U.S. patent application number 11/428599 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-09 for method and apparatus for automatically operating a game machine.
Invention is credited to Geoffrey M. Gelman, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Jay S. WALKER.
Application Number | 20060252509 11/428599 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29254306 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060252509 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WALKER; Jay S. ; et
al. |
November 9, 2006 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY OPERATING A GAME MACHINE
Abstract
A gaming device such as a slot machine may be operated in an
automated play mode in which the need for player input is reduced
or eliminated. Game play cycles may be continuously performed in
the automated play mode without player input. One or more
parameters for controlling the automated play mode may be
determined based on player input and/or data or a program stored in
the gaming device and/or data or a program stored in a controller
in communication with the gaming device. Termination of the
automated play mode may result from player input and/or may be
determined on the basis of a parameter that may be determined on
the basis of player input or may be determined automatically by the
gaming device or by a controller in communication with the gaming
device.
Inventors: |
WALKER; Jay S.; (Ridgefield,
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: |
29254306 |
Appl. No.: |
11/428599 |
Filed: |
July 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10331438 |
Dec 27, 2002 |
|
|
|
11428599 |
Jul 5, 2006 |
|
|
|
09879299 |
Jun 12, 2001 |
6634942 |
|
|
10331438 |
Dec 27, 2002 |
|
|
|
09437204 |
Nov 9, 1999 |
6244957 |
|
|
09879299 |
Jun 12, 2001 |
|
|
|
08774487 |
Dec 30, 1996 |
6012983 |
|
|
09437204 |
Nov 9, 1999 |
|
|
|
60373750 |
Apr 18, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3269 20130101; G07F 17/3267 20130101; G07F 17/3262
20130101; G07F 17/3232 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/025 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/00 20060101
A63F013/00 |
Claims
1. A method comprising the steps of: receiving an input that
indicates selection of an automated play mode of a gaming device;
initiating the automated play mode of the gaming device; and
exiting from the automated play mode upon occurrence of an exit
event.
2-135. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/879,299, filed Jun. 12, 2001, entitled
"System and Method for Automated Play of Multiple Gaming Device";
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/437,204, entitled "Automated Play Gaming Device", filed Nov. 9,
1999, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,244,957 on Jun. 12, 2001; which
is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/774,487,
entitled "Automated Play Gaming Device", filed Dec. 30, 1996, and
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,012,983 on Jan. 11, 2000.
[0002] Each of the above-referenced documents is incorporated
herein by reference.
[0003] In addition, this application claims the benefit of priority
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/373,750, filed
Apr. 18, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention is concerned with gaming devices such
as slot machines, and is more specifically concerned with
facilitating operation of gaming devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A typical session at a slot machine may last two hours or
more, and may include approximately 1,000 game play cycles or
"spins". Conventional slot machines are somewhat disadvantageous
for players in that if the player wishes to take a break for a few
moments, as, for example, to sip a drink, have a conversation with
a companion or to stretch his or her legs, it may be necessary to
interrupt the gaming session. This is inconsistent with a typical
player's objective, which is to maximize the number of game play
cycles that he or she engages in, so as to maximize the
opportunities for winning a jackpot.
[0006] Moreover, some slot machine players are of an advanced age,
such that repeatedly pulling a slot machine arm or repeatedly
pressing a button to initiate a game play cycle may be physically
demanding.
[0007] It accordingly would be desirable to provide a slot machine
that is easier and/or more convenient to play than conventional
slot machines, and/or that can accommodate a player's desire to
take a break while continuing to play the slot machine.
[0008] Also, from the point of view of the casino, it is desirable
that the player's gaming experience be improved, and that longer
and/or more continuous playing sessions be facilitated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] To overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, novel methods
and apparatus for automating slot machine play are provided. In a
first embodiment of the invention, a method is provided including
receiving an input that indicates selection of an automated play
mode of a gaming device, initiating the automated play mode of the
gaming device, and exiting from the automated play mode upon
occurrence of an exit event.
[0010] According to a further aspect of the invention, a gaming
device includes an actuatable portion for indicating selection of
an automated play mode of the gaming device and an arrangement for
exiting from the automated play mode upon occurrence of an exit
event.
[0011] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes the steps of setting a limiting criterion of play,
initiating automated play of a gaming device, and terminating
automated play of the gaming device upon occurrence of the limiting
criterion.
[0012] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes determining a limiting criterion of play, initiating
automated play of a gaming device, and terminating automated play
of the gaming device upon occurrence of the limiting criterion.
[0013] The limiting criterion of play may be set or determined
based on one or more of player input, data stored in the gaming
device, a program which controls the gaming device, data stored in
a controller that is in communication with the gaming device, and a
program which controls the controller.
[0014] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes entering a player parameter selection into a gaming
device, and initiating automated play of the gaming device based on
the player parameter selection.
[0015] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes entering a player parameter selection into a gaming
device, and terminating automated play of the gaming device based
on the player parameter selection.
[0016] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes inputting a player parameter selection into a gaming
device, and initiating automated play of the gaming device based on
the player parameter selection.
[0017] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes inputting a player parameter selection into a gaming
device, and terminating automated play of the gaming device based
on the player parameter selection.
[0018] According to a further aspect of the invention, a device
includes an arrangement for storing a player parameter selection,
an arrangement for initiating automated and repetitive play of a
game, and an arrangement for terminating the automated play in
accordance with the player parameter selection.
[0019] According to a further aspect of the invention, a gaming
device includes an arrangement for receiving a player parameter
selection, and an arrangement for terminating an automated play
session of the gaming device in accordance with the player
parameter selection.
[0020] According to a further aspect of the invention, a gaming
device includes a memory device having a limiting criterion of play
stored therein, and a processor in communication with the memory
device, where the processor is configured for terminating automated
play of the gaming device in accordance with the limiting
criterion.
[0021] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes initiating automated play of a gaming device, and
terminating automated play of the gaming device upon occurrence of
a limiting criterion.
[0022] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes initiating automated play of a gaming device, and
terminating automated play of the gaming device upon occurrence of
an exit event.
[0023] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes receiving a monetary deposit, and receiving an actuation
of an actuatable portion of a gaming device. The actuation may
simultaneously indicate (a) selection of an automated play mode of
the gaming device, and (b) a number of game play cycles to be
performed during the automated play mode.
[0024] According to a further aspect of the invention, a gaming
device includes a control arrangement for controlling operation of
the gaming device, and an actuatable portion in communication with
the control arrangement and configured to simultaneously indicate
(a) selection of an automated play mode of the gaming device, and
(b) a number of game play cycles to be performed during the
automated play mode.
[0025] According to a further aspect of the invention, a gaming
device includes a control arrangement for controlling operation of
the gaming device, and a first actuatable portion in communication
with the control arrangement. The first actuatable portion may be
configured to simultaneously indicate (a) selection of an automated
play mode of the gaming device, and (b) a first number of game play
cycles to be performed during the automated play mode. The gaming
device may further include a second actuatable portion in
communication with the control arrangement and configured to
simultaneously indicate (a) selection of the automated play mode,
and (b) a second number of game play cycles to be performed during
the automated play mode.
[0026] The actuatable portions referred to in the previous three
paragraphs and elsewhere herein may include one or more push
buttons and/or regions of a touch screen.
[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes receiving a first signal that indicates selection of an
automated play mode of a gaming device, and, in response to
receiving the first signal, prompting a player of the gaming device
to confirm selection of the automated play mode. The method
according to this aspect of the invention may further include
receiving a second signal that indicates confirmation of the
selection of the automated play mode, and initiating the automated
play mode in response to receiving the second signal.
[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, a gaming
device includes a first arrangement for receiving a first signal
that indicates selection of an automated play mode of the gaming
device, and a second arrangement that is responsive to the first
arrangement and is for prompting a player of the gaming device to
confirm selection of the automated play mode. The gaming device
further includes a third arrangement that is associated with the
second arrangement and is for receiving a second signal that
indicates confirmation of the selection of the automated play mode,
and a fourth arrangement that is responsive to the third
arrangement and is for indicating the automated play mode.
[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device,
performing the automated play mode in accordance with a parameter,
receiving a signal during the automated play mode, changing the
parameter in response to the received signal, and continuing
performance of the automated play mode in accordance with the
changed parameter.
[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes performing an automated play mode of a gaming device at a
first rate, and receiving a signal during the automated play mode.
The method according to this aspect of the invention further
includes, in response to the received signal, performing the
automated play mode in accordance with a second rate that is
different from the first rate.
[0031] Thus the signal may cause operation of the automated play
mode to be speeded up or slowed down.
[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes performing an automated play mode of a gaming device such
that a first amount is wagered per game play cycle, and receiving a
signal during the automated play mode. The method according to this
aspect of the invention further includes, in response to the
received signal, performing the automated play mode such that a
second amount is wagered per game play cycle, where the second
amount is different from the first amount.
[0033] Thus the signal may cause the automated play mode to be
changed so as to increase or decrease the amount wagered per game
play cycle.
[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, a gaming
device includes a first arrangement for initiating an automated
play mode of the gaming device, and a second arrangement that is
associated with the first arrangement and is for performing the
automated play mode in accordance with a parameter. The gaming
device according to this aspect of the invention further includes a
third arrangement that is associated with the second arrangement
and is for receiving a signal during the automated play mode, and a
fourth arrangement that is responsive to the third arrangement and
is for changing the parameter. The gaming device according to this
aspect of the invention further includes a fifth arrangement for
continuing performance of the automated play mode in accordance
with the changed parameter.
[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device, and,
during the automated play mode, receiving interaction from a player
of the gaming device such that the player performs an earning
activity. The method according to this aspect of the invention
further includes increasing a credit balance of the gaming device
in response to the interaction.
[0036] The earning activity may include one or more of answering
survey questions, viewing advertisements, and browsing shopping web
sites.
[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, a gaming
device includes a first arrangement for initiating an automated
play mode of the gaming device, and a second arrangement that is
associated with the first arrangement and is for receiving during
the automated play mode interaction from a player of the gaming
device such that the player performs an earning activity. The
gaming device according to this aspect of the invention further
includes a third arrangement that is responsive to the second
arrangement and is for increasing a credit balance of the gaming
device.
[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device, and
providing a communications function to a player of the gaming
device during the automated play mode.
[0039] The communications function may include one or more of
providing long distance telephone service to the player and
presenting entertainment software such as a motion picture or
recorded music to the player.
[0040] According to a further aspect of the invention, a gaming
device includes a first arrangement for initiating an automated
play mode of the gaming device, and a second arrangement for
providing a communications function to a player of the gaming
device during the automated play mode.
[0041] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device, and
performing a plurality of game play cycles during the automated
play mode. The method according to this aspect of the invention
further includes providing a first payout as a result of a first
one of the game play cycles and providing a second payout as a
result of a second one of the game play cycles, the second payout
being different from the first payout. The method according to this
aspect of the invention further includes delaying a start of a next
game play cycle after the first one of the game play cycles and not
delaying a start of a next game play cycle after the second one of
the game play cycles.
[0042] For example, the automated play mode may pause after
relatively large payouts, and may continue without pausing after
relatively small payouts.
[0043] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device, and
performing a plurality of game play cycles during the automated
play mode. The method according to this aspect of the invention
further includes providing a first payout as a result of a first
one of the game play cycles and providing a second payout as a
result of a second one of the game play cycles, where the second
payout is different from the first payout. The method according to
this aspect of the invention further includes delaying a start of a
next game play cycle after the first one of the game play cycles by
a first delay period, and delaying a start of a next game play
cycle after the second one of the game play cycles by a second
delay period that is shorter than the first delay period.
[0044] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device, and
performing a plurality of game play cycles during the automated
play mode. The method further includes providing a first payout as
a result of a first one of the game play cycles, and providing a
second payout as a result of a second one of the game play cycles,
the second payout being different from the first payout. The method
according to this aspect of the invention further includes
interrupting the automated play mode in response to the first
payout, and not interrupting the automated play mode in response to
the second payout.
[0045] According to a further aspect of the invention, a gaming
device includes an arrangement for receiving a monetary deposit,
and a control circuit that is coupled to the arrangement for
receiving a monetary deposit and is configured to (a) initiate an
automated play mode of a gaming device, (b) perform a plurality of
game play cycles during the automated play mode, (c) provide a
first payout as a result of a first one of the game play cycles,
(d) provide a second payout as a result of a second one of the game
play cycles, where the second payout is different from the first
payout, (e) interrupt the automated play mode in response to the
first payout, and (f) not interrupt the automated play mode in
response to the second payout.
[0046] The interruption of the automated play mode may be a
temporary pause after which the automated play mode automatically
resumes, or may be of indefinite duration (e.g., until input is
received from the player). This aspect of the invention may operate
such that an automated play mode is interrupted in the event of a
relatively large payout, and is not interrupted in the event of a
smaller payout.
[0047] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device, and
performing at least one game play cycle during the automated play
mode. The method according to this aspect of the invention further
includes providing an outcome in a game play cycle during the
automated play mode, and, in response to the outcome, (a)
initiating a secondary game, and (b) exiting from the automated
play mode.
[0048] The secondary game may be of the type sometimes referred to
as a "bonus round".
[0049] According to a further aspect of the invention, a gaming
device includes an arrangement for receiving a monetary deposit,
and a control circuit coupled to the arrangement for receiving the
monetary deposit and configured to (a) initiate an automated play
mode of the gaming device, (b) perform a plurality of game play
cycles during the automated play mode, (c) provide an outcome in a
game play cycle during the automated play mode, and (d) in response
to the outcome, (i) initiate a secondary game and (ii) exit from
the automated play mode.
[0050] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes associating a player with a first gaming device and
associating the player with a second gaming device. The method
according to this aspect of the invention further includes
initiating an automated play mode in the first gaming device, and
exiting from the automated play mode in response to an event
associated with the second gaming device.
[0051] For example, a player may simultaneously operate two slot
machines, both in automated play modes. A large payout may be made
in one of the slot machines, and in response to the payout, both
slot machines may exit from the automated play modes.
[0052] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes associating a player with a gaming device, and initiating
an automated play mode of the gaming device. The method according
to this aspect of the invention further includes actuating a
cash-out function of the gaming device only at a time when a player
identification card corresponding to the player is interfaced to
the gaming device.
[0053] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes initiating a first gaming session on a gaming device, and
initiating a second gaming session on the gaming device, the second
gaming session being concurrent with the first gaming session. The
method according to this aspect of the invention further includes
displaying information concerning the gaming session on a first
display region of the gaming device, and displaying information
concerning the second gaming session on a second display region of
the gaming device.
[0054] For example, two concurrent gaming sessions may be operated
in a single slot machine by operating a display of the slot machine
in a split-screen mode.
[0055] According to a further aspect of the invention, a method
includes performing at least one game play cycle in a gaming
device. The method according to this aspect of the invention
further includes presenting visual information, subsequent to the
performing step, where the visual information represents a replay
of the at least one game play cycle. The presentation of the visual
information may be in response to a player's selection of a review
mode of the gaming device.
[0056] Systems, apparatus and computer program products are
provided for carrying out the above-described embodiments and
numerous other embodiments of the present invention. Each computer
program product described herein may be carried by a medium
readable by a computer (e.g., a carrier wave signal, a floppy disk,
a hard drive, a random access memory, etc.).
[0057] With the methods and apparatus of the present invention,
gaming devices such as slot machines may be easier and/or more
convenient for players to operate. For example, a slot machine in
accordance with the present invention may allow a player to take a
break from paying attention to and/or interacting with the slot
machine, with the slot machine continuing to operate and to
generate game play cycles while the player is taking a break. The
player may be adjacent to the slot machine or may be away from the
slot machine while taking his or her break. A slot machine provided
in accordance with the invention may promote more continuous and/or
more rapid and/or lengthier gaming sessions as compared to a
conventional slot machine. The player may find that playing a slot
machine of the present invention is more enjoyable and/or less
likely to cause fatigue.
[0058] The methods and apparatus of the present invention may also
make it easier for a player to play two or more slot machines at
the same time. Accordingly, the player's opportunities for winning
a jackpot may again be increased. Also, the methods and apparatus
of the present invention may enable a player to perform his or her
intended amount of gaming activity within a shorter period of time,
thereby providing the player with additional leisure time in which
to engage in other leisure activities, including other activities
at the casino.
[0059] The methods and apparatus of the present invention may also
provide a number of advantages for casinos. For example, by making
slot machine play easier and/or more enjoyable and/or more
convenient, slot machines in accordance with the invention may
attract more players, thereby enhancing the profitability of the
casino. Furthermore, slot machines provided in accordance with the
invention may reduce the number of breaks from gaming activity
taken by players and/or may allow a player's gaming activity to
continue even while the player takes a break. Consequently, the
slot machines of the present invention may encourage more gaming
activity. The methods and apparatus of the present invention may
also encourage more gaming activity by allowing players to have
longer gaming sessions and/or by allowing gaming activity to be
performed more rapidly. Also, the present invention may aid players
in operating two or more slot machines at the same time, thereby
again increasing gaming activity at the casino. In addition, by
helping players to operate two or more slot machines at a time
and/or to spend longer periods of time playing slot machines, the
present invention may reduce periods of time in which slot machines
are not used.
[0060] 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, to the appended
claims and to the several drawings attached herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0061] The present invention is described with reference to the
accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals
indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
[0062] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a novel system in which one
or more embodiments of the invention may be applied;
[0063] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a slot machine of FIG. 1;
[0064] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of an exemplary embodiment
of the slot machine of FIG. 2;
[0065] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
the controller of FIG. 1;
[0066] FIG. 5 illustrates a sample of the contents of the session
database of FIG. 4;
[0067] FIG. 6 illustrates a sample of the contents of the auto-play
database of FIG. 4;
[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates a sample of the contents of the exit
event database of FIG. 4; and
[0069] FIGS. 8-11 are flow charts of exemplary processes of the
novel system of FIGS. 1-7.
DETATILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0070] Novel methods, apparatus, systems and computer program
products are provided that allow automated operation of a slot
machine such that player input required to initiate, perform and/or
complete a game play cycle is reduced or eliminated. For example,
when a player first arrives at a slot machine, he or she may obtain
a credit balance at the slot machine in any conventional manner,
including by inserting money into the slot machine. (Before, after
or during the obtaining of the credit balance, the player may
insert his or her player tracking card in a card reader of the slot
machine or may otherwise interface his or her player tracking card
to the slot machine.) The player may then provide input to the slot
machine to indicate that an automated play mode is desired. Such an
input may include pressing an "auto-play" button or a multi-play
(e.g., "10 play", "50 play", "100 play", etc.) button. Instead of
pressing a button to provide such input, a suitable region on a
touch screen may be actuated. If necessary, selection of an
automated play mode may cause the slot machine to prompt the player
to input one or more parameters that may govern performance and/or
termination the automated play mode. Such parameters may include an
amount to be wagered in each game play cycle and/or a rate at which
game play is to proceed during the automated play mode. One or more
other parameters may control termination of the automated play
mode, and may include a total number of game play cycles to be
performed during the automated play mode or a total time duration
of the automated play mode.
[0071] Upon entry of parameters, if required, and/or upon selection
of the automated play mode, the automated play mode begins. The
player may be present at the slot machine during the entire
duration of the automated play mode, or the player may be away from
the slot machine for part or all of the automated play mode. In the
automated play mode, game play cycles may be performed one after
the other without any input from the player. For example, upon
termination of one game play cycle, another game play cycle may be
commenced, either immediately or after a predetermined delay
period, without the player having been required to press a "play"
or "spin" button or pull a handle of the slot machine. Each game
play cycle during the automated play mode may include placing of a
wager, generation of a random number or pseudo random number and/or
spinning of slot machine reels or displaying of simulated spinning
reels, determination of an outcome (e.g., a combination of slot
reel indicia and/or an indication of winning or losing and/or an
indication of an amount won) and possibly a payout to be credited
to a credit balance of the slot machine and/or to be dispensed via
a hopper of the slot machine. As noted above, upon the outcome or
indication of the outcome to the player and/or a payout, if any,
one game play cycle ends, and a next game play cycle may begin
automatically, with or without a delay between the two game play
cycles.
[0072] The automated play mode may continue, with or without user
input, until an exit event occurs. The exit event may be, for
example, completion of a number of game play cycles which was
indicated by the player to be the desired number of game play
cycles for the automated play mode. Another type of exit event may
be depletion of the credit balance in the slot machine. Another
type of exit event may be expiration of a previously set time
period for the intended duration of the automated play mode. The
exit event may, but need not, correspond to a parameter selected or
indicated by the player.
[0073] Another possible type of exit event may be awarding of a
certain type or amount of payout or jackpot. Another type of exit
event may be an indication by a player that he or she wishes the
automated play mode to end (e.g., the player presses a "stop
auto-play" button). Exiting from the automated play mode in
response to an exit event may be temporary or permanent.
[0074] The automated play mode provided in accordance with the
invention may make it easier and/or more convenient and/or more
enjoyable to play slot machines. The automated play mode may make
it possible for a player to take a break from playing activity,
either while staying at the slot machine and observing operation of
the slot machine, or upon leaving the slot machine while continuing
to have the slot machine operate on his or her behalf and/or on his
or her account. Gaming activity at a slot machine may be performed
more rapidly and/or more continuously and/or with fewer
interruptions by means of the automated play mode of the present
invention. A player may be less likely to become fatigued, and may
engage in more and/or more rapid gaming activity, thus increasing
the player's opportunities to win a jackpot, while also enhancing
the casino's opportunities for profit on gaming activity.
[0075] Many other advantageous features may be provided in
accordance with an automated play mode, as described below.
Relevant Terminology
[0076] As used herein, an "automated play mode" includes a mode of
operation of a gaming device in which a new game play cycle is
commenced after termination of a game play cycle without receiving
a player input that requests the new game play cycle. Either a
delay or no delay may be provided between the end of one game cycle
and the automatic commencing of the next game cycle in an automated
play mode. Commencing of a new game play cycle may occur
automatically in some cases but not in others during an automated
play mode. For example, a new game play cycle may be commenced
automatically after a losing game play cycle but the gaming device
may wait for player input before commencing a new game play cycle
after some or all winning game play cycles.
[0077] As used herein, a "gaming device" may include a slot machine
and/or a slot machine in combination with a slot machine controller
or slot server, and may also include a computer, personal digital
assistant, or cell phone that is communication with an on-line
casino (e.g., a gaming website).
[0078] As used herein, a "slot machine" includes an electronic or
electromechanical device that is operated by a player to play a
game of chance. Examples of slot machines include traditional slot
machines that comprise spinning reels or present simulations of
spinning reels, video poker machines, video blackjack machines, and
pachinko machines. The term "slot machine" also includes a device
located at a table game that facilitates wagering or other activity
in regard to the table game.
[0079] As used herein, a "game play cycle" includes a sequence of
events in which (a) a wager is initiated or made (either by a
player or automatically by a gaming device), (b) an outcome is
provided (e.g., a random number and/or a set of reel indicia or
other indicia is provided) and (c) the wager is disposed of and/or
a payout is provided in accordance with the outcome (the payout may
be made, for example, by applying a credit to a credit
balance).
[0080] As used herein, a "winning game play cycle" is a game play
cycle in which a winning outcome is produced.
[0081] As used herein, a "losing game play cycle" is a game play
cycle in which a winning outcome is not produced.
[0082] As used herein, "receiving a monetary deposit" includes any
conventional manner of obtaining credit in a gaming device,
including receiving a deposit of coins or tokens, having paper
currency inserted in a bill-receiving device of a gaming device,
charging or being authorized to charge a credit card account, a
debit card account or an account maintained with a casino, and/or
transferring value from a value card, a smart card or a magnetic
stripe card.
[0083] As used herein, a "rate" of an automated play mode is
determined in terms of game play cycles performed per unit of time;
for example, the rate of an automated play mode in which 20 game
play cycles are performed in five minutes is slower than the rate
of an automated play mode in which 25 game play cycles are
performed in five minutes.
[0084] As used herein, "earning activity" includes a player
answering one or more survey questions, viewing advertisements
and/or shopping on-line and/or accepting an offer from a third
party and/or any other activity on the part of a player (other than
initiating or participating in a game play cycle or making a
monetary deposit into a slot machine) for which a casino or a third
party is willing to confer a benefit upon the player. "Shopping"
includes receiving and/or accepting an offer of a product or
service.
[0085] As used herein, a "communications function" includes
transmitting audio and/or visual information to and/or from a
player, including presenting pre-recorded material such as a motion
picture to the player, where the information is not pertinent to
(i) a game play cycle, (ii) an automated play mode, (iii) payment
of funds to or from the gaming device, or (iv) any other
operational function of the gaming device.
[0086] As used herein, a "player parameter selection" includes both
play options and limiting criteria of play.
[0087] As used herein, a "play option" includes any information
used to define automated play. Examples of play options are an
amount to be wagered per game play cycle and a time between game
play cycles.
[0088] As used herein, a "limiting criterion of play" is any
information that may define the beginning or end of an automated
play mode. In one or more embodiments of the invention, limiting
criteria may include lock start time, lock end time, requested
number of game play cycles, credit balance, total losses, total
winnings, and limiting maximum payout. Expiration or depletion of
all available credits for playing a slot machine may constitute a
limiting criterion of play. A specific winning credit value (e.g.,
stop playing if a credit of $1,000.00 is ever registered) may also
be a limiting criterion of play. A limiting criterion of play need
not be a player parameter selection.
[0089] For example, a limiting criterion may be set by the gaming
device itself or by a controller or may be programmed into the
gaming device or controller.
[0090] As used herein, "depletion" of a credit balance includes
reduction to zero or reduction to an amount that is less than a
wager amount that is applicable per game play cycle in an automated
play mode. "Depletion" may also include reduction of the credit
balance to or below a predetermined level that may have been set by
the player, by the gaming device, or by the controller.
[0091] As used herein, a "controller" includes a computer system
operated by a casino and in communication with one or more slot
machines.
[0092] As used herein, "to exit" includes terminating, pausing,
suspending, disengaging, stopping, ending, halting, freezing,
closing or otherwise exiting an automated play mode.
[0093] As used herein, an "exit event" includes any stimulus,
interrupt, condition, signal, criterion, exception or other event
that causes or may cause a gaming device to exit from an automated
play mode. An "exit event" also includes an event corresponding to
a limiting criterion of play. For example, if a limiting criterion
has been set, determined or selected as n game play cycles,
completion of the nth game play cycle of the automated play mode is
an exit event. Other examples of exit events are an indication or
other signal by a player to indicate that the player wishes to
terminate an automated play mode, and depletion of a credit balance
of a gaming device.
[0094] As used herein, a "player" includes one person or a group of
persons who place wagers on the operation of a gaming device. Such
wagers may be made in connection with an automated play mode.
[0095] As used herein, a "payout" includes an amount greater than
zero that is credited to a credit balance of a gaming device in
response to a winning game play cycle.
[0096] As used herein, "inputting" includes any manner of providing
an input, a signal, a stimulus, an indication, data or information
to a device, and includes actuating an actuatable portion of the
device and/or transmitting a signal to the device from another
device.
[0097] As used herein, "entering" includes "inputting".
[0098] As used herein, an "actuatable portion" of a device is any
portion of a device that may be touched or moved by a player to
generate a signal in the device and/or to change a state or
condition of the device.
[0099] As used herein, a "secondary game" is an activity of a
gaming device that includes an outcome and is initiated as a result
of an outcome of a game play cycle and either (a) requires player
input where the game play cycle did not require player input, or
(b) requires a different type of player input from the game play
cycle.
[0100] As used herein, a "player identification card" includes a
player tracking card, a credit card or a debit card.
[0101] A gaming machine should be understood to "receive" (as that
term is used herein and in the appended claims) an input, a signal,
data or information upon actuation of an actuatable portion of the
gaming machine (e.g., a push button, a keypad, a keyboard, a region
of a touch screen) and/or upon receipt of a signal generated by a
device exterior to the gaming machine.
[0102] As used herein, a "payout" includes an amount greater than
zero that is credited to a credit balance of a slot machine in
response to a winning game play cycle.
Exemplary Embodiments of the Inventive System
[0103] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a novel system 100 in which
one or more aspects of the present invention may be applied. The
novel system 100 includes a controller 102 in communication with a
plurality of slot machines 104. The controller 102 and the slot
machines 104 will be described further below. As will be understood
from subsequent discussion, one or more of the slot machines 104,
and/or the controller 102 may have features provided in accordance
with the invention. Although three slot machines 104 are shown in
the drawing, it should be understood that any number of slot
machines may be connected to the controller 102. Also, as will be
discussed below, it is contemplated to omit the controller 102 and
to omit any communication among the slot machines 104, so that one
or more aspects of the invention are provided in one or more of the
slot machines 104 taken as stand-alone devices. It is also
contemplated that one or more aspects of the invention be provided
in connection with one or more of the slot machines 104, but not in
connection with others of the slot machines 104. It is also
contemplated that the slot machines may differ from each other in
other respects, including different capabilities for game-playing
and/or different numbers and/or types of reels or reel displays. It
is also contemplated that some of the slot machines 104 may be
reel-type (or virtual reel-type) machines, whereas others of the
slot machines 104 may include video poker machines and/or video
blackjack machines. Other combinations of slot machines 104 in the
system 100 are contemplated.
[0104] Those skilled in the art will understand that devices in
communication with each other need only be capable of communicating
with each other and need not be continually transmitting data or
receiving data from each other. On the contrary, such devices need
only transmit data to or receive data from each other as necessary,
and may actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time.
Further, devices may be in communication even though steps may be
required to establish a communication link (e.g., dialing a network
service provider).
[0105] The communication between the controller 102 and the slot
machines 104 may be via one or more communication networks,
generally indicated by reference 10 numeral 106 in FIG. 1. The
communication between the controller 102 and the slot machines 104
may include one or more of: (a) transmission of information from
the controller 102 to a slot machine 104 (e.g., to control
operation of the slot machine 104); and (b) transmission of
information from one or more of the slot machines 104 to the
controller 102 (e.g., information concerning a player's gaming
activities).
[0106] The communication network or networks 106 may be
constituted, for example, by one or more of a local area network
(LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a telephone line or
telephone lines, a cable line or cable lines, a radio channel or
channels, an optical communications line or lines, a satellite
communications link or links.
[0107] One or more of the following communications protocols may be
used, for example: Ethernet, Bluetooth, TCP/IP.
[0108] Some or all of the communications between the controller 102
and the slot machines 104 may be encrypted to ensure privacy and
prevent fraud.
Exemplary Embodiments of A Slot Machine 104
[0109] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
one or more of the slot machines 104 of FIG. 1; and FIG. 3 is a
schematic front view of an exemplary embodiment of the slot machine
of FIG. 2.
[0110] The slot machine 104 may have all of the components of a
conventional slot machine, such as a reel-type or
simulated-reel-type slot machine, a video poker machine or a video
blackjack machine. The schematic representations of FIGS. 2 and 3
are somewhat simplified, and it accordingly should be understood
that conventional slot machine components may be present
notwithstanding that such components are not explicitly indicated
in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0111] With reference to FIG. 2, the slot machine 104 comprises a
processor 200, such as one or more conventional microprocessors
(e.g., one or more Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processors). The
processor 200 is in communication with a communications port 202,
through which the processor 200 communicates with the controller
102. The communications port 202 may also include a capability for
wireless communication with, e.g., PDA's and the like. It should
also be understood that the communications port 202 may, but need
not, be arranged to provide wireless communication with the
controller 102.
[0112] One or more memory devices are represented by block 204, and
are associated with the processor 200. The memory device or devices
represented by block 204 may include conventional volatile and/or
non-volatile memory that may function as program storage and/or
working memory. The memory 204 may store information related to or
indicated by player input, including one or more player parameter
selections. A program stored in the memory 204 may control the
processor 200 such that the slot machine 204 performs one or more
of the processes described herein.
[0113] The slot machine 104 also includes a payment system 206
which is in communication with the processor 200. The payment
system 206 performs two primary functions: (a) receiving payments
from players to load wagering credits into the slot machine 104,
and (b) making payments to players to pay out winnings and/or
unused wagering credits. Accordingly, the payment system 206 may
include one or more conventional devices to receive coins and/or
bills and/or tokens, as exemplified by a bill receiver 300 shown in
FIG. 3. In addition, or alternatively, the payment system 206 may
include a magnetic stripe card reader (not separately shown) which
handles credit card or debit card reading to allow for automatic
charging or debiting of a player's credit card or debit card
account. In addition, or alternatively, the payment system 206 may
accommodate a transfer of value from a value card (e.g., a smart
card or a magnetic stripe card) or charging of an account
maintained by a player with the casino. It should be understood
that the payment system 206 may include any and all arrangements
for allowing the slot machine 104 to receive a monetary
deposit.
[0114] In addition, the payment system 206 may include a
conventional hopper controller (not separately shown) which
controls dispensing of coins and/or tokens from a conventional
hopper (not separately shown) in response to awarding of a jackpot
and/or the player exercising a cash-out option. In addition, or
alternatively, the payment system 206 may include another
arrangement or other arrangements for making payments to a
player.
[0115] The payment system 206 may include capabilities for
providing payment to a player by one or more of dispensing hard
currency (i.e., coins or bills), dispensing an alternate currency
(e.g., a paper cashless gaming voucher, a coupon, a casino token),
crediting a player account (e.g., a bank account, credit card
account or other financial account), or providing a product or
service to a player (e.g., arranging for transfer to the player of
a new car or other product as a jackpot prize). In connection with
crediting a player account, such account may be identified by a
payment identifier such as a credit card number, a debit card
number or a player tracking card number.
[0116] It should be also understood that at least some of the
above-described functionality of the payment system 206 may be
implemented by activities of the processor 200 operating under
control of a program stored in the memory 204.
[0117] One or more components of the payment system 206 may operate
under control of the processor 200.
[0118] The slot machine 104 also includes one or more input devices
208 and output devices 210 that are in communication with the
processor 200. The input devices 208 may include one or more
devices arranged to provide input to the processor 200. For
example, the input devices 208 may include one or more push buttons
(as described below in connection with FIG. 3, for example), a
touch screen (which may also be one of the output devices 210), a
conventional slot machine pull-handle and/or a magnetic stripe card
reader arranged to read a player tracking card. Other possible
input devices 208 include a computer keyboard, a keypad, a computer
mouse, a microphone, a video camera, a biometric input device
(e.g., a fingerprint or retinal scanner), a radio antenna (e.g.,
for receiving inputs from another slot machine or from a PDA) and a
speech recognition module. Conceptually, the input devices 208 may
also overlap with the payment system 206 in that, for example, a
coin or bill acceptor may be considered an input device 208.
[0119] The output devices 210 may include, for example, a video
monitor (e.g., a touch screen, as referred to above), a bell or
buzzer that is activated to indicate a winning outcome, and an LED
display which may indicate a player's credit balance in the slot
machine 104. Other possible output devices 210 may include an audio
speaker, an electric motor, a printer (e.g., for outputting a
receipt to indicate credits to which the player is entitled), a
coupon or product dispenser, an infrared port (e.g., for
communicating with another slot machine and/or with a PDA), a
Braille computer monitor. Conceptually the output devices 210 may
again overlap with the payment system 206 in that a coin or bill
dispenser may be considered an output device 210.
[0120] Another component of the slot machine 104 may be a random
number generator 212. The random number generator 212 may be
provided in accordance with conventional practices in association
with the processor 200 to generate random or pseudo-random numbers
by which game outcomes may be determined. It will be appreciated
that the random number generation function may alternatively be
handled by the processor 200 operating under control of a program
stored in the memory 204.
[0121] It should be understood that hard-wired circuitry (not
shown) may be included in the slot machine 104 to perform functions
in addition to or in place of functions that may be performed by
the processor 200 under control of a stored program. Accordingly,
it is contemplated to replace the processor 200 and the memory 204
partially or completely with hard-wired circuitry.
[0122] Further aspects of an exemplary slot machine 104 will now be
discussed with reference to FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, a slot
machine 104 includes, in one embodiment, a housing 302 in or on
which most or all of the components described in FIG. 2 may be
mounted.
[0123] The exemplary slot machine 104 shown in FIG. 3 has a display
304 which may display simulated slot machine reels, in a
conventional manner. The display 304 may be or may include a touch
screen (not separately shown). The display screen 304 may also
display messages in accordance with the invention relating to an
automated play mode of the slot machine 104 and features related to
the automated play mode. The exemplary slot machine 104 also
includes an LED display 306 which may display a player's credit
balance in the slot machine 104 in a conventional manner. The
exemplary slot machine 104 also includes a conventional coin outlet
308 by which coin jackpots may be dispensed in a conventional
manner.
[0124] Furthermore, in accordance with the invention, the exemplary
slot machine 104 includes an array of push buttons 310. The array
of push buttons 310 includes a "1 play" button 312, a "10 play"
button 314, a "50 play" button 316, a "stop 10 auto-play" button
318, and a "cash-out" button 320.
[0125] The "1 play" button 312 may be actuated by a player to
initiate a single game play cycle of the slot machine 104 in a
conventional manner. The "10 play" button 314 is provided in
accordance with an aspect of the invention, and may be actuated by
the player to indicate simultaneously (a) selection of an automated
play mode of the slot machine 104 and (b) that the automated play
mode should have a duration of 10 game play cycles. (That is,
actuation of the "10 play" button 314 indicates a limiting
criterion of play corresponding to 10 game play cycles.)
[0126] Similarly, the "50 play" button 316 is provided in
accordance with an aspect of the invention, and may be actuated by
the player to simultaneously indicate (a) selection of the
automated play mode of the slot machine 104 and (b) that the
duration of the automated play mode should be 50 game play
cycles.
[0127] The "stop auto-play" button 318 is also provided in
accordance with an aspect of the invention, and may be actuated by
the player during the automated play mode of the slot machine 104
to indicate that the player wishes to terminate the automated play
mode. It will be recognized that actuation of the "stop auto-play"
button 318 may constitute an "exit event" as that term is defined
above.
[0128] The "cash-out" button 320 is also actuatable by the player.
Actuation of the "cash-out" button may invoke a conventional
cash-out option, whereby the slot machine 104 (and particularly the
payment system 206, FIG. 2) provides payment to the player of
winnings and/or an unused credit balance in the slot machine 104 in
any conventional manner.
[0129] It should be understood that the array of push buttons 310
may include additional buttons for simultaneously selecting the
automated play mode and indicating a number of game play cycles to
be included in the automated play mode. For example, a "25 play"
button and/or an "100 play" button may also be provided.
Alternatively, either or both of the "25 play" button and the "100
play" button may be substituted for either or both of the
illustrated buttons 314 and 316. Moreover, either one of the
buttons 314 and 316 may be omitted. In general, it is contemplated
that the slot machine 104 may have one or any other number of push
buttons, each of which indicates selection of an automated play
mode and also specifies a number of game play cycles to be included
in the automated play mode. The specified number of game play
cycles may be any number of game play cycles that is greater than
one.
[0130] It should also be understood that any one or more of the
push buttons in the array 310 of push buttons may be replaced by a
corresponding region of a touch screen.
[0131] Still further, it is contemplated to omit the "stop
auto-play" button 318, in which case the slot machine 104 may be
arranged to operate such that the duration of the automated play
mode is limited only by a specified number of game play cycles or
the available credit balance. In connection with any of the above
alternatives, it is also contemplated that the automated play mode
may be terminated or temporarily interrupted upon the occurrence of
some or all winning outcomes.
[0132] As will be understood from subsequent discussion, it is also
contemplated to provide slot machines in accordance with the
invention in which automated play modes are initiated and/or player
parameters are selected without the use of push buttons (or
corresponding touch screen regions) like the "10 play" button 314
and the "50 play" button 316. In such embodiments, it is
contemplated to entirely omit any such mechanism for simultaneously
indicating selection of the automated play mode and indication of a
number of game play cycles to be included in the automated play
mode.
[0133] Although not shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 104 may also
have one or more input devices (e.g., push buttons, touch screen
regions) by which the player may indicate an amount (e.g., number
of credits or coins) to be wagered per game play cycle.
Exemplary Embodiments of the Controller 102
[0134] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
the controller 102 of FIG. 1. The controller 102 may be implemented
as a system controller, as a dedicated hardware circuit, as an
appropriately programmed general purpose computer, or as any other
equivalent electronic, mechanical or electromechanical device.
[0135] With reference to FIG. 4, the controller 102 comprises a
processor 400, such as one or more conventional microprocessors
(e.g., one or more Intel.RTM. Pentium.RTM. processors). The
processor 400 is in communication with a communications port 402
through which the processor 400 communicates with other devices
(e.g., with the slot machines 104). The communications port 402 may
include multiple communication channels for simultaneous
communication with a plurality of slot machines 104. As previously
stated, 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, may actually
refrain from exchanging data most of the time, and may require
several steps to be performed to establish a communication link
between the devices.
[0136] The processor 400 is also in communication with a data
storage device 404. The data storage device 404 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
processor 400 and the data storage device 404 each may be, for
example, located entirely within a single computer or other
computing device; or connected to each other by a communication
medium, such as a serial port cable, a telephone line or a radio
frequency transceiver. Alternatively, the controller 102 may
comprise one or more computers that are connected to a remote
server computer (not shown) for maintaining databases.
[0137] The data storage device 404 may store, for example, (i) a
program 406 (e.g., computer program code and/or a computer program
product) adapted to direct a processor 400 in accordance with the
present invention, and particularly in accordance with the
processes described herein; (ii) a session database 408 adapted to
store information regarding gaming sessions at slot machines 104;
(iii) an auto-play database 410 adapted to store information about
gaming sessions that are in an automated play mode; and (iv) an
exit event database 412 adapted to store information about exit
events that may cause a slot machine 104 to pause, suspend or
terminate an automated play mode. The program 406 may be stored in
a compressed, an uncompiled and/or an encrypted format, and may
include computer program code that allows the controller 102 to
employ the communications port 402 to communicate with the slot
machines 104 to:
[0138] 1. track monetary receipts and disbursements of the slot
machines 104;
[0139] 2. track gaming activities of individual players;
[0140] 3. track gaming session activities at the slot machines 104;
and/or
[0141] 4. manage automated play modes of the slot machines 104.
[0142] The computer program code required to implement the above
functions (and the other functions described herein) can be easily
developed by a person of ordinary skill in the art, and is not
described in detail herein. The controller 102 may include any
peripheral devices required to implement the above functionality.
Such peripheral devices are represented in FIG. 4 by blocks 414 and
416 (representing, respectively, input devices and output devices),
which may include, for example, telephone keypads, handsets,
headsets, microphones, speakers, keyboards, computer displays, etc.
The program 406 may also include program elements such as an
operating system, a database management system, and device drivers
that allow the processor 400 to interface with computer peripheral
devices (e.g., a video display, a keyboard, a computer mouse,
etc.).
[0143] Note that instructions of the program 406 may be read into a
main memory (not shown) of the processor 400 from a computer
readable medium other than the data storage device 404, such as
from a ROM or from a RAM. While execution of sequences of
instructions in the program 406 causes the processor 400 to perform
the process steps described herein, hard-wired circuitry may be
used in place of, or in combination with software instructions for
implementation of the processes of the present invention. (Such is
also the case with regard to processes implemented in one or more
of the slot machines 104.) Thus, embodiments of the present
invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware
and software. The processor 400 also may be in communication with a
clock (not shown) that supplies time and date information to the
processor 400 and/or controls timing of operations of the processor
400. The clock may be a clock external to the processor 400 or may
alternatively be a clock internal to the processor 400 or a clock
embodied within the program 406 (e.g., based on a system clock
which is not shown).
[0144] The controller 102 could be implemented as two or more
interconnected controllers.
Exemplary Embodiments of the Databases
[0145] Samples of the contents of the session database 408, of the
auto-play database 410 and of the exit event database 412 (shown in
association with the controller 102 as illustrated in FIG. 4) are
shown in FIGS. 5-7, respectively. The specific data and fields
illustrated in these drawings represent only one embodiment of the
records stored in the databases of the invention. The data and
fields of these databases can be readily modified, for example, to
include more or fewer data fields. A single database also may be
employed. Note that in the databases of the controller 102, a
different reference numeral is employed to identify each field of
each database. However, in at least one embodiment of the
invention, fields that are similarly named (e.g., session
identifier fields) store similar or the same data in a similar or
in the same data format.
[0146] It should also be noted that some or all of the data or
types of data illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 may be stored and managed in
individual ones of the slot machines 104, and may be used therein
to manage automated play modes of the slot machines 104.
[0147] The session database 408 contains information related to
gaming sessions that are taking place in various ones of the slot
machines 104. FIG. 5 illustrates a sample of the contents of the
session database 408. As shown in FIG. 5, the session database 408
contains information related to six ongoing sessions, identified in
records 502-512, respectively. Specifically, for each session, the
session database 408 contains records having fields corresponding
to, for example, (1) a session identifier 514, used by the
controller 102 to identify the session; (2) a game designation 516
which indicates what game is being played in the session (e.g.,
what type of slot machine, video poker machine, or video blackjack
machine is being played in the session); (3) a player identifier
518 used by the controller 102 to identify the player who is
playing the session (the player identifier may be used to reference
information stored in a player database (not shown); a player
database may store information about a player and his or her gaming
activities; examples of information that may be stored in a player
database include a player's name, home address, hotel, year-to-date
theoretical win, year-to-date win, player tracking card number, and
payment identifier); (4) a quantity 520 of credits which
corresponds to the credit balance in the slot machine in which the
session is being played; (5) a start time 522 which indicates the
time and date when the session began; (6) a games played FIG. 524
which indicates the number of game play cycles that have been
played so far in the session; and (7) an indication 526 as to
whether an automated play mode is currently in effect in the
session.
[0148] Although not shown in FIG. 5, the session database 408 could
also include an additional field that stores, for each session, a
machine identifier that specifically identifies the particular slot
machine that is being played in the session.
[0149] Note that the session database 408 may be populated with
data provided to the controller 102 via the communications port
402, and that, except for the session identifier 514, the data may
be provided to the controller 102 from the slot machines 104. The
session identifier 514 may be assigned to each session by the
controller 102 at the time when the respective slot machine 104
indicates that a gaming session has begun. The player identifier
518 may be provided to the controller 102 by the respective slot
machine 104 based on data read from a player tracking card by a
player tracking card reader of the respective slot machine 104.
[0150] The auto-play database 410 contains information about
sessions that are in an automated play mode. FIG. 6 illustrates a
sample of the contents of the auto-play database 410. As shown in
FIG. 6, the auto-play database 410 contains information relating to
six sessions that are identified in records 602-612, respectively.
Specifically, for each session, the auto-play database 410 contains
records having fields corresponding to, for example, (1) the
session identifier 614 (which corresponds to the session identifier
514 of the session database 408); (2) an indication 616 as to the
current status of the automated play mode in the session; (3) an
indication 618 of the amount to be wagered on each game play cycle
of the automated play mode; (4) an indication 620 as to how fast
the automated play mode is running; and (5) identifiers 622 of exit
events, the occurrence of which would result in pausing, other
interruption, or termination of the automated play mode.
[0151] The status field 616 may indicate, for example, that an
automated play mode is "in progress". Considering the entry in the
status field 616 for the record 604, it will be noted that there is
an indication that the automated play mode is both "in progress"
and "locked". The "locked" indication indicates that the player has
invoked an option which allows the player to prevent any other
player from using the slot machine 104 in question while the
automated play mode continues, thereby allowing the player to leave
the slot machine 104 unattended while the automated play mode
continues in operation. The "locked" status of the slot machine 104
may continue after termination of the automated play mode and until
the slot machine 104 is "unlocked" by the player. Other features of
the locking option are described in the above-referenced U.S. Pat.
No. 6,244,957, and need not be further described herein.
[0152] It will be understood that the data contained in fields 618
and 620 are indicative of "player parameter selections", and more
particularly are indicative of "play options" as those terms are
defined above. In regard to the "speed of play" field 620, a
"medium" entry (as in record 612) may correspond, for example, to
game play at a rate of three game play cycles per minute. A "slow"
speed of play entry (as in record 606) may correspond to fewer than
three game play cycles per minute, and a "fast" speed of play entry
(as in record 602) may correspond to more than three game play
cycles per minute.
[0153] The exit event database 412 contains information related to
exit events that may cause a slot machine 104 to pause, suspend,
interrupt or terminate an automated play mode. FIG. 7 illustrates a
sample of the contents of the exit event database 412. As shown in
FIG. 7, the exit event database 412 contains information in regard
to nine exit events corresponding to records 702-718, respectively.
Specifically, for each exit event, the exit event database 412
contains records having fields corresponding to, for example, (1)
an exit event identifier 720 that identifies the exit event (and at
least some of which may have been stored ill the exit events field
622 of the auto-play database 410); (2) a description 722 of the
exit event in question; and (3) a message 724 to be displayed to
the player upon the occurrence of the exit event and the
corresponding pausing, suspension, interruption or termination of
the automated play mode.
[0154] The exit event which corresponds to the record 702 occurs
upon depletion of a credit balance in the slot machine 104 to less
than a predetermined level. The predetermined level may have been
selected by the player, programmed into the slot machine 104 or set
by the controller 102.
[0155] The exit event which corresponds to the record 704 is a
winning outcome of a game play cycle, such as a jackpot. In
alternative embodiments, every jackpot may be an exit event, or
only some jackpots (e.g., jackpots of more than a certain amount)
may be exit events. Again, such an exit event may be
player-selectable, programmed into the slot machine 104 or settable
by the controller 102.
[0156] The exit event that corresponds to the record 706 is the
expiration of a predetermined length of time after the beginning of
the session (or after the beginning of an automated play mode).
This could be a typical player-selectable parameter (i.e., a
"limiting criterion of play", as that term is defined above, which
may be selectable by the player). Alternatively, such a limiting
criterion may be programmed into the slot machine 104 or settable
by the controller 102.
[0157] The exit event that corresponds to the record 708 is a
malfunction of the slot machine 104. In an exemplary embodiment,
this exit event may be programmed into the slot machine 104 or set
by the controller 102.
[0158] The exit event that corresponds to the record 710 is the
occurrence of a "bonus round". As is familiar to those who are
skilled in the art, a "bonus round" is sometimes also referred to
as a "secondary game", as that term is defined above. The secondary
game may require player input that cannot be or is not
automatically supplied, and therefore suspension of the automated
play mode may be required until the player completes the bonus
round.
[0159] In one type of secondary game, the player may be presented,
via a display of the slot machine 104, with a plurality of "hiding"
locations, behind one of which a cartoon character is "hiding". The
player is prompted to pick a hiding location. If the player picks
correctly, a relatively large payout may be provided. If the player
picks incorrectly, a smaller payout may be provided.
[0160] The exit event that corresponds to the record 712 is the
actuation by the player of an actuatable portion of the slot
machine 104. Implementing an exit event of this type makes it
possible for a player to terminate an automated play mode at any
time.
[0161] The exit event that corresponds to the record 714 is based
on a set of outcomes of game play cycles. In the particular example
illustrated in the record 714, the automated play mode is paused to
allow the slot machine 104 to prompt the player to consider
changing a player parameter selection (that is, in this case, a
play option related to the rate at which the automated play mode is
performed).
[0162] The exit event that corresponds to the record 716 is a level
of credit balance that exceeds a predetermined level. In a typical
embodiment of the invention, the predetermined level may be a
limiting criterion of play that is set by the player.
[0163] The exit event that corresponds to the record 718 is a
combination of two conditions, of which one relates to the
depletion of the credit balance below a predetermined level and the
second relates to a play option. In this case, the exit event may
cause the automated play mode to be paused while the player is
prompted to consider changing the play option.
Exemplary Operation of the Novel System 100
[0164] FIGS. 8-11 are flow charts of exemplary processes of the
novel system 100 of FIGS. 1-7. In particular, the processes of
FIGS. 8-11 relate to various embodiments of automated play modes
for one or more of the slot machines 104. The processes of FIGS.
8-11 may be embodied within computer program code of the program
406 of the controller 102 and may comprise a computer program
product. Alternatively, one or more of the processes of FIGS. 8-11
or portions thereof, may be embodied within computer program code
stored in the memory 204 (FIG. 2) of one or more of the slot
machines 104.
[0165] An exemplary process 800 performed by the novel system 100
of FIGS. 1-7 is illustrated in FIG. 8. Although not indicated in
the drawing, it is assumed that a player has established a credit
balance in a slot machine 104 on the basis of, for example, any
technique by which the slot machine may receive a monetary deposit,
as discussed above. The player may also have inserted his or her
player tracking card into the slot machine 104 so that the slot
machine 104 reads the player's player identifier from the player
tracking card. A record like the records 502-512 (FIG. 5) may be
established in the session database 408.
[0166] Referring again to FIG. 8, the process 800 begins at 802,
and proceeds to a step 804. At step 804 an indication is received
that a player wishes to initiate an automated play mode of one of
the slot machines 104. The indication may be received in a number
of ways. For example, the player may actuate an input device 208
(FIG. 2), for example an actuatable portion, of the slot machine
104 to indicate that the player wishes to enter an automated play
mode. One such actuatable portion may be a button (not separately
shown) on the slot machine 104 that is labeled "auto-play". To
cause initiation of an automated play mode of the slot machine 104
the player may push the button.
[0167] As an alternative, the player may push a button such as the
buttons 314 and 316 shown in FIG. 3 which indicate a number of game
play cycles that the automated play mode is to include, in addition
to selecting the automated play mode.
[0168] As another alternative, the display 304 may display a
message such as, "Do you wish to engage auto-play mode?" The player
may then select the automated play mode by touching a suitable
region on a touch screen.
[0169] It is also contemplated that a player may indicate selection
of an automated play mode by communicating with the slot machine
104 via a PDA or a cellular telephone.
[0170] It is further contemplated that the player may indicate his
or her desire to select an automated play mode by speaking to a
casino employee The casino employee may then indicate to the
controller 102 that an automated play mode should be initiated on
the slot machine 104.
[0171] It is further contemplated that the process of selecting an
automated play mode may require confirmation on the part of the
player. For example, when the player presses an "auto-play" button
on the slot machine 104, the slot machine 104 may display a message
such as "Are you sure that you want to enter auto-play mode?". The
player may then actuate a suitable region on a touch screen to
confirm that he or she wishes to select the automated play
mode.
[0172] It is contemplated that, in addition to displaying the
message prompting the player to confirm selection of the automated
play mode, the slot machine may also display information which
describes the automated play mode to the player to aid the player
in understanding how the automated play mode functions. Such
information may include any information that is needed to satisfy
legal or regulatory requirements in regard to the automated play
mode.
[0173] Confirmation of the employee's desire to select the
automated play mode may also occur in a conversation between the
player and a casino employee. During the conversation, the employee
may provide to the player information about the operation of the
automated play mode.
[0174] The player may be required to enter into an agreement before
the automated play mode is initiated. The agreement may set forth
terms and conditions in regard to operation of the automated play
mode. The player may indicate acceptance of the agreement, for
example, by providing a suitable input to the slot machine 104.
[0175] Requiring confirmation of selection of the automated play
mode may be advantageous in preventing players from accidentally
entering into the automated play mode. The confirmation procedure
may also ensure that the player understands how the automated play
mode operates and how the player may interact with the slot machine
104 during the automated play mode. Confirmation may also be a
legal or regulatory requirement.
[0176] It is also contemplated that the option of selecting the
automated play mode may not be provided to all players. For
example, the casino may operate such that the automated play mode
is available only to certain preferred players. Such preferred
players may identify themselves to the slot machines 104 by means
of their player tracking cards.
[0177] As another alternative, the automated play mode may be a
feature which is only provided to a player upon a winning outcome
of a game play cycle conducted in a manual play mode.
[0178] It is further contemplated to charge a fee to a player as a
condition of accessing the automated play mode.
[0179] According to other aspects of the invention, an automated
play mode may be initiated upon the occurrence of initiation events
that are not player inputs. For example, an automated play mode may
be initiated without player input upon the occurrence of certain
game play cycle outcomes. Alternatively, the controller may select
one or more slot machines 104, on a random basis or otherwise, to
enter into an automated play mode. In such cases, the automated
play mode may be initiated in response to a signal received by a
slot machine 104 from the controller 102. When automated play modes
are initiated without being selected by the player, it may be the
case that the gaming activity during the automated play mode is
"free" or a bonus for the player. That is, the game play cycles may
proceed without charging wagers to the credit balance in the slot
machine. During such a bonus automated play mode, the player may
receive the benefit of winning outcomes.
[0180] Also, the controller 102 may operate so as to limit the
number of slot machines that a single player may simultaneously
operate in the automated play mode. For example, the player may be
prevented from simultaneously operating more than three slot
machines in the automated play mode.
[0181] Another possible requirement may be that the automated play
mode may be available to be selected by the player only when the
player's player tracking card is interfaced to the slot machine
and/or that operation of the automated play mode will not occur
except when the player's player tracking card is interfaced to the
slot machine.
[0182] Referring again to FIG. 8, step 806 follows step 804. At
step 806, one or more parameters for the automated play mode are
determined. Examples of parameters for an automated play mode
include an amount to be wagered on each game play cycle of the
automated play mode. (It should be noted that step 806, or a
portion of step 806, may occur prior to step 804. For example, the
player may select a wager amount prior to indicating selection of
the automated play mode. One or more other parameters may then be
determined after selection of the automated play mode.) The amount
of the wager for each game play cycle may be fixed or variable. For
example, the wager may be one coin or one credit for each game play
cycle. Alternatively, there may be a wagering pattern, such as, for
example, wagering one coin on the game play cycle which occurs
immediately after a losing outcome, and wagering two coins on a
game play cycle that occurs immediately after a winning
outcome.
[0183] As another example of a wagering pattern, three coins may be
wagered on every game play cycle until ten losing outcomes in a row
occur. After a sequence of ten losing outcomes, one coin may be
wagered on each game play cycle until two consecutive winning
outcomes occur. Upon the occurrence of the two consecutive winning
outcomes, the wager per game play cycle may be restored to three
coins.
[0184] As still another example, the amount to be wagered on each
game play cycle may be determined randomly based, for example, on
output from a random number generator.
[0185] Other wagering patterns and/or methods of determining an
amount of a wager for a game play cycle are contemplated.
[0186] Another example of a parameter that may be determined at
step 806 is a rate at which the automated play mode is performed.
The rate of the automated play mode may be a function of a length
of a delay between the completion of one game play cycle and
commencing the next game play cycle during the automated play mode.
Alternatively, or in addition, the rate of the automated play mode
may be a function of how long it takes to perform a game play cycle
(e.g., how long reels spin during a game play cycle). Either or
both of a delay between game play cycles and a length of time
required to perform a game play cycle may be determined at step
806. Alternatively, the rate of the automated play mode may be
determined simply in the form of game play cycles per unit time
(e.g., ten game play cycles per minute).
[0187] It is contemplated that there may be no delay between the
conclusion of one game play cycle and starting the next game play
cycle in the automated play mode. If there is a delay between
succeeding game play cycles in the automated play mode, the slot
machine 104 may display a message during the delay such as
"Auto-play in effect. The next play begins in 3 seconds . . . 2
seconds . . . 1 second . . . ."
[0188] Either with or without a delay between successive game play
cycles, a message such as, "Press the `stop` button to exit from
auto-play" may be displayed. It may be most desirable not to
provide a delay between successive game play cycles, since the
absence of a delay may maximize the number of game play cycles that
are performed.
[0189] Another parameter that may be determined at step 806 is the
content of a message or messages to be displayed, or other
information to be provided to a player during the automated play
mode. For example, the automated play mode may be operated such
that spinning reels are displayed and the outcome is shown only
when the game play cycle results in a winning outcome.
[0190] As another example, one parameter setting may call for a
message such as "In auto-play mode, press any button to exit from
auto-play mode". According to an alternative parameter setting, no
such message is displayed.
[0191] In connection with implementations of the present invention
in video poker machines or video blackjack machines, a parameter
for the automated play mode may indicate whether decision rules are
to be utilized in performing game play cycles, or whether input
from the player will be required for game play cycles. For example,
according to an aspect of the invention, in a video poker machine,
a decision rule may operate to automatically select which cards to
discard from the initial hand. In a video blackjack machine, a
decision rule may operate to determine whether or not to request an
additional card. According to one parameter setting, one or more
decision rules are applied so that game play proceeds without any
input from the player. According to another parameter setting, each
game play cycle pauses for player input as to the play of the
current hand. In the latter case, the gaming device may operate
such that once a hand is completed, the next hand is dealt
automatically without input from the player. It is also the case
that game play may be partly governed by one or more decision
rules, while also allowing for some player input into the game play
cycle.
[0192] Where decision rules are required, the same may be stored,
for example in a decision rule database (not shown) in the
controller 102. Alternatively, a decision rule database may be
stored in one or more of the individual slot machines 104.
