U.S. patent application number 11/276312 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-22 for gaming system and method for providing entry to a contest.
Invention is credited to Jeffrey George, Doug Huber.
Application Number | 20060135253 11/276312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46323929 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060135253 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
George; Jeffrey ; et
al. |
June 22, 2006 |
GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ENTRY TO A CONTEST
Abstract
A gaming system and method of providing a contest entry to a
player using a gaming device are disclosed. A player of a gaming
device is awarded points based on his or her game play and/or other
criteria. These points are compared to predetermined entry criteria
of a plurality of contests. The player is presented with a list of
eligible contests that are available for entry. The player may then
select one of the eligible contests to enter, or wait to accumulate
more points to enter a different contest.
Inventors: |
George; Jeffrey; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Huber; Doug; (Louisville, KY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOWARD & HOWARD ATTORNEYS, P.C.
THE PINEHURST OFFICE CENTER, SUITE #101
39400 WOODWARD AVENUE
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48304-5151
US
|
Family ID: |
46323929 |
Appl. No.: |
11/276312 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10938677 |
Sep 10, 2004 |
|
|
|
11276312 |
Feb 23, 2006 |
|
|
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60656364 |
Feb 25, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3253 20130101; G07F 17/3255 20130101; G07F 17/3248
20130101; G07F 17/3239 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/025 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of providing a contest entry to a player using a gaming
device comprising the steps of: establishing a player
identification of the player at the gaming device; retrieving a
player attribute of the player from a player tracking database in
response to establishing the player identification; comparing the
player attribute to a predetermined entry criteria of a plurality
of contests; and presenting a list of eligible contests that are
available for entry by the player based on the comparison of the
player attribute to the predetermined entry criteria.
2. A method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising the step of
allowing the player to select one of the eligible contests to enter
from the list of eligible contests.
3. A method as set forth in claim 2 further comprising the step of
entering the player in the one of the eligible contests selected by
the player.
4. A method as set forth in claim 2 further comprising the step of
printing an entry ticket for the one of the eligible contests
selected by the player.
5. A method as set forth in claim 2 wherein the player attribute is
further defined as points and further comprising the step of
exchanging a certain number of points for entry into one of the
eligible contests.
6. A method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising the step of
selecting not to enter any of the eligible contests.
7. A method as set forth in claim 6 wherein the player attribute is
further defined as points and further comprising the step of
presenting the number of points needed to enter each eligible
contest and each ineligible contest.
8. A method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising the step of
presenting a list of ineligible contests that are not available for
entry by the player based on the comparison of the player attribute
to the predetermined entry criteria.
9. A method as set forth in claim 1 further comprising the step of
updating the player attribute based on playing of the gaming device
by the player.
10. A gaming system comprising: a player tracking database storing
player attributes of a player; a gaming device for reading a player
identification of the player; a processor operatively coupled to
said database and said gaming device for comparing the player
attributes to predetermined entry criteria of a plurality of
contests; and a communication mechanism operatively coupled to said
processor for presenting a list of eligible contests that are
available for entry by the player.
11. A gaming system as set forth in claim 10 further comprising an
input apparatus operatively coupled to said processor for selecting
one of the eligible contests to enter from the list of eligible
contests.
12. A gaming system as set forth in claim 10 wherein said
communication mechanism is disposed within said gaming device and
includes a display.
13. A gaming system as set forth in claim 11 wherein said input
apparatus is disposed within said gaming device and includes at
least one pushbutton.
14. A gaming system as set forth in claim 11 wherein said input
apparatus is disposed within said gaming device and includes a
touchscreen panel.
15. A gaming system as set forth in claim 11 further comprising a
printer for printing an entry ticket for the one of the eligible
contests selected by the player.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/656,364, filed Feb. 25, 2005 and is a
continuation-in-part of prior application Ser. No. 10/938,677,
filed Sep. 10, 2004, which are both hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a gaming system and method
of providing a contest entry to a player using a gaming device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Connecting a plurality of gaming devices over a network to a
host computer is known within the art. Also known within the art is
the use of a database maintained within the host computer for
tracking a player's play within a casino. The player is issued an
identification card by the casino which is inserted into a reader
located on the gaming device. These readers may also be installed
on kiosks or host workstations located throughout the casino or on
handheld remote consoles and carried by casino employees.
