U.S. patent application number 10/404698 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-30 for reduced-size gaming machine with onboard camera and method of use.
Invention is credited to Morrison, Robert S..
Application Number | 20040192444 10/404698 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32990173 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040192444 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Morrison, Robert S. |
September 30, 2004 |
Reduced-size gaming machine with onboard camera and method of
use
Abstract
A gaming machine is approximately half the depth of and weighs
substantially less than standard gaming machines, thus greatly
reducing the floor space needed to house the gaming machine and
allowing it to be hung from a wall to increase the versatility of
its location and improve the comfort of a game player due to
greater leg room beneath the machine. An onboard camera is in
communication with onboard video screens, remote video screens and
other accessories to provide methods of increased security
surveillance, methods of expediting service of the machine when it
malfunctions, and methods of promoting the use of the gaming
machine and the establishment housing the machine.
Inventors: |
Morrison, Robert S.;
(Hoschton, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Joseph A. Sebolt
SAND & SEBOLT
Aegis Tower, Suite 1100
4940 Munson Street, NW
Canton
OH
44718
US
|
Family ID: |
32990173 |
Appl. No.: |
10/404698 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3241 20130101;
G07F 17/3216 20130101; G07F 17/3202 20130101; G07F 17/32
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/046 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine comprising: a cabinet having a front surface, a
rear surface and a bottom end; the front surface defining a hole
therethrough; a display mounted within said body and viewable
through the hole; the distance between the front surface and the
rear surface being in the range of from 8 to 15 inches.
2. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein the rear surface is
adapted to be mounted on a wall.
3. The gaming machine of claim 2 wherein the bottom end is adapted
to be spaced from a floor when the cabinet is mounted on a wall,
thereby defining a space below the gaming machine.
4. The gaming machine of claim 1 wherein the gaming machine has a
weight in the range of 75 to 150 pounds.
5. The gaming machine of claim 4 wherein the rear surface is
adapted to be mounted on a wall.
6. The gaming machine of claim 5 wherein the bottom end is adapted
to be spaced from a floor when the body is mounted on a wall,
thereby defining a space below the gaming machine.
7. In combination, a gaming machine and a gaming establishment
having a floor and a wall, the gaming machine comprising: a body
having a front surface, a rear surface and a bottom end; the front
surface defining a hole therethrough; a display mounted within said
body and viewable through the hole; and the gaming machine being
mounted on the wall of the gaming establishment.
8. The combination of claim 7 wherein the bottom end of the gaming
machine is spaced from the floor, thereby defining a space below
the gaming machine.
9. The combination of claim 8 wherein the distance between the
front surface and the rear surface is in the range of from 8 to 15
inches.
10. The combination of claim 9 wherein the gaming machine has a
weight in the range of 75 to 150 pounds.
11. The combination of claim 8 wherein the space is sufficient to
accommodate at least one of a portion of a chair seat and a portion
of a person's legs seated in a chair when the gaming machine is
mounted above the surface.
12. The combination of claim 11 wherein the distance between the
bottom and the floor is in a range of 18 to 32 inches.
13. The combination of claim 12 wherein the viewable display is
situated generally in front of a game player's face when seated in
front of the gaming machine.
14. A gaming machine comprising: a cabinet having a front surface,
a rear surface and a bottom end; the front surface defining a hole
therethrough; an onboard video screen mounted within said body and
viewable through the hole; and an onboard camera in communication
with at least one of the onboard video screen and a remote video
screen.
15. The gaming machine of claim 14 further comprising at least one
onboard sensor.
16. The gaming machine of claim 15 wherein the at least one onboard
sensor is selected from the group consisting of a tilt switch; a
door switch; a motion switch; a timer; an excessive-deposit sensor;
a counterfeit-money sensor; a multiple-consecutive-jackpot sensor;
a multiple-denied-bill-val- idation sensor; a payout sensor; an
optic sensor; a pressure-sensitive sensor; a capacitance sensor;
and a resistance sensor.
17. The gaming machine of claim 15 wherein the onboard sensor is in
operative communication with the camera whereby triggering the
sensor will activate the camera to create a photographic image.
18. The gaming machine of claim 17 further comprising a CPU
operatively associated with the camera to control operation of the
camera and determine disposition of the image.
19. The gaming machine of claim 18 further comprising a memory unit
adapted to store the image for later retrieval.
