U.S. patent application number 11/144127 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-23 for method and apparatus for voucher and coupon printing in a gaming or vending environment.
This patent application is currently assigned to FutureLogic, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mark Meyerhofer.
Application Number | 20060039733 11/144127 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34798607 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060039733 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meyerhofer; Mark |
February 23, 2006 |
Method and apparatus for voucher and coupon printing in a gaming or
vending environment
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for a promotional printer for printing
vouchers and coupons for use within gaming machines or vending
machines. The promotional printer incorporates a first and second
means for receiving voucher and coupon data, respectively. The
promotional printer may be coupled to a local controller, such as a
game controller or a vending machine controller, for the reception
of voucher data for printing on vouchers. The promotional printer
may also be coupled to a system controller such as a master
promotional controller for the reception of coupon data for
printing on coupons. The promotional printer may be a single device
or may be created by combining a module receiving the coupon and
voucher data with a conventional gaming machine or voucher
printer.
Inventors: |
Meyerhofer; Mark; (La
Canada, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FITZPATRICK CELLA HARPER & SCINTO
30 ROCKEFELLER PLAZA
NEW YORK
NY
10112
US
|
Assignee: |
FutureLogic, Inc.
Glendale
CA
|
Family ID: |
34798607 |
Appl. No.: |
11/144127 |
Filed: |
June 3, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10434306 |
May 7, 2003 |
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11144127 |
Jun 3, 2005 |
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10405112 |
Mar 31, 2003 |
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11144127 |
Jun 3, 2005 |
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60378491 |
May 7, 2002 |
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60369097 |
Mar 29, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
400/62 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0235 20130101;
G06Q 30/02 20130101; G07F 17/42 20130101; G06Q 30/0222 20130101;
G07F 17/3248 20130101; G06Q 30/0208 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101;
G06F 3/1234 20130101; G06F 3/1208 20130101; G06F 3/1273 20130101;
G06Q 30/0207 20130101; G06F 3/121 20130101; G06Q 20/387
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
400/062 |
International
Class: |
B41J 5/30 20060101
B41J005/30 |
Claims
1. An interface for controlling a printer, comprising: a first
driver for receiving, from a local controller, data indicative of
information to be printed; a second driver for receiving, from a
central system controller, data indicative of information to be
printed; and a processor responsive to said first and second
drivers for generating printer commands in a standard format for
said printer.
2. An interface in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first
driver receives data in a first format, and said second driver
receives data in a second format.
3. An interface in accordance with claim 2, wherein: said first
driver receives data in one of a trigger or template format; and
said second driver receives data in another one of said trigger or
template formats.
4. An interface in accordance with claim 1, wherein: said first
driver and said processor together decode data from said local
controller and convert the decoded local controller data to said
standard format; and said second driver and said processor together
decode data from said central system controller and convert the
decoded central system controller data to said standard format.
5. An interface in accordance with claim 1, wherein said first
driver processes cash data from the local controller for use in
printing a voucher.
6. An interface in accordance with claim 5, wherein said second
driver processes non-cash data from the central system controller
for use in printing a coupon.
7. An interface in accordance with claim 1, wherein said second
driver processes non-cash data from the central system controller
for use in printing a coupon.
8. An interface in accordance with claim 1, wherein said interface
is built into the printer.
9. An interface in accordance with claim 1, wherein said interface
is external to the printer.
10. An interface in accordance with claim 1, wherein said printer
is a gaming machine printer.
11. An interface in accordance with claim 1, wherein said printer
is a vending machine printer.
12. An interface for controlling a printer, comprising: first means
for receiving, from a local controller, data indicative of
information to be printed; second means for receiving, from a
central system controller, data indicative of information to be
printed; and third means responsive to said first and second means
for generating printer commands in a standard format for said
printer.
13. An interface in accordance with claim 12, wherein said first
means receives data in a first format, and said second means
receives data in a second format.
14. An interface in accordance with claim 13, wherein: said first
means receives data in one of a trigger or template format; and
said second means receives data in another one of said trigger or
template formats.
15. An interface in accordance with claim 12, wherein: said first
means and said third means together decode data from said local
controller and convert the decoded local controller data to said
standard format; and said second means and said third means
together decode data from said central system controller and
convert the decoded central system controller data to said standard
format.
16. An interface in accordance with claim 12, wherein said first
means processes cash data from the local controller for use in
printing a voucher.
17. An interface in accordance with claim 16, wherein said second
means processes non-cash data from the central system controller
for use in printing a coupon.
18. An interface in accordance with claim 12, wherein said second
means processes non-cash data from the central system controller
for use in printing a coupon.
19. An interface in accordance with claim 12, wherein said
interface is built into the printer.
20. An interface in accordance with claim 12, wherein said
interface is external to the printer.
21. An interface in accordance with claim 12, wherein said printer
is a gaming machine printer.
22. An interface in accordance with claim 12, wherein said printer
is a vending machine printer.
23. An interface for controlling a printer, comprising: a first
driver for receiving, from a local controller, cash data indicative
of information to be printed on a voucher; a second driver for
receiving, from a central system controller, non-cash data
indicative of information to be printed on a coupon; and a
processor responsive to said first and second drivers for
generating printer commands in a standard format for said
printer.
24. An interface in accordance with claim 23, wherein said first
driver receives data in a first format, and said second driver
receives data in a second format.
25. An interface in accordance with claim 24, wherein: said first
driver receives data in one of a trigger or template format; and
said second driver receives data in another one of said trigger or
template formats.
26. An interface in accordance with claim 23, wherein: said first
driver and said processor together decode data from said local
controller and convert the decoded local controller data to said
standard format; and said second driver and said processor together
decode data from said central system controller and convert the
decoded central system controller data to said standard format.
27. An interface in accordance with claim 23, wherein said
interface is built into the printer.
28. An interface in accordance with claim 23, wherein said
interface is external to the printer.
29. An interface in accordance with claim 23, wherein said printer
is a gaming machine printer.
30. An interface in accordance with claim 23, wherein said printer
is a vending machine printer.
31. An interface for controlling a printer, comprising: first means
for receiving, from a local controller, cash data indicative of
information to be printed on a voucher; second means for receiving,
from a central system controller, non-cash data indicative of
information to be printed on a coupon; and third means, responsive
to said first and second means, for generating printer commands in
a standard format for said printer.
32. An interface in accordance with claim 31, wherein said first
means receives data in a first format, and said second means
receives data in a second format.
33. An interface in accordance with claim 32, wherein: said first
means receives data in one of a trigger or template format; and
said second means receives data in another one of said trigger or
template formats.
34. An interface in accordance with claim 31, wherein: said first
means and said third means together decode data from said local
controller and convert the decoded local controller data to said
standard format; and said second means and said third means
together decode data from said central system controller and
convert the decoded central system controller data to said standard
format.
35. An interface in accordance with claim 31, wherein said
interface is built into the printer.
36. An interface in accordance with claim 31, wherein said
interface is external to the printer.
37. An interface in accordance with claim 31, wherein said printer
is a gaming machine printer.
38. An interface in accordance with claim 31, wherein said printer
is a vending machine printer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/434,306, filed May 7, 2003 which claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/378,491,
filed May 7, 2002, and is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/405,112, filed Mar. 31, 2003, which claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/369,097, filed Mar.
29, 2002, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by
reference as if fully stated herein.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to printers and printer
connected hardware used in cash-less slot machines, gaming and
vending machines, and more specifically to hardware and software
operating within this equipment performing promotional ticket
printing, promotional data basing and printer and printer connected
hardware based promotional ticket triggering.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The gaming machine manufacturing industry provides a variety
of gaming machines for the amusement of gambling players. An
exemplary gaming machine is a slot machine. A slot machine is an
electromechanical game wherein chance or the skill of a player
determines the outcome of the game. Slot machines are usually found
in casinos or other more informal gaming establishments.
[0006] The gaming machine manufacturers have more recently
introduced cash-less enabled games to the market and these have
begun to find wide acceptance in that industry. Cash-less enabled
games are so named due to the fact that they can conduct their
player's financial exchange with a mixture of traditional currency
and vouchers. Typically, a cash-less enabled game must have as
installed components a printer to produce the vouchers, and a bill
acceptor that supports automatic reading of the vouchers. In a
cash-less enabled gaming system, when a player cashes out, the
system is signaled and depending on the size of the pay out, it can
either present coins in the tradition method of a slot machine, or
it can cause the printers which are installed in such machines to
produce a voucher containing the value of the pay out. The voucher
may then either be redeemed for cash at the cashier's cage, or
inserted into the bill acceptor which is installed in the same or
another cash-less enabled slot machine at a participating casino,
at which point the system will recognize the voucher, redeem it and
place the appropriate amount of playing credits on the game.
[0007] Over the last two years, cash-less enabled games have found
an increasing acceptance and use in the gaming industry with both
the players, who enjoy the speed of play and ease of transporting
their winnings around the casino, and the casinos who have realized
significant labor savings in the form of reduced coin hopper
reloads in the games, and an increase in revenue due to speed of
play. This increasing acceptance practically guarantees a wide
installed base of networked games with captive player audiences for
couponing and promotional tickets using generally the same
equipment already installed within the game for the purpose of
supporting cash-less gaming vouchers.
[0008] The vending machine manufacturing industry provides a
variety of vending machines configured as self serve kiosks for
dispensing various foods, drinks and other material products. An
exemplary vending machine is a soft drink vending machine. Vending
machines are usually found in locations where people would
congregate or be passing through and require snacks, food or other
goods.
