Method and apparatus for supporting wide area gaming network

Abstract

A method of monitoring and providing support to a gaming device that includes monitoring the gaming device to determine an occurrence of an event, generating a message regarding the event, encoding the message, transmitting the message to a remote location over a communication link, receiving the message at the remote location, decoding the message, analyzing the message, and initiating a response to the message. In one embodiment, the event comprises an error or fault and the message regarding the event is transmitted using the simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP). Embodiments of the invention comprise apparatus forming a part of a gaming network or system including gaming devices such as gaming machines. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises servers associated with a remote service center and message data storage.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority from co-pending and commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 241,404 entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING WIDE AREA GAMING NETWORK,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a method of providing technical and other support to gaming machines of a wide area gaming network. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] In the past, gaming machines were generally uniquely associated with a particular casino. Each particular casino maintained its gaming machines. Maintenance of these machines was effected by the relatively direct effort of a technician traveling to a particular machine and servicing it. Gaming technicians employed by the casino would travel about the casino fixing the machines, or the manufacturer of the machine would send a technician to the casino. [0004] Now, casino operato...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] The detected events may comprise other than errors or faults, such as trends in operating parameters or the like. In this regard, the system and method of the invention are useful in monitoring a gaming device. For example, certain information while not comprising a direct fault preventing the operation of a gaming machine may indicate that the gaming machine is operating incorrectly. This information may comprise, for example, higher than normal payouts.

Problems solved by technology

As a result of the wide geographic areas over which gaming machines may now be located, service of those machines is more difficult.

This is costly in terms of man-power.

In the case of a remotely located gaming machine, this may require substantial travel on the part of the technician, at the cost of the technician's man-hours plus travel expenses.

There are a number of problems with these systems.

Among the problems are that the game operator is generally required to notify the central support center of any problems.

The gaming machine operator, such as casino owner, may not notice a problem for a lengthy period of time, during which the gaming machine was likely out of service and not generating revenue.

Mis-identification of the problem will generally result in the technician not providing a working solution.

In many cases, the casino operator is not capable of attempting the solution, such as for the reason it is too complex.

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