Abstract:
A disclosed gaming communication network provides an enhanced DCU that provides redundant mediation between gaming machines on the gaming communication network and a host server. The enhanced DCU provides a first, primary transmission path and a second, redundant transmission path between the gaming machines and the host server. In the event one transmission path is disrupted, the other provides continuing transmissions between the gaming communication network and the host server. In the event both transmission paths are disrupted, the enhanced DCU functions as a local interim server and stores data received from the gaming machines on the gaming communication network until such time as the data can be transmitted to the host server. In some embodiments, the enhanced DCU acts as a local interim server to the gaming machines using data mirrored from the host server prior to transmission disruption. In some embodiments, the enhanced DCU functions as a download server and stores data received from the host server and asynchronously transmits the data to the gaming machines, so as to mitigate disruption of game play. In some embodiments, the enhanced DCU may also function as a local cache of information that is repeatedly accessed by the gaming machines on the gaming communication network so as to reduce the transmission load on the first and/or second transmission path. In some embodiments, the enhanced DCU provides different network input connection ports to enable utilization of the enhanced DCU with different network formats, such as fiber optic cable, twisted pair cable, or wireless transmission media.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for improving security and preventing tampering in a gaming system are described. In particular, the gaming system may comprise an authorization device that is configured to control a download of gaming data, such as an executable image for generating a game of chance, from a first gaming device to a second gaming device. For each download between two different devices, the authorization device may be operable to generate a unique encryption key pair utilized in the download and determine whether the downloaded data is authentic. The gaming device receiving the download of game data may be configured such that it doesn't utilize the game data until an approval is received from the authorization device.
Abstract:
A disclosed a player tracking unit provides a multimedia interface with a display and an interface to one or more sound projection devices and a multimedia board for processing digitally formatted program files for output on the multimedia interface. The player tracking unit may provide menus of audio and video programs, such as a menu for a musical jukebox or a menu for a video-on-demand service. Using a “TV-like” interface, a user may be able to select a program to output on the multimedia interface and control playback features of the program.
Abstract:
A disclosed a player tracking unit provides a display, one or more illumination devices adjacent to the display and a logic device designed to control illumination of the illumination devices in a manner that visually conveys gaming information to an individual viewing the devices. A speaker may be also provided on the player tracking unit to aurally convey gaming information such as voice messages designed to inform or instruct the player in some manner. The player tracking unit may include a wireless interface device designed or configured to allow player tracking information to be automatically downloaded from a portable wireless device carried by the player or player status information to be communicated to a casino service representative carrying a portable wireless device.
Abstract:
A disclosed gaming machine has a memory storing a list of one or more prizes, a prize display for viewing prize information, and a prize selection mechanism that allows a user playing a game on the gaming machine to select one or more prizes specific to one or more outcomes of the game played on the gaming machine. One or more gaming machines may be connected in a “prize distribution network” to a “prize server.” The prize server may include an interface for providing prize information to the gaming machines connected in the prize distribution network and a memory storing the prize information as groups of prizes for separate display on the gaming machines. With the prize server and prize distribution network, the prizes available as an award on each gaming machine in the prize distribution network may be easily changed.
Abstract:
Processes for the preparation of phenyl Grignard reagents in co-solvents of toluene and ether and, the preparation of phenylchlorosilane intermediates using co-solvents of toluene and ether essentially in a one step process. The phenylchlorosilanes in the processes of this invention are important intermediates for the preparation of various silicone materials.
Abstract:
A one-step process for preparation of organosilanes. The process comprises contacting magnesium metal with a mixture comprising an organic halide and a halosilane in a co-solvent comprising about one to 15 moles of a dialkyl ether comprising less than seven carbon atoms, per mole of the allyl chloride; and about 0.05 to less than two moles of a liquid aromatic hydrocarbon solvent per mole of the dialkyl ether; at a temperature within a range of about 5.degree. C. to 200.degree. C.
Abstract:
A process for making .beta.-alkenyltrimethylsilanes and trimethylsilyl carboxylates. The process comprises contacting a mixture comprising hexamethyldisilane and an alkene carboxylate having a .beta.-unsaturated carbon atom with novel organo-palladium and organo-nickel complexes, as catalysts, at a temperature within a range of about 100.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. The present process is especially useful for making allyltrimethylsilane and trimethylsilyl acetate.
Abstract:
The catalyst inhibitors of the present invention react with conventional platinum group metal-containing hydrosilation catalysts to from complexes that delay curing of compositions containing these complexes in the absence of oxygen and SiH-reactive hydroxylated compounds; the compositions comprise (1) curable compounds containing alkenyl radicals and/or silicon-bonded hydroxyl groups, (2) curing agents containing silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms, and (3) a platinum group metal-containing hydrosilation catalyst. Preferred inhibitors provide long term storage stability.
Abstract:
Gaming machines and systems are configured to distribute of viral events, such as viral gaming events, amongst devices. The devices can present the viral events. The devices can, for example, be gaming machines and/or mobile devices. According to one embodiment, once a viral event is triggered, it is presented at one or more first devices at a first time. The viral event spreads to other devices, such as one or more second devices where it can be presented at a later time. The viral event may continue to spread to numerous other devices. Feedback or metrics may be used to control the devices to which the viral event spreads and/or the rate of spread.