Abstract: A modular gaming transaction printer for grayscale printing which may interface with multiple host systems and multiple gaming machine protocols, download application code or code patches, receive printer maintenance instructions, arbitrate print jobs received from various communication interfaces, support worldwide languages, and utilize firmware version consolidation. The printer further includes security features and memory protection. The printer further includes segmented memory for content related to each communication interface, gaming machine, or host system, among others. Additionally, the printer supports Unicode, configuration to worldwide languages, configuration to multiple protocols, and configuration to prior firmware versions for backward compatibility, among others. The printer may include a plurality of paper trays to hold media of the same size, but different characteristics.

Abstract: A modular transaction printer for generating financial transaction records such as gaming vouchers and coupons. The printer uses self-contained expansion modules that plug into a printer port for easy in-field upgradeability. The printer includes a mechanical package to allow modules to be inserted from the printer exterior, an electrical interface to allow modules to communicate with the printer electronics, and a latching mechanism to secure the modules to the printer for easy connect and disconnect from the printer body. Each module includes dynamic memory, non-volatile memory, processor circuitry necessary to accomplish a port or an interface with an outside host device, and a standard bus style interface method for interchangeable expansion modules. By using interchangeable expansion modules, a printer can be configured as a base or basic model. Then depending on configuration requirements, the interchangeable modules can be securely attached to the printer.

Abstract: A modular transaction printer for generating financial transaction records such as gaming vouchers and coupons. The printer uses expansion modules which are self-contained devices to allow for modular expansion and open system architecture of the printer where an expansion module can be plugged into a port of the printer for easy in-field upgradeability, to expand the printer's main controller functionality, and to share the printer resources. Each module snaps in, is hot swappable, and prepackaged to perform certain functions such as promotional printing.

Abstract: Couponing system including one or more games and/or point of redemption in one or more gaming establishments and/or business entities worldwide. Each game and/or point of redemption includes a printer and bill validator, where each connect to the couponing system using a port or interface for issuance, tracking, and redemption of coupons and/or prizes and using another port or interface to connect to other systems for player tracking or issuance, tracking and redemption of game vouchers. The system offers varying prize levels with coupons issued based on player's participation and/or activity, independent of participation and/or activity of other players. Player receives coupon with value of anything including nonplaying credits. At redemption, coupon is replaced with another or new coupon with additional rewards.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for secured transaction logging are disclosed. A transaction log file containing information on print jobs such as voucher and coupon printing may be created and securely stored in a printer and/or routing device, printed by the printer and/or securely uploaded to a host system for verification and further processing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a downloadable financial transaction printer supporting multiple interfaces and single encoding for worldwide languages configuration. The financial transaction printer interfaces with multiple host systems and multiple gaming machine protocols, downloads application code or code patches, receives printer maintenance instructions, arbitrates print jobs received from various communication interfaces, supports worldwide languages, and utilizes firmware version consolidation whereby fewer firmware versions are required to support worldwide requirements, such as regional and jurisdictional requirements. The financial transaction printer further includes security features for gaming regulatory requirements, memory protection, and preventing the execution of downloaded code on unauthorized hardware. The financial transaction printer further includes segmented memory for content related to each communication interface, gaming machine, or host system, among others.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for promotional couponing system where coupons, campaigns, and promotions are designed on central server and issued to network of printing devices and redeemed from redemption devices. The logic that processes input contained within each printer and print and redeem device connected to network so each device independently analyzes its own input and requests permission to print coupon from central server. The system uses coupons to maneuver players to play games least in use or to a specific location. Coupons include map and directions to direct the player.

Abstract: A system for communicating with many host systems in use at a gaming establishment and/or associated gaming establishments for the creation, issuance, distribution and redemption of coupons based on data gathered from one or more host systems, games, player activity or anonymous activity, and coupon data, among others where data is gathered in data packets and stored in a database. The system can provide promotions to all patrons of a gaming establishment, either through player tracking or anonymously.

Abstract: A system for transferring pneumatic carriers from one pneumatic carrier receiving/dispatching station to another includes a first pneumatic carrier diverter, or a plurality of such first diverters, each with an inlet/outlet linked through pneumatically-sealed tubes to at least one such station, a multiplicity of outlets, and a device for shiftably linking the inlet/outlet of the diverter to any one of its multiple outlets; a second pneumatic carrier diverter, or a plurality of such second diverters, each with a multiplicity of inlets and a single outlet, and a mechanism for shiftably linking the multiplicity of inlets to the outlets; the system including either a plurality of such first diverters, or a plurality of such second diverters, or both; pneumatically-sealed tubes joining, in parallel, all the diverters of the first kind of all the diverters of the second kind; and a pressure/vacuum supply device joined to the outlet of one or more of the second kind.