[0004] The database provides casinos with the ability to monitor a
player's play and to compensate the players based on any
predetermined event or criteria as established by the casino. This
compensation extends to awarding a contest entry to a player. One
such example is disclosed in United States Patent Application
Publication No. 2005/0059480 (the '480 publication). The '480
publication describes a gaming system and method for entering a
contest. The player may be automatically submitted into the contest
or a ticket may be printed at the gaming device and manually
entered into the contest. However, the system and method of the
'480 publication does not account for multiple contests in the
casino.
[0005] The present invention is aimed at one or more of the
problems as set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
[0006] The subject invention provides a method of providing a
contest entry to a player using a gaming device. The method
includes the step of establishing a player identification of the
player at the gaming device. A player attribute of the player is
retrieved from a player tracking database in response to
establishing the player identification. The player attribute is
compared to a predetermined entry criteria of a plurality of
contests. The method continues with the step of presenting a list
of eligible contests that are available for entry by the player
based on the comparison of the player attribute to the
predetermined entry criteria.
[0007] The subject invention also provides a gaming system. The
system includes a player tracking database for storing player
attributes of a player. A gaming device establishes a player
identification of the player. A processor is operatively coupled to
the database and the gaming device for comparing the player
attributes to predetermined entry criteria of a plurality of
contests. A communication mechanism, operatively coupled to the
processor, presents a list of eligible contests that are available
for entry by the player.
[0008] By presenting a list of a plurality of contests available to
the player, the player is given the option to choose one (or more)
of the contests that appeal specifically to him or her. This will
result in a higher level of customer satisfaction and will give the
casino distinct promotional advantages over other casinos.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to
the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a gaming system;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a gaming device of the gaming
system including a communication mechanism;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a method of providing entry in a
contest to a player; and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an auxiliary display showing a list
of contests to the player.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate
corresponding parts throughout the several views, the present
invention provides a gaming system 10 and a method 100 for
providing entry in a contest to a player 14. The contest is
typically a drawing where at least one entry is chosen from a
plurality of entries to be awarded a prize. The contest, as is
common practice, may also be described as a drawing, a raffle, a
lottery, a sweepstakes, or a pool. In a first embodiment, the at
least one entry, i.e., the winning entry is chosen at random where
each entry has an equal chance. However, in other embodiments, some
entries may have a higher chance of winning than other entries.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, in the first embodiment, the gaming
system 10 includes a plurality of gaming devices 12. The gaming
devices 12 may include, but are not limited to, mechanical reel
slot machines, video slot machines, video poker machines, video
arcade games, an electronically enhanced gaming table, an interface
to a table management system for gaming tables, kiosks, virtual
gaming devices, e.g. for online gaming, or other device within the
system.
[0016] In the first embodiment eight electronic gaming devices
12A-12H are shown in FIG. 1. The other gaming devices 12I, as shown
in FIG. 1, represent an infinite amount of gaming devices 12 as
placed throughout a casino or other environment. The present
invention is not limited to a specific number of gaming devices 12.
Typically, the gaming devices 12 are organized into banks or groups
within the casino. A player 14 is defined as a patron visiting the
casino who makes a wager while playing the gaming device 12 or
utilizes the gaming device for any other purpose.
[0017] The gaming devices 12 are connected via a network 16 to one
or more computers 18, which are generally located at a remote or
central location. The network 16 may utilize wires, i.e.,
hardwired, or be wireless. For clarity and ease of description,
only a single computer 18 is shown in FIG. 1, however, this should
not be construed in any way as limiting the gaming system 10 of the
present invention to only one computer 18. The computer 18 includes
a processor 20 running a computer 18 application program and
maintains one or more player tracking databases 22. The processor
20 and the databases 22 are operatively coupled with one
another.
[0018] At least one player tracking account 24 is setup within the
player tracking database 22. The player tracking account 24 and the
player tracking database 22 store attributes of a player 14. Theses
attributes may include, but are not limited to, name, age, sex,
location of residence, amount of money wagered in gaming devices 12
and/or at gaming tables, number of points, i.e., comp points
earned, amount of time playing gaming devices 12 and/or at gaming
tables, length of stay at casino, and date and/or time of game
play.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 2, each gaming device 12 may include a
central processing unit 26 (CPU), a currency management device 28,
a main display 30, a RAM 32 as a memory device and a ROM 34
(generally provided as an EPROM). The CPU 26 is mainly composed of
a microprocessor unit (not shown) and performs various calculations
and motion controls necessary for the progress of the game. The
currency management device 28 detects the insertion of a coin or a
bill and determines the value of the coin or bill. The main display
30 displays 30, 36 images as part of the game to the player 14. The
RAM 32 temporarily stores programs and data necessary for the
progress of the game, and the ROM 34 stores, in advance, programs
and data for controlling basic operation of the gaming machine,
such as the booting operation thereof, game code and graphics. Of
course, other variations of the gaming device 12 may be implemented
as are known to those skilled in the art.
[0020] In the first embodiment, a communication mechanism 38 is
used as an interface between the gaming device 12 and the player 14
for communication between the player 14 or other operators and the
processor 20, and, more specifically, for providing the identity of
the player 14 to the processor 20 and the database 22. In the
illustrated embodiment, an auxiliary display 36 is included in the
communication mechanism 38 to display information to the player 14
and/or other operators of the gaming device 12. The communication
mechanism 38 also includes an input apparatus 40 for allowing input
by the player 14 and/or other operator(s). The communication
mechanism 38 and the input apparatus 40 are operatively coupled to
the processor 20 via the network 16. In the first embodiment, the
player 14 is identified via an identification card (not shown)
and/or an identification number. A card reader 42 is disposed
within the communication mechanism 38 to receive the identification
card and read the identification number and/or other data from the
identification card. In the first embodiment, the identification
card includes a magnetic stripe or surface which encodes the
identification number. The card reader 42 includes a magnetic head
(not shown) for reading the identification number from the magnetic
stripe or surface. In other embodiments (not shown), the
identification card may have a bar code read by a bar code scanner
or an RFID tag read by a RFID scanner.
[0021] The communication mechanism 38 may also include at least one
pushbutton 44, such as a numeric keypad (not shown), for manually
entering the identification number. Furthermore, a touchscreen
panel 46 may be disposed over the auxiliary display 36 for allowing
the player 14 or other operators to enter information, such as the
identification number, or to make other selections. Those skilled
in the art realize other suitable implementations for the input
device. The communication mechanism 38 may also include a printer
48.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the method 100 of the present invention
includes a first step 102 of establishing a player identification
of the player 14 at the gaming device 12. In the system 10 of the
first embodiment, as described above, the player may be established
by reading the identification number from the identification card
with the card reader 42 or by the player 14 manually entering the
identification number.
[0023] After the player 14 is identified, the method 100 continues
with a second step 104 of retrieving a player 14 attribute from the
player tracking database 22. As mentioned above, the player
tracking database 22 may track numerous player 14 attributes. In
the first embodiment, the player 14 attribute retrieved from the
player tracking database 22 is the amount of points earned. Those
skilled in the art realize that casinos typically award points
based on the amount wagered in gaming devices 12, length of time
playing a table game, or other casino activity. Therefore, when the
player 14 is playing a gaming device 12, his or her points will
typically increase over time based on the amount wagered and other
factors. Points may also be increased by purchases in the casino,
casino promotions, or by other techniques.
[0024] The method 100 continues with a third step 106 of comparing
the player 14 attribute to a predetermined entry criteria of a
plurality of contests. In the first embodiment, this comparison is
performed by the processor 20. Each of the contests may offer a
different prize, and therefore appealing to the likes and interests
of different players 14. Therefore, casinos utilizing the present
invention are able to better appeal to broader variety of
customers. For example, the prize for a first contest may be a
round of golf while the prize for a second contest may be dinner
for two in a restaurant. Obviously, some patrons of the casino are
not golfers and may not be interested in the first contest.
Accordingly, the second contest may possibly appeal to those
patrons.
[0025] Furthermore, various contests may be disparate in their
overall value. For example, the prize for a third contest may be a
new car. Due this disparity between prize values of the various
contests, the number of points required to enter each contest may
also be unequal. For example, the first contest may require that
the player 14 have earned 100 points for entry, the second contest
may require 120 points, and the third contest require 300
points.
[0026] The method 100 further includes a fourth step 108 of
presenting a list of eligible contests that are available for entry
by the player 14. This list is based on the comparison of the
player 14 attribute (e.g., points) to the predetermined entry
criteria. The method 100 may also include the step presenting a
list of ineligible contests that are not available for entry by the
player 14 based on the comparison of the player 14 attribute to the
predetermined entry criteria. In the first embodiment, this list
(or lists) is/are displayed on the auxiliary display 36 of the
communication mechanism 38. An example of listings of both eligible
and ineligible contests is shown in FIG. 4. The list of ineligible
contests may be differentiated from the list of eligible contests
using any of numerous techniques known to those skilled in the art.
One such technique is to "gray out" the ineligible contests, as is
shown in FIG. 4. The number of points necessary for each eligible
and ineligible contest may also be displayed on the auxiliary
display 36. This allows the player 14 to see how many additional
points are needed before being able to enter the currently
ineligible contests.
[0027] Referring again to FIG. 3, in a fifth step 110 of the method
100, the player 14 is allowed to select one of the eligible
contests to enter from the list of eligible contests. In the first
embodiment, the player may use the input apparatus 40 to make this
selection. If the input apparatus 40 includes the touchscreen panel
46, the player 14 may simply touch the eligible contest shown on
the auxiliary display 36 that he/she wishes to enter. Otherwise,
the at least one pushbutton 44 may be used to select the eligible
contest. Furthermore, the player 14 may elect not to enter a
contest or request to be reminded later about available
contests.
[0028] In one embodiment, after selecting one of the eligible
contests, the player 14 may be automatically, i.e., electronically
entered into that particular contest. The computer 18 and processor
20 may keep track of which players 14 are entered into each
contest. Alternatively, a separate contest control server (not
shown) may be used to track the players 14 entered into each
contest. Either way, the computer 18 or contest control server may
randomly choose a winning entry from a plurality of entries to each
contest. The computer 18 or contest control server may use a random
number generator (RNG) to randomly or pseudo-randomly pick the
winning entry. The drawing, i.e., picking of the winner, may take
place at a prespecified time or at a random or pseudo-random time
within an allotted range of time. Furthermore, after the drawing,
the entry of each player 14 may be transferred to another related
drawing for a different prize, i.e., a second-chance drawing.
[0029] In another embodiment, after selecting one of the eligible
contests, an entry ticket may be printed for the selected contest.
In the first embodiment, the ticket may be printed by the printer
48 of the communication mechanism 38. The player 14 may then take
the ticket to a designated place for entry into the contest.
Typically, the ticket would be placed inside a drum where tickets
for all entries are randomized by rotating or spinning the drum. A
winning ticket would then be drawn from the drum. The ticket may
contain identifying information, such as, but not limited to, the
name of the player 14, the identification number of the player 14,
the casino name, the machine code where printed, and/or the time
and date of the drawing.
[0030] By providing an entry into the selected contest, the player
14 may be required to exchange, i.e., give up, a certain number of
points for entry into one of the eligible contests. By exchanging
the points, the points would not be able to be used for other
contests or to make other casino-related purchases. However,
depending on the configuration by the casino, the player 14 may not
be required to exchange the points for entry into one of the
contests.
[0031] The communication mechanism 38 may be implemented outside of
the gaming device 12 for allowing the player 14 to enter one of the
contests. Referring again to FIG. 1, the communication mechanism 38
may be implemented in a kiosk 50, a host work station 52, and/or a
host remote console 54, which are each operatively coupled to the
computer 18 via the network 16. The kiosk 50 is independent from
the gaming devices 12 and allows the player 14 to view and select
from the list of eligible and ineligible contests. The host work
station 52 is typically mounted in a fixed location for use by a
casino employee. The host remote console 54 is typically a handheld
and portable unit, allowing the casino employee to roam around the
casino and enter players 14 in eligible contests.
[0032] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The
invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described
within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *