS, BoB, G2S, X-Series.

The second protocol is preferably a protocol approved by a regulator of gaming activity. In a preferred embodiment, the second protocol is the X-Series protocol. In further embodiments, the second protocol is selected from: ASP 2000, ASP 5000, SAS, SuperSAS, BoB, G2S.

The method preferably further includes the step of actuating an electro- mechanical device in response to the extracted information,

A further aspect of the invention provides a communications method for enabling a game device for providing a game to a user to communicate with a network, the method including the steps of: at an input port, receiving from a game device for providing a game to a user a signal encoded m accordance with a first protocol; and actuating an electro-mechanical device in response to the extracted information.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method for converting a game device to enable it to be used in a target jurisdiction, comprising coupling an output port of the game device to an input port of a device as set out above.

Further aspects of the invention provide a computer program or computer program code means for causing a computer to implement a method as set out above; and a data carrier or a signal carrying data embodying such a computer program.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a block view of a system including a device according to the invention, showing the device in communication with a gaming device and a network including a central controller, local controllers and other gaming machines;

Figure 2 is a block view of the device shown in Figure 1 showing the internal connections between the processor and the Communications ports; and

Figure 3 is a block view of a further system including a device according to the invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a device 1 for converting a game device to satisfy minimum regulatory requirements of a target jurisdiction. The device 1 is adapted to enable a game device 2 for providing a game to a user to communicate with a network 3. The device includes hardware for enabling a game device to satisfy minimum regulatory requirements of a target jurisdiction. In the embodiment shown, this hardware includes an input port 4 for connecting to the game device 2 for providing a game to a user.

The input port is configured to receive first signals encoded in accordance with a first protocol.

A processor 5 is configured to extract information from the first signals and, in response thereto, to generate second signals encoded in accordance with a second protocol.

An output port 6 is connected to the network 3, and communicates the second signals thereto.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the network 3 is a network of gaming machines 7 each for providing respective games to users. Each of the gaming machines 7 in a particular venue is in communication with a local controller 8.

In turn, each local controller is in communication with a central controller 9. The local controllers 8 and the central controller 9 together make up a centralised management system for managing the network of gaming machines 7. By means of the devices 1 and the local controllers 8, the central controller 9 gathers information regarding the operation of the gaming machines 7, including information regarding turnover of the machines, and information regarding faults arising at the gaming machines.

As shown in Figure 1, some of the gaming machines 7 are in direct communication with the local controller 8. In feet, this communication is effected via a gaming machine interface card 10.

Others of the gaming machines effect this communication via a device 1, which receives input from the gaming machine interface card 10 of the gaming machine, or from the logic 11 of the gaming machine itself.

Figure 2 shows a device 1 in greater detail.

As indicated above, the device 1 includes an input port 4 for connecting to the game device. In one embodiment, this port in connected to an output of the gaming machine interface card of a respective electronic gaming machine. However, in other embodiments — for example, embodiments in which the game device 2 is not an electronic gaming machine, as discussed below — the input port 4 is connected to a general communications port of the game device 2 or directly to the logic of the game device.

The device processor 5 extracts information from first signals received at the input port 4. This information relates to activity at the game device 2, such as turnover and the outcome of any gaming activity. The processor compiles this information into second signals for communication to the network via the output port 6. The first signals are typically encoded in accordance with a first communications protocol native to the game device 2. Fot example, in some embodiments, the first signals are encoded in accordance with one of the following protocols: ASP 2000, ASF 5000, SAS, Super SAS, BoB, G2S and X-Serles. In other embodiments, other protocols are used. Similarly, in exemplary embodiments, the device processor 5 encodes the information into second signals in accordance with a second one of those, or other, protocols. Typically, the second protocol will be a protocol in which communications with the central management system is approved, or required, by a local gaming regulator.

In addition to the input and output ports 4, 6, the device 1 includes a number of additional input ports 4' and output ports 6'. Further, the device includes a number of electro-mechanical meters 13, 14. These meters are actuated by the processor 5 in response to information extracted from the first messages. For example, in one embodiment, a signal received from the game device 2 may include information indicating an increment in the turnover of the game device. In response to this, the

processor actuates the first electro-mechanical meter 13 so that its value reflects the turnover of the game device. Similarly, a farther signal received from the same device indicates that the number of games played on the game device has increased; in response, the processor actuates the second electro-mechanical meter 14 so that its value reflects the number of games played.

The requirements in some jurisdictions are such that both the communications protocol and information on the electro-mechanical meters are regulated. However, for other jurisdictions, regulations apply to only one of the communications protocol and the information on the electro-mechanical meters. In one embodiment, the device is configured to receive first signals encoded in accordance with a first protocol, extract information from the first signals and, in response, to generate second signals encoded in accordance with a second protocol. It will be appreciated that such an embodiment is well suited to a situation where only the communications protocol is regulated. In another embodiment, the device is configured to actuate the electro-mechanical meters in response to information extracted from the first signals. It will be appreciated that such an embodiment is well suited to a situation where only. the electro-mechanical meters are regulated. In yet another embodiment, the device is configured to extract information from the first signal and both to generate second signals in accordance with a second protocol and to actuate the electavmechanical meters, either at the same time, or one after the other in any order. It will be appreciated that such an embodiment is well suited to a situation where bom of the presently considered factors are subject to regulation.

In a preferred embodiment, the number and nature of the additional ports and the electro-mechanical devices is selected specifically to satisfy regulatory requirements in a target jurisdiction, such as requirements set out in the second protocol In an alternative embodiment, the number and nature is selected so that it satisfies the most stringent known requirements of a potential target jurisdiction.

In the system discussed above, the device 1 has been described as being connected to a game device such as an electronic gaming machine. However, in one alternative embodiment, the device 1 is configured to be connected to an alternative device, such as a personal computer, or a games console such as a Sony ^® PlayStation ^® or a Nintendo ^ω Wii ^® . Furthermore, in the Figures, the device 1 is shown as being external

the game device 2. However, in one embodiment, in which the game device is an electronic gaming machine 7, for example, the device 1 is mounted within the cabinet of the gaming machine.

In one embodiment, in use, the input port 4 of the device 1 is connected to an output port of the gaming machine interface card 10 of an electronic gaming machine 7; the output port 6 of the device is connected to a local controller 8 of a centralised management system. The device receives via its input pott a signal encoded in accordance with the native protocol of the gaming machine 7.

The processor 5 of the device extracts from the first signal information relating to gaming activity on the gamine machine 7. hi response to this information, the processor 5 compiles a second signal in accordance with the protocol of the local controller 8, and this message is communicated to the local controller via the output port 6 of the device 1. Additionally, the processor actuates the electro-mechanical meters 13, 14 or other electro-mechanical devices in response to the information extracted from the first signals.

It will be appreciated that the term "game device" is not limited to include only electronic gaming machines; embodiments of the device 1 may be used in connection with other forms of electronic devices adapted for use on a network, such as display controllers, reporting tools or cash registers. In a further system, shown in Figure 3, the device 1 is used in the communications path between a local controller 8 and a central controller 9, to enable to the local controller 8 or the local network of electronic gaming machines 7 to satisfy the regulatory requirements of the jurisdiction of the central controller 9.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it may be embodied in many other forms. In particular features of any one of the various described examples may be provided in any combination in any of the other described examples.