Software downloadable on a network for controlling gaming devices

Abstract

Electronic gaming devices are connected by a network to a host computer. Software is downloaded from the host computer to the gaming devices. The software is stored as firmware at the gaming devices. Play occurs on the gaming devices and at least one function associated with play on the gaming devices, such as paying a bonus, player tracking, etc., is implemented using a processor associated with each gaming devices and the firmware.

1 . A method of operating electronic gaming machines interconnected by a computer network to a host computer comprising: 
 downloading software from the host computer to at least one of the gaming machines;    storing the software as firmware at the one gaming machine;    allowing play to occur on the one gaming machine; and    implementing at least one function associated with play on the one gaming machine using a processor associated with the gaming machine and the firmware.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the downloaded software comprises an update of previously stored software.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein storing the software comprises storing the software in a nonvolatile read only memory.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein storing the software in a nonvolatile read only memory comprises storing the software in a network interface associated with the one gaming machine.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein storing the software comprises storing the software in a network interface associated with the one gaming machine.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the software comprises computer data upon which the processor operates.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the software comprises computer software to program the processor.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the implemented function is selected from the group comprising paying a bonus at the gaming machine, tracking play at the gaming machine, communicating with a player at the gaming machine, and reconfiguring the gaming machine.  
     
     
         9 . A system for controlling a plurality of electronic gaming machines, the system comprising: 
 a network interconnecting the gaming machines;    a host computer connected to the network, the host computer being programmed to communicate with at least one of the gaming machines;    a network interface in the one gaming machine, the network interface being connectable to the netwok and further being constructed and arranged to receive software downloaded on the network from the host computer;    a processor associated with the one gaming machine, the processor being programmed to implement at least one function associated with play on the one gaming machine; and    firmware associated with the processor for controlling programmed operation of the processor, at least some of said firmware comprising software downloaded from the host computer.    
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the downloaded software comprises an update of software in the firmware.  
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the firmware comprises a nonvolatile read only memory.  
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the read only memory is in the network interface.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the downloaded software is in the network interface.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the downloaded software comprises computer data upon which the processor operates.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the downloaded software comprises computer code to program the processor.  
     
     
         16 . A method of operating electronic gaming machines interconnected by a computer network to a host computer comprising: 
 allowing play to occur on the gaming machines;    using a processor associated with one of the gaming machines to implement at least one function associated with play on the gaming machine;    transmitting software from the host computer to the one gaming machine;    storing the software at the one gaming machine; and    controlling operation of the processor with at least some of the software.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the transmitted software comprises an update of previously stored software.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  wherein storing the software comprises storing the software in a nonvolatile read only memory.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein storing the software in a nonvolatile read only memory comprises storing the software in a network interface associated with the one gaming machine.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16  wherein storing the software comprises storing the software in a network interface associated with the one gaming machine.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the software comprises computer data upon which the processor operates.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the downloaded software comprises computer software to program the processor.