[0009] The vending machine manufacturers have more recently
introduced intelligent, network connected vending machines to the
market and these have begun to find wide acceptance in that
industry. These new vending machines are considered intelligent
since they have capabilities of tracking their product sales and
inventory levels, and reporting these to a central location via a
hard wired land line or over a wireless communications link. This
information may then be used to schedule route restocking schedules
and for market analysis.
[0010] Initial testing of the network connected vending machines
have been positive, and this initial success practically guarantees
a wide installed base of networked vending machines with a customer
audience captive during the vend process. This installed base opens
up tremendous electronic promotional opportunities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, a cash-less enabled
game installed printer or printer attached promotional module, the
two being one complete logical unit and thus hereinafter referred
to as the "Printer", capable of loading and storing a promotional
database issued by a master promotional control system, and
referencing and parsing the promotional database based on signals
received, for the purpose of creating and issuing promotional
tickets on paper media used specifically for this purpose, or on
paper media normally used for the purpose of pay out vouchers
associated with cashless gaming, said promotional database
containing a plurality of coupons, cash vouchers, advertisements or
enticements all being hereinafter referred to as "coupon" or
"coupons", and such Printer containing and supporting a template
based printer language allowing coupons to be pre-defined,
formatted and stored in the Printer completely or in portion for
later recall, and such Printer and the said promotional database
thereby forming a complete promotional unit that combined shall
hereinafter referred to as a gaming promotional printer.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, the gaming promotional
printer being triggered to print coupons in its database under
direct control of the master promotional control system which
signals the print and conveys any pertinent variable information
associated with the coupons such as promotion type, face value of
the coupon, date of expiration and the like.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention, the master promotional
control system managing two or more gaming promotional printers in
a network type fashion.
[0014] In another aspect of the invention, the gaming promotional
printer downloading from a master promotional control system a
coupon trigger database thereby enabling it to self-manage its
couponing activity, these triggers being: (a) anytime a cash out
voucher is printed, (b) a voucher for greater than, equal to, or
less than a specified amount of money is issued, (c) the identity
of a player, (d) the category or classification of the player
related to frequency of play or money volume, (e) the duration of
play on the game, (f) anytime a player adds money or credits to a
game in an amount greater than, equal to or less than a specified
amount.
[0015] In another aspect of the invention, a component of the
gaming promotional printer's internal database being a set of
control parameters which instruct the printer to select the type
and quantity of coupons to create and issue related to any of the
triggers listed in the paragraph above, these control parameters
operating separately or in combination with each coupon in the
database, and these parameters being namely: (a) the total quantity
of a coupon being issued before it is retired within the database,
(b) the frequency of issuance of a coupon based on an algorithm of
one in every so many trigger events, (c) the frequency of issuance
of a coupon based on random odds, such as one in one hundred
trigger events, (d) a backup coupon or coupons should a particular
coupon fail to print for lack of satisfying its specified set of
qualifiers, (e) whether the coupon is issued based on the time the
trigger occurred, (f) whether the coupon is issued based on the
date the trigger occurred.
[0016] In another aspect of the invention, the gaming promotional
printer reporting tracking statistical data related to its use of
the promotional database back to the master promotional control
system in regards to the quantities of specific types of triggers
received, quantities of each type of coupon issued, the times and
dates when triggers were received and coupons were issued.
[0017] In another aspect of the invention, the inclusion of a
unique address or identity for each gaming promotional printer so
that the population on the network can be addressed in whole or
individually for promotional purposes.
[0018] In another aspect of the invention, the inclusion of a real
time clock electronic device within the gaming promotional printer
for the purposes of supporting promotional activity as described by
the definition of coupon above.
[0019] In another aspect of the invention, the gaming promotional
printer accepting promotional database loads and transferring
statistical data with the master promotional control system either
through its main communication port used for normally signaling pay
out vouchers in the game, or through an auxiliary port allowing its
promotional activities to be conducted in serial or in parallel
with its cash-out voucher printing functions within the cash-less
enabled game.
[0020] In another aspect of the invention, the gaming promotional
printer creating the image of a barcode, barcodes, characters or
marks which can be read by a cash-less enabled game bill acceptor
on the same or other game, allowing the automatic acceptance of
coupons into the cash-less gaming system in the casino or related
casino property.
[0021] In another aspect of the invention, a method of printing a
promotional coupon in a gaming environment includes receiving
coupon data by a gaming promotional printer in a cashless enabled
game from a promotional controller via a communications network.
The coupon data includes a coupon description written in a template
definition language. The gaming promotional printer then generates
the coupon using variable data and the coupon template in response
to a trigger.
[0022] In another aspect of the invention, the variable data is
received by the gaming promotional printer from the promotional
controller via the communications network. In this aspect, the
promotional controller generates the trigger and transmits the
trigger to the gaming promotional printer via the communications
network.
[0023] In another aspect of the invention, the coupon data includes
trigger control parameters and the trigger is generated by the
gaming promotional printer using the trigger control parameters and
trigger data. The trigger data may include a date, a time of day, a
frequency of issuance of the coupon, or a time of play by a player
of a gaming machine.
[0024] In another aspect of the invention, the gaming promotional
printer is further coupled to a gaming machine controller and the
trigger data is received by the gaming promotional printer from a
gaming machine controller. The trigger data may include a player
identifier, an amount of money in play on a gaming machine, a
duration of a current session of play of a gaming machine, a
cash-in of a player or a cash-out of a player.
[0025] In another aspect of the invention, coupon issuance data is
stored by the gaming promotional printer and the coupon issuance
data is transmitted by the gaming promotional printer to the
promotional controller via the communications network.
[0026] In another aspect of the invention, a promotional controller
transmits coupon data to a gaming promotional printer via a
communications network with the coupon data including a coupon
template. The promotional controller transmits variable data and
trigger data to the gaming promotional printer via the
communications network. In response to the transmission, the gaming
promotional printer generates a coupon using the coupon template
and the variable data.
[0027] In another aspect of the invention, the gaming promotional
printer stores coupon issuance data and the promotional controller
receives the coupon issuance data by the promotional controller
from the gaming promotional printer via the communications
network.
[0028] In another aspect of the invention, a gaming promotional
printer comprises a processor and a memory coupled to the
processor. The memory has stored program instructions executable by
the processor where the program instructions include receiving
coupon data including a coupon template from a promotional
controller via a communications network. The program instructions
for the gaming promotional printer also include instructions for
generating a coupon using variable data and the coupon template in
response to a trigger.
[0029] In another aspect of the invention, a promotional controller
includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. Program
instructions for implementing the features of a promotional
controller are stored in the memory and are executable by the
processor. The program instructions include: transmitting coupon
data to a gaming promotional printer via a communications network
wherein the coupon data includes a coupon template; transmitting
variable data to the gaming promotional printer via the
communications network; and transmitting trigger data to the gaming
promotional printer whereby the gaming promotional printer
generates a coupon using the coupon template and the variable data
in response to the trigger data.
[0030] In another aspect of the present invention, a vending
machine installed printer or printer attached promotional module,
the two being one complete logical unit and thus hereinafter
referred to as the "Printer", capable of loading and storing a
promotional database issued by a master promotional control system
being either the vending machine's controller to which the Printer
interfaces for customer receipts or a separate controller for
promotional purposes (either or both controllers being referred to
as "MPC"), and referencing and parsing the promotional database
based on signals received, for the purpose of creating and issuing
promotional tickets on paper media, said promotional database
containing a plurality of coupons, cash vouchers, advertisements or
enticements all being hereinafter referred to as "coupon" or
"coupons", and such Printer containing and supporting a template
based printer language allowing coupons to be pre-defined,
formatted and stored in the Printer completely or in portion for
later recall, and such Printer and the said promotional database
thereby forming a complete promotional unit that combined shall
hereinafter referred to as a vending promotional printer.
[0031] In another aspect of the invention, the vending promotional
printer being triggered to print coupons in its database under
direct control of the MPC which signals the print and conveys any
pertinent variable information associated with the coupons such as
promotion type, face value of the coupon, date of expiration and
the like.
[0032] In another aspect of the invention, the MPC managing two or
more vending promotional printers in a network type fashion.
[0033] In another aspect of the invention, the vending promotional
printer downloading from the MPC a coupon trigger database thereby
enabling it to self-manage its couponing activity, these triggers
being: (a) anytime a product is issued by the vending machine to
the customer, (b) a sale for greater than, equal to, or less than a
specified amount of money occurs in the machine, (c) the quantity
of product which the customer purchases, (d) the time at which the
vending transaction occurs, (e) the date at which vending
transaction occurs, (f) the physical row and column of the vending
machine's storage matrix from which the product is issued
("vended"), (g) the type of product vended. The sum of the
foregoing items listed in this paragraph being in their entirety
referred to as "triggers".
[0034] In another aspect of the invention, a component of the
vending promotional printer's internal database being a set of
control parameters which instruct the printer to select the type
and quantity of coupons to create and issue related to any
combination of the triggers listed in the paragraph above, these
control parameters operating separately or in combination with each
coupon in the database, and these parameters being namely: (a) the
total quantity of a coupon being issued before it is retired within
the database, (b) the frequency of issuance of a coupon based on an
algorithm of one in every so many trigger events, (c) the frequency
of issuance of a coupon based on random odds, such as one in one
hundred trigger events, (d) a backup coupon or coupons should a
particular coupon fail to print for lack of satisfying its
specified set of qualifiers, (e) whether the coupon is issued based
on the time the trigger occurred, (f) whether the coupon is issued
based on the date the trigger occurred.
[0035] In another aspect of the invention, the vending promotional
printer reporting tracking statistical data related to its use of
the promotional database back to the MPC some or all of the
information related to the quantities of specific types of triggers
received, quantities of each type of coupon issued, the times and
dates when triggers were received and coupons were issued.
[0036] In another aspect of the invention, the vending promotional
printer including circuitry to interface to the vending machine's
communication bus, in a method either visible or transparent to the
vending machine's controller, for the purposes of determining
transactional information such as the amount of currency deposited
into the vending machine by the customer, the cost of the product
being vended, the type of product vended, or the storage row and
column from which the product is vended.
[0037] In another aspect of the invention, the inclusion of a
unique address or identity for each vending promotional printer so
that the population on the network can be addressed in whole or
individually for promotional purposes.
[0038] In another aspect of the invention, the inclusion of a real
time clock electronic device within the vending promotional printer
for the purposes of supporting promotional activity as described by
the definition of coupon above.
[0039] In another aspect of the invention, the vending promotional
printer supporting two communications ports, one port being used
for communicating with the MPC for promotional activities, and the
other port being used for communicating with the vending machine
controller for the purposes of issuing financial receipts and
monitoring vending transactional traffic, thus allowing its
promotional activities to be conducted in serial or in parallel
with transactional printing functions within the vending
machine.
[0040] In another aspect of the invention, the vending promotional
printer creating the image of a barcode, barcodes, characters or
marks that can be read by a bill acceptor on the same or other
vending machine or kiosk, allowing the automatic acceptance of
coupons by said machines or kiosks.
[0041] In one aspect of the invention, a method of printing a
promotional coupon in a vending environment includes receiving
coupon data by a vending promotional printer in a cashless enabled
game from a promotional controller via a communications network.
The coupon data includes a coupon description written in a template
definition language. The vending promotional printer then generates
the coupon using variable data and the coupon template in response
to a trigger.
[0042] In another aspect of the invention, the variable data is
received by the vending promotional printer from the promotional
controller via the communications network. In this aspect, the
promotional controller generates the trigger and transmits the
trigger to the vending promotional printer via the communications
network.
[0043] In another aspect of the invention, the coupon data includes
trigger control parameters and the trigger is generated by the
vending promotional printer using the trigger control parameters
and trigger data. The trigger data may include a date, a time of
day, a frequency of issuance of the coupon, or a time of play by a
player of a vending machine.
[0044] In another aspect of the invention, the vending promotional
printer is further coupled to a vending machine controller and the
trigger data is received by the vending promotional printer from a
vending machine controller. The trigger data may include a player
identifier, an amount of money in play on a vending machine, a
duration of a current session of play of a vending machine, a
cash-in of a player or a cash-out of a player.
[0045] In another aspect of the invention, coupon issuance data is
stored by the vending promotional printer and the coupon issuance
data is transmitted by the vending promotional printer to the
promotional controller via the communications network.
[0046] In another aspect of the invention, a promotional controller
transmits coupon data to a vending promotional printer via a
communications network with the coupon data including a coupon
template. The promotional controller transmits variable data and
trigger data to the vending promotional printer via the
communications network. In response to the transmission, the
vending promotional printer generates a coupon using the coupon
template and the variable data.
[0047] In another aspect of the invention, the vending promotional
printer stores coupon issuance data and the promotional controller
receives the coupon issuance data by the promotional controller
from the vending promotional printer via the communications
network.
[0048] In another aspect of the invention, a vending promotional
printer comprises a processor and a memory coupled to the
processor. The memory has stored program instructions executable by
the processor where the program instructions include receiving
coupon data including a coupon template from a promotional
controller via a communications network. The program instructions
for the vending promotional printer also include instructions for
generating a coupon using variable data and the coupon template in
response to a trigger.
[0049] In another aspect of the invention, a promotional controller
includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. Program
instructions for implementing the features of a promotional
controller are stored in the memory and are executable by the
processor. The program instructions include: transmitting coupon
data to a vending promotional printer via a communications network
wherein the coupon data includes a coupon template; transmitting
variable data to the vending promotional printer via the
communications network; and transmitting trigger data to the
vending promotional printer whereby the vending promotional printer
generates a coupon using the coupon template and the variable data
in response to the trigger data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0050] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with regard to the
following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings
where:
[0051] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary network
interfacing couponing to the vending environment;
[0052] FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary coupon and an
summary of how the coupon is constructed by logical fields in a
template based printer language used in the invention;
[0053] FIG. 3 is an illustration of coupon template field elements
stored partially resident in the printer and partially supplied by
the MPC at the time of print and issue;
[0054] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary coupon "stack" and
logical trigger matrix resident in the printer promotional
printer;
[0055] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a vending environment
employing coupon issuance in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 6 is a deployment diagram of a coupon issuing system in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0057] FIG. 7 is another deployment diagram of the coupon issuing
system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0058] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a coupon including logical
fields described in a template based printer language in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0059] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of coupon template field elements
stored partially resident in a vending promotional printer and
partially supplied by a master promotional controller at the time
of print and issue in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary coupon "stack"
and logical trigger matrix resident in a vending promotional
printer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0061] FIG. 11 is a process flow diagram of a coupon generation
process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0062] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram of a coupon generating process
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0063] FIG. 13 is an architecture diagram of an exemplary vending
promotional printer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0064] FIG. 14 is an architecture diagram of an exemplary master
promotional controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0065] FIG. 15 is an illustration of an exemplary network
interfacing couponing to the gaming environment;
[0066] FIG. 16 is an illustration of an exemplary coupon and a
summary of how the coupon is constructed by logical fields in a
template based printer language used in the invention;
[0067] FIG. 17 is an illustration of coupon template field elements
stored partially resident in the printer and partially supplied by
the master promotional control system at the time of print and
issue;
[0068] FIG. 18 is an illustration of an exemplary coupon "stack"
and logical trigger matrix resident in the gaming promotional
printer;
[0069] FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a gaming environment
employing coupon issuance in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 20 is a deployment diagram of a coupon issuing system
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0071] FIG. 21 is another deployment diagram of the coupon issuing
system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0072] FIG. 22 is an illustration of a coupon including logical
fields described in a template based printer language in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0073] FIG. 23 is a block diagram of coupon template field elements
stored partially resident in a promotional gaming printer and
partially supplied by a master promotional controller at the time
of print and issue in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention;
[0074] FIG. 24 is a block diagram of an exemplary coupon "stack"
and logical trigger matrix resident in a gaming promotional printer
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0075] FIG. 25 is a process flow diagram of a coupon generation
process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0076] FIG. 26 is a sequence diagram of a coupon generating process
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
[0077] FIG. 27 is an architecture diagram of a promotional gaming
printer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0078] FIG. 28 is an architecture diagram of an exemplary master
promotional controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0079] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a block diagram of the entire
system in which the printer promotional printer is employed. The
MPC shown in the diagram, which can either be a central computer,
the vending machine's controller, or an intelligent routing and
management device for one or more of the vending promotional
printers, directs the promotional activity of the printers via its
direct promotional ticket requests, or by using the printer's
ability to store coupon databases and-triggers. Once a coupon has
been issued by the vending promotional printer, it can either be
redeemed at the advertised location, or automatically through a
bill acceptor in a participating vending machine, or a kiosk which
is not a vending machine, but provides some other form of automatic
interface with the coupon holder. As shown by the dashed line
connection, a non-vending machine kiosk or personnel at the
redemption location may or may not interface back to the MPC when
redeeming a coupon, depending on the application. Information
relative to the couponing activity may exchanged with the MPC
system, the net result being the vending promotional printers
fitting into the system as distributed intelligent subunits,
significantly off-loading the MPC's real time servicing
requirements and avoiding network bandwidth issues associated with
live streaming of coupons during the relatively short vend time
window. FIG. 1 also shows the vending promotional printer connected
to the vending machines internal communication bus on which resides
the vending machine's controller, such connection either being
visible or transparent.
[0080] The vending promotional printer supports two communications
ports, one port being used for communicating with the MPC for
promotional activities, and the other port being used for
communicating with the vending machine controller for the purposes
of issuing financial receipts and monitoring vending transactional
traffic, thus allowing its promotional activities to be conducted
in serial or in parallel with transactional printing functions
within the vending machine.
[0081] The vending promotional printer may accept promotional
database loads and transfer statistical data with the master
promotional control system either through its main communication
port used for normally signaling issuance of financial receipts in
the vending machine, or through an auxiliary port allowing its
promotional activities to be conducted in serial or in parallel
with its financial receipt printing functions within the vending
machine.
[0082] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a sample coupon template,
demonstrating how the template is made up a number of fields
containing different types of data. In this example there are
essentially four types of data fields: text, barcode, graphic and
line/box draws. Each template can contain a number of these fields
in combination, resulting in a paste-up style printed ticket. A
number of templates (coupons) can be stored in a vending
promotional printer supporting a rich couponing environment.
[0083] FIG. 3 illustrates how the MPC selects the type of coupon
and transmits the particulars for each print and issue event. In
this illustration we again see the coupon from FIG. 2, and the
diagram divides the fields that make up the coupon into two groups,
one group which is stored resident in the printer and the other
being the group of fields sent dynamically by the MPC at the time
of print and issue. The group of fields that are stored in the
vending promotional printer are saved in a template definition for
a particular coupon. Part of the communication packet issued by the
MPC contains a reference to the template definition so that the
dynamic data in the packet can be combined with the static field
data stored in the vending promotional printer to produce the
complete coupon image. Since it is possible to store all fields
used in a coupon within the printer's memory, it is possible for
the MPC to issue a complete coupon by simply sending a reference to
a coupon so defined to create it in its entirety. It is also
possible for the MPC to offload the entire live communication
burden by sending a complete coupon database containing triggers
during off-peak times.
[0084] FIG. 4 illustrates the trigger matrix logic within the
vending promotional printer. At the top of the diagram is an
example of six different logical triggers utilized in the printer
for initiating the coupons. The six examples given are: date, time,
frequency of issuance, cost of the vended product, type of the
vended product, and storage row and column of the vended product.
In the lower part of the diagram, the coupon database stack is
pictured. The stack of coupons are a plurality of pre-defined
coupons which can printed anytime the set of trigger conditions to
which they are associated are satisfied. These trigger conditions
can operate independently or in logical combination. The coupon
selector logic module shown is tasked with analyzing trigger
information as it comes available and determine which coupons
should be printed in response to the information. By utilizing the
trigger matrix shown in this figure, it is possible for the vending
promotional printer to issue coupons without any information
provided by the MPC at the time of a cash-in, vend, or the vending
session completion.
[0085] FIG. 5 is block diagram illustrating a vending environment
employing couponing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. A customer 100 uses a vending machine 102 to
buy a snack, soft drink, or other item. When the customer buys the
item, a master promotional controller 104 coupled to one or more
vending machines through a communications network 106 triggers the
generation of promotional coupons 108 for use by the customer. The
promotional coupons are generated by a vending promotional printer
109 included in a vending machine. The master promotional
controller can either be a controller network connected to one or
more vending promotional printers, a controller within a vending
machine or vending promotional printer, or an intelligent routing
and management device for one or more vending promotional
printers.
[0086] In one embodiment of a master promotional controller, the
master promotional controller directs the promotional activity of
the vending promotional printers via direct promotional coupon
requests. In another embodiment of a master promotional controller,
the master promotional controller uses a vending machine's vending
promotional printer to store promotional coupon databases and
triggers.
[0087] Once a promotional coupon has been issued by a vending
promotional printer, the promotional coupon may be redeemed with a
human operator or cashier 110, or redeemed automatically through
another redemption device, such as a bill acceptor in another
vending machine 112, or redeemed at a kiosk 114 which is not a
vending machine but provides some other form of automatic interface
for a promotional coupon holder.
[0088] In one embodiment of a master promotional controller, the
master promotional controller is coupled to the redemption devices.
In another embodiment of an master promotional controller, a
non-vending kiosk or cashier personnel may or may not interface
back to the master promotional controller when redeeming a
promotional coupon. Information relative to couponing activity is
exchanged with the master promotional controller, the net result
being the vending promotional printers fitting into the system as
distributed intelligent sub-units, significantly off-loading the
master promotional controller's real time servicing requirements
and avoiding network bandwidth issues associated with live
streaming of promotional coupons during a relatively short vend
time window.
[0089] In one vending environment employing couponing in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each vending
promotional printer in the vending environment has a unique address
or identifier so that a population of vending promotional printers
on the network can be addressed in whole or individually for
promotional purposes.
[0090] FIG. 6 is a deployment diagram of a couponing system in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
In a couponing system, a master promotional controller 104 is
coupled to one or more vending machines, as illustrated by vending
machine 102, through a communications network 106 by coupling to a
vending promotional printer 109 included in the vending machine.
The master promotional controller is programmable and includes
master promotional controller programming instructions 201
controlling the master promotional controllers operations including
communications with the vending promotional printer.
[0091] In one vending promotional printer in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a stand-alone
vending promotional printer includes all of the necessary
processing capabilities, memory, and vending promotional printer
programming instructions 209 needed to perform promotional
couponing operations for the vending machine.
[0092] In other embodiments of vending promotional printers, a
vending promotional printer is created by coupling a promotional
module 210 to a conventional vending printer, enabling the vending
printer to function as a vending promotional printer. A stand-alone
vending promotional printer or a vending promotional printer
created from a conventional vending printer coupled to a
promotional module are hereinafter termed a "vending promotional
printer".
[0093] FIG. 7 is another deployment diagram of the couponing system
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. In a couponing system, a master promotional controller
104 is coupled to one or more vending machines, as illustrated by
vending machine 102, through a communications network 106 by
coupling to a vending promotional printer 109 included in the
vending machine. The master promotional controller is programmable
and includes master promotional controller programming instructions
201 controlling the master promotional controllers operations
including communications with the vending promotional printer.
[0094] In one vending promotional printer in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a stand-alone
vending promotional printer includes all of the necessary
processing capabilities, memory, and vending promotional printer
programming instructions 209 needed to perform promotional
couponing operations for the vending machine.
[0095] In other embodiments of vending promotional printers, a
vending promotional printer is created by coupling a promotional
module 210 to a conventional vending printer, enabling the vending
printer to function as a vending promotional printer. A stand-alone
vending promotional printer or a vending promotional printer
created from a conventional vending printer coupled to a
promotional module are hereinafter termed a "vending promotional
printer".
[0096] The vending promotional printer supports two communications
ports, one port 222 being used for communicating with the MPC for
promotional activities, and the other port 220 being used for
communicating with the vending machine controller for the purposes
of issuing financial receipts and monitoring vending transactional
traffic, thus allowing its promotional activities to be conducted
in serial or in parallel with transactional printing functions
within the vending machine. Furthermore, by coupling to a vending
machine controller, the master promotional controller may receive
information from the vending machine controller about the vending
operations of the vending machine separately from the vending
promotional printer printing operations.
[0097] The vending machine may also include a bill acceptor 206
coupled to the vending machine controller. A vending machine uses a
bill acceptor for redemption of promotional coupons and acceptance
of vouchers or cash.
[0098] In operation, the master promotional controller transmits
packets of variable data or coupon data describing a promotional
database to the vending promotional printer. The contents of the
promotional database include descriptions of a plurality of
promotional coupons, cash vouchers, advertisements or other
enticements which are hereinafter collectively referred to as
"coupons". The vending promotional printer receives the promotional
database and stores the promotional database in the vending
promotional printer's local memory.
[0099] The vending promotional printer also stores specifications
of how to print the coupons in its local memory. The specifications
of the coupons are stored as templates written in a template-based
printer language. This allows the coupons to be pre-defined,
formatted, and stored in the vending promotional printer completely
or partially for later recall.
[0100] Upon reception of a trigger data signal from either the
master promotional controller or the vending machine controller,
the vending promotional printer references and parses the
promotional database and coupon templates to generate and issue
promotional coupons or tickets printed on paper media. The paper
media may be used specifically for the purpose of generating
promotional coupons, or the paper media may be used for the purpose
of printing vouchers associated with vending.
[0101] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a coupon including logical
fields described in a template based printer language in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this
example, a coupon may 900 include four types of data fields: text
fields, such as text field 302; barcode fields, such as barcode
field 304; graphic fields, such as graphic field 306; and line/box
draw fields, such as line/box draw field 308. The fields of a
coupon are described using coupon description data included in an
electronic template that may be stored by a vending promotional
printer. A template may include a plurality of fields in
combination, resulting in a paste-up style printed coupon. A
plurality of templates describing different types of coupons may be
stored in a vending promotional printer supporting a rich couponing
environment.
[0102] The actual value or data for each of the fields described in
a coupon template may or may not be included in the template
itself. For example, a template may include a barcode field for
printing a barcode 310. However, the actual value of the barcode is
transmitted to a vending promotional printer at the time a coupon
is generated using the coupon template. In this way, a coupon may
have fields that include static data, such as graphic 312 in a
graphic field, or dynamic data, such as the name of a particular
patron 314 in a text field. In this way, customized coupons may be
printed by a vending promotional printer without transferring large
amounts of data through a communications network coupling a vending
promotional printer to a master promotional controller.
[0103] In addition, data that is used to track usage of coupons may
be included in a coupon. For example, a barcode field or a text
field may be used to print a barcode value or text string uniquely
identifying a coupon. In this way, a vending provisional printer
creates an image of a barcode or barcodes, characters or marks that
may be read by a vending machine bill acceptor on the same or
another vending machine, allowing automatic acceptance of coupons
into a vending system distributed across more than one
location.
[0104] A coupon template includes a plurality of command strings.
Each command string conforms to the following syntax: [0105]
delimiter<cmd_Ltr>|<data_field 1>| . . .
|<data_fieldx>|delimeter;comment where: [0106] delimiter=a
delimiter character [0107] <cmd_ltr>=command identifier
letter [0108] <data_fields1-x>=fields which include
information relative to the command [0109] |=Pipe character. This
serves as the delimiter between data fields in a command. [0110]
;=Semi-colon. This is a comment field designator.
[0111] A template defining a coupon adheres to following syntax:
[0112]
delimiter<template_cmd_ltr>|<t_id>|<targ_mem>|<t_dim-
_da>|<t_dim_pa>| [0113] <pr#1>|<pr#2>| . . .
|<pr#n>|delimiter where: [0114] <t_id>=Template I.D.
[0115] <targ_mem>=target memory storage. [0116]
<t_dim_da>=Template dimension on a dotline axis in dots.
[0117] <t_dim_pa>=Template dimension in dots in the paper
axis. [0118] <pr#1> . . . <pr#n>=list of coupon
database resident print regions ID's used in the format of this
coupon. These fields are the method by which print regions used on
a coupon are linked together and to the coupon template.
[0119] A print region is a print field used in a template to format
print data. The print region command is used to define the basic
types of print regions such as text, barcode, graphics, and a
line/box draw.
[0120] A define print region command defines the particular font,
barcode, graphic, or line style which is to be used, and provides
special formatting information on how it is to be used. Multiple
print regions may be defined and memorized in a vending promotional
printer's coupon database.
[0121] A define print region command adheres to the following
syntax: [0122]
delimiter<print_region_cmd_ltr>|<r_id>|<targ_mem&g-
t;|<da_start>|<pa_start>| [0123]
<da_len>|<pa_len>|<rot>|<just>|<obj_id>|<-
;mul.sub.--1>|<mul.sub.--2>|<obj_att>| [0124]
<pr_att>|<pr_data>|delimter where: [0125]
<r_id>=print region identifier. [0126]
<targ_mem>=target memory storage. [0127] <da_start>=dot
axis start position in dots. [0128] <pa_start>=paper axis
start position in dots. [0129] <da_len>=dot axis length of
print region in dots. [0130] <pa_len>=paper axis length of
print region in dots. [0131] <rot>=rotation of strings or
data within print region. [0132] <just>=justification of data
within print region. [0133] <obj_id>=print object identifier.
Range 1 byte. This is the print object (barcode, font, line/box or
graphic) used to format print the data from a print command. [0134]
<mul.sub.--1>=Print object multiplier 1. For text, it is a
font width multiplier. For barcodes, it indicates narrow bar width
or modulo bar width. For a line, this represents thickness of the
line in dots. [0135] <mul.sub.--2>=Print object multiplier 2.
For text, this represents a font height multiplier. For a barcode,
it indicates a wide bar width. [0136] <obj_att>=object
printing attributes. This contains special instructions on how to
treat the print objects within a print region [0137]
<pr_att>=print region attributes. This contains special
instructions on handling of the print region. A `0` indicates text
will be sent in a print batch command. A `1` indicates use text
which follows in pr_data field for a print region. A `2` indicates
a print region will auto increment with each coupon in a batch. The
base value is stored in a pr_data field. A `3` indicates an
auto-decrement print region which will auto-decrement with each
coupon in a batch. The base value is stored in a pr_data field.
[0138] <pr_data>=permanently stored data which always appears
in this print region. This field contains stored text if requested
by entering a `2` in <pr_att> field.
[0139] A library command is used to manage defined graphics. A
library command adheres to the following syntax: [0140]
delimiter<library_cmd_ltr>|<lib_funct>|<mem>|<obj_id-
>|<mem_req>| [0141] <ld_file_size>|obj_data
delimiter where: [0142] <lib_funct>=operation to perform:
`A`-add object, enter download mode, `D`-delete object. [0143]
<mem>=target memory in which to place the object being
downloaded. [0144] <obj_id>=object identification. This is
the object I.D. byte. [0145] <mem_req>=memory usage
specifier. For loading a graphic: size of a graphic file. The
library command header is terminated after this field and obj_data
is expected immediately following. For deleting graphics: `G` is
used in this field. [0146] <ld_file_size>=file size
indicator. [0147] obj_data=object data (font or graphic) in
appropriate format if <lib_funct>=`A`. Format for graphics:
PCX.
[0148] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of coupon template field element
stored partially resident in a vending promotional printer and
partially supplied by a master promotional controller at the time
of print and issue in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 10 illustrates how a master promotional
controller selects a type of coupon and transmits particulars, such
as variable data to be placed in fields in the coupon, for each
print and issuance event. Values for the fields that make up a
coupon 300 may be divided into two groups or sets. A resident
variable data set 400 may be stored locally in a vending
promotional printer. The resident set of variable data may include
variable data such as: variable data for a text field containing an
identifier of a vending location 402; variable data for a barcode
field identifying a type of promotion 404; a template description
used to generate a graphic such as box variable data 406 or line
variable data 408; or an identifier or actual variable data for a
graphic 410. A dynamic variable data set include variable data for
fields having variable data that are stored in the vending
promotional printer and are saved in a template definition for a
particular coupon. Examples of variable data in a dynamic variable
data set include: text variable data for a customer identifier or
welcoming message 414; text variable data describing a promotion
item 416; and barcode variable data 418 for quantifying a value of
a promotion for printing on the coupon.
[0149] Both variable data sets may be transmitted from a master
promotional controller 104 to a vending promotional printer in the
form of communication packets. When a vending promotional printer
receives a variable data set, the vending promotional printer
stores the variable data set for future use. A resident variable
data set includes variable data that may be reused for generating
many coupons; therefore, a resident variable data set may be stored
in the vending promotional printer for an extended period of time.
In contrast, a dynamic variable data set may be used for a short
period of time, perhaps for even a single generation of a single
coupon. As such, the dynamic variable data set and static variable
data set associated in a coupon may be transmitted to a vending
promotional printer at different times. To retain association
between the variable data sets, part of the communication packet
issued by the master promotional controller may include a reference
420 to a template definition so that the dynamic data in the
communication packet can be combined 422 with the static field data
stored in a vending promotional printer to generate a complete
coupon 200.
[0150] Since it is possible to store all fields used in a coupon
within the vending promotional printer's memory, a master
promotional controller may issue a complete coupon by simply
sending a reference to a coupon so defined to generate a coupon in
its entirety. It is also possible for a master promotional
controller to offload the entire live communication burden by
sending a complete coupon database including triggers during
off-peak times.
[0151] In one embodiment of a vending promotional printer, a
vending promotional printer is triggered to print coupons from the
vending promotional printer's internal database under direct
control of a master promotional controller that triggers the
issuance of a coupon and conveys any pertinent variable information
associated with the coupon such as promotion type, face value of
the coupon, date of expiration and the like.
[0152] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary coupon stack and
logical trigger matrix resident in a vending promotional printer in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
As previously noted, a vending promotional printer may print a
coupon in response to either internal or external event signals or
trigger data. To respond to a trigger, a vending promotional
printer includes a coupon selector logic module 500 that analyzes
trigger data 502 as trigger data becomes available and determines
which coupons should be printed in response to the trigger data
coupons, such as coupons 504, 506, and 508, are stored in a coupon
database 510 as a stack. The stack of coupons are a plurality of
predefined coupons that can generate a coupon 511 anytime a set of
trigger conditions to which a coupon is associated is satisfied.
These trigger conditions can operate independently or in logical
combination.
[0153] Exemplary logical trigger data utilized in a vending
promotional printer for initiating generation of coupons includes:
date 512, time of day 514, frequency of issuance of a particular
coupon 516, time of vend 524, and vending machine issued parameters
526 to the printer such as type of product, location within the
vending machine (such as a row and column) or cost of the product
being vended and the like. By utilizing the illustrated trigger
matrix, it is possible for a vending promotional printer to issue
coupons without any information provided by a master promotional
controller at the time of a cash-in, vend, or completion of a
vending session.
[0154] In one vending promotional printer in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, the vending promotional
printer receives from a master promotional controller a coupon
trigger database thereby enabling the vending promotional printer
to self-manage its couponing activity. The coupon trigger database
may include different types of trigger control parameters
including: anytime a product is issued by the vending machine to
the customer; a sale for greater than, equal to, or less than a
specified amount of money occurs in the vending machine; the
quantity of product which the customer purchases; the time at which
the vending transaction occurs; the date at which vending
transaction occurs; the physical row and column of the vending
machine's storage matrix from which the product is issued
("vended"); a customer identifier, and the type of product
vended.
[0155] In another aspect of the invention, a component of the
vending promotional printer's internal database includes a set of
control parameters that instruct the vending promotional printer to
select the type, quantity, and frequency of coupons to create and
issue related to any of the triggers listed above. These control
parameters may operate separately or in combination with each
coupon in the database. Parameters that may be used include: a
total quantity of a coupon being issued before the coupon is
retired from the coupon database; a frequency 518 of issuance of a
coupon based on the number of occurrences of specified trigger
events; a frequency of issuance of a coupon based on random odds
520, such as one in one hundred trigger events; a backup coupon or
coupons should a particular coupon fail to print for lack of
satisfying its specified set of qualifiers; whether or not the
coupon is issued based on the time the trigger occurred; and
whether the coupon is issued based on the date the trigger
occurred.
[0156] In one embodiment of vending promotional printer, a real
time clock electronic device is included within the vending
promotional printer for the purposes of supporting time dependent
promotional activity as described above.
[0157] FIG. 11 is a process flow diagram of a trigger matrix
process in accordance with ane exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. A trigger matrix process 622 is used by a vending
promotional printer to determine if a coupon should be generated
and issued to a customer. The trigger matrix process receives (624)
variable data from a master promotional controller. The trigger
matrix process determines (628) if the variable data includes a
coupon trigger instructing the vending promotional printer to issue
a coupon. If so, the trigger matrix process selects (630) an
appropriate coupon to issue from a coupon database 510. The trigger
matrix process then generates (632) a coupon 511 using the selected
coupon template. In addition, the trigger matrix process may use a
portion of the variable data received from the master promotional
controller to customize the coupon when the coupon is generated.
The trigger matrix process may then store (633) coupon issuance
statistical data (634) for later retrieval by the master
promotional controller.
[0158] A trigger matrix process may also initiate issuance of a
coupon even if the master promotional controller does not transmit
a trigger to the vending promotional printer. To do so, the matrix
trigger process gets (635) trigger control parameters stored in the
promotional coupon database 510 that correspond to stored coupon
templates in the promotional coupon database. The trigger matrix
process then gets (638) vending machine and other internal data 636
and determines (640) if a coupon should be issued using the data
and trigger control parameters. If the trigger matrix process
determines (642) that a coupon should be generated, the trigger
matrix process issues a coupon as previously described, this time
selecting a coupon template using the trigger control
parameters.
[0159] The vending promotional printer is a real-time device
meaning that it continuously processes incoming trigger data and
triggers. As such, the trigger matrix process may be configured as
an endless loop as indicated by the start loop 644 and stop loop
646 symbols.
[0160] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram of a coupon generating process
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. A master promotional controller 104 transmits coupon or
variable data 600 to a vending promotional printer 109. The vending
promotional printer stores (602) the coupon data for later use by
the vending promotional printer in printing a coupon. As previously
described, the coupon data may include coupon templates, sets of
dynamic and static variable data, trigger control parameters, and
entire promotional coupon databases.
[0161] A vending promotional printer may receive various triggers
that initiate generation of a coupon for a customer 100. The master
promotional controller may transmit a promotional trigger (604) to
the vending promotional printer. In response to the promotional
trigger, the vending promotional printer generates a coupon 606 for
use by the customer. The vending promotional printer then stores
(608) statistical data about the just generated coupon. The vending
promotional printer may also receive a vending machine trigger 610
from a vending machine controller 204 in a vending machine. In
response to the vending machine trigger, the vending promotional
printer generates a coupon 610 for use by the customer. The vending
promotional printer then stores (612) statistical data about the
just generated coupon. The vending promotional printer may also
generate (614) an internal trigger on its own such that the vending
promotional printer generates a coupon 616 for use by the customer.
The vending promotional printer then stores (618) statistical data
about the just generated coupon.
[0162] Periodically, or at the request of the master promotional
controller, the vending promotional printer may transmit the saved
coupon statistical data to the master promotional controller for
analysis and other types of processing. The coupon tracking or
statistical data may include details such as quantities of specific
types of triggers received, quantities of each type of coupon
issued, and the times and dates when triggers were received and
coupons were issued.
[0163] In a vending promotional printer in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the vending
promotional printer accepts promotional database loads and
transfers statistical data with the master promotional controller
either through a main communication port used for normally
signaling pay out vouchers in the game, or through an auxiliary
port allowing the vending promotional printer's promotional
activities to be conducted in series or in parallel with the
vending promotional printer's voucher and coupon printing functions
within the vending machine.
[0164] FIG. 13 is an architecture diagram of an exemplary vending
promotional printer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. A vending promotional printer 109 includes a
processor 701 operatively coupled via a system bus 702 to a main
memory 704. The processor is also coupled to a storage device 708
via a storage controller 706 and the bus. The storage device
includes stored program instructions 724 and data 726 such as
coupon variable data, coupon templates, and coupon trigger control
parameters. In operation, the program instructions implementing a
vending promotional printer are stored on the storage device until
the processor retrieves the program instructions and stores them in
the main memory. The processor then executes the computer program
instructions stored in the main memory and operates on the data
stored in the storage device to implement the features of a vending
promotional printer as described above.
[0165] The processor is further coupled to a printer mechanism 718
through a printer controller 702 via the bus. In operation, the
processor executes the program instructions to generate printer
mechanism control signals and transmits these signals to the
printer mechanism via the bus and printer controller. In response
to the printer mechanism control signals, the printer mechanism
prints coupons for use by a customer.
[0166] The processor is further coupled to external input devices
722 by an input device controller 720 via the bus. Example input
devices include sensors that the vending promotional printer uses
to detect proper printing of a coupon by the printer mechanism,
coupon printer paper detectors, and real time clocks. The processor
receives input device signals from the input devices via the input
device controller and the bus and uses the input device signals to
detect the state of the vending promotional printer's
environment.
[0167] The processor is further coupled to a network device 714 via
a network device controller 712 and the bus. The process uses the
network device to communicate with other processing systems, such
as a master promotional controller or a vending machine controller
as previously described.
[0168] The vending promotional printer supports two communications
ports, one port being used for communicating with the master
promotional controller for promotional activities, and the other
port being used for communicating with the vending machine
controller for the purposes of issuing financial receipts and
monitoring vending transactional traffic, thus allowing its
promotional activities to be conducted in serial or in parallel
with transactional printing functions within the vending
machine.
[0169] FIG. 14 is an architecture diagram of an exemplary
promotional master promotional controller in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A master promotional
controller 104 includes a processor 901 operatively coupled via a
system bus 902 to a main memory 904. The processor is also coupled
to a storage device 908 via a storage controller 906 and the bus.
In operation, program instructions 924 implementing a master
promotional controller are stored on the storage device until the
processor retrieves the program instructions and stores them in the
main memory. The processor then executes the computer program
instructions stored in the main memory to implement the features of
a master promotional controller as described above.
[0170] The processor is further coupled to a network device 914 via
a network device controller 912 and the bus. The process uses the
network device to communicate with other processing systems, such
as a vending promotional printer or a vending machine controller as
previously described.
[0171] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a block diagram of the entire
system in which the gaming promotional printer is employed. As
shown, a master promotional control system which can either be a
central computer, or an intelligent routing and management device
for one or more of the gaming promotional printers, directs the
promotional activity of the printers via its direct promotional
ticket requests, or by using the printer's ability to store coupon
databases and triggers. Once a coupon has been issued by the gaming
promotional printer, it can either be redeemed with a human
operator, or automatically through a bill acceptor in a cash-less
enabled game, or a kiosk which is not a game but provides some
other form of automatic interface with the coupon holder. As shown
by the dashed line connection, a non-game kiosk or casino personnel
may or may not interface back to the master promotional control
system when redeeming a coupon, depending on the application.
Information relative to the couponing activity is exchanged with
the master system, the net result being the gaming promotional
printers fitting into the system as distributed intelligent
sub-units, significantly off-loading the master's real time
servicing requirements and avoiding network bandwidth issues.
[0172] The gaming promotional printer supports two communications
ports, one port being used for communicating with the MPC for
promotional activities, and the other port being used for
communicating with the gaming machine controller for the purposes
of issuing financial receipts and monitoring gaming transactional
traffic, thus allowing its promotional activities to be conducted
in serial or in parallel with transactional printing functions
within the gaming machine.
[0173] The gaming promotional printer accepts promotional database
loads and transfers statistical data with the master promotional
control system either through its main communication port used for
normally signaling pay out vouchers in the game, or through an
auxiliary port allowing its promotional activities to be conducted
in serial or in parallel with its cash-out voucher printing
functions within the cash-less enabled game.
[0174] FIG. 16 is an illustration of a sample coupon template,
demonstrating how the template is made up a number of fields
containing different types of data. In this example there are
essentially four types of data fields: text, barcode, graphic and
line/box draws. Each template can contain a number of these fields
in combination, resulting in a paste-up style printed ticket. A
number of templates (coupons) can be stored in a gaming promotional
printer supporting a rich couponing environment.
[0175] FIG. 17 illustrates how the master promotional control
system selects the type of coupon and transmits the particulars for
each print and issue event. In this illustration we again see the
coupon from FIG. 16, and the diagram divides the fields that make
up the coupon into two groups, one group which is stored resident
in the printer and the other being the group of fields sent
dynamically by the master promotional control system at the time of
print and issue. The group of fields that are stored in the gaming
promotional printer are saved in a template definition for a
particular coupon. Part of the communication packet issued by the
master contains a reference to the template definition so that the
dynamic data in the packet can be combined with the static field
data stored in the gaming promotional printer to produce the
complete coupon image. Since it is possible to store all fields
used in a coupon within the printer's memory, it is possible for
the master to issue a complete coupon by simply sending a reference
to a coupon so defined to create it in its entirety.
[0176] FIG. 18 illustrates the trigger matrix logic within the
gaming promotional printer. At the top of the diagram is an example
of five different logical triggers utilized in the printer for
initiating the coupons. The five examples given are: date, time,
frequency of issuance, time of play, and game issued parameters to
the printer such as player I.D., amount of money in place, duration
of the current session of play and the like. In the lower part of
the diagram, the coupon database stack is pictured. The stack of
coupons are a plurality of pre-defined coupons which can be printed
anytime the set of trigger conditions to which they are associated
are satisfied. These trigger conditions can operate independently
or in logical combination. The coupon selector logic module shown
is tasked with analyzing trigger information as it comes available
and determine which coupons should be printed in response to the
information. By utilizing the trigger matrix shown in this figure,
it is possible for the gaming promotional printer to issue coupons
without any information provided by the master promotional control
system at the time of a cash-out or cash-in.
[0177] FIG. 19 is block diagram illustrating a gaming environment
employing couponing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. A player 2100 uses a cashless enabled gaming
machine 2102 to play a gambling game or game of skill. As the
player plays the game, a master promotional controller 2104 coupled
to one or more cashless enabled gaming machines through a
communications network 2106 triggers the generation of promotional
coupons 2108 for use by the player. The promotional coupons are
generated by a promotional gaming printer 2109 included in a
cashless enabled gaming machine. The master promotional controller
can either be a controller network connected to one or more gaming
promotional printers, a controller within a cashless enabled gaming
machine or gaming promotional printer, or an intelligent routing
and management device for one or more gaming promotional
printers.
[0178] In one embodiment of a master promotional controller, the
master promotional controller directs the promotional activity of
the gaming promotional printers via direct promotional coupon
requests. In another embodiment of a master promotional controller,
the master promotional controller uses a cashless enabled gaming
machine's gaming promotional printer to store promotional coupon
databases and triggers.
[0179] Once a promotional coupon has been issued by a gaming
promotional printer, the promotional coupon may be redeemed with a
human operator or cashier 2110, or redeemed automatically through a
another redemption device, such as a bill acceptor in another
cashless enabled gaming machine 2112, or redeemed at a kiosk 2114
which is not a game but provides some other form of automatic
interface for a promotional coupon holder.
[0180] In one embodiment of a master promotional controller, the
master promotional controller is coupled to the redemption devices.
In another embodiment of a master promotional controller, a
non-game kiosk or casino personnel may or may not interface back to
the master promotional controller when redeeming a promotional
coupon. Information relative to couponing activity is exchanged
with the master promotional controller, the net result being the
gaming promotional printers fitting into the system as distributed
intelligent sub-units, significantly off-loading the master
promotional controller's real time servicing requirements and
avoiding network bandwidth issues associated with live streaming of
promotional coupons during a relatively short cash-out time
window.
[0181] In one gaming environment employing couponing in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each gaming
promotional printer in the gaming environment has a unique address
or identifier so that a population of gaming promotional printers
on the network can be addressed in whole or individually for
promotional purposes.
[0182] FIG. 20 is a deployment diagram of a couponing system in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
In a couponing system, a master promotional controller 2104 is
coupled to one or more cashless enabled gaming machines, as
illustrated by cashless enabled gaming machine 2102, through a
communications network 2106 by coupling to a gaming promotional
printer 2109 included in the cashless enabled gaming machine. The
master promotional controller is programmable and includes master
promotional controller programming instructions 2101 controlling
the master promotional controllers operations including
communications with the gaming promotional printer.
[0183] In one gaming promotional printer in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a stand alone gaming
promotional printer includes all of the necessary processing
capabilities, memory, and gaming promotional printer programming
instructions 2209 needed to perform promotional couponing
operations for the cashless enabled gaming machine. In other
embodiments of gaming promotional printers, a gaming promotional
printer is created by coupling a promotional module 2210 to a
conventional gaming printer, enabling the gaming printer to
function as a gaming promotional printer. A stand alone gaming
promotional printer or a gaming promotional printer created from a
conventional gaming printer coupled to a promotional module are
hereinafter termed a "gaming promotional printer".
[0184] The master promotional controller may be coupled to a game
controller 2104 included in the cashless enabled gaming machine. By
coupling to a game controller, the master promotional controller
may receive information from the game controller about the gaming
operations of the cashless enabled gaming machine separately from
the gaming promotional printer printing operations.
[0185] The cashless enabled gaming machine may also include a bill
acceptor 2206 coupled to the game controller. A cashless enabled
gaming machine uses a bill acceptor for redemption of promotional
coupons and acceptance of vouchers or cash.
[0186] In operation, the master promotional controller transmits
packets of variable data or coupon data describing a promotional
database to the gaming promotional printer. The contents of the
promotional database include descriptions of a plurality of
promotional coupons, cash vouchers, advertisements or other
enticements which are hereinafter collectively referred to as
"coupons". The gaming promotional printer receives the promotional
database and stores the promotional database in the gaming
promotional printer's local memory.
[0187] The gaming promotional printer also stores specifications of
how to print the coupons in its local memory. The specifications of
the coupons are stored as templates written in a template based
printer language. This allows the coupons to be pre-defined,
formatted, and stored in the gaming promotional printer completely
or partially for later recall.
[0188] Upon reception of a trigger data signal from either the
master promotional controller or the game controller, the gaming
promotional printer references and parses the promotional database
and coupon templates to generate and issue promotional coupons or
tickets printed on paper media. The paper media may be used
specifically for the purpose of generating promotional coupons, or
the paper media may be used for the purpose of printing pay out
vouchers associated with cashless gaming.
[0189] FIG. 21 is another deployment diagram of the coupon issuing
system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. In a couponing system, a master promotional controller
2104 is coupled to one or more cashless enabled gaming machines, as
illustrated by cashless enabled gaming machine 2102, through a
communications network 2106 by coupling to a gaming promotional
printer 2109 included in the cashless enabled gaming machine. The
master promotional controller is programmable and includes master
promotional controller programming instructions 2101 controlling
the master promotional controllers operations including
communications with the gaming promotional printer.
[0190] In one gaming promotional printer in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a stand alone gaming
promotional printer includes all of the necessary processing
capabilities, memory, and gaming promotional printer programming
instructions 2209 needed to perform promotional couponing
operations for the cashless enabled gaming machine. In other
embodiments of gaming promotional printers, a gaming promotional
printer is created by coupling a promotional module 2210 to a
conventional gaming printer, enabling the gaming printer to
function as a gaming promotional printer. A stand alone gaming
promotional printer or a gaming promotional printer created from a
conventional gaming printer coupled to a promotional module are
hereinafter termed a "gaming promotional printer".
[0191] The master promotional controller may be coupled to a game
controller 2104 included in the cashless enabled gaming machine. By
coupling to a game controller, the master promotional controller
may receive information from the game controller about the gaming
operations of the cashless enabled gaming machine separately from
the gaming promotional printer printing operations.
[0192] The cashless enabled gaming machine may also include a bill
acceptor 2206 coupled to the game controller. A cashless enabled
gaming machine uses a bill acceptor for redemption of promotional
coupons and acceptance of vouchers or cash.
[0193] Upon reception of a trigger data signal from either the
master promotional controller or the game controller, the gaming
promotional printer references and parses the promotional database
and coupon templates to generate and issue promotional coupons or
tickets printed on paper media. The paper media may be used
specifically for the purpose of generating promotional coupons, or
the paper media may be used for the purpose of printing pay out
vouchers associated with cashless gaming.
[0194] The gaming promotional printer supports two communications
ports, one port 2222 being used for communicating with the MPC for
promotional activities, and the other port 2220 being used for
communicating with the gaming machine controller for the purposes
of issuing financial receipts and monitoring gaming transactional
traffic, thus allowing its promotional activities to be conducted
in serial or in parallel with transactional printing functions
within the gaming machine.
[0195] The gaming promotional printer accepts promotional database
loads and transfers statistical data with the master promotional
control system either through its main communication port used for
normally signaling pay out vouchers in the game, or through an
auxiliary port allowing its promotional activities to be conducted
in serial or in parallel with its cash-out voucher printing
functions within the cash-less enabled game.
[0196] FIG. 22 is an illustration of a coupon including logical
fields described in a template based printer language in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this
example, a coupon may 2300 include four types of data fields: text
fields, such as text field 2302; barcode fields, such as barcode
field 2304; graphic fields, such as graphic field 2306; and
line/box draw fields, such as line/box draw field 2308. The fields
of a coupon are described using coupon description data included in
an electronic template that may be stored by a gaming promotional
printer. A template may include a plurality of fields in
combination, resulting in a paste-up style printed coupon. A
plurality of templates describing different types of coupons may be
stored in a gaming promotional printer supporting a rich couponing
environment.
[0197] The actual value or data for each of the fields described in
a coupon template may or may not be included in the template
itself. For example, a template may include a barcode field for
printing a barcode 2310. However, the actual value of the barcode
is transmitted to a gaming promotional printer at the time a coupon
is generated using the coupon template. In this way, a coupon may
have fields that include static data, such as graphic 2312 in a
graphic field, or dynamic data, such as the name of a particular
patron 2314 in a text field. In this way, customized coupons may be
printed by a gaming promotional printer without transferring large
amounts of data through a communications network coupling a gaming
promotional printer to a master promotional controller.
[0198] In addition, data that is used to track usage of coupons may
be included in a coupon. For example, a barcode field or a text
field may be used to print a barcode value or text string uniquely
identifying a coupon. In this way, a gaming provisional printer
creates an image of a barcode or barcodes, characters or marks that
may be read by a cashless enabled gaming machine bill acceptor on
the same or another cashless enabled gaming machine, allowing
automatic acceptance of coupons into a cashless enabled gaming
system in a casino or another related casino property.
[0199] Coupon templates for a gaming promotional printer may be
defined as previously described.
[0200] FIG. 23 is a block diagram of coupon template field element
stored partially resident in a promotional gaming printer and
partially supplied by a master promotional controller at the time
of print and issue in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 25 illustrates how a master promotional
controller selects a type of coupon and transmits particulars, such
as variable data to be placed in fields in the coupon, for each
print and issuance event. Values for the fields that make up a
coupon 2200 may be divided into two groups or sets. A resident
variable data set 2400 may be stored locally in a gaming
promotional printer. The resident set of variable data may include
variable data such as: variable data for a text field containing an
identifier of a casino 2402; variable data for a barcode field
identifying a type of promotion 2404; a template description used
to generate a graphic such as box variable data 2406 or line
variable data 2408; or an identifier or actual variable data for a
graphic 2410. A dynamic variable data set include variable data for
fields having variable data that are stored in the gaming
promotional printer and are saved in a template definition for a
particular coupon. Examples of variable data in a dynamic variable
data set include: text variable data for a player identifier 2414;
text variable data describing a promotion item 2416; and barcode
variable data 2418 for quantifying a value of a promotion for
printing on the coupon.
[0201] Both variable data sets may be transmitted from a master
promotional controller 2004 to a gaming promotional printer in the
form of communication packets. When a gaming promotional printer
receives a variable data set, the gaming promotional printer stores
the variable data set for future use. A resident variable data set
includes variable data that may be reused for generating many
coupons; therefore, a resident variable data set may be stored in
the gaming promotional printer for an extended period of time. In
contrast, a dynamic variable data set may be used for a short
period of time, perhaps for even a single generation of a single
coupon. As such, the dynamic variable data set and static variable
data set associated in a coupon may be transmitted to a gaming
promotional printer at different times. To retain association
between the variable data sets, part of the communication packet
issued by the master promotional controller may include a reference
2420 to a template definition so that the dynamic data in the
communication packet can be combined 2422 with the static field
data stored in a gaming promotional printer to generate a complete
coupon 2200.
[0202] Since it is possible to store all fields used in a coupon
within the gaming promotional printer's memory, a master
promotional controller may issue a complete coupon by simply
sending a reference to a coupon so defined to generate a coupon in
its entirety. It is also possible for a master promotional
controller to offload the entire live communication burden by
sending a complete coupon database including triggers during
off-peak times.
[0203] In one embodiment of a gaming promotional printer, a gaming
promotional printer is triggered to print coupons from the gaming
promotional printer's internal database under direct control of a
master promotional controller that triggers the issuance of a
coupon and conveys any pertinent variable information associated
with the coupon such as promotion type, face value of the coupon,
date of expiration and the like.
[0204] FIG. 24 is a block diagram of an exemplary coupon stack and
logical trigger matrix resident in a gaming promotional printer in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
As previously noted, a gaming promotional printer may print a
coupon in response to either internal or external event signals or
trigger data. To respond to a trigger, a gaming promotional printer
includes a coupon selector logic module 2500 that analyzes trigger
data 2502 as trigger data becomes available and determines which
coupons should be printed in response to the trigger data. Coupons,
such as coupons 2504, 2506, and 2508, are stored in a coupon
database 2510 as a stack. The stack of coupons are a plurality of
predefined coupons that can generate a coupon 2511 anytime a set of
trigger conditions to which a coupon is associated is satisfied.
These trigger conditions can operate independently or in logical
combination.
[0205] Exemplary logical trigger data utilized in a gaming
promotional printer for initiating generation of coupons includes:
date 2512, time of day 2514, frequency of issuance of a particular
coupon 2516, time of play 2524, and game issued parameters 2526 to
the printer such as player identification, amount of money in
place, duration of the current session of play and the like. By
utilizing the illustrated trigger matrix, it is possible for a
gaming promotional printer to issue coupons without any information
provided by an master promotional controller at the time of a
cash-out or cash-in by a player.
[0206] In one gaming promotional printer in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, the gaming promotional
printer receives from a master promotional controller a coupon
trigger database thereby enabling the gaming promotional printer to
self-manage its couponing activity. The coupon trigger database may
include different types of trigger control parameters including:
triggering a coupon generation anytime a cash out voucher is
printed; generating a coupon whenever a voucher for greater than,
equal to, or less than a specified amount of money is issued;
generating a coupon based on an identity of a player; generating a
coupon based on a category or classification of a player related to
frequency of play or money volume; generating a coupon based on the
duration of play of the gaming machine by a player; and generating
a coupon anytime a player adds money or credits to a game in an
amount greater than, equal to, or less than a specified amount.
[0207] In another aspect of the invention, a component of the
gaming promotional printer's internal database includes a set of
control parameters that instruct the gaming promotional printer to
select the type, quantity, and frequency of coupons to create and
issue related to any of the triggers listed above. These control
parameters may operate separately or in combination with each
coupon in the database. Parameters that may be used include: a
total quantity of a coupon being issued before the coupon is
retired from the coupon database; a frequency 2518 of issuance of a
coupon based on the number of occurrences of specified trigger
events; a frequency of issuance of a coupon based on random odds
2520, such as one in one hundred trigger events; a backup coupon or
coupons should a particular coupon fail to print for lack of
satisfying its specified set of qualifiers; whether or not the
coupon is issued based on the time the trigger occurred; and
whether the coupon is issued based on the date the trigger
occurred.
[0208] In one embodiment of gaming promotional printer, a real time
clock electronic device is included within the gaming promotional
printer for the purposes of supporting time dependent promotional
activity as described above.
[0209] FIG. 25 is a process flow diagram of a trigger matrix
process in accordance with ane exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. A trigger matrix process 2622 is used by a gaming
promotional printer to determine if a coupon should be generated
and issued to a player. The trigger matrix process receives (2624)
variable data from a master promotional controller. The trigger
matrix process determines (2628) if the variable data includes a
coupon trigger instructing the gaming promotional printer to issue
a coupon. If so, the trigger matrix process selects (2630) an
appropriate coupon to issue from a coupon database 2510. The
trigger matrix process then generates (2632) a coupon 2511 using
the selected coupon template. In addition, the trigger matrix
process may use a portion of the variable data received from the
master promotional controller to customize the coupon when the
coupon is generated. The trigger matrix process may then store
(2633) coupon issuance statistical data (2634) for later retrieval
by the master promotional controller.
[0210] A trigger matrix process may also initiate issuance of a
coupon even if the master promotional controller does not transmit
a trigger to the gaming promotional printer. To do so, the matrix
trigger process gets (2635) trigger control parameters stored in
the promotional coupon database 2510 that correspond to stored
coupon templates in the promotional coupon database. The trigger
matrix process then gets (2638) gaming machine and other internal
data 2636 and determines (2640) if a coupon should be issued using
the data and trigger control parameters. If the trigger matrix
process determines (2642) that a coupon should be generated, the
trigger matrix process issues a coupon as previously described,
this time selecting a coupon template using the trigger control
parameters.
[0211] The gaming promotional printer is a real-time device meaning
that it continuously processes incoming trigger data and triggers.
As such, the trigger matrix process may be configured as an endless
loop as indicated by the start loop 2644 and stop loop 2646
symbols.
[0212] FIG. 26 is a sequence diagram of a coupon generating process
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. A master promotional controller 2104 transmits coupon or
variable data 2600 to a gaming promotional printer 2109. The gaming
promotional printer stores (2602) the coupon data for later use by
the gaming promotional printer in printing a coupon. As previously
described, the coupon data may include coupon templates, sets of
dynamic and static variable data, trigger control parameters, and
entire promotional coupon databases.
[0213] A gaming promotional printer may receive various triggers
that initiate generation of a coupon for a player 2100. The master
promotional controller may transmit a promotional trigger 2604 to
the gaming promotional printer. In response to the promotional
trigger, the gaming promotional printer generates a coupon 2606 for
use by the player. The gaming promotional printer then stores
(2608) statistical data about the just generated coupon. The gaming
promotional printer may also receive a gaming machine trigger 2610
from a game controller 2204 in a cashless enabled gaming machine.
In response to the gaming machine trigger, the gaming promotional
printer generates a coupon 2610 for use by the player. The gaming
promotional printer then stores (2612) statistical data about the
just generated coupon. The gaming promotional printer may also
generate (2614) an internal trigger on its own such that the gaming
promotional printer generates a coupon 2616 for use by the player.
The gaming promotional printer then stores (2618) statistical data
about the just generated coupon.
[0214] Periodically, or at the request of the master promotional
controller, the gaming promotional printer may transmit the saved
coupon statistical data to the master promotional controller for
analysis and other types of processing. The coupon tracking or
statistical data may include details such as quantities of specific
types of triggers received, quantities of each type of coupon
issued, and the times and dates when triggers were received and
coupons were issued.
[0215] The gaming promotional printer may accept promotional
database loads and transfer statistical data with the master
promotional controller either through a main communication port
used for normally signaling pay out vouchers in the game, or
through an auxiliary port allowing the gaming promotional printer's
promotional activities to be conducted in series or in parallel
with the gaming promotional printer's cash-out voucher printing
functions within the cashless enabled gaming machine.
[0216] FIG. 27 is an architecture diagram of a promotional gaming
printer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. A gaming promotional printer 2109 includes a processor
2701 operatively coupled via a system bus 2702 to a main memory
2704. The processor is also coupled to a storage device 2708 via a
storage controller 2706 and the bus. The storage device includes
stored program instructions 2724 and data 2726 such as coupon
variable data, coupon templates, and coupon trigger control
parameters. In operation, the program instructions implementing a
gaming promotional printer are stored on the storage device until
the processor retrieves the program instructions and stores them in
the main memory. The processor then executes the computer program
instructions stored in the main memory and operates on the data
stored in the storage device to implement the features of a gaming
promotional printer as described above.
[0217] The processor is further coupled to a printer mechanism 2718
through a printer controller 2702 via the bus. In operation, the
processor executes the program instructions to generate printer
mechanism control signals and transmits these signals to the
printer mechanism via the bus and printer controller. In response
to the printer mechanism control signals, the printer mechanism
prints coupons for use by a player.
[0218] The processor is further coupled to external input devices
2722 by an input device controller 2720 via the bus. Example input
devices include sensors that the gaming promotional printer uses to
detect proper printing of a coupon by the printer mechanism, coupon
printer paper detectors, and real time clocks. The processor
receives input device signals from the input devices via the input
device controller and the bus and uses the input device signals to
detect the state of the gaming promotional printer's
environment.
[0219] The processor is further coupled to a network device 2714
via a network device controller 2712 and the bus. The process uses
the network device to communicate with other processing systems,
such as a master promotional controller or a gaming machine
controller as previously described.
[0220] The gaming promotional printer supports two communications
ports, one port being used for communicating with the master
promotional controller for promotional activities, and the other
port being used for communicating with the gaming machine
controller for the purposes of issuing financial receipts and
monitoring gaming transactional traffic, thus allowing its
promotional activities to be conducted in serial or in parallel
with transactional printing functions within the gaming
machine.
[0221] The gaming promotional printer may accept promotional
database loads and transferring statistical data with the master
promotional control system either through its main communication
port used for normally signaling pay out vouchers in the game, or
through an auxiliary port allowing its promotional activities to be
conducted in serial or in parallel with its cash-out voucher
printing functions within the cash-less enabled game.
[0222] FIG. 28 is an architecture diagram of an exemplary
promotional master promotional controller in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A master promotional
controller 2104 includes a processor 2901 operatively coupled via a
system bus 2902 to a main memory 2904. The processor is also
coupled to a storage device 908 via a storage controller 2906 and
the bus. In operation, program instructions 2924 implementing a
master promotional controller are stored on the storage device
until the processor retrieves the program instructions and stores
them in the main memory. The processor then executes the computer
program instructions stored in the main memory to implement the
features of a master promotional controller as described above.
[0223] The processor is further coupled to a network device 2914
via a network device controller 2912 and the bus. The process uses
the network device to communicate with other processing systems,
such as a gaming promotional printer or a gaming machine controller
as previously described.
[0224] Although this invention has been described in certain
specific embodiments, many additional modifications and variations
would be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to
be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than
as specifically described. Thus, the present embodiments of the
invention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and
not restrictive, the scope of the invention to be determined by any
claims supported by this application and the claims' equivalents
rather than the foregoing description.
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