U.S. patent application number 11/423271 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-28 for methods and apparatus for facilitating interaction with a gaming device.
Invention is credited to Michael D. Downs, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Stephen C. Tulley, Jay S. Walker.
Application Number | 20060217184 11/423271 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35375862 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060217184 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker; Jay S. ; et
al. |
September 28, 2006 |
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING INTERACTION WITH A GAMING
DEVICE
Abstract
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a
method provides for determining data associated with a player of a
gaming device; determining whether the data meets at least one
established criterion; and providing an offer to the player if the
data meets the at least one established criterion, the offer
including a condition and a description of a product to be provided
to the player in exchange for the player agreeing to the
condition.
Inventors: |
Walker; Jay S.; (Ridgefield,
CT) ; Jorasch; James A.; (New York, NY) ;
Sparico; Thomas M.; (New York, NY) ; Tulley; Stephen
C.; (Fairfield, CT) ; Downs; Michael D.;
(Stamford, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALKER DIGITAL
2 HIGH RIDGE PARK
STAMFORD
CT
06905
US
|
Family ID: |
35375862 |
Appl. No.: |
11/423271 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11026222 |
Dec 30, 2004 |
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11423271 |
Jun 9, 2006 |
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10112712 |
Mar 29, 2002 |
6890256 |
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11026222 |
Dec 30, 2004 |
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09521869 |
Mar 8, 2000 |
6390917 |
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10112712 |
Mar 29, 2002 |
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08769085 |
Dec 18, 1996 |
6186893 |
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09521869 |
Mar 8, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/0269 20130101;
G06Q 30/0207 20130101; G07F 17/3262 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101;
G06Q 30/0242 20130101; G07F 17/3227 20130101; G07F 17/3255
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/020 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/00 20060101
A63F013/00 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: determining data associated with a player
of a gaming device; determining whether the data meets at least one
established criterion; and providing an offer to a player if the
data meets the at least one established criterion, the offer
including a condition and a description of a product to be provided
to the player in exchange for the player agreeing to the
condition.
2-20. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/112,712, filed on Mar. 29, 2002; which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/521,869, filed on Mar. 8, 2000, incorporated herein by
reference; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 08/769,085, filed on Dec. 18, 1996 and issued Feb. 13, 2001 as
U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,893, incorporated herein by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a network consistent with one
or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0003] FIG. 2 is a high-level block diagram of a network server
consistent with one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
[0004] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a player database
consistent with one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
[0005] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a product database
consistent with one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
[0006] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an advertising database
consistent with one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
[0007] FIG. 6 is a high-level block diagram of a slot machine
consistent with one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 7 illustrates a logic flow diagram of an advertising
process consistent with one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of an offer status database
consistent with one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
[0010] FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment
of an offer status database consistent with one or more embodiments
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0011] Numerous embodiments are described in this application, and
are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described
embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any sense. The
invention is widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as is
readily apparent from the disclosure herein. Those skilled in the
art will recognize that the present invention may be practiced with
modification and alteration without departing from the teachings
disclosed herein. Although particular features of the present
invention may be described with reference to one or more particular
embodiments or figures, it should be understood that such features
are not limited to usage in the one or more particular embodiments
or figures with reference to which they are described.
[0012] The terms "an embodiment," "embodiment," "embodiments," "the
embodiment," "the embodiments," "one or more embodiments," "some
embodiments," and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all)
embodiments of the present invention(s)," unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0013] The terms "including," "comprising" and variations thereof
mean "including but not limited to," unless expressly specified
otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the
items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise.
The terms "a," "an" and "the" mean "one or more," unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0014] The term "plurality" means "two or more," unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0015] Devices that are in communication with each other need not
be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly
specified otherwise. In addition, devices that are in communication
with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one
or more intermediaries.
[0016] A description of an embodiment with several components in
communication with each other does not imply that all such
components are required. On the contrary a variety of optional
components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible
embodiments of the present invention.
[0017] Further, although process steps, method steps, algorithms or
the like may be described (in the disclosure and/or in the claims)
in a sequential order, such processes, methods and algorithms may
be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any
sequence or order of steps that may be described does not
necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in
that order. The steps of processes described herein may be
performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be
performed simultaneously.
