U.S. patent application number 11/278446 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-12 for aircraft gaming.
Invention is credited to Stephen A. Canterbury, Allon Englman, Cary M. Mednick, James M. Rasmussen.
Application Number | 20060229121 11/278446 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37083790 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060229121 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rasmussen; James M. ; et
al. |
October 12, 2006 |
AIRCRAFT GAMING
Abstract
Aircraft gaming machines, systems, and methods are presented.
The gaming machines execute gaming applications and receive power
from the aircraft. The gaming systems may include gaming stations
interfaced to gaming servers within the aircraft, portable gaming
machines capable of downloading gaming applications from gaming
servers within the aircraft, gaming displays and controls
interfaced to gaming servers within the aircraft, and kiosks
adapted to dispense a gaming application on removable storage
media. The removable storage media later interfaced to processing
devices within the aircraft for purposes of wagering on gaming
applications that execute off the storage media. The methods
acquire value from players within an aircraft, execute gaming
applications within the aircraft, and dispense value based on
outcomes of the gaming applications.
Inventors: |
Rasmussen; James M.;
(Chicago, IL) ; Canterbury; Stephen A.; (Antioch,
IL) ; Mednick; Cary M.; (Rolling Meadows, IL)
; Englman; Allon; (Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG, WOESSNER & KLUTH, P.A.
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
37083790 |
Appl. No.: |
11/278446 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60669669 |
Apr 8, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3202 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine, comprising: a display; a processor adapted to
execute wagering gaming applications, wherein the processor is
interfaced to the display; and a power supply, which is supplied
from an aircraft to the display and the processor.
2. The gaming machine of claim 1 further comprising: a value input
device adapted to accept player-provided value; and a value output
device adapted to dispense gaming-provided value.
3. The gaming machine of claim 2 further comprising, one or more
player controls adapted to receive gaming selections from a player,
wherein the gaming selections are associated with the wagering
gaming applications.
4. The gaming machine of claim 3, wherein the one or more player
controls are integrated into the display to provide a touch screen
interface for receiving the gaming selections.
5. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the processor is
interfaced to one or more additional displays and is adapted to
execute selective ones of the wagering gaming applications for each
of the one or more additional displays.
6. The gaming machine of claim 5, wherein the processor is remote
from the display and the one or more additional displays within the
aircraft and is interfaced via a network within the aircraft.
7. A gaming system, comprising: one or more processors for
executing wagering gaming applications within an aircraft, wherein
the one or more processors are integrated into or accessible from a
video system of the aircraft; a plurality of displays, wherein each
display is accessible from a selective location within the
aircraft; and a plurality of remote control devices for interacting
with the wagering gaming applications and for viewing results of
the wagering gaming applications, wherein each remote control
device is associated with one of the plurality of displays.
8. The gaming system of claim 7, wherein the gaming system is
powered from a 115 volt power supply acquired from the
aircraft.
9. The gaming system of claim 7, wherein a number of the displays
are portable and may be moved from one of the selective locations
within the aircraft to another one of the selective locations
within the aircraft.
10. The gaming system of claim 9, wherein the portable displays
connect to the video system via network connections within the
aircraft.
11. The gaming system of claim 10, wherein the network connections
are at least one of wired and wireless within the aircraft.
12. The gaming system of claim 7, wherein each of the remote
control devices is coupled to one of the displays.
13. The gaming system of claim 7 further comprising a portable
device for wirelessly interacting with the one or more processors
to play the wagering gaming applications executing on the one or
more processors.
14. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein the portable device
continues play of the wagering game applications outside the
aircraft.
15. The gaming system of claim 13, wherein the portable device is
adapted to play different wagering game applications processing on
different processors external to the aircraft while inside the
aircraft.
16. A method, comprising: simultaneously presenting a game of
chance to selective displays within an aircraft; collecting wagers
for the game of chance from players interacting with controls which
are interfaced to the selective displays; acquiring a value from
each of the players; determining an outcome for the game of chance;
and crediting one or more accounts associated with one or more of
the players who win the game of chance in response to the
outcome.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising, associating each of
the accounts to one of the players in response to a display
identifier.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein collecting further includes
receiving the wagers via the controls that are integrated into the
displays as touch screen controls.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein collecting further includes
receiving the wagers via the controls that are provided on remote
control devices.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein acquiring further includes at
least one of: debiting the value from a selective one of the
accounts; acquiring the value as loyalty points from a loyalty
account of a selective one of the players; acquiring the value as a
reward certificate inputted by a selective one of the players via
the controls; acquiring the value as currency via a value input
device from a selective one of the players; acquiring the value
from a credit card account associated with a selective one of the
players; and acquiring the value from a selective on of the
accounts in response to a key inputted by a selective one of the
players via the controls.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/669,669, filed on
Apr. 8, 2005, and entitled "Aircraft Gaming;" the disclosure of
which is incorporated by reference herein.
COPYRIGHT
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material to which the claim of copyright protection is made. The
copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by
any person of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it
appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office file or records,
but reserves all other rights whatsoever. Copyright 2006, WMS
Gaming, Inc.
FIELD
[0003] The invention relates generally to gaming and more
particularly to aircraft gaming.
BACKGROUND
[0004] The gaming industry has been popular on land via casinos and
on water via cruise ships or gambling boats. Only the air lacks any
significant gaming presence. A variety of circumstances have
contributed to the lack of gaming capabilities within an aircraft.
For example, in an aircraft space and weight factors of any gaming
equipment must be considered carefully. Additionally, unlike
maritime law, the laws with respect to airspace are often
determined by the government associated with the land that lies
directly underneath the airspace of an aircraft. This means that
wagering may be permissible during some points of a flight but not
lawful during other points of the flight. In fact, within the
United States, the laws of gambling vary by state and are
determined largely by the individual states.
[0005] In addition, electronic devices within aircraft have always
raised concerns about safety and are still restricted during
certain portions of a flight, such as during takeoff and during
landing. Advances in this area have recently revealed that most of
these concerns about operating electronic devices are not the
problems that they were believed to be. Moreover, aircraft are more
modern today with more advanced electronics and safety
mechanisms.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for aircraft gaming devices,
machines, systems, and/or techniques.
SUMMARY
[0007] In various embodiments, aircraft gaming machines, gaming
systems, and methods for gaming within an aircraft are provided. In
an embodiment, a gaming machine includes a display, a processor,
and a 115 volt power supply. The processor is adapted to execute
gaming applications and is interfaced to the display. The power
supply is acquired from the aircraft as 400 Hz of Alternating
Current (AC).
[0008] In an embodiment, a gaming system includes a plurality of
gaming stations situated within an aircraft, a gaming server, and a
network. Each gaming station includes a player seat, a
player-provided input device, a gaming-provided value output
device, a display, and one or more player controls. The gaming
server is interfaced to each of the gaming stations via the network
and the gaming server is adapted to execute gaming
applications.
[0009] In still another embodiment, a gaming system includes a
kiosk adapted to dispense a gaming application on a removable
storage medium. The removable storage medium is adapted to
interface with a processing device for purposes of uploading the
gaming application to the processing device and executing the
gaming application on the processing device.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, value for wagering on a gaming
application is acquired from a player within an aircraft. The
gaming application is executed on a processing device and an amount
associated with the value is modified in response to results
obtained from executing the gaming application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an aircraft gaming machine, according
to an example embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a gaming system, according to an
example embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a diagram of another gaming system, according to
an example embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a diagram of still another gaming system,
according to an example embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a diagram of yet gaming system, according to an
example embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a method for gaming within an
aircraft, according to an example embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a diagram of another method for gaming within an
aircraft, according to an example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a gaming machine 100, according to an
example embodiment. The machine 100 is implemented with a
combination of hardware and software. The hardware components of
the machine 100 may be modified from existing manufactured
components for purposes of being operational and installed within
an aircraft. In an embodiment, the components are custom made to
provide optimal size, weight, and materials that are acceptable for
a target aircraft given its safety considerations and size and
weight constraints. The gaming machine 100 is configured to execute
wagering games, such as slot games, video poker games, or other
casino games.
[0019] The machine 100 includes a display 101, a processor 102A,
and a 115 volt power supply 103. In some embodiments, the machine
100 may also include a value input device 104, a value output
device 105, controls 106A or 106B, and/or a network 107. In an
embodiment, the machine 100 may also include an audio device (not
shown in FIG. 1).
[0020] The display 101 presents multimedia (e.g., images, videos,
graphics, text, etc.) and is interfaced to the processor 102A. In
some embodiments, the display 101 is also integrated with the
player controls 106A. Thus, the display 101 may include a touch
screen, such that a player interacts with programs or applications
of the processor 102A by touching sensitive areas of the display
101. The sensitive areas are the integrated controls 106A.
[0021] The processor 102A includes memory and/or storage and
executes gaming applications 102B associated with wagering. Wagers
are received from players that interface via the controls 106B. The
results of playing the gaming applications are presented on the
display 101.
[0022] A commercial airliner generates or is capable of supplying
115 volts of power, the machine 100 includes a 115 volt power
supply to which the machine 100 connects to or is coupled to within
the aircraft. Thus, the machine 100 is adapted to power the
processor 102A, the controls 106A and/or 106B, and the display 101
via a 115 volt power supply 103 acquired from a commercial
airline.
[0023] The machine 100 may also include a value input device 104.
The value input device 104 is adapted to receive a wager from a
player situated in proximity to the display 101. The wager may be
expressed in a variety of value types, such as loyalty points,
reward certificates, winning credits, currency, etc. In an
embodiment, the value input device 104 is a magnetic card reader or
optical scanner adapted to read credit cards, loyalty cards, gift
cards, reward certificates, or winning tickets. The value input
device 104 may also include a currency accepter capable of
receiving and counting currency. Some example loyalty points may
include frequent flier miles associated with a player's frequent
flier account. Gift cards may include currency deposited on a
magnetic card or deposited on paper and identified by a key; the
key may identify a temporary account that includes a set amount of
currency.
[0024] The machine 100 may also have a value output device 105. The
value output device 105 is adapted to dispense value to the player.
This may mean that the value output device 105 writes to magnetic
cards to dispense value or dispenses paper tickets with a currency
value, reward certificate, or loyalty points. In some embodiments,
the value input device 104 and the value output device 105 are
integrated and provided as a single combined device. In this
manner, a single integrated device 104-105 can read and write from
and to common media.
[0025] In an embodiment, the display 101, the value input device
104, the value output device 105, and/or controls 106A or 106B are
situated together and affixed to the rear of airline seats. The
components are accessible to a player or passenger sitting behind
the rear of the seat in much the same way the tray and phones are
available on commercial aircraft today to passengers. The processor
102A is remote from the display 101 and is accessible over a
network 107.
[0026] In another embodiment, the display 101, the processor 102A,
the value input device 104, the value output device 105, and/or
controls 106A or 106B are integrated together and accessible from
designated locations within the aircraft. The components may be
standalone stations for gaming or areas within a lounge. In some
cases, the machine 100 is affixed to a bar that passengers sit at
during a flight. For example, a large table within the aircraft may
be designed for passengers to sit at and receive drinks, similar to
a conventional bar; at the aircraft bar the machine may be affixed
to the top surface of the bar and situated in front of some seats
at the bar. In other cases, the processor 102A communicates with a
plurality of displays 101 and controls 106A and/or 106B, such that
a single processor 102A can be accessed from a variety of locations
within the aircraft.
[0027] In still another embodiment, the display 101, the processor
102A, the value input device 104, the value output device 105,
and/or controls 106A or 106B are provided as a portable machine 100
and distributed to passengers that desire to gamble within the
aircraft. The passengers then plug the machine 100 into the 115
volt power supply of the aircraft to start the machine 100 and
begin to play gaming applications 102B.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a gaming system 200, according to an
example embodiment. The gaming system 200 is implemented in a
combination of hardware and software. The gaming system 200 is
provided within an aircraft 210.
[0029] The gaming system 200 includes one or more processors 201A,
a plurality of displays 202, and a plurality of remote control
devices 203. The gaming system 200 is integrated and implemented
within an aircraft. In some embodiments, the gaming system 200 may
also include a portable device 204. Each of these will now be
discussed in turn.
[0030] The one or more processors 201A execute gaming applications
201B. The gaming applications 201B provide gaming or wagering
opportunities to passengers identified as players. The processors
are accessible through and integrated within the aircraft's video
system. Thus, passengers access and play the gaming applications
201B via the video system of the aircraft 210.
[0031] The gaming system 200 also includes a plurality of displays
202; each display 202 is accessible from a selective location
within the aircraft 210. In some cases, the display 202 is affixed
to the arm rest of selective seats. In other cases, the display 202
is affixed to the rear of selective seats. In yet other cases, the
display is associated with a portable device that is networked to
the one or more processors 201A. The displays 202 may plug into a
network connection to interact and interface with the processors
201A. In some embodiments, the displays 202 are preconfigured and
hardwired directly to the processors 201A. In other embodiments,
the displays 202 have network wires that plug into network
connections throughout the aircraft 210 for purposes of
communicating with the processors 201A. In yet another embodiment,
the displays 202 include wireless network capabilities for purposes
of wirelessly communicating with the processors 201A.
[0032] The remote control devices 203 interact with the one or more
processors 201A to control and communicate information to the
gaming applications 201B executing on the processors 201A. The
remote control devices 203 are proximate to the displays 202. In an
embodiment, the remote control devices 203 are coupled to the
displays 202, such that the remote control devices 203 and the
displays 202 are inseparable. This may prevent a passenger from
removing or losing a remote control device 203. In other cases,
based on the seat of location of a passenger, who desires to wager
and play gaming applications, a specific remote control device 203
may be distributed and may be tied to a specific display 202. In
this manner, the remote control devices 203 may be sold or
distributed only to passengers that demonstrate that they are old
enough to gamble.
[0033] The gaming system 200 acquires power through the aircraft
210. For example, the gaming system 200 may be powered by a 115
volt Alternating Current (AC) power supply generated and provided
by the aircraft 210 at 400 Hz. Moreover, the gaming system 200
permits client-server architecture within the aircraft and delivers
the gaming applications to individual displays 202 via the
aircraft's video system. The arrangement of where and how the
displays 202 and remote control devices 203 are deployed throughout
the aircraft 210 is configurable. The displays 202 and the remote
control devices 203 are networked to the processors 201A and the
gaming applications 201B.
[0034] According to an embodiment, the gaming system 200 may also
include a portable device 204. The portable device 204 is adapted
to wireless communicate with the one or more processors 201A for
purposes of wirelessly playing the wagering gaming applications
201B within the aircraft 210. That is, a portable and wireless
device 204 may interface to the processors 201A and access and play
the gaming applications 201B. In some embodiments, the portable and
wireless device 204 may continue to interface and interact with the
one or more processors 201A for purposes of continuing to play the
gaming applications 201B even outside the aircraft 210. So as one
example, a player may deplane with the portable device 204 into the
airport and continue to play the gaming applications 201B.
[0035] In still another embodiment, the portable device 204 may
initiate playing gaming applications from a service external to the
aircraft 210 with the portable device 204 and then continue to play
those gaming applications once boarding the aircraft 210. In this
scenario, the external gaming service with respect to the aircraft
210 may synchronize a state with gaming applications 201B within
the aircraft to continue play; alternatively, the portable device
204 may keep communication with the external service while within
the aircraft to continue game play.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a diagram of another gaming system 300, according
to an embodiment. The gaming system 300 is implemented in a
combination of hardware and software components. The gaming system
300 permits gaming parlors within commercial aircraft, these are
locations within the aircraft where passengers may gamble.
