Abstract: A system is provided for the creation and management of promotional coupons or vouchers using coupon templates written in a template definition language, promotions, and promotional campaigns for the generation and issuance of promotional coupons either in real time or based on a predetermined date and/or time by a printer for use in a gaming, vending, or other business environment. The system uses a host system and a graphical front-end to a template definition language. Promotional coupons include coupons for merchandise, food, beverages, parking, lodging, special events such as a boxing or a tournament, personal events such as a birthday or an anniversary, entertainment, and a free play of a game or certain types of games. These promotional coupons can offer a discount, a refund, a rebate, or a free product or service. Promotions include those for a tangible or intangible product, a service, an event, and lodging.

Abstract: A multi-media gaming printer. The multi-media printer may accept various kinds of voucher media, such as thermally writable medias, smart cards, or magnetic strip cards. The multi-media printer includes writing, reading, and erasing devices within the printer to manage and use the different types of media. In addition, the multi-media printer includes control logic and articulated printing mechanisms that prevent the multi-media printer from inadvertently manipulating a voucher in an inappropriate manner. The design of the multi-media printer is modular so that voucher media magazines may be replaced as needed.

Abstract: A multi-media gaming printer. The multi-media printer may accept various kinds of voucher media, such as thermally writable medias, smart cards, or magnetic strip cards. The multi-media printer includes writing, reading, and erasing devices within the printer to manage and use the different types of media. In addition, the multi-media printer includes control logic and articulated printing mechanisms that prevent the multi-media printer from inadvertently manipulating a voucher in an inappropriate manner. The design of the multi-media printer is modular so that voucher media magazines may be replaced as needed.

Abstract: A paper jam detector for a gaming machine. A paper jam detector is integrated with a gaming machine printer that produces cash-out paper vouchers, print-on-demand player tracking cards, or tickets. A paper jam detector may be entirely self-contained and include all of the mechanical, electrical, electronic, and software components used to detect a paper jam and communicate with a gaming machine or a host. A paper jam detector may also be distributed throughout a gaming machine printer, thereby utilizing various components of the gaming machine printer's printing mechanism and control module. The paper jam detector detects paper jam conditions by monitoring the movement of the paper through the mechanical portions of the gaming machine printer and signals to the gaming machine printer, gaming machine, or host when a paper jam occurs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for changing firmware in a gaming printer. The printer containing computer memory, internal and/or external to the printer, with the memory divided logically into multiple parts; a first section containing computer codes, a second section containing the data describing the format of gaming vouchers, and a third section containing data describing the format of promotional coupons. A mathematically unique identifier is created as an individual signature for each section of the memory, with each signature being independent of the other signatures, thus allowing for the changing the contents of one or more sections of the memory without affecting the contents of the unchanged sections of the memory.

Abstract: A multi-media gaming printer. The multi-media printer may accept various kinds of voucher media, such as thermally writable medias, smart cards, or magnetic strip cards. The multi-media printer includes writing, reading, and erasing devices within the printer to manage and use the different types of media. In addition, the multi-media printer includes control logic and articulated printing mechanisms that prevent the multi-media printer from inadvertently manipulating a voucher in an inappropriate manner. The design of the multi-media printer is modular so that voucher media magazines may be replaced as needed.

Abstract: A direct thermal printer device that can be used in any application using thermal printers. A direct thermal printer creates images on thermally active medium by applying light energy or radiant thermal energy created by a thermal heat source to create the heat necessary for generating an image on the thermal medium. The thermal energy source may be a laser, a high output light source, or a radiant heating element.