[0018] It will be readily apparent that the various methods and
algorithms described herein may be implemented by, e.g.,
appropriately programmed general purpose computers and computing
devices. Further, programs that implement such methods and
algorithms may be stored and transmitted using a variety of known
media.
[0019] When a single device or article is described herein, it will
be readily apparent that more than one device/article (whether or
not they cooperate) may be used in place of a single
device/article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is
described herein (whether or not they cooperate), it will be
readily apparent that a single device/article may be used in place
of the more than one device or article.
[0020] The functionality and/or the features of a device may be
alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not
explicitly described as having such functionality/features. Thus,
other embodiments of the present invention need not include the
device itself.
[0021] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to
any medium that participates in providing instructions that may be
read by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may
take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media,
volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include,
for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory.
Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which
typically constitutes the main memory. Transmission media include
coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires
that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor. Transmission
media may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves and
electromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during radio
frequency (RF) and infrared (1R) data communications. Common forms
of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a
flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium,
a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape,
any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an
EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a
carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from
which a computer can read. Various forms of computer readable-media
may be involved in carrying a sequence of instructions to a
processor.
[0022] Various embodiments of the present invention are described
herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. The leftmost
digit(s) of a reference numeral typically identifies the figure in
which the reference numeral first appears.
[0023] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the
drawings and accompanying descriptions presented herein indicate
some exemplary arrangements for stored representations of
information. A number of other arrangements may be employed besides
the tables shown. Similarly, the illustrated entries represent
exemplary information, but those skilled in the art will understand
that the number and content of the entries can be different from
those illustrated herein.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a network 10 consistent with some
embodiments of the present invention includes a network server 12,
which is connected to a plurality of slot machines 14, 16, and 18,
via a bus system 20. Each of slot machines 14, 16, and 18 includes
an interactive display device 22, which is adapted to display
messages that are either downloaded from network server 12 or are
generated locally in the respective slot machine. The slot machines
may alternatively be connected to server 12 through any appropriate
network configuration (e.g., a wireless network).
[0025] Note that while only slot machines are indicated in FIG. 1
as being connected to bus system 20, various gaming devices which
provide intermittent payouts to a player in response to continued
play actions (e.g., reel slot machines, video slot machines, keno
devices, bingo devices, video poker devices, video blackjack
devices) can be controlled by network server 12 in the same manner.
Thus, while the description hereafter will consider "slot
machines", it is to be understood that various types of gaming
devices are also to be considered within the scope of the
invention.
[0026] Each interactive display device 22 is provided with means
for receiving a player-identity card 24 that typically includes
player information, e.g., identity of the player, and may also
include further data such as an amount of a line of credit
available to the player, an amount of remaining credit available,
and player status information (i.e., frequent player, infrequent
player, heavy bettor). Each interactive display device 22 further
includes key entry inputs (either soft or hard keys) that are made
available for use by the player.
[0027] Network server 12 includes a transaction processor
subroutine which is stored therein or which can be loaded thereinto
via a magnetic disk 26. The transaction processor subroutine, in
combination with the network server hardware, provides accounting
and statistical services for connected slot machines, control and
updating of connected databases, and provision of product and
product purchase information to the slot machines. The transaction
processor subroutine further processes input signals from the
players at the respective slot machines.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a representative
network server 12 consistent with some embodiments of the present
invention. Network server 12 includes a central processor unit
(CPU) 30 which is coupled to a random access memory (RAM) 32, a
read only memory (ROM) 34, a clock 35, and a communication port 36
which provides interconnection to bus system 20 (via slot machine
interface 38). A data storage device 40 provides memory capacity
for a transaction processor subroutine 42, a player database 44, a
product database 46, an advertising database 48, and an offer
status database 100.
[0029] The data storage device 40 (or any other memory or data
storage device described herein) may comprise an appropriate
combination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and
may include, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only
Memory (ROM), a compact disc and/or a hard disk. The memory may
comprise or include any type of computer-readable medium. The CPU
30 and the data storage device 40 may each be, for example: (i)
located entirely within a single computer or other device; or (ii)
connected to each other by a remote communication medium, such as a
serial port cable, telephone line or radio frequency transceiver.
In one embodiment, the network server 12 may comprise one or more
devices that are connected to a remote server computer for
maintaining databases.
[0030] The data storage device 40 stores a transaction processor
subroutine 42 for controlling the CPU 30. The CPU 30 performs
instructions of the transaction processor subroutine 42, and
thereby operates in accordance with the present invention, and
particularly in accordance with the methods described in detail
herein. The transaction processor subroutine 42 may be stored in a
compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format. The transaction
processor subroutine 42 furthermore includes program elements that
may be necessary, such as an operating system, a database
management system and "device drivers" for allowing the processor
to interface with computer peripheral devices. Appropriate program
elements are known to those skilled in the art, and need not be
described in detail herein.
[0031] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in
carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions (e.g.,
transaction processor subroutine 42) to the CPU 30 (or any other
processor of a device described herein) for execution. For example,
the instructions may initially be borne on a magnetic disk of a
remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into
its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line
using a modem. A modem local to a gaming device (or, e.g., a
server) can receive the data on the telephone line and use an
infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal. An
infrared detector can receive the data carried in the infrared
signal and place the data on a system bus for the processor. The
system bus carries the data to main memory, from which the
processor retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions
received by main memory may optionally be stored in memory either
before or after execution by the processor. In addition,
instructions may be received via a communication port as
electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals, which are exemplary
forms of carrier waves that carry data streams representing various
types of information. Thus, the network server 12 (as well as other
types of devices described herein) may obtain instructions in the
form of a carrier wave.
[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
instructions of the transaction processor subroutine 42 may be read
into a main memory from another computer-readable medium, such as
from a ROM. Execution of sequences of the instructions in
transaction processor subroutine 42 causes the CPU 30 to perform
the process steps described herein. In alternate embodiments,
hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination
with, software instructions for implementation of the processes of
the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention
are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and
software.
[0033] Note that while transaction processor subroutine 42 may be
described herein as a software driven process, it can also be
performed by a dedicated microprocessor, to enhance system
performance.
[0034] The operation of transaction processor subroutine 42 will be
described in detail below in conjunction with the flow diagram of
FIG. 7. A schematic showing of example contents of a player
database 44 consistent with some embodiments of the present
invention is found in FIG. 3 and preferably includes the following
data:
[0035] Name 44A;
[0036] Social Security Number 44B;
[0037] Player identification (ID) number 44C;
[0038] Address 44D;
[0039] Credit card number 44E;
[0040] Credit balance 44F;
[0041] Complimentary information 44G;
[0042] Hotel room number 44H;
[0043] Product ID number 44I;
[0044] Player status number 44J; and
[0045] Player preferences 44K.
[0046] Most of the contents of player database 44 are
self-explanatory and require no further description. The
complimentary information 44G is coded information indicating which
services are to be provided to the player, free of charge or at a
discount. The product ID number 44I identifies each product that
the player has purchased, in a manner to be described below.
Finally, the player status number 44J is a value assigned to the
player and indicates a status level assigned by the gaming
establishment to the player. For instance, the player may be a
frequent player and entitled to certain premiums. Further, the
player may have been disqualified from further play and this will
be indicated by an assigned status number.
[0047] An indication of preferences 44K of a player may be stored
in the player record of player database 44. For example, a player
might prefer particular types of offers, such as those related to
sports (e.g., sporting goods, tickets for sporting events). A
player might prefer to receive offers with a particular frequency,
or at particular times. Indications of such preferences 44K could
be stored in player database 44.
[0048] In essence, player database 44 provides sufficient
information to enable network server 12 to perform the invention
hereof without requiring any further data from the player, other
than a selection or non-selection of an offered product, service or
offering.
[0049] An exemplary embodiment of product database 46 is
illustrated, schematically, in FIG. 4 and includes a product ID
number 46A; the price of the product 46B; a brief product
description 46C; and the quantity of the product remaining 46D. In
addition to merchandise, database 46 may include services that are
to be offered to players (e.g., tax advice, medical and legal
consulting). Further, for example, an offering may be included that
will compensate the player for: switching phone service (e.g.,
AT&T to MCI); switching cable providers; switching Internet
service providers; opening up a new credit card account; switching
from one credit card to another; taking out a loan from a specified
institution; agreeing to speak with a sales representative; or
agreeing to attend a seminar.
[0050] The term "product" will be used herein to refer to all such
offerings (e.g., merchandise-type products, services and other
offerings).
[0051] The product ID number 46A may identify a unique product
(e.g., show tickets for row J, seats 1-2). Alternatively, or in
addition, the product ID number 46A may identify a group or class
of products (e.g., sports apparel, or show tickets).
[0052] The price 46B in product database 46 may be used to indicate
the price to a customer for a corresponding merchandise item or
service, and may also be used to indicate the amount of
compensation provided to a player in exchange for the player's
acceptance of a condition of an offer (e.g., switching telephone
service providers).
[0053] An exemplary embodiment of advertising database 48
consistent with some embodiments of the present invention is shown
in FIG. 5 and includes an advertisement ID number 48A; an
audio/video presentation of the advertisement 48B; criteria 48C;
number-of-times displayed indicator 48D; a number-of-purchases 48E;
and one or more product ID numbers 48F.
[0054] The criteria 48C in advertising database 48 is preferably a
code (or codes) that identifies which set or subset of slot
machines are to receive an advertisement or other type of offer.
For example, certain advertisements could be shown to slot machines
that require, for example, a dollar or more for each play. In
another example, certain advertisements may only be shown to
machines that are playable for less than a dollar per play.
[0055] In other examples, any slot machine which has been
continuously played by a player for a predetermined period of time
(or for a predetermined number of game plays) can be supplied with
particular advertisements. Advertisements for certain products of a
certain value or price level can be targeted to a player in
accordance with the player's assigned status number 44J. In another
example, an advertisement could be transmitted to a slot machine
whose output data indicates a player win. In yet another example,
an advertisement could be transmitted to a slot machine whose
output data indicates a player loss. In yet another example, a
player database of the present invention may track statistics
associated with a player such as coin-in, theoretical win, actual
lifetime win/loss as known in the art. Accordingly, an
advertisement may be transmitted to a slot machine based on such
data (e.g., when a theoretical win value reaches a predetermined
threshold).
[0056] According to other various embodiments, information about
product inventory may be used by network server 12 in determining
to send a particular advertising message to a slot machine. For
example, a particular advertisement may be sent to a slot machine
if the quantity remaining of a corresponding product is above a
predetermined threshold. This would assist the casino in managing
the product inventory. According to another embodiment, criteria
48C might specify that an advertisement is to be transmitted based
on player preferences 44K (or other information about the player).
For example, a sports-related advertisement might only be sent to
machines with players who have indicated a preference for such
offers.
[0057] The number-of-times displayed 48D and number-of-purchases
48E in advertising database 48 are used for later analysis of the
effectiveness of the advertisement. The number-of-times displayed
48D and number-of-purchases 48E may be used in determining which
advertisements to provide. For example, "popular" offers (e.g.,
offers having a higher number-of-purchases 48E than others) may be
determined and output to players accordingly.
[0058] The one or more product ID numbers 48F correspond to the
merchandise, services, and/or offerings being offered in the
advertisement. A particular product may be associated with more
than one advertisement. Also, a particular advertisement may offer
more than one product to the player.
[0059] While the audio/video presentation of the advertisement is
shown as being contained within advertising database 48, a value
inserted into database 48 may also be a pointer to a further
on-line video or audio player that is responsive to the pointer and
other control data to provide a desired presentation.
[0060] Turning now to FIG. 6, a block diagram of an exemplary slot
machine 14 consistent with some embodiments of the present
invention is illustrated. Slot machine 14 includes an interactive
display 22 and a program 50 contained within a resident data
storage device 53. Interactive display device 22 includes output
device(s) 54, a card reader 55 and keys 56 ("soft" or "hard") for
enabling a player to input data into slot machine 14. Output
device(s) 54 may comprise one or more of, for example, a display
area, a touch screen (e.g., also capable of receiving input from a
player), an audio output device (e.g., a speaker), a printer (e.g.,
for providing a voucher to a player), etc. A video display area 60
may also be present in slot machine 14, but may not be accessible
to external control by network server 12. If this is the case,
output device(s) 54 is/are used to display or otherwise provide
downloaded product/product purchase information and further
messages to the player. Otherwise, the provision of output
device(s) 54 may not be necessary. Slot machine 14 may be
configured with any of various other components and/or modules
known to those skilled in the art, as deemed appropriate for a
particular application. For example, each of the remaining
submodules depicted within the exemplary slot machine 14 is known
to those skilled in the art and requires no detailed discussion
(e.g., various input devices such as buttons, handles or levers;
various output devices; etc.).
[0061] Although the data storage device 53 is preferably resident,
the CPU and the data storage device may each be, for example: (i)
located entirely within a single computer or other device; or (ii)
connected to each other by a remote communication medium, such as a
serial port cable, telephone line or radio frequency transceiver.
In one embodiment, the slot machine 14 may comprise one or more
devices that are connected to a remote server computer for
maintaining databases.
[0062] The data storage device 53 stores a program 50 for
controlling the CPU. The CPU performs instructions of the program
50, and thereby operates in accordance with the present invention,
and particularly in accordance with the methods described in detail
herein. The program 50 may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled
and/or encrypted format. The program 50 furthermore includes
program elements that may be necessary, such as an operating
system, a database management system and "device drivers" for
allowing the processor to interface with computer peripheral
devices. Appropriate program elements are known to those skilled in
the art, and need not be described in detail herein.
[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
instructions of the program 50 may be read into a main memory from
another computer-readable medium, such as from a ROM. Execution of
sequences of the instructions in program 50 causes the CPU to
perform the process steps described herein. In alternate
embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in
combination with, software instructions for implementation of the
processes of the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the
present invention are not limited to any specific combination of
hardware and software.
[0064] In other embodiments, aspects of the present invention may
be practiced by replacing and/or augmenting one or more components
(e.g., hardware and/or software components) of an existing slot
machine. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the invention may be
applied as a retrofit or upgrade to existing slot machines
currently available for play (e.g., within a casino).
[0065] For example, a memory (e.g., computer chip) of a slot
machine may be replaced or added, the replacement or additional
memory storing a program (e.g., program 50) for instructing the
processor of the slot machine to operate in accordance with one or
more embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, a
module may be made available for purchase to various casino
operators. The module, which may comprise various hardware and
software (e.g., an EEPROM storing software instructions), may be
installed in an existing slot machine (e.g., a video-reel slot
machine, a video poker machine, etc.), such that when the module is
installed, players of the device may elect (i) to play a game
offered by the slot machine that does not incorporate aspects of
the present invention (e.g., such that offers are not presented to
players), or (ii) to play a game offered by the slot machine in a
manner that utilizes aspects of the present invention (e.g., such
that offers are presented to players).
[0066] When a product/product purchase advertising message is
received from network server 12, program 50 enables display or
other output of the message by output device(s) 54. For example,
program 50 may comprise a control procedure for controlling display
(and/or other output) of information to a player. Further, program
50 preferably controls the operation of interactive display device
22, including card reader 55 and keys 56. When a player inputs a
selection or other data via keys 56, such an entry is recognized by
program 50, which causes the resident CPU in slot machine 14 to
configure the entered data for transmission over bus system 20 (via
the slot/network sever interface) to network server 12.
[0067] Turning now to FIG. 7, a process in accordance with some
embodiments of the present invention will be described. Initially,
network server 12 has had loaded and stored therein player database
44, product database 46, advertising database 48, offer status
database 100, and criteria (box 70). Such stored databases and
resident transaction processor routine 42 (FIG. 2) enable network
sever 12 to selectively provide advertising messages to individual
slot machines 14, 16, and 18. Alternatively, the stored databases
and criteria are not stored in network server 12, but are stored in
a medium in communication with network server 12.
[0068] Thereafter, network server 12 monitors and analyzes data
that is fed from the connected slot machines (box 72). Such data
may include information about a respective slot machine (e.g.,
denomination of slot machine), information about a respective
player (e.g., player identifier) and/or information about
respective game play (e.g., outcome of a play).
[0069] After receiving the slot machine data, network server 12
transmits product advertisement/pricing data to any one or more
slot machines whose output data meets one or more established
criteria (box 74).
[0070] For instance, a certain product advertisement may be
provided to all slot machines that require one dollar or more per
play. Further, any slot machine that has been continuously played
by a player for a predetermined period of time can be supplied with
a subset of advertisements. According to other various embodiments,
advertisements of certain price level products/services can be
targeted to a player in accordance with the player's assigned
status number 44J. Such status number 44J is input to the slot
machine by insertion of the user's card in to the card reader at
the start of play. For example, the player may have a status number
that indicates she is a guest of the casino hotel, or is a frequent
slot machine player. Such status number 44J is input to the slot
machine by insertion of the user's card in to the card reader at
the start of play. According to other embodiments, certain
advertisements can be targeted to a player in accordance with the
player's preferences 44K. According to another example, an
advertisement is transmitted to a slot machine which indicates to
network sever 12 that a player win has occurred which requires a
monetary payout to the player. In another example, an advertisement
could be transmitted to any slot machines whose output data meets
the criterion of a player loss. In yet another example,
advertisements may be transmitted to slot machines being played by
players who have generated a threshold amount of theoretical
win.
[0071] If one or more criteria are met, network server 12 will send
a message to the respective slot machine, which asks if the player
wishes to purchase advertised goods for a displayed price (box 76).
Such a message may appear or otherwise be output to the player via
display device(s) 54 within interactive display module 22.
[0072] According to an alternative embodiment, more than one
message may be sent to the respective slot machine (e.g.,
simultaneously or at separate times).
[0073] If the player sends a purchase confirmation to network sever
12 (box 78), it is also preferably accompanied by a player ID
number that is stored both locally in slot machine 14 and in
network server 12. This may enable a confirmation message to be
transmitted to or otherwise provided via output device(s) 54. Such
information may, for example, provide the name of the purchase, for
confirmation purposes.
[0074] Thereafter, network server 12 retrieves the price of the
product 46B from product database 46 and, if a win occurred,
directs slot machine 14 to pay out the amount of the win, less the
purchase price of the product. If the purchase price is greater
than the amount of the payout, the player's credit balance is
debited by the amount of the purchase. Further, the credit balance
44F maintained by network sever 12 is likewise debited (box 80).
Thereafter, the player address 44D is retrieved from player
database 44, based upon the player ID number (box 82). The player
address 44D and purchase information are then sent to a dispatching
function where the goods are shipped to the player and network
server 12 then credits the manufacturer's account with a payment
amount (box 84).
[0075] The latter action assumes that the manufacturer's account is
maintained locally. The system may also be configured to initiate a
transfer of funds to the manufacturer's account in a banking
establishment via a wire transfer.
[0076] If the player sends a purchase confirmation to network
server 12 evidencing acceptance of a product "switch" offer (e.g.,
from one telephone supplier to another), server 12 retrieves the
amount to be credited to the player, credits the player's account
and so notifies the slot machine. If the account is also maintained
at the slot machine, it too is credited. The credited amount may be
tagged so that it is only useful for play of the slot machine, or
it can actually be paid out, to be later billed to the player if
the player reneges.
[0077] While not shown in FIG. 7, further control features can be
implemented under control of transaction processor routine 42. For
instance, the player, by agreeing to have an advertisement shown at
his/her slot machine, can be targeted to enjoy incremental benefits
such as higher payouts, or free slot pulls. Transaction processor
routine 42 can also enable players to disable the advertising
message, should they so desire. Further, a corporate sponsor can
arrange for extra prizes to be available to be awarded to players
with certain pre-specified status numbers (e.g., employees) in the
player database.
[0078] Finally, the product to be advertised at the time of a
monetary payout can be chosen in conformance with the amount of the
payout so as to enable the amount of the payout to at least cover
the cost of the purchase.
[0079] Thus, according to various embodiments of the present
invention, advertising can be provided to gaming devices and a
player is allowed to respond to and benefit from such advertising
messages. Services may be provided to players, based upon
intelligent conclusions regarding characteristics of the player and
a matching thereof to offered products and services. According to
various embodiments of the present invention, advertising, product,
and/or pricing information may be provided to slot machine players,
wherein the information is intelligently chosen based upon various
criteria, such as conditions at the slot machine, and/or
characteristics of the player.
[0080] According to various alternative embodiments, information
about product inventory may be used by network server 12 in
determining to send a particular advertising message to a slot
machine. For example, a particular advertisement may be sent to a
slot machine if the quantity remaining of a corresponding product
is above a predetermined threshold. This would assist the casino in
managing the product inventory. Further, it should be noted that in
embodiments wherein an offer comprises an offer for a service
(e.g., such as a spa visit or buffet admission), the availability
of the service may be considered (e.g., the current utilization
level of the spa or buffet).
[0081] According to various alternative embodiments, advertisements
may be analyzed based on their effectiveness with a particular
player or with all players to whom they have been provided. For
example, the number-of-times displayed 48D and number-of-purchases
48E in advertising database 48 may be used in determining which
advertisements are more effective. Advertising messages may thus be
transmitted (box 74) based on an assessment of their
effectiveness.
[0082] In still further embodiments, offers may be transmitted to
players based on various other criteria, including but not limited
to (i) time and/or date considerations (e.g., various services may
only be offered during certain time periods), (ii) casino capacity
or utilization considerations (e.g., if it is determined that 15%
or less of all slot machines are currently being played, various
offers may be output), and/or (iii) any other rules or
considerations deemed practicable or appropriate by a casino
operator.
[0083] A portion of an exemplary offer status database 100 is shown
in FIG. 8A, and includes a player identifier 100A; offer instance
identifier 100B; advertisement identifier 100C; player response
100D; balance adjustment amount 100E; and payment amount 100F.
Offer status database 100 preferably is used to track all offers
made to all players, but may be limited to a subset of players
and/or offers.
[0084] Player identifier 100A identifies a player to whom an
advertisement has been provided, and preferably corresponds to
player ID number 44C in player database 44. Offer instance
identifier 100B identifies an instance that an advertisement
identified by advertisement identifier 100C was provided to the
player identified by player identifier 100A. Player response 100D
preferably contains an indication of whether the player accepted
the offer in the advertisement, refused the offer, or deferred the
offer until a later time. Player response 100D may also indicate
whether the player expressed a preference (or dislike) for the
advertisement, and whether the player desires to receive similar
advertisements. Balance adjustment amount 100E contains the amount
by which the player's balance is credited or debited, depending on
the type of offer. For example, if the advertisement is for a
switch offer, balance adjustment amount 100E preferably will
indicate the amount by which the player's balance will be credited.
If the advertisement is for a merchandise item, balance adjustment
amount 100E preferably indicates the amount by which the player's
balance will be debited. Payment amount 100F preferably stores the
amount that the casino receives if the player accepts the offer
(e.g., from a third-party merchant who sponsored a switch offer) or
the amount that the casino pays to a sponsor of an offer (e.g., a
manufacturer of a purchased product).
[0085] Alternative (or supplemental) offer status database 120 is
shown in FIG. 8B, and is preferably used to track all offers made
to a particular player. Alternative offer status database 120 may
be used in addition to, or as an alternative to, offer status
database 100. Offer instance identifier 120A, advertisement
identifier 120B, player response 120C, balance adjustment amount
120E, and payment amount 120F correspond to data in offer status
database 100 described above. Alternative offer status database 120
also preferably includes a response time 120D, which indicates a
date and/or time at which the player responded to the
advertisement.
[0086] According to various embodiments, information such as that
contained in offer status database 100 and alternative offer status
database 120 may be used to determine which advertisement(s) to
send to a particular slot machine(s). For example, for a particular
player, network server 12 may determine that the player tends to
refuse offers provided during a particular time period. In another
example, network server 12 may determine that the player tends to
accept certain types of offers. For instance, a player might
respond more favorably to audio and video content than just video
content, or might respond more favorably to sports-related
advertisements.
[0087] According to various embodiments of the present invention,
data corresponding to the information of one or more of transaction
processor routine 42, player database 44, merchandise database 46,
advertising database 48, and offer status database 100, are stored
in a memory (e.g., resident data storage device 53) of
representative slot machine 14. Thus, the slot machine 14 may
perform some or all of the functions of network server 12. For
example, a transaction processor routine (not shown) at slot
machine 14 may monitor the slot machine data, determine an
appropriate advertising message from an advertising database (not
shown) at the slot machine 14, and send offer authorization to
network server 12, which then retrieves relevant player information
from player database 44 and concludes the transaction as described
above. Of course, other combinations of functions and distributions
of information among server and slot machine(s) are possible. Any
information stored at the slot machine 14 may be periodically
refreshed, for example, by the network server 12. Similarly,
information stored at the slot machine 14 may be used to
periodically refresh, for example, information stored at the
network server 12.
[0088] According to various embodiments of the present invention, a
network server provides control functions for gambling devices of
the type that provide intermittent monetary payments to players at
a point-of-play. The point-of-play includes an interactive display
device for displaying messages to the player and for receiving
player responses, which are then transmitted to a network server.
Memory at the network server stores product and product purchase
information as well as customer profile data. The network server
causes transmission of product and product purchase information to
the interactive display device and monitors each of the gambling
devices to detect an occurrence of a player win that requires a
monetary payout. The network server is responsive to the detection
of the player win, to an entry from the player that indicates the
purchase of a product (as offered by a locally displayed
advertisement), and to pay out the amount of the win less the
purchase price of the product. The network server is also
controlled to display selected subsets of product and product
purchase information in accord with player characteristic data that
is input by the player at the gambling device.
[0089] According to some embodiments of the present invention,
output device(s) 54 maybe configured to output or otherwise provide
a record to a player upon acceptance of one or more product
purchase offer(s) (e.g., on a printed receipt, on a card storing an
indication of an offer and/or offer acceptance). For example, a
player satisfying a certain condition (e.g. rate of play, win
amount, loss amount, etc.) may qualify to receive an offer to
purchase a product, as described herein. Upon the player accepting
the offer, output device(s) 54 may operate to provide a physical
record, such as a printed voucher. In another example, output
device(s) 54 may comprise a device configured to update a player
tracking card, smart card, or other type of card (e.g., containing
a magnetic stripe) with information about the offer (e.g., terms
and conditions, product to be provided to the player) and/or the
player's acceptance of the offer. In one embodiment, the player may
present and/or redeem a card, printed receipt, or other type of
voucher at an appropriate location (e.g., a restaurant or shop
located on the casino property) in order to obtain a purchased
product or benefit. For example, such a printed voucher or other
document may comprise an identifier associated with a particular
offer (e.g., a numeric identifier that may be read by humans, a
machine-readable barcode encoding a numeric identifier, etc.). The
player may then be allowed to claim the product or service in
question by providing the identifier (e.g., by handing the voucher
to a casino representative). In some embodiments, a database may be
used to track the issuance, redemption and/or expiration of such
product offers, such that players may not redeem products they have
already claimed or offers that have expired. For example, a
merchant receiving such an identifier from a player (e.g., on a
printed receipt) may be able to access such a database (e.g., using
a terminal in communication with the network server 12 via a
communications network)
[0090] According to some embodiments, a voucher may include terms,
conditions or general instructions required of a player in order to
obtain the purchased product. For example, a printed voucher may
include explanatory text that describes one or more times of day
during which the player may obtain the purchased product from a
particular merchant. In accordance with some embodiments, terms and
conditions describing when a player may obtain a product or service
could be useful in allowing a provider of the product (e.g., a golf
course, a restaurant) to selectively make the product available
during periods when utilization is typically low (e.g., rounds of
golf after 4:00 PM, meals before 6:00 PM, etc.). By restricting
when such products may be obtained, such terms may also allow a
merchant to effectively discount services and products offered
during such "off-peak" periods.
[0091] It should be understood that the foregoing description is
only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and
modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without
departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is
intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and
variances which fall within the scoped of the appended claims.
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