Abstract: A gaming system (100) includes a gaming location (102) that comprises an interactive communication unit (119), including a display 118 visible from the gaming location that displays a representation of award-types that a player can select. One of the awards selected may be a bonus game playable on display 118.

Abstract: A gaming machine adapted to print validated tickets for a game player includes a microprocessor for controlling game operation (e.g., slot machine operation) and including a cashout signal input, a network interface coupled to the microprocessor for communicating with a central authority, and a memory in the network interface that stores a pre-loaded ticket validation number received from the central authority. In addition, a ticket printer is coupled to the microprocessor for printing a ticket that includes pending credit indicia and pre-loaded ticket validation indicia in response to a cashout signal on the cashout signal input. After the ticket is printed, the gaming machine obtains a new pre-loaded validation number in preparation for the next ticket printing event.

Abstract: A gaming system (100) includes a gaming location (102) that comprises an interactive communication unit (119), including a display 118 visible from the gaming location that displays a representation of award-types that a player can select. One of the awards selected may be a bonus game playable on display 118.

Abstract: A gaming system (10) includes gaming machine groups (GR 1-GR 16) arranged to receive input data and to generate output progressive jackpot data relating to two or more progressive jackpots. A central database (26) stores the input data relating to the progressive jackpots. A monitoring computer (40) includes a local database (46). The computer (40) obtains and temporarily stores the progressive jackpot output data.

Abstract: A gaming system providing a tiered reward bonus promotion. A player's activity level is quantified to a value that adjusts over time. The value at the completion of a bonus period is compared to a plurality of tier values stored in memory at the central authority. Each tier value has an associated bonus award that is awarded to the player if the player reaches that tier at the completion of the bonus period. The award is indicated in the player's account and may be redeemed at a player kiosk.

Abstract: A gaming machine adapted to print validated tickets for a game player includes a microprocessor for controlling game operation (e.g., slot machine operation) and including a cashout signal input, a network interface coupled to the microprocessor for communicating with a central authority, and a memory in the network interface that stores a pre-loaded ticket validation number received from the central authority. In addition, a ticket printer is coupled to the microprocessor for printing a ticket that includes pending credit indicia and pre-loaded ticket validation indicia in response to a cashout signal on the cashout signal input. After the ticket is printed, the gaming machine obtains a new pre-loaded validation number in preparation for the next ticket printing event.

Abstract: A gaming system (10) includes gaming machines (100, 102, 104, 106) arranged to receive input data and to generate output data. A central database (24) stores the input data and the output data. A data processing unit 40 includes a local database (46). Unit 40 polls the gaming machines to obtain the output data over a network (12), stores the output data in the local database, transmits the output data over the network to the central database and arranges the data in a format useable by report generating software, obtains the input data from the central database, and stores the input data in the local database for use by the gaming machines.

Abstract: A gaming system (100) includes gaming locations (102, 104, 106) that each comprise an interactive communication unit (119), including a display 118 visible from the gaming location. A network (126) is arranged to transmit data between the communication units. A touch screen liquid crystal display (118) unrelated to the operation of a gaming machine (102) generates graphics images.

Abstract: A gaming machine adapted to print validated tickets for a game player includes a microprocessor for controlling game operation (e.g., slot machine operation) and including a cashout signal input, a network interface coupled to the microprocessor for communicating with a central authority, and a memory in the network interface that stores a pre-loaded ticket validation number received from the central authority. In addition, a ticket printer is coupled to the microprocessor for printing a ticket that includes pending credit indicia and pre-loaded ticket validation indicia in response to a cashout signal on the cashout signal input. After the ticket is printed, the gaming machine obtains a new pre-loaded validation number in preparation for the next ticket printing event.

Abstract: A time entry and accounting system permitting employees to clock in and clock out from work at computerized time clocks located adjacent to their workstations using an individually encoded identification card. The time clock is configured to have a normally closed state and an opened state and to move between states in response to a supervisor scanning his identification card. The computerized time clocks are interactively linked to a central computer and, upon an employee clocking in or out, the central computer receives appropriate signals from the time clock, and stores information corresponding to these signals in memory. The information stored in the memory of the computer is subsequently used to develop accounting records and reports, to generate payroll data, and to send signals to the time clocks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a hardware system in a wall is provided. A mounting bracket and bezel assembly and a rectangular wall frame device are attached to a wall. The bezel plate has a cam lock inserted through its upper portion. The wall frame device has a depth adjustment set screw through the top of the frame. That fits into the cam lock in the bezel plate. At least two angled T-shaped metallic tabs are located on the bottom of the wall frame device to receive the angled base of the assembly, which rests directly on these tabs. The method includes attaching the wall frame device around a suitably sized recessed rectangular hole in a wall. The assembly is attached to a rear portion of an electronics box with finger screws, and the angled base of the assembly is placed onto the lower edge of the wall frame device. The assembly is pushed into the wall frame device and the set screw is adjustable to ensure the assembly fits snugly against the wall.

Abstract: A time entry and accounting system permitting employees to clock in and clock out from work at computerized time clocks located adjacent to their workstations using an individually encoded identification card. The time clock is configured to have a normally closed state and an opened state and to move between states in response to a supervisor scanning his identification card. The computerized time clocks are interactively linked to a central computer and, upon an employee clocking in or out, the central computer receives appropriate signals from the time clock, and stores information corresponding to these signals in memory. The information stored in the memory of the computer is subsequently used to develop accounting records and reports, to generate payroll data, and to send signals to the time clocks.