[0037] The gaming system 300 includes a plurality of gaming
stations 310, a gaming network 315, and a gaming server 320. Each
gaming station 310 includes a seat 301, a value input device 302, a
value output device 303, a display 304, and one or more player
controls 305. In some embodiments, each gaming station may also
include a comfort device 306 and/or a noise canceling device
307.
[0038] The network 315 connects each gaming station 310 to the
gaming server 320. In an embodiment, the network 315 is Ethernet
based and hardwired to connect each gaming station 310 to the
gaming server 320.
[0039] The gaming server 320 includes one or more processors that
execute gaming applications and determine game outcomes for games
of chance associated with the gaming applications. The gaming
server 320 may also be adapted to perform global operations or
selective administrative operations against all or some of the
gaming stations 310. For example, the gaming server 320 may be
equipped with a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver or
interface as well as policies that permit the gaming server 320 to
determine when the aircraft has entered airspace that does not
permit gambling. In these situations the gaming server 320 may
temporarily suspend or lock game play of the gaming applications.
As another example, the pilot or flight attendant may activate an
override or the override may be detected based on normal emergency
procedures taken by a pilot or a flight attendant, during the
override the game play may be automatically locked, paused, or
suspended. In still another example, administrator overrides may
permit flight attendants to temporarily or permanently
disable/pause game play. This may be useful when a player becomes
unruly or is determined to be ineligible to wager.
[0040] The gaming station 310 provides a booth or area with which a
player/passenger may sit and gamble. The gaming station 310 permits
the player to sit in the seat 301. The player supplies value (e.g.,
currency, loyalty points (frequent flier miles), reward
certificates, etc.) via a player-provided value input device 302.
Examples of value input devices 302 were provided above with
respect to the gaming machine 100 of FIG. 1. When a player cashes
out or wins, the player can receive value via the gaming-provided
value output device 303. Again, some example value output devices
303 were presented above with the gaming machine 100 of FIG. 1.
[0041] The display 304 presents the game play associated with
gaming applications that execute remotely over the network 315 on
the gaming server 320. In some cases, the display 304 has a touch
screen that also integrates some or the entire player controls 305.
The display 304 may also include an integrated audio device (not
shown in FIG. 3) for purposes of playing audio associated with game
play of gaming applications.
[0042] In an embodiment, the gaming station 310 may also include a
headphone jack and a set of headphones (not shown in FIG. 3) that
may permit the player to listen to game play and to avoid noise
associated with the surrounding environment which is external to
the gaming station 310.
[0043] The player controls 305 are accessed by the player within
the gaming station 310 to interact with the gaming server 320 and
the gaming applications. Some controls 305 may be independently
integrated within the gaming station 310 while other ones of the
controls may be integrated within the display 304.
[0044] In an embodiment, the gaming system 300 also includes a
player comfort device 306. The player comfort device 306 may permit
the player to adjust the lighting (lighting level) of the gaming
station 310, adjust the temperature (temperature level) of the
gaming station 310, and/or adjust the sound volume (volume level)
within the gaming station 310.
[0045] According to another embodiment, the gaming system 300
includes a noise canceling device 307. The noise canceling device
307 may prevent noise external from the gaming station 310 from
penetrating the gaming station 310 and/or may prevent the noise
originating from the gaming station 310 as a result of game play
from adding to the noise external to the gaming station 310. In
this manner, the player seated on a seat 301 of the gaming station
310 may experience game play without being distracted from noises
outside the gaming station 310 and a passenger outside the gaming
station 310 may not be disturbed by the game play of the player
within the gaming station 310.
[0046] FIG. 4 is a diagram of yet another gaming system 400,
according to an example embodiment. The gaming system 400 is
implemented in a combination of hardware and/or software. The
gaming system 400 is adapted to facilitate gaming within an
aircraft.
[0047] The gaming system 400 includes a portable gaming machine 401
and a gaming server 402. The gaming server 402 includes a plurality
of gaming applications 403.
[0048] The portable gaming machine 401 is adapted to be networked
within the aircraft with the gaming server 402. Once connected to
the gaming server 402, the portable gaming machine 401 downloads
one or more gaming applications 403. The gaming applications 403
are then loaded and executed on the portable gaming machine 401.
Thus, the gaming system 400 permits gaming applications 403 to be
offloaded from the aircraft's gaming server 402 and independently
processed on portable gaming machines 401.
[0049] The portable gaming machine 401 may also network via a hard
wire that connects to an aircraft wide network and which provides
access to the gaming server 402. Alternatively, the portable gaming
machine may include a wireless interface to communicate with the
gaming server 402.
[0050] In an embodiment, the portable gaming machine 401 is adapted
to communicate periodically with the gaming server 402 such that
the gaming server 402 may maintain account information associated
with a specific player. The account information may be based on an
identity associated with the player or based on an identity
associated with the portable gaming machine 401.
[0051] The gaming server 402 may be used to collect value from a
player that interacts with the portable gaming machine 401, such as
by collecting loyalty points, reward certificates, credit card
payments, debit card payments, etc. In an embodiment, the portable
gaming machine 401 may include a value input device that permits a
loyalty card, debit card, and/or credit card to be scanned. The
value input device may also read a key or winning ticket to supply
value. Additionally, the portable gaming machine 401 may dispense
value via a printout, by writing to loyalty cards, by crediting
bank accounts, by crediting credit card accounts, etc.
[0052] The portable gaming machine 401 may be battery powered, such
that it receives power via a Direct Current (DC) power supply 404
which is rechargeable. Alternatively, the portable gaming machine
401 may receive power via a 115 volt aircraft power supply 405, by
plugging into the 115 volt power supply 405.
[0053] FIG. 5 is still another gaming system 500, according to an
example embodiment. The gaming system 500 facilitates gaming that
occurs within aircrafts or at airports.
[0054] The gaming system 500 includes a kiosk 501A and a removable
storage medium 502. The kiosk 501A includes a display 501B,
controls 501C, a value input device 501D and a value output device
501E. In some embodiments, the kiosk 501A may also include a
storage media bay 501F and a storage media dispenser 50G. In some
embodiments, the display 501B may include integrated controls
501B1, such as when the display supports touch screen controls
501B1 which are integrated into the display 501B.
[0055] The kiosk 501A may be located within an airport or may be
located within an aircraft at a central location. The kiosk 501A
dispenses gaming applications on the removable storage medium 502.
The removable storage medium 502 may be subsequently interfaced to
a processing device, such as one of the gaming machines or gaming
systems presented above in FIGS. 1-4. In some cases, the processing
device may be a player or passenger's laptop computer. In an
embodiment, the removable storage medium 502 is a Universal Serial
Bus (USB) memory device.
[0056] A player interacts with the kiosk 501A to acquire gaming
applications for wagering. The gaming applications are dispensed on
the storage medium 502. In some embodiments, a player may also
dispense value on the storage medium 502 which can be used for
wagering on the gaming applications once the player is on the
aircraft and interfaces the storage medium 502 to a processing
device for purposes of gambling.
[0057] For example, a player may access the controls 501C of the
kiosk 501A and supply a frequent flier card or a credit card to the
value input device 501D. The player views the display and makes
selections using the controls 501C. The kiosk 501A either writes
the value received (e.g., frequent flier miles or currency) and the
desired gaming applications to the removable storage medium 502 via
a storage media bay 501F or the kiosk 501A dispenses a new
removable storage medium 502 via a storage media dispenser 501G
which has the value received and the desired gaming
applications.
[0058] Continuing with the present example, the player enters an
aircraft and interfaces the storage medium 502 to his laptop
computer and processes the gaming applications to gamble or wager
while in flight. At the player's destination, he removes the
storage medium 502 from his laptop computer and exits the aircraft
into the airport. Once there, the player locates another kiosk 501A
and inserts the storage medium 502. The kiosk 501A then provides
value to the player (assuming he has won or has value left). Value
may be distributed as loyalty points to an account or as currency
via the value output device 501E.
[0059] Thus, the kiosk 501A may read and write to existing storage
media 502 via the storage media bay 501F or may dispense new
storage media 502 to players via the storage media dispenser 501G.
Value may be received as reward certificates, currency, loyalty
points, etc. via the value input device 501F. Furthermore, value
may be dispensed in the same manner via the value output device
501E.
[0060] In an embodiment, other passenger related or travel related
services may be added to the kiosk 501A. For example, the kiosk
501A may be adapted to sell travel insurance, sell or redeem travel
or airline goods and services, and the like. Thus, a winning player
may use money or loyalty points to acquire a free stay at a hotel,
acquire a rental car, or acquire an upgrade to first class on an
airline.
[0061] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a method 600 for gaming within an
aircraft, according to an example embodiment. The method 600
(hereinafter "aircraft gaming service") is implemented in a machine
readable and accessible medium and is optionally accessible over a
network. The aircraft gaming service may be implemented with the
machines and systems presented above with respect to the FIGS.
1-5.
[0062] At 610, the aircraft gaming service acquires value for
wagering on a gaming application. The value may be acquired from a
variety of techniques. For example, the value may be identified as
an amount of loyalty points associated with a frequent flier
account. Alternatively, the value may be acquired as a reward
certificate or as currency from a credit card or an account.
Accordingly, at 611, an inputted and player-supplied value type may
be identified when the value is acquired. The value type may be
used to restrict the wagering to the same value type provided by a
player. Thus, a player may not be permitted to input frequent flier
miles as a value type and then request currency with winnings.
Although, in some cases, such mismatching of value types may be
permissible.
[0063] At 612, the value is acquired from an account, a card, a
currency accepter, reward certificate, etc. A card may identify a
loyalty account, a debit account, a bank account, a credit card
account, and the like. A card reader may be used to accept the card
and to acquire the account information. In other cases, a player
may simply supply a key or input an account number that may be used
to acquire the value. An input device provides a mechanism for the
player to supply the account or the card. In an embodiment, the
input device may also be a currency acceptor. Examples of value
input devices were provided above with the gaming machines and
gaming systems depicted and described in FIGS. 1-5.
[0064] In an embodiment, at 601, the aircraft gaming service may
also employ a variety of security mechanisms to verify that a
player is old enough to wager or to require that any player is in
fact a registered player. In some cases, this may be acquired via a
fingerprint or biometric device. In other cases, the aircraft
gaming service may alert a flight attendant to verify an age of a
player. In still other cases, this may be done by cross checking
the age of a passenger registered in a specific seat within the
aircraft. In yet more cases, this may be done by asking the player
to identify and confirm his/her age. It is recognized that
processing to verify the age or the proper registration of a player
may precede the processing of 610 where a wager is acquired. In
other words, the verification of age or registration may be viewed
as a prerequisite for providing a wager.
[0065] At 620, the aircraft gaming service executes a gaming
application on a processing device upon the instruction of a
player. This game play occurs within an aircraft. In some
embodiments, at 621, the game play may be paused or suspended based
on a variety of configurable policies or conditions, such as
geographic location of the aircraft, security situations, or
administrative overrides.
[0066] At 630, the aircraft gaming service modifies an amount
associated with the value supplied initially by the player in
response to results or game outcomes associated with the gaming
application. The modified amount may be an increase or a decrease.
The aircraft gaming service maintains a balance for the player
associated with game play. Positive balances may be dispensed via
value output devices, such as the value output devices presented
above with respect to FIGS. 1-5. In some situations, positive
balance may simply be credited to an account that is accessible
electronically to the aircraft gaming service.
[0067] In an embodiment, at 631, the aircraft gaming service may
present results associated with executing the gaming applications
on a display that is integrated within the video system of an
aircraft. In other embodiments, the display may be associated with
a player's device, such as a laptop computer or an airline supplied
device such as a gaming machine or gaming station as described
herein and above.
[0068] According to an embodiment, at 632, the aircraft gaming
service may also manage and track play associated with a player and
a gaming application for purposes of providing loyalty points to a
player that is wagering on an aircraft with the aircraft gaming
service. For example, a player may get slot points or casino points
for wagering on certain gaming applications via the aircraft gaming
service. These loyalty points are tracked and managed by the
aircraft gaming service.
[0069] The aircraft gaming service may process, at 640 on a
portable gaming machine within the aircraft or may process, at 650,
on a gaming machine, gaming system, and/or gaming station that is
integrated or coupled to equipment within the aircraft.
[0070] FIG. 7 is a diagram of another method 700 for gaming within
an aircraft, according to an example embodiment. The method 700
(hereinafter "group airline gaming service") is implemented in a
machine-accessible and readable medium and is accessible over a
network. The group airline gaming service permits multiple players
within an aircraft to wager on games or compete against one
another.
[0071] At 710, the group airline gaming service simultaneously
presents a game of chance to selective displays within an aircraft.
The specific displays participating in the game of chance may be
resolved in advance of a flight or may be activated by passengers
at their seats via remote control devices to opt into the game of
chance. In some embodiments, at 701, as a prerequisite to receiving
the game of chance via the selective displays, the group airline
gaming service may verify the age or proper registration of the
players.
[0072] At 720, the group airline gaming service collects wagers for
the game from the players situated in proximity to the selective
displays which present the game of chance. The wagers are collected
via controls and/or value input devices which are also located in
proximity to the selective displays and accessed by the players. In
some embodiments, at 721, the wagers are received via controls that
are integrated within the displays, such as when the displays have
touch screen capabilities. In other embodiments, at 722, the wagers
are received from remote control devices, such as the remote
control devices described above with respect to FIG. 2.
[0073] Once the wagers are known, at 730, the group airline gaming
service acquires a value from each of the players participating in
the game of chance; these are the players that supplied wagers at
720. At 731, the values are debited from an account associated with
each of the players. The account may be a loyalty account, a reward
certificate, a credit card, actual currency acquired from a
currency accepter device, or a key account that identifies value
for a reserved account.
[0074] At 740, the group airline gaming service determines the game
outcome. This results in one or more of the players being a winner.
Correspondingly, at 750, the group airline gaming service credits
accounts of players that win based on the determined outcome. The
accounts are temporary and maintained by the group airline gaming
service until a player checks out. Moreover, in some cases, at 751,
the accounts may actually be maintained by the group airline gaming
service based on identifiers associated with a display that a
particular player is using. In this manner, the group airline
gaming service may not even need to know the identity of a
particular player during game play for purposes of maintaining
account balances during game play.
[0075] When a particular player checks out, any positive balance
within a player account may be credited to a permanent account of a
player, if permitted by the player and if known by the group
airline gaming service. Alternatively, the group airline gaming
service may output the positive balance via a value output device.
Examples of value output devices were provided above with respect
to FIGS. 1-5.
[0076] It has now been demonstrated how a variety of machines,
systems, and techniques are implemented to provide novel airline
gaming.
[0077] The above description is illustrative, and not restrictive.
Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the
art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of embodiments
should therefore be determined with reference to the appended
claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such
claims are entitled.
[0078] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. .sctn.
1.72(b) and will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature
and gist of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the
understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the
scope or meaning of the claims.
[0079] In the foregoing description of the embodiments, various
features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the
purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure
is not to be interpreted as reflecting that the claimed embodiments
have more features than are expressly recited in each claim.
Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter
lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.
Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the
Description of the Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own
as a separate exemplary embodiment.
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