U.S. patent application number 10/754395 was filed with the patent office on 2005-07-14 for gaming machine bonusing method utilizing a player tracking card.
This patent application is currently assigned to IGT. Invention is credited to Paulsen, Craig.
Application Number | 20050153768 10/754395 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34739387 |
Filed Date | 2005-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050153768 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Paulsen, Craig |
July 14, 2005 |
Gaming machine bonusing method utilizing a player tracking card
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for providing a bonus on a gaming machine
are disclosed. Specifically, a first bonus can be provided to a
player on a gaming machine. During or for an outcome of the first
bonus, an opportunity for a second bonus can be provided. Whether
the opportunity has been met can be determined using player
tracking information from a player tracking card inserted into the
gaming machine. If the opportunity has been met, then a second
bonus can be provided.
Inventors: |
Paulsen, Craig; (Reno,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BEYER WEAVER & THOMAS LLP
P.O. BOX 70250
OAKLAND
CA
94612-0250
US
|
Assignee: |
IGT
|
Family ID: |
34739387 |
Appl. No.: |
10/754395 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for providing a bonus on a gaming machine comprising:
providing a first bonus to a player on a gaming machine; providing
an opportunity for a second bonus during the first bonus;
determining if the opportunity has been met using player tracking
information; and providing the second bonus if the opportunity has
been met.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the opportunity is met if the
player tracking information indicates that the player associated
with the player tracking information is a preferred player, a
member of a special group, or single win recipient.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the opportunity is met if a
player tracking card is inserted into the gaming machine and a
specified activity is performed in response to a specified
event.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the specified event is an audio
signal, a visual signal, or both an audio and visual signal.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the specified event is saved to
the gaming machine or an associated gaming device as game state
information.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the opportunity is met if a
player tracking card is inserted into the gaming machine in
response to a specified event.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the specified event is an audio
signal, a visual signal, or both an audio and visual signal.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the specified event is saved to
the gaming machine or an associated gaming device as game state
information.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the second bonus is a multiple of
the first bonus.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the second bonus is a bonus
game.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the second bonus is a monetary
prize, an in-kind prize, credits, or a combination thereof.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the second bonus is redeemable
during a subsequent gaming session.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying progress
towards a bonus award, wherein one or more outcomes from the second
bonus are used to progress towards the bonus award.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the progress displayed is in
the form of a puzzle, wherein a plurality of outcomes are used to
complete the puzzle for the bonus award.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the bonus award is a multiple
amount, a bonus game, credits, a monetary prize, an in-kind prize,
or a combination thereof.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the progress displayed is in
the form of a diagram.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the bonus award is a multiple
amount, a bonus game, credits, a monetary prize, an in-kind prize,
or a combination thereof.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the player tracking information
is associated with a player tracking card inserted into the gaming
machine.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the player tracking information
is associated with a player tracking card, a smart card, Java card,
memory stick, or wireless device.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the wireless device is a PDA,
cell phone, Bluetooth-related item, or RFID device.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein the player tracking information
is associated with a virtual player tracking card used during an
Internet gaming session.
22. A method for providing a bonus award on a gaming machine
comprising: providing a first bonus to a player on a gaming
machine; receiving player tracking information associated with the
player, wherein the player tracking information includes player
status information; and providing a second bonus during or for an
outcome of the first bonus if the player tracking information meets
a specified criteria.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the player status information
includes whether the player is a preferred player, a member of a
special group, or a combination thereof.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the specified criteria is met
if the player status information indicates that the player is a
preferred player, a member of a special group, or a combination
thereof.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein the player status information
includes the player's level of patronage, frequency of game play,
or a combination thereof, and wherein the specified criteria is a
minimum level of patronage, frequency of game play, or a
combination thereof.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the level of patronage is
determined by the number of game plays, denomination of one or more
gaming machines played, the amount of credits bet during game play,
or a combination thereof, by the player during a time interval.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the time interval accounts for
the player's entire game playing history.
28. A gaming system for providing a bonus award on a gaming machine
comprising: logic for providing a primary game, wherein the primary
game is a game of chance; logic for providing a first bonus,
wherein the first bonus is provided based on player tracking
information, a random event, or a combination thereof; and logic
for providing a second bonus, wherein the second bonus is provided
during or for the first bonus, and wherein the second bonus is
based on player tracking information.
29. The gaming system of claim 28, wherein the logic for providing
the first and second bonus is provided by a bonus server.
30. The gaming machine system of claim 28, wherein the logic for
providing the first and second bonus is provided by a master gaming
controller associated with a gaming machine of the gaming
system.
31. The gaming machine system of claim 28, wherein the second bonus
is a multiple of the first bonus.
32. The method of claim 28, wherein the second bonus is a bonus
game, a monetary prize, an in-kind prize, an indicia of credits, or
a combination thereof.
33. The method of claim 28, wherein the player tracking information
is stored on a player tracking server.
34. The method of claim 28, further comprising logic for displaying
progress towards a bonus award, wherein one or more outcomes from
the second bonus are used to progress towards the bonus award.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein one or more outcomes from the
first bonus are used to progress towards the bonus award.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. ______ [Attorney Docket IGT P094/P-810], entitled "MATCHING
BONUSING METHOD USING A PLAYER TRACKING CARD," filed on the same
day as the instant application, by Nguyen et al., which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] I. Field of the invention
[0003] The present invention relates to gaming machines. More
particularly, the present invention relates to methods and
apparatus for providing bonuses based on the use of a
player-tracking account.
[0004] II. Background
[0005] There are a wide variety of associated devices that can be
connected to a gaming machine such as a slot machine or video poker
machine. Some examples of these devices are player tracking units,
lights, ticket printers, card readers, speakers, bill validators,
ticket readers, coin acceptors, display panels, key pads, coin
hoppers and button pads. Many of these devices are built into the
gaming machine or components associated with the gaming machine
such as a top box which usually sits on top of the gaming machine.
In addition, many of these devices can be integrated into a player
tracking unit.
[0006] Typically, utilizing a master gaming controller, the gaming
machine controls various combinations of devices that allow a
player to play a game on the gaming machine and also encourage game
play on the gaming machine. For example, a game played on a gaming
machine usually requires a player to input money or indicia of
credit into the gaming machine, indicate a wager amount, and
initiate a game play. These steps require the gaming machine to
control input devices, including bill validators and coin
acceptors, to accept money into the gaming machine and recognize
user inputs from devices, including touch screens and button pads,
to determine the wager amount and initiate game play.
[0007] After game play has been initiated, the gaming machine
determines a game outcome, presents the game outcome to the player
and may dispense an award of some type depending on the outcome of
the game. A game outcome presentation may utilize many different
visual and audio components such as flashing lights, music, sounds
and graphics. The visual and audio components of the game outcome
presentation may be used to draw a player's attention to various
game features and to heighten the player's interest in additional
game play. Maintaining a game player's interest in game play, such
as on a gaming machine or during other gaming activities, is an
important consideration for an operator of a gaming
establishment.
[0008] One related method of maintaining a game player's interest
in game play includes offering player tracking programs through
various casinos. Player tracking programs typically provide
rewards, or "comps," to players in proportion to the player's level
of patronage (e.g., to the player's playing frequency and/or total
amount of game plays at a given casino). Player tracking rewards
may be free meals, free lodging and/or free entertainment. These
rewards may help to sustain a game player's interest in additional
game play during a visit to a gaming establishment and may entice a
player to visit a gaming establishment to partake in various gaming
activities.
[0009] Player tracking cards and player tracking programs have
become a de facto marketing method at casinos. A casino can obtain
valuable marketing information from player tracking programs and
provide loyalty incentives to players. These loyalty incentives
provide a way to maintain a player's interest in playing games at a
particular casino once a player has initiated game play with a
player tracking card.
[0010] Accordingly, it is desirable to encourage players to use
their player tracking cards during game play. By encouraging such
use, the traditional player tracking programs can be used even more
effectively to maintain player interest in the games, and to
provide gaming establishments with valuable information that allows
them to better serve their players.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The techniques of the present invention address the above
need by providing methods, code and apparatus that provide bonusing
to players who use player tracking cards. In particular, the
invention accomplishes this by providing an opportunity for a
secondary bonus during or for a primary bonus to players who use
their player tracking cards, or the like, during game play.
[0012] One aspect of this invention pertains to a method of
providing a bonus on a gaming machine. This method may be
characterized by the following sequence of operations: providing a
first bonus to a player on a gaming machine; providing an
opportunity for a second bonus during the first bonus; determining
if the opportunity has been met using player tracking information;
and providing the second bonus if the opportunity has been met.
[0013] Another aspect of this invention pertains to a method for
providing a bonus award on a gaming machine, which may be
characterized by the following sequence of operations: providing a
first bonus to a player on a gaming machine; receiving player
tracking information associated with the player, wherein the player
tracking information includes player status information; and
providing a second bonus during or for an outcome of the first
bonus if the player tracking information meets a specified
criteria.
[0014] Still another aspect of the invention pertains to a gaming
system for providing a bonus award on a gaming machine. Such gaming
system may be characterized by the following features: logic for
providing a primary game, wherein the primary game is a game of
chance; logic for providing a first bonus, wherein the first bonus
is provided based on player tracking information, a random event,
or a combination thereof; and logic for providing a second bonus,
wherein the second bonus is provided during or for the first bonus,
and wherein the second bonus is based on player tracking
information.
[0015] Yet another aspect of the invention pertains to computer
program products including machine-readable media on which are
stored program instructions for implementing a portion of or an
entire method as described above. Any of the methods of this
invention may be represented, in whole or in part, as program
instructions that can be provided on such computer readable media.
In addition, the invention pertains to various combinations of data
generated and/or used as described herein.
[0016] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be described in more detail below with reference to
the associated figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1A is a perspective drawing of a gaming machine having
a top box and other devices.
[0018] FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic representation of a player
tracking user interface.
[0019] FIG. 2 is block diagram of a gaming system configured to
present bonuses when a player tracking account is used.
[0020] FIG. 3A is a flow diagram depicting a process for providing
a secondary bonus to a player using a player-tracking account.
[0021] FIG. 3B is a flow diagram depicting another process for
providing a secondary bonus to a player using a player-tracking
account.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0022] Various embodiments of the present invention pertain to
technology for issuing secondary bonuses for or during primary
bonuses on a gaming machine. The bonuses can be issued via cashless
instruments (sometimes referred to as "cashless indicators" or
"cashless indicia" herein), monetary prizes, and the like. Cashless
instruments may be redeemed for various bonus awards such as
services, merchandise, comps, additional game plays, etc.
[0023] Bonuses can include bonus games, credits, prizes (e.g.
monetary, in-kind, or the like), multiples of base game winnings
(e.g. two times primary game winnings for a primary bonus, or two
times a primary game or primary bonus game winnings for a secondary
bonus), and the like. In addition, multiples can be applied to any
type of winning, such as credits, monetary prizes, in-kind prizes,
and the like. Examples of in-kind prizes include passes to a show,
dinner vouchers, and the like.
[0024] The concept of a bonus game is rather expansive. It
sometimes involves an elaborate auxiliary game presented on a
gaming machine. Other times it involves a simple random or
semi-random issuance of bonus awards not directly connected to a
primary game on the machine. In most instances, it supplements a
"primary game" played on a gaming machine. The primary game is
typically a slot game, video poker, keno, checkers, pachinko, or
other game provided on the gaming machine.
[0025] The primary game has its own awards for winning outcomes.
The bonuses supplement the "primary awards" issued for normal play
of the primary game. Appropriate game logic determines when a
primary bonus should be issued. Typically, this is triggered when a
predetermined or random event (a "bonus event") occurs. At that
point, the game logic instructs the machine to issue a cashless or
other indicator of the primary bonus. The bonus event may be tied
directly to some event in the primary game (e.g., a coin in or coin
out event). It may also be tied to the quantity of play on the
primary game. For example, after a certain length of playing time
or a certain number of primary game awards, the probability of the
primary bonus increases--or the primary bonus becomes certain.
[0026] As described in more detail below, a secondary bonus can be
provided during or for a primary bonus. More specifically, the
secondary bonus can be based on player tracking information. For
instance, if the player tracking information indicates that the
player is a preferred player, a member of a specified group, a
recipient of a single win, or the like, a secondary bonus can be
provided, such as a multiple of any awards provided for or during a
primary bonus or a primary game. A single win can be obtained
during previous game play, and can be in the form of a redeemable
game, credits, or the like. In addition, players awarded multiples
may win amounts that exceed the posted winnings on the gaming
machine. By providing multiples of this type, preferred players,
such as high rollers or members of exclusive gaming establishment
clubs, can be afforded special treatment. Such special treatment
can enhance the players' gaming experience and can encourage
further game play at the gaming establishment.
[0027] In some embodiments, a secondary bonus can be redeemable at
a later time. For example, a cashless instrument can be issued as a
secondary bonus, which can entitle a player to a secondary bonus
game, credits, or the like, when the cashless instrument is
inserted into a gaming machine during a subsequent gaming session.
During the subsequent gaming session, this secondary bonus can be
redeemed alone or in conjunction with a primary game or primary
bonus. In other embodiments, the cashless instrument issued as a
secondary bonus can be redeemable during a subsequent gaming
session when the gaming machine of the subsequent gaming session
provides a specific event such as an audio and/or visual prompt to
insert such a cashless instrument to trigger a secondary bonus. It
should be noted that in some embodiments, the value of a cashless
instrument issued as a secondary bonus may not be apparent at face
value. Instead, the secondary bonus may provide a mystery amount
that is revealed when it is redeemed, a secondary bonus game that
has an outcome that is not yet determined, or the like.
[0028] A primary game is typically "executed" on the gaming machine
during normal play. The execution may be triggered mechanically
(e.g., the pulling of a lever actuates mechanically driven slot
reels), electrically, or by a combination of the two. Typically,
game execution is divided into at least two stages or components:
game outcome determination (lose, win $A, win $B, . . . ) and game
presentation. In modem gaming machines, game outcome determination
typically employs an algorithm acting on or with a random number
generator and a paytable. It occurs transparently. In other words,
the player does not see it happening. Presentation involves
displaying a video sequence or a mechanical sequence or both. At
the end of the game presentation, the game outcome is depicted to
the player. During a slot game play sequence, for example, game
logic first determines whether the player will lose or win and, if
she wins, how much she wins. This is the game outcome
determination. Next the gaming machine displays spinning reels
during the game presentation phase. Finally, the game logic directs
the reels to settle at positions corresponding to the game outcome
originally calculated. If a winning event resulted, the machine
will issue a primary award as either cash, a cashless indicator of
the primary award, or the like.
[0029] The issuance of a cashless instrument or other indicia of
credit representing a bonus award may occur at any time during play
of the primary game. In one embodiment described herein, the
cashless instrument issues concurrently with the primary award,
sometimes as part of the same ticket or other cashless indicator.
In certain other embodiments, the cashless instrument is issued
entirely separate from the primary award. The separation may be in
time, place, and format. Hence the primary award might be a cash
award dropped from a coin hopper, while the bonus award might occur
via a cashless ticket issued from a separate dispenser on the
machine (or even on a separate machine) before or during game
presentation. Other permutations are possible.
[0030] Note that the concept of a gaming machine extends to home
computers connected over a network (often the Internet) to game
servers that provide the necessary game logic to control
interaction with a remote game player. The remote game player uses
his/her client computer to receive network data from the game
server. The game server determines the game outcome and directs the
game presentation displayed on the client computer. As part of the
network game, a cashless indicia of bonus awards are generated at
the client computer. These may be printed from a local computer
onto 81/2.times.11 inch paper or another printable medium.
[0031] As explained in more detail below, the cashless indicia of
the bonus award may take many different forms. General examples
include tokens, printed tickets, or coupons dispensed by machines,
information written to a smart card, player tracking card, or other
instrument controlled by the player (at least temporarily), and
information written to a database or other repository of data
pertaining to player.
[0032] In the case of redeemable instruments issued by gaming
machines (or other apparatus associated with the game machine), the
instrument may serve functions in addition to merely providing
indicia of the bonus award. It may also include indicia of the
primary game award, advertising, or other information. Both the
indicia of the primary award and the indicia of the bonus award may
be preprinted on blank instruments in the machine or one or both
may be printed at issuance. In one embodiment, the indicia of the
bonus award is preprinted on a portion of only certain instruments
held in the machine prior to issuance. When a winning event occurs
during the primary game, a new cashless instrument is printed to
show the primary game award. If the instrument printed has, by
chance, a bonus award preprinted thereon, the player wins both a
primary game award and a bonus award, as indicated on the dispensed
instrument. In one specific case, the bonus game award is indicated
on one side of the instrument and the primary game award (or other
information) is printed on the other side. A secondary bonus award
can also be indicated on the cashless instrument.
[0033] In another embodiment, the printed instruments are issued as
duplicates, one showing one or more bonus awards and the other
showing other information such as a primary game award.
Alternatively, a single instrument is issued, but that instrument
has two portions that can be separated. One portion may be affixed
to the other by perforations, adhesion, etc. In a specific
embodiment, the two portions can be peeled apart from one
another.
[0034] In still other embodiments, the primary bonus can be used to
play a "secondary bonus game" such as a bingo game, a scratch away
lottery type game, etc. Or the cashless indicators of the primary
bonus game may have different formats (e.g., colors) and multiple
of these formats must be collected by a player in order to "win"
the secondary bonus game. Collecting such cashless indicators,
which are also referred to as primary or secondary bonus game
outcomes, can be displayed as bonus award progress, as described in
more detail below.
[0035] According to various embodiments of the present invention,
gaming machines may include many different combinations of award
dispensers, play interfaces, bill validators, cashless indicia
validators, etc. A gaming machine may have a single dispenser for
awards from both the primary game and bonus games. Alternatively,
the machine may include two or more award dispensers. In some
embodiments, each of these dispensers can dispense cashless
indicia. One of them can be dedicated to issuing bonus awards and
the other to issuing primary game awards. In other embodiments, one
dispenser can be a cash dispenser and the other a cashless
dispenser. In some examples, the bonus awards can be issued by the
cashless dispenser. The machine may also have a receptacle for
accepting non-cash indicia such as the cashless instruments issued
in accordance with this invention. Such receptacles allow the
machine to credit players based on previously issued bonus awards
or previously issued primary game awards.
[0036] The gaming machine may be a stand-alone machine or it may be
connected to a server or other computational machine. It may also
be connected to other gaming machines via a network. The network
may allow communication by any of a number of suitable protocols,
standard, proprietary, etc. If the machine is connected to a
server, that server may (or may not) communicate information
associated with the bonus awards. Such information includes
directions to award bonuses, directions to return player
information to update databases of bonus awards in the server, etc.
In some embodiments, the gaming machine itself does not control the
game outcome and/or the game presentation. The gaming machine, in
such cases, is merely a terminal, a client computer, etc. And
another machine contains the game logic for providing the outcome
and/or presentation.
[0037] Generally, a master gaming controller (described below) and
associated software or other logic instructions provide "primary
game logic" and "bonus game logic." The primary game logic is
responsible for determining a game outcome and instructing the
gaming machine to give a game presentation consistent with that
outcome. The bonus game logic is responsible for determining a
bonus game outcome in response to one or more user inputs during a
primary or secondary bonus game. In simple embodiments, this
involves nothing more than a determination that a bonus award
should be given randomly and then instructing the printer or other
mechanism to issue the cashless or other indicia of the bonus
award. In other embodiments, the bonus game logic instructs the
gaming machine to give a sophisticated bonus game presentation. In
some embodiments, the bonus game logic is coupled to the primary
game logic in a manner allowing the bonus game logic to detect
events in the primary game that trigger issuance of the cashless
indicia of bonus awards.
[0038] A sample gaming machine suitable for use with this invention
is depicted in FIG. 1. As shown, a video gaming machine 2 includes
a main cabinet 4, which generally surrounds the machine interior
(not shown) and is viewable by users. The main cabinet includes a
main door 8 on the front of the machine, which opens to provide
access to the interior of the machine. Attached to the main door
are player-input switches or buttons 32, a coin acceptor 28, and a
bill validator 30, a coin tray 38, and a belly glass 40. Viewable
through the main door is a video display monitor 34 and an
information panel 36. The display monitor 34 will typically be a
cathode ray tube, high resolution flat-panel LCD, or other
conventional electronically controlled video monitor. The
information panel 36 may be a back-lit, silk screened glass panel
with lettering to indicate general game information including, for
example, the maximum coin value. The bill validator 30,
player-input switches 32, video display monitor 34, and information
panel are devices used to play a game on the game machine 2. The
devices are controlled by circuitry (not shown) housed inside the
main cabinet 4 of the machine 2. Many possible games, including
traditional slot games, video slot games, video poker, video
lottery, video blackjack, video pachinko, video keno, general video
card games and video games of chance may be provided with gaming
machines of this invention.
[0039] The gaming machine 2 includes a top box 6, which sits on top
of the main cabinet 4. The top box 6 houses a number of devices,
which may be used to add features to a game being played on the
gaming machine 2, including speakers 10, 12, 14, a ticket printer
18, such as a thermal printer, which may print bar-coded tickets
20, a key pad 22 for entering player tracking information, a vacuum
florescent display 16 for displaying player tracking information, a
card reader 24 for entering a magnetic striped card containing
player tracking information. Further, the top box 6 may house
different or additional devices than those shown in FIG. 1. For
example, the top box may contain a bonus wheel or a back-lit silk
screened panel which may be used to add bonus features to the game
being played on the gaming machine. During a game, these devices
are controlled and powered, in part, by circuitry (not shown)
housed within the main cabinet 4 of the machine 2. In some
embodiments, a player tracking unit can be located at the base of
top box 6, as described in more detail below with regard to FIG.
1B.
[0040] Understand that gaming machine 2 is but one example from a
wide range of gaming machine designs on which the present invention
may be implemented. For example, not all suitable gaming machines
have top boxes. Further, some gaming machines have two or more game
displays--mechanical and/or video. And, some gaming machines are
designed for bar counters and have displays that face upwards. Such
machines may not include such features as bill validators, coin
acceptors and coin trays. Instead, they may have only ticket
readers, card readers and ticket dispensers. Those of skill in the
art will understand that the present invention, as described below,
can be deployed on most any gaming machine now available or
hereafter developed.
[0041] Further, a game may be generated in a host computer and
displayed on a remote terminal or a remote gaming device. The
remote gaming device may be connected to the host computer via a
network of some type such as a local area network, a wide area
network, an intranet or the Internet. The remote gaming device may
be a portable gaming device such as a cell phone, a personal
digital assistant, and a wireless game player. Those of skill in
the art will understand that the present invention, as described
below, can be deployed on most any gaming machine now available or
hereafter developed. For a more detailed description of cashless
systems, see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/114,006, (IGT
P057/P-485), filed on Mar. 29, 2002, by Paulsen et al., and
entitled "CASHLESS BONUSING FOR GAMING MACHINES," which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
[0042] FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment
of a user interface for a player tracking unit. As described above
with regard to FIG. 1A, a player tracking unit can be located at
the base of a top box 6 on a gaming machine 2 (FIG. 1A) in some
applications. In the present embodiment, the player tracking user
interface can include interfaces with player tracking devices such
as speaker 209, headphone jack 944, display 215, bezel 217, light
panel 216, buttons 810, keypad 220, card reader 225, light panel
211, proximity sensor 960, and the like. These player tracking
devices can be mounted to or with respect to a face plate (not
shown), which is covered with a decorative skin 265.
[0043] Display 215 may be an LED, LCD, vacuum florescent, plasma
display screen, touch screen, touch pad, or any other type of
display technology. In one application, video clips may be
presented on the display 215 and audio clips may be projected
through the speakers 209 or a player may be able to listen to the
audio clips via headphones connected to a headphone jack 944. In
addition to video clips, various messages, graphics, text, and the
like, can be displayed on display 215. Furthermore, speakers 209
and headphone jack 944 can project various audio signals.
[0044] Bezel 217 can be located adjacent to display 215. As shown,
bezel 217 can surround display 215 and can include a light panel
216 region and openings for buttons 810. The light panel 216 region
may be made of a translucent or transparent material that allows
light from LEDs or other light sources to be visible through the
light panel 216 region. Although a bezel is shown surrounding
display 215, other configurations can be included within the scope
of the present invention, such as when a light panel 216 is located
adjacent to display 215 without a bezel, or when a light panel 216
is located adjacent to one or more sides of the display 215.
[0045] As described above, card reader 225 can be used to receive
player tracking cards, and the like. A light panel 211 region can
be located adjacent to the card reader. For example, the light
panel region 211 can surround card reader 225 or can be located
with respect one or more sides of the card reader. As shown, the
light panel 211 region is adjacent to three sides of the card
reader 225. The light panel 211 region may be made of a translucent
or transparent material that allows light from LEDs or other light
sources to be visible through the light panel 211 region. In some
embodiments, light panel 211 can be omitted.
[0046] Various input devices can be used to make selections. For
instance, a touch screen or touch pad can be used to detect input
selections. Selections also may be made using input buttons 810 or
key pad 220. Any combination of these input devices can be used.
For instance, if a touch screen is used, input buttons 810 and
keypad 220 may be omitted. However, in other applications, even if
a touch screen is used, more than one of the input devices can be
used, thereby appealing to a wider array of players that may prefer
to use different input devices.
[0047] A player tracking interface can be used to allow players to
participate in a player tracking program associated with a gaming
establishment. In general, player tracking programs may be applied
to any game of chance offered at a gaming establishment. In
particular, player tracking programs are very popular with players
of mechanical slot gaming machines and video slot gaming machines.
In a gaming machine, a player tracking program is implemented using
a player tracking unit installed in the gaming machine and in
communication with a remote player tracking server. Player tracking
units are usually manufactured as an after-market device separate
from the gaming machine. Many different companies manufacture
player tracking units as part of player tracking/accounting
systems. These player tracking/accounting systems are used in most
casinos. Most casinos utilize only one type of player tracking
system (i.e. from one manufacturer) while the type of player
tracking system varies from casino to casino.
[0048] Typically, when a game player wants to play a game on a
gaming machine and utilize the player tracking services available
through the player tracking unit, a game player inserts a player
tracking card, such as a magnetic striped card, into a card reader
located on a player tracking unit of a gaming machine. After the
magnetic striped card has been so inserted, the player tracking
unit may detect this event and receive certain identification
information contained on the card. For example, a player's name,
address, and player tracking account number encoded on the magnetic
striped card, may be received by the player tracking unit. In
general, a player must provide identification information of some
type to utilize player tracking services available on a gaming
machine. For current player tracking programs, the most common
approach for providing identification information is to issue a
magnetic-striped card storing the necessary identification
information to each player that wishes to participate in a given
player tracking program. However, various instruments can be used
to provide identification information. Such instruments can include
a smart card, Java card, memory stick, wireless device, or the
like. Examples of wireless devices include PDAs, cell phones,
Bluetooth-related items, RFID devices, etc. In some instances, a
wearable RFID "club card" can automatically provide player tracking
information to a gaming machine. In other instances, a player can
input player tracking identification information into a cell phone
to provide player tracking information to a gaming machine.
[0049] During game play on the gaming machine, the player tracking
unit may poll the gaming machine for game play information such as
how much money the player has wagered on each game, the time when
each game was initiated, and the location of the gaming machine.
The game play information is sent by the player tracking unit to a
player tracking server. While a player tracking card is inserted in
the card reader, the player tracking server may use the game play
information provided by the player tracking unit to generate player
tracking points and add the points to a player tracking account
identified by the player tracking card. In addition, from the game
play information stored in a player's player tracking account,
members of special groups can be identified so that gaming
establishments can provide additional services to these players.
The player tracking points generated by the player tracking server
are stored in a memory of some type on the player tracking server.
For more examples of player tracking interfaces and units, see U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______, (IGT P094/P-810), by Nguyen et
al., and entitled "MATCHING BONUSING METHOD USING A PLAYER TRACKING
CARD," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety
for all purposes.
[0050] Turning now to FIG. 2, shown is a block diagram of one
embodiment of a gaming system configured to present bonuses based
on access to a player tracking account. More particularly, gaming
system 100 can include gaming machines 102, floor controllers 106,
and various servers 108, 110, 112, 114, and 116, coupled by a
network that can include an Internet, wired, wireless, or other
connection. Furthermore, gaming system 100 can be connected to any
number of LANs, WANs, and/or the Internet. Gaming system 100 can be
a gaming establishment such as a casino, group of affiliated
casinos, or the like.
[0051] Gaming machines 102 are coupled to servers 108, 110, 112,
114, and 116 through floor controllers 106. Various servers such as
bonus server 108, player tracking server 110, cashless server 112,
accounting server 114, and fulfillment server 116 can be included
in gaming system 100. In some embodiments, one or more of the
servers can be combined or omitted. Similarly, additional servers
can be included depending on the application.
[0052] As shown, gaming machines 102 can include player tracking
units 104. These player tracking units can be used to communicate
player tracking information to and from player tracking server 120.
Player tracking server 120 stores player tracking account
information, which can include player identification, records
including the number of player tracking points previously
accumulated by a player, records including the rewards or awards
won by the player, player preferences, and the like. In some
embodiments, the player account information may not specify the
identity of a player holding the account, such as when anonymous
cards are distributed to a tour group. In addition, the player
account information can be associated with a virtual player
tracking card, which specifies a player account number that allows
a person to access a player tracking account over an Internet
connection via a terminal such as a personal computer, or the like.
Bonus server 108 can use player tracking information stored on
player tracking server 120 to determine if a primary or secondary
bonus should be provided to a player, and if so, what type and
level of bonus should be provided.
[0053] Other servers such as cashless server 112, accounting server
114, and fulfillment server 116 can also be included in gaming
system 100. For instance, cashless server 112 can provide cashless
services, such as validating printed ticket vouchers used as
indicia of credit. Furthermore, accounting server 114 can keep
records of a player's casino financial account, and fulfillment
server 116 can enable the fulfillment of in-kind prizes as part of
a player's redemption of a prize or following an award of an
in-kind prize.
[0054] In the present embodiment, gaming system 100 can be
connected to computers or other machines, such as those engaged in
Internet gaming. For instance, any number of personal computers 162
can be connected to gaming system 100 through an Internet 160
connection. As shown, the Internet connection can be coupled to one
or more servers in system 100, thereby allowing access to a
plurality or all of the servers.
[0055] Although a particular configuration of servers and gaming
machines is shown in gaming system 100, it should be recognized
that modifications can be made within the scope of the present
invention. For instance, although three gaming machines 102 are
shown coupled to each of floor controllers 106, it should be
recognized that any number of gaming machines 102 and any number of
floor controllers 106 can be included. Furthermore, various servers
shown can be combined or omitted. Additional servers can also be
included within the scope of the present invention. For instance,
additional bonus servers can be added, especially where separate
bonus servers are used to provide primary and secondary bonuses. In
addition, Internet connection 160 can join any number of personal
computers 162 to gaming system 100 through any of the servers
108,110, 112, 114, and 116 or any other gaming system 100
component.
[0056] With reference to FIG. 3A, shown is a flow diagram depicting
one embodiment of a process for providing a secondary bonus to a
player using a player tracking account. More particularly, a
primary game can be presented on a gaming machine at 300. As
described above, a primary game is typically executed on the gaming
machine during normal play and has its own awards for winning
outcomes. Next, at 302, a primary bonus can be provided. As
described above, this primary bonus can be a bonus game, bonus
award, multiple (e.g. 4.times. the primary game award), and the
like. This primary bonus can be based on the amount of play during
a primary game, a random event, etc.
[0057] At 304, during the primary bonus, an opportunity can be
provided for a secondary bonus. This opportunity can be a passive
or active opportunity. For instance, a passive opportunity can
include providing a player with a bonus game, bonus award,
multiple, or the like, if the player tracking information
associated with a player includes specified information. This
specified information can be indicated by use of a player tracking
card, a smart card, Java card, memory stick, wireless device, or
the like. Examples of wireless devices include PDAs, cell phones,
Bluetooth-related items, RFID devices, etc. In some instances, a
wearable RFID "club card" can automatically provide player tracking
information to the gaming machine. In other instances, a player can
input player tracking identification information into a cell phone
to provide player tracking information to the gaming machine.
[0058] The specified information can indicate that the player is a
preferred player, a member of a special group, a single win
recipient, or the like. One example of a preferred player or a
member of a special group includes a member of a platinum players
club, which indicates that the player is associated with a
particular level of patronage at the gaming establishment. Another
example includes members of a group who have participated in a
particular frequency or level of patronage within a specified time
period. Yet another example includes special guests of the gaming
establishment, members of a particular tour group or conference
group, or the like. The player tracking information used to
determine whether a player is eligible for a secondary bonus can be
stored on player tracking server 110 (FIG. 2).
[0059] An active opportunity can include providing a player with a
bonus game, bonus award, multiple, or the like, if the player
participates in a specified activity while the opportunity is
offered. In one embodiment, an opportunity for a secondary bonus
can be offered based on player tracking information, as described
above with regard to passive opportunities, and the opportunity can
be met if the player engages in a specified activity. For instance,
once it is determined that a player is eligible for an opportunity,
the gaming machine can provide a specified event, such as an audio
and/or visual message to insert a cashless instrument into the
gaming machine, hit a particular button or buttons on the gaming
machine, or the like, in order to activate the secondary bonus. For
a more detailed description of cashless instruments that can be
used with the present embodiment, see U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/114,006, (IGT P057/P-485), filed on Mar. 29, 2002, by
Paulsen et al., and entitled "CASHLESS BONUSING FOR GAMING
MACHINES," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety for all purposes. Furthermore, an active opportunity can
be met by using a player tracking card, a smart card, Java card,
memory stick, wireless device, or the like. As described above,
examples of wireless devices include PDAs, cell phones,
Bluetooth-related items, RFID devices, etc.
[0060] In some embodiments, the specified event can be saved as
game state information in the event of a power outage or other game
interruption. Game state information can be saved to an associated
gaming device such as a server. For more detailed description of
storing game state information, see co-pending U.S. application
Ser. No. 10/040,239, (IGT P078/P-671), filed on Jan. 3, 2002, by
LeMay et al, titled, "Game Development Architecture that Decouples
the Game Logic from the Graphics Logic," which is incorporated
herein in its entirety and for all purposes. In another embodiment,
a player that has not already inserted a player tracking card but
has been offered a primary bonus may be offered an opportunity for
a secondary bonus if the player inserts a player tracking card when
prompted with a specified event.
[0061] In other embodiments, a player may have to complete a series
of events prior to receiving a secondary bonus. For instance, the
player may be required to view or collect a series of symbols,
messages, tickets, or the like, from one or more gaming machines to
earn a bonus award. In other examples, the player may be required
to play a series of games to complete the set of events. In some
instances, a gaming machine may remind players of what events to
look for during game play. Also, a player may receive instructions
on a printed ticket or through access to some other instrument,
such as a smart card, etc. that may have the information stored on
it. One example of a scenario employing a series of events includes
issuing a ticket to a player that asks the player to go to a
particular type of gaming machine and play a game. When a specified
event "x" occurs during game play, then the player can perform a
specified action "y" to win a secondary bonus. The specified event
"x" can include the appearance of a symbol, message, sound, or the
like, and action "y" may include pressing a particular button,
inserting the ticket having the instruction printed on it, or the
like. In some embodiments, the player may have to insert the ticket
or other instrument to notify the gaming machine of the secondary
bonus status, i.e. that the occurrence of "x" and "y" should
activate a secondary bonus. The gaming machine may then confirm
that the ticket is valid with a remote server.
[0062] In another example, the series of events may be spread out
over a number of gaming machines like a treasure hunt. For
instance, when a game is played at gaming machine "A," or a game
"B" is played at any gaming machine, players can be asked to look
for event "C." When found, then a new instruction will be issued.
This instruction may ask the player to go to gaming machine "D" or
play game "E" at any specified gaming machine and look for event
"F." A printed ticket or display on the gaming machine can apprise
the player of their status toward the treasure. For instance, the
following status can be displayed to a player: "you have completed
tasks 1-4 in the hunt and need to gather only one item to earn a
secondary bonus." In some embodiments, the "treasure hunt" can span
multiple casinos, such as various casinos on the Las Vegas
Strip.
[0063] For each of the passive or active bonuses described above,
the opportunity to win such bonuses may be time and/or place
restricted. For instance, a secondary bonus can be won during a
certain time period and/or at a particular casino.
[0064] Various embodiments described above encourage players to
participate in player tracking programs, which can enhance game
play for the player and provide gaming establishments with valuable
information about player preferences and game playing patterns.
Furthermore, these embodiments allow gaming establishments to
reward particular players, such as loyal customers, thereby
enhancing these players'experiences and encouraging them to engage
in further game play at the gaming establishment.
[0065] Next, at 306, the process determines whether the opportunity
has been met. In one example, a passive opportunity has been met if
the player tracking information associated with a player includes
specified information, as described above. In another example, an
active opportunity has been met if the player inserts a player
tracking card when prompted by an audio and/or video signal during
or in response to a primary bonus. In yet another example, an
active opportunity has been met if the player has been offered an
opportunity for secondary bonus based on player tracking
information and the player engages in a specified activity, as
described above. Once the opportunity has been met, then at 308, a
secondary bonus can be provided. As described above, this secondary
bonus can be a bonus game, bonus award, multiple (e.g. 4.times. the
primary bonus game award), and the like. In some embodiments, a
bonus or prize can include promotional credits. Furthermore, in a
video game, secondary bonuses may "unlock" hidden features or
levels of a game that is being played. These "unlocked" features or
levels may constitute the secondary bonus in some embodiments. If
the opportunity has not been met, then a secondary bonus is not
provided and the process can end. In some embodiments, the primary
bonus and/or primary game can resume.
[0066] In addition to the items shown and described in the present
embodiment, bonus award progress can be displayed on the gaming
machine. For instance, primary and/or secondary bonuses can be
bonus games that allow a player to make progress towards a
particular award, prize, or the like. Outcomes of these bonus games
can be applied to the bonus award progress, in the form of credits,
pieces of a puzzle, or the like. In one embodiment, bonus award
progress can be shown as a puzzle. Pieces of the puzzle can be
obtained during either or both the primary and/or secondary bonus
game, and displayed with respect to the puzzle on the gaming
machine. When the puzzle is complete, or otherwise satisfies a
winning configuration, an award, prize, or the like, can be
provided to the player. In another embodiment, bonus award progress
can be shown as a diagram. For example, a line graph can show the
players progress during bonuses, and can indicate a level at which
a winning configuration is achieved. When the line graph reaches
this level, an award, prize, or the like, can be provided to the
player. Other configurations are also possible.
[0067] With reference now to FIG. 3B, shown is a flow diagram
depicting another embodiment of a process for providing a secondary
bonus to a player using a player tracking account. In particular,
the present embodiment depicts one implementation of a passive
opportunity, as introduced above with regard to FIG. 3A. At 300, a
primary game is presented, as described in more detail above. Next,
at 302, the primary bonus event can be provided, as also described
above. At 310, player tracking information can be received by the
gaming machine. Although receipt of player tracking information 310
is shown in the present embodiment as following a primary bonus
event 302, it should recognized that receipt of player tracking
information can occur prior to or concurrently with presentation of
the primary game or provision of a primary bonus event, depending
on the application. For instance, a player can insert a player
tracking card at the beginning of a gaming session, in which case
the gaming machine can receive player tracking information before a
primary game is presented at 300. In another example, a player can
insert a player tracking card during a primary bonus event 302
either out of the player's own volition or in response to a
specified event, such as an audio and/or visual message to insert
the player tracking card into the gaming machine. As described
above with regard to FIG. 3A, player tracking information can be
provided by a player tracking card or other instruments such as a
smart card, Java card, memory stick, wireless device, or the like.
Examples of wireless devices include PDAs, cell phones,
Bluetooth-related items, RFID devices, etc.
[0068] Once player tracking information has been received, then at
312, is determined whether the player tracking information meets a
specified criteria or otherwise includes specified information. For
instance, the specified criteria can include player tracking
accounts indicating that the player associated with the player
tracking account has played at least a certain dollar amount within
the last two hours. In addition, as described above, the specified
information can indicate that the player is a preferred player, a
member of a special group, a single win recipient, or the like.
[0069] In the present embodiment, if the player tracking
information meets the specified criteria or otherwise includes
specified information, then at 308, a secondary bonus can be
provided. However, if the player tracking information does not meet
specified criteria or does not otherwise include specified
information, then a secondary bonus is not provided and the process
can end. In some embodiments, the primary bonus and/or primary game
can resume.
[0070] Conclusion
[0071] Although the above generally describes the present invention
according to specific exemplary processes and apparatus, various
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and/or
scope of the present invention. For instance, the embodiments
described can be used with stand alone machines, linked machines,
Internet gaming, or the like. Therefore, the present invention
should not be construed as being limited to the specific forms
shown in the appended figures and described above.
* * * * *