Method, apparatus and system for video tuning of a video switching device for a gaming machine
A method, device and system are set forth for controlling a video switching device (VSD) configured to display video from multiple video streams at a video display. Where video signals are received which are unrecognized by the VSD a tuner is coupled to the VSD to control the same to extract video primitives adjust the configuration data so that the video stream will be properly displayed at the video display. In another embodiment the tuner may command the VSD to display a diagnostic dashboard for the gaming machine and its components and network connections.
1. A method for configuring the display of video signals at a gaming machine having a master gaming controller configured to issue first video signals representing first content and having a first video characteristic and a source issuing second video signals representing a second content and a video switching device configured to receive said first and second signals and control said display to display said first and second content at said display, said method comprising:
determining by the gaming machine from the first video characteristics a first signal signature;
comparing by the gaming machine said signal signature to signatures stored in a table, said table including for each stored signature an adjustment to size said content to said display;
if said first signal signature is comparable to a signature stored in said table, applying by the gaming machine said corresponding adjustment; and
if said first signal signature is not comparable to a signature in said table, controlling said display by the gaming machine to display an image, adjusting said image to said display and storing said new adjustment in said table.
2. The method of claim 1 comprising if said first signal signature is not comparable to a signature in said table, connecting a tuner to said video switching device and adjusting said image to said display with said tuner.
3. The method of claim 1 comprising if said first signal signature is not comparable to a signature in said table, controlling said display to display an image, adjusting said image to said display and storing said adjustment in said table, said adjusting step including inputting the resolution of said display and controlling said video switching device to fit said content to said display.
4. A method for configuring the display of video signals of a plurality of gaming machines connected to a communication system, each gaming machine having a master gaming controller configured to issue first video signals representing first content and having a first video characteristic and a source issuing second video signals representing a second content and a video switching device configured to receive said first and second signals and control said display to display said first and second content at said display, said method comprising:
determining by the gaming machine from the first video characteristics a first signal signature;
comparing by the gaming machine said signal signature to signatures stored in a table, said table including for each stored signature adjustment data including data to adjust the display of said content to said display;
if said first signal signature is comparable to a signature adjustment data stored in said table, applying by the gaming machine said corresponding adjustment;
if said first signal signature is not comparable to a signature in said table, controlling said display by the gaming machine to display an image, adjusting said image to said display and storing said new adjustment data in said table; and
communicating said new adjustment data from the gaming machine over said system to at least one other gaming machine.
5. The method of claim 4 comprising if said first signal signature is not comparable to a signature in said table, connecting a tuner to said video switching device and adjusting said image to said display with said tuner.
6. An improved video switching device and tuner for a gaming machine having a master gaming controller configured to issue first video signals representing first content and having a first video characteristic and a video display, said video switching device configured to receive said first video signals and second video signals representing second video content from a source and control said display to display said first and second content at said display, said improved video switching device comprising:
a data structure storing data representing a video signal signature and display adjustment data corresponding to each stored video signal signature;
a processor configured to compare a video signature for said first video signal to said data stored in said data structure and if said signature for said first video signal compares to a video signal signature of said data structure, said processor configured to apply said display adjustment data to adjust said display of said content and if said first signal signature is not comparable to a signature in said table, said processor configured to issue a message; and
a tuner configured to communicate with said video switching device to display an image, adjust said image to said display and store at one or more of said data structure and a second data structure data corresponding to said non-comparable video signature corresponding adjustment.
7. The improved video switching device of claim 6 comprising a coupling to couple said tuner to said video switching device.
8. The video switching device of claim 7 comprising said tuner is a portable device including a coupling to communicate with said video switching device.
9. The video switching device of claim 6 comprising said tuner includes a wireless transmitter to communicate with said video switching device.
10. A tuner for a video switching device for gaming machines each of the type having a master gaming controller configured to issue first video signals representing first content and having a first video characteristic and a video display, said video switching device configured to receive said first and video signals representing second video content from a second source second video signals and control said display to display said first and second content at said display and having a data structure storing data representing a video signal signature and display adjustment data corresponding to each stored video signal signature and a processor configured to compare a video signature for said first video signal to said data stored in said data structure and if said signature for said first video signal compares to a video signal signature of said data structure, said processor configured to apply said display adjustment data to adjust said display of said content and if said first signal signature is not comparable to a signature in said table, said processor configured to issue a message, said tuner comprising:
a communication link to communicate with said video switching device;
input apparatus to adjust the display of said content to fit said display and configured to cause storage of said non-comparable video signal and corresponding adjustment data at said data structure.
11. An improved gaming machine in a system providing communication from gaming machines to a host, said gaming machine of the type including having a master gaming controller configured to issue first video signals representing first content and having a first video characteristic and a video display, a video switching device configured to receive said first video signals and second video signals representing second video content from a source and control said display to display said first and second content at said display, said gaming machine comprising:
a processor configured to diagnose a plurality of functions related to the gaming machine and system interface and generate related diagnostic messages;
a video mixing device, said processor configured to control said video mixing device to control said video display to display said first content and content related to said diagnostic messages.