Abstract: A gaming machine to conduct a wagering game comprises a processing apparatus and a secondary apparatus. To inhibit unauthorized persons from replacing some or all of the software executed by the processing apparatus with unapproved software, the processing apparatus transmits a security message to the secondary apparatus. The secondary apparatus, in turn, validates the security message and transmits an enable signal when the validation is successful, or a disable signal when the validation is not successful. The processing apparatus is allowed to access to game data based on receipt of the enable signal and is denied access to game data based on receipt of the disable signal.

Abstract: A computerized wagering game system has a gaming module comprising a processor and gaming code which is operable when executed on the processor to conduct a wagering game on which monetary value can be wagered, and a secure user identification module comprising a biometric identification element, wherein the secure user identification module is removable from the wagering game system such that it may be retained by a game player. In a further embodiment, the secure user identification module is operable to store monetary value.

Abstract: A spinning reel slot machine comprises a plurality of mechanical rotatable reels and a video display. In response to a wager, the reels are rotated and stopped to randomly place symbols on the reels in visual association with a display area. The video display provides a video image superimposed upon the reels. The video image may be interactive with the reels and include such graphics as payout values, a pay table, pay lines, bonus game features, special effects, thematic scenery, and instructional information.

Abstract: A gaming system that allows a player to retain game assets earned during game play on a data storage medium (e.g., a paper ticket) for use in future gaming sessions. A game asset provides the player with an advantage for winning an award or for acquiring a larger award. The player receives the ticket during, or at the end of the player's gaming session. The player holds the ticket until his next gaming session, or may alternatively use the ticket in the same gaming session. At that time, the player may insert the ticket into the gaming machine's bill validator. The bill validator reads the tickets, and configures the game according to the game assets stored on the ticket.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display and a signage display. The game display is for displaying the wagering game. The signage display includes a standard support member for mounting artwork thereon. The support member may be positioned in a plurality of different orientations to alter the appearance of the signage display, thus simplifying the ability to convert the gaming machine to a new theme.

Abstract: A convertible device that converts between an activity mat and a storage container to capture and store numerous articles. Upon reclosing the activity mat, the articles are recaptured into the storage container. The device includes walls and a base, webbing connected between each adjacent wall pair, and a joint connected between the base and walls so that they are foldable into a third configuration wherein the footprint of the folded device is roughly the size of the base. In the third configuration, the walls are stacked relative to the base. The convertible device may further include two zippers for releasably holding the walls in a rigid and upright position in the first configuration. The webbing can be inwardly biased such that when the walls are urged from the second to the first configuration, the webbing folds toward the interior of the convertible device.

Abstract: A convertible device that converts between an activity mat and a storage container to capture and store numerous articles. Upon reclosing the activity mat, the articles are recaptured into the storage container. The device includes walls and a base, webbing connected between each adjacent wall pair, and a joint connected between the base and walls so that they are foldable into a third configuration wherein the footprint of the folded device is roughly the size of the base. In the third configuration, the walls are stacked relative to the base. The convertible device may further include attachment means for releasably holding the walls in a rigid and upright position in the first configuration. The webbing can be inwardly biased such that when the walls are urged from the second to the first configuration, the webbing folds toward the interior of the convertible device.

Abstract: A call logging notification apparatus including notification means to notify one or more parties to a conversation that the call is or may be recorded. The call logging notifications can include audio notifications, visual notifications, or any combination of audio and video notifications to different parties to the conversation. The apparatus includes system controls to mute or reduce the volume of an audio signal provided to a call handler. This call logging notification apparatus further provides a safeguard against a call handler accidentally or intentionally disconnecting or bypassing the notification apparatus.

Abstract: This invention provides space-saving and productivity enhancing organizational devices for use with flat panel display devices. The invention converts the typically unused space directly behind a flat panel display into highly valuable space for the placement of files and other materials, which a user may require ready access. Furthermore, it keeps these items in plain view of the user while the user is actively viewing the flat panel display. This is especially important when the flat panel display is being used in a constrained space or where desk space is limited.

Abstract: System, methods and apparatus for presenting media in a wagering game machine are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving an internal media request from a component of the wagering game machine and receiving an external data signal from outside the wagering game machine. In the embodiment, the method also includes preparing media based on the internal media request and the external data signal and presenting the media on media presentation devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gaming machine cabinets and to the use of extendable displays to allow viewing and operation of the video display with the game machine cabinet door open. Many gaming machines, in particular those with flat-panel displays, have the flat-panel display mounted in the gaming cabinet door itself. When the door is opened, the display is no longer visible to technicians as they work on the interior components of the gaming machine. To solve this problem, the video display is pivotally mounted in the cabinet door to allow the video display to be released and rotated into a position viewable by the technician with the gaming cabinet door open.

Abstract: An automated method of configuring a gaming machine using a storage medium such as a paper ticket containing gaming machine configuration parameter data. The storage medium is read by a gaming machine peripheral device, such as a bill validator, which transmits the data to the gaming machine's central processing unit. The central processing unit stores and implements the new configuration parameters. The storage medium is encoded with a machine-readable indicium such as a bar code, a two-dimensional bar code, or any other format including magnetic storage, holograms, etc. An alternate embodiment uses a computer in communication with the gaming machine's central processing unit to download configuration parameters by electronically simulating the gaming machine's pushbutton controls.

Abstract: An electromechanical coin sound simulator in a gaming machine having a controller, is disclosed. The generated coin sound may be used as a sound effect during game play or may be used to audibly signify a coin award associated with a winning game outcome. The electromechanical coin sound simulator includes a motor coupled to the controller, and an arm assembly activated for rotative movement by the motor. The arm assembly includes portions adapted to strike an interior area of the gaming machine to generate the coin sound. The arm assembly may be a multilink arm assembly, a single link arm assembly, or a spring loaded arm assembly. The electromechanical coin sound simulator may also be configured with a solenoid assembly, belt-feeding coin conveyor assembly, or a disc-feeding coin conveyor assembly, to name a few.

Abstract: A gaming terminal for conducting a wagering game includes a wager-input device and a button panel located below the wager-input device. The button panel includes a plurality of mechanical buttons for receiving inputs from a player. The gaming terminal further includes a main display for displaying a randomly selected outcome from a plurality of outcomes and a secondary display for displaying information about the wager inputs received from the wager-input device and, during the wagering game, for displaying game-play information related to the plurality of outcomes. The secondary display is located between the button panel and the main display, contiguous with the button panel, and to the side of the wager-input device. The secondary display acts in unison with the main display to illustrate continuous movement of images related to the randomly selected outcome, the images moving between the main display and the secondary display.

Abstract: A method of operating a wagering game includes conducting a wagering game at a gaming terminal, and receiving inputs from a player that relate to a profile of the player. The inputs exclude a player's true identity. The method includes comparing the player inputs with a plurality of player-profile data sets to match the player inputs with a particular player-profile data set. In response to this comparison yielding a matched player-profile data set, the method includes activating one or more personalized attributes at the gaming terminal associated with the matched player-profile data set. The method can be practiced within a gaming system comprising a database, a controller, and at least one gaming terminal. The database stores the player-profile data sets. Each data set is associated with and maintains anonymity of a respective player. An input device at the gaming terminal receives player-profile inputs for comparison to the player-profile data sets.

Abstract: Gaming systems and methods utilize a visual bonus indicator displayed among a plurality of gaming machines to indicate an increased likelihood of a bonus award for a player. The visual bonus indicator may be centrally controlled to display sequentially on closely located gaming machines to provide the appearance that the visual bonus indicator is moving among the gaming machines. The visual bonus indicator may be animated in multiple animations corresponding to multiple bonus awards.

Abstract: A gaming machine having an enhanced game play scheme is provided where, in response to receipt of a second wager to select an option, a player is provided with enhanced game play. Enhanced game play may include (1) providing more frequent bonus game play, (2) providing a larger bonus game value payout, (3) providing more frequent bonus game play and providing a larger bonus game value payout, (4) providing a larger or multiplied game value payout, (5) providing a guaranteed value payout for a non-winning outcome, (6) providing game features (7) providing a larger game value payout based on a partial game outcome, (8) providing an extra wild symbol capable of repositioning, and (9) providing a possibility of an additional reel movement to reposition an extra reel symbol or (10) providing a possibility of an extra pay line to include an extra reel symbol to increase a value payout.

Abstract: A gaming machine comprises a cabinet, a coin outlet for dispensing coins, and a coin tray beneath the coin outlet. The coin tray is located a sufficient vertical distance from the coin outlet so as to accommodate a traditional coin collection cup between the coin outlet and the coin tray. The coin tray may contain a beverage cup holder and/or an ash tray, preferably located horizontally away from the coin outlet. The coin tray is coupled to the cabinet and extends below a level of the bottom of the cabinet. When the gaming machine sits on a stand in a gaming establishment, the cabinet sits on top of the stand while the coin tray hangs over a front wall of the stand.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for presenting media content on a gaming device are described herein. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a gaming control unit to transmit media presentation requests. The apparatus also includes a set of one or more media control units to receive the media presentation requests from the gaming control unit and present primary media and secondary media, wherein the secondary media is presented when the a game is in a bonus state, and wherein each media control unit of the set includes an adapted Sony PlayStation 2.

Abstract: A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display and a top box display. The game display is for displaying the wagering game. The top box display includes a standard substructure for attaching subassemblies. The substructure contains fixed connection points allowing subassemblies to be developed in a fashion consistent with the substructure, thus simplifying the ability to swap components and reducing the dependence on unique internal part designs.