U.S. patent application number 11/428432 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-02 for methods and systems for replaying a player's experience in a casino environment.
Invention is credited to Magdalena M. Fincham, Geoffrey M. Gelman, James A. Jorasch, Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco, Jay S. WALKER.
Application Number | 20060247016 11/428432 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37235146 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060247016 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WALKER; Jay S. ; et
al. |
November 2, 2006 |
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REPLAYING A PLAYER'S EXPERIENCE IN A CASINO
ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
A method and system is provided wherein an event experienced by
a player is documented and the documentation of the event is stored
(e.g., in association with an indication of the event). One example
of an event experienced by a player is an outcome obtained by a
player on a gaming device. In such an embodiment the documentation
of the event may comprise an image of the player's reaction to the
outcome and/or a still or video image of the outcome. In accordance
with some embodiments of the present invention a player may
subsequently access (e.g., purchase) an output of the
documentation. In one embodiment an outcome of a prior game play
that was documented is replayed. When the outcome of the prior game
play is output, the outcome may be output in a manner that
indicates to a viewer that the outcome is an outcome of a prior
game play and not an outcome of a current game play.
Inventors: |
WALKER; Jay S.; (Ridgefield,
CT) ; Jorasch; James A.; (New York, NY) ;
Tedesco; Robert C.; (Huntington, CT) ; Tedesco;
Daniel E.; (Huntington, CT) ; Gelman; Geoffrey
M.; (Boston, MA) ; Fincham; Magdalena M.;
(Ridgefield, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALKER DIGITAL
2 HIGH RIDGE PARK
STAMFORD
CT
06905
US
|
Family ID: |
37235146 |
Appl. No.: |
11/428432 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10946496 |
Sep 21, 2004 |
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11428432 |
Jul 3, 2006 |
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10176765 |
Jun 20, 2002 |
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11428432 |
Jul 3, 2006 |
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60504880 |
Sep 22, 2003 |
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60299870 |
Jun 21, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 7/18 20130101; G07F
17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3237 20130101; G07F 17/3225 20130101; G07F
17/3227 20130101; G07F 17/3253 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/020 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24; A63F 13/00 20060101 A63F013/00 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: determining data associated with a game
play that had occurred at a gaming device at a time prior to a
current time, the data thereby being associated with a prior game
play; outputting the data via a device, the output data being
output in a manner that indicates to a viewer of the data that the
data is associated with the prior game play and not a current game
play.
2-34. (canceled)
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional
application Ser. No. 60/504,880, filed Sep. 22, 2003 in the name of
Walker et al. and entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STORING AND
DISPLAYING GAME DATA. The entire content of this application is
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/176,765, filed Jun. 20, 2002 in the
name of Walker et al. and entitled METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR
DOCUMENTING A PLAYER'S EXPERIENCE IN A CASINO ENVIRONMENT, which
Application claims the benefit of provisional patent application
Ser. No. 60/299,870, filed Jun. 21, 2001, entitled "POST TRIP
EXPERIENCE". The entire content of each of these applications is
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0003] This application is related to the following co-pending,
commonly-owned U.S. Patent Applications:
[0004] (i) U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/298,482, entitled
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLANNING AND CUSTOMIZING A GAMING
EXPERIENCE, filed Jun. 15, 2002 in the name of Walker et al., and
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/298,482, which was filed Jun. 15, 2001;
[0005] (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/121,263, entitled
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTELY CUSTOMIZING A GAMING DEVICE, and
filed Apr. 11, 2002 in the name of Walker et al., which claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/283,086, filed Apr.
11, 2001; and
[0006] (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/001,089, entitled
GAMING DEVICE FOR A FLAT RATE PLAY SESSION AND METHOD OF OPERATING
SAME, and filed Nov. 2, 2001 in the name of Walker et al., which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/282,792,
entitled GAMING CONTRACTS and filed Apr. 11, 2001, and which is a
Continuation-In-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 09/518,760, entitled GAMING DEVICE FOR A FLAT RATE PLAY SESSION
AND A METHOD OF OPERATING SAME and filed Mar. 3, 2000, which in
turn a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
08/880,838, entitled GAMING DEVICE FOR A FLAT RATE PLAY SESSION AND
A METHOD OF OPERATING SAME and filed Jun. 23, 1997.
[0007] The entire content of each of the above Applications is
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0008] Gaming devices (e.g., reeled slot machines or video poker
machines) generate more than $15 billion per year in revenue for
casinos in the United States alone. This figure accounts for more
than half of the gaming revenue for a typical U.S. casino;
additionally, high levels of popularity and revenue characterize
gaming devices in establishments throughout Europe and Australia.
Accordingly, casino operators are interested in increasing the
enjoyment of playing slot machines.
[0009] Further, it would be beneficial to a casino to identify and
implement new methods of encouraging a player already present in
the casino to extend the duration of the player's visit at the
casino or to return to the casino, and/or of encouraging other
persons to visit the casino. This would, in many circumstances,
maximize existing sources of the casino's revenue. Although casinos
spend a great deal of money on advertising, some of the most
effective advertising is learning about an exciting experience of a
friend or family member at a casino. Additionally, the memory of a
prior good experience at a casino is an effective incentive for a
player to re-visit a casino. Prior to Applicants' prior invention,
disclosed in application Ser. No. ______, no effective method
existed for casinos to actively leverage such advertising
opportunities.
[0010] A need exists to further enhance Applicants' previously
invented methods of leveraging advertising opportunities for a
casino, enhancing a player's enjoyment of playing gaming devices in
a casino, as well as to identify and/or create new sources of
revenue for a casino and to maximize existing sources of revenue
for a casino.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system
consistent with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of one embodiment of a
controller;
[0013] FIG. 2B is a block diagram of one embodiment of a gaming
device;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure
of a player database;
[0015] FIG. 4A is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure
of a device database;
[0016] FIG. 4B is a table illustrating another exemplary data
structure of a device database;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure
of a documented event database;
[0018] FIG. 6A is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure
of a predetermined event database;
[0019] FIG. 6B is a table illustrating another exemplary data
structure of a predetermined event database;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a table illustrating an exemplary data structure
of a documentation package database;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Applicants have recognized that, in some situations,
documenting experiences of a player visiting a casino and providing
the player with the documentation, e.g., in exchange for payment or
other consideration, may be an effective method of enhancing the
player's visit. The player may be encouraged, by the documentation,
to extend the duration of the visit and/or make a return visit. For
example, a player may be more likely to remain in a particular
casino to play slot machines if the player is aware that the casino
is documenting notable outcomes the player has obtained while
playing the slot machine and/or his reactions to such particularly
notable outcomes. A player may further be motivated to visit,
remain in or return to a particular casino if the player will have
the opportunity to review such documented outcomes and/or
reactions. For example, a player may be more likely to remain in a
particular casino or return to the casino if the player can replay
a memorable outcome or other event the player previously
experienced at the casino via a device of the casino. Further,
viewing the documentation at a subsequent time (e.g., once the
player returns home from his visit) will return the player's
thoughts to the casino and is likely to encourage the player to
return to the casino. Moreover, viewing documentation of a positive
experience will serve to reinforce the player's positive experience
at the casino.
[0024] Applicants have also recognized that, in some situations,
providing the documentation of a player's experiences at a casino
to the player in a manner that allows the player to share the
experiences with friends and/or family (e.g., after the player
returns home from the casino or while the player is at the casino)
may be an effective manner of encouraging the friends and/or family
to patronize the casino. For example, as the player that had
visited the casino shows a video clip of his experience at the
casino to his friends or family the player is effectively
advertising the casino to the friends and family as a place where
someone they know had a good time. Similarly, as a player who has
obtained a high payout via a gaming device of the casino shows a
video clip of the payout-winning outcome to a friend (e.g., by
having the video clip played on the gaming device via which the
payout-winning outcome was obtained), the player is effectively
tempting the friend to try his luck and play in an attempt to
obtain a payout-winning outcome. Showing documentation of a winning
outcome to a friend illustrates to the friend that "dreams can come
true", that winning outcomes or jackpots are attainable and
realistic to expect. This is important positive reinforcement for
the friend, since statistically many players do not obtain winning
payouts and may thus be discouraged from playing.
[0025] Applicants have also recognized that, in some situations,
selling such documentation to a player is an additional source of
revenue to the casino. Further, since such documentation, in
accordance with some embodiments, may be performed using existing
infrastructure of a casino, such additional revenue may be derived
without the accruement of excessive costs of implementation by the
casino. For example, casinos have an extensive array of video
cameras capturing images of persons in various areas of the casino.
Also, some slot machines are equipped with image capturing devices
that are capable of capturing an image of a player playing the slot
machine. However, heretofore casinos have not effectively leveraged
such capabilities to obtain additional sources of revenue or to
maximize existing sources of revenue in a manner envisioned by
Applicants.
[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, an indication of
an event experienced by a player is documented by determining the
occurrence of the event (e.g., a player obtains an outcome on a
slot machine), capturing documentation of the event (e.g., a visual
or audio recording), and storing the indication of the event (e.g.,
a representation of the symbols comprising the outcome) and the
documentation of the event in association with one another. The
indication and documentation of the even t may further be stored in
association with an identifier that identifies the player that
experienced the event (e.g., a player identifier associated with
the person). The indication and documentation may then be offered
for sale to the player in a form that allows the player to
subsequently view and/or listen to the documentation and/or allow
others to view and/or listen to the document ation (e.g., a printed
photograph, access to a Web page, access to the documentation via a
gaming device or kiosk located in a casino).
[0027] In another embodiment, data comprising a set of outcomes
obtained on a slot machine is identified or accessed and data
comprising a set of images is identified or accessed. An outcome of
the set of outcomes and an image of the set of images that
corresponds to the outcome are determined. The determined outcome
(or an indication of the determined out come) is the n stored in
association with the deter mined image. In one embodiment the
outcome of the set of outcomes is first determined and the
corresponding image from the set of images is determined based on
the determined outcome. In another embodiment an image of the set
of images is first determined and the corresponding outcome is
determined based on the determined image.
[0028] In another embodiment the occurrence of a predetermined
condition of game play at a slot machine is determined and, in
response, a documenting device is caused to be focused on an area
in which the slot machine is located. Documentation is captured and
stored in association with a player identifier of the player
playing the slot machine at a time of occurrence of the
predetermined condition. The documentation may further be stored in
association with the occurrence of the predetermined condition.
Such an embodiment may be implemented, for example, in a casino
that has a plurality of image capturing devices located throughout
the casino, each capturing an area of the casino and being capable
of focusing on a different area of the casino.
[0029] In another embodiment, an occurrence of a predetermined
condition of game play at a slot machine is identified and, in
response, an image is selected from a plurality of images that each
correspond to a respective image capturing device. The selected
image is then stored in association with a player identifier of a
player playing the slot machine at a time of the occurrence of the
predetermined condition. The selected image may further be stored
in association with an indication of the occurrence of the
predetermined condition. This embodiment may be implemented, for
example, in a casino that continuously has at least one image
capturing device focused and capturing images of an area of the
casino, such that images depicting the entirety (or a substantial
portion) of the casino are being continuously captured. This
embodiment may also be implemented, for example, in a casino where
more than one gaming device is equipped with an image capturing
device that is operable to capture images of persons in the area of
the gaming device (e.g., the player playing the gaming device or a
person standing near the gaming device).
[0030] In yet another embodiment, the occurrence of a predetermined
condition of game play at a slot machine is identified and, in
response, a portion of an image captured by an image capturing
device is selected. The image may comprise an image that was
captured at substantially the same time as a time at which the
predetermined condition of game play occurred. For example, the
image may have been captured in a period of time that begins three
(3) seconds before the occurrence of the condition and ends five
(5) seconds after the occurrence of the condition. Such a period of
time may be selected based on what a sufficient time to capture a
reaction of a person to the occurrence of the condition. For
example, such a period may comprise a period of time from a time
just before the person is aware of the condition to a time the
reaction of the person is leveling off or the person is returning
to a state similar to the state the person was in before he became
aware of the occurrence of the condition. This embodiment may be
implemented, for example, in a casino that has at least one camera
that is capturing an image of a fairly large area of the casino and
that may use software to bring into focus or enlarge a particular
portion of an image that had been captured.
[0031] In accordance with one embodiment, a method comprises
determining data associated with a game play that had occurred at a
gaming device at a time prior to a current time, the data thereby
being associated with a prior game play and outputting the data via
a device. The output data is output in a manner that indicates to a
viewer of the data that the data is associated with the prior game
play and not a current game play.
[0032] For example, outputting the data via a device may comprise
the output data being altered from an original version in a manner
that indicates to a viewer of the data that the data is associated
with the prior game play and not a current game play. In one
embodiment, the device via which the data is output comprises the
gaming device at which the prior game play occurred. In another
embodiment, the device via which the data is output comprises a
gaming device different from the gaming device at which the prior
game play occurred. Outputting the data via a gaming device may
comprise, for example, outputting the data via a primary and/or
secondary display device of the gaming device. In still another
embodiment, the device via which the data is output comprises a
device other than a gaming device, such as a kiosk.
[0033] In accordance with one embodiment, the method may comprise
additional steps, such as determining a payout, if any, that
corresponds to the outcome and not outputting the payout, the
payout having been output during the prior game play.
[0034] In one embodiment, the method may comprise altering the data
and/or altering a setting of a device via which the data is output.
For example, the data may be output in a form that is altered by
adjusting at least one of a shade or contrast of visual data from a
shade or contrast in which the visual data was originally output.
In another example, the data is output in a form that is altered by
including a text indication that the data is being replayed from a
prior game play. In yet another example, the data is output in a
form that is altered by an inclusion of an indication of a time at
which the prior game play occurred.
[0035] In one embodiment, the data may be output in response to a
request for an output of the data. In another embodiment, the data
may be output while a status of a device is a predetermined status.
For example, the data may be output via a gaming device while a
gaming device is idle, such as during an "attract mode" of a gaming
device. For example, the data may be output while the gaming device
is not being used or once the gaming device has not been used for a
predetermined period of time. In another example, data associated
with a prior game play may be output shortly after the game play
has concluded.
[0036] In one embodiment, the data may not be output unless a
precondition for outputting the data is satisfied. Examples of
preconditions for outputting the data include, but are not limited
to: (i) a receipt of payment for the output of the data; (ii) a
receipt of an identifier associated with the data; (iii) a status
of gaming activity associated with a player who is requesting the
output; (iv) a status of gaming activity associated with the device
via which the data is to be output; (v) an agreement by a player to
an obligation in exchange for the output of the data; (vi) an
identity of the device via which the data is to be output; (vii) a
time (e.g., a time of day, week, month and/or year); (viii) a
characteristic of a player requesting the output of the data; (ix)
an identity of a player requesting the output of the data; and (x)
an obtainment of a predetermined outcome or payout during a game
play.
[0037] In one embodiment a method may comprise retrieving the data
from memory, the data having been stored substantially at the time
of the prior game play. For example, the data may comprise
graphical data representing an outcome generated during the prior
game play. In such an example, outputting the data may comprise
outputting the graphical data.
[0038] In one embodiment, a method may comprise determining an
indication of the data to be output, the indication having been
stored substantially at the time of the prior game play, wherein
the data may comprise an outcome generated during the prior game.
For example, outputting the data may comprise causing the outcome
to be regenerated and displayed by a gaming device. For example,
causing the outcome to be regenerated and displayed may comprise
directing a processor of a gaming device to display the
outcome.
[0039] In one embodiment, a system may comprise a controller
operable to communicate with a plurality of gaming devices, each
gaming device being operable to output an outcome of a game in
response to a paid play. The controller may further be operable to
determine data associated with a prior game play at a gaming device
and cause the data to be output via a device. The output data may
be output in a manner that indicates to a viewer of the data that
the data is associated with the prior game play and not a current
game play. In one embodiment the controller may further be operable
to alter the data such that the output data indicates to a viewer
of the data that the data is associated with the prior game play
and not a current game play.
[0040] In one embodiment, the data comprises a documentation of a
person's reaction to an outcome obtained during a prior game play
(e.g., a reaction of a player who was participating in the game
play). In another embodiment, the data may comprise data indicative
of at least one circumstance surrounding an occurrence of an
outcome during the prior game play. In yet another embodiment, the
data may comprise the outcome or an indication of the outcome
obtained during the prior game play.
[0041] In one embodiment, the controller may further be operable to
determine a request to view the data. For example, the request may
include an identifier and the controller may be operable to
retrieve the data from a memory based on the identifier. The
controller may further be operable to transmit the data to a device
(e.g., a gaming device), direct the device to output the data,
and/or provide to the device access to the data.
[0042] In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a processor
operable to communicate with a memory, the memory storing data
associated with a prior game play at a gaming device. The processor
may further be operable to determine the data and cause the data to
be output via a device. The output data may be output in a manner
that indicates to a viewer of the data that the data is associated
with the prior game play and not a current game play. In one
embodiment the apparatus may further be operable to cause the data
to be output via a device, the output data being altered in a
manner that indicates to a viewer of the data that the data is
associated with the prior game play and not a current game
play.
[0043] In accordance with one embodiment, a method comprises
displaying, via a display of a slot machine, an outcome of a prior
game play, the outcome having been generated during the prior game
play based on a random number and the outcome being currently
displayed in response to a player's request for an output of the
outcome.
[0044] In accordance with one embodiment, a slot machine comprises
a processor for directing operation of the slot machine, the
processor being operable to: (i) determine an outcome of a prior
game play based on an indication of the outcome stored in a memory
accessible to the processor and not on a random number generated by
a random number generator; and (ii) display the outcome of the
prior game play in a manner that conveys to a viewer that the
outcome is an outcome of the prior game play and not an outcome of
a current game play.
[0045] In accordance with one embodiment, a system comprises (i) a
controller operative to communicate with a plurality of slot
machines, and (ii) the plurality of slot machines. At least one of
the plurality of slot machines may comprise a processor operable to
(i) determine an outcome of a prior game play based on an
indication of the outcome stored in a memory accessible to the
processor and not on a random number generated by a random number
generator; and (ii) display the outcome of the prior game play in a
manner that conveys to a viewer that the outcome is an outcome of
the prior game play and not an outcome of a current game play.
[0046] To help illustrate some embodiments of the present
invention, a few examples follow. Such examples are presented for
illustrative purposes only, are not exhaustive, and are not meant
to be limiting in any fashion.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0047] In a first example of the present invention, assume a player
named Timothy Jones enters a casino and sits down in front of a
"Magic Moment" slot machine. The machine has three sets of video
reels that display animated reel symbols. Timothy inserts his
player tracking card, provides twenty (20) credits and initiates to
game play. On his third handle pull, the slot machine's processor
generates a random number that corresponds to a reel outcome of
"Bar-Bar-Bar".
[0048] At this point, before the reels spin, the machine's
processor enables the machine's audio/video recording devices, and
they proceed to capture Timothy's reaction as he watches the reels
begin to resolve. Concomitantly, as Timothy views the video reels
begin their animation sequence and resolve "Bar" symbols from left
to right, the game machine stores the video reel animations and
associated sound effects. (Both the internal and external
audio/video recordings are stored on the central server's database
in relation to a player identification number provided by Timothy's
player tracking card.)
[0049] Timothy watches as the third and final "Bar" symbol resolves
on the payline of the rightmost reel. Having glanced at a pay table
illustration on the gaming machine's cabinet, Timothy begins to
celebrate his big win of 1,000 credits. A casino attendant
approaches Timothy and provides payout.
[0050] After being paid, Timothy, excitedly pumping his fist in the
air, notices a colorful message on the gaming machine's display
screen that reads, "Timothy, you've just hit it BIG! A recording of
your `Magic Moment` has been saved for you. You can view it any
time you like." Timothy, feeling joyous in his moment of victory,
actuates a touch-screen button with text that reads "View Now."
[0051] The slot machine plays back Timothy's memorable moment; a
secondary display screen above the reels depicts a video recording
of his reaction as the reels animate and resolve in the same
sequence. The machine emits the same sound effects. It's just like
when he hit the jackpot, except this time, the primary and
secondary display areas are noticeably shaded green, and text
reading "REPLAY OF TIMOTHY'S BIG WIN" flashes brightly in red,
superimposed over the display areas.
[0052] The replay concludes. Timothy decides he's done playing and
presses the "CASH OUT" button on the machine's keypad.
[0053] When Timothy removes his player tracking card, the gaming
machine prompts him with another message: "To view your `Magic
Moment` again, return to any `Magic Moment` slot machine, insert
your player tracking card, and select the option for `My Big Wins`.
Congratulations, Timothy, and enjoy your winnings!"
[0054] Timothy cashes out, retrieves his player tracking card and
leaves to inform his buddies of his big payout.
Example 2
[0055] In a second example of the present invention, assume a
player named Sally Stewart visits the "Golden Grape Casino" on Aug.
1, 2003, during a vacation. She deposits ten (10) dollars into a
video poker machine and begins game play. On her first hand, Sally
is dealt a royal flush.
[0056] The video poker machine records and stores the animations,
sound effects, audio and video associated with Sally's jackpot
hand. Having won 10,000 credits on her first play, Sally, is
ecstatic. She is approached by an attendant and paid.
[0057] The machine then prompts Sally with a message that reads:
"Congratulations on your JACKPOT WIN! We've recorded your exciting
`Magic Moment` for you. So that you may view it at a later time,
press `YES` to sign up for your player tracking card."
[0058] Sally presses the touch-screen "YES" button, accepting the
casino's criteria that she is required to accept a player tracking
card before viewing her "Magic Moment."
[0059] The gaming machine then displays text that reads, "Just fill
in some brief personal information so we can provide your card."
Via a display area touch-screen input, Sally keys in her name,
address, phone number and Social Security number,
[0060] The display then prompts, "Your card is ready, Sally!" The
video poker machine then stores a database entry for Sally's
memorable data.
[0061] Touch screen buttons may at this point read: "VIEW REPLAY,"
"CONTINUE PLAYING" and/or "QUIT."
[0062] Sally chooses to quit. The machine then dispenses a plastic
player tracking card imprinted with Sally's na me and a
machine-readable barcode. The display reads, "Here's your card
Sally! Come back any time to view your `Magic Moment`"
[0063] A year later, on a return trip to Golden Grape, Sally,
accompanied by family, approaches a video poker machine and inserts
her player tracking card. The machine displays a menu offering
Sally a choice between playing video poker and viewing a replay of
her "Magic Moment." Eager to remember the thrill of hitting her big
jackpot, Sally chooses to review her "Magic Moment."
[0064] The gaming machine display then reads, "It costs 1 credit to
view your `Magic Moment.` Would you like to view it now?"
[0065] Sally agrees and is debited 1 credit. Sally and her family
watch a video recording of her reaction on the secondary display as
the cards are dealt on the primary display. On each display, once
the replay begins, large, bold text reading "Aug. 1, 2003" is
superimposed; additionally, audio of a voice saying "Here's a
replay of your BIG WIN!" is output repeatedly by the gaming
machine's speakers.
[0066] The replay concludes and Sally retrieves her player tracking
card.
Example 3
[0067] In a third example of the present invention, assume a player
named Mike McDonald approaches a slot machine while on vacation at
"Cowboy Bill's Wild West Casino." He inserts his player tracking
card, deposits credits and initiates game play.
[0068] On Mike's third spin, the gaming device internally
determines an outcome of "7-7-7-7-7."
[0069] Before the reels spin, the machine's internal processes
begin to record in a similar manner as described in prior examples.
However, rather than capture external audio and video data by means
of recording devices mounted inside or upon the machine, the
machine's processor triggers the operation of two ceiling-mounted
casino surveillance cameras in proximity to Mike. In this manner,
when Mike jumps, cries aloud and applauds, his reaction, as well as
the reactions of adjacent players, are captured from at least one
wide angle.
[0070] The machine's display prompts Mike: "Outstanding! You won
5,000 credits! We'll save a recording of your `Magic Moment` for
only a $2 storage fee. Then, you can view it whenever and wherever
you'd like!"
[0071] Mike selects the touch-screen button reading "SAVE," and is
correspondingly debited 2 credits. Mike's memorable data is stored
as a database entry related to his player identification number as
provided by his player tracking card.
[0072] Mike leaves the casino and flies home. Upon returning to his
workplace the following day, Mike can't conceal the excitement
stemming from his big win. Pulling a few coworkers over to his
desk, Mike directs the Internet browser on his computer toward the
casino's Web site. Mike logs on by entering the player
identification number found on his player tracking card into the
appropriate field. When Mike clicks on a button labeled "View my
Magic Moment," the Web site's server accesses the appropriate
data.
[0073] Three adjacent windows pop up on Mike's computer screen. One
box contains a graphic representation of the slot machine Mike
played at the casino; the other two contain different angles of
video recorded from the surveillance cameras near Mike during his
memorable moment. Large text reading "REPLAY" flashes across each
window on Mike's computer. The sounds of the machine and casino
floor are outputted through the computer speakers as Mike and his
coworkers view his "Magic Moment."
Example 4
[0074] In a fourth example of the present invention, pictures of a
player are taken, via cameras positioned throughout the casino, as
the player obtains particularly exciting outcomes while playing a
slot machine. What comprises a particularly exciting outcome may be
determined, for example, by casino personnel and stored in a
database referred to by a controller (e.g., a controller may
determine an outcome obtained on a gaming device and compare the
obtained outcome to predetermined outcomes stored in a database to
determine whether documentation is necessary). For example, as a
random number is generated by a slot machine and the corresponding
outcome determined (but before the outcome is displayed to the
player) a camera in the vicinity of the slot machine may be
directed to focus on the player if the about-to-be-displayed
outcome is a winning outcome. A signal from the slot machine,
indicative of the about-to-be-displayed outcome, may be transmitted
from the slot machine to a computing device controlling the cameras
throughout the casino. A camera may thus be directed to focus on
the player and capture the reaction of the player (e.g., the
player's expression) as the outcome is displayed to the player.
Such a process may be repeated each time the player obtains a
particularly exciting outcome. The resulting pictures, along with
indications of the corresponding outcomes, can be sold to the
player, e.g., in the form of a scrapbook. The player can then
relive the outcomes he obtained and his reaction to them, either by
himself or with friends and family. Reliving the person's
experiences at the casino in such a manner may cause the player to
revisit the casino and/or cause the friends or family to visit the
casino in hopes that they will enjoy similar experiences. Thus, the
casino maximizes existing sources of revenue by increasing the
number of persons visiting the casino and spending money in the
casino. Further, the casino has created an additional source of
revenue (from the sale of the scrapbook) by leveraging the existing
casino infrastructure (i.e., the cameras located throughout the
casino) in a heretofore unknown manner.
Example 5
[0075] In a fifth example of the present invention, Applicants
envision an embodiment wherein a person visiting a casino registers
with the casino upon arrival and pays to have his experiences at
the casino documented. In such an embodiment an image of the person
may be obtained during the registration process and used to
identify the person (e.g., via face recognition software) as the
person gambles in the casino and participates in non-gambling
activities at the casino (e.g., viewing shows, eating in
restaurants, viewing art, etc.). Video footage (also referred to as
video clips herein) or still photos of the person may be captured
(e.g., using the cameras located throughout the casino) at various
times that are deemed potentially memorable for the player. For
example, a picture or video clip may be taken if a particularly
expressive reaction by the player is identified. Alternatively or
additionally, the player himself may indicate that he is
experiencing a potentially memorable event and wishes to have it
documented (e.g., by actuating a button on a gambling device or
computing device available to the player for such a purpose).
[0076] In some embodiments of the present invention, documented
images may be annotated (e.g., with a description of the event the
player was experiencing) or otherwise altered. For example, an
audio description such as "Here is John's reaction as he is picked
from the audience to participate in the magic show", a text
description such as "John as he places a large number ofF his chips
on what is to be a losing hand" or a graphical representation of
the winning final hand in a video poker game may be embedded in the
picture or video clip, overlaid onto the picture or video clip, or
appended to the picture or video clip. Documentation of an event
may also be annotated with information external to the event or
that takes into account data external to the event itself. For
example, a representation of the player's net win/loss for a period
of time (e.g., the day, the week, the visit to the casino) may be
overlaid onto an image or otherwise annotated to the documentation.
For example, if, at the time of occurrence of an event, the player
was up $135 for the duration of his current visit to the casino,
that information may be included as an annotation to the
documentation of the event. In this example such data may be
determined by retrieving records of the player's gambling activity
at gaming devices and/or table games (e.g., that was tracked via
the player's player tracking card).
[0077] In some embodiments of the present invention, data captured
as documentation of an event may be altered prior to being output
to a player. For example, data comprising video of an outcome or an
image of an outcome obtained by a player may be captured. In such
an embodiment, the data or image may be output to a player via a
gaming device at a time after the game play in which the outcome is
originally obtained and output to the player, such that the outcome
is replayed on a gaming device. Similarly, in one embodiment an
indication of an outcome may be stored (e.g., a record in a
database may store an indication that a player obtained the outcome
bar-bar-bar as a result of a game play). After the game play in
which the outcome is obtained, the outcome indicated by the record
in the database may be displayed on a gaming device in order to
replay the outcome to a player.
[0078] In embodiments where an outcome is replayed for a player via
a gaming device, it would be beneficial to a casino to avoid any
confusion of the replayed outcome from an original outcome (e.g.,
to prevent a player from believing or claiming that the display of
the replayed outcome, if it corresponds to a payout, entitles the
player to the payout). Accordingly, the outcome when it is replayed
may be output in a form that distinguishes it from an original
outcome determined as a result of a game play. For example, a text
message of "Replay", another symbol, graphic, message or an
indication of the time at which the outcome was originally obtained
may be included on the screen as the outcome is replayed. In
another example, a setting of the gaming device may be adjusted
such that the data depicted by the gaming device appears different
from data comprising an original outcome of a current game play.
For example, the replayed outcome may be shaded a different color
(e.g., green) or output in a different contrast, font, style, color
or on a different background than original outcomes are output.
Various methods of replaying an outcome are described in detail
herein.
Example 6
[0079] In a sixth example of the present invention, a picture or
video clip of a player's expression may be captured as a notable
outcome is displayed to the player (e.g., an outcome corresponding
to a particularly large payout or final video poker hand that is a
particularly unlucky result based on what the initial hand had
been). This picture or video clip, with a representation of what
the player had been reacting to (e.g., a representation of the
symbols comprising the outcome may be embedded into the picture or
video clip), may then immediately be displayed to the player and
offered for sale to the player as the player is still flush with
the emotion of the reaction. For example, a picture of the player's
expression as the player is reacting to an outcome that corresponds
to a particularly large payout with a representation of the outcome
included in the picture, may be displayed on the screen of the slot
machine on which the outcome had just been displayed. The picture
may be presented with an offer to sell the picture to the player.
The payment may be deducted from the player's balance of credits in
the slot machine (e.g., if the player accepts the offer to buy the
picture 3 credits may be deducted from the player's balance).
Example 7
[0080] In a seventh example of the present invention, the reaction
of persons other than the person experiencing an event (i.e., the
player) may be documented and sold to the player For example, a
video or audio clip of the persons around a Craps table yelling and
screaming as the player (the "shooter") continues to throw numbers
other than a seven on an extended winning streak may be captured.
The video clip may then be offered for sale to the player, e.g., as
part of a collection of pictures and/or video clips relating to the
player that have been captured during the player's visit to the
casino or as a single video clip.
[0081] Numerous embodiments are described in herein, 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.
[0082] With these and other advantages and features of the
invention that will become hereinafter apparent, the nature of the
invention may be more clearly understood by reference to the
following detailed description of the invention, the appended
claims and to the several drawings included herein.
[0083] In the following description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is
shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments
may be utilized and that structural, logical, software, and
electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of
the present invention. The following description is, therefore, not
to be taken in a limited sense.
[0084] Any enumerated listing of items herein does not imply that
any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly
specified otherwise.
[0085] 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.
[0086] 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.
[0087] Further, although process steps, method steps, algorithms or
the like may be described 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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.
Terms
[0091] Before turning to the detailed description of the figures,
the meanings of some terms as used herein will be clarified.
Throughout the description of the present invention and unless
otherwise specified, the following terms may include the meanings
provided in this section. These terms and illustrative meanings are
provided to clarify the language selected to describe embodiments
of the invention both in the specification and in the appended
claims.
[0092] The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0093] The term "documenting", as in documenting an event a player
is experiencing, comprises capturing at least one of graphical,
audio, textual data or other type of data (e.g., statistical,
monetary, numerical) representative of the event. For example,
documenting may comprise capturing an image of a player's reaction
to an outcome and/or an image of an outcome displayed to a player.
In another example, documenting may comprise capturing a textual
representation of an outcome (e.g., "the player obtained
`cherry-cherry-cherry` as an outcome of a game play"). It should be
recognized that documenting need not include capturing each of
graphical, audio and textual data but may comprise capturing only
one or another subset of the different types of data.
[0094] Examples of graphical data include images, a set of images,
video, and still photographs. Capturing an image of a player's
reaction to the display of an outcome may comprise capturing
graphical data representative of an event (the display of the
outcome). Examples of audio data include recordings of human
voices, musical notes, and other sounds that represent or are
indicative of the event. Capturing a recording of the exclamations
of persons around a Craps table while the player is throwing the
dice may comprise capturing audio data representative of an event
(the throwing of the dice by the player). Examples of textual data
include alphanumeric characters representative of words and numbers
spoken by humans. Capturing an image of a description of menu items
ordered by a player at a restaurant associated with the casino may
comprise capturing textual data representative of an event (the
player's dining experience at the restaurant).
[0095] The terms "embodiment", "an 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.
[0096] The term "game" may refer to a wagering activity whereby a
player posts consideration, usually monetary in form, in exchange
for a chance at winning a payout. The definition is intended to
include basic games and bonus games.
[0097] The term "game play" may refer to a single attempt by a
player to win a prize by playing a game of a gaming device. A game
play begins when the player places a wager for the attempt and ends
when the final outcome of the attempt is displayed to the player
and the gaming device becomes available for the next game play. For
example, in a reel slot machine game a game play may begin when the
player indicates a wager amount to be placed (e.g., three credits)
and ends when the reels stop spinning and the symbols comprising
the outcome are displayed along a payline of the gaming device. In
games including a bonus round where the player has qualified for
the bonus round, a final outcome of an attempt may occur (and thus
the game play may end) when the outcome of the bonus round is
displayed to the player. In a video poker gaming device, a game
play may begin when a player places a wager on the next hand (e.g.,
by actuating the "Bet 3" button) and may end when the cards
comprising the final hand are displayed to the player. In a video
poker game that allows a player to re-play an initial hand (e.g.,
by providing extra payment and changing a decision as to whether to
hold or discard a particular card of the initial hand), the game
play may end once the second final hand (based on the player's
changed decision) is displayed to the player.
[0098] The term "gaming device" and "slot machine" are used
interchangeably herein and refer to any electrical, mechanical,
electro-mechanical and/or other device that may accept a wager, may
follow a process to generate an outcome, and may pay winnings based
on the outcome. The outcome may be randomly generated, as with a
slot machine; may be generated through a combination of randomness
and player skill, as with video poker; or may be generated entirely
through player skill. A gaming device may include any gaming
machine and/or system, including reeled slot machines (mechanical
or electronic), video poker machines, video bingo machines, video
roulette machines, video keno machines, video blackjack machines,
pachinko machines, redemption games, arcade games, video games,
video lottery terminals, online gaming systems, sports betting
machines, game consoles, personal computers logged into online
gaming sites, etc. one or more embodiments, a gaming device may
comprise a computing device operable to execute software that
simulates play of a reeled slot machine game, video poker game,
video blackjack game, video keno game, video roulette game, or
lottery game. Gaming devices may or may not be owned and/or
maintained by a casino and/or may or may not exist within a casino
location.
[0099] The terms "including", "comprising" and variations thereof
mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified
otherwise.
[0100] The term "outcome" as used herein, may refer to a result of
a game play of a game such as a table game or a game played via a
gaming device. The result of a game play may comprise one or more
symbols or depictions of symbols obtained by a player (e.g., cards
dealt to a player in a card game, dice numbers rolled by a player,
reel symbols of a slot machine along a payline, depictions of cards
dealt to a player in a video poker game, etc.). An outcome may
comprise symbols contained or displayed in a predefined area (e.g.,
on a display screen of a gaming device, along a payline of a reeled
slot machine). It should be noted that an outcome as used herein
includes a partial result of a game play. For example, 4 cards to a
flush in a table poker or video poker game may comprise an outcome
even though the game does not typically end until the player is
dealt five cards. It should also be noted that an outcome in table
poker or video poker may comprise an initial hand, a final hand, or
a combination thereof. In embodiments wherein the outcome is an
outcome of a reeled slot machine, the outcome may comprise symbols
along the payline of the slot machine as well as symbols not along
the payline of the slot machine. For example, a display of
"cherry-bar-bar" along the payline, with a bar symbol just above or
below the cherry symbol may comprise an outcome for purposes of the
present invention.
[0101] The term "original outcome" may refer to an outcome that is
output as a result of a current game play (as contrasted with being
output as a result of retrieving stored data associated with an
outcome of a prior game play). For example, an original outcome may
refer to an outcome that is determined based on a random number
generated for a current game play. It should be noted that a random
number used to determine an outcome for a current game play may be
determined by a gaming device, a controller operable to communicate
with a plurality of gaming device, or another device.
[0102] The term "peripheral device" may refer to any device
associated with one or more gaming devices, the peripheral device
being operable to perform any of the functions described herein.
For example, in one embodiment a prior art gaming device may be
retrofitted with a peripheral device that comprises a processor,
memory, event detection device and/or documenting device for
documenting events in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention. A peripheral device may or may not be attached to a
gaming device. A peripheral device may or may not be operable to
direct the associated gaming device to perform certain functions. A
peripheral device, or portions thereof, may be housed inside the
casing of the associated gaming device. In one embodiment, a
peripheral device may comprise a documenting device and/or an event
detecting device (e.g., the peripheral device may be operable to
detect one or more events at a gaming device). For example, a
peripheral device may be operable to detect one or more signals
output by a processor of a gaming device. Further still, a
peripheral device may be operable to communicate with a processor
of an associated gaming device.
[0103] The term "player" is used herein to refer to the person
whose experiences at a casino are documented. The documentation may
not necessarily be of the player (e.g., a reaction of a person
standing next to a player when the player wins a jackpot may be
documented as documentation of the player's experience). The player
may not necessarily be playing a table game or at a gaming device
when the documentation is captured or when the experience is
determined (e.g., an experience that is documented may comprise the
purchase of a meal by the player at a restaurant associated with
the casino or a player playing at an online casino).
[0104] The term "reaction" refers to any response exhibited by a
player experiencing an event or a person viewing or otherwise being
aware of an event being experienced by a player. The term reaction
may refer to a visually or audibly perceivable reaction. A visually
perceivable reaction of a player or other person may be a change in
the facial muscles, expression, or body position of the player or
other person (e.g., a smile, a raising of the eyebrows, a roll of
the eyes, a frown, an emission of tears, a slapping of the
forehead, clapping of the hands, a hunching of the shoulders,
walking away, a flinch, jumping up and down, punching of an object,
smacking or pursing of the lips). An audibly perceivable reaction
of a player or other person may be any sound emitted or otherwise
caused by the player or other person (e.g., a sigh, a groan, a
whistle, one or more spoken words, the sound of clapping of the
hands, the sound of smacking of the lips, the sound caused by the
punching of an object). Other types of reactions may also be
documented. For example, physical body reactions such as an
increase in hear-rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, skin
resistance, or other indications of excitement may be captured.
[0105] The terms "re-outputting an outcome" "re-outputted outcome",
"re-output an outcome", "re-playing an outcome", "replayed
outcome", "replay outcome", "replay" and the like may refer to a
method of outputting an outcome of a prior, and not a current, game
play even though the outcome may be currently output via a device.
In other words, an outcome that was output for a prior game play as
a result of that game play may be subsequently re-outputted (and
thus replayed) via a device (e.g., a gaming device or kiosk). For
example, a replay outcome may be an outcome that is output as a
result of retrieving data associated with a prior game play (as
contrasted with an outcome that is output as a result of a game
play, which may be referred to as an original outcome herein).
[0106] The term "scrapbook" may refer to a compilation or
collection of data documenting a player's experiences at a casino.
The scrapbook may contain pictures, outcomes from gaming devices,
sound clips, video clips, portions of restaurant menus, etc. The
scrapbook may be a tangible item, such as a photo album, or may be
digital, e.g., in the form of pictures posted on a Web page, or may
be a combination thereof.
[0107] The terms "simulated outcome", "simulating an outcome",
"simulation of an outcome" and the like may refer to a method of
outputting an outcome of a prior game play via a gaming device in
the same or similar manner that an outcome of a current game play
would be output. Thus, a gaming device may function to give the
appearance or effect of outputting an outcome generated for a game
play (i.e., may simulate an outcome), when in reality the gaming
device is outputting an outcome of a prior game play and not a
current game play. For example, assume an outcome of
"cherry-cherry-cherry" was obtained during a prior game play. A
three-reeled slot machine may simulate the outcome
"cherry-cherry-cherry" by displaying a cherry symbol on each reel
and along a payline. It should be noted that simulated outcomes are
a subset of replayed outcomes, defined above. Replayed outcomes
include simulated outcomes as well as other methods of outputting
an outcome of a prior game play (e.g., outputting a still or video
image of the outcome of the prior game play).
[0108] The above-described and other embodiments of the present
invention may be better understood with reference to the figures,
as described below. In the following description, reference is made
to the accompanying figures that form a part hereof; and in which
is shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the
invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments
may be utilized and that structural, logical, software, and
electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of
the present invention. The following description is, therefore, not
to be taken in a limited sense.
System
[0109] Referring now to FIG. 1, an apparatus 100 according to an
embodiment of the present invention includes a controller 110 that
is operable to communicate with one or more documenting devices 115
via a network such as the Internet (wired and/or wirelessly), via
another network protocol, or via other means for communication as
would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Although
only one documenting device 115 is depicted in FIG. 1A, any number
of documenting devices may be in communication with the controller
110. Further, in one or more embodiments, one or more of the
documenting devices may comprise a peripheral device, as defined
herein.
[0110] A documenting device, as used herein, is any device that is
operable to document an event. Documenting an event may comprise
capturing, as representative of the event, (i) graphical data
(e.g., a still image, a series of still images, or a video), (ii)
audio data (e.g., a recording of a sound), (iii) textual data
(e.g., alphanumeric characters representative of words and
numbers), or (iv) a combination thereof.
[0111] The controller 110 may also be operable to communicate with
an event detection device 120 via a network such as the Internet
(wired and/or wirelessly), via another network protocol, or via
other means for communication as would be understood by those of
ordinary skill in the art. Although only one event detection device
120 is depicted in FIG. 1A, any number of event detection devices
may be in communication with the controller 110. An event detection
device, as used herein, is any device that is operable to detect
the occurrence of an event (e.g., a gaming device or component
thereof).
[0112] The documenting device 115 and/or event detection device may
comprise computers, such as those based on the Intel.RTM.
Pentium.RTM. processor, that are adapted to communicate with the
controller 110.
[0113] Communication with the controller 110 may be direct or
indirect. For example, communication may be via the Internet
through a Web site maintained by controller 110 on a remote server
or via an on-line data network including commercial on-line service
providers, bulletin board systems and the like. In some
embodiments, the documenting device 115 and/or the event detection
device 120 may communicate with controller 110 over radio frequency
("RF"), infrared ("IR"), cable TV, satellite links and the like,
including combinations thereof.
[0114] In some embodiments the documenting device 115 may be
operable to communicate directly with event detection device 120
via a network such as the Internet (wired and/or wirelessly), via
another network protocol, or via other means for communication as
would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Such
communication may be in addition to or instead of communication
with the controller 110. In some embodiments, the controller 10 may
not be present, the functions performed by it and the data stored
by it being performed by another device (e.g., at least one of the
documenting device and the event detection device).
[0115] Those skilled in the art will understand that devices in
communication with each other need not be continually transmitting
to each other. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit to
each other as necessary, and may actually refrain from exchanging
data most of the time. For example, a device in communication with
another device via the Internet may not transmit data to the other
device for weeks at a time.
[0116] The controller 110 may function as a "Web server" that
generates Web pages (documents on the Web that typically include an
HTML file and associated graphics and script files) that may be
accessed via the Web and allows communication with the controller
110 in a manner known in the art. Those of skill in the art will
understand that there are a variety of well-known ways for creating
and operating Web pages, and accordingly a detailed description of
such known processes is omitted here for clarity.
[0117] Any and all of the controller 110, the documenting device
115, and event detection device 120 may comprise, e.g., a
conventional personal computer, a portable type of computer, such
as a laptop computer, a palm-top computer, a hand-held computer, a
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a gaming device, or combinations
thereof.
[0118] In some embodiments (i) the controller 110 and the event
detection device 120; (ii) the controller 110 and the documenting
device 115; (iii) the event detection device 120 and the
documenting device 115; or (iv) the controller 110, the documenting
device 115, and the event detection device 120 may comprise the
same device or components of the same device. In some embodiments
some or all of the functions described herein as performed by the
controller 110 may be performed by event detection device 120
and/or documenting device 115, or some or all of the functions
described herein as being performed by event detection device 120
and/or documenting device 115 may be performed by controller 110.
In some embodiments some or all of the functions described as being
performed by documenting device 115 may be performed by event
detection device 120. In some embodiments some or all of the
functions described as being performed by event detection device
120 may be performed by documenting device 115.
[0119] The documenting device 115 may comprise a device capable of
capturing documentation of an event. A documenting device 115 may
comprise, for example, a camera capable of capturing images such as
video footage and/or still photographs, a microphone capable of
capturing audio signals, a global positioning system (GPS) capable
of documenting a person's location or route, a point-of-sale
terminal capable of capturing transaction data, a cable set-top box
capable of capturing data associated with what was viewed, a blood
pressure monitor capable of measuring the blood pressure of a
player, a thermometer capable of measuring the temperature of a
person, a heart rate monitor capable of measuring the heart rate of
a person, or any combination thereof. For example, a sensor
recently developed by a team at the University of Sussex in
Brighton allows monitoring of a person's heartbeat from a meter
away. The sensor works by measuring a parameter called
"displacement current". Unlike a standard conduction current of
moving electrons, displacement current is a measure of the changing
electric field in the air, generated by the shifting voltages on
the skin surface. A sensor that measures such a displacement
current is one example of a device that may be used in a casino
environment to determine a player's heartbeat from a distance.
[0120] As described above, in some embodiments the documenting
device 115 and the event detection device 120 may comprise the same
device. For example, a camera may be capable of both detecting an
occurrence of an event (e.g., detecting a particular outcome being
displayed on a slot machine or a particularly expressive facial
expression) and capturing documentation of the event (e.g.,
capturing an image of a player reacting to the displayed outcome).
For purposes of conciseness, however, the documenting device 115
and the event detection device 120 will be described as two
separate devices herein.
[0121] In some embodiments the documenting device 115 and the event
detection device 120 may both be components of the same device
(e.g., a slot machine). For example, a processor of a slot machine
may comprise an event detection device capable of detecting an
event such as the occurrence of a particular outcome and a
microphone attached to the slot machine or built into the slot
machine may comprise a documenting device.
[0122] In some embodiments the controller 110 may be operable to
communicate with a first computing device that in turn controls the
documenting device 115 and a second computing device that in turn
controls the event detection device 120. The communication with the
first computing device and the second computing device may be in
addition to or instead of communicating directly with the
documenting device 115 and the event detection device 120. The
first computing device and/or second computing device may comprise,
e.g., a conventional personal computer, a portable type of
computer, such as a laptop computer, a palm-top computer, a
hand-held computer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a gaming
device, or combinations thereof. Further, in some embodiments the
first computing device and the second computing device may be the
same device. For example, one or more casino servers may each be in
communication with (i) a plurality of documenting devices and event
detection devices, and (ii) the controller.
[0123] It should be noted that in one or more embodiments the
controller 110 may be operable to communicate with one or more
gaming devices in addition to, or in lieu of, being operable to
communicate with the documenting devices 115 and/or the event
detection devices 120. It should further be noted that since a
documenting device and/or an event detection device may comprise a
gaming device, in one or more embodiments the controller 110 being
operable to communicate with documenting devices 115 and/or event
detection devices 120 may comprise the controller being operable to
communicate with one or more gaming devices.
[0124] For example, in one embodiment a gaming device comprises or
is associated with one or more documenting devices and/or one or
more event detection devices. The gaming device may thus be
operable to detect the occurrence of an event and/or capture
documentation of the event. The gaming device may further be
operable to communicate the captured documentation to the
controller or another device. For example, the gaming device may
communicate an indication of an outcome obtained on the gaming
device and/or an image of an outcome obtained on the gaming
device.
Devices
[0125] Referring now to FIG. 2A, an embodiment 200 of a controller
is illustrated. The controller 200 may function, for example, as
the controller 110 described in FIG. 1. The controller may be
implemented as a system controller, a dedicated hardware circuit,
an appropriately programmed general purpose computer, or any other
equivalent electronic, mechanical or electromechanical device.
[0126] The controller 200 comprises a processor 205, such as one or
more Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processors. As is well known in the
art, the processor 205 may be in communication with a communication
port (not shown in FIG. 2) or other means for facilitating
communication between the processor 205 and other devices.
[0127] The processor 205 is also in communication with a data
storage device 210. The data storage device 210 comprises 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
processor 205 and the storage device 210 may each be, for example:
(i) located entirely within a single computer or other computing
device; or (ii) connected to each other by a remote communication
medium, such as a serial port cable, telephone line or radio
frequency transceiver or other wired or wireless media. In one
embodiment, the controller may comprise one or more computers that
are connected to a remote server computer for maintaining
databases.
[0128] The data storage device 210 stores a program 215 for
controlling the processor 205. The processor 205 performs
instructions of the program 215, and thereby operates in accordance
with the embodiments of the present invention, and particularly in
accordance with the methods described in detail herein. The program
215 may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted
format. The program 215 furthermore includes program elements that
may be necessary, such as an operating system, a database
management system and "device drivers" for allowing the processor
205 to interface with computer peripheral devices. Appropriate
program elements are well known to those of ordinary skill in the
art, and need not be described in detail herein.
[0129] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
instructions of the program 215 may be read into a main memory from
another computer-readable medium, such from a ROM to RAM. Execution
of sequences of the instructions in program 215 causes processor
205 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative
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.
[0130] The storage device 210 also stores (i) a player database
220, (ii) a device database 225, (iii) a documented event database
230, (iv) a predetermined event database 235, and (v) a
documentation package database 240. The databases are described in
detail below and depicted with exemplary entries in the
accompanying figures. As will be understood by those skilled in the
art, the schematic illustrations and accompanying descriptions of
the databases presented herein are exemplary arrangements for
stored representations of information. Many other arrangements may
be employed besides those suggested by the tables shown. Similarly,
the illustrated entries of the databases represent exemplary
information only; those skilled in the art will understand that the
number and content of the entries can be different from those
illustrated herein. Further, some or all of the information stored
in controller 200 may, in some embodiments, be stored in one or
more other devices such as a gaming device, an event detection
device 120 and documenting device 115. The storage of such
information in one or more other devices may be in addition to or
instead of storage of such information in controller 200.
[0131] In some embodiments, the controller 110 may further
comprise, or be in communication with, an output device, for
outputting documented events and the associated indications of the
event that was documented to a person. Examples of an output device
include a printer, a kiosk, a screen, a personal computer, a laptop
computer, a personal digital assistant, a speaker, a gaming device,
and any combination thereof.
[0132] Referring now to FIG. 2B, a block diagram of an exemplary
embodiment 250 of a gaming device is illustrated. The embodiment
250 of an exemplary gaming device is referred to as gaming device
250 herein. The gaming device 250 may be implemented as a system
controller, a dedicated hardware circuit, an appropriately
programmed general-purpose computer, or any other equivalent
electronic, mechanical or electro-mechanical device. The gaming
device 250 may comprise, for example, a slot machine, a video poker
machine, a video blackjack machine, a video keno machine, a video
lottery machine, a pachinko machine or a table-top game. In various
embodiments, a gaming device may comprise, for example, a personal
computer (e.g. which communicates with an online casino Web site),
a telephone (e.g. to communicate with an automated sports book that
provides gaming services), or a portable handheld gaming device
(e.g. a PDA). The gaming device 250 may comprise any or all of the
gaming devices of the aforementioned systems. In some embodiments,
a user device such as a PDA or cell phone may be used in place of,
or in addition to, some or all of the gaming device components.
Further, a gaming device may comprise a personal computer or other
device operable to communicate with an online casino and facilitate
game play at the online casino. Further, as described herein, in
one or more embodiments a gaming device may comprise a documenting
device and/or an event detection device.
[0133] The gaming device 250 comprises a processor 255, such as one
or more Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processors. The processor 255 is
operable to communicate with a random number generator 257, which
may be a component of the gaming device. In another embodiment, a
random number generator may be a component of another device (e.g.,
a component of controller 10). A random number generator, in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention,
may generate data representing random or pseudo-random values
(referred to as "random numbers" herein). The random number
generator may generate a random number, for example, every
predetermined unit of time (e.g. every thousandth of a second) or
in response to an initiation of a game on the gaming device. In the
former embodiment, the generated random numbers may be used as they
are generated (e.g. the random number generated at substantially
the time of game initiation is used for that game) and/or stored
for future use. A random number generated by the random number
generator may be used by the processor to determine, for example,
at least one of an outcome and payout. A random number generator,
as used herein, may be embodied as a processor separate from but
working in cooperation with the processor. Alternatively, the
random number generator may be embodied as an algorithm, program
component, or software stored in the memory of the gaming device
and used to generate a random number. Note that, although the
generation or obtainment of a random number is described herein as
involving a random number generator of a gaming device, other
methods of determining a random number may be employed. For
example, a gaming device owner or operator may obtain sets of
random numbers that have been generated by another entity.
HotBits.TM., for example, is a service that provides random numbers
that have been generated by timing successive pairs of radioactive
decays detected by a Geiger-Muller tube interfaced to a computer. A
blower mechanism that uses physical balls with numbers thereon may
be used to determine a random number by randomly selecting one of
the balls and determining the number thereof.
[0134] The processor 255 may also be operable to communicate with a
benefit output device 260, which may be a component of gaming
device. The benefit output device 260 may comprise one or more
devices for outputting a benefit to a player of the gaming
device.
[0135] For example, in one embodiment the gaming device may provide
coins and/or tokens as a benefit. In such an embodiment the benefit
output device 260 may comprise a hopper and hopper controller, for
dispensing coins and/or tokens into a coin tray of the gaming
device.
[0136] In another example, the gaming device may provide a receipt
or other document on which there is printed an indication of a
benefit (e.g. a cashless gaming receipt that has printed thereon a
monetary value, which is redeemable for cash in the amount of the
monetary value). In such an embodiment the benefit output device
260 may comprise a printing and document dispensing mechanism.
[0137] In yet another example, the gaming device may provide
electronic credits as a benefit (which, e.g., may be subsequently
converted to coins and/or tokens and dispensed from a hopper into a
coin tray). In such an embodiment the benefit output device 260 may
comprise a credit meter balance and/or a processor that manages the
amount of electronic credits that is indicated on a display of a
credit meter balance.
[0138] In yet another example, the gaming device may credit a
monetary amount to a financial account associated with a player as
a benefit provided to a player. The financial account may be, for
example, a credit card account, a debit account, a charge account,
a checking account, or a casino account. In such an embodiment the
benefit output device 260 may comprise a device for communicating
with a server on which the financial account is maintained.
[0139] Note that, in one or more embodiments, the gaming device may
include more than one benefit output device. For example, the
gaming device may include both a hopper and hopper controller
combination and a credit meter balance. Such a gaming device may be
operable to provide more than one type of benefit to a player of
the gaming device.
[0140] A single benefit output device may be operable to output
more than one type of benefit. For example, a benefit output device
may be operable to increase the balance of credits in a credit
meter and communicate with a remote device in order to increase the
balance of a financial account associated with a player.
[0141] The processor 255 is also operable to communicate with a
display device 265, which may be a component of gaming device. The
display device 265 may comprise, for example, one or more display
screens or areas for outputting information related to game play on
the gaming device, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, liquid
crystal display (LCD) screen, or light emitting diode (LED) screen.
In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may comprise more than
one display device. For example, a gaming device may comprise an
LCD display for displaying electronic reels and a display area that
displays rotating mechanical reels.
[0142] The processor 255 may also be in communication with one or
more other output devices besides the display device, for
outputting information (e.g. to a player or another device). Such
other one or more output devices may also be components of a gaming
device. Such other one or more output devices may comprise, for
example, an audio speaker (e.g. for outputting an outcome or
information related thereto, in addition to or in lieu of such
information being output via a display device), an infra-red
transmitter, a radio transmitter, an electric motor, a printer
(e.g., such as for printing cashless gaming vouchers), a coupon or
product dispenser, an infra-red port (e.g., for communicating with
a second gaming device or a portable device of a player), a Braille
computer monitor, and a coin or bill dispenser. For gaming devices,
common output devices include a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor on a
video poker machine, a bell on a gaming device (e.g. rings when a
player wins), an LED display of a player's credit balance on a
gaming device, an LCD display of a personal digital assistant (PDA)
for displaying keno numbers.
[0143] The display device may comprise, for example, one or more
display areas. For example, one of the display areas (e.g., a
"primary" display screen) may display outcomes of current game
plays games played on the gaming device. Another of the display
areas (e.g., a "secondary" display screen) may display outcomes of
prior game plays, video recordings of a player's reaction, and so
on. Yet another of the display areas may display the benefits
obtainable by playing a game of the gaming device (e.g., in the
form of a payout table). In one or more embodiments, the gaming
device may include more than one display device, one or more other
output devices, or a combination thereof (e.g., two display devices
and two audio speakers).
[0144] The processor 255 may also be in communication with an input
device 270, which is a device that is capable of receiving an input
(e.g., from a player or another device) and which may be a
component of gaming device. An input device may communicate with or
be part of another device (e.g., a server, a gaming device, etc.).
Some examples of input devices include: a bar-code scanner, a
magnetic stripe reader, a computer keyboard or keypad, a button, a
handle, a keypad, a touch-screen, a microphone, an infrared sensor,
a voice recognition module, a coin or bill acceptor, a sonic
ranger, a computer port, a video camera, a motion detector, a
digital camera, a network card, a universal serial bus (USB) port,
a GPS receiver, a radio frequency identification (RFD) receiver, an
RF receiver, a thermometer, a pressure sensor, an infrared port
(e.g. for receiving communications from a second gaming device or
from a another device such as a smart card or PDA of a player), and
a weight scale. For gaming devices, common input devices include a
button or touch screen on a video poker machine, a lever or handle
connected to the gaming device, a magnetic stripe reader to read a
player tracking card inserted into a gaming device, a touch screen
for input of player selections during game play, and a coin and
bill acceptor.
[0145] The processor 255 may also be in communication with a
payment system 275, which may be a component of the gaming device.
The payment system 275 is a device capable of accepting payment
from a player (e.g., a bet or initiation of a balance or a payment
for re-outputting an outcome of a prior game play) and/or providing
payment to a player (e.g., a payout for an outcome of a current
game play). Payment is not limited to money, but may also include
other types of consideration, including products, services, and
alternate currencies. Exemplary methods of accepting payment by the
payment system 275 include (i) receiving hard currency (i.e. coins
or bills), and accordingly the payment system may comprise a coin
or bill acceptor; (ii) receiving an alternate currency (e.g. a
paper cashless gaming voucher, a coupon, a non-negotiable token),
and accordingly the payment system may comprise a bar code reader
or other sensing means; (iii) receiving a payment identifier (e.g.
a credit card number, a debit card number, a player tracking card
number) and debiting the account identified by the payment
identifier; and (iv) determining that a player has performed a
value-added activity (e.g. participating in surveys, monitoring
remote images for security purposes, referring friends to the
casino).
[0146] The processor 255 is in communication with a memory 280 and
a communications port 285 (e.g., for communicating with one or more
other devices). The memory 280 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 280 may
comprise or include any type of computer-readable medium. The
processor 255 and the memory 280 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 gaming device 250 may comprise one or more
devices that are connected to a remote server computer for
maintaining databases.
[0147] The memory 280 stores a program 281 for controlling the
processor 255. The processor 255 performs instructions of the
program 281, and thereby operates in accordance with the present
invention, and particularly in accordance with the methods
described in detail herein. The program 281 may be stored in a
compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format. The program 281
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.
[0148] The gaming device 250 may be operable to receive
instructions from a computer readable medium. The term
"computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that
participates in providing instructions to the processor of the
gaming device (or any other processor of a device described herein)
for execution. 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, such as 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 carry acoustic or light
waves, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and
infrared (IR) 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.
[0149] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in
carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to the
processor (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 gaming device may obtain
instructions in the form of a carrier wave.
[0150] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
instructions of the program may be read into a main memory from
another computer-readable medium, such from a ROM. Execution of
sequences of the instructions in program causes processor 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. As discussed with respect to aforementioned systems,
execution of sequences of the instructions in a program of a
peripheral device in communication with the gaming device may also
cause the processor to perform some of the process steps described
herein.
[0151] The memory 280 may store one or more databases including,
for example, a probability database 282, a payout database 283, and
a player database 284. An example of a player database is described
herein. It should be noted that the memory 280 may further store
any and all of the data and/or databases described with respect to
controller 200 (FIG. 2A). The described entries of the databases
represent exemplary information only; those skilled in the art will
understand that the number and content of the entries can be
different from those illustrated herein. Further, despite any
description of the databases as tables, an object-based model could
be used to store and manipulate the data types of the present
invention and likewise, object methods or behaviors can be used to
implement the processes of the present invention.
[0152] Where appropriate, a prior art probability database may be
utilized in the performance of the inventive processes described
herein. A probability database may be stored in the data storage
device in tabular form, or any other appropriate database form, as
is well known in the art. The data stored therein may include a
number of exemplary records or entries, each defining a random
number. Those skilled in the art will understand that the
probability database may include any number of entries. The tabular
representation may also define fields for each of the entries or
records. The fields may specify: (i) a random number (or range of
random numbers) that may be generated by the random number
generator; and (ii) an outcome that indicates the one or more
indicia comprising the outcome that corresponds to the random
number of a particular record. A gaming device may utilize a
probability database to determine, for example, what outcome
corresponds to a random number generated by a random number
generator and to display the determined outcome. The outcomes may
comprise the three symbols to be displayed along the payline of a
three-reel slot machine. Other arrangements of probability
databases are possible. For example, the book "Winning At Slot
Machines" by Jim Regan (Carol Publishing Group Edition, 1997)
illustrates examples of payout and probability tables and how they
may be derived. The entirety of this book is incorporated by
reference herein for all purposes.
[0153] Further, where appropriate, a prior art payout database may
be utilized in the performance of the inventive processes described
herein. A payout database may be stored in the data storage device
in tabular form, or any other appropriate database form, as is well
known in the art. The data stored therein includes a number of
example records or entries, each defining an outcome that may be
obtained on a gaming device that corresponds to a payout. Those
skilled in the art will understand that the payout database may
include any number of entries. The tabular representation also
defines fields for each of the entries or records. The fields
specify: (i) an outcome, which indicates the one or more indicia
comprising a given outcome; and (ii) a payout that corresponds to
each respective outcome. The outcomes may be those obtained on a
three reel slot machine.
[0154] A gaming device may utilize the payout database to determine
whether a payout should be output to a player as a result of an
outcome obtained for a game. For example, after determining the
outcome to output on the gaming device, the gaming device may
access the payout database to determine whether the outcome for
output is one of the outcomes stored as corresponding to a payout.
If it is, the gaming device may provide the corresponding payout to
the player.
[0155] Other arrangements of payout databases are possible. For
example, the book "Winning At Slot Machines" by Jim Regan (Carol
Publishing Group Edition, 1997) illustrates many examples of payout
and probability tables and how they may be derived.
[0156] Note that, although some particular databases may be
described as being stored in a gaming device, in other embodiments
of the present invention some or all of these databases may be
partially or wholly stored in another device, such as one or more
of the peripheral devices, the peripheral device server and/or the
server computer. Further, some or all of the data described as
being stored in the databases may be partially or wholly stored (in
addition to or in lieu of being stored in the memory of the gaming
device) in a memory of one or more other devices, such as one or
more of the peripheral devices, another gaming device, the
peripheral device server and/or the computer.
Databases
[0157] Referring now to FIG. 3, a tabular representation of an
embodiment 300 of the player database 220 (FIG. 2) is depicted. The
tabular representation of the player database includes a number of
example records or entries, including the entry 350, each of which
defines a player. Those skilled in the art will understand that the
player database may include any number of entries. The tabular
representation of player database 300 also defines fields for each
of the entries or records. The fields specify: (i) a player
identifier 305 that uniquely identifies the player; (ii) a player
name 310; (iii) contact information 315 of the player; (iv) payment
information 320 of the player; (v) a player image file identifier
325; (vi) a documentation package identifier 330; (vii) an
associated person identifier 335; and (viii) a documented data
field 340. It should be noted that not all fields are required in
all embodiments. Further, additional fields may be included in some
embodiments.
[0158] The player identifier stored in the player identifier field
305, as well as other identifiers described herein, may be
generated or assigned by the controller, or may be established by
the player and provided to the controller by way of a gaming
device, a computer functioning as a registration device or other
appropriate device. For example, the player identifier may comprise
a numeric code that is assigned to the corresponding player by the
controller. Alternatively, the player identifier may comprise a
player name and/or password that may be generated by a gaming
device or computer functioning as a registration device and
subsequently provided to the player.
[0159] The data stored in the name field 310 represents the name of
the player, if known. The data stored in the contact information
field 315 may comprise any of (i) an electronic mail (e-mail)
address, (ii) a postal address, (iii) telephone number, and (iv) a
numeric IP address of the customer. The data stored in the payment
information field 320 may comprise, for example, credit card, debit
card, or other financial account information which may be used to
render payment on behalf of the player. For example, if a player
accepts an offer to purchase documentation of one or more events
the player experienced (e.g., a scrapbook of outcomes obtained by
the player while playing slot machines at the casino) the purchase
price of the documentation may be paid using the data stored in the
payment information field 320.
[0160] The player image file name field 325 stores a file, file
name and/or file path to a file comprising an image of the player
defined by a record. Such an image may be accessed, for example, to
identify a player or verify the identity of a player in an image
captured by a documenting device upon the occurrence of an event or
to identify.
[0161] For example, in one embodiment of the present invention an
outcome occurring at a slot machine is detected, it is determined
that the outcome matches a predetermined outcome, and an image of
the player playing the slot machine at which the outcome is
occurring is captured. An indication of the outcome (e.g., a
representation of the symbols comprising the outcome) is stored in
association with the image and in association with the player
identifier of the player playing the slot machine. Storing the
indication and the image in association with the player identifier
may be beneficial in some situations. For example, a casino may
desire to capture and store a plurality of images of a player and
the corresponding indications of the event being depicted in the
image, compile the images and indications into a scrapbook, and
offer the scrapbook for purchase by the player. In such an
embodiment it may be beneficial to the casino to identify the
player in the images in order to contact the player once the
scrapbook is created. For example, the contact information in the
record of the player corresponding to the player identifier may be
utilized to contact the player with the offer for the scrapbook. In
another example, the contact information may be utilized to offer
to store for the player's reference an image or other data
documenting the occurrence of an event (e.g., such that the player
may subsequently replay the event).
[0162] In one embodiment, an image of an outcome obtained by a
player is captured. In such an embodiment, the image file
containing the image of the outcome may be stored in the player
database or in another database (e.g., in association with the
player identifier). For example, the image file may be stored in a
field of the player database. In another example, the image file
may be stored in another table or database and linked to the player
database via a key field (e.g., player identifier) or linking
field. For example, an image file database may store captured
images. The image file database may, in one embodiment, store a
unique identifier for each stored image. The image file database
may, in one embodiment, store a player identifier identifying the
player with whom the image is associated (e.g., if the image is of
an outcome obtained by a player, the player identifier may identify
the player who obtained the outcome as a result of a game play). In
such an embodiment, the player identifier may serve as a primary
key in the player database and as a foreign key in the image file
database.
[0163] It should be noted that, in embodiments in which an image or
other data documenting an event is associated with a player, one or
more of various methods may be used to determine the player
associated with the documented event. For example, in some
circumstances a player may have inserted a player tracking card
into the slot machine at which an image was captured and the casino
may determine the player identifier from the player tracking card.
In other circumstances, however, the player may not have inserted a
player tracking card. In such circumstances the player's identity
may be determined by comparing the player in the captured image to
a database of player images stored by the casino. Also, sometimes
the player actually playing a slot machine is not the player
corresponding to the identifier of a player tracking card inserted
into the slot machine at the time the player is playing. To provide
for such circumstances a casino or other authority (e.g., the
Internal Revenue Service) may find it beneficial to verify the
identity of the player using the image files stored in the player
database.
[0164] Further, in some embodiments of the present invention images
of persons in the casino may be captured when there is no readily
available method of identifying the person in the image (e.g., an
image of a person standing next to a table game). In such
circumstances the identity of the person in the image may
potentially be determined by comparing the person in the captured
image to the image files stored by the casino. The U.S. Pat. No.
6,142,876 to Cumbers teaches a system and method of comparing
acquired image data of a player playing a slot machine to stored
image data to determine the identity of a player. This patent is
incorporated by reference herein.
[0165] In one embodiment, a player may be queried for a player
identifier or other identifier once an event associated with the
player is documented. For example, if a player's reaction to an
outcome is documented and/or an outcome obtained by the player is
documented, an offer to store the documentation for the player may
be output to the player. Such an offer may include, for example, a
request for an identifier (e.g., player identifier, player name,
hotel room number of the casino hotel in which the player is
staying, a personal identification number that the player may
utilize to gain access to the documentation, etc.). In another
embodiment, an identifier may be assigned to the documentation of
the event (e.g., to the image file or record of a database that
stores an indication of the outcome that comprises the event). Such
an assigned identifier may be output to the player (e.g., via a
display of a gaming device, via a printer of the gaming device),
along with a message informing the player that the identifier may
be used to gain access to the documentation.
[0166] Returning now to FIG. 3, Documentation Package field 330
stores an identifier that identifies a documentation package, if
any, for which a player may have registered. In some embodiments of
the present invention a player may register to have his visit to
the casino documented. Such embodiments are described in detail
below, with reference to FIG. 7. It should be noted that, in one or
more embodiments, a player may specifically register that the
player does not wish to have any photos of himself captured.
[0167] The Associated Person Identifier 335 stores one or more
identifiers that each identify a respective person associated with
the player defined by the record. In some embodiments of the
present invention documentation relating to a person other than the
player may be captured. For example, a person may be designated as
an associated person because the person appears in an image
associated with the player. In another example, an image of a
person may be captured because the person is an associated person
in relation to the player. In some embodiments, a person may be
deemed an associated person for purposes of the present invention
by virtue of the person's location relevant to the player or the
person's relationship to the player. For example, an image of a
person standing near a player when the player wins a particularly
large payout or obtains a particularly rare hand in video poker may
be captured to document the reaction of the person. In another
example an image of a spouse of a player that has just won the
jackpot may be captured at the time the player is winning the
jackpot but before the spouse is aware of the win and/or as the
spouse becomes aware of the win. A person may be designated as an
associated person with or without input by the player.
[0168] The documented data field 340 may store data or an
indication of data associated with a prior game play or other
documented event. For example, the documented data field 340 may
store a link to another database (e.g., a database of files, each
file comprising a file of data documenting an event experienced by
a player). The link may comprise, for example, a unique identifier
of the data documenting the event. In another example, the
documented data field 340 may store a file or file path to a file
of data documenting an event. For example, the documented data
field 340 may store an mpeg or jpeg file comprising one or more
images of an outcome obtained by a player and/or a player's
reaction to the outcome. The data in such a file may be in altered
or unaltered form. In yet another example, the documented data
field 340 may store a description or other identifier of an outcome
obtained in a prior game play or other documented event. For
example, the documented data field may store a description that "at
4.52 pm on Jul. 18, 2004, an outcome of "bar-bar-bar" was obtained
on gaming device "GD-03-00456". The description may be human and/or
machine readable format.
[0169] In some embodiments, a player database may store data (or a
pointer to data) documenting more than one event. Assume an
embodiment in which a player requests output of data documenting an
event experienced by the player, wherein the request includes a
player identifier. The device via which the player is requesting
the data may access a player database (directly or via another
device). After the player database has been accessed, it may be
determined that more than one entry of data is stored in
association with the player identifier (e.g., more than one mpeg
file is associated with the player identifier). In such a
circumstance, the device via which the player is requesting the
output of the data may prompt the player to select which data the
player would like to have output. For example, the more than one
entry of data associated with the player can be sorted and
presented according to numerous characteristics, such as time of
play, payout amount, location of gaming device, etc. In a more
particular example, a gaming device via which a player is
requesting output of data associated with a prior game play or
other documented event may prompt a player with a menu on a display
area illustrating the player's entries of data, prompting the
player to select one for output.
[0170] Referring now to FIG. 4A, a tabular representation of an
embodiment 400 of the device database 225 (FIG. 2) is depicted. The
tabular representation of the device database includes a number of
example records or entries, including the entries 425, 430, 435,
and 440 each of which defines a device. Those skilled in the art
will understand that the device database may include any number of
entries. The tabular representation of device database 400 also
defines fields for each of the entries or records. The fields
specify: (i) a device identifier 405 that uniquely identifies the
device; (ii) a device type 410; (iii) a device location 415; and
(iv) a device status 420.
[0171] The device identifier uniquely identifies a device the
controller is in communication with. A device defined by the device
database 400 may be any type of device that is operable to function
in at least one embodiment of the present invention. For example, a
device may be an event detection device, a documenting device, or a
gaming device. As described herein, in one embodiment a gaming
device may comprise an event detection device and/or a documenting
device. The information stored in the device type field 410
indicates at least one function the device identified by a given
record is operable to perform. For example, record 430 indicates
that device "D23456" is a "documenting device", indicating that
device "D23456" is operable to document an event. The device type
field 410 may also indicate more specific functions of the device
being defined by specifying the device type with more specificity.
For example, record 435 indicates that device "D45678" is a
"camera". A device type of "camera" may indicate that the device is
operable to capture images.
[0172] The device type field 410 may store an indication of more
than one type of device for a given record. Storing more than one
device type for a given device identifier may be an indication that
the corresponding device is operable to perform more than one
function. Record 440, for example, indicates that device "D56789"
is operable to function as both a speaker and a microphone. Thus,
in some embodiments, device "D56789" (which may, for example,
comprise a gaming device) may be an event detection device, a
documenting device, and an outputting device. For example, when
detecting a cheer from a player via the microphone, device "D56789"
may function as an event detection device. When recording the
player's cheer detected by the microphone, device "D56789" may
function as a documenting device. Further, when outputting an offer
to the player to purchase the recording of the player's cheer
(e.g., wherein the recording includes an indication of what caused
the player to cheer, such as a large payout won by the player), the
device "D56789" may function as an outputting device.
[0173] The information in the device location field 415 is
indicative of where the corresponding device is located. Such an
indication of the location of a device may be used by the
controller to determine the location of an event detection device
(e.g., such as a slot machine). The information in the device
location field 415 may also be used by the controller to select a
documenting device to document the event detected by the event
detection device. The controller may then communicate with the
selected documenting device, directing it to document the detected
event. For example, record 425 indicates that device "D12345" is an
"event detection device" located in "casino 1, area B, 3.sup.rd
quadrant". Thus, if the controller receives a signal from device
"D12345" indicating that an event has been detected, the controller
may search the device database 400 for a documenting device that is
located in the same location as the event detection device. Record
430 indicates that device "D23456" is a "documenting device"
located in "casino 1, area B, 3.sup.rd quadrant", which is where
event detection device "D12345" is located. Thus, the controller
may select device "D23456" and direct it to document the event
detected by device "D12345". It should be noted that for
illustrative purposes only, the locations of devices in device
database 400 are indicated as quadrants of areas of a casino (two
different casinos may be two casinos owned or operated by two
separate entities or two different gambling rooms or areas in a
building owned or operated by the same entity). However, a person
of ordinary skill in the art would understand many other means of
indicating a location of a device for purposes of the present
invention.
[0174] The information stored in device status field 420 indicates
the current condition of the corresponding device for purposes of
determining whether it is available for direction by the
controller. Four possible status types are illustrated in device
database 400 but any number of status types may be utilized. The
status of "available" may indicate to the controller that the
corresponding device is available for direction by the controller.
For example, the "documenting device" defined by record 430 has a
current status of "available", which may indicate that the
documenting device is available to the controller for being
directed to document an event. A status of "off-line" may indicate
that the corresponding device is not currently available to the
controller for a variety of specific reasons. For example, the
device may be shut down for maintenance or repairs.
[0175] A status of "locked" may indicate that the device is
functioning but is not available for direction by the controller.
For example, a documenting device that is a security camera may
currently be focused on suspicious activity in a casino and casino
personnel may want to prevent the camera from being refocused or
redirected to another area by the controller. In such a situation
the casino personnel may have the ability to "lock in" the camera
such that it is not available for redirection by the controller.
Such a feature may be of particular importance and benefit in
embodiments where the documenting devices are the security cameras
already prevalent in casinos. Using security cameras as documenting
devices for purposes of the present invention may be beneficial and
lucrative to the casino by creating a new source of revenue and a
new function for the security cameras. However, it would also be
beneficial to a casino in such embodiments to retain sufficient
control over the security cameras such that the security camera's
primary function may be observation of suspicious activity
identified by casino personnel rather than documenting events to
increase casino revenue, as the casino desires.
[0176] A status of "in use" may indicate that the device is
currently operating to perform a specific function and thus not
available for direction by the controller. For example, a device
that is a documenting device such as a microphone or camera may
currently be operating based on a previous direction by the
controller to document an event and may therefore not be yet
available to document another event.
[0177] It should be noted that directing a device (e.g., by the
controller) may comprise directing a device to perform a function.
Performing a function may or may not comprise physical movement of
the device. For example, the controller may direct a camera to move
such that it is angled towards a specified gaming device. Directing
a device may also comprise directing a device to focus on a
specific area, object, or person without physical movement of the
device. For example, the controller may direct a camera to focus in
on the face of a person playing a gaming device, to turn on, or to
start recording.
[0178] It should also be noted that the device database 225 may be
particularly beneficial in an embodiment where the controller
directs various devices to perform various functions as necessary
(e.g., as occurrences of events are detected). In other embodiments
the controller may not direct devices on such an ad hoc basis. In
some embodiments a dedicated documenting device that automatically
documents all events as they occur may be assigned to a gaming
device, area of a casino, and/or player. For example, each slot
machine in a casino may be equipped with a camera and/or microphone
that record a player's reaction to each outcome (or, e.g., each
outcome that matches a predetermined outcome, as discussed below).
In such embodiments there may be a subsequent selection of
documented events for sale or presentation to the player. Such a
selection may be performed, for example, using software on a
computing device such as the controller, by casino personnel, by
the player, or any combination thereof. Selection of a subset of
the documented events is discussed in more detail below.
[0179] In one embodiment, a gaming device may be operable to detect
an event, document the event, and/or output an offer to a player
regarding the event. For example, the gaming device may output an
offer to store a captured documentation of the event. It should be
noted that a gaming device being operable to perform a function may
comprise the gaming device being operable to perform the function
at the direction of another device (e.g., a controller of the
gaming device) and/or based on a program of the gaming device.
[0180] Referring now to FIG. 4B, a tabular representation of an
embodiment 450 of the device database 225 (FIG. 2) is depicted. The
tabular representation of the device database includes a number of
example records or entries, including the entries 475 through 490,
each of which defines a camera. Those skilled in the art will
understand that the device database may include any number of
entries. The tabular representation of device database 450 also
defines fields for each of the entries or records. The fields
specify: (i) a camera identifier 455 that uniquely identifies the
camera; (ii) a camera coverage description 460; (iii) a camera
status 465; and (iv) an associated gaming device 470. Table 450 may
be utilized in an embodiment where the documenting of events
comprises capturing images (e.g., of a person's reaction to the
event) based on the event.
[0181] The information stored in the camera identifier field 455
uniquely identifies each camera defined by each respective record.
The information stored in the camera coverage description field 460
stores information describing the area in which images may be
captured by the corresponding camera. The controller may utilize
the information stored in the camera coverage description field in
selecting which camera to direct to document the occurrence of a
particular event. For example, if the controller determines that an
event is occurring in a particular location in the casino (e.g.,
based on the location of the event detection device from which an
indication of the occurrence of the event was received) the
controller may select a camera to document the event by selecting a
camera whose coverage description encompasses the location of the
event detection device. In some embodiments a camera may function
as both an event detection device and a documenting device. For
example, a processor associated with a camera may utilize image
analysis to determine whether an event that should be documented
has occurred. The camera may then record an image associated with
the occurrence of the event.
[0182] It should be noted that, for illustrative purposes only, the
area covered by a camera is described in terms of quadrants of a
circular area in table 450. However, a person of ordinary skill in
the art would understand that there are many other means for
describing an area in which a camera may capture an image. In some
embodiments a single camera may be operable to capture an image of
an entire room. In such an example the description of the area
covered by the camera may comprise the name or number of the room
in which the camera is located. The information stored in the
camera status field 465 indicates an availability of the camera for
direction (e.g., by the controller). A description of potential
status types and the possible meanings of each may be found in the
description of FIG. 4A above.
[0183] The information stored in the associated gaming device field
470 stores gaming device identifiers that are associated with each
respective camera defined by the records of table 450. Such
information may be useful, for example, in embodiments wherein
documenting the occurrence of an event comprises capturing an image
of a person near a slot machine at a time of occurrence of an
outcome at the slot machine. In such embodiments, for example, the
controller may receive a signal indicating that a predetermined
outcome has occurred at a slot machine. In response to receiving
such a signal the controller may select a camera that is associated
with the slot machine at which the outcome occurred by searching
the associated gaming device field 470 of table 450 for a gaming
device identifier that corresponds to the slot machine at which the
outcome occurred.
[0184] It should be noted that the gaming device identifiers may
indicate a characteristic of a gaming device, such as the type of
game played on the gaming device or an indication of at least one
dimension of the gaming device. For illustrative purposes only, the
gaming device identifiers illustrated in table 450 each beginning
with the letter "G" followed by a dash, which is followed by a two
digit number. The two-digit number may be used to designate a
characteristic of a gaming device. For example, a video poker
gaming device may correspond to the number "12" while a video keno
device may correspond to the number "70". Alternatively, a gaming
device the top of which is five (5) feet from the ground may
correspond to the number "10" and a gaming device the top of which
is three (3) feet from the ground may correspond to the number
"12". Characteristics such as height may be useful in directing a
camera to reposition its angle such that the face of the person
playing the gaming device is likely to be captured.
[0185] Referring now to FIG. 5, a tabular representation of an
embodiment 500 of the documented event database 230 (FIG. 2) is
depicted. The tabular representation of the documented event
database includes a number of example records or entries, each of
which defines an event that has been documented. Those skilled in
the art will understand that the documented event database may
include any number of entries. The tabular representation of
documented event database 500 also defines fields for each of the
entries or records. The fields specify: (i) a documented event
identifier 505 that uniquely identifies an event that has been
documented; (ii) a time 510 at which the event occurred; (iii)
event information 515 which stores information indicative of what
the event was; (iv) a corresponding file identifier 520; and (v) a
player identifier 525. In some embodiments, one or more device
identifiers identifying one or more devices that had detected
and/or documented the event may also be stored in the documented
event database 230.
[0186] The documented event identifier uniquely identifies an event
that is documented by the system of the present invention. An event
identifier may be generated and assigned, for example, by the
controller when the controller detects that the event has occurred
or once the event is documented.
[0187] The information stored in the time field 510 indicates the
time at which the event occurred. Such information may be used, for
example, to subsequently find the documentation of the event. In
embodiments wherein documenting an event comprises capturing
graphical data or audio data related to the event, the time of the
event may be used to search through a set of graphical data or
audio data and select the subset of graphical data or audio data
that is to be stored in association with the event identifier based
on matching the time of the event to a time associated with the
subset of graphical or audio data. For example, a video camera in a
casino may continuously record graphical data throughout a
predetermined period of time (e.g., a twenty-four (24) hour period
of time). Each frame of the recorded video may be associated with a
time. For example, the time may be embedded or stamped onto the
recorded video. The controller may thus determine a time at which
an event occurred, determine a location at which an event occurred
and search data captured at that location for documentation of an
event that is associated with the same time as the time at which
the event occurred.
[0188] In one embodiment, the information stored in the time field
510 for a particular record may be used to alter the data
documenting the event of the record, before the data is output. In
another embodiment, the information stored in the time field 510
for a particular record may be included on a display of a gaming
device when the outcome of a prior game play corresponding to the
record is replayed on the display (e.g., when the gaming device
regenerates and displays the outcome indicated in the record).
[0189] For example assuming an event comprises the occurrence of an
outcome on a slot machine the controller may initially store an
indication of the outcome in association with the player identifier
that identifies the player that obtained the outcome. For example,
the controller may store an indication that an outcome of
cherry-cherry-cherry was obtained by the player at slot machine
#123 at 11:23:02 am on Dec. 29, 2001. Later (e.g., at midnight on
that day) the controller may search through video taken by a camera
associated with slot machine #123 (e.g., a dedicated camera that is
continuously focused on slot machine # 123) to select the video of
the player's reaction to obtaining the outcome of
cherry-cherry-cherry. The controller may do this by searching
through the times associated with each frame of the video until it
finds the time 11:23:02 am on Dec. 29, 2001. Alternatively, casino
personnel rather than the controller may manually view a video tape
to find the video of the player's reaction to the outcome (e.g.,
also basing their search of the video on the time at which the
outcome occurred).
[0190] The information stored in the event information field 515
may comprise information that is an indication or description of
the event that was documented. For example, if the documented event
comprises an outcome that occurred on a gaming device, the event
information field 515 may store a representation of the symbols
comprising the outcome. If the documented event comprises the
player participating in a show associated with the casino (e.g.,
the player was picked from the audience to participate in a magic
show) the event information field may store a description of the
event and the name of the show. The event information field 515 may
also store information that may be helpful in finding the
documentation of the event. For example, if the event comprises an
event that occurred at or near a particular gaming device, the
event information field may store an identifier that uniquely
identifies the gaming device. Such an identifier may be used, for
example, to find documentation of the event. For example, in some
embodiments the gaming device may comprise or be attached to a
documenting device (e.g., a camera and/or microphone). Thus the
gaming device identifier may be used to determine the documenting
device that documented the event and to retrieve the documentation
of the event from the documenting device. The event information
field 515 may also store information that comprises, or may be
useful in preparing, an annotation to be included in an output of
the event documentation to the player. For example, if the output
of a documentation of an event comprises a printed still photograph
of a player's reaction to an outcome obtained on a gaming device,
the information contained in the event information field 515 may be
used to print a caption that describes the event (e.g., at the
bottom of the photograph). In an embodiment in which the outcome is
replayed on a gaming device, the information in the event
information field 515 may be overlaid or otherwise included on a
display that is outputting the outcome.
[0191] The corresponding file field 520 stores a file name or file
path that identifies a file containing the data documenting the
event. For example, the file may contain graphical, audio, and/or
textual data captured as representative of the event. In the above
example, the controller may store a copy of several frames of the
video (e.g., beginning with 10 frames before the frame associated
with 11:23:02 am and ending 20 frames after the frame associated
with 11:23:02 am) as a file and store the file name in the
corresponding file field 520.
[0192] The player identifier 525 identifies a player, if any, that
is associated with the documented event. A player identifier stored
in the player identifier field 525 may correspond to at least one
player identifier stored in the player identifier field 305 of
table 300 (FIG. 3). A player identifier 525 may be determined and
stored in table 500 at a time an event is documented or at another
time. For example, a player identifier of a player tracking card
inserted into a gaming device at a time an outcome that comprises
an event that is to be documented occurs at the gaming device. The
player identifier of the player tracking card may thus be stored in
association with the document event identifier of the record
defining the documented event. In another embodiment, an image of a
player experiencing an event may be captured and compared to stored
images of players associated with player identifiers. If a match of
the captured image to a stored image is found, the player
identifier corresponding to the matching stored image may be stored
in association with the documented event experienced by the player.
In some embodiments if a player experiencing a documented event
cannot be identified (e.g., via a player tracking card or
previously stored images of players associated with player
identifiers), a new player identifier may be assigned to the player
experiencing the documented event and stored in association with
the associated event.
[0193] Referring now to FIG. 6A, a tabular representation of an
embodiment 600 of the predetermined event database 235 (FIG. 2) is
depicted. The tabular representation of the predetermined event
database includes a number of example records or entries, including
records R625 through R635, each of which defines an event that has
been predetermined as an event the occurrence of which is to be
documented. Those skilled in the art will understand that the
predetermined event database may include any number of entries. The
tabular representation of predetermined event database 600 also
defines fields for each of the entries or records. The fields
specify: (i) an event identifier 605 that uniquely identifies an
event that has been predetermined as an event the occurrence of
which is to be documented; (ii) an event description 610; (iii)
documentation type 615; and (iv) documentation rule(s) 620.
[0194] In one or more embodiments, a player may define a
predetermined event. For example, a player may indicate that an
occurrence of an outcome or other event is to be documented,
thereby defining the occurrence of the outcome or other event as a
predetermined event. A player may so define a predetermined event
before the event occurs (e.g., as the player begins playing gaming
device, as the player begins a gaming session, by filling out a
form when registering for a player tracking card, by informing
casino personnel, etc.). In another embodiment, a player may so
define a predetermined event as the event is beginning to occur,
substantially simultaneously with the occurrence of the event,
and/or just after the occurrence of the event. For example, a
player may press a "document this" or "save" button (or, e.g., area
of a touch-screen) of a gaming device as an outcome is being
displayed to a player or right after an outcome is displayed to a
player.
[0195] The determination that an event should be included in the
predetermined event database may be based on a variety of factors.
For example, casino personnel may define an event as a
predetermined event. An event may also be entered into the
predetermined event database once a sufficient number of players
indicate that they would like their experience of the event to be
documented. For example, in accordance with some embodiments of the
present invention, a player may be capable of indicating to the
system of the present invention that they would like an event they
are experiencing or will experience to be documented. In one
embodiment a player may pre-register with the system and indicate
at the registration process what types of events are to be
documented. In such an embodiment if a sufficient number of players
indicate during their pre-registration processes that they wish to
have a particular event documented, that event may be entered into
the predetermined event database on the assumption that
documentation of the event is of interest to most players. In other
embodiments the system may be operable to receive from a player a
request to document an event as the event is occurring, is about to
occur, or before the event occurs. For example, a gaming device may
be equipped with a "document" button or area of a touch screen
which, when actuated by a player, will cause an outcome occurring
on the slot machine to be documented. Other methods of a player
requesting documentation of an event are described below.
[0196] Another basis on which an event may be entered into the
predetermined event database is a magnitude or degree of reactions
to the occurrence of the event, by players or other persons (e.g.,
persons watching the player when the player experiences the event).
The reaction the magnitude or degree of which causes an event to be
included in the predetermined event database may include, for
example, a visually perceived reaction that is documented with
graphical data and an audible reaction that is documented via audio
data. The magnitude or degree of a reaction may be determined, for
example, by casino personnel or a device such as the controller. In
one embodiment casino personnel note player reactions to a certain
event or type of event and enter the event into the predetermined
event database if they judge that a sufficient number of players
(e.g., 60%) have a reaction that is worth documenting. For example,
if most players whoop, groan, slap their forehead, roll their eyes,
or have another type of perceivable reaction to an event, casino
personnel may cause the event to be included in the predetermined
event database. In another embodiment a device such as the
controller may measure the magnitude or degree of persons'
reactions to an event in order to determine whether the event
should be included in the predetermined event database. For
example, the decibel level of audible reaction of persons in
response to an event may be measured (e.g., via a microphone
included in a slot machine, if the reaction being measured is a
reaction to the occurrence of an outcome on the slot machine or a
heart rate of a person). If a sufficient number of persons (e.g.,
45%) react to an event on a sufficient decibel level or average
decibel level the event may be included in the predetermined events
database.
[0197] Similarly, for visual reactions, a device such as the
controller may perform image analysis to determine whether a
visually perceptible reaction of persons to an event is sufficient
to include the event in the predetermined events database. For
example, the magnitude of the change of a player's expression
(e.g., by analyzing the change in the facial muscles of the player
using facial analysis software) or movement of the player's body
may be measured. Software such as FaceIt.TM. Face Recognition
software by Visionics Corporation or Face Key.TM. Technology by
FaceKey.TM. Corporation may be used in such an embodiment. Persons
of ordinary skill in the art would know other methods and software
for determining a magnitude of change in a person's face or body
position.
[0198] It should be noted that the events defined by predetermined
event database 600 may apply to all players of a casino, a subset
of players of a casino, or an individual player of a casino. For
example, in some embodiments the determination of the occurrence of
an event defined in the predetermined event database 600 will
result in the documentation of the event regardless of the identity
or characteristics of the player experiencing the event. In other
embodiments a respective table of predetermined events such as the
predetermined event database 600 may be created for individual
players (e.g., based on demographic information, gambling history
of the player, requests of the player or requests of persons
associated with the player) or for a class of players (e.g., female
players over the age of 50, first time visitors to the casino,
inexperienced players, players with home addresses which are at
least 500 miles from the location of the casino).
[0199] The event identifier 605 uniquely identifies an event that
has been predetermined as an event the occurrence of which is to be
documented. An event identifier may identify a class of events
(e.g., a class of outcomes, such as outcomes that correspond to a
payout amount greater than a specified amount) or a particular
event (e.g., a particular outcome, such as a royal flush final
poker hand).
[0200] The event description field 610 may store information
describing the event to be documented. The description may be in
human and/or machine-readable form. The documentation type field
615 stores an indication of what type of documentation data is to
be captured for each defined event. It should be noted that some
events correspond to the capturing of more than one type of
documentation data.
[0201] The documentation rule(s) field 620 stores one or more rules
for capturing documentation of each defined predetermined event.
For example, a rule may comprise a range of time, defining the
timing of the documentation (i.e., when the documentation of the
event should begin and when the documentation should end). An
example of such a rule is included in record R625. A rule may also
define the subject matter that is to be captured. For example, if
audio data is to be captured the rule may define the person whose
audible reaction is to be captured. Similarly, if graphical data is
to be captured, the rule may define the person whose visually
perceptible reaction is to be captured and whether it is the change
in the facial expression or change in body movement that is to be
captured. Again, record R625 includes an example of such a
rule.
[0202] A rule may also define a condition that has to be satisfied
before the event is to be documented. For example, it may not be
beneficial to document an event being experienced by a player if
the player has experienced the event many times before (e.g.,
because the player is a regular visitor to the casino). This
example of a rule that defines a condition is another method for
differentiating amongst players in determining whether to document
the occurrence of an event. Another method is described above,
wherein a plurality of predetermined event databases may be
utilized, each database being associated with a set of player
characteristics that have to be satisfied by the information
associated with the player experiencing an event before the
player's experience of the event will he documented. An example of
a rule that comprises such a condition is included in record R630
and in record R635.
[0203] Record R630 includes the rule that data is to be captured if
a player loses all his chips at a roulette table only if the player
is not a "regular" player. A regular player may be, for example, a
player who (i) visits the casino with at least a predetermined
frequency (e.g., at least once every six months); (ii) has
accumulated at least a predetermined number of comp points; or
(iii) the casino otherwise defines as a player who would not likely
be interested in having his experiences at the casino documented.
For example, a player that plays roulette at the casino on at least
a monthly basis would probably not find it noteworthy to lose a
large number of his chips on a single spin and would thus not be
interested in purchasing documentation of the event.
[0204] Record R635 defines the rule that a player's dining
experience at a restaurant associated with the casino, "Restaurant
Z", is to be documented only if (i) the player has eaten at the
restaurant less than five (5) times within the past ninety (90)
days, and (ii) the player does not live within fifty (50) miles of
the location of the restaurant. This rule may be premised on the
assumption that a player who has eaten at the restaurant recently a
predetermined number of times and lives within a predetermined
distance of the restaurant is not likely to find his dining
experience at the restaurant noteworthy and would probably not be
likely to purchase documentation of the event. In one embodiment, a
restaurant example may only be documented if more than a
predetermined amount (or at least a predetermined amount) is spent
during the restaurant experience.
[0205] As apparent from the example entries of table 600, various
types of events may be defined as predetermined events. For
example, a particular outcome (e.g., "7-7-plum" on a three-reel
slot machine) may be defined as a predetermined event. In another
example, any outcome corresponding to a payout having a specified
characteristic (e.g., the payout being at least equal to a
specified amount, such as 1,000 credits) may be defined as a
predetermined event. In another example, a wager having a specified
characteristic (e.g., the wager being of an amount at least equal
to a specified amount, such as fifty (50) credits) may be defined
as a predetermined event. In yet another example, a player's
indication that an outcome or other event is to be documented
should it occur may be defined as a predetermined event. In yet
another example, a sensitivity limit of a sensor such as a motion
detector or sound detector having been reached or exceeded may be
defined as a predetermined event. In yet another example, an event
may be defined as a predetermined event based on information
relevant to a particular player. For example, a player winning a
payout greater than any payout won by the player within a
predefined time frame (e.g., since the player's outcomes have been
recorded, during a particular play session, during a particular
visit to the casino, etc.) may be defined as a predetermined event.
In another example, a player winning a payout that is larger than
an average payout paid to the player over a particular period of
time may be defined as a predetermined event.
[0206] Referring now to FIG. 6B, a tabular representation of an
embodiment 650 of the predetermined event database 235 (FIG. 2) is
depicted. The embodiment 650 may be used in embodiments where the
events being documented are occurrences of outcomes on gaming
devices. The tabular representation of the predetermined event
database includes a number of example records or entries, including
records R675 through R685, each of which defines an event that
comprises an outcome on a gaming device that has been predetermined
as an outcome the occurrence of which is to be documented. Those
skilled in the art will understand that the predetermined event
database may include any number of entries. The tabular
representation of predetermined event database 650 also defines
fields for each of the entries or records. The fields specify: (i)
an outcome identifier 655 that uniquely identifies an outcome that
has been predetermined as an outcome the occurrence of which is to
be documented; (ii) an outcome 660 that defines the outcome to be
documented; (iii) documentation type 665; and (iv) documentation
rule(s) 670. Outcomes may be entered into the predetermined event
table 650 based on the same or similar methods as described with
reference to predetermined event table 600 (FIG. 6A).
[0207] The outcome identifier 655 uniquely identifies an outcome or
class of outcomes that are to be documented. The outcome field 660
stores a description of the outcome to be documented. The
description may comprise the particular symbols comprising the
outcome or at least one characteristic of an outcome. For example,
record R675 includes an outcome description that encompasses all
outcomes which correspond to a payout amount of at least $50.00. In
another example, all outcomes obtained during a bonus round may be
documented.
[0208] The documentation type field 665 may store information
indicating what type of data is to be captured for the
documentation of the outcome (e.g., graphical, audio, or textual).
The description of documentation type field 615 with reference to
table 600 (FIG. 6A) also applies to the documentation type field
665. The documentation rule(s) field 670 stores one or more rules
for documenting a defined outcome. The description of documentation
rule(s) field 620 of table 600 (FIG. 6A) applies to the
documentation rule(s) field 670. It should be noted that some rules
may be based on a precursor of an outcome. For example, in poker or
video poker, whether the occurrence of a final hand is documented
may be based on what cards were included in a initial band. Records
R680 and R685 include examples of such rules. For example, it may
be memorable for a player playing poker or video poker to document
the occurrence of a royal flush in a final hand under any
circumstances, but it may be particularly memorable to document
such an occurrence of a royal flush if the initial hand did not
include any cards towards the royal flush. Similarly, if an initial
hand in poker or video poker contains four (4) cards to a flush but
the final hand does not comprise a flush, such an outcome may be
considered particularly unlucky or unfortunate result and thus
particularly memorable to a player (e.g., may be a result the
player wishes to remember and would pay for documentation of so he
can share it with his friends and family).
[0209] In one embodiment of the present invention, all or many
outcomes obtained by a player may be recorded and the player's
reaction to the outcomes documented. However, initially not every
documentation may be offered to the player for purchase or storage.
Rather, the system may record and document the occurrence of
outcomes and then determine that one of the recorded and documented
outcomes is a predetermined outcome. Determining that a documented
outcome is a predetermined outcome may comprise determining that
the combination of symbols of the documented outcome match a
predetermined combination of symbols. Determining that a documented
outcome is a predetermined outcome may also comprise determining
that the documented outcome satisfies a predetermined condition.
Such a condition may be based on the determined documented outcome
and/or on other documented outcomes. Once the system determines
that one of the documented outcomes is a predetermined outcome, in
one embodiment the system may further select some or all of the
remaining documented outcomes obtained by the player and offer the
documentations of the outcomes (both the determined outcome and the
selected remaining outcomes) for purchase to the player. The
documentations of the selected outcomes may be arranged in an order
based on the predetermined outcome. For example, the documentations
of the selected outcomes may be arranged based on the time at which
each was obtained or in another manner that tells a coherent story.
Some examples of this embodiment follow.
[0210] In one example of the above-described embodiment, a
documented outcome obtained by a player may be determined to be a
predetermined outcome based on other outcomes obtained (by the same
player or other players) subsequent to it. For example, a player
may be willing to buy documentation of the outcome that corresponds
to the highest payout amount obtained by the player during a
specified period of time (e.g., the highest payout amount of the
day, the week, for a given game, during the player's trip).
However, which documented outcome corresponds to the highest payout
for a specified period of time cannot be determined until the
period of time has ended. Thus, in such an example, the system may
document each of the outcomes that respectively correspond to a
payout for the specified period of time and, once the period of
time has ended, select the documented outcome that corresponds to
the highest payout amount. Similarly, a player may be interested in
purchasing documentation of an outcome if the outcome was an
outcome that corresponded to the highest payout amount obtained by
a group of players during a specified period of time (e.g., if the
player obtained an outcome that corresponded to the highest payout
obtained by any player during a particular day, at a particular
gaming device, by any player of a designated group of players
and/or while playing a particular game). Accordingly, the system
would record and document a plurality of relevant outcomes obtained
by a plurality of relevant players for a relevant period of time
before determining whether the player had obtained a predetermined
outcome.
[0211] In another example, a particular outcome by itself may or
may not be memorable for a player but may be output in a memorable
fashion such that the player is likely to purchase documentation of
it if it is in the context of other outcomes. For example, a player
may obtain a flush while playing poker at a table game or video
poker at a gaming device. Such an outcome may be memorable for a
player but may be even more memorable if the player had attempted
to obtain a flush on a plurality of previous hands and had suffered
a plurality of bad breaks prior to finally obtaining the flush.
Accordingly, once the player obtains the flush the system may
retrieve other initial hands obtained by the player that could have
resulted in a flush but didn't (each of which had previously been
documented). The system may then order the documented events (e.g.,
the initial hands, corresponding final hands, and the player's
reaction to each) and order them based on the time each was
obtained, from earliest to latest, with the last being the outcome
that comprised the successfully obtained flush. The system may then
output the set of documented outcomes to the player in an order and
format that conveys the story of the player's series of attempts to
obtain the flush and his final success. Similarly, a player's win
of a jackpot may be memorable, but may be even more memorable if
the player proceeds to double or lose the amount of the jackpot
through subsequent betting. In such an example, the system may
determine that the outcome that results in the player's loss of the
last of the jackpot amount is the predetermined outcome. The system
may then select each documented outcome from the time of the
jackpot win (including the outcome that corresponded to the jackpot
win) to the predetermined amount. The system may then output the
set of documented outcomes in an order that conveys the story of
the player's initial monetary victory and final monetary loss.
[0212] As described herein, in one embodiment documentation of a
single outcome and/or circumstance surrounding the obtainment of
the outcome (e.g., the player's reaction to the outcome) may be
offered for purchase and/or storage to the player. It should be
noted that, in one embodiment, no payment or consideration may be
required in exchange for documenting, storing or outputting data
associated with a prior game play. For example, a casino may offer
such services as a convenience to its patrons (e.g., in an effort
to gain a competitive advantage over other casinos). Thus, in one
embodiments, a player may have experiences documented and gain
access to such documentation for free. For example, a player may be
provided access to data associated with a prior game play any time
the player provides his player identifier and requests such
access.
[0213] In one or more embodiments, a determination may be performed
as to whether documentation of a documented event should be stored.
In other words, in one or more embodiments, a determination that an
event qualifies as a predetermined event and is to be documented is
a distinct determination from a determination of whether the
documentation of the event is to be stored. For example, in one
embodiment, a casino may store on a server or other computing
device data documenting various events experienced by players. The
stored data may be available for access to players and/or gaming
devices. For example, a player may be provided with a code or other
identifier, or may utilize the player identifier on his player
tracking card, to retrieve stored data documenting an event and
view the data (e.g., on a gaming device of the casino). In such an
embodiment, a player may be required to provide payment or other
consideration in exchange for having the data stored and/or in
exchange for viewing the data. Further, in such an embodiment an
offer may be output to the player to store the data once the data
is captured.
[0214] For example, once data documenting the occurrence of a
memorable outcome is captured, an offer may be output to the player
who obtained the memorable outcome. The offer may comprise an offer
to store the data for the player's future access. Further, the
offer may include an outputting of the data, such that the player
may view the data when making the decision as to whether to accept
the offer to have the data stored. In another embodiment, data
documenting an event may automatically be stored for a
predetermined period of time. For example, a player may be informed
that the data was captured and is available (e.g., and the player
informed as to how the data may be accessed). In such an
embodiment, the data may be stored for a predetermined period of
time (e.g., one week). If the player accesses the data within the
period of time, in one embodiment the data continues to be stored
(e.g., for another predetermined period of time). If the player
does not access the data within the predetermined period of time,
in one embodiment the data may no longer continue to be stored.
[0215] In one embodiment, data documenting an event may be
temporarily stored until it is determined whether the data is to be
more permanently stored. In one embodiment, temporarily stored data
may be permanently stored (or stored for a longer duration) if one
or more conditions are satisfied. For example, if a player
indicates that the data is to be stored and/or pays a fee for
storing the data, the data may be stored. In another example the
data may be stored only if the player associated with the data is
identified. Other conditions for storing the data may be defined by
an entity implementing aspects of the present invention.
[0216] Referring now to FIG. 7, a tabular representation of an
embodiment 700 of the documentation package database 240 (FIG. 2)
is depicted. Such a database may be used in an embodiment where a
player may register for documentation of his visit to the casino
and thus select how, when, or which events experienced by him are
to be documented. The tabular representation of the documentation
package database includes a number of example records or entries,
each of which defines a documentation package available for
purchase by players. Those skilled in the art will understand that
the documentation package database may include any number of
entries. The tabular representation of documentation package
database 700 also defines fields for each of the entries or
records. The fields specify: (i) a documentation package identifier
705 that uniquely identifies a documentation package; (ii) a
package price 710; (iii) documentation rule(s) 715; (iv) an
included in output field 720 that stores an indication of what is
included in the output of a documentation package; and (v) a
package output type 725 that stores an indication of the type of
output of the documentation included with a documentation
package.
[0217] The documentation package identifier 705 is an identifier
that uniquely identifies a documentation package that is available
for purchase. If a player purchases a documentation package, the
documentation package identifier may be stored in association with
the player identifier (e.g., in the player database 300 of FIG. 3).
In one embodiment, the player may be provided with the
documentation package identifier to input into each gaming device
the player plays. In such embodiments the documentation package
identifier may also uniquely identify the player (e.g., the
documentation package identifier may comprise a combination of the
documentation package identifier and a player identifier that
uniquely identifies the player).
[0218] The package price 710 is the price a player pays if the
player wishes to register for a defined documentation package. In
some embodiments, the price of a documentation package may be
customized based on information associated with a particular player
(e.g., players that are visiting the casino for the first time may
be offered a discounted price, players that have accumulated a
predetermined amount of comp points may be offered a discounted
price).
[0219] The documentation rules 715 are rules defining what events
are to be documented for each defined package. The included in
output field 720 defines the amount of data included in the
package, as it will be provided to the player. The amount of data
may be specified in a variety of formats, based on the form of the
documentation as it will be output to the player. For example, if
the documentation is to be output to the player in the form of a
scrapbook or photo-album, the amount of data may be specified as a
number of images, a number of pages, and/or a number of words or
characters. In another example, if the documentation is to be
output to the player in the form of a floppy disk, CD-ROM, or
electronic file the amount of data may be specified as a number of
bytes. In yet another example, if the documentation is to be output
to the player in the form of a video, the amount of data may be
specified as a duration of video.
[0220] The package output type 725 stores an indication of how the
documented events of each documented package are to be output to
the player purchasing the package. It should be noted that
documented events may be output to a player in a variety of forms.
Some forms are electronic (e.g., access to a Web page containing
the documented events experienced by the player) while others are
tangible items (e.g., a scrapbook, photo-album, or CD-ROM
containing the documented events experienced by the player). It
should be noted that more than one output type may be specified by
a package or requested by a player. It should further be noted that
in accordance with some embodiments, any of the parameters of a
package may be customized by a player (e.g., a player may request
that a specific event not typically included in a package be
documented) or a customized package may be created by a player.
[0221] It should be noted that a player may purchase a
documentation package before, during, or after his visit to the
casino. For example, a player may access a Web site associated with
the casino and select and purchase a documentation package via the
Web site. The player may do this, e.g., using a personal computer
or any other device capable of accessing such a Web site, from his
home or another location before visiting the casino. The player may
also purchase a documentation package during his visit to the
casino (e.g., via a kiosk, gaming device, or other device). For
example, an offer for at least one available documentation package
may be presented to a player while the player is playing a gaming
device. Such an offer may be presented, for example, along with an
offer for purchase of a specific documentation of an event
experienced by the player. When a player purchases a documentation
package the player may further indicate the dates during which the
documentation package is to be effective (e.g., the dates during
which the player plans on visiting the casino). Such date
information may be stored, for example, in association with the
documentation package identifier in the player database 300 (FIG.
3).
[0222] It should be noted that, in some embodiments described
herein, a single gaming device and/or a peripheral device
associated therewith may function to detect an occurrence of an
event, document the event, and/or output an offer regarding the
documentation of the event to a player. In such embodiments, a
gaming device may not necessarily act at the direction of a
controller or server in carrying out any or some of these
functions. Further, in some embodiments the gaming device may store
some of the information described herein as being stored in the
above-described databases (e.g., a gaming device may store an
indication of predetermined events, rules for documenting events,
and/or rules for storing documentation of events). Similarly, the
gaming device need not have access or utilize all of the
information described as being stored in the above-described
databases. Further still, some of the functions described as being
carried out by a controller may be carried out by a gaming device
instead of, in conjunction with or in addition be being carried out
by the controller.
[0223] In embodiments wherein a gaming device captures data
regarding an event, the gaming device may transmit the data to the
controller or another device, for purposes of storage and future
access to the data by a player associated with the event.
Processes
[0224] Referring now to FIG. 8, a process 800, in accordance with
some embodiments of the present invention, is described. The
process 800 may be performed, for example, by the controller 110
and/or a gaming device. The steps of the process 800 may be
performed by different devices or combinations of devices. No
particular order of the performance of the steps of process 800 is
necessary.
[0225] The process 800 begins at step 805, where the occurrence of
an event is determined. The occurrence of an event may be
determined by various methods. In some embodiments, the controller
may monitor all gaming devices for the occurrences of events that
match predetermined events or predetermined criteria. In some
embodiments a variety of event detection devices throughout a
casino may monitor activities at the casino for occurrences of
events that match predetermined events or predetermined criteria.
For example, in embodiments where a camera functions as an event
detection device, the camera may monitor images of players,
outcomes of table games, and/or outcomes obtained on gaming
devices. By analyzing the image a processor associated with the
camera may determine whether an event has occurred. For example, if
a facial expression or body position of a player suddenly alters,
the processor associated with a camera may determine that an event
has occurred. In another example, if an outcome that corresponds to
a payout is obtained at a table game or gaming device, the
processor associated with the camera may determine that an event
has occurred.
[0226] In some embodiments a gaming device may function as an event
detection device and monitor the outcomes obtained on the gaming
device and/or the reaction of the player to outcomes obtained on
the gaming device to determine whether an event has occurred. For
example, a gaming device may store a table of predetermined
outcomes, the occurrence of which is defined as an event. The
gaming device may thus determine that an event has occurred if one
of the predetermined outcomes has been obtained on the gaming
device. In another embodiment the gaming device may not perform the
determination of whether an outcome has occurred but may rather
transmit signals indicative of outcomes obtained on the gaming
device or data indicative of the player's reactions to outcomes
obtained on the gaming device. The gaming device may transmit such
signals and/or data to a controller such as controller 110 or to a
casino server (which may, in some embodiments, transmit such
signals and/or data to the controller 110 in some embodiments). In
such embodiments the controller and/or casino server may perform
the determination of whether an event has occurred.
[0227] In some embodiments, a player may be equipped with a device
capable of communicating with the system of the present invention
and capable of communicating to the system that an event has or is
about to occur. For example, a player may be equipped with a
cellular telephone or personal digital assistant (PDA). The
player's cellular telephone or PDA may be operable to communicate
(e.g., wirelessly) with the controller, a casino server, or a
documenting device such as a slot machine or security camera. The
player may thereby alert a documenting device, casino server, or
the controller that an event has occurred and the player requests
that it be documented.
[0228] Determining the occurrence of an event may comprise
determining that an event (i) is about to occur, (ii) is in the
process of occurring, or (iii) has just occurred. For example, in
embodiments wherein documenting an event comprises documenting a
player's reaction to an outcome obtained on a gaming device, it may
be beneficial to determine that an outcome is about to be displayed
to the player before the outcome is actually displayed to the
player. This may allow sufficient time to direct a documenting
device to capture the player's reaction from just before the
outcome is displayed to the player to the end of the player's
reaction or a leveling off of the player's reaction. For example,
it may be beneficial to begin capturing a player's reaction to an
outcome one (1) to two (2) seconds before the outcome is displayed
to the player and ending three (3) to five (5) seconds after the
outcome is displayed to the player. Such a period of time will, in
many circumstances, allow for the capturing of the full extent or
range of the player's reaction.
[0229] In such embodiments determining the occurrence of the
outcome may comprise determining that an outcome is going to be
displayed to a player by determining that a random number
corresponding to a particular outcome has been determined by the
gaming device. This would allow time for directing a documenting
device (e.g., a microphone and/or camera) to focus on the player or
another relevant person or to become activated. Such focusing or
activation may be occurring while the reels of a slot machine are
spinning or while the initial hand in a video poker hand is being
dealt. In some embodiments, if more time is needed to direct a
documenting device, the gaming device may be directed to extend the
period of time at the end of which the outcome is displayed to the
player. For example, a slot machine may be directed to spin the
reels for an extra two (2) seconds before displaying the outcome to
a player if necessary to direct a documenting device to fully
capture the reaction of the player or another person. In some
embodiments the documenting device is a component of the gaming
device or attached to the gaming device. In such embodiments, if it
is determined by the gaming device that the documenting device is
temporarily unavailable or taking longer than usual to become ready
to document the reaction, the gaming device may be programmed to
recognize the need for more time. Consequently, the gaming device
may automatically extend the period of time at the end of which the
outcome is displayed to the player.
[0230] The following is a non-exhaustive list of events the
occurrence of which may be determined, in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention: [0231] (i) The player
achieves a predetermined outcome defined by the player. For
example, a player may indicate that only certain outcomes are to be
documented, or may wish to document all outcomes, all outcomes
during a particular session, all outcomes at a particular machine,
at a particular location, obtained near a particular person, etc.
[0232] (ii) The player achieves an outcome that pays out a certain
minimum number of dollars or credits (i.e., the outcome corresponds
to a payout amount of a certain magnitude). [0233] (iii) The player
achieves a certain number of winning outcomes in a row or in close
proximity (temporal or geographical) to one another. [0234] (iv)
The player comes close to achieving a winning outcome. For example,
one reel of a slot machine is only slightly off what would
otherwise correspond to the jackpot. [0235] (v) The player has the
opportunity to achieve a winning outcome. For example, the player
may have qualified for the bonus round of a slot machine game, or
the player may have four cards to a royal flush in video poker. The
player in such a circumstance has a good opportunity for a large
payout. [0236] (vi) The player is in the midst of an exceptionally
fun part of a game. For example, a game may have exceptionally fun
graphics or an interesting story even if there is not the
possibility for a large payout. [0237] (vii) Others in the vicinity
of the player achieve winning outcomes. For example, the player may
be next to a person who has won a slot machine jackpot. The player
may be at a Craps table where most people are on a winning streak.
The excitement of the crowd might be something worth documenting.
[0238] (viii) The dealer at a blackjack table busts (exceeds 21
points). The dealer busting is often an exciting event for
blackjack players. [0239] (ix) The player's bankroll reaches a
certain point. The player's bankroll may be what cash he has with
him, or what credits he has in the machine. The bankroll may be
reaching a new high, a new low, an even mark, etc. [0240] (x) The
player loses on a particular outcome. [0241] (xi) The player loses
on a certain number of outcomes in a row or on a certain number of
outcomes in close proximity (temporally or geographically) to one
another. [0242] (xii) The player makes his first handle pull of the
day. Also noteworthy may be the first handle pull of a session, the
first handle pull at a particular machine, the first handle pull
using the credits from a new twenty dollar bill, etc. Similarly,
the last handle pull of the day, the last handle pull of a trip,
etc., may be worthy of documentation. [0243] (xiii) The player eats
at a restaurant. Documentation of this event may include
documenting the menu, the particular meal the player ordered, the
service the player received, the company the player was with, and
so on. [0244] (xiv) The player meets, or sits next to an
interesting or famous person. For instance, the player may sit
beside a person at a blackjack table who places $1000 bets.
Documenting such an event may include, for example, capturing a
photograph of the player beside the $1000 bettor. [0245] (xv) The
player goes to a show. Documenting such an event may include, for
example, documenting the show itself, documenting the player
entering the show, the cost of the show, obtaining an autograph of
one of the show's performers, etc. [0246] (xvi) The player checks
into a hotel, or enters his hotel room. Documenting such an event
may include, for example, capturing pictures of the hotel room, the
view from the hotel room, the interior of the hotel leading to the
room, etc. [0247] (xvii) The player gets complimentary (comp) point
or comp items. Documenting such an event may comprise, for example,
documenting the number of points the player received, why the
player received the points, and/or the items for which the player
exchanged the points. [0248] (xviii) The player makes a purchase
(e.g., at a merchandising establishment associated with the
casino). [0249] (xix) The player watches a TV show or movie. [0250]
(xx) The player sits down at a particular gaming device.
Documenting such an event may comprise documenting information
about the gaming device, such as it's date of manufacture, serial
number, date of installation, manufacturer, game type, payout
history, etc. Such information may be important to a player for
reasons of superstition or other reasons. [0251] (xxi) The player
travels outside of the casino. Documenting such an event may
include, for example, documenting the player's his taxi ride from
the airport, his plane ride to Las Vegas, his bus ride to Atlantic
City, etc. [0252] (xxii) Other events that happen during an event
of importance to the player. For example, at the moment a player
wins a jackpot, the player may wish to record what the weather is
like, how many other people in Las Vegas are winning jackpots at
the same moment, what political events are going on in the world,
what celebrities are having their birthdays, what is the size of
the progressive jackpot, etc. [0253] (xxiii) The player receives a
marketing offer. For example, the player might receive an offer of
$30 if he agrees to meet with a life insurance representative. The
player might document the offer itself, as well as whether or not
he accepted the offer. If the player does accept an offer, then one
benefit of the documentation would be to remind the player of his
obligation to carry out the terms of the offer (in this case, to
meet with the life insurance representative). [0254] (xxiv) The
player or a person in proximity to the player says something witty,
profound, surprising, or otherwise worth capturing. Similarly, the
player or another person may make an interesting facial expression
worth capturing. [0255] (xxv) The player, the player's family,
and/or the player's friends travel to a water park or a theme park
associated with the casino. [0256] (xxvi) The player, the player's
family, and/or the player's friends go on a site seeing tour.
[0257] Once the occurrence of an event is determined in step 805,
the process 800 continues to step 810. In step 810, a decision of
whether to document the determined event is made.
[0258] A decision as to whether to document the determined event
may be based on a variety of factors. In some embodiments, as
described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, one or more rules may
be associated with a predetermined event. In such embodiments, a
decision as to whether to document the occurrence of the event may
comprise determining whether any rule(s) associated with the event
have been satisfied. In other embodiments, casino personnel may be
notified of the occurrence of the event and make the decision as to
whether to document the event. In other embodiments, the player
experiencing the event may be presented with an offer to document
the event and either agree or decline to have the event documented.
The factors used to decide whether to document an event may vary
based on, for example, the casino implementing the system of the
present invention, the judgment of casino personnel, the identity
of the player experiencing the event, a characteristic of the
player (e.g., is the player facing a direction that may be
documented in a sufficient manner), a time (e.g., time of day,
week, month, year, etc.), and a characteristic of the event.
[0259] In some embodiments, deciding whether to document an event
may comprise determining whether a documenting device is available
to document the event. For example, all documenting devices capable
of documenting the event (e.g., cameras in the vicinity of the
occurrence of the event) may be either off-line or busy performing
other functions. The determination of whether a documenting device
is available may be done by searching the device database 400 (FIG.
4).
[0260] In some embodiments, security concerns may be a factor in
the decision of whether or not to document a determined event. In
some embodiments, documenting an event may comprise capturing an
image of the event using security cameras located throughout the
casino. In such embodiments capturing an image of the event may
further comprise directing a security camera to focus on the area
of the event. If the security camera is not already focused on the
area of the event, directing a camera to focus on the event may
comprise directing a camera to no longer focus on the area the
camera had been focusing on prior to the direction. Such shift in
focus may not be desirable under certain circumstances. For
example, security personnel may be viewing suspicious activity in a
certain area of a casino via the camera in question. Having the
camera re-focused on a different area would interrupt such viewing
of suspicious activity. Accordingly, in some embodiments the
decision of whether to document an event may comprise providing
casino personnel an opportunity to override the refocusing of a
particular camera or to indicate that a particular camera is
currently in use for security purposes. For example, a message may
be displayed for a period of time (e.g. 3 seconds) to casino
personnel (e.g., casino personnel monitoring security cameras)
before a particular camera is refocused. The message may inform the
casino personnel that the camera is about to be refocused unless
the casino personnel indicate otherwise. The message may be
displayed to the casino personnel in a prominent manner. For
example, the message may appear on the monitor displaying the image
of the camera in question and/or may blink or appear in prominent
or bright font. Further, a signal such as a light or sound may
accompany the message to further draw the attention of casino
personnel. Casino personnel may override the refocusing by, for
example, actuating a button on a control console, actuating a key
on a keyboard, touching an area of a touchscreen, or speaking a
command into a microphone.
[0261] In another embodiment, privacy concerns may be a factor in
the decision of whether or not to document a certain event. For
example, a wide-angle camera may capture both a gaming device
player, who may have previously indicated approval to be recorded,
and a bystander, who may not have indicated such approval. Thus, an
event may not be recorded (and/or output) if a patron who has not
given approval to be recorded may be seen within an image or video
captured by a camera.
[0262] In another embodiment, a camera will not be refocused unless
permission to do so is received from casino personnel.
[0263] In another embodiment casino personnel may preemptively
indicate that a camera is currently being used for security
purposes and is not to be refocused. For example, casino personnel
may actuate a button or speak a command when they first begin to
utilize a camera for security purposes (e.g., when they first start
to observe suspicious activity). This may result in the camera
being "locked" or no longer being available for use in documenting
events. For example, the status of a camera may be set to "locked"
in the device database 400 (FIG. 4). Such a status may be in effect
until casino personnel indicate otherwise and/or until a
predetermined period of time has passed.
[0264] If a decision is made not to document the event in step 810,
process 800 returns to step 805, wherein a determination of the
occurrence of another event is made. If a decision is made to
document the event in step 810, the process 800 continues to step
815.
[0265] In step 815 an indication of the event is stored. As
described above, an indication of the event may comprise, for
example, a description of the event. The description of the event
may comprise a textual, graphical, and/or audio description. For
example, if the event comprises an outcome obtained on a gaming
device, the description may comprise (i) a textual description such
as "cherry-cherry-cherry"; (ii) a graphical description such as a
depiction of the symbols comprising the outcome; and/or (iii) an
audio description such as a voice recording that speaks the names
of the symbols comprising the outcomes. An indication of the event
should not be confused with documentation of the event. An
indication of the event encompasses a description of the event
itself while documentation of the event encompasses a
representation of something that occurred as a result (e.g., the
display of the symbols corresponding to the outcome on an output
device of a gaming device) or in response to the occurrence of the
event (e.g., the reaction of a person to the occurrence of the
event).
[0266] The indication of the event may be stored, for example, in a
player database such as table 300 (FIG. 3) or in another record of
occurred events (e.g., a database of occurred events). An
indication of an event may also be stored locally at a device
(e.g., a data storage device associated with a gaming device), or
on a player tracking card of a player who experienced the event.
Storing an indication of an event may comprise storing a file that
contains the description of the event. Storing an indication of an
event may also comprise storing an identifier that allows location
of the indication of the event (e.g., a time at which the event
occurred and a device identifier that identifies a device stores an
indication of the occurrence of the event). Storing an indication
of an event may also comprise determining not to store an
indication of another event when doing so would interfere with
storing the indication of the subject event.
[0267] In some embodiments, process 800 may also include a step of
determining whether to store a captured documentation of an event.
For example, if documentation of an outcome was captured, the
player associated with the outcome may be queried as to whether the
player would like to have the outcome stored and available for
subsequent access. In such an embodiment, the documentation may
only be stored if the player responds in the affirmative to such a
query. In one embodiment, a player may be required to provide
payment before documentation of an event is stored for the player's
subsequent access.
[0268] In some embodiments, wherein an event comprises an outcome
obtained on the gaming device, the gaming device may store
indications of outcomes locally in memory. The gaming device may
later transmit the indications of the obtained outcomes to a casino
server and/or controller. Alternatively, the gaming device may
transmit an indication of each outcome as it occurs to a casino
server and/or controller. The server and/or controller may then
associate received indications of outcomes with the player in a
database such as player database 300 (FIG. 3).
[0269] In one embodiment, a gaming device may transmit to a
controller or another device only documentation that a player has
agreed to have stored and/or has paid to have stored.
[0270] Indications of outcomes may be stored in simple, compressed
form. For example, "ebb" might stand for "cherry-bar-bar."
Indications of outcomes may be stored by using an outcome
identifier, such as "OC123456." The identifier may be associated
with an actual reel symbol configuration (or card configuration, in
a video poker gaming device) in a database, which the server,
controller or the player may consult if necessary.
[0271] In another embodiment, images of outcomes are captured by
cameras located throughout a casino. The camera feeds may be
interpreted by a human or computer program with image recognition
capabilities. The human or program may transmit an indication of
the outcomes to a casino server or controller. In another
embodiment, casino personnel may view a player playing gaming
devices or table games. The casino personnel may record indications
of the player's outcomes and communicate the indications to a
casino server or controller, and/or provide them directly to the
player.
[0272] In another embodiment, the gaming device does not store
indications of outcomes long term. The gaming device instead prints
an indication of each outcome as it occurs, or soon after it
occurs, on a paper tape or other medium. The paper tape, for
example, may be gradually output from the gaming device as the
player makes more and more handle pulls. The player may, for
example, tear off the paper tape any time he wants so as to review
or save the outcomes.
[0273] In still another embodiment, the player may insert a floppy
disk or other storage media into the gaming device. The gaming
device may then save indications of the outcomes to the disk. In
yet another embodiment, indications of outcomes are transmitted to
a player device as they are generated. For example, a gaming device
may maintain an infrared link to a player's PDA as the player
gambles. Each outcome is then transmitted to the PDA where it can
be stored.
[0274] In step 820 the event is documented. Documenting an event
has been described above. Step 820 may further comprise a
determination of what type of data is to be captured as part of the
documentation. Such a determination may be done, for example, by
accessing a predetermined event database 600 (FIG. 6A) or 650 (FIG.
6B) and determining the documentation type associated with an
event.
[0275] In some embodiments, the player may choose the method or
type of documentation. The player may communicate his choice in a
number of ways. The player may select options from a menu (e.g., a
menu presented on a gaming device or other computing device
available to a player) by pressing areas of a touch screen,
pressing numerals on a keypad beneath a player-tracking card reader
of a gaming device, speaking choices into a microphone, etc. For
example, several options for image size may be presented to the
player on the screen of a slot machine. In some embodiments, a
player may simply key in a full text description of what he wants.
For example, the player may use a keyboard displayed on a touch
screen to enter, "I would like 50 pictures taken of me at five
minute intervals during the next couple of hours." The player's
request may be interpreted by a human operator associated with the
casino or with the central controller. Alternatively, the request
may be interpreted by a computer program. The player may also voice
a complete request into a microphone connected to a gaming device
or documenting device. The voiced request may then be interpreted
by a human or computer program.
[0276] If a player has made arrangements in advance for a method of
documentation, documenting devices may simply be alerted when the
player appears in their proximity and provides identification. For
example, when a player inserts his player tracking card into a slot
machine, the slot machine may alert the controller, which in turn
tells the slot machine to begin saving the player's outcomes.
[0277] In some embodiments a player may also select options from a
menu using a cell phone or a PDA. For example, he may choose a
method of documentation by calling a number associated with the
central controller and keying in numerals corresponding to choices
of documentation methods.
[0278] A non-exhaustive list of documentation choices that may be
available to the player follows. The list is not meant to be
limiting in any sense but is included for illustrative purposes
only. [0279] (i) The documentation medium. The medium may include
photographs, video recordings, audio recordings, text, outcome
data, sketches, paintings, etc. Each may be in physically tangible
or electronic form. For example, a photograph may be developed and
printed, or may be digitized and posted on a Web site. A video may
be put onto a videocassette tape or DVD, or may be posted on the
Web as a video file. [0280] (ii) The quantity of documentation.
Quantitative information may include how many different events to
document, how many different ways to document the same event, and
how many copies of a given item of documentation to make. To
illustrate, three different players might each ask for 10
photographs. The first player might ask to have a photograph taken
whenever he wins more than $40 at a slot machine. The second player
might ask that the ten photographs be taken of him in rapid
succession when he wins a jackpot. The third player might ask for
ten copies of a single photograph taken of him after winning a
jackpot. Quantity may include the number of photographs, the number
of frames in a video clip, the length of a video clip, the length
of an audio clip, the number of characters in a text document, or
the number of outcomes. Quantity information may also include the
amount of storage space used by documentation. For example, the
number of bits used to store a photograph, video, or audio clip.
Storage space may even be physical, as in the amount of space used
to store a photo album. [0281] (iii) The packaging of the
documentation. Packaging includes the frames on pictures, the
covering of any albums, the binding of the albums, the quality of
the plastics in the album, the covering of video or audiotapes or
laser discs, and any introductory or contextual information.
Introductory information, for example, could be included as the
first track on a digital video disc (DVD). Introductory information
might describe the casino the player was at, show highlights from
the player's trip, show a montage of gambling images, etc.
Packaging might also entail the inclusion of documentation on a
product, such as a T-shirt, a mug, or a deck of cards. For example,
the player might request a deck of cards, where each card contains
a different picture of the player. [0282] (iv) The processing of
the documentation. Processing might involve any changes to the
documentation to make it more entertaining, more cosmetically
pleasing, less embarrassing, less repetitive, more sentimental,
more suspenseful, etc. Thus, pictures may be altered to brighten
shadowy areas, to smooth errant locks of hair, to eliminate specs
or smudges, etc. Pictures may even be altered to add people or
objects that had not been there originally. For example, an image
of Lady Luck may appear over the player's shoulder in a picture.
Pictures may also be altered to subtract people or objects. The
frames of a video may be altered as pictures are altered. In
addition, the processing of video may include the addition or
subtraction of frames, and the speeding up or slowing down of the
frame rate. For example, certain portions of the video may be shown
in slow motion to increase suspense. Audio recordings may be sped
up or slowed down. Audio recordings may also be passed through
filters to eliminate extraneous noises, such as the background
sounds of coins dropping. Outcome data may simply be changed, added
or eliminated. For example, if a player does not wish to remember a
string of losing outcomes, he may have them eliminated from the
documentation of his trip. In another example, the processing of
video may include the addition of closed captioning or other
text.
[0283] As described herein, documentation of an event may be
altered without input from the player, for various purposes. [0284]
(v) Payment for the documentation. The player may pay at a gaming
device using cash, or credits stored on the device. In one
embodiment, the player pays using a portion of a payout he is due.
For example, if the player has Just won $200, he may have his
picture taken in front of the slot machine, and only take $198 of
the pay out. The player may also pay with a credit card by, for
example, inserting a credit card or by entering a credit card
number into the device.
[0285] In some embodiments the player may pay by a commitment of
some kind. For example, the player might commit to playing for two
hours at a gaming device. Since a casino might expect to make $50
from two hours of play, a commitment to two hours of play might
serve as adequate payment for documentation. A player might also
commit a portion of future payouts. For example, "I'll pay you two
dollars from my next $50-or-greater payout." A player might also
commit to eat at a casino restaurant, to stay at a casino hotel, to
make purchases at the casino, and so on. A player might commit to
do business with a third party merchant. For example, the player
might commit to switch phone services to AT&T.TM.. AT&T.TM.
might then pay the casino or the controller on behalf of the
player, AT&T.TM. having now acquired a valuable new customer.
The player might also perform work as payment. For example, the
player might participate in surveys or focus groups on-line, or
might act as a security guard by monitoring feeds from remote
security cameras. The player might also finance the payment for
documentation. For example, the player might pay $10 per month for
the next 11 months to purchase $100 worth of documentation. As
payment the player may refer friends to the casino or the
controller. The referrals may serve as adequate payment since the
casino now has the opportunity to market to the player's friends. A
player may also disclose his own intentions to the casino or
controller. For example, the player tells the casino how long he
intends to stay in Las Vegas. The casino or controller may then
market to the player based on his disclosed intentions, perhaps
offering the player a special hotel rate for the remainder of his
stay. The disclosed intentions of the player serve as valuable
payment for the documentation, since, by marketing to the player,
the casino or controller may obtain additional revenue from the
player.
[0286] It should be noted that the player input regarding
documentation of an event, as described above, may occur during
process 800 as an event is about to be documented or may occur at
another time. For example, in some embodiments a player may input
his documentation choices before he visits the casino (e.g., via a
Web site) or at any time during his visit to the casino but before
the occurrence of the subject event. In some embodiments a player
may input some information at a time prior to the occurrence of an
event and then be asked for additional information or preferences
regarding documentation once the event occurs.
[0287] As described above, documenting an occurrence of an event
may comprise capturing an image representative of the event. As
also described above, there are several ways of capturing images to
document the occurrence of an event. For example, casino security
cameras may film the player. The filming may be done as part of the
cameras' primary function, detecting cheating. U.S. Pat.
application No. 5,801,766 to Alden describes a method of using a
security camera to monitor gambling at a roulette gambling table in
order to detect movement of hands (and potential cheating)
immediately after the end of each game. The entirety of this
application is incorporated by reference herein. The filming may
also be done with the primary purpose of documentation, e.g., for a
player's scrapbook.
[0288] In some embodiments, images of a player may also be taken
using cameras built into gaming devices, or using hand held cameras
carried by casino employees. In one embodiment, a player achieves a
triggering outcome, such as a jackpot. The player's gaming device
then alerts casino employees to approach the player with cameras or
other recording devices and to record the player. The gaming device
may also communicate with other casino devices that would enhance
the documentation process. For example, the player's gaming device
might communicate with overhead lights, which would then focus on
the player, acting much like a spotlight. Such generous lighting
might ensure better results in the photographing of the player. A
mobile, overhead microphone might also move towards the player to
better capture some of the player's words or vocalizations of
emotions.
[0289] In some embodiments, the player is photographed using his
own camera. The player's camera may be in communication with one or
more gaming devices or documenting devices. These devices would
indicate to the player's camera when to take a photograph. For
example, when the player has achieved a winning outcome, the
player's slot machine may alert the player's camera to take a
photograph.
[0290] The sounds of the player's experience may be recorded using
microphones. The microphones may be built into gaming devices, may
be placed next to casino security cameras, or may be otherwise
situated. A player might carry his own microphone too. In one
embodiment, a player employs a mobile phone to record sounds. For
example, the player dials a number associated with the controller
when he desires to record sounds. The player enters an identifier,
allowing the controller to associate the sounds with the player's
scrapbook. The player may then speak into the phone, or hold the
phone up to the air, and the controller may record the sounds.
[0291] A player may also wish to document text of various sorts.
For example, the player eats at a restaurant and wishes to record
what the menu was. The player could simply photograph the menu. The
player might also remember the name of the restaurant and transmit
the name to the controller. The player might, for example, key in
the name of the restaurant at a gaming device. The controller might
then look up the restaurant's menu on-line and make a copy for the
player's scrapbook. In another embodiment, the player provides an
identifier to a restaurant employee. The restaurant employee may
then contact the central controller, informing the central
controller of the contents of the menu, and with whom to associate
the text of the menu. The restaurant employee may also communicate
to the central controller what the player ate, how much the player
paid, take pictures or other documentation of the player, and so
on.
[0292] Many other events may be documented. For example, many
players on a trip to Las Vegas enjoy playing golf between gambling
sessions. Players often record their golf performances using
scorecards. A player who has filled out a scorecard may submit the
card to the manager of a golf course, who may then scan the card
and transmit the image of the card to the central controller. The
card may then become part of the documentation for the player's
trip. In another embodiment, the player keeps his score
electronically, as on a PDA. The player may then download
performance data from his PDA to the central controller to be
included as part of the player's scrapbook.
[0293] There are other games where scores are kept. For example,
bowling scores may be recorded and become part of a player's
scrapbook. Rifle range scores may also be kept.
[0294] A shopping experience of a player may also be documented in
some embodiments. For example, when a player makes purchases at a
POS terminal, the POS terminal may transmit to the controller both
the player's identity and the purchases the player made. For
example, the POS terminal transmits the names of the items
purchased and the amounts for which the items were purchased. The
PO terminal may also transmit descriptions of the purchased item.
For example, "this diamond necklace was crafted by Sam Jones, the
master jeweler . . . "
[0295] In some embodiments, when a casino server or controller
documents an event, the casino server or controller may give the
player an opportunity to affect certain poses, to add comments, to
comb hair, etc. For example, the casino server or controller may
transmit a message to the player, asking the player to look upwards
and to the right so as to face directly into a security camera to
have his picture taken. In doing so, the casino server might refer
to a database, which tells a player at any given gaming device
where to look in order to face the closest camera. The controller
might also ask a player to make a statement for posterity, such as
"I'd like to thank my brother Joe who insisted I should give this
machine a try . . . "
[0296] It should be noted that the controller or other entity
(e.g., gaming device) might document an event either before or
after asking a player whether he would like to receive
documentation of an event and/or whether the player would like to
have the documentation stored and available for future access. For
example, a player might win a jackpot and then be asked whether he
would like to receive an image of himself as he won. In one
embodiment, by the time the controller presents the offer to the
player, the controller already has stored an image of the player as
the player won the jackpot. In such an embodiment, the controller
is not asking the player whether he wants a new image captured, but
whether he would like a copy of an existing image, (e.g., stored as
a frame on a video cassette tape and captured by a casino security
camera). However, in other embodiments the controller may capture
images of the player after the player accepts an offer. In such an
embodiment, however, some time may have passed since the winning
outcome occurred, and the player may not be quite as emotional as
he was initially.
[0297] In some embodiments a gaming device may continuously save
new images from a camera to a computer memory, and, at the same
time, remove images taken more than a set time in the past. This
looping mechanism allows the gaming device to always have recent
events saved, while not overloading its memory with images from the
distant past. The gaming device or controller is thereby able to
offer the documentation of a recent event for the player's
scrapbook. In some embodiments, when a recent event has been
noteworthy, the overwriting mechanism stops so that the player has
time to agree to save the images before they are erased. For
example, when the player wins a jackpot, the gaming device may
momentarily discontinue the erasing of stored images. The
controller may then ask the player whether the player would like to
purchase images of himself during the winning moment. If the player
wants to purchase the images and thus wants the images saved, then
the images may be transmitted to the controller for storage in
association with the player identifier of the player. In any event,
once the player has made his decision, the images can be erased
from the slot machine's computer memory, and the looping can
proceed once more.
[0298] In step 825 the documentation of the event is stored in
association with the stored indication of the event. Storing
documentation in association with a stored indication of an event
may comprise, for example, storing the documentation and the
indication in the same record of a database (e.g., a documented
events database or a player database) or storing the documentation
and indication in association with a common identifier (e.g., the
player identifier of the player who experienced the event, the
event identifier, a new identifier that is generated to uniquely
identify the association of the documentation and indication of the
event, etc.). A common identifier may or may not comprise an
identical identifier. For example, an identifier associated with
the documentation of the event may be different from the identifier
associated with the indication of the event but may be a common
identifier by virtue of a portion of the identifier being the
same.
[0299] In some embodiments wherein documentation of an event
comprises video of the event, frames of the film may be stored on
videotapes or on other electronic or magnetic media. The frames may
be stored at the casino server or may be transmitted to the
controller and stored in a database. In one embodiment, every frame
is associated with information partially describing the content of
the frame. For example, a frame may be associated with the time at
which it was made, and the camera from which it was generated.
Furthermore, a gaming device or area of a casino depicted in a
frame may also be identified. In the meantime, a gaming device may
record the times at which a particular player played at the gaming
device. Therefore, by matching the time and the gaming device
associated with a frame, with the time at which a person was at a
particular gaming device, the controller may deduce which frames
depict which players. The controller may later provide these frames
to the player as part of the player's scrapbook.
[0300] The process of matching a time associated with a picture
frame with a reference time may be done with a computer program.
For example, a documenting device may print (on an inconspicuous
part of a frame) a series of numerals representing a time on a
medium on which frames documenting an event are contained. The
medium containing the frame of interest may then be inserted into
another device whose output is analyzed by a computer program. In
one embodiment the program seeks to recognize the numerical
characters on each frame describing the time at which the frame was
taken. A time might read, "8:38:23.89PM", may indicate that the
frame was taken at 8:38 and 23 seconds and 89 hundredths of a
second, in the evening. To make the job of the program easier,
numerals might be printed in a format easily recognizable by a
computer, e.g. a block format. Furthermore, the time might always
be printed in a specific location on a frame, perhaps in the lower
right hand corner. The time might also be printed in a specific and
unique color anticipated by the computer program. The medium may
then be played at an accelerated rate, with the computer program
interpreting the time in each frame. When the time matches that of
a reference time (i.e. the time at which an event occurred), the
program may pause the search or analysis of the medium. Perhaps the
frame is digitized from the tape and later converted into a
photograph. In another embodiment, the frame may be physically cut
from the tape and developed into a photograph.
[0301] In one or more embodiments, the time at which an image or
other data was captured may be used to alter the image such that an
indication of the time is included in the image when the image is
output to the player.
[0302] In another embodiment, each frame does not have a time
printed directly on the frame. Instead, the casino server or
documenting device notes the time at which the documenting device
began documenting, and the speed (in frames per second) at which it
has been documenting. It is then possible to deduce the time at
which each frame on the medium of the documenting device was
captured. To later obtain the proper frame, a computer program
would count off frames from the beginning of the medium until it
came upon the desired frame number.
[0303] In another embodiment, the feeds from security cameras are
digitized and sent directly to the casino server or controller. The
casino server or controller may then associate in a database both a
time and a camera identifier with each frame. Then, to find a
desired frame, the casino server would need only perform a database
lookup indexed by time and camera. In some embodiments, the
digitized frames might also be sent directly to the player,
allowing the player to select the preferred frames (e.g., for his
scrapbook, for availability for subsequent retrieval, etc.).
[0304] In step 830 the documentation and indication of the event is
output to the player that experienced the event. This step 830 may
include outputting an offer to sell the documentation and the
indication of the event to the player. Outputting the documentation
and indication of the event to the player may comprise, for
example, displaying a captured image of the player's reaction to an
outcome of a gaming device wherein the image includes an indication
of the outcome (e.g., the symbols comprising the outcome are
displayed along the bottom of the image). In some embodiments step
830 may be omitted. For example, a player may have previously
agreed to purchase documentation of certain events. In such an
example the documentation and indication of the event may simply be
stored for later provision to the player (e.g., as part of a
scrapbook of documented events). In another example, a decision as
to whether an image is to be provided or presented to the player as
available for storage or purchase may not be made until it is
determined whether certain conditions are met. For example, as
described above, subsequent outcomes of a player may be determined
and documented and a determination of whether any of the documented
events comprises a predetermined event made (e.g., which outcome
corresponded to the player's highest payout amount of the day).
[0305] In embodiments wherein a player has not previously agreed to
pay for documentation of one or more events, the presentation to
the player of the documentation and indication of the event may
include an offer to allow the player to purchase the documentation
and indication (as presented or in another form). For example, the
offer may allow the player to purchase the image being displayed on
the gaming device as a single image or as part of a compilation of
data (e.g., a scrapbook). The offer may include a price. The price
may, in some embodiments, be deductible from the player's current
credit balance or billable to the player's hotel bill if the player
is a guest of a hotel associated with the casino.
[0306] In step 835 it is determined whether the player agrees to
purchase the documentation and indication of the event. If the
player does not agree to purchase the documentation and indication
of the event, process 800 returns to step 805, where the occurrence
of another event is determined. If the player does agree to
purchase the documentation and indication of the event, process 800
continues to step 840.
[0307] In step 840 payment for the documentation and indication of
the event is obtained from the player. Of course, in some
embodiments the player had pre-paid for the documentation (e.g.,
embodiments wherein the player purchased a documentation
package).
[0308] As discussed, the player may use cash or credits, a portion
of a payout, a portion of a future payout, or a commitment to an
obligation (e.g., to do business with a merchant). The player may
also do work of some kind, may refer friends to the casino or to
the controller, or may disclose his own intended actions so that
the casino or controller may better market to the player.
[0309] In some embodiments, the player does not pay immediately
after agreeing to pay for documentation. In one embodiment, the
casino or controller documents a number of events and then presents
the documentation to the player. The player chooses the
documentation he wants to keep and pays only for that. For example,
the controller may post a number of digital pictures of the player
to a Web site. The player may examine the pictures and choose his
fifty favorites. The player may then pay for the fifty photos, and
the controller may then send the favorites to the player.
[0310] In one embodiment, documentation of an event is stored
without a player being required to pay for the storage. However, in
such an embodiment the player may be required to provide payment or
some consideration before being allowed to retrieve the
documentation (e.g., the player may have to pay a fee before an
outcome is replayed for the player).
[0311] In step 845, the documentation and indication of the event
is provided to the player. This may comprise providing the player
with a tangible medium containing the documentation (e.g., a
scrapbook, picture, CD-ROM, floppy disk, or video cassette). The
documentation and indication of the event may be performed
immediately after the player experiences the event (e.g., while the
player is still at the gaming device at which an outcome comprising
the event occurred) or at a later time. For example, a picture may
be printed and output to a player from a gaming device or an output
device attached to the gaming device. Alternatively, a picture may
be provided to a player by casino personnel at a later time during
the player's visit to the casino or may be mailed or e-mailed to
the player at a later time. In embodiments where the documentation
is to be part of a compilation of data such as a scrapbook the
documentation may not be provided to the player until the capturing
of the data for the compilation is complete (e.g., until the
scrapbook is complete). It should also be noted that in some
embodiment providing the documentation and indication of the event
to the player may comprise providing a code to the player which may
allow the player to access the documentation and indication. The
code may comprise a code that, when entered into a Web site, will
give the player access to a personalized Web page containing
documentation of events the player experienced or that will result
in the data being output via a gaming device.
[0312] It should be noted that in some embodiments the player may
be allowed to modify the documentation. Before the player receives
documentation in its final form, the player may modify, narrow
down, annotate, or otherwise alter the documentation. The
alteration process might make the documentation more suspenseful,
more interesting, less embarrassing, or might even put the player
in a better light. For example, the player might have a choice of
250 photographs, and may select only 30, so as not to bore a
relative with too many photographs.
[0313] The following is a non-exhaustive list of how the player
might be allowed to modify documentation. The list is provided for
illustrative purposes only and is not meant to be limiting in any
sense. [0314] (i) Edit or shorten the documentation. For example,
the player might select five minutes of highlights from a two-hour
long video of his trip. The player might select the top twenty out
of one thousand photographs taken. The player might select one
particularly volatile sequence of outcomes, and discard records of
other outcomes achieved by the player. [0315] (ii) Annotate the
documentation. In annotating, the player may add written or verbal
comments to explain a situation. The player may add a comment
alongside a picture of an outcome indicating that he was down to
his last five dollars when the outcome occurred. The player might
simply mention the time, the date, or the location at which a
photograph was taken. The annotations need not come from a player.
For example, the player may add to a video a pertinent quote by a
famous celebrity. [0316] (iii) A player might zoom in or out on a
particular area of a photograph. Perhaps the player wishes to zoom
in on his own face. Alternatively, the player might wish to zoom in
on the reels of a slot machine. If the documentation is audio, the
player might wish to filter out irrelevant sounds, or to enhance
the relevant sounds. If the documentation is text, the player might
highlight certain areas. Perhaps the description or name of the
item he ordered for dinner is put into bold-faced type on a
depiction of the menu. [0317] (iv) Change the speed of the
documentation. For example, the video of the player may be put into
slow motion when the player has won a large payout. [0318] (v)
Alter (e.g., enhance) a depiction of what actually occurred. The
player may change the documentation so that it shows something
different than what actually happened. The player may thereby look
back on the vacation as being more pleasant than it actually was.
For example, an outcome may be added to a record of the player's
outcomes, even though the outcome was not achieved. An outcome that
was achieved may be modified to appear as another outcome. If the
documentation shows the player playing golf, the player may lower
the final score when modifying the documentation. A player might
make it look as if he ate more expensive meals than he actually
did, or that he stayed in a more expensive hotel room than he
actually did. A player might request that a cloudy day be made to
look sunnier.
[0319] In some embodiments, the player may pay to make alterations
to documentation. For example, the player might have to pay an
extra three dollars to have the controller turn a portion of a
video into slow motion video.
[0320] The player may input modification instructions at the Web
site of the central controller. If the player is to select 100
pictures for his scrapbook out of 1000 taken, then the player may
view the 1000 pictures on the Web site of the central controller.
The player may then select pictures by, for example, clicking on
desired pictures. Once the player has clicked on 100 pictures, he
may confirm his choices so that the central controller might then
send him hard copies.
[0321] To annotate documentation, the player may, for example,
click on a picture. The Web site may then display a text box in
which a player might type annotations. If the player prefers voice
annotations, then the player may send to the central controller
sound files containing his annotations. To annotate a video clip,
the player may, for example, view the video clip on the Web site of
the central controller. The viewer may click to indicate a time
point at which to begin an annotation. The player may then provide
a written or an oral annotation. The central controller may then
add the annotation to the video. An example of an annotation that a
player may wish to input comprises an indication of the net
win/loss of the player for the visit to the casino, at the time of
the event that was documented. For example, if the player was down
by $252 at the time an image of the player's reaction to a poker
hand was captured, the player may wish to indicate this as an
annotation to the image.
[0322] The player may make numerous attempts at modifying
documentation. Each time, the player may view the results of
modifications, and determine whether or not to keep the changes.
Thus, the player may end up spending a significant amount of time
working to perfect documentation. This is advantageous for the
central controller, in part, because the player is now exposed for
long time periods to the central controller.
[0323] In some embodiments, modifications are not made on the Web
site maintained by the controller. The player might instead
download software from the Web site of the controller. (The
software could be obtained from other sources too.) The software
might then be used for modifications. For example, the software
might be used to make edits to photographs. Once modified,
documentation might be returned to the controller, allowing the
controller to present to the player a tangible version of the
player's desired documentation.
[0324] In some embodiments, the player modifies documentation
almost in real time. For example, right after the player has been
photographed, he might press an "annotate photograph" button on his
gaming device. He may then key in a text annotation. The controller
will associate the text annotation with the photograph, and perhaps
print the text on the back of the photograph.
[0325] Once the documentation has been recorded and modified, the
central controller sends the documentation to the player in its
final form. For example, photographs are printed and put into
albums. Video may be put onto a videocassette or a DVD. The player
may be given software that stores the player's outcomes and can
render a graphic of a slot machine generating those outcomes. The
player may then run the software to relive the experience of
sitting in front of his slot machine and seeing outcomes
generated.
[0326] If the player has requested that documentation go to others,
such as the player's friends, then the controller may provide the
documentation to these others.
[0327] In some embodiments, to provide documentation to the player,
the processor of the controller may operate a program to look up
the player in the trip documentation database. The controller may
then look up what is to be delivered to the player. If, for
example, the player is to be given 100 photographs, then the
controller may look up in the same database what photographs are of
the player. The controller may then direct an associated film
developer to retrieve the indicated photographs from a storage
device, and to develop the photographs. If the photographs are to
be delivered to a player in an album, then the controller may
direct the developer to put the photographs in an album before
sending them to the player.
[0328] Once the player has received his documentation, he may view
it and/or show it to others. If the documentation is tangible such
as a printed photo album, the player simply looks through the
album. However, in many embodiments, documentation remains
electronic. Advantageously, electronic documentation may be viewed
conveniently from many locations. To view electronic documentation,
the player might log onto the Web site of the central controller
and enter an identifier, and possibly a password. The player might
then click on menu items or on icons to view or to hear the
recorded experiences. For example, a player might click on a link
entitled "Lose20.gif" to see a picture of himself after he had lost
his first $20 bill. The player may review documentation from any
player terminal, including any personal computer, PDA, cell phone,
slot machine, vending machine, networked television, etc. For
example, when a player is in his hotel room, he may display his
outcomes on his hotel's TV screen to review or to show his
family.
[0329] In some embodiments, the documentation of a player is fed
directly to a player's friends or relatives. For example, as the
player's outcomes are generated, the outcomes may be posted to a
Web site accessible by a player's family. The postings may be in
real time, or may be delayed.
[0330] Outcomes may be viewed in a number of forms. Outcomes may be
viewed either in text form or in graphical form. The text form of
an outcome would spell out the outcome in words, such as
"cherry-cherry-cherry" or "c-c-c". The words might instead spell
out whether and how much the player won or lost. For example,
outcomes might read, "win $3" or "lose $1". Outcomes might also
spell out a person's net or gross winnings. For example, "total
win: -$35" or "total win: $21".
[0331] Alternatively, outcomes may be presented in graphical form.
For example, in reviewing stored outcomes, a player sees a picture
of three cherries. The pictures might be cartoon representations of
cherries, or may show actual photographs of cherries. The cherry
representations may be similar or different to the cherry
representations actually shown on the reels of the gaming device on
which the outcome was originally generated.
[0332] Stored outcomes may also be presented in either a static or
a dynamic fashion. In a static presentation, a player might simply
see the final outcome, such as "bell-orange-bar". However, in a
dynamic presentation, a player might see a graphical rendition of
reels spinning on a gaming device, and stopping at the outcome
achieved by the player. Once again, the depiction of the spinning
reels may appear similar or different to the actual appearance of
the gaming device that originally generated the outcome.
[0333] The graphical and the dynamic representation of outcomes
could be done with a software package running on the player
terminal. Each gaming device manufacturer might produce proprietary
software packages for accurately depicting the look of their
respective gaming devices on the monitor of a personal computer.
The player or the central controller might then pay the device
manufacturers for the use of the software.
[0334] A player may also view bonus rounds in which he
participated. A bonus round is typically a new game overlaid on top
of the primary game of aligning reel symbols. In a bonus round, a
player can watch various animated characters interact with each
other or with a fantasy environment in order to win unusually large
prizes for the player. Therefore, a bonus round can be quite
entertaining, and worthy of review by a player and his friends and
relatives. Once again, software running on the player terminal may
be necessary for accurately depicting bonus rounds.
[0335] In some embodiments, stored outcomes and software for
presenting the outcomes are communicated to the player terminal
separately. For example, a player might first download software for
mimicking a particular gaming device. Then, when the player
receives outcome data from the central controller, the software can
read the outcome data in order to recreate the outcomes. Similarly,
the player may receive other documentation separately from the
software used to present the documentation. For example, the player
might download software from the controller for displaying images.
The controller might then send image data to the player terminal.
The software already stored on the player terminal may then use the
image data to actually display the image.
[0336] As described herein, in one or more embodiments a gaming
device may be operable to output an outcome of a prior game play
that had previously been output to a player during the prior game
play. Such a practice may be referred to as re-outputting an
outcome. According to one or more embodiments, the viewer of the
re-outputted outcome cannot alter the outcome or receive a payout
therefore. The practice of re-outputting an outcome of a prior game
play may be conceptualized, according to one aspect of the present
invention, as a means of re-playing the outcome for the player such
that the player may relive the moment when the player first
obtained the outcome.
[0337] For example, a gaming device may be operable to display an
image (e.g., still or moving image) depicting an outcome of a prior
game play (a game play having occurred earlier in time from the
current output of the outcome) that had occurred in a prior game
play and that had been output to a player of the prior game play.
The prior game play may have occurred on the same gaming device
that is currently re-outputting the outcome or on a different
gaming device.
[0338] In another embodiment, a gaming device may determine an
indication of the outcome obtained during the previous game play
(e.g., the gaming device may retrieve from a memory an indication
that the outcome of "bar-bar-bar" had been the result of the prior
game play) and output the outcome in a manner similar to how an
outcome of a current game play (an original outcome) would be
output, thus simulating an occurrence of the outcome. However, in
re-outputting the outcome of the prior game play the gaming device
need not perform each of the functions typically performed in
outputting an outcome for a current game play. For example, in
outputting an outcome of a prior game play the gaming device need
not determine a random number or output the payout corresponding to
the outcome being replayed.
[0339] In an embodiment in which an outcome of a prior game play is
re-outputted on a gaming device, it may be beneficial to output the
outcome in a manner that makes it distinguishable from an outcome
of a current game play. For example, the outcome may be output in a
manner that indicates to a viewer that the outcome is an outcome of
a prior game play (that is being re-outputted) and not an outcome
of a current game play.
[0340] In one example, the replayed outcome may be made
distinguishable by, for example, not outputting any payout that may
correspond to the outcome being output. In another example, one or
more settings of the gaming device may be altered during the
outputting of the replayed outcome. For example, a color setting,
shading setting and/or contrast setting of a display of the gaming
device may be altered. Similarly, an indicator of the gaming device
may be activated (e.g., a flashing light or a sound) when the
gaming device is outputting an outcome of a prior game play. In
another example, text or a graphic may be displayed on a display
contemporaneously with the outcome being re-outputted. In yet
another example, the data comprising the outcome may be altered
such that the output of the outcome appears different from an
outcome of a current game play (e.g., text or symbols may be
presented in a different font, different color, on a different
background, etc.).
[0341] Outputting an outcome of a prior game play in a manner that
makes it distinguishable from an outcome of a current game play may
be desirable to prevent or deter a person from having the outcome
re-outputted and attempting to claim the payout, if any, that
corresponds to the re-outputted outcome (since, presumably, the
player had already claimed the payout when the outcome was
originally output to the player in the prior game play). Similarly,
outputting the re-played outcome in a manner that makes it
distinguishable from an outcome of a current game play may be
desirable in order to avoid or reduce the likelihood of a viewer
mistaking the re-outputted outcome for an outcome of a current game
play.
[0342] The ability to replay aspects of an outcome or other
documented event reinforces the positive psychological effects of
casino patronage experienced by players, and encourages repeat
gaming business from such players.
[0343] Referring now to FIG. 9, illustrated therein is an exemplary
process 900 according to one or more embodiments of the present
invention. Process 900 may be performed, for example, by a gaming
device, peripheral device, controller, kiosk or other device
operable to output data associated with a prior game play. Process
900 describes an embodiment of how data associated with an outcome
obtained during a prior game play may be requested and output.
[0344] A request for output of data associated with an outcome of a
prior game play is received in step 905. Such a request may be a
request from, for example, a player (e.g., the player who obtained
the outcome in the previous game play), another person (e.g., a
person associated with the player or a casino employee), a device
(e.g., a gaming device, a player device or a peripheral device),
and so on. For purposes of simplicity, it is assumed that the
player who obtained the outcome in the prior game play is the
entity requesting the output of the data.
[0345] In some embodiments, the request may comprise a request for
output of data documenting an event associated with the player
other than an outcome. For example, the request may comprise a
request for output of a recording (video and/or audio) of the
player's experience at a casino restaurant. However, for purposes
of simplicity, process 900 is described in terms of a request for
data associated with an outcome of a prior game play.
[0346] The data associated with an outcome of a prior game play may
comprise, as described herein, data in one or more forms (e.g.,
audio, video, text, etc.). Further, the data associated with an
outcome of a prior game play may comprise various data. For
example, the data may comprise an outcome or indication of an
outcome obtained during the prior game play, a person's reaction to
the outcome obtained during the prior game play, an indication of a
payout obtained during the prior game play, or an indication of
another circumstance relevant to the prior game play (e.g., the
number of players who also obtained the same outcome within a
predetermined period of time).
[0347] The request may include various information. For example, an
identifier of a player, the outcome, the prior game play and/or
other data associated with the outcome may be included in the
request. In another example, an indication of a format in which the
outcome is to be replayed may be included in the request.
Alternately, the entity requesting the replay of the outcome may be
prompted to provide certain information such as an identifier
and/or format after the entity provides the request.
[0348] The request may be provided via various means. For example,
a player may provide such a request via a gaming device (e.g., a
gaming device operable to function in a "replay mode", as described
herein), a player device (e.g., a cellular telephone, personal
computer, pager, etc.), a peripheral device of a gaming device or a
kiosk.
[0349] In step 910, it is determined whether the player requesting
the data associated with the outcome of the prior game play (e.g.,
replay of an outcome of a prior game play) qualifies to receive an
output of the requested data. In one or more embodiments a
condition may need to be satisfied before the data associated with
the outcome of the prior game play can be output to a player.
Examples of such conditions include, but are not limited to, the
following: [0350] (i) The player may be required to provide a
player tracking card or other player identifier or code when
requesting output of data associated with a prior game play (e.g.,
replay of an outcome) or output of other data documenting an event.
For example, the player tracking card or other identifier may point
to a database file on the casino server that contains at least one
entry for data documenting an event associated with the player.
[0351] (ii) The player may be required to pay a fee (e.g., monetary
or non-monetary). [0352] (iii) The player may be required to
provide a valid password or personal identification number (PIN).
[0353] (iv) The player may be required to surrender a coupon,
voucher or other consideration entitling the player to at least one
free replay of the outcome or access to other data documenting an
event. [0354] (v) The player must agree to perform an obligation in
the future (e.g., to sign up for or purchase a player tracking card
issued by the casino) or perform an obligation (e.g., fill out a
survey). [0355] (vi) The gaming device must be idle for at least n
minutes. [0356] (vii) The gaming device must be engaged in a gaming
session for at least n minutes with any player. [0357] (viii) The
gaming device must be engaged in a gaming session for at least n
minutes with the same player who requests the data associated with
the outcome of the prior game play. [0358] (ix) The player must
agree to play the gaming device for n minutes after the data
associated with the outcome of the prior game play is output.
[0359] (x) The player must agree to wager n credits after the data
associated with the outcome of the prior game play is output.
[0360] (xi) The player must agree to play the gaming device for n
sessions after the data associated with the outcome of the prior
game play is output. [0361] (xii) The player must wager n credits
before the data associated with the outcome of the prior game play
is output. [0362] (xiii) The data associated with the outcome of
the prior game play must play the gaming device for n sessions
before the data associated with the outcome of the prior game play
is output. [0363] (xiv) The data associated with the outcome of the
prior game play must be requested on the same gaming device (or
type of gaming device) on which the outcome was originally obtained
during the prior game play. [0364] (xv) The data associated with
the outcome of the prior game play must be requested on a different
gaming device (or type of gaming device) than the one on which the
outcome was originally obtained during the prior game play. [0365]
(xvi) The data associated with the outcome of the prior game play
must be requested on a certain gaming device (or one of a certain
series of gaming devices with similar characteristics) designated
by the casino or an alternate party (i.e. sponsor). [0366] (xvii)
The data associated with the outcome of a prior game play must be
requested between certain hours of the day. [0367] (xviii) The data
associated with the outcome of the prior game play must be
requested after a specific amount of time has passed from a
predetermined event (e.g., since the data was captured). [0368]
(xix) The data associated with the outcome of the prior game play
must be requested before a specific amount of time passes from a
predetermined event (e.g., since the data was captured). [0369]
(xx) A player must first agree to play or test a promotional game.
[0370] (xxi) A player must be of a certain status (e.g., a "high
roller" who has generated a certain amount of theoretical win, a
current hotel guest). [0371] (xxii) Any other practicable rules
seen as beneficial by gaming device operators (e.g., casino
management).
[0372] If it is determined that a player or other entity requesting
the output of the data does not qualify for output of the data, a
message indicating an inability to comply with the request is
output (step 915). In one or more embodiments, the message may
indicate the reason for the inability to comply and/or an
indication of how the player or other entity may comply and thus
receive the requested output. For example, the message may inform
the player or other entity of the monetary fee or other
consideration required for output of the requested data.
[0373] If, on the other hand, it is determined that the player or
other entity requesting the output of the data does qualify for the
output of the data, the process continues to step 920. In step 920,
the requested data (or an indication thereof) is identified and
retrieved. For example, a record of a database of such data may be
accessed based on an identifier provided in step 905. In one
embodiment, the data may comprise the outcome obtained during the
prior game play or an indication thereof. Further, a player may be
provided with an identifier of the data at the time the data is
captured. Thus, the player may request an output of the data by
providing that identifier. In another embodiment, the data may be
associated with the player identifier of the player involved in the
prior game play. Thus, the player may request output of the data by
providing his player identifier. It should be noted that, in
embodiments where more than one entry is associated with a player
identifier (e.g., data associated with more than one outcome is
stored in association with the player identifier), the player may
be prompted to indicate with more particularity which entry the
player is currently interested in.
[0374] In one embodiment, the entity performing the process 900
stores in local memory data associated with prior outcomes and thus
accesses the data in the local memory. For example, the process 900
may he performed by a controller or casino server that stores such
data. For example, a player may request output of the data via a
gaming device or kiosk. The gaming device or kiosk may communicate
with the controller or casino server to comply with the request. In
another embodiment, the process 900 may be performed by a device
that does not store the data locally (e.g., a gaming device or
kiosk). Accordingly, in step 920 the device may communicate with
another device (e.g., a controller or casino server) to retrieve
the data or indication of the data.
[0375] In step 925 the requested data is output. Data associated
with an outcome of a prior game play may be output in a variety of
manners, as described herein. For example, a gaming device or kiosk
may re-output an outcome by displaying a video of the outcome on a
display screen of the gaming device. In another example, a gaming
device may function to output the outcome of the prior game play in
a manner similar to how an outcome of a current game play would be
output. For example, assuming the gaming device comprises a reel
slot machine (mechanical or electronic), such an outputting of an
outcome of a prior game play may comprise spinning or simulating
spinning of reels and stopping or simulating stopping of the reels
such that the symbols of the outcome appear along a payline of the
gaming device. As noted herein, in such an embodiment the gaming
device may be programmed to refrain from outputting any payout that
may correspond to the outcome of the prior game play that is being
re-outputted via the gaming device. For example, a hopper mechanism
of the gaming device may be disabled during the re-outputting of
the outcome. In one or more embodiments, various other devices
and/or functions (e.g., input and/or output devices such as
handles, buttons, etc.) of a gaming device may be disabled during
the re-outputting of an outcome.
[0376] As also described herein, data associated with an outcome of
a prior game play that comprises the outcome may be output in a
manner that indicates to a viewer of the outcome that the outcome
is an outcome of a prior game play and not an outcome of a current
game play. For example, assume the outcome of a prior game play was
recorded and stored in an mpeg file format. In one embodiment, the
meta-data of the mpeg file may be altered such that when the mpeg
file is retrieved and output to a player, it is clear that the
outcome is not an outcome of a current game play (e.g., the
graphics may be altered and/or text may be added).
[0377] In one embodiment in which data associated with an outcome
of a prior game play is altered before it is re-output to a player,
the alteration of the data is performed substantially at a time
when the data is first captured and stored. In another embodiment,
the alteration of the data is performed at a time after the data is
captured and stored but before a request for output of the data is
received. In yet another embodiment, the alteration of the data is
performed just before the data is output (e.g., in response to a
request for output of the data). Alteration of the data may be
performed by a device based on one or more rules (e.g., a device
may be programmed to add certain text to the data or alter the
graphics of the data in a particular manner). In embodiments in
which the data is altered before the data is output to the player,
process 900 may further include altering the data.
[0378] Outputting the data may comprise, for example, opening a
file (e.g., mpeg or jpeg) containing the data and outputting the
data of the file to the player or other party requesting the data.
For example, the file containing the data may be provided to (or
retrieved by) the gaming device or kiosk via which the player or
other entity requesting the data. In another embodiment, outputting
the data may comprise determining an indication of the data and
outputting the data of the indication. For example, in one
embodiment, rather than storing a video or other rendition of an
outcome, an indication of the outcome may be stored. Thus, assuming
the data is being output via a gaming device, outputting the
outcome may comprise determining the outcome based on the
indication and causing the outcome to be displayed via the gaming
device by essentially simulating the output of a current game play.
In one embodiment, a simulation of an outcome may include output of
animated video or graphics depicting (i) the spinning of symbols on
a virtual reel, (ii) the resolution of spinning symbols on a slot
machine payline, (iii) animations displayed throughout the
resolution of a handle pull, (iv) the shuffling and/or dealing of
cards, (v) the sorting and/or drawing of additional cards, (vi)
animations or activity associated with a bonus game, (vii) sound
effects and/or (viii) the state of any graphic, image, animation,
symbol or icon as it appeared to the player on any display area
during game play that triggered the capturing of the data
associated with the outcome of the prior game play.
[0379] For example, assuming the outcome is being output via a
three reel slot machine, outputting the outcome may comprise
determining that "bar-bar-bar" was obtained as the outcome during
the prior game play and causing the reels of the slot machine to
display the symbol "bar" along a payline on the first reel, the
symbol "bar" along the payline on the second reel, and the symbol
"bar" along the payline of the third reel. If the process 900 is
being performed by a device other than the gaming device via which
the outcome of the prior game play is to be output, outputting the
data may comprise directing the gaming device to output the
outcome.
[0380] In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a
gaming device may be operable to function in at least two distinct
modes: (i) a "game play mode" in which a gaming device performs
subroutines or algorithms that cause the gaming device to operate
in a substantially conventional manner of determining and
outputting outcomes for a current game play, and (ii) a "replay
mode" in which a gaming device performs subroutines or algorithms
that cause the gaming device to replay or re-output an outcome of a
prior game play. It should be noted that, in one embodiment, a
gaming device operating in "game play mode" may also function to
detect a predetermined outcome or other event and/or capture data
associated with such outcome of a current game play or other
event.
[0381] For example, a replay mode may comprise a gaming machine
mode of operation that is characterized by altered processes with
respect to audio and visual output, relative to processes of
conventional game play. For example, video, graphics or animations
shown on the display areas during replay mode may be altered in
several ways so as to distinguish between replay mode display
content from display content viewed by players during game play
mode. Examples of such replay mode alterations may include the
presence of additional shading, graphics, text, icons, symbols, or
masks, as well as additional voice commands, sound effects or other
audio events. In one embodiment, operating in a replay mode may
include outputting, through one or more output devices, data
previously captured during game play mode. For example, output of
an outcome obtained during a prior game play when a gaming device
was operating in game play mode may be shaded green when output via
a gaming device in replay mode (e.g., the data itself and/or a
setting of the gaming device may be altered such that the outcome
appears shaded green when output in replay mode). In one
embodiment, a replay mode may be characterized by a disabling of
one or more functions of a gaming device. For example, a hopper
and/or hopper controller may be disabled during replay mode. In
another example, a handle, deal button or other start mechanism of
a gaming device may be disabled during replay mode.
[0382] In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may determine
whether one or more subroutines comprising a game play mode are to
be executed or whether one or more subroutines comprising a replay
mode are to be executed. Such a determination may be made based on
one or more inputs.
[0383] For example, an input from a player may determine the mode
of operation. For example, it may be determined which mode a player
has selected. In some embodiments, a player may elect to toggle
between a game play mode and a replay mode by means of a "mode
menu," which may be (i) presented as actionable touch screen
buttons on a gaming machine display area, (ii) presented as a
series of buttons on a gaming machine keypad, and/or (iii) accessed
through voice command capability. In one embodiment, a gaming
device may prompt a player to select a mode of operation (e.g., a
"game play mode" or "replay mode"). For example, a player may
approach a machine, insert a player tracking card, and choose to
access data associated with a prior outcome or other documented
event without first engaging the machine in game play. In one
embodiment, data associated with a prior game play or another
documented event may be output upon the request of a player to view
the data at any stage during game play or a game session.
[0384] In another embodiment, a gaming device may determine a mode
of operation based on one or more rules. For example, a gaming
device may be programmed to operate in replay mode at time the
gaming device is idle, has been idle for a predetermined length of
time, during predetermined times of day, and/or upon detecting the
presence of a person nearby. Technology described in Applicant's
issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,324,520, entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
COLLECTING AND APPLYING VENDING MACHINE DEMAND INFORMATION," which
describes methods of detecting a person near a device, is
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
[0385] It should be noted that although it has been described
herein that an outcome of a prior game play may be re-outputted at
the request of a player, the re-outputting of an outcome of a prior
game play is not limited to such a circumstance. For example, in
one embodiment one or more outcomes, each corresponding to a
respective prior game play, may be re-outputted during an "attract
mode" of a gaming device. For example, a gaming device may output
one or more such outcomes of prior game plays in order to entice
players to play the gaming device. For example, if a player sees an
outcome corresponding to a relatively high payout that has
previously been obtained by another player, the player may be
tempted into attempting to obtain the outcome for himself.
[0386] Similarly, although it has been described herein that
documentation of an event (e.g., a person's reaction to the
outcome) may be output in response to a request from a person
(e.g., the player who obtained the outcome or a person associated
with the player), such documentation may be output under other
conditions as well. For example, a gaming device in an "attract
mode" may output video of a player's reaction to obtaining an
outcome corresponding to a large payout in an attempt to entice
players to play the gaming device.
[0387] A gaming device may enter an "attract mode" and thus output
documentation of an event if one or more conditions are satisfied.
For example, the gaming device may enter an "attract mode" if one
or more of the following conditions are satisfied: [0388] (i) the
gaming device is currently idle (i.e., no player is playing the
gaming device); [0389] (ii) the gaming device has been idle for a
predetermined period of time; [0390] (iii) the gaming device
detects the presence of a person nearby; [0391] (iv) the current
time is within a predetermined time range (e.g., it is currently
between 2 am and 5 am); [0392] (v) an activity level of the casino
or other defined area is below a threshold activity level; and
[0393] (vi) an initiation signal is received from casino personnel.
Additional Embodiments of the Invention
[0394] In accordance with one embodiment, a player may be paid to
show documentation to friends. The central controller may be
willing to pay because documentation may serve as a good marketing
tool to get other people to purchase their own documentation or to
go on their own gambling outings.
[0395] In accordance with one embodiment, documentation data may be
combined in various ways. For example, a player receives a picture
with the image of a slot machine overlaid upon an image of the
player's face. The slot machine image might show a winning outcome,
while the player's expression might show tremendous excitement. As
another example, a player might overlay the date of a slot
machine's manufacture on top of an image of a losing reel
combination. The message might be that the given date is unlucky.
The combination of documentation data may be made automatically.
For example, text describing a player's net win thus far may be
printed on any picture taken for the player.
[0396] In accordance with one embodiment, documentation data may
include the rules to a particular game. As rules for a particular
game may be long, the player may wish to review them at home, and
then try the game the next time he visits a casino.
[0397] It should be noted that one or more players may conspire to
take advantage of the present invention and cheat as follows: a
first player asks for documentation of an event using a security
camera. A second player is generally covered by the same camera,
but is temporarily left unwatched as the camera focuses on the
first player. The second player then cheats in some way. For
example, the second player reaches into the bucket of a neighbor
and grabs some coins. Therefore, in some embodiments, when a first
camera is focused on a player, other cameras are aimed in such a
direction as to cover the areas left open by the first camera. In
other embodiments, players are monitored in terms of their requests
for documentation. Requests that come at unusual times, e.g. when
the player has won nothing special, may be flagged. Then, other
cameras or casino employees may pay special attention to the area
surrounding the player.
[0398] In accordance with one embodiment, once the player has
purchased or obtained documentation, the controller may always sell
additional copies of the documentation. For example, three months
after a trip, the player might request a second copy of certain
photographs taken on the trip. The player might request the same
documentation in altered form. For example, he may want a new photo
album with a different covering. He might want the same pictures,
only a different size. Or the player may now want the same
pictures, but put on coasters.
[0399] In accordance with one embodiment, a player may pay for a
security camera to be aimed at him, even if the player does not
ultimately request documentation. By paying for the camera to focus
on him, the player ensures that should a good moment arise, the
player will be sure to have documentation.
[0400] In accordance with one embodiment, there may be fixed
documenting terminals throughout a casino, or even outside of a
casino. For example, a player at a casino's swimming pool may wish
to be photographed. The player may swipe his player-tracking card
through a card reader attached to the documenting terminal. The
player may then stand in front of the terminal, where he is then
photographed. Having read the player's tracking card, the
documenting terminal may inform the central controller as to with
whom to associate the photograph.
[0401] In accordance with one embodiment, a player might also rent
a digital camera and bring it with him to a pool or to other areas.
The player may then connect the digital camera to a slot machine or
other device where the digital pictures can be uploaded to the
player's account with the central controller. Alternatively, a
casino employee may ensure that pictures are uploaded to the
player's account after the player has returned the camera to the
casino.
[0402] In accordance with one embodiment, when the player is away
from a fixed documenting device, such as a casino security camera
or a slot machine, the player may be documented by mobile devices.
For example, the player's cell phone may record sounds and
conversations in which the player is involved. These may be
transmitted back to the central controller for inclusion in the
player's scrapbook. The player may carry a camera, perhaps on loan
from a casino. The player may set the camera to capture a picture
of him or of his surroundings. In some embodiments, a circling
airplane, blimp, or satellite may capture pictures of the player,
and transmit the pictures to the central controller.
[0403] In accordance with one embodiment, documentation may include
the location of the player or other entity of interest. For
example, the player may carry around a global positioning system
(GPS) receiver to record his geographical coordinates at regular
time intervals. If the player then takes a stroll through the city
of Las Vegas, he has an automatic record of where he went. The GPS
data might later be overlaid on top of a map of Las Vegas so the
player can visually see the route he took.
[0404] In accordance with one embodiment, sketches and paintings
serving as documentation may be done by casino personnel, or by the
player.
[0405] In accordance with one embodiment, events in a theme park
may be captured and documented with cameras attached to fences,
poles, buildings, or other fixtures. Cameras may be mounted on
roller coasters, merry-go-rounds, or other rides to document a
player's kids while on a ride. Theme park employees may also
participate in documentation, e.g. with hand-held cameras. Other
data at theme parks may also be captured. For example, microphones
may record the screams of a player's kids as they ride the roller
coaster.
[0406] In accordance with one embodiment, on site seeing tours,
tour guides may aide in the documentation of the player, family,
and friends. Documenting devices proximate to the sites of
interest, and documenting devices attached to the tour bus, may
also assist in the documentation of the player.
[0407] In accordance with some embodiments of the present
invention, a system such as Imagecode.TM. by SmartPicture.TM. may
be used to identify persons in images for purposes of the present
invention. SmartPicture.TM. is a photo identification system
wherein persons in photographs are identified based on a colored
lapel sticker they are wearing. For purposes of the present
invention, players that register for documentation of events may be
provided with such lapel stickers to wear (and persons associated
with the players may also be given stickers). Accordingly, when an
image of a player or other person is taken, the image may be
analyzed in accordance with the SmartPicture.TM. system to identify
the player or other person in the image. Similarly, an event
detection or other device may analyze an image to determine whether
the image includes a person wearing such a lapel sticker and
whether the person identified by such lapel sticker has registered
for documentation and whether an event to be documented is
currently occurring.
* * * * *