[0193] One or more parameters determined at step 806 may be an exit
event.
[0194] Exit events may fall into one or more of the following
categories, among others: indications provided by a player;
conditions relating to a credit balance in the slot machine; events
arising in or as a result of one or more game play cycles;
emergencies and machine malfunctions; occurrences of points in
time; conditions relating to a player's gaming history; events
relating to other activities performed by a player; conditions or
events relating to revenue management of a casino; events or
conditions at other slot machines operated by the player; events or
conditions relating to individuals other than the player.
[0195] Indications provided by a player that may be taken as an
exit event include actuation of an actuatable portion of the slot
machine 104 (e.g., touching a particular region of a touch screen
or a particular button (e.g., an "end auto-play" button). Pressing
any button or touching any part of a touch screen may also be taken
as an exit event. Other specific buttons that may be pressed to
cause an exit event may be a "cash-out" button, a "play" or "spin"
button, a "change request" button or a "stop" button.
[0196] A player may also be permitted to indicate an exit event by
inserting his or her player tracking card into the slot machine or
removing his or her player tracking card from the slot machine.
[0197] It is contemplated that any one or more, or none, of those
player indications may be an exit event in a particular embodiment
of the invention.
[0198] An example of an exit event relating to a credit balance in
the slot machine includes the credit balance being reduced to less
than a certain level, where the certain level may be, for example,
an amount to be wagered per game play cycle, or a level that has
been selected by the player.
[0199] The credit balance reaching a level that is higher than a
certain level (e.g., a level selected by the player) may also
constitute an exit event. Also, receiving a monetary deposit (e.g.,
insertion of a coin into the slot machine) could be an exit
event.
[0200] The following are examples of events related to one or more
game play cycles that could be exit events. Winning of any payout
(e.g., a jackpot) greater than a predetermined amount could be an
exit event. The predetermined amount could be selected by the
player or set or programmed into the slot machine 104 or the
controller 102. It is also contemplated to have an exit event be
winning of a payout of less than a certain amount. It is further
contemplated that any winning outcome could be an exit event, or
that a losing outcome may be an exit event. A "winning streak"
could also be an exit event. A winning streak could be defined in a
number of different ways. For example, winning at least four of the
last ten game play cycles could be considered a winning streak.
Alternatively, a winning streak could be three consecutive game
play cycles that all produce winning outcomes.
[0201] A losing streak could also be an exit event. Again, a number
of different definitions of losing streaks could be used. For
example, ten consecutive game play cycles without a winning outcome
could be considered a losing streak. Alternatively, twenty
consecutive game play cycles which produce fewer than two winning
outcomes could be considered a losing streak.
[0202] Also, as discussed above, an outcome which results in a
"bonus round" could be an exit event.
[0203] Exit events could also occur in the case of emergencies such
as fire, theft or a power outage in the casino or a jam or other
malfunction in the slot machine. An indication of tampering with
the slot machine may also be an exit event.
[0204] Time-based exit events may include the following. For
example, a player may select a particular time at which the
automated play mode is to end. In one example, if the player wishes
to see a movie at 7:30 p.m., he or she may select 7:00 p.m. as the
end of the automated play mode. Alternatively, at the beginning of
the automated play mode, the player may indicate that he or she
desires that the automated play mode end upon the expiration of one
hour. The duration the automated play mode may also have been set
by or programmed into the slot machine 104 or the controller 102.
Alternatively, the controller may set a particular future time to
end an automated play mode to allow for pre-scheduled maintenance
of the slot machine.
[0205] One or more of the following events relating to a player's
gaming history may be an exit event: the player's session win
reaches a level that is above or below a certain value; the
player's session theoretical win reaches a level that is above or
below a certain value; the player's session coin-in reaches a level
that is above or below a certain value; the player's year-to-date
win reaches a level that is above or below a certain value; the
player's year-to-date theoretical win reaches a level that is above
or below a certain value; the player's year-to-date coin-in reaches
a level that is above or below a certain value.
[0206] The player receiving or requesting a complimentary product
or service or accepting or rejecting a subsidy offer may also be an
exit event.
[0207] To provide an example of an exit event arising from revenue
management concerns of a casino, suppose that more than 90% of the
slot machines in a casino are currently in use, and that one of the
slot machines is being operated in an automated play mode at a slow
speed. The controller may then determine an exit event for that
particular slot machine and may prompt the player to resume
automated play at a faster speed. In this way, the casino can
operate to maximize the usage of its slot machines.
[0208] The following are examples of an event occurring in one slot
machine that functions as an exit event for another slot
machine.
[0209] Suppose that a player is simultaneously operating three slot
machines, each in an automated play mode. If one of the three slot
machines hits a jackpot, this may be an exit event for all three
slot machines.
[0210] In another example, a player may be simultaneously be
playing two slot machines, one in an automated play mode, and the
second in a manual mode. If the player presses the "cash-out"
button in the slot machine that is being operated in the manual
mode, this may be an exit event for the automated play mode in the
other slot machine.
[0211] As still another example, three traveling companions may be
registered together with the controller 102, which may provide a
link among three respective slot machines that the traveling
companions are each operating in an automated play mode. When one
of the three companions presses a button on his or her slot machine
to exit from the automated play mode, this may be an exit event for
the slot machines operated by the other two companions.
[0212] As still another type of exit event, suppose that a player
is simultaneously playing two sessions on a single slot machine,
both in an automated play mode. (The two session may be presented
in split screen form on a single display, as discussed below.)
Winning a jackpot in one of the sessions may be an exit event for
both sessions. Alternatively, depletion of the credit balance in
the slot machine may be an exit event for both sessions.
[0213] Exit events may be events that correspond to limiting
criteria of play. One example of an event that corresponds to a
limiting criterion of play might be the completion of the tenth
game play cycle of an automated play mode for which ten game play
cycles is a limiting criterion of play. Another example of an event
that corresponds to a limiting criterion of pay might be occurrence
of a total session loss that equals or exceeds a total session loss
amount that was set as a limiting criterion of play. Still another
example of an event that corresponds to a limiting criterion of
play might be occurrence of a payout that equals or exceeds a
payout amount that was set as a limiting criterion of play.
[0214] In at least one embodiment of the invention, one or more
parameters determined at step 806 (FIG. 8) may be determined on the
basis of an indication by a player.
[0215] For example, either before or after indicating selection of
the automated play mode, a player may use the input device 208
(FIG. 2) of the slot machine 104 (e.g., by actuating an actuatable
portion such as a push button, a numeric keypad or a touch screen
region) to select an amount to be wagered on each game play cycle
and/or to select a rate of the automated play mode. In one
embodiment, in response to the player selecting the automated play
mode in step 804, the slot machine 104 may prompt the player to
select an amount to be wagered on each game play cycle during the
automated play mode. A parameter value selected by a player need
not be indicated in exact terms. For example, a touch screen may
present the player with options for "fast", "standard" or "slow"
rates of play.
[0216] As another example, a player may select one or more exit
events by using an input device 208. For example, a touch screen
may present to the player options such as "exit on any payout" and
"exit on payouts in excess of $250.00". The player may select one
of these options by touching a corresponding region of a touch
screen.
[0217] As another example, a player may indicate his or her
identity to the slot machine by inserting his or her player
tracking card. Based on the identification of the player, the
controller may access a player database (not shown) to retrieve the
player's preferences for automated play mode. One or more
parameters for the automated play mode may be set on the basis of
the retrieved player preferences. Alternatively, the player's
preferences for automated play mode may be stored on the player
tracking card and read from the player tracking card by the slot
machine to set one or more parameters for the automated play
mode.
[0218] As another example, the player may indicate a parameter such
as the number of game play cycles to be included in the automated
play mode at the same time that the automated play mode is selected
by, for example, pressing one of the buttons 314, 316 discussed in
connection with FIG. 3.
[0219] In one example given above, the controller 102 determines
one or more parameters for an automated play mode in a slot machine
104 based on player preferences stored in a database. One or more
parameters for an automated play mode may be determined by a
controller in other ways. For example, a controller may access a
database to determine a standard set of parameters for an automated
play mode. The set of parameters may include one or more exit
events.
[0220] As part of step 806, a record like the records 602-612 (FIG.
6) may be established in the auto-play database 410.
[0221] Referring again to FIG. 8, step 808 follows step 806. At
step 808, the slot machine 102 indicates to the player that a wager
is about to be made. This may be done, for example, by displaying a
suitable message to the player on a display of the slot machine
104.
[0222] Following step 808 is step 810. At step 810, a wager is made
for the current game play cycle. The amount of the wager may be in
accordance with a parameter that was selected by the player,
determined by the controller 102, or programmed into the slot
machine 104. The amount of the wager may be an integral number of
coins or credits or another monetary amount. In one embodiment of
the invention, wagering of a fraction of a credit or coin may be
supported. The amount of the wager may be determined in accordance
with a betting pattern, as described above. Alternatively, the slot
machine 104 or the controller 102 may determine the amount of the
wager based on other conditions. For example, suppose that the
player has selected an ending time for the automated play mode that
is twenty minutes later than the current time, and also suppose
that the credit balance in the slot machine 104 is only $10.00. In
such a case, the slot machine 104 or the controller 102 may reduce
the amount wagered per game play cycle to a minimum amount.
[0223] Each wager may be deducted from the credit balance in the
slot machine. Alternatively, the player may be prompted to deposit
money to cover the wager. Players may find it most convenient to
make a substantial monetary deposit before or at the beginning of
the automated play mode, and to have each wager during the
automated play mode automatically deducted from the resulting
credit balance.
[0224] Step 812 follows step 810. At step 812 an outcome of the
current game play cycle is determined. The outcome may be
determined in a conventional manner based, for example, on a random
number or pseudo-random number generated by the random number
generator 212 (FIG. 2) with the corresponding outcome being looked
up in a look up table based on the random number or pseudo-random
number.
[0225] Following step 812 is step 814. At step 814, the outcome is
displayed to the player. This also may be done in a conventional
manner, such as by presenting a simulated display of spinning slot
reels, and stopping the spinning reels to reveal a combination of
slot reel indicia that corresponds to the outcome determined at
step 812.
[0226] If the outcome is a winning outcome, step 814 may also
include indicating a payout to the player and increasing the credit
balance in the slot machine 104 by the amount of the payout. If the
outcome determined at step 812 calls for a bonus round, information
related to the bonus round may be displayed, and player input
required for the bonus round may be received. It is also
contemplated that the slot machine 104 may be arranged to provide
required input for a bonus round in the place of the player, when
the bonus round occurs during an automated play mode.
[0227] Following step 814 is a decision block 816. At decision
block 816 it is determined whether an exit event has occurred.
[0228] Performance of decision block 816 may include referring to
relevant data in the auto-play database 410 (FIG. 6) and in the
exit event database 412 (FIG. 7). In addition or alternatively, the
determination as to whether an exit event has occurred may be based
wholly or in part on information stored in the memory 204 of the
slot machine 104.
[0229] If it is determined at decision block 816 that no exit event
has occurred, then the process 800 of FIG. 8 loops back to step
808. That is, a new game play cycle is initiated, without the
player pressing a "play" button or pulling a handle, or otherwise
providing input to the slot machine 104.
[0230] Until it is determined in decision block 816 that an exit
event has occurred, the process 800 of FIG. 8 loops through steps
808-816, and game play cycles continue to be automatically
initiated and performed. As noted above, if the slot machine 104 is
a video poker machine or a video blackjack machine or otherwise
requires player input during performance of a game play cycle, the
player input may be either automatically supplied by the slot
machine 104 based on one or more decision rules, or the player
input may be provided by the player.
[0231] When it is determined at decision block 816 that an exit
event has occurred, then a step 818 follows the decision block
816.
[0232] At step 818 the slot machine 104 exits from the automated
play mode and a suitable message is displayed to the player.
[0233] As will be understood from previous discussion, the exit
from the automated play mode may be temporary or permanent. For
example, if the exit event was the player's actuation of a "stop
auto-play" button, the exit from the automated play mode may be
permanent (subject to the player again selecting automated play
mode) and the slot machine 104 may enter into a manual play mode in
which each game play cycle must be initiated by pushing a "play"
button or pulling a handle. A suitable message in such a case may
be: "Auto-play ended at player request. Press `1 play` button to
spin reels. Press `auto-play`" button to re-enter auto-play
mode."
[0234] In another case, where the exit event is depletion of the
credit balance of the slot machine 104, the exit from the automated
play mode may be temporary, and a monetary deposit in the slot
machine 104 to replenish the credit balance may cause the automated
play mode to resume automatically. A suitable message in such a
case might be: "Credit balance=0. Deposit money to resume
auto-play."
[0235] In still another case, assume that the exit event was a
jackpot. In this case the exit from the automated play mode may
merely be a pause and the message could be "You just won a jackpot
of $100! Auto-play paused. Press `stop` button to exit from
auto-play. Auto-play resumes in 15 seconds." Then a countdown could
be provided if the player did not hit the "stop" button.
[0236] Finally in FIG. 8, reference numeral 820 indicates the end
of the process after step 818.
[0237] Although not indicated in FIG. 8, it is contemplated that a
monetary deposit may be made in the slot machine 104 during the
automated play mode, without interfering with or interrupting the
automated play mode. In one embodiment, a monetary deposit may be
made during an automated play mode by automatically charging a
credit card account, a debit card account, a casino account or
other financial account of the player when the credit balance in
the slot machine 104 falls below a predetermined level.
[0238] An alternative process 900 for performing an automated play
mode in a slot machine 104 is illustrated in FIG. 9. The process
900 of FIG. 9 starts at 902 and proceeds to a step 904.
[0239] At step 904, the slot machine 104 receives an indication
from a player. Step 904 may, for example, be the same as the step
804 described in connection with FIG. 8. However, it is also
contemplated that step 904 may not include an indication from the
player that the player wishes to operate the slot machine 104 in an
automated play mode. Rather, the player may have merely indicated
that he or she wished to play the slot machine 104, and the slot
machine 104 may then automatically initiate an automated play mode.
In one embodiment, the indication received in step 904 may consist
of the player making a monetary deposit in the slot machine 104 and
interfacing his or her player tracking card with the slot machine
104.
[0240] Following step 904 is step 906. At step 906 an amount is
debited from the credit balance to cover a wager on the current
game play cycle. The amount of the wager may have been determined
by the player, by the slot machine 104 or by the controller 102. In
one embodiment, the slot machine 104 may be arranged such that it
can only accommodate a wager of one credit on each game play
cycle.
[0241] Following step 906 is step 908. At step 908 the wager is
made. Step 908 may, for example, be the same as step 810 discussed
in connection with FIG. 8.
[0242] Following step 908 is step 910. At step 910 an outcome for
the current game play cycle is determined. Step 910 may, for
example, be the same as step 812 which was described in connection
with FIG. 8.
[0243] Following step 910 is step 912. At step 912, if the outcome
determined at step 910 was a winning outcome, the resulting payout
may be applied to increase the credit balance. (Alternatively, the
payout may be made by dispensing coins, tokens, or the like to the
player.) If the outcome determined at step 910 is not a winning
outcome, then step 912 may be skipped.
[0244] Following step 910 or step 912, as the case may be, is step
914. At step 914, it is determined whether an exit event has
occurred. The determination whether an exit event has occurred may
be made by the controller 102 and/or by the slot machine 104. The
determination may be made based on one or more of an input received
by the slot machine 104 (e.g., actuation of a "stop auto-play"
button), data stored in the slot machine 104 (e.g., a credit
balance) or stored in the controller 102 (e.g., an exit event
description 722, FIG. 7) and/or an output from a clock device (not
shown) which indicates the current time. If an exit event has more
than one condition, it is contemplated that a Boolean expression
may be evaluated to determine whether the exit event has
occurred.
[0245] In one embodiment of the invention, there may be only one
possible exit event, namely depletion of the credit balance. In
another embodiment, there are only two possible exit events, namely
depletion of the credit balance or an indication by the player that
the player desires to terminate the automated play mode. In a third
embodiment of the invention, there are only three possible exit
events, namely depletion of the credit balance, player indication
to terminate the automated play mode, and a winning outcome (such
as a payout in excess of a predetermined amount). In still another
embodiment of the invention, the only possible exit events are the
three exit events set forth in the previous sentence plus
completion of a number of game play cycles indicated by actuation
of a button like the buttons 314 and 316 of FIG. 3. Embodiments
that provide for other permutations or subsets of these four exit
events are also contemplated.
[0246] In one or more embodiments of the invention, as noted above,
a payout in excess of a predetermined amount may be an exit event,
whereas a payout that is not in excess of the predetermined amount
is not an exit event. In such an embodiment, a number of game play
cycles may be performed in an automated play mode and then one game
play cycle may result in a payout that is large enough to be an
exit event. The automated play mode is then interrupted and the
player is informed of the payout and of the interruption of the
automated play mode. The player may then cause the automated play
mode to resume and a number of further game play cycles may be
performed. One of the further game play cycles may result in a
payout that is not large enough to be an exit event. Accordingly,
the automated play mode continues without interruption.
[0247] In another possible sequence of events in this embodiment of
the invention, a number of game play cycles may be performed in an
automated play mode and then one game play cycle may result in a
payout that is not large enough to be an exit event. The automated
play mode continues without interruption and a number of further
game play cycles may be performed. One of the further game play
cycles may then result in a payout that is large enough to be an
exit event, upon which the automated play mode is interrupted.
[0248] In another embodiment of the invention, there may be a pause
of one duration in the automated play mode in the event of a payout
of one amount and there may be a pause of a longer duration, or an
interruption of the automated play mode pending player input, in
the event of a payout of another amount. For example, there may be
a brief pause and notification to the player in the event of a
small payout, and there may be a long pause and notification to the
player in the event of a large payout. Alternatively, in the event
of a large payout the automated play mode may be halted and the
player may be informed of the payout and prompted to indicate
whether he or she wishes to end the automated play mode or to
resume the automated play mode. In this case the automated play
mode would not resume unless the player indicated that he or she
wished that the automated play mode resume.
[0249] Continuing to refer to FIG. 9, a decision block 916 follows
step 914. At decision block 916, it is determined whether an exit
event has occurred. If not, then the process 900 of FIG. 9 loops
back to step 906, and the automated play mode continues. However,
if it is determined at step 916 that an exit event has occurred,
then step 918 follows. At step 918, a suitable message is presented
to the player. For example, a message presented to the player may
depend on what type of exit event occurred. In any case, following
step 918, the process 900 ends, as indicated at 920.
[0250] While it is contemplated to practice the invention such that
quite complex exit events and other parameters related to the
automated play mode may be selectable by the player and/or settable
by the slot machine 104 and/or the controller 102, it is also
contemplated that in some embodiments few if any parameters may be
settable by the player with respect to the automated play mode. It
is also contemplated that the parameters which govern the automated
play mode may be few in number and may not be varied. It is also
contemplated, as stated above, that only a few types of exit events
may be applicable to the automated play mode. In one or more other
embodiments there are no player selectable parameters in regard to
the automated play mode (i.e., "one size fits all").
[0251] In one such embodiment (suitable for implementation in a
stand-alone slot machine and/or a slot machine which is in
communication with a conventionally programmed controller) the only
mechanism provided for a player to select the automated play mode
may be a "10 play" button (or touch screen region). In this
embodiment there are no other buttons for selecting automated play
mode nor any other button to select a different number of plays,
except perhaps for a "1 play" button (which does not select the
automated play mode). The parameters governing the automated play
mode, such as exit events, rate of play and amount wagered per game
play cycle, are fixed and programmed into the slot machine 104. The
set of exit events applicable to the automated play mode is not
subject to selection by the player and may include all or a subset
of the following: (a) depletion of credit balance, (b) player
actuation of "stop auto-play" button (or, in one variation, some
other button), (c) completion of tenth game play cycle, (d) outcome
providing bonus round, (e) any winning outcome (or, alternatively a
payout or jackpot in excess of a certain amount, such as
$100.00).
[0252] An embodiment of the type just described may be advantageous
in that only a modest redesign of a conventional slot machine and
limited programming effort may be required to implement the
embodiment, and the player interface may be simple and easy to
understand.
[0253] Certain variations or additional features may be provided
with respect to this embodiment without adding significant
complexity. For example, the standard duration of the automated
play mode could be a number of game play cycles other than ten. As
another example, the player could be allowed to select only one
parameter, such as amount wagered per game play cycle. The exit
from the automated play mode upon a winning outcome or bonus round
could be a temporary pause (e.g., with a countdown) rather than
permanent. Also, after an exit from the automated play mode due to
depletion of the credit balance, the automated play mode could
resume automatically upon deposit of additional funds in the slot
machine 104. The embodiment need not include a bonus round
feature.
[0254] A process 1000, which is another exemplary embodiment of the
invention, is illustrated in FIG. 10. The process 1000 starts at
1002 and proceeds to a step 1004. At step 1004 an automated play
mode is initiated in a slot machine 104. This may occur, for
example, upon a player actuating a button 314 or a button 316
illustrated in FIG. 3. Alternatively, initiation of the automated
play mode may occur in response to the player actuating an
"auto-play" button or by selecting an option from a menu presented
on a display of the slot machine 104. As still another alternative,
the automated play mode may be initiated in response to the player
completing a selection of parameters for the automated play mode or
upon the player confirming selection of the automated play
mode.
[0255] As yet another alternative, an automated play mode of the
slot machine 104 may be initiated in response to a signal from the
controller 102. For example, the player may insert his or her
player tracking card into the slot machine 104, which reads the
player's player identifier from the player tracking card. The slot
machine 104 transmits the player identifier to the controller 102,
which then accesses a record corresponding to the player in a
player database. The accessed record may indicate the player's
preference for automated play mode, upon which the controller 102
transmits a signal to the slot machine 104 to cause the slot
machine 104 to initiate the automated play mode.
[0256] Following step 1004 is step 1006. At step 1006, a game play
cycle is performed. The game play cycle may be performed in
accordance with conventional practices. Alternatively, in the case
of a gaming device such as a video poker machine or a video
blackjack machine, the game play cycle may be performed without
player input, as described above, in that decisions concerning
which cards to discard or when to request an additional card are
made by the gaming device on the basis of one or more decision
rules.
[0257] Following step 1006 is step 1008. At step 1008, it is
determined whether an exit event has occurred. Step 1008 may be
like step 914 described in connection with FIG. 9.
[0258] A decision block 1110 follows step 1008. Decision block 1110
may correspond to the decision block 916 discussed above in
connection with FIG. 9. In particular, decision block 1110
represents a branch in the process 1000 depending upon whether an
exit event was determined to have occurred. If an exit event was
not determined to have occurred, the process loops back from
decision block 1110 to step 1006.
[0259] If it was not determined that an exit event had occurred,
then step 1112 follows decision block 1110. At step 1112 the slot
machine 104 exits from the automated play mode and a suitable
message is displayed to the player. (Alternatively, or
additionally, the message may be presented to the player in audible
form.) For example, if the automated play mode had been initiated
by the player pressing the "10 play" button 314, as shown in FIG.
3, the message displayed to the player might be: "10 automatic
plays complete. To resume auto-play, press `10 play` or `50
play`."
[0260] As another example, it is assumed that the exit event was
depletion of the credit balance in the slot machine 104. In this
case, the message displayed at step 1012 might be: "Credit
balance=0. To resume auto-play deposit more money."
[0261] As another example, it is assumed that the exit event was a
payout. In this case, the message displayed might be: "You have
just won a jackpot of $20. Auto-play is paused. To resume
auto-play, press `auto-play` button".
[0262] Following step 1012 is step 1014. At step 1014 the slot
machine 104 receives an indication from the player. For example,
the player may press a button 314 or 316 as shown in FIG. 3, or the
player may press a "cash-out" button or an "auto-play" button. As
another example, the player may deposit money in the slot machine
104.
[0263] Following step 1014 is a decision block 1016. It is
determined at decision block 1016 whether the player desires that
the automated play mode be resumed. For example, if the indication
received at step 1014 was actuation of one of the buttons 314, 316
of FIG. 3 or an "auto-play" button, then it may be determined that
the player wishes to resume the automated play mode. Similarly, if
the indication received at step 1014 was a monetary deposit, it
also may be determined that the player wishes to resume the
automated play mode. In any event, if a positive determination is
made at decision block 1016, the process 1000 loops back to step
1004, so that the automated play mode is resumed. However, if a
negative determination is made at decision block 1016, as may occur
if the indication received from the play was actuation of a
"cash-out" button, then the process 1000 ends, as indicated at
1018.
[0264] A process 1100, which is another exemplary embodiment of the
invention, is illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0265] The process 1100 starts at 1102 and proceeds to step 1104.
At step 1104, the slot machine receives an indication that a player
wishes to operate the slot machine 104 in a semi-autonomous mode. A
semi-autonomous mode may be an automated play mode during which
input is received from a player. The indication that may be
received at step 1104 may be the player actuating an "auto-play"
button, for example.
[0266] Following step 1104 is step 1106. At step 1106 the slot
machine 104 and/or the controller 102 determines at least one
parameter for the automated play mode as specified by the player.
For example, the slot machine 104 may prompt the player to specify
an amount to be wagered in each game play cycle of the automated
play mode. Additionally, or alternatively, the slot machine 104 may
prompt the player to specify a parameter relating to a rate at
which the automated play mode is to be performed. As still another
alternative, the controller 102 may determine at least one
parameter for the automated play mode based on information that had
been specified by the player and stored in a player profile and/or
in a player database.
[0267] It should also be understood that one or more parameters
specified by the player and determined at step 1106 may relate to a
limiting criterion of play and/or an exit event that is applicable
to the automated play mode of the slot machine 104.
[0268] Following step 1106 is step 1108. At step 1108 the slot
machine 104 and/or the controller 102 debits a credit balance or
other financial account belonging to the player to cover a wager
for the current game play cycle. The credit balance may be
maintained in the slot machine 104 or in the controller 102. The
other financial account, if pertinent, may be an account maintained
by the player with the casino or may be a conventional credit card
account or debit card account.
[0269] Following step 1108 is step 1110. At step 1110 a wager is
put at risk, and an outcome of the current game play cycle is
determined. The outcome may be determined in accordance with
conventional practices or may include automatic decisions by the
slot machine 104 and/or the controller 102 in regard to options
like discarding cards in a video poker game or requesting an
additional card in a video blackjack game which are conventionally
subject to player selection.
[0270] Following step 1110 is step 1112. At step 1112 the outcome
of the game play cycle is presented to the player and, if
appropriate, a payout or other prize is awarded to the player. Step
1112 may be performed in accordance with conventional practices. It
should be understood that in this and other embodiments, prizes
and/or unused credits may be provided to the player either in
standard currencies or in "alternate currencies" such as cashless
gaming receipts, credits to financial accounts such as credit or
debit card accounts, vouchers, coupons, tokens, frequent flyer
miles and/or comp points.
[0271] Following step 1112 are step 1114 and decision block 1116.
Step 1114 and decision block 1116 are concerned with determining
whether an exit event occurred, and may be like step 914 and
decision block 916 discussed above in connection with FIG. 9. If a
negative determination is made at decision block 1116 (i.e., it is
determined that no exit event has occurred), then a decision block
1118 follows decision block 1116. At decision block 1118, it is
determined whether the player has provided input to the slot
machine 104 to change a parameter for the automated play mode. For
example, the player may have pressed a button or actuated a region
of a touch screen to indicate a change in the amount of the wager
to be made at each game play cycle. Alternatively, or in addition,
the player may have provided input to change a rate at which the
automated play mode is performed. For example, the player may have
pressed a "speed up" or "slow down" button.
[0272] In one embodiment of the invention, a normal or standard
rate of the automated play mode may provide for a delay of five
seconds between the end of one game play cycle and the beginning of
the next game play cycle. Pressing a "speed up" button when the
standard rate is in effect may reduce the delay to three seconds.
Pressing a "slow down" button when the standard rate is in effect
may increase the delay to seven seconds. Many variations of the
above described rates and/or changes in rates are contemplated, as
will be appreciated by those who are skilled in the art.
[0273] If a positive determination is made at decision block 1118,
i.e., if player input has been received with respect to a
parameter, then the process 1100 loops back to 1106, and the
parameter for which the player has indicated a change is determined
in accordance with the player's input. That is, the parameter may
be changed in accordance with the player's input. Then another game
play cycle begins with steps 1108 etc., so that the automated play
mode continues to be performed, but in accordance with the changed
parameter. The continuing of the automated play mode in accordance
with the changed parameter may or may not occur after a delay or
pause. That is, there need not be a delay or pause.
[0274] However, if a negative determination is made at decision
block 1118 (i.e., no player parameter input was received), then
another game play cycle follows (steps 1108 etc.) in accordance
with the same parameters as the previous game play cycle.
[0275] Considering again decision block 1116, if a positive
determination is made at that decision block (i.e., an exit event
did occur), then the process 1100 ends, as indicated at 1120.
[0276] The processes described herein, and variations thereof that
will be apparent from the disclosure herein, may be performed as a
result of operation of the processor 200 of the slot machine 104
and/or as a result of operation of the processor 400 of the
controller 102 and/or as a result of combined and/or cooperative
operation of both processors 200 and 400.
[0277] Except where impractical, it is contemplated that the
processes and/or methods described herein and/or illustrated in
FIGS. 8-11 may be performed by a single slot machine operating in
accordance with the invention and without interaction with a
controller. It is accordingly contemplated that the method or
methods of the present invention may be performed on a stand-alone
slot machine. It is further contemplated that the controller of
FIG. 1 may be dispensed with or used only for conventional
functions such as tracking how much money or credit is inserted
into and paid out from one or more of the slot machines and/or for
tracking player activity and/or in connection with progressive
Jackpots. If the controller is used only or largely for accounting
functions, the databases illustrated in FIGS. 4-7 may not be
needed.
[0278] As an inducement for a player to operate a slot machine 104
in an automated play mode, the novel system 100 may be arranged to
provide a communications function at the slot machine 104 to
entertain the player and/or to occupy the players time and
attention during the automated play mode. For example, the novel
system 100 may be arranged so that a motion picture (e.g., a hit
Hollywood film) is presented on a display of the slot machine 104.
One or more speakers and/or a headset (which are not shown) may
also be included in the slot machine 104 to provide the audio
portion of the motion picture to the player. The display of the
slot machine 104 may operate in a picture-in-picture or
split-screen manner, to simultaneously present the motion picture
and information regarding game play (e.g., simulated spinning
reels, final reel position, messages) to the player.
[0279] In addition, or alternatively, audio entertainment such as a
digital radio channel or a popular music CD may be played for the
player at the slot machine 104.
[0280] As another alternative, the slot machine 104 may include a
telephone handset (indicated in phantom at 322 in FIG. 3) and the
novel system 100 may be arranged to provide free telephone service
(including free long distance telephone service) to the player via
the telephone handset 322 during an automated play mode of the slot
machine 104. Dialing of the player's desired destination telephone
number may be via a touch screen or keypad (not shown) on the slot
machine 104 or via speech recognition from the player's oral input
into the handset 322.
[0281] Other inducements may be provided to a player for operating
a slot machine 104 in an automated play mode. For example, free
food or drinks or additional comp points may be provided to a
player who operates a slot machine in an automated play mode or for
trying the automated play mode for the first time. One or more free
credits in the slot machine 104 may be provided for operating the
slot machine 104 in an automated play mode. Operation of the slot
machine 104 in an automated play mode may also activate special
features of the slot machine 104, such as one or more bonus rounds
to be provided based on one or more game play cycle outcomes, or
such as improved odds or an improved payout schedule.
[0282] The novel system 100 may also be arranged to allow a player
to engage in earning activity at a slot machine 104 during an
automated play mode of the slot machine. The player may receive
increases in the credit balance at the slot machine 104 in return
for the earning activity. The earning activity may include
answering survey questions at the slot machine 104 (where the
survey questions may be presented via a touch screen), viewing
advertisements presented at the slot machine 104 (the
advertisements may require responses from the player to confirm
that the player is paying attention to the advertisements), or
shopping via the slot machine 104. For any one or more of these
earning activities, a slot machine 104 may be operated as a
terminal to support the earning activity.
[0283] It should be understood that "increasing a credit balance"
of a slot machine may include not reducing the credit balance when
a wager is made in a current game play cycle in an automated play
mode while the player is engaging in an earning activity.
[0284] According to another aspect of the invention, a single one
of the slot machines 104 may be used to simultaneously conduct two
or more gaming sessions. This may be accomplished, for example, by
operating a display of the slot machine 104 in a split screen mode,
such that one portion of the display presents information
concerning one gaming session, and another part of the display
presents information concerning another gaming session. Wagers for
all of the two or more gaming sessions may be debited from a single
credit balance maintained in the slot machine 104. One or more of
the gaming sessions may be operated in an automated play mode.
Automated play modes may be performed concurrently in two or more
of the gaming sessions. The display operated in the split-screen
mode may be a touch screen, and may include a first set of input
regions in a first portion of the touch screen for the player to
provide input with respect a first one of the gaming sessions, and
may include a second set of input regions in a second portion of
the touch screen for the player to provide input with respect to a
second one of the gaming sessions.
[0285] An event in one of the concurrent sessions may be an exit
event for one or both of concurrent automated play modes.
[0286] According to another aspect of the invention, one or more of
the slot machines 104 may be arranged to store information,
possibly including visual information regarding game play cycles
performed during an automated play mode and/or during a gaming
session. The slot machine 104 may provide a review mode to the
player, whereby the player may cause the slot machine to replay
simulated reel spins and outcomes, or the like (e.g., play of card
indicia for video poker machines), for one or more game play cycles
performed during the automated play mode and/or the gaming session.
The review mode may include functions such as "rewind", "play",
"fast forward", "pause", etc.
[0287] In addition or alternatively, a slot machine 104 may permit
reviewing of game play cycles performed in an automated play mode
by printing out a list of outcomes and/or other information about
the game play cycles.
[0288] As indicated above, a player may operate two or more
different slot machines simultaneously, with all of the two or more
slot machines in automated play mode. To do so, for example, the
player may insert his or her player tracking card in a first slot
machine 104, deposit funds, and select the automated play mode,
which then proceeds. The player then removes his or her player
tracking card from the first slot machine 104 and, with automated
play mode continuing in the first slot machine 104, the player
inserts his or her player tracking card in a second slot machine
104. The player deposits funds in the second slot machine 104, and
selects the automated play mode, which then proceeds. Based on
signals received from both of the slot machines 104, the controller
102 may associate the player with both of the slot machines 104. An
event at one of the slot machines 104 may be an exit event for both
slot machines 104. Notification of a large payout (or any payout)
on one of the slot machines 104 may be simultaneously presented on
both of the slot machines 104. One or both of the slot machines 104
may operate such that a cash-out function can be actuated only at
times when the player's player tracking card is interfaced to the
gaming device for which cash-out is desired.
[0289] In one or more embodiments of the invention, an automated
play mode may continue even after depletion of a credit balance in
the slot machine 104. For example, a player may be permitted to
"buy" a certain period of automated play for a certain amount of
money. E.g., a player may deposit $100 in a slot machine 104 to
obtain a half-hour of automated play mode. Even if the credit
balance in the slot machine is decreased to zero or below zero
during the half-hour period, automated play mode continues until
the guaranteed time period ends. At the end of the time period, any
positive credit balance may be cashed-out by the player. A negative
credit balance may be charged to the player or alternatively may be
forgiven.
[0290] As another possible feature, if the credit balance falls
below a predetermined level during the guaranteed time period, the
controller 102 (or the slot machine 104 acting on its own) may slow
down the rate of automated play and/or may decrease the amount
wagered per game cycle to increase the likelihood, or to ensure,
that the credit balance is not decreased to zero before the end of
the guaranteed period.
[0291] The foregoing description discloses only exemplary
embodiments of the invention; modifications of the above disclosed
apparatus and methods which fall within the scope of the invention
will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For
example, it should be understood that aspects of the invention may
be utilized in connection with a device or devices located at a
table game which facilitate placement of bets or other activities
at a table game while reducing or eliminating actions required on a
part of a player of the table game.
[0292] It should also be understood that aspects of the present
invention may be applicable to games in which the skill of the
player and/or player input may partially or completely determine
the outcomes. Such games may include video poker and video
blackjack and may also include other games not usually present in
casinos. For example, such games may include a simulation of a golf
putting game, in which player input causes a simulated golf ball to
be propelled toward a simulated golf hole. If the simulated ball
lands in the simulated hole, a prize may be awarded. A machine
which allows playing of such a simulated golf game is to be
included in the term "gaming device" as used herein.
[0293] Accordingly, while the present invention has been disclosed
in connection with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be
understood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and
scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *