U.S. patent application number 11/428488 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-09 for method and apparatus for providing a bonus to a player based on a credit balance.
Invention is credited to Geoffrey M. Gelman, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen C. Tulley, Jay S. Walker.
Application Number | 20060252508 11/428488 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29251075 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060252508 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker; Jay S. ; et
al. |
November 9, 2006 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A BONUS TO A PLAYER BASED ON A
CREDIT BALANCE
Abstract
An apparatus and method allow a value of a credit balance on a
gaming device to be determined. If the value is not less than a
predetermined threshold, a benefit is provided to the player of the
gaming device. In various embodiments, the benefit may be, e.g., an
increase in the player's credit balance.
Inventors: |
Walker; Jay S.; (Ridgefield,
CT) ; Tulley; Stephen C.; (Fairfield, CT) ;
Jorasch; James A.; (Stamford, CT) ; Sammon; Russell
P.; (San Francisco, CA) ; Gelman; Geoffrey M.;
(Stamford, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALKER DIGITAL
2 HIGH RIDGE PARK
STAMFORD
CT
06905
US
|
Family ID: |
29251075 |
Appl. No.: |
11/428488 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10419306 |
Apr 18, 2003 |
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11428488 |
Jul 3, 2006 |
|
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60373749 |
Apr 18, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/323 20130101;
G06Q 30/02 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3255 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/025 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/00 20060101
A63F013/00 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: determining a value of a credit balance on
a device; determining if the value of the credit balance is not
less than a predetermined threshold; and providing a benefit if the
value of the credit balance is not less than the predetermined
threshold.
2-35. (canceled)
Description
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/373,749, filed Apr.
18, 2002 and entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A BONUS
TO A PLAYER BASED ON A CREDIT BALANCE", the entirety of which is
incorporated by reference herein as part of the present
disclosure.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to electronic game machines
and more particularly, to a system and method for motivating
additional game play by providing a benefit to a player for
maintaining a high credit balance.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A primary goal of a casino is to keep its customers playing
as long as possible since longer play generates higher revenues.
Casinos are thus interested in maintaining player interest and
excitement. When a player's credit balance on a game machine is
reduced to zero, the player will often stop playing the game
machine. Casinos would prefer that a player not reduce his credit
balance to zero and stop gambling. There are several ways in which
casinos currently attempt to motivate players to continue gambling,
such as by building entertaining games that have large jackpots and
favorable payout tables. Another way casinos currently attempt to
motivate players to continue gambling is to provide comp points and
other benefits to a player for placing bets at a game machine.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0004] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example system
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a game machine in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a controller in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0007] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a sample table from a session log
database stored in a data storage device in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates a sample table from a benefit database
stored in a data storage device in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates a sample payout table stored in a data
storage device in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates a sample indication table from an
indication database stored in a data storage device in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 8 is a flow-chart depicting a method of providing a
benefit to a player based on a condition in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0012] FIG. 9 is a flow-chart depicting a method of providing an
indication to a player based on a condition in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Introduction
[0013] Systems and methods according to the present invention allow
a game machine owner, such as a casino, to provide various benefits
to players to motivate them to maintain higher credit balances on a
game machine. In such a system, one or more game machines are
connected to a controller. After a player begins playing on a game
machine, the controller will determine certain conditions present
with respect to that game machine and that player's game session.
The controller will then provide a benefit or an indication that a
benefit will be provided if the credit balance is increased, such
as a video message, that a benefit will be provided to the player
based on the presence of certain conditions.
[0014] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative game machine network 100 for
the exchange of information between one or more game machines
120-140 and a controller 110. According to a feature of the
invention, controller 110 determines the presence of a condition on
one or more game machines 120-140, and provides a benefit to the
player based on the presence of the condition. According to another
feature of the invention, controller 110 determines the presence of
a condition on one or more of game machines 120-140 and provides an
indication to a player based on the presence of the condition. It
will be readily understood by those of skill in the art that the
functions described herein as performed by the controller 110 may
additionally or alternatively be performed by one or more game
machines, and vice versa.
[0015] Game machine network 100 includes controller 110 networked
via a communications network 150 to game machines 120-140. Although
FIG. 1. only shows an exemplary network of three game machines, any
number of game machines may be in connection with controller
110.
[0016] As used herein the term "game machine" is defined to include
a terminal that a player uses to play a game of chance. Game
machines 120-140 may comprise conventional game machines modified
to carry out the functions and operations contemplated by
embodiments of the invention and described below. Examples of game
machines 120-140 include but are not limited to: a slot machine, a
video poker terminal, a pachinko machine, a table-top game, a
personal computer, a telephone, and a portable handheld gaming
device. In embodiments of the invention addressing table game play
such as blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, Keno, Bingo, and the
like, the game machine may be hardware located at the game table
suitable for entering player identifiers or average bet sizes.
[0017] The term "controller" is defined to include a computer
system operated by the casino, which may communicate with one or
more game machines 120-140. Controller 110 is depicted in FIG. 3.