20. The gaming machine of claim 19 wherein the CPU is in operative
communication with one of the memory unit, onboard screen and
remote screen; the memory unit being adapted to store the image and
the screens being adapted to display the image.
21. The gaming machine of claim 15 wherein the sensor is a payout
sensor in operative communication with the camera whereby upon the
sensor detecting a payout, the camera is operated to create a
photographic image.
22. The gaming machine of claim 21 wherein the camera is in
operative communication with one of the onboard screen and the
remote screen, and wherein one of the onboard screen and the remote
screen is adapted to receive the image from the camera.
23. The gaming machine of claim 22 wherein the image is an image of
a winner at the machine at the time the payout sensor is
activated.
24. The gaming machine of claim 14 further comprising a microphone
adapted to communicate with a remote speaker.
25. The gaming machine of claim 24 further comprising a speaker
adapted to communicate with a remote microphone.
26. The gaming machine of claim 14 further comprising a second
video screen, and wherein the camera is positioned intermediate the
onboard screen and the second screen.
27. The gaming machine of claim 14 wherein there are communication
pathways by which the camera is in communication with the at least
one of an onboard video screen and a remote video screen; the
communication pathways being at least one of a group of electrical
wires, optic fibers, radio frequency transmissions, infrared
transmissions, laser-based transmissions and satellite
communications.
28. A method of operating a gaming machine comprising the steps of:
providing a camera mounted on a gaming machine for playing a game;
and creating at least one photographic image by photographing with
the camera one of a vandal and a winner of a game played on the
gaming machine.
29. The method of claim 28 wherein the creating step further
includes the step of photographing the winner at the time of
winning or shortly thereafter.
30. The method of claim 29 further including the step of displaying
the at least one photographic image on at least one of a first
onboard video screen, a second onboard video screen and a remote
video screen on the grounds of the establishment housing the gaming
machine.
31. The method of claim 29 further including the steps of:
displaying the at least one photographic image on a remote reviewer
video screen; and reviewing the at least one photographic image to
determine whether to display the at least one photographic image on
at least one of a first onboard video screen, a second onboard
video screen and a remote video screen on the grounds of the
establishment housing the gaming machine.
32. The method of claim 29 further including the steps of:
displaying the at least one photographic image on an onboard video
screen for review by the winner; and communicating to the winner an
option to determine whether to subsequently display the at least
one photographic image on at least one of a first onboard video
screen, a second onboard video screen and a remote video
screen.
33. The method of claim 30 wherein the at least one photographic
image is a motion picture and the method further includes the step
of playing the motion picture repeatedly on the at least one video
screen.
34. The method of claim 28 wherein the gaming machine includes a
sensor for detecting activities breaching security related to the
gaming machine and the creating step of the method further includes
photographing the vandal when the sensor is activated.
35. The method of claim 33 further including the step of displaying
the photographic image on a remote security video screen.
36. The method of claim 35 wherein the photographic image is a
motion picture and the displaying step further includes the step of
playing the motion picture on the remote security video screen to
provide real time surveillance.
37. The method of claim 34 further including the step of recording
the photographic image for potential identification and enforcement
purposes.
38. A method of enhancing game repair comprising the steps of:
providing a gaming machine for playing a game, the gaming machine
having an onboard camera in communication with a game malfunction
sensor and a service technician video screen and having an onboard
microphone in communication with a service technician speaker;
sensing a game malfunction with the sensor; communicating to a
player of the game an option to use the onboard microphone to speak
to a service technician; photographing the player of the game to
create real time photographic images; displaying the real time
photographic images of the player on the technician video screen;
and establishing an audio connection from the player to the
technician via the microphone and speaker whereby the technician
can hear the player speak.
39. The method of claim 32 wherein a remote service technician
microphone is in communication with an onboard speaker and the
method further includes the step of establishing an audio
connection between the technician and the player via the technician
microphone and the onboard speaker whereby the player can hear the
technician speak.
40. The method of claim 33 wherein a service technician camera is
in communication with an onboard video screen and the method
further includes the steps of: photographing the service technician
with the service technician camera to create real time photographic
images of the service technician; and displaying the real time
photographic images on the onboard video screen.
41. The method of claim 32 wherein the communicating step further
includes using at least one of an onboard speaker and an onboard
video screen to communicate to the player the option to use the
onboard microphone.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The invention relates generally to gaming machines. More
particularly, the invention relates to a gaming machine having a
reduced size for saving space and increased built-in security
measures. Specifically, the invention relates to a gaming machine
having an onboard camera used in conjunction with various onboard
and remote video screens and other accessories for the purpose of
improving security measures, promoting use of the gaming machine,
and expediting repair service of the machine.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Gaming machines are well known in the art and are most
commonly used in casinos, although they are also used in various
establishments, including hotels and cruise ships. Typical gaming
machines include video-style games as well as slot machines and the
like which do not use video screens. Generally, gaming machines
include a means for inserting money or applying credit to make a
bet, some form of player interaction with a machine, and a means of
displaying the result of the player's interaction. Current gaming
machines are typically quite bulky and heavy. Their large size does
not efficiently utilize valuable floor space. Further, their
substantial weight limits where they can be placed, as they are
generally too heavy to hang from a wall, for instance. Another
problem with these typically bulky machines is the inability for
the player to comfortably use the machine. More particularly, the
player is unable to maneuver a chair and his or her legs very far
under the interaction portion of the machine in order to
comfortably sit at the machine without leaning forward to interact
with the game controls. The reduction of the size and weight of a
gaming machine to enable more efficient use of space and to allow
the machine to hang from a wall while also permitting the
comfortable use of the machine is of primary concern herein.
[0005] In addition, an important concern in the industry is the
security of gaming machines. More particularly, there is a need to
protect the machines from vandalism and theft. Prevention of
vandalism and theft is particularly difficult where machines are in
an isolated area away from standard security cameras or security
personnel. Providing additional security measures to this effect is
also of primary concern herein.
[0006] A third area of concern in the industry is the need to
promote gaming machines to increase profits. While existing games
utilize sounds and lights to attract attention to the gaming
machine when a player has won, nonetheless there is a great deal of
room for improvement in this area. More particularly, immediate and
broad advertisement of a winning gaming machine throughout a casino
or other establishment is a desirable goal. Further, promotion of a
given individual's success as a winner is also a goal which tends
to encourage that individual to play the game again. These goals
are also of primary concern herein.
[0007] Another concern related to gaming machines is the down time
associated with game malfunction. A malfunctioning machine may also
be of significant concern to a player who is playing the machine
when it malfunctions. Typically, when a gaming machine
malfunctions, it may take quite some time for the machine to be
repaired. This is in part due to the lack of reporting of the
malfunction and also the lack of information provided to a service
technician as to the nature of the problem. Immediate reporting of
the malfunction as well as rapid response in the repair thereof is
also of primary concern herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides a gaming machine comprising a
cabinet having a front surface, a rear surface and a bottom end;
the front surface defining a hole therethrough; a display mounted
within said body and viewable through the hole; the distance
between the front surface and the rear surface being in the range
of from 8 to 15 inches.
[0009] The present invention further provides, in combination, a
gaming machine and a gaming establishment having a floor and a
wall, the gaming machine comprising a body having a front surface,
a rear surface and a bottom end; the front surface defining a hole
therethrough; a display mounted within said body and viewable
through the hole; and the gaming machine being mounted on the wall
of the gaming establishment.
[0010] The present invention additionally provides a gaming machine
comprising a cabinet having a front surface, a rear surface and a
bottom end; the front surface defining a hole therethrough; an
onboard video screen mounted within said body and viewable through
the hole; and an onboard camera in communication with at least one
of the onboard video screen and a remote video screen.
[0011] Moreover, the present invention provides a method of
enhancing game repair comprising the steps of providing a gaming
machine for playing a game, the gaming machine having an onboard
camera in communication with a game malfunction sensor and a
service technician video screen and having an onboard microphone in
communication with a service technician speaker; sensing a game
malfunction with the sensor; communicating to a player of the game
an option to use the onboard microphone to speak to a service
technician; photographing the player of the game to create real
time photographic images; displaying the real time photographic
images of the player on the technician video screen; and
establishing an audio connection from the player to the technician
via the microphone and speaker whereby the technician can hear the
player speak.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine of the
present invention shown hanging on a wall.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the gaming machine as seen
from the side with a player sitting at the machine.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a flow chart related to the gaming machine's
computer, camera, sensors and remote security screen.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a flow chart related to advertising the winner of
the game and shows the relationship between the machine's computer,
camera and onboard and remote video screens.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a flow chart related to servicing a malfunctioning
game and shows the relationship between the gaming machine's
computer, camera and onboard and remote video screens, speakers,
and microphones.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The improved gaming machine of the present invention is
indicated generally at 10 and is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2
shows gaming machine 10 mounted by fasteners 11 on wall 12 above
floor 14 with a game player 16 seated in a chair 18 in front of
gaming machine 10. Player 16 has legs 17 and chair 18 includes seat
19.
[0018] Gaming machine 10 includes a cabinet 20 having an upper end
22, a lower end 24, a front surface 26 and a rear surface 28.
Gaming machine 10 has a depth indicated by the letter d shown at
numeral 30, the depth being the greatest normal distance between
the front and rear surfaces 26 and 28. On cabinet 20 are mounted a
coin tray 32 for disbursing game winnings adjacent lower end 24; a
coin head 34 for receiving coins and a keypad 36 for player inputs
situated adjacent one another and spaced upwardly from coin tray
32; a first video screen 38 for visual game displays located above
coin head 34 and keypad 36; a second video screen 40 for additional
displays situated above first screen 38; a camera 42 between first
screen 38 and second screen 40; speakers 44 situated on either side
of first screen 38; a sensor 46 generally mounted internally on
cabinet 20; a microphone 48 adjacent camera 42 between screens 38
and 40; a bill slot 50 and a credit slot 52 situated laterally from
one another and above coin tray 32 and generally below keypad 36
and coin head 34, bill slot 50 for receiving paper money and credit
slot 52 for receiving some form of a credit card or debit card; and
a computer or central processing unit (CPU) 54 internally mounted
within cabinet 20.
[0019] Via communication pathways 56, which are typically
electrical wires, CPU 54 may be in communication with one or more
of a plurality of onboard accessories including coin head 34, key
pad 36, first video screen 38, second video screen 40, camera 42,
speaker 44, sensor 46, microphone 48, bill slot 50 and credit slot
52 (FIG. 2). Via communication pathways 58, which are also
typically electrical wires, CPU 54 may also be in communication
with one or more of a plurality of remote accessories including a
remote security video screen 60, remote casino or establishment
screens 62, a remote photo reviewer video screen 63, a remote
service technician video screen 64, a remote technician speaker 66,
a remote technician microphone 68 and a remote technician camera
70. Thus, via CPU 54 and pathways 56 and 58, the onboard and remote
accessories are all in communication with one another, or may be so
in any combination thereof. Computer programming in conjunction
with CPU 54 provides a winner indicator 72 and a game malfunction
indicator 74.
[0020] In accordance with one of the main features of the present
invention, depth 30 of gaming machine 10 ranges from 8 to 15
inches, making depth 30 one-half or less than one-half of the depth
of a standard gaming machine. Further, gaming machine 10 has a
weight in a range of 75 to 150 pounds, which is substantially less
than a standard gaming machine, which generally range from 200 to
300 pounds. This reduced weight allows gaming machine 10 to be
mounted on most standard walls or even suspended from an overhead
structure. Gaming machine 10 may also be mounted on a stand instead
of hung from a wall. In either setting, the greatly reduced depth
30 of gaming machine 10 provides far more efficient use of valuable
floor space in a casino or other establishment. Thus, with one-half
or less of the depth of a standard gaming machine, gaming machine
10 offers the ability to double the number of machines within a
given facility or reduce the size of facility needed for a given
number of machines.
[0021] The ability to hang gaming machine 10 from a standard wall
12 provides great versatility in the location of gaming machine 10.
For instance, gaming machine 10 can be mounted in confined
locations like hallways or lobbies, which is particularly useful
for cruise ships and other boats where space is at a premium.
Further, the smaller size and weight of gaming machine 10 can
substantially reduce its shipping costs, especially in regard to
shipment overseas. Moreover, when gaming machine 10 is hung from
wall 12, the space between lower end 24 of gaming machine 10 and
floor 14 therebelow is completely open and allows for increased leg
room of player 16 sitting in chair 18, thus facilitating the use of
gaming machine 10. This open space directly beneath gaming machine
10 is sufficient to accommodate chair seat 19 or a portion thereof
and/or legs 17, or a portion thereof, of player 16 seated in chair
18 at gaming machine 10 while the player's 16 face is situated
generally in front of screen 38. When the game is not being played,
chair 18 may be disposed further under machine 10 to allow for
greater room surrounding gaming machine 10. Further, the increased
space beneath gaming machine 10 allows for greater wheelchair
accessibility. Whether in a standard chair 18 or a wheelchair,
player 16 is provided with a far more comfortable seating
arrangement for playing a game on gaming machine 10, which
encourages extended use of machine 10, a clear benefit to the owner
of gaming machine 10. It will be understood that a video screen is
only one type of viewable display that may be used with gaming
machine 10, and thus machine 10 may include other types of viewable
displays like those found on slot machines or other gaming
machines. Thus, the reduced depth of machine 10 and its ability to
be mounted on a wall as discussed above also applies to gaming
machines having an alternate viewable display.
[0022] In operation, gaming machine 10 also provides a unique
ability to promote the winner of a game played on gaming machine 10
so that both player 16 and other people in the establishment
housing gaming machine 10 are encouraged to play games on gaming
machine 10 or are more generally attracted to the establishment. As
used herein, "establishment" or "gaming establishment" is intended
to be given a broad meaning and is not limited to a typical casino
or establishment which is predominantly used for gaming. Thus,
gaming machine 10 may be used in such locations as casinos, hotels,
ships or other boats, or any other feasible facility, all of which
are included in the terms "establishment" or "gaming
establishment".
[0023] In accordance with one of the main features of the present
invention, CPU 54 having winner indicator 72 is in communication
with onboard camera 42, onboard first video screen 38, onboard
second video screen 40 and remote casino video screen 62. When
player 16 wins a game on gaming machine 10, winner indicator 72 of
CPU 54 signals CPU 54 to operate camera 42 to take a photograph of
player 16 at the time of winning or shortly thereafter so as to
capture an image of the winner's typically excited response to
winning. Camera 42 in turn sends the signal of the photographic
image back through CPU 54 to one of or any combination of first
video screen 38, second video screen 40 and casino video screen 62.
First video screen 38 is the video screen which player 16 views in
playing a game on gaming machine 10. Thus, gaming machine 10 may
include only a first video screen 38 which would show a
photographic image of player 16 at or shortly after the winning
moment. This photographic image may be stored in a viewable
database or memory unit and may be displayed at a later time, for
example, between subsequent games on gaming machine 10 when a game
is not being played thereon or as part of a display when a
subsequent game is initiated thereon. Such use is somewhat
analogous to the "high scores" listing seen on video games that
encourages competition to become the high scorer or a winner. The
photographic image may be displayed on first video screen 38,
second video screen 40 or casino video screen 62 set up around a
casino or similar establishment housing gaming machine 10.
[0024] Displaying the photographic image on first video screen 38
would encourage recognition and competition for the use of gaming
machine 10. Preferably, however, the photographic image would be
displayed on second video screen 40 so that the game can be played
on first video screen 38 while the winner photo is or several
winner photos are displayed simultaneously on second video screen
40. This option allows a continuous advertisement to draw
additional players to gaming machine 10, especially where second
video screen 40 is located above first screen 38 in a position more
visible to a passerby.
[0025] Reaching beyond onboard screens 38 and 40 of gaming machine
10, the photographic image can also be displayed on remote video
screen 62 around a casino or other establishment so that the
winning image would be broadcast to a far greater number of people
in or around the casino to draw their attention to gaming machine
10 and/or the gaming establishment. Remote video screen 62 may be
more generally on the grounds of the establishment, that is, inside
or outside the establishment so as to attract those in either
location. Due to the interconnected nature of more than one gaming
establishment, remote video screens 62 may also be beyond the
grounds of a given establishment. Thus, for instance, gaming
machines 10 at a number of respective casinos may be tied into a
common jackpot, and it may therefore be desirable to broadcast the
winner's image on remote screens in each of these interconnected
casinos. The photographic image taken by camera 42 could be a snap
shot or a motion picture clip, either of which could be played back
on any of the above-mentioned screens 38, 40, and 62. Optionally, a
motion picture clip may be played repeatedly to better catch the
eyes of those in the vicinity. Clearly, the excited and/or happy
images shown in the photograph would tend to draw people to gaming
machine 10. The use of a winner's photographic image may also be
bolstered by use in conjunction with other audio or visual
attention devices, such as an audible message like "We have a
winner."
[0026] While the merely instantaneous display of the photographic
image would generally be advantageous, it may also be desired that
the image be reviewed before being displayed on any of the screens.
Therefore, as an alternative, the image or images could be sent to
photo reviewer screen 63 for review by a person who would select
which image or images, if any, would be displayed on video screens
38, 40 or 62. Such a review would prevent the display of an image
that may not tend to attract other players.
[0027] In addition, the winner of a game may not wish to have a
photographic image of himself or herself displayed on onboard
screens 38 and 40 or casino screens 62. Thus, gaming machine 10 may
also communicate to a winner the option to determine whether or not
to display the image on those screens. Machine 10 may utilize
screens 38 or 40 to display a visual message to that effect or
speaker 44 for a similar audible message. The message and the image
may appear simultaneously on one of screens 38 and 40, or the image
may be displayed on screens 38 or 40 only after the winner opted to
view the image before ultimately deciding whether to allow
subsequent display thereof. Such an option would respect and
protect the privacy of individuals not wishing to have their images
advertised beyond the typical notice of passersby within a closer
range of machine 10.
[0028] In accordance with another main feature of the present
invention the communication via pathways 56 and 58 and through CPU
54 permits improved security of gaming machine 10. Specifically,
sensor 46 is used to pick up a signal of an undesirable action by
player 16 or another individual near machine 10 and forward that
information to CPU 54 so that camera 42 may take a photograph of a
potential vandal. The photographic image may then be displayed on
remote security video screen 16 to allow security personnel to
either immediately identify the vandal and prevent or reduce damage
to gaming machine 10 or to maintain a permanent copy of the
photographic image of the vandal and vandalism which could be used
for identification and enforcement purposes. In addition, if it
becomes known at large that camera 42 may be used for security
purposes, it may assist in reducing vandalism due to fear of
incrimination.
[0029] Onboard sensor 46 may be any number of sensors, including a
tilt switch to indicate rough handling of gaming machine 10; a door
switch to indicate unauthorized opening of a door; a motion switch
to indicate certain types of motions that may indicate vandalism; a
timer which could, for example, indicate an extended time between
the insertion of a coin to play the machine and the actual input by
player 16 to engage gaming machine 10; an excessive-deposit sensor
to indicate that an excessive amount of money or credit has been
used with gaming machine 10, which may indicate tampering with
gaming machine 10; a counterfeit-money sensor to indicate improper
use of counterfeit money; a multiple-consecutive-jackpot sensor,
which could indicate tampering; a multiple-denied-bill-validation
sensor, which could also indicate a pattern indicating improper use
of gaming machine 10; a payout sensor to indicate a payout to play
16 upon winning a game on machine 10; an optic sensor; a
pressure-sensitive sensor; a capacitance sensor; and a resistance
sensor. This is only exemplary of the possibilities for which
sensor 46 could be used and is not intended to limit the scope of
the invention.
[0030] The photographic images taken by camera 42 could be a
snapshot or a motion picture allowing for real time surveillance of
gaming machine 10. The option of utilizing onboard camera 42 in
conjunction with security surveillance is especially appealing
where gaming machine 10 is to be used in areas that have no other
surveillance cameras or security personnel. In addition, camera 42
may be directly connected to remote security screen 60 without
using sensor 46, so that camera 42 is used as part of a standard
security surveillance system.
[0031] In accordance with another main feature of the present
invention, onboard camera 42 may be used in conjunction with CPU 54
and certain accessories so that when a game malfunctions, a service
technician can be notified by various means in order to provide
rapid service in repairing gaming machine 10. More specifically, as
shown in the flow chart of FIG. 5, CPU 54 includes a game
malfunction indicator 74 and is in communication with camera 42,
first video screen 38, second video screen 40, onboard speaker 44,
player microphone 48 and remote service technician video screen 64,
speaker 66, microphone 68 and camera 70. The communication between
the various accessories, CPU 54 and camera 42 is as follows.
[0032] When a game malfunctions on gaming machine 10, indicator 74
senses the malfunction and informs CPU 54 to do several things, the
key being to create a communication pathway between player 16 and a
remote service technician. One option is for CPU 54 to send a video
message to player 16 via one of first video screen 38 and second
video screen 40 indicating that the game has malfunctioned and that
player microphone 48 has been activated to allow player 16 to
communicate to a service technician for the purpose of identifying
the problem and repairing gaming machine 10. This same message may
also be audibly broadcast to player 16 via onboard speaker 44. CPU
54 would also activate a connection with player microphone 48 so
that player 16 could speak into microphone 48 to create a message
to the service technician. Simultaneously, a line would be opened
to at least one of the service technician video screen 64 and
speaker 66 to allow communication with the service technician.
Also, the service technician may be provided with microphone 68 and
camera 70 in order to send an audio message and even a video image
of the technician back to player 16 through CPU 54 and the
appropriate respective accessory such as onboard speaker 44 and one
of first video screen 38 and second video screen 40. Obviously, the
use of camera 42 in connection with this goal would be to allow a
service technician to view player 16 during communication related
to the problem with the game malfunction. The visual image may be
combined with an audio message sent via player microphone 48 to the
service technician to allow for better communication to the
technician. It is also an option to use keypad 36, or another
player input control, to assist in communicating to the service
technician, whereby player 16 may, for example, push buttons or use
a joystick to input information.
[0033] While this one-way communication from player 16 to the
service technician would itself be beneficial, preferably the
service technician would be able to communicate via microphone 68
to player 16 as well. In a more elaborate setting, service
technician and camera 70 may be used so that player 16 may also
view the service technician during the communication. Such
communication with the service technician would allow him or her to
better identify the problem in bringing the appropriate tools and
parts needed to repair gaming machine 10, thus reducing or
eliminating time-consuming additional trips. Further, the
communication to player 16 could help give him or her information
about the time frame for the repair of gaming machine 10 and allow
player 16 to recognize the responding technician on arrival.
[0034] As an alternative to CPU 54 sending a message to player 16
to use microphone 48 to speak to the technician, CPU 54 could send
a message to first alert the technician, who could then initiate
communication with player 16. While gaming machine 10 may include a
printed notice regarding the ability to access a service technician
by microphone 48, the timely communication of this option as
described above is far more likely to garner the involvement of
player 16 in assisting with the repair of gaming machine 10.
[0035] It is further noted that while CPU 54 is in communication
with the various accessories in the preferred embodiment, it is
nonetheless optional. The various accessories may operatively be in
communication with one another independently of CPU 54. By way of
example, CPU 54 is not needed where sensor 46 is a mechanically
operated payout sensor such that when payout money or a credit slip
physically moves past sensor 46, a mechanical connection is made to
close an electrical circuit to operate camera 42 and automatically
send a photographic image to any of screens 38, 40 and 62 or any
combination thereof. Alternately, the image could be sent
automatically to reviewer screen 63, where a reviewer would
determine whether to use the image, and if so, forward it directly
to screens 38, 40 and/or 62 without the use of CPU 54.
[0036] Likewise, where sensor 46 is related to a security breach of
gaming machine 10, triggering sensor 46 may set up a direct
connection to camera 42 and in turn remote security screen 60
without the use of CPU 54. Similarly, where sensor 46 is able to
sense a game malfunction, a direct connection without the use of
CPU 54 can operate camera 42 and forward an image to technician
screen 64, open communication between onboard microphone 48 and
technician speaker 66, between technician microphone 68 and onboard
speaker 44, and between technician camera 70 and one of screens 38
and 40.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, second video screen 40 is located above
first video screen 38 with camera 42 therebetween. However, it will
be understood that the location of screens 38 and 40 as well as
camera 42 may vary as desired. Camera 42 should be located so that
the photographic image may be taken at least of the face of player
16 and preferably more than just the face.
[0038] While the communication lines or pathways 56 and 58 are
described as being electrical wires in the above embodiment, it
will be understood that these communication pathways may take any
appropriate form known in the art, such as optic fibers, radio
frequency transmissions, infrared transmissions, laser-based
transmission, satellite communications and also may include
computer software. Computer software may be used which recognizes
suspicious actions, the computer software being part of the
communication pathways 56 and 58 such that those suspicious actions
may be transmitted to, for instance, remote security video screen
60. Such suspicious actions may include some of the items listed
above related to sensor 46, for instance, the identification of an
excessive deposit, counterfeit money,
multiple-consecutive-jackpots, and
multiple-denied-bill-validations.
[0039] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0040] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
is an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details
shown or described.
* * * * *