Abstract: A gaming machine produces truly random results using a noisy oscillator to randomly vary the frequency of a clock signal used to cycle a counter through its states. Multiple random numbers can be generated during the same game using the same circuitry, yet still achieve truly random results.

Abstract: A gaming machine has a plurality of symbol-bearing reels which are rotated to place the symbols in visual association with a win line. When the reels are brought to a halt, at least one symbol from each reel is associated with the win line. However, the win line has at least two indicating portions so that on one of the reels, two symbols are associated with the win line. Thus, a displayed game outcome includes at least one symbol from each of the reels and two symbols from one of the reels.

Abstract: A gaming machine has internal coin container sensors (110, 112) that sense the weight, and therefore, the number of coins contained in the internal coin containers (104, 106). The gaming machine also has mechanical and/or optical sensors (102, 114) to monitor the inflow and outflow of coins. By comparing the number of coins, as determined by weight, with the number of coins detected by the mechanical and/or optical sensors, fraud is readily detected.

Abstract: A gaming machine uses a time-based method for generating game results having nonuniform probability. The gaming machine employs an addressable memory in cooperation with a counter and a clock. The clock generates a very fast series of pulses, and includes a digital-to-analog converter. The counter holds a number representing one of the possible reel stop positions and counts the clock's pulses, so that with each pulse, the value of the counter advances by one. To vary the odds that a particular reel stop position will be selected, the clock's pulses do not come at even intervals. Rather, the clock is responsive to a digital input signal to control how long it will allow a particular number to remain in the counter before the next clock pulse. The binary numbers which are used to control the clock are stored in memory. The memory accepts as input the current value of the counter. Thus, when the counter is incremented, the memory provides the binary number associated with the new counter value.

Abstract: A coin hopper having an optical-electrical coin sensor with a light source and a light detector is provided. The coin hopper includes a coin transport disc, a coin trough, and a coin payout chute. The coin sensor is secured to the hopper and is proximally located to the coin payout chute. The sensor is configured such that the light detector is substantially adjacent the coin transport disc and the light source is spaced apart from the coin transport disc. The sensor is operatively connected to the coin hopper control circuitry which shuts down the hopper after the appropriate number of coins is dispensed. The hopper may also include circuitry which, in conjunction with the light source, provides a pulsed or intermittent beam of light.

Abstract: A dynamic payout system and method for a gaming machine permit the random selection of a payout for a particular game outcome from a predetermined range of payout amounts. The player is provided with a range of possible payouts that may be paid upon the occurrence of a particular game outcome. When the player initiates game play, an input-output interface generates an initiate signal. A game control microprocessor, in response to the initiate signal, randomly selects a game outcome that includes a metered winning game outcome. If a winning game outcome occurs, the microprocessor then randomly selects a payout amount from a predetermined range of payout amounts stored in memory, which includes metered payout amounts. A meter display displays the metered payout amount. A payout device such as a coin hopper dispenses the metered payout amount.

Abstract: A gaming machine accounting and monitoring system includes a plurality of accumulative, non-resettable accounting meters and an event processor for sensing game activity at the gaming machine and updating the accounting meters in response thereto. The system also includes separate game credit meters for storing the total amount of game credit available and the amount of game credit purchased but not yet risked by the player. The accounting meters include meters for tracking wagering activity and machine payouts, and a plurality of drop meters for tracing monetary value accepted by the gaming machine in all of its different forms. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the accounting meters also include a set of meters for tracing data card transactions for cashless game play. These data card meters include separate meters for tracking game credit purchased with a data card and gaming machine payouts deposited to a data card account.

Abstract: An information and communication system permits communication between gaming machines and a central control system and between a player or operator and a central control system. The system includes a central data processor, a control unit for each gaming machine within the system which is in communication with the central data processor and a user interface which includes a keypad, a card reader and a display. A user interface is secured to each gaming machine and operatively connected to the control unit. The keypad can be used by a player or operator to transmit information to the central data processor. The control unit can be used to identify special players and transmits messages, including promotional messages, for display. The control unit includes memory which contains personality data for the gaming machine and can be used to transmit the personality data from the user interface to its memory.

Abstract: In a reel mounting assembly for a slot machine, an adjustable reel support is provided, enabling an operator to adjust the stopping position of the reel, and hence the play symbols, with respect to a pay line. The adjustment may be conveniently performed from the front of the machine without tools. A threaded pin is mounted on a frame support and a reel support is pivotally mounted on the frame support. The pin is inserted through an arcuate slot on the reel support. The reel mounting assembly also includes a tab on the reel support which can be used to adjust the rotational position of the reel. After the reel adjustment has been completed, the reel support is held in place by a wing nut threaded on to the pin.

Abstract: Providing change to gaming machine players is facilitated by the use of a change card having a memory storing a cash value which a change person can use to input a credit into a gaming machine in exchange for cash from a player. A game monitor unit having a card reader, a keypad and a display is attached to the gaming machine and can be used to authorize and transfer a selected cash value to the credit meter of the gaming machine from the change card. Cash values along with authorizations and security codes are input to the change card at a change station utilizing a similar monitor unit. Financial controls and security can be enhanced by transmitting data relating to change card transactions from the gaming machine and the change station to a central data system.

Abstract: In video lottery terminals that employ touch screens to permit a number of different games to be played on the same machine, the play of certain games can be improved by using electromechanical game buttons in conjunction with touch screen controls.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus with bi-directional, rotatable symbol bearing reels is disclosed. The gaming apparatus includes a microprocessor which generates a direction signal to control the rotation of each of the reels via a reel control mechanism. The reel control mechanism employs stepper motors or the like to rotate each of the reels in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction about an axis, depending on value of the direction signal. In some cases, the microprocessor generates the direction signal in accordance with a random event so that the reels rotate randomly in different directions.

Abstract: In order to provide a progressive gaming system with greater speed, flexibility and reliability a communication unit is used to control the information transmitted between a group of gaming machines and a progressive controller. The communication unit collects coin-in information from each of the gaming machines and transmits this information to the progressive controller in response to periodic poll signal signals from the progressive controller.