Controller 110 may be embodied as a server which comprises
conventional server computer hardware, such as an RS 6000
manufactured by IBM Corp. Controller 110 may also be a computer
which comprises general computer hardware. Controller 110 executes
software instructing the hardware to execute unique functions and
operations in accordance with the principles of the present
invention. Controller 110 and game machines 120-140 exchange
digitally encoded data messages to one another through
communication network 150.
[0018] Communication network 150 facilitates exchanges of data
between game machines 120-140 and controller 110. Game machine
network 100 may include one or more communication networks, such as
communication network 150, to allow one or more of the following
exchanges of data to occur: 1) the controller 110 may transmit
information to game machine 120, 130, or 140; and 2) game machine
120-140 may transmit information to controller 110. Possible
communication networks 150 include but are not limited to: a local
area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a
telephone line or a cable line, a radio channel, an optical
communications line, or a satellite communications link. Possible
communications protocols include Ethernet, Bluetooth, and TCP/IP.
Furthermore, the exchanges of data may be encrypted to ensure
privacy and prevent fraud.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the architecture of an
illustrative game machine 120, 130, or 140 as indicated in FIG. 1
and provided in accordance with the present invention. As shown in
FIG. 2, game devices 120-140 include processor 200, which is
connected to memory 210, random number generator 220, input device
230, output device 240, payment system 250, and communications port
260. These components and their arrangement may be conventional,
though they may be, e.g., programmed appropriately to perform the
methods described herein. Communication port 260 provides a
connection for linking game machine 120, 130, or 140 to controller
110. Processor 200 communicates with controller 110 through
communications port 260. Communications port 260 is in
communication with controller 110 through communications network
150.
[0020] Output device 240 is a device that may be used to output
information from game machine 120-140 to a player. Examples of
output device 240 include but are not limited to a video monitor, a
light-emitting diode (LED), an audio speaker, an electric motor, a
printer, a coupon or product dispenser, an infra-red port, a
Braille computer monitor, a coin or bill dispenser. For game
machines, common output devices include: a cathode ray tube (CRT)
monitor on a video poker machine; a bell on a slot machine; a light
emitting diode (LED) display of a player's credit balance on a slot
machine; a liquid crystal display (LCD) of a personal digital
assistant (PDA) for displaying keno numbers; and a printer to
provide a cashless gaming receipt for a player's gambling
credits.
[0021] Input device 230 is a device that may be used to receive an
input from a player. Examples of input device 230 include but are
not limited to: a computer keyboard, a computer mouse, a touch
screen, a microphone, a video camera, a magnetic stripe reader, a
biometric input device, a radio antenna, a voice recognition
module, a coin or bill acceptor. For game machines, common input
devices include: a button or touch screen on a video poker machine;
a lever on a slot machine; a bill validator/acceptor; a magnetic
stripe reader to read a player tracking card inserted into a slot
machine.
[0022] Game machine 120-140 may include payment system 250 that
performs at least two main functions: 1) accepting payment from a
player; and 2) providing payment to a player. Payment is not
limited to money but may also include other types of consideration,
including but not limited to products, services, and alternate
currencies such as casino chips. Exemplary methods of accepting
payment from a player include: 1) receiving hard currency; 2)
receiving an alternate currency such as a paper gaming voucher, a
coupon, or a casino token; 3) receiving a payment identifier such
as a credit card number, a debit card number, or a player tracking
card number; and 4) determining that a player has performed a
value-added activity, such as answering survey questions. Exemplary
methods of providing payment to a player include: 1) dispensing
hard currency; 2) dispensing an alternate currency such as a paper
gaming voucher, a coupon, or a casino token; 3) crediting a player
account such as a bank account or other financial account; and 4)
providing a product or service to the player such as a jackpot
prize.
[0023] With respect to gaming operations, game machines 120-140 may
generally operate in a conventional manner. The player starts the
machine by inputting a payment into payment system 250 or into
input device 230, such as inserting a coin, or using an electronic
credit. Under control of a program stored, for example in memory
210 processor 200 initiates the particular game. In the
alternative, processor 200 may operate the particular game under
control of a program stored in controller 110. Processor 200 may
communicate with controller 110 through communications port 260. In
running the game, processor 200 may instruct random number
generator 220 to generate a number which will affect the particular
game operating on game machine 120-140. As the game is operated,
processor 200 may output information through output device 240 in
accordance with the instructions in memory 210 or controller 110.
Processor 200 determines outcome of the play and may provide a
payment through payment system 250 depending on the outcome of the
play. Processor 200 may then provide information regarding the game
session to controller 110 through communications port 260.
Communications port 260 is in communication with controller 110
through communications network 150.
[0024] A player may operate multiple gaming machines 120-140. For
example: a player may simultaneously play two side-by-side game
machines; a player may play a reel game machine and then continue
his gambling session at a video poker machine. A player may also
use a telephone or other device to remotely operate a game machine.
In an alternate embodiment, a game machine may allow a player to
play a game of skill rather than a game of chance.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of controller 110 as indicated in
FIG. 1 and provided in accordance with the present invention.
Controller 110 is a computer system which may communicate with one
or more game machines 120-140. Controller 110 includes certain
standard hardware components, such as processor 200, a clock (not
shown), Read Only Memory (ROM) (not shown), Random Access Memory
(RAM) (not shown), communications port 330, storage device 340,
input device 310, and output device 320. Processor 200 may be
embodied as a single processor, or a number of processors.
Processor 200 may exchange data with the iterated components either
by means of a shared bus, or dedicated connections. Communications
port 330 connects controller 110 to game machines 120, 130, and
140, via communications network 150.
[0026] Unlike conventional computer systems, controller 110
executes one or more programs 350 to perform the functions
contemplated by embodiments of the invention as described below and
stores several databases (360, 370, 380, and 390) relating to those
functions and operations. The programs and databases are stored in
storage device 340. These databases include session log database
360, benefit database 370, payout table 380, and indication
database 390.
[0027] Session log database 360 provides a repository of events
that took place on game machine 120-140 during individual playing
session. FIGS. 4A and 4B show a possible organization of session
log database 360. Session log database 360 maintains a plurality of
records, such as records 445-448, each associated with a different
game session. For each session by a logged event 410, session log
database 360 includes: (1) amount credited or debited field 415;
(2) resulting credit balance field 420; (3) whether the resulting
balance is 120 coins or more field 425; (4) whether the balance
rises above 130 coins field 430; and (5) whether a $10 bill was
inserted field 440. The above are examples of conditions that may
be present and which would allow a player to receive a benefit. For
example, with respect to field 425 (whether the resulting balance
is 120 coins or more), a player may receive a benefit if his credit
balance is greater than or equal to 120 coins. The data stored in
session log database 360 is used with the methods contemplated by
embodiments of this invention and described below.
[0028] According to one embodiment, information about a credit
balance or changes in a credit balance such as field 415 (amount
credited or debited)and field 420 (resulting credit balance) may be
stored in session log database 360. As illustrated in record 445
and record 446, a player inserted a $20 bill into a game machine
and then received a bonus of 5 coins for inserting this $20
bill.
[0029] Each time a debit or credit is made to a credit balance,
this change may be recorded in session log database 360. Field 420
(resulting credit balance) keeps track of the credit balance that
results from each event. As is shown in record 447 and field 415
(amount credited or debited for record 447), a credit of 40 coins
was added to a credit balance. This value may be added to field 420
(resulting credit balance) from the previous record 445 to
determine the resulting credit balance field 420 for when the
player inserts a $10 bill into the bill acceptor, field 447.
[0030] Session log database 360 may also store indications of
whether conditions are true. These conditions may be based on, but
are not limited to, the following: 1) a current credit balance on a
game machine; 2) decreases in a credit balance; 3) increases in a
credit balance; 4) historical values of a credit balance and 5)
various average balances. For example, fields 425, 430, and 440
indicate whether a particular condition is true or false for any
particular logged event.
[0031] Benefit database 370, provides a table of information
concerning benefits that may be provided to a player based upon
certain conditions. The data stored in benefit database 370 may be
useful in determining a benefit based on a condition relating to a
credit balance on game machine 120-140. Benefit database 370 may be
used to track conditions that may be present during a game session
and determine what benefit to provide if a condition is true. FIG.
5 shows a possible organization of benefit database 370. Benefit
database 370 maintains a plurality of records, such as records
540-560 each associated with a benefit. For each benefit identified
by benefit identifier 510, benefit database 370 includes: the
condition for providing a benefit 520, and the description of the
benefit 530. The benefit identifier 510 is a unique assigned key
that can be used to refer to the particular benefit throughout the
system. The "Condition for providing benefit" column 520 lists the
particular condition under which a particular benefit will be
provided. A variety of different types of conditions are possible,
based on but not limited to the following: 1) a current credit
balance on a game machine; 2) decreases in a credit balance; 3)
increases in a credit balance; 4) historical values of a credit
balance; and 5) various average balances. Furthermore, the
conditions may be stored in the condition benefit database 370 in a
variety of different formats. These will be further discussed
below. A benefit may be selected to be output to a player if the
condition corresponding to that benefit is true. For example, as
shown in FIG. 5 if a player inserts a $10 bill into a bill
acceptor, field 520 for record 560, then the player may receive a
benefit of 2 coins added to his credit balance as indicated by
field 530 for record 560.
[0032] Payout table 380 provides a table of payouts should a
certain outcome be determined. FIG. 6 shows a possible organization
of payout table 380. Payout table 380 is a database which maintains
a plurality of records, such as records 650-670, each associated
with a different possible game result. For each possible game
result identified in outcome field 610, payout table 380 includes
an indication of the expected number of hits for the outcome 620;
an indication of a payout that may be provided if the outcome
occurs and a credit balance is less than 120 coins 630; and an
indication of a payout that may be provided if the outcome occurs
and a credit balance is 120 coins or more 640. Most payout values
will be increased as the credit balance is adjusted from less than
120 coins to more than 120 coins, though it is also possible that
one or more payout values could decrease. For example, the
BELL/BELL/BAR record 650 value decreases slightly if a player has a
credit balance of greater than 120 coins as is shown in field 640
(payout if balance is 120 coins or more) for record 650. The
revised payout table, (particularly field 640) may be made
available to a player as a benefit for having a particular
condition satisfied, i.e. more than 120 coins or more in the above
example.
[0033] Indication Database 390 stores information which may be
useful in determining an indication to output to a player based on
a condition relating to a credit balance on game machine 120-140.
FIG. 7 shows a possible organization of indication database 390.
Indication database 390 maintains a plurality of records, such as
records 740-760 each associated with a different indication. For
each indication identified by an indication identifier in field
710, indication database 390 includes: a condition for outputting
the condition 720 and the indication to be provided 730. The data
stored in indication database 390 may be useful in determining an
indication to provide a player based on a condition relating to the
credit balance on game machine 120-140. Indication Identifier 710
is a unique assigned key that can be used to refer to the
particular indication throughout the system.
[0034] "Condition for providing indication" column 720 lists the
particular condition under which a particular indication will be
provided. Conditions may be based on a variety of different factors
including but not limited to: 1) a current credit balance on a game
machine; 2) decreases in a credit balance; 3) increases in a credit
balance; 4) historical values of a credit balance; and 5) various
average balances. Furthermore, conditions may be stored in a
variety of different forms which will be further discussed below.
An indication may be selected to be output if a condition is true.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7, if a players credit balance falls
below 120 coins, the player will be provided with an indication
that "your balance is now less than 120 coins, so you no longer
qualify for the modified payout table. To increase your balance and
get increased payouts, insert more money."
[0035] The operation of game machine network 100 will be described
with respect to two different aspects. First, game network 100
operates to motivate a player to achieve and/or maintain higher
balances. Second, game machine network 100 operates to provide a
player with an indication that a benefit may be provided if the
credit balance is increased. These operations may occur
concurrently to provide benefits and indications of benefits.
[0036] The operation of game network 100 will be described with
respect to two different aspects. First, game network 100 operates
to provide a player with a benefit. Second, game network 100
operates to provide a player with an indication of a benefit. These
operations may occur concurrently to provide benefits and
indications.
[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, a player
receives a benefit based on a condition relating to a credit
balance on a game machine. This embodiment of the invention
identifies a condition relating to a credit balance on a game
machine and provides a benefit based on the condition. FIG. 8 is a
flow diagram representing a method implementing one embodiment of
the invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the controller 110 must first
identify a condition relating to a credit balance on a game machine
operated by a player (step 810); then the controller 110 determines
if the condition is true (step 820). If the condition is true, the
controller 110 will provide the benefit associated with the
condition (step 830). Alternatively, the game machine 120, 130,140
may perform some or all of the steps performed by controller 110
alone or in communication with controller 110.
[0038] The system identifies a condition relating to a credit
balance on a game machine operated by a player (step 810). This
step involves first identifying a credit balance and next
identifying a condition. The credit balance can be measured in a
variety of ways including but not limited to: 1) a number of coins;
2) an amount of an alternate currency; and 3) an amount of money.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the controller 110
may identify at least one credit balance on at least one game
machine 120, 130, or 140. In another embodiment of the invention: a
player may simultaneously operate two game machines, and thereby
two credit balances, one on each machine. The controller 110
identifies the two credit balances. In yet another embodiment of
the invention, a single game machine 120,130140 may have two
associated credit balances which controller 110 identifies. For
example, game machine 120, 130, or 140 may store a first credit
balance corresponding to money that a player has inserted into the
game machine and a second credit balance corresponding to
promotional credits that have been provided to the player. In
another embodiment of the invention, two or more game machines
120-130 may share a single credit balance which controller 110
identifies. For example, a husband and wife may share a single
credit balance that is stored in database 340 at controller 110.
The husband may operate a first game machine that debits wager
amounts from the credit balance, and the wife may operate a second
game machine that debits wager amounts from the credit balance.
Prizes won by either the husband or the wife may be credited to the
credit balance. In an alternative embodiment, a player's credit
balance on a game machine, which controller 110 identifies, may be
linked or merged with a financial account belonging to the player
such as, a bank account, a debit card account, a credit card
account. In yet another alternate embodiment, controller 110 may
not identify a credit balance on a game machine. For example, it is
possible to determine that a credit balance has increased by $10
without knowing the value of the credit balance before or after the
event. The credit balance may be stored in session log database
360.
[0039] According to step 810, in addition to identifying the credit
balance, controller 110 also identifies a condition. Conditions may
be based on a variety of different factors including but not
limited to whether current credit balance is: 1) greater than a
certain value; 2) less than a certain value; 3) equal to a certain
value; or 4) within a range of values.
[0040] Alternatively, a condition may be based on a change in
credit balance including: 1) a credit balance decreases by a
certain amount; 2) a credit balance falls below a certain value; 3)
a player "cashes out" or withdraws at least a portion of a credit
balance; 4) a player is penalized, causing his credit balance to
decrease; or 5) a linked or merged credit balance or other
financial account may be unlinked or otherwise removed such as
removing a link between a credit card balance on a game machine and
a credit card account.
[0041] A condition may also be based on an increase in a credit
balance such as: 1) a credit balance increases by a certain amount,
e.g., from a payout; 2) a credit balance rises above a certain
value; 3) a player inserts currency into a game machine; 4) a
player increases his credit balance by accepting a subsidy offer;
5) a credit balance is linked or merged with a second credit
balance or a financial account such as agreeing to merge his credit
balance with a credit balance of a second player on a second game
machine or a player linking his credit balance on a game machine
with his credit card account.
[0042] A condition may also be based on historical values of a
credit balance such as whether: 1) a credit balance has been
greater than a certain value for a specified duration; 2) a credit
balance has been less than a certain value for a specified
duration; 3) an average credit balance is greater than a certain
value; 4) an average credit balance is less than a certain value;
5) differences between various credit balances. A duration may be
specified in a variety of ways. One way a duration may be specified
is by time. For example, a condition may be that a credit balance
has been greater than 100 credits for the past 1.5 hours. Another
way a duration may be specified is by number of games. For example,
a condition may be that an average credit balance over the prior 80
handle pulls (plays) is greater than $20. Another way a duration
may be specified is by bounding the duration by at least one event
such as a jackpot or other outcome. For example, a condition may be
that a credit balance has been more than 200 credits since the
player last won a jackpot. In a second example, a condition may be
that an average credit balance since a player last won a jackpot is
greater than 100 tokens.
[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, controller 110
may identify a plurality of conditions. For example: 1) a player
may receive a benefit if a credit balance is greater than 100
credits (a first condition) and the player inserts a $20 bill into
a game machine (a second condition); and 2) a player may receive a
benefit if a credit balance rises above 120 coins (a first
condition) and the credit balance has been less than 120 credits
for the last 1 hour (a second condition).
[0044] After identifying the credit balance and the condition
relating to the credit balance, the controller 110 may determine
whether a condition is true (step 820). The following is a
description of a variety of ways that the controller 110 may
determine whether a condition is true.
[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the controller
110 may determine that a condition is true by evaluating a Boolean
expression. This Boolean expression may, e.g., reference one or
more variables and may include Boolean modifiers and conjunctions
(e.g. AND, OR, XOR, NOT, NAND), comparators (e.g., >, <, =,
>=, <=, !=), mathematical operations (e.g. +, -, *, /, mean,
standard deviation, logarithm, derivative, integral), and constants
(e.g. $10, 20 coins, 300 credits, 0.02, 15%, pi, TRUE, yellow,
"raining"). Examples of Boolean expressions include: [0046] 1)
(credit_balance>=100); [0047] 2) (credit_balance>=120) AND
(credit_balance<=200); [0048] 3) (change_in_credit_balance>1)
AND (credit_balance>300); [0049] 4)
(previous_credit_balance<200) AND (new_credit_balance>=200);
[0050] 5) (credit_balance>200) AND (NOT
(minimum_balance_last_hour<100)); and [0051] 6)
(average_balance_entire_session>100) OR
(average_balance_last.sub.--50_games>200).
[0052] According to another embodiment of the invention, controller
110 may compare a credit balance to at least one threshold value.
For example, if a credit balance is greater than 100 coins, then a
player may receive a benefit.
[0053] Lastly, controller 110 may provide a benefit to a player
based on the condition (step 830). Step 830 includes first
determining which benefit to provide and then providing the
benefit. Controller 110 can determine which benefit to provide by
using information located in benefit database 370 as shown in FIG.
5. For example, record 560, BEN-38-18068-03, indicates that 2 coins
will be added to the credit balance if a $10 bill is inserted into
the bill acceptor Alternatively, controller 110 may provide a set
of benefits to the player if a condition is fulfilled. The player
can then select the particular benefit by inputting his selection
through input device 230. Once the benefit has been determined,
controller 110 will provide the benefit to the player. In addition,
controller 110 may notify the player of the benefit by providing
notification through output device 240. In one embodiment, this
would include providing payment through payment system 250.
[0054] According to one embodiment, the step of determining a
benefit may also be based on one or more additional factors or
conditions. While a wide variety of factors are possible, some
examples of additional factors include: 1) factors relating to the
player's gambling activities; 2) factors relating to the player's
visit to a casino; 3) factors relating to the player's other
activities; 4) factors relating to benefits that have been
provided; 5) factors relating to other players. Examples of factors
relating to the player's gambling activities include: 1) the
player's past gambling activities; 2) the player's present gambling
activities; 3) the player's anticipated future gambling activities;
4) metrics of the player's gambling activities; and 5) the player's
preferences. Examples of factors relating to the player's visit to
the casino include: 1) people who accompanied the player to the
casino; 2) whether the player has reserved a hotel room at the
casino; 3) purchases made by the player at the casino; and 4) the
duration of the player's visit to the casino. Examples of factors
relating to other activities performed by a player: 1)
complimentary products or services received by the player; 2)
subsidy offers accepted or rejected by the player. For example, a
total dollar value of benefits that a player has received.
According to one embodiment, there may be a limit on a value of
benefits that a player may receive. Factors relating to the other
players are similar to the factors listed above. Examples of other
players associated with the player include: 1) a player who is
operating a nearby slot machine; 2) a player who is sharing a room
with the player; 3) a player who arrived on the same bus as the
player; 4) family members, friends, and other associates of the
player.
[0055] According to one embodiment, the controller 110 may receive
information about factors from a variety of sources, including: 1)
game machines and their associated input devices; 2) input devices;
3) casino employees; 4) databases accessible by the controller 110.
In another embodiment, the controller 110 may receive indications
from one or more game machines operated by the player, as well as
from game machines operated by other players.
[0056] Once controller 110 determines which benefit is associated
with a particular condition, controller 110 will provide the
benefit to the player. Various types of benefits may be provided to
the player including but not limited to: 1) benefits relating to
payouts; 2) benefits relating to probabilities of game outcomes; 3)
game advantages; 4) money; 5) financial benefits; 6) benefits
relating to a cost per wager; 7) complimentary awards; 8)
merchandise; 9) non-negotiable tokens; 10) discounts; 11)
entertainment; 12) services; 13) benefits to a party associated
with a player.
[0057] Examples of benefits relating to payouts include but are not
limited to: 1) top jackpot increased; 2) top jackpot paid as a lump
sum instead of installment over time; 3) extra coins for a given
outcome; 4) extra coins for all outcomes; 5) extra coins for a
subset of outcomes; 6) extra coin payouts during bonus rounds; 7)
extra coins added at cashout; 8) extra bonuses added at cashout; 9)
providing a payout where there previously was none.
[0058] Examples of benefits relating to probabilities include but
are not limited to: 1) probability of top jackpot increased; 2)
probability of all payouts increased; 3) probability of a subset of
outcomes increased; 4) probability of negative outcomes decreased;
5) probability of entering bonus round increased; 6) ability to
re-spin one of the reels; 7) additional bonus symbols added to one
or more reels; 8) probability of one more bonus symbols being
selected increased; 9) removal of negative symbols from one or more
reels; 10) joker or other wildcard added to a deck of cards; 11)
after an initial video poker hand is dealt, cards not helpful to a
player's hand may be removed from remaining deck; 12) second draw
allowed in video poker; 13) a payout table may be modified (e.g.,
as shown in FIG. 6).
[0059] Examples of benefits in the form of game advantages include
but are not limited to: 1) ability to summon game characters to
modify outcomes; 2) game characters become more powerful or have
enhanced tools; 3) hints provided during bonus round games as to
optimal selections; 4) strategy hints provided during bonus rounds;
5) faster accumulation of collected game symbols (e.g. more rapid
accumulation of slices of a pie which pays a bonus when the whole
pie is completed). Examples of benefits of money include: 1)
credits may be added to a player's credit balance on a game
machine; 2) a game machine may dispense at least one coin or bill;
3) a recurring payment may be provided to a player (e.g., a player
may receive 10 credits per hour for each hour that he keeps his
balance above 100 coins); 4) a financial account belonging to a
player may be credited (e.g., a bank account, a credit card
account).
[0060] Examples of financial benefits include but are not limited
to: 1) interest earned on average balance for each handle pull; 2)
interest earned on average balance for a session; and 3) interest
earned on highest balance achieved over session. Examples of
benefits relating to a cost per wager include but are not limited
to: 1) decreased cost per handle pull; 2) free spins every X handle
pulls; 3) extra paylines enabled at reduced cost (or free); 4)
extra hands provided in multi-play video poker; 5) top jackpot
enabled without requirement of max coin; 6) free spins--as long as
the player keeps a minimum balance of at least $25 or 100 coins in
a 25 cent machine, he receives a free spin any time he wins a
payout of more than 20 coins; 7) free jackpot only spins--the
player receives 3 free jackpot only spins any time he has the
minimum balance in the machine and wins a payout of more than 20
coins.
[0061] Examples of complimentary awards include but are not limited
to: 1) double or triple comp points; 2) rate of cash back earned
increased; 3) fewer coins-in required to earn one comp point.
Examples of merchandise include: 1) promotional items such as hats,
key chains, t-shirts, etc.; 2) subscriptions to magazines; 3)
prepaid phone cards. Examples of non-negotiable tokens include
coins which have no redemption value but can be used in slot
machines/table games to win real tokens.
[0062] Examples of discounts include but are not limited to: 1)
percentage discounts on food, beverage, rooms, show tickets at the
casino; 2) discounts at casino logo shop; 3) discounts on
merchandise at a casino owned shopping mall.
[0063] Examples of entertainment-related benefits include but are
not limited to: 1) free/reduced price phone calls; 2) access to
music MP3s; 3) video clips; 4) movie trailers; 5) access to
Internet; 6) access to premium (paid) Internet site.
[0064] Examples of services that may be provided as benefits
include but are not limited to: earning gold player status which
allows: faster drink service, unlimited line passes, later checkout
times, ability to lock up machine for an extended period of time,
access to premium gaming areas, access to priority reservations
system, and room upgrades
[0065] According to one embodiment, a benefit may be provided to a
party associated with the player (e.g., a friend of the player, a
family member, a charity).
[0066] Although the method of the invention has been described as
providing a benefit based on a condition, the invention may also
comprise providing an indication to the player that a benefit may
be provided if the credit balance is increased or maintained above
a certain threshold. In addition to providing a benefit, the
controller 110 may provide an indication based on a condition. FIG.
9 is a flow diagram representing a method of providing an
indication based on a condition to a player. As shown in FIG. 9,
the steps 910 and 920 are identical to the first two steps in FIG.
8, steps 810 and 820 regarding providing a benefit to the player.
These steps have already been described above. First the controller
110 must identify a condition relating to a credit balance on a
game machine operated by a player (step 910); then the controller
110 determines if the condition is true (step 920). If the
condition is true, the controller 110 will provide the indication
associated with the condition. Alternatively, the game machine
120-140 may perform some or all of the steps performed by
controller 110 alone or in communication with controller 110.
[0067] In alternative embodiments of this invention, the steps
discussed above with regard to FIG. 9 may be practiced
independently of the steps described above. In one embodiment, a
benefit may be provided based on a condition, but no indication may
be output based on the condition. For example, a player may receive
a benefit of a better payout table if his credit balance is greater
than 120 coins. In an alternative embodiment, a benefit may be
provided based on a condition, and an indication may be output
based on the same condition. For example, a player may receive a
benefit of a better payout table if his credit balance is greater
than 120 coins. An indication may be output to the player, "Since
your balance is greater than 120 coins, your winnings will be
determined based on this modified payout table." Another embodiment
is that the benefit may be provided based on a first condition, and
an indication may be output based on a second condition. For
example, a player may insert $5 into a slot machine, increasing his
credit balance from $3.25 to $8.25. Since the player increased his
balance by $5 (a first condition), he may receive a benefit of a
free spin on the slot machine. However, since the player's credit
balance rose to a value between $8 and $10, an indication may be
output to the player, "If you increase your balance to more than
$10, then you get 3 free spins." In a second example, a player's
credit balance on a game machine may fall from 132 to 129 coins.
Since the player's current credit balance of 129 coins is greater
than 120 coins, the player may receive a benefit of a better payout
table. However, an indication may be output to a player because his
credit balance fell below 130 coins, "If you increase your balance
to more than 130 coins, then you will get 2 free coins." Another
example is that an indication may be output based on a condition,
but no benefit may be provided based on the condition. For example,
a player's credit balance on a game machine may fall from 122 to
119 coins. Based on this condition, an indication may be output to
a player, "Your current balance is less than 120 coins! Increase
your balance to continue using the better payout table." One common
embodiment is to provide benefits for increases in a player's
credit balance, but to output indications for decreases in a
player's credit balance. Of course, many other embodiments are also
possible.
[0068] In determining the indication (part of step 930), controller
110 may use the information stored in indication database 390,
shown in FIG. 7. For example, record 740, IND-081234498-03, shows
that if a $ 10 bill is inserted into a bill acceptor, the following
indication will be provided "IF YOU INSERT ANOTHER $ 10, YOU'LL GET
3 MORE COINS AS A BONUS."
[0069] Different types of indications based on a condition include
but are not limited to: 1) an indication of the condition; 2) an
indication of how to change the condition; 3) an indication of a
benefit to be provided based on the condition; 4) an indication of
a threshold value that is part of the condition. According to one
embodiment, controller 110 may output an indication of a condition.
For example, "Your credit balance is less than 120 coins" or "Your
credit balance just rose over 50 coins."
[0070] According to one embodiment, controller 110 may output an
indication of how to change a condition. For example, "Insert more
money to increase your credit balance," "You can maintain a higher
average credit balance by inserting more money before your credit
balance drops to zero," or "You get a free spin each time you
insert a $10 bill." According to one embodiment, a game machine
120-140 or the controller 110 may output an indication of a benefit
that may be provided or not provided based on the condition.
According to one embodiment, the controller 110 may determine a
benefit to be provided based on a condition by accessing a benefit
database such as the one shown in FIG. 5. Examples of indications
of benefits include but are not limited to: "If your credit balance
is more than 120 coins, then you get a better payout table"; and
"Based on your credit balance, you get a bonus of 2 free
jackpot-only spins."
[0071] According to one embodiment, controller 110 may output an
indication of a threshold value to which a credit balance or other
variable is compared. Examples include: 1) "Your credit balance is
less than $20. If you increase your credit balance to more than
$20, you'll get a free ticket for a dinner buffet"; and 2) "Your
average credit balance for the last hour is 134.5 coins, which is
greater than 100 coins, so you get a free spin."
[0072] According to one embodiment, controller 110 may also output
an indication of at least one other condition or at least one other
benefit. For example, "Your credit balanced increased past 200
coins, so you get a 10 coin bonus" or "If you increase your balance
over 300 coins, then you get a 15 coin bonus."
[0073] According to one embodiment of the invention, an indication
of a condition may be output to a player using at least one output
device 240 on a game machine 120-140. An indication based on a
condition may be output in a variety of different forms, including
but not limited to: 1) text--for example, a message may be
displayed on a video screen; 2) audio--for example, a `beep` sound
may be output anytime a lesson is displayed on a video screen; 3)
video--for example, an image or sequence of images (e.g., a movie)
may be displayed to a player using a video screen; 4) binary--for
example, a light emitting diode (LED) on a slot machine may act as
a warning light--lighting up if a condition is false (and a player
may not receive a benefit) and turning off if the condition is true
(and a player may receive a benefit.); and 5) through a partition
window. According to one embodiment, a partition may be a video
screen or an area of a video screen that is used to display related
information. Examples of partitions include but are not limited to:
headers, footers, sidebars, windows, overlays, and pop-up windows.
For example, a header may overlaid across the top of a video
screen. This header may display messages to a player describing
conditions that occur and benefits that are provided to the
player.
[0074] According to one embodiment, various visual cues may be used
to draw a player's attention to an indication that is displayed.
Examples of visual cues include but are not limited to: color,
fonts, highlighting, transparency, and animation. For example, an
indication may be output as a text overlay on a video screen
showing spinning slot machine reels.
[0075] In another embodiment, a portion of a game may be modified
to provide an indication. For example, icons on the reels of a slot
machine may be modified to provide an indication to a player. In a
second embodiment, an indication may be output by changing the
design of a deck of cards in video poker. Furthermore, an avatar,
virtual assistant, or other on-screen character may be displayed to
a player in conjunction with an indication. For example, an
animated rabbit may be displayed on video screen and "talk" to a
player based on conditions. Indications from the rabbit may be
provided as both text, or as audio.
[0076] According to one embodiment, a plurality of indications may
be output. Examples include but are not limited to: 1) a text
message, "You get a free spin each time you insert a $10 bill" may
be displayed in a pop up window, and a bell may ring; 2) a light
bulb may flash and a red text may be overlaid on a video screen
"Your credit balance has been over 100 coins for the last hour, so
you get a bonus of 3 free jackpot-only spins. If you keep your
balance above 100 coins for another hour, then you'll get 4 more
free jackpot-only spins."
Additional Embodiments
[0077] According to one embodiment, a first player may receive a
benefit based on a credit balance maintained by a second player.
For example, a brother and his sister may both play game machines
at a casino. If the brother maintains a balance of more than 100
credits on his slot machine, then both he and his sister may
receive a free spin every 20 games. In this case, controller 110
would store information based on the related players in data
storage device 340 and use that information in order to run the
steps iterated above on at least two game machines 120-140.
[0078] Examples of first players associated with second players
include but are not limited to: 1) players operating a nearby slot
machine; 2) players sharing a room; 3) players who arrived on the
same bus; 4) players from the same family, group of friends, and
other group associations.
[0079] According to one embodiment, an indication based on a first
player's credit balance may be output to a second player.
Outputting an indication to the second player may motivate the
second player to encourage the first player (e.g., to increase his
credit balance, or to congratulate him on maintaining a high credit
balance). Hence controller 110 would provide an indication through
the output device of player two based on a condition of player
one's game session.
[0080] According to one embodiment, when the player requests cash
out (e.g., by pressing a `CASH OUT` button on the gaming device)
the gaming device provide the player with an offer for a benefit in
exchange for maintaining a minimum credit balance. To be attractive
and more acceptable, the benefit should typically (though not
necessarily) be larger than previously offered/provided benefits
for comparable player behavior.
[0081] According to one embodiment, a player may be provided with
benefits before he meets conditions required for those benefits.
The player might instead promise to meet those conditions in the
future.
[0082] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the system and method
of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope
of the invention. For example, the databases prescribed above may
reside in one or more databases stored in the data storage devices
of either the game machine 120, 130, or 140 or controller 110. The
present invention covers the modifications and variations of this
invention provided they come within the scope of the appended
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *