U.S. patent application number 11/472585 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-09 for mobile device for providing filtered casino information based on real time data.
This patent application is currently assigned to IGT. Invention is credited to Keith W. Atkinson, Michael Khamis, Lea Oberberger, Michael Oberberger.
Application Number | 20060252530 11/472585 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38728966 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060252530 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oberberger; Michael ; et
al. |
November 9, 2006 |
Mobile device for providing filtered casino information based on
real time data
Abstract
A technique is disclosed for displaying filtered casino-related
information on a mobile device. In one implementation aspects of
the inventions may be embodied in a mobile device which includes at
least one interface operable to provide a wireless communication
link to other network device in a casino data network. According to
various embodiments, casino information relating to various casino
activities may be acquired by the mobile device and/or other
devices in the casino network. Geolocation information relating to
a current location of the mobile device may also be acquired. A
first set of filter parameters may be identified and/or generated
for use in generating filtered casino information. Filtered casino
information may be generated by applying the first set of filter
parameters and geolocation information to the acquired casino
information. At least a portion of the filtered information may be
displayed to a user via a display at the mobile device.
Inventors: |
Oberberger; Michael; (Reno,
NV) ; Oberberger; Lea; (Reno, NV) ; Khamis;
Michael; (Reno, NV) ; Atkinson; Keith W.; (Las
Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BEYER WEAVER & THOMAS, LLP
P.O. BOX 70250
OAKLAND
CA
94612-0250
US
|
Assignee: |
IGT
|
Family ID: |
38728966 |
Appl. No.: |
11/472585 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10723375 |
Nov 25, 2003 |
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11472585 |
Jun 21, 2006 |
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10755202 |
Jan 8, 2004 |
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11472585 |
Jun 21, 2006 |
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60439084 |
Jan 8, 2003 |
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60477644 |
Jun 12, 2003 |
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60439084 |
Jan 8, 2003 |
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60477644 |
Jun 12, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/29 ;
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3218 20130101;
G07F 17/3232 20130101; G07F 17/3234 20130101; G07F 17/3239
20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/029 ;
463/042 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A system for displaying filtered casino-related information on a
mobile device, the system comprising: at least one processor; a
first display; at least one interface configured or designed to
provide a wireless communication link to at least one other network
device in a casino data network; and memory; the system being
adapted to: acquire casino information relating to casino
activities; acquire geolocation information relating to a current
location of the mobile device; determine a first set of filter
parameters to be used for generating filtered information; generate
filtered information by applying the first set of filter parameters
and geolocation information to the acquired casino information; and
display at least a portion of the filtered information to a user
via the first display.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the filtered
information is generated based upon a current location of the
mobile device.
3. The system of claim wherein the displayed filtered information
includes a first graphical user interface (GUI) adapted to display
a graphical representation of a portion of an actual gaming
environment.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the acquired casino information
includes real-time data relating to casino gaming activities.
5. The system of claim 1: wherein the displayed filtered
information includes a first graphical user interface (GUI) adapted
to display representations of objects which are within a
predetermined distance from the mobile device; and the first
graphical user interface (GUI) being further adapted to not display
representations of objects which are not within a predetermined
distance from the mobile device.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the first set of filter parameters
includes a first filter parameter relating to casino gaming machine
data, the system being further adapted to: generate, using the
first filter parameter and the geolocation information, a first
portion of filtered information, the first portion of filtered
information including information relating to a first portion of
casino gaming machine data which has been selected based on the
geolocation information; and display the first portion of filtered
information on the first display.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the first portion of casino gaming
machine data includes gaming machine drop box status
information.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the first set of filter parameters
includes a first filter parameter relating to casino player
tracking data, the system being further adapted to: generate, using
the first filter parameter and the geolocation information, a first
portion of filtered information, the first portion of filtered
information including information relating to a first portion of
casino player tracking data which has been selected based on the
geolocation information; and display the first portion of filtered
information on the first display.
9. The system of claim 6 wherein the first portion of casino player
tracking data includes player status information.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the first set of filter
parameters includes a first filter parameter relating to casino
employee data, the system being further adapted to: generate, using
the first filter parameter and the geolocation information, a first
portion of filtered information, the first portion of filtered
information including information relating to a first portion of
casino employee data which has been selected based on the
geolocation information; and display the first portion of filtered
information on the first display.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein the first set of filter
parameters includes a first filter parameter relating to casino
gaming system alerts, the system being further adapted to:
generate, using the first filter parameter and the geolocation
information, a first portion of filtered information, the first
portion of filtered information including information relating to a
first portion of casino gaming system alerts which has been
selected based on the geolocation information; and display the
first portion of filtered information on the first display.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein the first set of filter
parameters includes a first filter parameter relating to casino
gaming events, the system being further adapted to: determine a
user identity of a user who is currently operating the mobile
device; generate, using the first filter parameter and the user
identity information, a first portion of filtered information, the
first portion of filtered information including information
relating to a first portion of casino gaming events which have been
selected based on the user identity information; and display the
first portion of filtered information on the first display.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein the mobile device is adapted to
generate at least a portion of the filtered information.
14. The system of claim 1 further comprising: a first server; the
first server being adapted to generate at least a portion of the
filtered information; and the first server being adapted to
transmit, via a wireless interface, filtered information to the
mobile device for display to the user.
15. The system of claim 1 being further adapted to: identify a
gaming system, the gaming system including a plurality of physical
components which actually exist in three-dimensional space, the
plurality of components each having a relative position in the
gaming system with respect to each other; generate a graphical
representation of a first portion of the gaming system, said
graphical representation including graphical objects representing
one or more of the physical components of said gaming system; and
display, in a first window of the graphical user interface, a first
portion of the graphical representation; wherein the first portion
of the graphical representation includes one or more displayed
objects representing one or more of the physical components which
are located in the first portion of the gaming system; wherein the
first portion of the graphical representation includes one or more
displayed objects representing one or more portions of an actual
physical environment of the first portion of the gaming system, the
physical environment including at least one of: gaming machine;
game table; player; and casino employee.
16. The system of claim 1 being further adapted to: identify a
gaming system, the gaming system including a plurality of physical
components which actually exist in three-dimensional space, the
plurality of components each having a relative position in the
gaming system with respect to each other; generate a graphical
representation of a first portion of the gaming system, said
graphical representation including graphical objects representing
one or more of the physical components of said gaming system; and
display, in a first window of the graphical user interface, a first
portion of the graphical representation; wherein the first portion
of the graphical representation includes one or more displayed
objects representing one or more of the physical components which
are located in the first portion of the gaming system.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein the first portion of the
graphical representation includes one or more displayed objects
representing one or more portions of an actual physical environment
of the first portion of the gaming system, the physical environment
including at least one of: walls, hallways, fixtures, lights,
signage, doors, flooring, type of flooring, floor coverings, floor
covering designs, and wall coverings.
18. A method for displaying filtered casino-related information on
a mobile device, the method comprising: acquiring casino
information relating to casino activities; acquiring geolocation
information relating to a current location of the mobile device;
determining a first set of filter parameters to be used for
generating filtered information; generating filtered information by
applying the first set of filter parameters and geolocation
information to the acquired casino information; and displaying at
least a portion of the filtered information via a first display at
the mobile device.
19. The method of claim 18 further comprising: generating at least
a portion of the filtered information based upon a current location
of the mobile device.
20. The method of claim wherein the displayed filtered information
includes a first graphical user interface (GUI) adapted to display
a graphical representation of a portion of an actual gaming
environment.
21. The method of claim 18 wherein the acquired casino information
includes real-time data relating to casino gaming activities.
22. The method of claim 18: wherein the displayed filtered
information includes a first graphical user interface (GUI) adapted
to display representations of objects which are within a
predetermined distance from the mobile device; and the first
graphical user interface (GUI) being further adapted to not display
representations of objects which are not within a predetermined
distance from the mobile device.
23. The method of claim 18 wherein the first set of filter
parameters includes a first filter parameter relating to casino
gaming machine data, the method further comprising: generating,
using the first filter parameter and the geolocation information, a
first portion of filtered information, the first portion of
filtered information including information relating to a first
portion of casino gaming machine data which has been selected based
on the geolocation information; and displaying the first portion of
filtered information on the first display.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the first portion of casino
gaming machine data includes gaming machine drop box status
information.
25. The method of claim 18 wherein the first set of filter
parameters includes a first filter parameter relating to casino
player tracking data, the method further comprising: generating,
using the first filter parameter and the geolocation information, a
first portion of filtered information, the first portion of
filtered information including information relating to a first
portion of casino player tracking data which has been selected
based on the geolocation information; and displaying the first
portion of filtered information on the first display.
26. The method of claim 23 wherein the first portion of casino
player tracking data includes player status information.
27. The method of claim 18 wherein the first set of filter
parameters includes a first filter parameter relating to casino
employee data, the method further comprising: generating, using the
first filter parameter and the geolocation information, a first
portion of filtered information, the first portion of filtered
information including information relating to a first portion of
casino employee data which has been selected based on the
geolocation information; and displaying the first portion of
filtered information on the first display.
28. The method of claim 18 wherein the first set of filter
parameters includes a first filter parameter relating to casino
gaming system alerts, the method further comprising: generating,
using the first filter parameter and the geolocation information, a
first portion of filtered information, the first portion of
filtered information including information relating to a first
portion of casino gaming system alerts which has been selected
based on the geolocation information; and displaying the first
portion of filtered information on the first display.
29. The method of claim 18 wherein the first set of filter
parameters includes a first filter parameter relating to casino
gaming events, the method further comprising: determining a user
identity of a user who is currently operating the mobile device;
generating, using the first filter parameter and the user identity
information, a first portion of filtered information, the first
portion of filtered information including information relating to a
first portion of casino gaming events which have been selected
based on the user identity information; and displaying the first
portion of filtered information on the first display.
30. The method of claim 18 wherein the mobile device is adapted to
generate at least a portion of the filtered information.
31. The method of claim 18 wherein the generating, at a first
server, at least a portion of the filtered information; and
transmitting, via a wireless interface, filtered information from
the first server to the mobile device for display to the user.
32. The method of claim 18 further comprising: identifying a gaming
system, the gaming system including a plurality of physical
components which actually exist in three-dimensional space, the
plurality of components each having a relative position in the
gaming system with respect to each other; generating a graphical
representation of a first portion of the gaming system, said
graphical representation including graphical objects representing
one or more of the physical components of said gaming system; and
displaying, in a first window of the graphical user interface, a
first portion of the graphical representation; wherein the first
portion of the graphical representation includes one or more
displayed objects representing one or more of the physical
components which are located in the first portion of the gaming
system; wherein the first portion of the graphical representation
includes one or more displayed objects representing one or more
portions of an actual physical environment of the first portion of
the gaming system, the physical environment including at least one
of: gaming machine; game table; player; and casino employee.
33. The method of claim 18 further comprising: identifying a gaming
system, the gaming system including a plurality of physical
components which actually exist in three-dimensional space, the
plurality of components each having a relative position in the
gaming system with respect to each other; generating a graphical
representation of a first portion of the gaming system, said
graphical representation including graphical objects representing
one or more of the physical components of said gaming system; and
displaying, in a first window of the graphical user interface, a
first portion of the graphical representation; wherein the first
portion of the graphical representation includes one or more
displayed objects representing one or more of the physical
components which are located in the first portion of the gaming
system.
34. The method of claim 33 wherein the first portion of the
graphical representation includes one or more displayed objects
representing one or more portions of an actual physical environment
of the first portion of the gaming system, the physical environment
including at least one of: walls, hallways, fixtures, lights,
signage, doors, flooring, type of flooring, floor coverings, floor
covering designs, and wall coverings.
35. A mobile device for use in a casino environment for displaying
filtered casino-related information, the mobile device comprising:
at least one processor; a first display; at least one interface
configured or designed to provide a wireless communication link to
at least one other network device in the data network; and memory;
the mobile device being adapted to: acquire casino information
relating to casino activities; acquire geolocation information
relating to a current location of the mobile device; determine a
first set of filter parameters to be used for generating filtered
information; generate filtered information by applying the first
set of filter parameters and geolocation information to the
acquired casino information; and display at least a portion of the
filtered information to a user via the first display.
36. The mobile device of claim 35 wherein at least a portion of the
filtered information is generated based upon a current location of
the mobile device.
37. The mobile device of claim wherein the displayed filtered
information includes a first graphical user interface (GUI) adapted
to display a graphical representation of a portion of an actual
gaming environment.
38. The mobile device of claim 35 wherein the acquired casino
information includes real-time data relating to casino gaming
activities.
39. The mobile device of claim 35: wherein the displayed filtered
information includes a first graphical user interface (GUI) adapted
to display representations of objects which are within a
predetermined distance from the mobile device; and the first
graphical user interface (GUI) being further adapted to not display
representations of objects which are not within a predetermined
distance from the mobile device.
40. The mobile device of claim 35 wherein the first set of filter
parameters includes a first filter parameter relating to casino
gaming machine data, the mobile device being further adapted to:
generate, using the first filter parameter and the geolocation
information, a first portion of filtered information, the first
portion of filtered information including information relating to a
first portion of casino gaming machine data which has been selected
based on the geolocation information; and display the first portion
of filtered information on the first display.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] Priority claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/723,375 (Attorney Docket No.
IGT1P304/AC043) entitled "MOBILE DATA ACCESS", by Atkinson, Keith
W. et al., filed on Nov. 25, 2003, which claims benefit of U.S.
provisional application 60/439,084, filed Jan. 8, 2003; and which
also claims benefit of U.S. provisional application 60/477,644,
filed Jun. 12, 2003. Each of these applications is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
[0002] Priority claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/755,202 (Attorney Docket No.
IGT1P303/AC034) entitled "SYSTEM FOR REALTIME GAME NETWORK
TRACKING", by Atkinson, filed on Jan. 7, 2004, which claims benefit
of U.S. provisional application 60/439,084, filed Jan. 8, 2003; and
which also claims benefit of U.S. provisional application
60/477,644, filed Jun. 12, 2003. Each of these applications is
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all
purposes.
[0003] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 09/746,944, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,077, issued Nov.
11, 2003 (Attorney Docket No. IGT1P042/P-392) entitled "GAMING
TERMINAL DATA REPOSITORY AND INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM", by
Richard E. Rowe, filed on Dec. 21, 2000, which claims benefit under
35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/242,046, filed Oct. 19, 2000, naming Richard E. Rowe as
inventor, and titled "GAMING TERMINAL DATA REPOSITORY AND
INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM." Each of these applications is
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all
purposes.
[0004] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/259,998 (Attorney Docket No. IGTP129X1/P-714CIP) entitled
"METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GRAPHICALLY PORTRAYING GAMING ENVIRONMENT
AND INFORMATION REGARDING COMPONENTS THEREOF" by Foss et al., filed
on Sep. 26, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/965,785, filed Sep. 27, 2001. Each of these
applications is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety
for all purposes.
[0005] This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/115,164, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,800,029, issued Oct.
5, 2004, (Attorney Docket No. IGT1P032X1/P-267CIP2) entitled
"GAMING ENVIRONMENT INCLUDING PORTABLE TRANSACTION DEVICES", by
Rowe et al., which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/544,884, filed Apr. 7, 2000, and
entitled "WIRELESS GAMING ENVIRONMENT." Each of these applications
is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all
purposes.
[0006] This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No.
09/921,489 (Atty. Docket No. IGT1P060/P-568), filed Aug. 3, 2001,
which is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,908,387, entitled PLAYER TRACKING
COMMUNICATION MECHANISMS IN A GAMING MACHINE, by inventors HEDRICK
et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein
in its entirety for all purposes.
[0007] This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No.
10/246,373 (Atty. Docket No. IGT1P060X1/P-568CIP), filed Sep. 16,
2002, entitled PLAYER TRACKING COMMUNICATION MECHANISMS IN A GAMING
MACHINE, by inventors HEDRICK et al., the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all
purposes.
[0008] This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No.
10/661,404 (Atty. Docket No. IGT1P060X2/P-568CIP2), filed Sep. 11,
2003, entitled WIRELESS INPUT/OUTPUT AND PERIPHERAL DEVICES ON A
GAMING MACHINE, by inventors Silva et al., the disclosure of which
is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all
purposes.
[0009] This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No.
10/903,024 (Atty. Docket No. IGT1P060X3/P-568CIP3), filed Jul. 30,
2004, entitled PLAYER TRACKING COMMUNICATION MECHANISMS IN A GAMING
MACHINE, by inventors HEDRICK et al., the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all
purposes.
[0010] This application is related to U.S. application Ser. No.
11/094,943 (Atty. Docket No. IGT1P060X4/P-568CIP4), filed Mar. 30,
2005, entitled PLAYER TRACKING COMMUNICATION MECHANISMS IN A GAMING
MACHINE, by inventors HEDRICK et al., the disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0011] 1. Technical Field
[0012] This disclosure relates to networked gaming devices, and,
more specifically, to a technique for acquiring, analyzing, and
displaying information relating to casino gaming activities on a
mobile display system.
[0013] 2. Background
[0014] Gaming systems are becoming ever larger and more complex.
Geographically, a gaming system may comprise hundreds of linked or
unlinked gaming devices within a single casino. In addition, the
systems may now span multiple properties, with gaming machines over
a wide geographic area connected to one another or associated with
the same system.
[0015] Today's gaming systems may have a variety of features or
functions which make the system very complex. Of course, the
operational components of a gaming system are likely to include a
large number of gaming machines, table games, keno stations,
cashier workstations, auditor workstation, accounting workstations,
and many other related system elements. These system elements are
likely to be connected to a host computer via a network. Via this
connection, information may be transmitted to each gaming machine
or other device and information may be transmitted from each gaming
machine or device. This information may comprise a wide variety of
information, such as security information and gaming machine
activity information.
[0016] Each gaming machine may also be associated with a player
tracking network. This network may include the same communication
links and host computer. However, this portion of the system is
specially adapted to perform such functions as receiving player
identification, such as by a player tracking card inserted into a
card reader at the gaming machine, and tracking of player game play
information. This information may include coin in and coin out
information from the gaming machine.
[0017] A gaming machine may also be associated with a progressive
network or system. Here, a group of gaming machines are associated,
and amounts wagered may be placed in a common pool which can be won
playing any one of the machines associated with the progressive
system.
[0018] A gaming machine may also be provided with a communication
link to a financial system. This system or function includes
components arranged to permit a player to use a credit card or
similar form of credit associated with an outside financial
institution for providing credit for playing the gaming
machine.
[0019] A gaming machine may also be associated with a cashless
transaction system, such as International Game Technology's
EZ-PAY.TM. system. Such a system includes components arranged to
print tickets representing monetary value in lieu of dispensing
actual currency or coin.
[0020] The complexity and size of these gaming systems creates a
number of difficulties. For example, it is desirable to be able to
determine, in real-time, the location of a specific gaming machine
and obtain information regarding its operation. It is surprisingly
difficult to locate a particular gaming machine, given the size of
the machine. However, in a large casino with thousands of machines,
and considering that the layout of the casino may be changed with
some frequency, the location of a particular machine is often
somewhat difficult to determine.
[0021] It is also often difficult to access desired real-time
information regarding real-time casino activities such as, for
example: player activities/locations, employee
activities/locations, gaming machine locations/activities, etc. For
example, the information regarding a particular machine, such as
information regarding player activities, security, cashless
transactions and the like may be found in different data files and
with different computers or host arranged to implement the various
functions or systems with which the gaming machine is
associated.
[0022] The due to the existing factors which contribute to the
difficulty in obtaining and/or accessing desired real-time
information relating to casino activities, it is often difficult
for a casino operator (e.g., owner, manager, employee, etc.)
stationed on the casino floor to stay informed of current
conditions or activities in the casino which may affect that
particular casino operator. As a result, the casino operator may
miss one or more opportunities to timely perform one or more tasks
which otherwise could have performed in a timely manner had the
operator had real-time access to information relating to such
opportunities.
[0023] In light of the above, there exists a general need for
facilitating the acquiring, analyzing, and displaying of real-time
information relating to casino gaming activities on a mobile
display system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to
different methods, devices, systems, and computer program products
for displaying filtered casino-related information on a mobile
device. In one implementation aspects of the inventions may be
embodied in a mobile device which includes at least one interface
operable to provide a wireless communication link to other network
device in a casino data network. According to various embodiments,
casino information relating to various casino activities may be
acquired by the mobile device and/or other devices in the casino
network. Geolocation information relating to a current location of
the mobile device may also be acquired. A first set of filter
parameters may be identified and/or generated for use in generating
filtered casino information. Filtered casino information may be
generated by applying the first set of filter parameters and
geolocation information to the acquired casino information. At
least a portion of the filtered information may be displayed to a
user via a display at the mobile device. According to a specific
embodiment, at least a portion of the filtered information may be
generated based upon a current location of the mobile device. In
one implementation, the displayed filtered information may include
a first graphical user interface (GUI) adapted to display a
graphical representation of a portion of an actual gaming
environment. Additionally, in at least one embodiments, the
acquired casino information may include real-time data relating to
casino gaming activities.
[0025] According to specific embodiments of the present invention,
the filtered information displayed at the mobile device may include
a first graphical user interface (GUI) adapted to display
representations of objects which are within a predetermined
distance from the mobile device. The first graphical user interface
(GUI) may be further adapted to not display representations of
objects which are not within a predetermined distance from the
mobile device.
[0026] According to various implementations, various types of
filter parameters may be used for generating customized, filtered
information to be displayed at the mobile device. Examples of such
filter parameters may include: filter parameters relating to casino
gaming machine data, filter parameters relating to casino player
tracking data, filter parameters relating to casino employee data,
filter parameters relating to casino gaming system alerts, filter
parameter relating to casino gaming events, etc.
[0027] In at least one embodiment, a graphical representation of a
selected portion of a physical gaming environment may be generated.
The graphical representation may include graphical objects
representing one or more physical components of the gaming
environment. A first portion of the graphical representation may be
displayed at one or more displays of the mobile device. In one
implementation, the first portion of the graphical representation
may include one or more displayed objects representing one or more
of the physical components which are located in the selected
portion of the of the gaming environment. Further in at least one
implementation, the first portion of the graphical representation
may include one or more displayed objects representing one or more
portions of an actual physical environment of the selected gaming
environment. Examples of such objects may include: gaming machines;
game tables; players; casino employees; walls; hallways; fixtures;
lights; signage; doors; flooring; type of flooring; floor
coverings; floor covering designs; wall coverings; etc.
[0028] Additional objects, features and advantages of the various
aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the
following description of its preferred embodiments, which
description should be taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a portion of a gaming
environment 100 which may be used for implementing various aspects
of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a gaming terminal data
repository (GTDR) 200 connected via one or more network
interface(s) 208 to a gaming network 5 which, for example, may
include gaming devices (e.g., gaming terminals) and/or other
devices located within a casino.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary gaming
machine 300 in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram illustrating components of a
gaming system 400 which may be used for implementing various
aspects of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary mobile
device 500 in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present
invention.
[0034] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of system portion 600 which may
be used for implementing various aspects of the present
invention.
[0035] FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of a Data Processing Procedure
700 in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present
invention.
[0036] FIGS. 8-19 illustrate various examples of features of the
mobile device of the present invention in which different types of
filtered and/or customized information are displayed in accordance
with specific embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to a few preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent,
however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may
be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In
other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have
not been described in detail in order to not obscure the present
invention.
[0038] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method and
apparatus for graphically representing a at least a portion of a
casino gaming environment on a mobile device, including details
regarding specific components of the environment. In the following
description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It
will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the
present invention may be practiced without these specific details.
In other instances, well-known features have not been described in
detail so as not to obscure the invention.
[0039] According to different implementations, the gaming
environment, or portions thereof, may be rendered and displayed as
two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional graphical representations
of the arrangement or layout of the physical environment, such as a
casino structure. In one embodiment, the representation includes
images or graphical representations of the components of the
environment in the surrounding physical environment, i.e.
presenting the gaming environment in "virtual" format. The
components may comprise individual gaming machines, table games and
other gaming devices such as cashier workstations, accounting
workstations and other components. A further aspect of the
invention comprises a method and apparatus for providing
information regarding individual components of the gaming
environment from or in the graphical representation.
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a portion of a gaming
environment 100 which may be used for implementing various aspects
of the present invention. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1,
gaming environment 100 may comprise a gaming system 22 located in a
physical environment (not shown). In one embodiment, the physical
environment includes at least a portion of a physical structure,
such as casino, housing one or more components of the gaming system
22.
[0041] The gaming system 22 includes a plurality of gaming system
devices 24 or components. The gaming system devices 24 may include
gaming machines 25, such as those known as video or slot machines.
The devices 24 may also include "table" games 27 such as Blackjack
and Roulette. The gaming devices 24 may also include components or
devices such as player tracking card readers 29, coin counters and
the like, which devices or components may be linked or associated
with other devices. The devices or components may also comprise
computers or servers and communication equipment, cashier and
accounting workstations and a wide variety of other elements.
[0042] In one embodiment, the gaming system 22 may include a
variety of sub-systems. These sub-systems may be partially or fully
independent of one another or may be related. In one embodiment,
each system may be included or be part of a network.
[0043] In one embodiment, the gaming system 22 may include a game
presentation/operation system which includes at least one game
server 26. The game server 26 may comprise a computing device
including a processor and a memory. The game server 26 may be
adapted to perform a variety of functions. This functionality may
be implemented by software and/or hardware of the server 26. In one
embodiment, the game server 26 may be arranged to provide
information or instructions to the one or more gaming devices 24 or
individual gaming system components. The information may comprise
game code and control data. In one embodiment, the game server 26
may also be arranged to accept information from the gaming devices
24 or components. For example, the game sever 26 may accept
information regarding the status of operation of a particular
gaming system device 24 (such as "normal" or "malfunction").
[0044] In one embodiment, the game server 26 is part of a network
which includes a communication link between the game server 26 and
selected gaming system device(s) 24 and/or other component(s) with
which communication is desired. A communication interface may be
associated with the game server 26 and each device or component for
facilitating the communication. The communication interfaces may
have a variety of architectures and utilize a variety of protocols
such as IEEE-1394 (FireWire.TM.) or Ethernet in the case where the
communication link is a wired link, or a wireless link utilizing a
wireless protocol such as 802.11, Bluetooth.TM., Radio Frequency
(RF), Infrared, etc. The communication links may transmit
electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals which carry digital
data streams or analog signals representing various types of
information.
[0045] In one embodiment, such as when the gaming device 24
comprises a gaming machine 25, the device may include a master
gaming controller which controls the functions of game operation.
The communication interface may be associated with the master
gaming controller, permitting data to be transmitted between the
game server 26 and the master gaming controller.
[0046] In one embodiment, the gaming system 22 may include a player
tracking system which includes at least one player tracking server
28. The player tracking server 28 may also comprise a computing
device including a processor and a memory. The player tracking
server 28 is preferably adapted to perform player tracking
functions, as is well known in the art. For example, the player
tracking server 28 may store information regarding the identities
of players and information regarding the game play of those
players. This information may include time of play, coin in/coin
out or other monetary transaction data, and in an arrangement where
players are awarded points based on play, a player's point
total.
[0047] Once again, the player tracking system includes a network
comprising a communication link provided between the player
tracking server 28 one or more of the gaming devices 24 having a
player tracking function or other components of the gaming system
22 associated with the system. In one embodiment, such as where the
gaming device 24 comprises a gaming machine, the device may include
a management interface board which controls a card reader. The
management interface board may be arranged to receive data from the
master gaming controller of the gaming system device 24. A
communication interface is associated with the management interface
board, permitting data to be transmitted between the player
tracking server 28 and the management interface board.
[0048] In the case of table games and the like, a card reader 29
may be associated with, such as located near, the table. A player
may utilize the card reader to identify themselves. Information
regarding play of the table game may be input through an input
device by a dealer, coin counter or the like, and this information
may be transmitted to the player tracking server 28.
[0049] In one embodiment, the gaming system 22 may include an
accounting system which includes at least one accounting server 30.
The accounting server 30 may comprise a computing device including
a processor and a memory. The accounting server 30 is preferably
adapted to perform financial related functions, such as track
financial transactions such as bets and payouts, and perform
reconciliations with monies collected from the gaming system
devices 24, such as gaming machines 25, tables games 27 and the
like. The accounting server 30 may be associated with a wide
variety of devices, including individual gaming system devices 24
and other servers. Once again, a communication link is preferably
provided between the accounting server 30 and each device with
which communications is desired.
[0050] In one embodiment, the gaming system 22 may include a
progressive award system which includes at least one progressive
server 32. The progressive sever 32 may comprise a computing device
including a processor and a memory. The progressive server 32 may
be adapted to generate progressive award information. In one
arrangement, the progressive server 32 may obtain information
regarding amounts bet at specific gaming system devices 24, such as
gaming machines 25 or table games 27. Utilizing this information, a
progressive jackpot award amount may be generated and updated. The
information may be transmitted to one or more displays 34
associated with participating devices 24. Once again, a
communication link is preferably provided between the progressive
server 32 and each device with which communications is desired. For
example, a link may be provided between the progressive server 32
and accounting server 30 for providing payout information to the
accounting server 30.
[0051] It will be appreciated that the communications links between
the various components may be separate and distinct or may be
commonly used. It will also be appreciated that one or more of the
functions or applications described above may be consolidated, such
as at a common server or host. Further, other components for
implementing other functionality may be provided. For example, a
variety of computing devices, such as user stations, may be
connected to the various systems. Printers and other peripheral
devices may also be connected to each network or system.
[0052] As is known in the art, such a gaming system 22 is generally
located at least partially in one or more physical gaming
environments, such as a casino. The casino may include publicly
accessible game areas where certain of the gaming system devices
24, such as gaming machines and table games are located, as well as
secure areas where the servers and other components are
located.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a virtual
information host 36 is associated with or comprises a portion of
the gaming system 22. In one embodiment, the host 36 comprises a
computing device which includes a processor, memory and a display.
One embodiment of the host 36 is described in greater detail below.
The virtual information host 36 may be one or more devices separate
from devices performing other functions of the system 22, or may be
integrated with existing devices.
[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the virtual information host 36
is adapted to perform functions relating to acquiring, managing,
rendering, generating and/or displaying real-time and/or non
real-time casino gaming system or "gaming environment" graphical
information and information regarding one or more components of the
gaming system or environment. Such functionality may also include
the generation of at least one graphical user interface on at least
one mobile device (e.g., 31) which is configured or designed to
graphically display information (e.g., real-time casino
information) relating to selected aspects of casino activity.
Examples of different graphical user interface is which may be
displayed on the mobile device are illustrated in FIGS. 8-19 of the
drawings.
[0055] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1, gaming system 22
may also include one or more mobile devices 31 configured or
designed to communicate, via one or more wireless links 111, with
various components of the gaming environment 100 such as, for
example: information systems (e.g., virtual information host 36);
player tracking systems; accounting systems; employee management
systems; location positioning systems (e.g., GPS system 33); game
servers; surveillance systems; security systems; communications
systems; gaming systems (e.g., gaming machines 25, game table
devices; other mobile devices; etc); etc.
[0056] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a gaming terminal data
repository (GTDR) 200 connected via one or more network
interface(s) 208 to a gaming network 5 which, for example, may
include gaming devices (e.g., gaming terminals) and/or other
devices located within a casino. The GTDR 200 may provide the
management and download tools necessary to manage all of the
information associated with a particular gaming terminal or groups
of gaming terminals and manage access to this data for a particular
user or set of users. An operator using the GTDR 200, with the
appropriate access privileges, may define various parameters that
trigger the download to the gaming terminal of information and
programs such as game software components. The GTDR 200 may connect
with an existing network interface system, such as a cashless
system within the casino, may communicate directly with gaming
terminals or may use combinations of both methods to facilitate
information downloading and data collection.
[0057] The gaming terminals (e.g., 218, 220, 222) may include
gaming machines such as video and mechanical slot machines and or
gaming terminals providing video game play for games such as bingo
games, keno games and lottery games. The gaming terminals may be
located in many different venues such as casinos, stores,
restaurants, bars and boats where the venues may be owned and
operated by different gaming entities. For instance, gaming
terminal 218 may be located in a casino owned by a first gaming
entity, gaming terminal 220 may be located in a store on a route
with multiple different stores owned by a second gaming entity and
gaming terminal 222 may be located on a floating casino owned by a
third gaming entity.
[0058] The gaming terminals 218, 220 and 222 may send game
transaction information, such as coin-in and coin-out, game
software component information, such as the versions of software
residing on each gaming terminal and the version of a game being
played, and player tracking information, such as the identity of a
player playing a game on the gaming machine. The gaming terminals
218, 200 and 222 may send and may receive information directly from
the GTDR 200 or the gaming terminals may communicate with the GTDR
200 via an intermediate device such as a cashless system server.
Information received from the gaming terminals may be archived in
the gaming terminal database 210 on the GTDR. In addition, the GTDR
200 may poll various servers such as bonus game servers, cashless
system servers, progressive game servers for gaming information
that may stored in the gaming terminal database 210.
[0059] The GTDR 200 may communicate with the gaming terminals, 218,
220 and 222 and other remote gaming devices, such as portable
computers, printers, personal digital assistants and computers
located at various gaming venues, using the network interface(s)
208. The network interface(s) 208 may include a wireless network
interface 211 and/or a wired network interface 213. The GTDR 200
may utilize a firewall 209 to prevent unauthorized access to data
stored in the GTDR 200. Access firewalls may provided by CISCO
Systems (San Jose, Calif.).
[0060] The GTDR 200 stores gaming information, such as gaming
transaction information, game software components and game software
component information, in a partitioned gaming terminal database
210. In one embodiment, the information stored in the gaming
terminal database may be partitioned according to gaming entities.
For instance, gaming information from a first gaming entity be may
stored in a first partition of the gaming terminal database 212,
gaming information from a second gaming entity may be stored in a
second partition 214 and gaming information from a third gaming
entity may be in a third partition 216. The number of partitions
may vary and is not limited to the three partitions described in
the present example. In at least one alternate embodiment, the
information stored in the gaming terminal database may not be
partitioned according to gaming entities.
[0061] The gaming terminal database 210 may be a hard drive,
CD-Read/Write drive or any other storage medium or combinations of
storage mediums appropriate for storing large amounts of game
information. The large amount data and variety of game programs on
each gaming terminal may be managed using the data and program
management tools of the GTDR 200. Each game program may comprise of
plurality of game software components. In FIG. 2, each of the items
may be associated with a particular gaming terminal or associated
with a type of gaming terminal. The items may be organized in a
database structure of some type which may be extended to a large
number of gaming terminals. Many different types of database
structures are possible. Some examples of database structures which
may be utilized are described in the text "Database Management
Systems," R. Ramakrishnan, Mcgraw-Hill, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.
[0062] The associations between gaming terminal database elements
and the gaming terminals may be managed and leveraged with specific
GTDR 200 tools that utilize information that may be stored in the
data repository such as within a database structure of some type.
For instance, the system may be used to establish relationships
between users, terminal information, site information, and gaming
terminals. With a given set of relationships established using the
system, the casino operator may then identify the configuration
desired of a particular gaming terminal or groups of gaming
terminals. An example of the structure, relationships and types of
information that may be stored in a data partition 216 for a
particular gaming entity is shown in the FIG. 2. The example is
used for illustrative purposes as many different structures are
possible and additional gaming information may be stored in the
database 210.
[0063] The GTDR 200 may receive various types of game transaction
information from gaming terminals connected in some manner to the
GTDR 200. The game transaction information may be used to determine
the relative performance of different games and gaming terminals.
The game transaction information may be stored in a relational
database allowing search and queries of various different data
categories 260. The data categories may be specify various data
relationships. For instance, game transaction information, such as
coin-in, coin-out, and amount bet per game, may be stored according
to specific games as game data 248. The game data may be a
composite of game data obtained from multiple gaming terminals
operating at different locations. Many data fields may be
associated with the game data such as the time, game version,
location, gaming terminal and player, and stored as a data record.
The data fields may be utilized by analysis tools residing in the
GTDR 200 to generate various information relationships such as game
performance as a function of time, game performance as a function
of location, game performance as a function of game version and
game performance as a function of player.
[0064] The data categories 260 may be used to store commonly
accessed data combinations to minimize analysis times. Many
different combinations of game transaction information and other
game information for various groups of gaming terminals may be
stored in the gaming terminal database 210 as a queryable database.
Other examples of game data categories may include: 1) gaming
terminal data 250, which may be a history of game performance on a
particular gaming terminal for all of its past configuration, 2)
player data 252, which may be a composite of a player's game play
on many different gaming terminals, 3) route data 254 which may be
a composite of gaming terminal information for a group of gaming
terminals on a route comprising a number of gaming venues such as
stores and 4) venue data 255 which may be a composite of terminal
information for a groups of gaming terminals at a particular venue
such as a casino, a subset of gaming terminals within a casino, a
store or a restaurant. Again many types of data categories may be
possible. The number of potential data categories may depend on the
number of fields associated with each data record obtained from a
gaming terminal and a processing power of the GTDR 200 because too
many data categories may result in a degradation of search
performance on the GTDR 200.
[0065] The processor and memory 206 on the GTDR 200 may be used to
execute a number of analysis tools 270 (e.g. gaming repository
applications) residing in each data partition, including 212, 214
and 216 in the gaming terminal database 210. The gaming repository
applications 270 as well as the game transaction information and
game software components stored in the gaming terminal database
210, may be proprietary and in some cases may not be shared by
different gaming entities. The analysis tools 270 may utilize a
number of user interfaces such as graphics tools for presenting
data generated in each application. For instance, an interface may
display the current game software components on a gaming terminal
as highlighted in a list of game software components available on
the gaming terminal. These interfaces may be viewed on displays,
including 202, or remote computers which are connected to the GTDR
200.
[0066] The gaming repository applications 270 may include: 1) data
analysis applications 272, which may be used to establish data
categories and various relationships between data categories, 2)
version management tools 273, which may be used to identify the
game software components on a particular gaming terminal and then
update one or more game software components by downloading game
software components from the GTDR 200, 3) configuration and
scheduling tools 274, which may be used to automatically configure
one or more gaming terminals according to one or more scheduled
update triggers, 4) query configuration application, which may be
used to design query relationships in the database that are suited
to a particular users needs and 5) report generation applications
for formatting game transaction information. The gaming repository
application 270 are not limited to these applications and many
types of gaming repository applications are possible.
[0067] Data from the various applications executed on the GTDR 200
may be shared and utilized by other applications. For instance, the
data analysis tools 272 may be used to establish relationships
between game versions, game transaction information, site
information and gaming terminal information. The relationships may
be utilized by the configuration application 274 to establish
configurations for one or more gaming terminals. The configuration
application may identify the current set of game software
components used for game play on a particular gaming terminal and
then compare the identified software components with game software
components required for a new game configuration (e.g. a plurality
of game software components are used to present a game presentation
on each game presentation). The result of the comparison may be a
list of game software components that need to be updated on the
gaming terminal to enable the new game configuration. The
configuration management tool 274, which is executed by the
processor 206, may then download the game software components
required for the new game configuration to the gaming terminal via
the network interface 208. A similar process may be used by the
software version management to update versions of software residing
on one or more gaming terminals.
[0068] The scheduling tools may be used to automatically update the
configurations of one or more gaming terminals according to a
number of update triggers. Updates might be triggered at certain
times, such as hourly, daily or weekly, according to player input,
or according to game performance. For instance, when a game is
performing poorly on a gaming terminal, game software components to
enable a new version of the game being played or a different game
may be downloaded to the gaming terminals connected to the GTDR
200. The gaming performance of the gaming terminals may be
monitored by the GTDR 200 so that the download may be performed
automatically. As another example, different paytables may be
downloaded to different gaming terminals at specific times of the
day to encourage game play during off-peak hours or increase
profits during peak hours. Yet another example, the GTDR may
download new game software components to a particular gaming
terminal being utilized by a particular player. The download may
occur as a result of a data analysis indicating personal game
playing preferences of a particular player such as liking
particular sounds or graphics. The download may occur automatically
without being initiated by the player or may be initiated by the
player.
[0069] FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary gaming
machine 300 in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present
invention. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 3, gaming
machine 300 includes at least one processor 310, at least one
interface 306, and memory 316.
[0070] In one implementation, processor 310 and master gaming
controller 312 are included in a logic device 313 enclosed in a
logic device housing. The processor 310 may include any
conventional processor or logic device configured to execute
software allowing various configuration and reconfiguration tasks
such as, for example: a) communicating with a remote source via
communication interface 306, such as a server that stores
authentication information or games; b) converting signals read by
an interface to a format corresponding to that used by software or
memory in the gaming machine; c) accessing memory to configure or
reconfigure game parameters in the memory according to indicia read
from the device; d) communicating with interfaces, various
peripheral devices 322 and/or I/O devices 311; e) operating
peripheral devices 322 such as, for example, card reader 325 and
paper ticket reader 327; f) operating various I/O devices such as,
for example, display 335, key pad 330 and a light panel 316; etc.
For instance, the processor 310 may send messages including
configuration and reconfiguration information to the display 335 to
inform casino personnel of configuration progress. As another
example, the logic device 313 may send commands to the light panel
337 to display a particular light pattern and to the speaker 339 to
project a sound to visually and aurally convey configuration
information or progress. Light panel 337 and speaker 339 may also
be used to communicate with authorized personnel for authentication
and security purposes.
[0071] Peripheral devices 322 may include several device interfaces
such as, for example: card reader 325, bill validator/paper ticket
reader 327, hopper 329, etc. Card reader 325 and bill
validator/paper ticket reader 327 may each comprise resources for
handling and processing configuration indicia such as a
microcontroller that converts voltage levels for one or more
scanning devices to signals provided to processor 310. In one
embodiment, application software for interfacing with peripheral
devices 322 may store instructions (such as, for example, how to
read indicia from a portable device) in a memory device such as,
for example, non-volatile memory, hard drive or a flash memory.
[0072] The gaming machine 300 also includes memory 316 which may
include, for example, volatile memory (e.g., RAM 309), non-volatile
memory 319 (e.g., disk memory, FLASH memory, EPROMs, etc.),
unalterable memory (e.g., EPROMs 308), etc. The memory may be
configured or designed to store, for example: 1) configuration
software 314 such as all the parameters and settings for a game
playable on the gaming machine; 2) associations 318 between
configuration indicia read from a device with one or more
parameters and settings; 3) communication protocols allowing the
processor 310 to communicate with peripheral devices 322 and I/O
devices 311; 4) a secondary memory storage device 315 such as a
non-volatile memory device, configured to store gaming software
related information (the gaming software related information and
memory may be used to store various audio files and games not
currently being used and invoked in a configuration or
reconfiguration); 5) communication transport protocols (such as,
for example, TCP/IP, USB, Firewire, IEEE1394, Bluetooth, IEEE
802.11x (IEEE 802.11 standards), hiperlan/2, HomeRF, etc.) for
allowing the gaming machine to communicate with local and non-local
devices using such protocols; etc. Typically, the master gaming
controller 312 communicates using a serial communication protocol.
A few examples of serial communication protocols that may be used
to communicate with the master gaming controller include but are
not limited to USB, RS-232 and Netplex (a proprietary protocol
developed by IGT, Reno, Nev.).
[0073] A plurality of device drivers 342 may be stored in memory
316. Example of different types of device drivers may include
device drivers for gaming machine components, device drivers for
peripheral components 322, etc. Typically, the device drivers 342
utilize a communication protocol of some type that enables
communication with a particular physical device. The device driver
abstracts the hardware implementation of a device. For example, a
device drive may be written for each type of card reader that may
be potentially connected to the gaming machine. Examples of
communication protocols used to implement the device drivers 259
include Netplex 260, USB 265, Serial 270, Ethernet 275, Firewire
285, I/0 debouncer 290, direct memory map, serial, PCI 280 or
parallel. Netplex is a proprietary IGT standard while the others
are open standards. According to a specific embodiment, when one
type of a particular device is exchanged for another type of the
particular device, a new device driver may be loaded from the
memory 316 by the processor 310 to allow communication with the
device. For instance, one type of card reader in gaming machine 300
may be replaced with a second type of card reader where device
drivers for both card readers are stored in the memory 316.
[0074] In some embodiments, the gaming machine 300 may also include
various authentication and/or validation components 344 which may
be used for authenticating/validating specified gaming machine
components such as, for example, hardware components, software
components, firmware components, information stored in the gaming
machine memory 316, etc. Examples of various authentication and/or
validation components are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,620,047,
entitled, "ELECTRONIC GAMING APPARATUS HAVING AUTHENTICATION DATA
SETS," incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all
purposes.
[0075] In some embodiments, the software units stored in the memory
316 may be upgraded as needed. For instance, when the memory 316 is
a hard drive, new games, game options, various new parameters, new
settings for existing parameters, new settings for new parameters,
device drivers, and new communication protocols may be uploaded to
the memory from the master gaming controller 104 or from some other
external device. As another example, when the memory 316 includes a
CD/DVD drive including a CD/DVD designed or configured to store
game options, parameters, and settings, the software stored in the
memory may be upgraded by replacing a first CD/DVD with a second
CD/DVD. In yet another example, when the memory 316 uses one or
more flash memory 319 or EPROM 308 units designed or configured to
store games, game options, parameters, settings, the software
stored in the flash and/or EPROM memory units may be upgraded by
replacing one or more memory units with new memory units which
include the upgraded software. In another embodiment, one or more
of the memory devices, such as the hard-drive, may be employed in a
game software download process from a remote software server.
[0076] In some embodiments, the gaming machine 300 may also include
a geolocation module 346, and a wireless communication module 348.
In one implementation, the geolocation module 746 may be configured
or designed to acquire, generate and/or provide geolocation or
positional information to/from external devises such as, for
example, other gaming machines, remote server(s), mobile device(s),
etc. For example, in one implementation, the gaming machine 300 may
transmit geolocation information to a mobile device in order to
allow the mobile device to determine its location on the casino
floor relative to the gaming machine. In at least one
implementation communication between the mobile device and the
gaming machine may be implemented via a wireless interface using
the wireless communication module 348. In one implementation, the
wireless communication module 348 may be configured or designed to
communicate using one or more wireless interfaces/protocols such
as, for example: 802.11 (WiFi), 802.15 (including Bluetooth.TM.),
802.16 (WiMax), 802.22, Cellular standards such as CDMA, CDMA2000,
WCDMA, Radio Frequency (e.g., RFID), Infrared, Near Field
Magnetics, etc.
[0077] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other
memory types, including various computer readable media, may be
used for storing and executing program instructions pertaining to
the operation of the present invention. Because such information
and program instructions may be employed to implement the
systems/methods described herein, the present invention relates to
machine-readable media that include program instructions, state
information, etc. for performing various operations described
herein. Examples of machine-readable media include, but are not
limited to, magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and
magnetic tape; optical media such as CD-ROM disks; magneto-optical
media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices that are
specially configured to store and perform program instructions,
such as read-only memory devices (ROM) and random access memory
(RAM). The invention may also be embodied in a carrier wave
traveling over an appropriate medium such as airwaves, optical
lines, electric lines, etc. Examples of program instructions
include both machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and
files including higher level code that may be executed by the
computer using an interpreter.
[0078] Additional details about other gaming machine architectures,
features and/or components are described, for example, in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/040,239, entitled, "GAME DEVELOPMENT
ARCHITECTURE THAT DECOUPLES THE GAME LOGIC FROM THE GRAPHICS
LOGIC," and published on Apr. 24, 2003 as U.S. Patent Publication
No. 20030078103, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
for all purposes.
[0079] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram illustrating components of a
gaming system 400 which may be used for implementing various
aspects of the present invention. In FIG. 4, the components of a
gaming system 400 for providing game software licensing and
downloads are described functionally. The described functions may
be instantiated in hardware, firmware and/or software and executed
on a suitable device. In the system 400, there may be many
instances of the same function, such as multiple game play
interfaces 411. Nevertheless, in FIG. 4, only one instance of each
function is shown. The functions of the components may be combined.
For example, a single device may comprise the game play interface
411 and include trusted memory devices or sources 409.
[0080] The gaming system 400 may receive inputs from different
groups/entities and output various services and or information to
these groups/entities. For example, game players 425 primarily
input cash or indicia of credit into the system, make game
selections that trigger software downloads, and receive
entertainment in exchange for their inputs. Game software content
providers provide game software for the system and may receive
compensation for the content they provide based on licensing
agreements with the gaming machine operators. Gaming machine
operators select game software for distribution, distribute the
game software on the gaming devices in the system 400, receive
revenue for the use of their software and compensate the gaming
machine operators. The gaming regulators 430 may provide rules and
regulations that must be applied to the gaming system and may
receive reports and other information confirming that rules are
being obeyed.
[0081] In the following paragraphs, details of each component and
some of the interactions between the components are described with
respect to FIG. 4. The game software license host 401 may be a
server connected to a number of remote gaming devices that provides
licensing services to the remote gaming devices. For example, in
other embodiments, the license host 401 may 1) receive token
requests for tokens used to activate software executed on the
remote gaming devices, 2) send tokens to the remote gaming devices,
3) track token usage and 4) grant and/or renew software licenses
for software executed on the remote gaming devices. The token usage
may be used in utility based licensing schemes, such as a
pay-per-use scheme.
[0082] In another embodiment, a game usage-tracking host 415 may
track the usage of game software on a plurality of devices in
communication with the host. The game usage-tracking host 415 may
be in communication with a plurality of game play hosts and gaming
machines. From the game play hosts and gaming machines, the game
usage tracking host 415 may receive updates of an amount that each
game available for play on the devices has been played and on
amount that has been wagered per game. This information may be
stored in a database and used for billing according to methods
described in a utility based licensing agreement.
[0083] The game software host 402 may provide game software
downloads, such as downloads of game software or game firmware, to
various devious in the game system 400. For example, when the
software to generate the game is not available on the game play
interface 411, the game software host 402 may download software to
generate a selected game of chance played on the game play
interface. Further, the game software host 402 may download new
game content to a plurality of gaming machines via a request from a
gaming machine operator.
[0084] In one embodiment, the game software host 402 may also be a
game software configuration-tracking host 413. The function of the
game software configuration-tracking host is to keep records of
software configurations and/or hardware configurations for a
plurality of devices in communication with the host (e.g.,
denominations, number of paylines, paytables, max/min bets).
Details of a game software host and a game software configuration
host that may be used with the present invention are described in
co-pending U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,077, by Rowe, entitled, "Gaming
Terminal Data Repository and Information System," filed Dec. 21,
2000, which is incorporated herein in its entirety and for all
purposes.
[0085] A game play host device 403 may be a host server connected
to a plurality of remote clients that generates games of chance
that are displayed on a plurality of remote game play interfaces
411. For example, the game play host device 403 may be a server
that provides central determination for a bingo game play played on
a plurality of connected game play interfaces 411. As another
example, the game play host device 403 may generate games of
chance, such as slot games or video card games, for display on a
remote client. A game player using the remote client may be able to
select from a number of games that are provided on the client by
the host device 403. The game play host device 403 may receive game
software management services, such as receiving downloads of new
game software, from the game software host 402 and may receive game
software licensing services, such as the granting or renewing of
software licenses for software executed on the device 403, from the
game license host 401.
[0086] In particular embodiments, the game play interfaces or other
gaming devices in the gaming system 400 may be portable devices,
such as electronic tokens, cell phones, smart cards, tablet PC's
and PDA's. The portable devices may support wireless communications
and thus, may be referred to as wireless mobile devices. The
network hardware architecture 416 may be enabled to support
communications between wireless mobile devices and other gaming
devices in gaming system. In one embodiment, the wireless mobile
devices may be used to play games of chance.
[0087] The gaming system 400 may use a number of trusted
information sources. Trusted information sources 404 may be
devices, such as servers, that provide information used to
authenticate/activate other pieces of information. CRC values used
to authenticate software, license tokens used to allow the use of
software or product activation codes used to activate to software
are examples of trusted information that might be provided from a
trusted information source 404. Trusted information sources may be
a memory device, such as an EPROM, that includes trusted
information used to authenticate other information. For example, a
game play interface 411 may store a private encryption key in a
trusted memory device that is used in a private key-public key
encryption scheme to authenticate information from another gaming
device.
[0088] When a trusted information source 404 is in communication
with a remote device via a network, the remote device will employ a
verification scheme to verify the identity of the trusted
information source. For example, the trusted information source and
the remote device may exchange information using public and private
encryption keys to verify each other's identities. In another
embodiment of the present invention, the remote device and the
trusted information source may engage in methods using zero
knowledge proofs to authenticate each of their respective
identities. Details of zero knowledge proofs that may be used with
the present invention are described in US publication no.
2003/0203756, by Jackson, filed on Apr. 25, 2002 and entitled,
"Authentication in a Secure Computerized Gaming System," which is
incorporated herein in its entirety and for all purposes.
[0089] Gaming devices storing trusted information might utilize
apparatus or methods to detect and prevent tampering. For instance,
trusted information stored in a trusted memory device may be
encrypted to prevent its misuse. In addition, the trusted memory
device may be secured behind a locked door. Further, one or more
sensors may be coupled to the memory device to detect tampering
with the memory device and provide some record of the tampering. In
yet another example, the memory device storing trusted information
might be designed to detect tampering attempts and clear or erase
itself when an attempt at tampering has been detected.
[0090] The gaming system 400 of the present invention may include
devices 406 that provide authorization to download software from a
first device to a second device and devices 407 that provide
activation codes or information that allow downloaded software to
be activated. The devices, 406 and 407, may be remote servers and
may also be trusted information sources. One example of a method of
providing product activation codes that may be used with the
present invention is describes in previously incorporated U.S. Pat.
No. 6,264,561.
[0091] A device 406 that monitors a plurality of gaming devices to
determine adherence of the devices to gaming jurisdictional rules
408 may be included in the system 400. In one embodiment, a gaming
jurisdictional rule server may scan software and the configurations
of the software on a number of gaming devices in communication with
the gaming rule server to determine whether the software on the
gaming devices is valid for use in the gaming jurisdiction where
the gaming device is located. For example, the gaming rule server
may request a digital signature, such as CRC's, of particular
software components and compare them with an approved digital
signature value stored on the gaming jurisdictional rule
server.
[0092] Further, the gaming jurisdictional rule server may scan the
remote gaming device to determine whether the software is
configured in a manner that is acceptable to the gaming
jurisdiction where the gaming device is located. For example, a
maximum bet limit may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction and
the rule enforcement server may scan a gaming device to determine
its current software configuration and its location and then
compare the configuration on the gaming device with approved
parameters for its location.
[0093] A gaming jurisdiction may include rules that describe how
game software may be downloaded and licensed. The gaming
jurisdictional rule server may scan download transaction records
and licensing records on a gaming device to determine whether the
download and licensing was carried out in a manner that is
acceptable to the gaming jurisdiction in which the gaming device is
located. In general, the game jurisdictional rule server may be
utilized to confirm compliance to any gaming rules passed by a
gaming jurisdiction when the information needed to determine rule
compliance is remotely accessible to the server.
[0094] Game software, firmware or hardware residing a particular
gaming device may also be used to check for compliance with local
gaming jurisdictional rules. In one embodiment, when a gaming
device is installed in a particular gaming jurisdiction, a software
program including jurisdiction rule information may be downloaded
to a secure memory location on a gaming machine or the jurisdiction
rule information may be downloaded as data and utilized by a
program on the gaming machine. The software program and/or
jurisdiction rule information may used to check the gaming device
software and software configurations for compliance with local
gaming jurisdictional rules. In another embodiment, the software
program for ensuring compliance and jurisdictional information may
be installed in the gaming machine prior to its shipping, such as
at the factory where the gaming machine is manufactured.
[0095] The gaming devices in game system 400 may utilize trusted
software and/or trusted firmware. Trusted firmware/software is
trusted in the sense that is used with the assumption that it has
not been tampered with. For instance, trusted software/firmware may
be used to authenticate other game software or processes executing
on a gaming device. As an example, trusted encryption programs and
authentication programs may be stored on an EPROM on the gaming
machine or encoded into a specialized encryption chip. As another
example, trusted game software, i.e., game software approved for
use on gaming devices by a local gaming jurisdiction may be
required on gaming devices on the gaming machine.
[0096] In the present invention, the devices may be connected by a
network 416 with different types of hardware using different
hardware architectures. Game software can be quite large and
frequent downloads can place a significant burden on a network,
which may slow information transfer speeds on the network. For
game-on-demand services that require frequent downloads of game
software in a network, efficient downloading is essential for the
service to viable. Thus, in the present inventions, network
efficient devices 410 may be used to actively monitor and maintain
network efficiency. For instance, software locators may be used to
locate nearby locations of game software for peer-to-peer transfers
of game software. In another example, network traffic may be
monitored and downloads may be actively rerouted to maintain
network efficiency.
[0097] One or more devices in the present invention may provide
game software and game licensing related auditing, billing and
reconciliation reports to server 412. For example, a software
licensing billing server may generate a bill for a gaming device
operator based upon a usage of games over a time period on the
gaming devices owned by the operator. In another example, a
software auditing server may provide reports on game software
downloads to various gaming devices in the gaming system 400 and
current configurations of the game software on these gaming
devices.
[0098] At particular time intervals, the software auditing server
412 may also request software configurations from a number of
gaming devices in the gaming system. The server may then reconcile
the software configuration on each gaming device. In one
embodiment, the software auditing server 412 may store a record of
software configurations on each gaming device at particular times
and a record of software download transactions that have occurred
on the device. By applying each of the recorded game software
download transactions since a selected time to the software
configuration recorded at the selected time, a software
configuration is obtained. The software auditing server may compare
the software configuration derived from applying these transactions
on a gaming device with a current software configuration obtained
from the gaming device. After the comparison, the software-auditing
server may generate a reconciliation report that confirms that the
download transaction records are consistent with the current
software configuration on the device. The report may also identify
any inconsistencies. In another embodiment, both the gaming device
and the software auditing server may store a record of the download
transactions that have occurred on the gaming device and the
software auditing server may reconcile these records.
[0099] There are many possible interactions between the components
described with respect to FIG. 4. Many of the interactions are
coupled. For example, methods used for game licensing may affect
methods used for game downloading and vice versa. For the purposes
of explanation, details of a few possible interactions between the
components of the system 400 relating to software licensing and
software downloads have been described. The descriptions are
selected to illustrate particular interactions in the game system
400. These descriptions are provided for the purposes of
explanation only and are not intended to limit the scope of the
present invention.
[0100] FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary mobile
device 500 in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present
invention. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 5, mobile device
500 may include a variety of components, modules and/or systems for
providing functionality relating to one or more aspects of the
present invention. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, mobile
device 500 may include one or more of the following: [0101] At
least one processor 510. In at least one implementation, the
processor(s) 510 may include functionality similar to processor(s)
310 of FIG. 3. [0102] Memory 516, which, for example, may include
volatile memory (e.g., RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., disk
memory, FLASH memory, EPROMs, etc.), unalterable memory, and/or
other types of memory. In at least one implementation, the memory
516 may include functionality similar to memory 316 of FIG. 3.
[0103] Interface(s) 506 which, for example, may include wired
interfaces and/or wireless interfaces. In at least one
implementation, the interface(s) 506 may include functionality
similar to interface(s) 306 of FIG. 3. [0104] Device driver(s) 542.
In at least one implementation, the device driver(s) 542 may
include functionality similar to device driver(s) 342 of FIG. 3.
[0105] At least one power source 543. In at least one
implementation, the power source may include at least one mobile
power source for allowing the mobile device to operate in a mobile
environment. [0106] Authentication/validation components 544 which,
for example, may be used for authenticating and/or validating local
hardware and/or software components and/or hardware/software
components residing at a remote device. In at least one
implementation, the authentication/validation component(s) 543 may
include functionality similar to authentication/validation
component(s) 344 of FIG. 3. [0107] Geolocation module 546 which,
for example, may be configured or designed to acquire geolocation
information from remote sources and use the acquired geolocation
information to determine information relating to a relative and/or
absolute position of the mobile device. For example, in one
implementation, the geolocation module 546 may be adapted to
receive GPS signal information for use in determining the position
or location of the mobile device. In another implementation, the
geolocation module 546 may be adapted to receive multiple wireless
signals from multiple remote devices (e.g., gaming machines,
servers, wireless access points, etc.) and use the signal
information to compute position/location information relating to
the position or location of the mobile device. [0108] Wireless
communication module(s) 545. In one implementation, the wireless
communication module 545 may be configured or designed to
communicate with external devices using one or more wireless
interfaces/protocols such as, for example, 802.11 (WiFi), 802.15
(including Bluetooth.TM.), 802.16 (WiMax), 802.22, Cellular
standards such as CDMA, CDMA2000, WCDMA, Radio Frequency (e.g.,
RFID), Infrared, Near Field Magnetics, etc. [0109] User
Identification module 547. In one implementation, the User
Identification module may be adapted to determine the identity of
the current user or owner of the mobile device. For example, in one
embodiment, the current user may be required to perform a log in
process at the mobile device in order to access one or more
features. Alternatively, the mobile device may be adapted to
automatically determine the identity of the current user based upon
one or more external signals such as, for example, an RFID tag or
badge worn by the current user which provides a wireless signal to
the mobile device for determining the identity of the current user.
In at least one implementation, various security features may be
incorporated into the mobile device to prevent unauthorized users
from accessing confidential or sensitive information. [0110]
Information filtering module(s) 549. [0111] One or more display(s)
535. [0112] One or more user I/O Device(s) 530 such as, for
example, keys, buttons, scroll wheels, cursors, touchscreen
interfaces, audio command interfaces, etc. [0113] Audio system 539
which, for example, may include speakers, microphones, wireless
transmitter/receiver devices for enabling wireless audio and/or
visual communication between the mobile device 500 and remote
devices (e.g., radios, telephones, computer systems, etc.). For
example, in one implementation, the audio system may include
componentry for enabling the mobile device to function as a cell
phone or two-way radio device. [0114] Magnetic strip reader 525,
which, for example, may be configured or designed to read
information from magnetic strips such as those on credit cards,
player tracking cards, etc. [0115] Optical scanner 527, which, for
example, may be configured or designed to read information such as
text, barcodes, etc. [0116] Camera 529 which, for example, may be
configured or designed to record still images (e.g., digital
snapshots) and/or video images. [0117] Other types of peripheral
devices 531 which may be useful to the users of such mobile
devices, such as, for example: PDA functionality; memory card
reader(s); fingerprint reader(s); image projection device(s);
ticket reader(s); etc.
[0118] According to a specific embodiment, the mobile device of the
present invention may be adapted to implement at least a portion of
the features associated with the mobile game service system
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/115,164, which is
now U.S. Pat. No. 6,800,029, issued Oct. 5, 2004, (previously
incorporated by reference in its entirety). For example. in one
embodiment, the mobile device 500 may be comprised of a hand-held
game service user interface device (GSUID) and a number of input
and output devices. The GSUID is generally comprised of a display
screen which may display a number of game service interfaces. These
game service interfaces are generated on the display screen by a
microprocessor of some type within the GSUID. Examples of a
hand-held GSUID which may accommodate the game service interfaces
are manufactured by Symbol Technologies, Incorporated of
Holtsville, N.Y.
[0119] The game service interfaces may be used to provide a variety
of game service transactions and gaming operations services. The
game service interfaces, including a login interface, an
input/output interface, a transaction reconciliation interface, a
ticket validation interface, a prize services interfaces, a food
services interface, an accommodation services interfaces, a gaming
operations interfaces, a multi-game/multi-denomination meter data
transfer interface, etc. Each interface may be accessed via a main
menu with a number of sub-menus that allow a game service
representative to access the different display screens relating to
the particular interface. Using the different display screens
within a particular interface, the game service representative may
perform various operations needed to provide a particular game
service. For example, the login interface may allow the game
service representative to enter a user identification of some type
and verify the user identification with a password. When the
display screen is a touch screen, the user may enter the
user/operator identification information on a display screen
comprising the login interface using the input stylus and/or using
the input buttons. Using a menu on the display screen of the login
interface, the user may select other display screens relating to
the login and registration process. For example, another display
screen obtained via a menu on a display screen in the login
interface may allow the GSUID to scan a finger print of the game
service representative for identification purposes or scan the
finger print of a game player.
[0120] The user identification information and user validation
information may allow the game service representative to access all
or some subset of the available game service interfaces available
on the GSUID. For example, certain users, after logging into the
GSUID (e.g. entering a user identification and a valid user
identification information), may be able to access the food
services interface, accommodation services interface, or gaming
operation services interface and perform a variety of game services
enabled by these game service interfaces. While other users may be
only be able to access the award ticket validation interface and
perform EZ pay ticket validations.
[0121] Using the input/output interface, a user of the GSUID may be
able to send and receive game service transaction information from
a number of input mechanisms and output mechanisms. The
input/output interface may allow the GSUID user to select, from a
list of devices stored in a memory on the GSUID, a device from
which the GSUID may input game service transaction information or
output game service transaction information. For example, the GSUID
may communicate with a ticket reader that reads game service
transaction information from bar-coded tickets. The bar-codes may
be read using a bar-code reader of some type. The bar-coded tickets
may contain bar-code information for awards, prizes, food services,
accommodation services and EZ pay tickets. Additionally, the
bar-coded tickets may contain additional information including
player tracking information that relate the ticket to a specific
game player. The information on a ticket is not necessarily in
bar-code format and may be in any format readable by a particular
ticket reader. As another example, the GSUID may input information
from a card reader that reads information from magnetic striped
cards or smart cards. The cards may contain player tracking
information or other information regarding the game playing habits
of the user presenting the card.
[0122] The GSUID may output game service transaction information to
a number of devices. For example, to print a receipt, the GSUID may
output information to a printer. In this game service transaction,
the GSUID may send a print request to the printer and receive a
print reply from the printer. The printer may be a large device at
some fixed location or a portable device carried by the game
service representative. As another example, the output device may
be a card reader that is able to store information on a magnetic
card or smart card. Other devices which may accept input or output
from the GSUID are personal digital assistants, microphones,
keyboard, storage devices, gaming machines and remote transaction
servers.
[0123] The GSUID may communicate with the various input mechanisms
and output mechanisms using both wire and wire-less communication
interfaces. For example, the GSUID may be connected to a ticket
reader by a wire connection of some type. However, the GSUID may
communicate with a remote transaction server via a wireless
communication interface including a spread spectrum cellular
network communication interface. An example of a spread spectrum
cellular network communication interface is Spectrum 24 offered by
Symbol Technologies of Holtsville, N.Y., which operates between
about 2.4 and 2.5 Gigahertz. As another example, the GSUID may
communicate with the printer via an infra-red wire-less
communication interface. The information communicated using the
wire-less communication interfaces may be encrypted to provide
security for certain game service transactions such as validating a
ticket for a cash pay out. Some devices may accommodate multiple
communication interfaces. For example, a gaming machine may contain
a wire-less communication interface for communication with the
GSUID or a port where a cable from the GSUID may be connected to
the gaming machine.
[0124] Another type of game service interface that may be stored on
the GSUID is an award ticket validation interface. One embodiment
of the award ticket interface may accommodate the EZ pay ticket
voucher system and validate EZ pay tickets as previously described.
However, when other ticket voucher systems are utilized, the award
ticket validation interface may be designed to interface with the
other ticket voucher systems. Using the award ticket validation
interface, a game service representative may read information from
a ticket presented to the game service representative by a game
player using the ticket reader and then validate and pay out an
award indicated on the ticket.
[0125] Typically, the award ticket contains game service
transaction information which may be verified against information
stored on a remote transaction server. To validate the ticket may
require a number of game service transactions. For example, after
the obtaining game service transaction information from the award
ticket, the GSUID may send a ticket validation request to the
remote transaction server using the spread spectrum communication
interface and receive a ticket validation reply from the remote
server. In particular, the validation reply and the validation
request may be for an EZ pay ticket. After the award ticket has
been validated, the GSUI may send a confirmation of the transaction
to the remote server. In other embodiments, the award ticket
interface may be configured to validate award information from a
smart card or some other portable information device or validate
award information directly from a gaming machine.
[0126] As game service transactions are completed, game service
transaction information may be stored on a storage device. The
storage device may be a remote storage device or a portable storage
device. The storage device may be used as a back-up for auditing
purpose when the memory on the GSUID fails and may be removable
from the GSUID.
[0127] Another type of game service interface that may be stored on
the GSUID is a prize service interface. As an award on a gaming
machine, a game player may receive a ticket that is redeemable for
merchandise including a bike, a computer or luggage. Using the
prize service interface, the game service representative may
validate the prize service ticket and then check on the
availability of certain prizes. For example, when the prize service
ticket indicates the game player has won a bicycle, the game
service representative may check whether the prize is available in
a nearby prize distribution center. The GSUID may validate the
prize ticket and check on the availability of certain prizes by
communicating with a remote prize server. Further, the game service
representative may have the prize shipped to a game player's home
or send a request to have the prize sent to a prize distribution
location. The game service transactions needed to validate the
prize ticket including a prize validation request and a prize
validation reply, check on the availability of prizes and order or
ship a prize may be implemented using various display screens
located within the prize interface. The different prize screens in
the prize service interface may be accessed using a menu located on
each screen of the prize service interface. In other embodiments,
the prize service interface may be configured to validate prize
information from a smart card or some other portable information
device or validate award information directly from a gaming
machine.
[0128] Another type of game service interface that may be stored on
the GSUID is a food service interface. As an award on a gaming
machine or as compensation for a particular amount of game play, a
game player may receive a ticket that is redeemable for a food
service including a free meal, a free drink or other food prizes.
Using the food service interface, the game service representative
may validate the food service ticket and then check on the
availability of certain prizes. For example, when the game player
has received an award ticket valid for a free meal, the food
service interface may be used to check on the availability of a
dinner reservation and make a dinner reservation. As another
example, the GSUID may be used to take a drink order for a player
at a gaming machine. The GSUID may validate the food service ticket
and check on the availability of certain food awards by
communicating with a remote food server. The game service
transactions needed to validate the food ticket, check on the
availability of food services, request a food service and receive a
reply to the food service request may be implemented using various
display screens located within the food service interface. These
display screens may be accessed using a menu located on each screen
of the food service interface. In other embodiments, the food
service interface may be configured to validate food service
information from a smart card or some other portable information
device.
[0129] Another type of game service interface that may be stored on
the GSUID is an accommodation service interface. As an award on a
gaming machine or as compensation for a particular amount of game
play, a game player may receive a ticket that is redeemable for a
accommodation service including a room upgrade, a free night's stay
or other accommodation prize. Using the accommodation service
interface, the game service representative may validate the
accommodation service ticket and then check on the availability of
certain accommodation prizes. For example, when the game player has
received an award ticket valid for a room upgrade, the
accommodation service interface may be used to check on the
availability of a room and make a room reservation. As another
example, the GSUID may be used to order a taxi or some other form
of transportation for a player at a gaming machine preparing to
leave the game playing area. The game playing are may be a casino,
a hotel, a restaurant, a bar or a store.
[0130] The GSUID may validate the accommodation service ticket and
check on the availability of certain accommodation awards by
communicating with a remote accommodation server. The game service
transactions needed to validate the accommodation ticket, check on
the availability of accommodation services, request an
accommodation service and receive a reply to the accommodation
service request may be implemented using various display screens
located within the accommodation service interface. These display
screens may be accessed using a menu located on each screen of the
accommodation service interface. In other embodiments, the
accommodation service interface may be configured to validate
accommodation service information from a smart card or some other
portable information device.
[0131] Another type of game service interface that may be stored on
the GSUID is a gaming operations service interface. Using the
gaming service interface on the GSUID, a game service
representative may perform a number of game service transactions
relating to gaming operations. For example, when a game player has
spilled a drink in the game playing area, a game service
representative may send a request to maintenance to have someone
clean up the accident and receive a reply from maintenance
regarding their request. The maintenance request and maintenance
reply may be sent and received via display screens selected via a
menu on the screens of the gaming operations service interface. As
another example, when a game service representative observes a
damaged gaming machine such as a broken light, the game service
representative may send a maintenance request for the gaming
machine using the GSUID.
[0132] Another type of game service interface that may be stored on
the GSUID is a transaction reconciliation interface. Typically, the
GSUID contains a memory storing game service transaction
information. The memory may record the type and time when
particular game service transactions are performed. At certain
times, the records of the game service transactions stored within
the GSUID may be compared with records stored at an alternate
location. For example, for an award ticket validation, each time an
award ticket is validated and paid out, a confirmation is sent to a
remote server. Thus, information regarding the award tickets, which
were validated and paid out using the GSUID, should agree with the
information regarding transactions by the GSUID stored in the
remote server. The transaction reconciliation process involves
using the transaction reconciliation interface to compare this
information.
[0133] Another type of game service interface that may be stored on
the GSUID is a voice interface. Using the spread spectrum cellular
network incorporated into the GSUID, a game service representative
may use the GSUID as a voice communication device. This voice
interface may be used to supplement some of the interfaces
previously described. For example, when a game player spills a
drink the game service representative may send maintenance request
and receive a maintenance reply using the voice interface on the
GSUID. As another example, when a game player requests to validate
a food service such as free meal, the game service representative
may request a reservation at a restaurant using the voice interface
on the GSUID.
[0134] Yet another game service interface that may be provided by
the GSUID is a gaming device performance or metering data transfer
interface. As mentioned, the GSUID preferably contains memory to
record any wireless transfer of performance or metering data from
the gaming device. More preferably, this wireless data transfer
interface is particularly suitable for metering data in gaming
devices which support mutli-game platforms with multi-denomination
inputs. For example, in a multi-game gaming device, which typically
includes separate denomination meters for each game of the multiple
games, a single gaming maintenance personnel is capable of
downloading this metering data quickly and efficiently into the
GSUID for subsequent data processing.
[0135] In addition to the features described above, the mobile
device of the present invention may also include additional
functionality for displaying, in real-time, filtered information to
the user based upon a variety of criteria such as, for example,
geolocation information, casino data information, player tracking
information, etc.
[0136] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of system portion 600 which may
be used for implementing various aspects of the present invention.
As illustrated in the example of FIG. 6, system portion 600 may
include at least one mobile device (MD) 630 which is configured or
designed to display filtered information to a user. According to
different embodiments, the filtered information may be acquired
from a variety of information sources such as, for example one or
more of the following: [0137] Casino layout database(s) 602 which
include information relating to casino floor layouts and/or
physical environments. [0138] Casino employee database(s) 604 which
include information relating to casino employees and/or agents
(such as, for example, employee names/ID, contact info, job types,
work schedules, current locations, current status (e.g.,
active/inactive), etc.). [0139] Player tracking database(s) 606
which include information relating to various players or patrons of
the casino (such as, for example, names, contact info, personal
preferences, game play history, etc.) [0140] Real-time gaming or
play data 608 which, for example, may be obtained from real-time
game play information provided by one or more gaming machines on
the casino floor. Some examples include: player wagering
information, jackpot information, bonus game information, game play
data, cash in/cash out information, etc. [0141] Gaming machine
status information 612 which, for example, may include real-time
and/or non real-time information relating to the status of various
gaming machine components, systems, modules, peripheral devices,
etc. Some examples include information relating to: hopper status
information, error information, security alerts, peripheral
device(s) status information, etc. [0142] Geolocation data 610
which, for example, may information relating to a current position
or location of the MD and/or user of the MD. In one implementation,
geolocation data may be acquired using external signals such as GPS
signals, cellular telephone signals, wireless networking signals,
radio frequency signals, and/or other types of local and/or global
positioning signals. In at least one implementation, the
geolocation data may be generated by using multiple wireless
signals from multiple remote devices (e.g., gaming machines,
servers, wireless access points, etc.) to compute current
position/location information relating to the position or location
of the mobile device. [0143] Other information which may be useful
for implementing at least one of the features of the present
invention.
[0144] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 6, the various
information may be processed by one or more filter processes (622)
which may be adapted to use one or more filter parameters to
generate filtered information to be displayed at the mobile device
630. According to different embodiments, different filter processes
may be implemented at different devices or systems of the gaming
network such as, for example: mobile device(s), gaming machine(s),
server(s), and/or any combination thereof. For example, in one
implementation the mobile device 630 may be adapted to acquire
desired information from one or more sources, and to apply one or
more filter processes to generate filtered information to be
displayed on one or more displays of the mobile device. In a
different implementation, a remote server (e.g., 620) may be
adapted to acquire desired information from one or more sources,
and to apply one or more filter processes to generate filtered
information. The filtered information may then be transmitted via a
wireless interface to the mobile device 630 for display to the
user. In yet another implementation, one or more gaming machines
may be adapted to apply one or more filter processes to locally
generated information (e.g., real-time game play data, player data,
gaming machine status information, etc.) to generate filtered
information. The filtered information may then be transmitted via a
wireless interface to the mobile device 630 for display to the
user.
[0145] In one implementation, the filter process(es) may be adapted
to utilize the geolocation data 610 in order to generate filtered
information which is customized based on the relative
location/position of the mobile device (and/or user) on the casino
floor. For example, the filtered information may include
identification of "hot" players or premier players within a
predetermined radius of the mobile device's current location.
Alternatively, the filtered information may include information
relating to specific drop locations in need of servicing within a
predetermined radius of the mobile device's current location.
[0146] In at least one implementation, the filtered and/or
customized information which is displayed on the mobile device may
automatically and/or dynamically change based upon the identity
and/or privileges of the current user who is operating the mobile
device. For example, in one implementation, the mobile device may
be adapted to store employee profile information which, for
example, may include information relating to casino employees or
other persons such as, for example: employee name, employee ID, job
description/responsibilities, access privileges, work schedule,
etc. Additionally, the mobile device may be adapted to store
customized, preconfigured filter parameters which are linked to
each respective employee in the employee profile database. Upon
determining the identity of the current user operating the mobile
device, the customized, preconfigured filter parameters for the
current user may be accessed and subsequently used during the
information filter processing to generate appropriate filtered
and/or customized information which is relevant to the current
user. Thus, for example, if the current user is a casino host who's
job responsibilities include identifying and greeting "hot" players
(e.g., players who are betting and/or winning large amounts) and/or
VIP players on the casino floor, the mobile device may use the
current user's ID to automatically and a dynamically configure
itself to display filtered information which includes
identification of "hot" players and VIP players who are currently
within a predetermined radius of the mobile device's current
location. Alternatively, if the current user is a casino attendant
who's job responsibilities include servicing gaming machine hoppers
and verifying jackpot payoffs, the mobile device may use the
current user's ID to automatically and a dynamically configure
itself to display filtered information which includes
identification of gaming machines within a predetermined radius of
the mobile device's current location which are in need of hopper
servicing or drops, and/or which currently require jackpot
verification.
[0147] In an alternate implementation, the filtered and/or
customized information displayed on the mobile device may be
acquired without necessarily requiring that the mobile device
generate geolocation data relating to its current location. For
example, in one embodiment, the mobile device may be adapted to
communicate, via a wireless interface, only with gaming machines or
other devices on the casino floor which the mobile device believes
are within a predetermined proximity to the mobile device. The
mobile device may also be adapted to receive, via a wireless
interface, information from gaming machines or other devices on the
casino floor which are within a predefined range of the mobile
device. For example, current implementations of Bluetooth.TM.
technology allow a Bluetooth.TM. enabled device to communicate with
other Bluetooth.TM. enabled devices which are within a 10 meter
radius. Using such technology, the mobile device may be adapted to
receive wireless information from gaming machines or other devices
on the casino floor which are within a predetermined proximity
(e.g., within 10 meters) of the mobile device. However, in at least
one implementation, the mobile device will not receive wireless
information from gaming machines or other devices on the casino
floor which are outside the predetermined proximity.
[0148] FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of a Data Processing Procedure
700 in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present
invention. According to different embodiments, selected portions of
the Data Processing Procedure 700 may be implemented at different
devices or systems of the gaming network such as, for example,
gaming machines, server(s), mobile device(s), and/or any
combination thereof. In at least one implementation, the Data
Processing Procedure 700 may be used for acquiring and generating
the filtered and/or customized information which is to be displayed
on a mobile device of the present invention.
[0149] At 702, a current user of the mobile device (MD) is
identified. In one implementation, the identification of the
current user may be implemented via the User Identification module
(547, FIG. 5). In one implementation, the User Identification
module may be adapted to determine the identity of the current user
or operator of the mobile device. For example, in one embodiment,
the current user may be required to perform a log in process at the
mobile device in order for the user to access one or more features
of the MD. Alternatively, the MD may be adapted to automatically
determine the identity of the current user based upon one or more
external signals such as, for example, an RFID tag or badge worn by
the current user which provides a wireless signal to the mobile
device for determining the identity of the current user.
[0150] According to a specific embodiment, once the current user of
the MD has been identified, a determination may then be made (704)
as to the various types of information to be acquired or accessed
for use in generating the filtered and/or customized information to
be displayed to the user via the MD. In one implementation, such a
determination may involve accessing profile information relating to
the identified user in order to facilitate the determination of
which types of information will be relevant to the identified user.
Such information may include, for example: information relating to
casino floor layouts and/or physical environments; information
relating to casino employees and/or agents; information relating to
various players or patrons of the casino; information relating to
real-time gaming or play data; gaming machine status information;
real time directions to another area of the casino; real time
alerts; messages from other MD users or casino management; staff
schedules; etc.
[0151] As shown at 706, the desired information may then be
acquired for example, by accessing one or more data sources such as
those described, for example, in FIG. 6 of the drawings.
Additionally, if desired, geolocation information relating to the
current position or location of the MD may also be acquired and/or
determined (710).
[0152] At 712, one or more filter parameters may be identified for
use in generating the filtered and/or customized information. In at
least one implementation, the selection of the specific filter
parameters to be used may be based, at least in part, upon the
identity and/or privileges of the current user who is operating the
mobile device. For example, in one implementation, the mobile
device may be adapted to store employee profile information as well
as customized, preconfigured filter parameters which may be
associated with specific parameters relating to the employee
profile information. According to one embodiment, upon determining
the identity of the current user operating the mobile device, the
customized, preconfigured filter parameters associated with the
current user may be accessed and subsequently used during the
information filter processing to generate appropriate filtered
and/or customized information which is relevant to the current
user. Examples of such filter parameters may include, for example:
physical proximity parameters (e.g., display relevant data which is
within 50 feet of current MD position); path selection criteria
(e.g., shortest available path, line of sight, as crow flies,
etc.); parameters relating to the current user's job description
(e.g., casino host, pit boss, security, maintenance, drops, casino
attendant, gaming regulator, player, waiter/waitress, security
staff, etc.); game play parameters; player parameters; information
type parameters (e.g., display only selected types of information;
do not display specified types of information; etc.); user selected
parameters; time parameters (e.g. display machines that are
scheduled for maintenance this week); etc.
[0153] As shown at 714, filtered and/or customized information may
then be generated, for example, by applying the selected filter
parameters and/or geolocation data to the acquired relevant
information. According to different embodiments, different filter
processes may be implemented at different devices or systems of the
gaming network such as, for example: mobile device(s), gaming
machine(s), server(s), and/or any combination thereof.
[0154] Once the desired filtered and/or customized information has
been generated, the filtered and/or customized information may be
displayed (716) to the current user via one or more displays of the
MD. Additionally, the displayed information may be updated (718)
based on a variety of conditions such as, for example: at scheduled
and/or periodic intervals; upon demand (e.g., by the user, casino
management, the player hitting an attendant button on the device,
etc.); upon the occurrence of once or more predetermined events;
upon the detection of a change in the information being displayed;
upon the detection of a change in real-time data being displayed;
upon the detection of a change in position or location of the MD;
upon the detection of a change in the filter parameter selection;
in response to user input; etc.
[0155] In at least one implementation, the MD may be adapted to
dynamically modify (720) the format, type, scope and/or amount of
information displayed based on user input or user interaction. For
example, the MD may provide the user with a graphical interface for
allowing the user to select the type and degree of filtered
information to be displayed.
[0156] FIGS. 8-19 illustrate various examples of features of the
mobile device of the present invention in which different types of
filtered and/or customized information are displayed in accordance
with specific embodiments of the present invention.
[0157] FIG. 8 shows a specific embodiment of a mobile device 800
which may be used for implementing various aspects of the present
invention. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 8, mobile device
800 may include a primary display 810 and one or more auxiliary
displays 806. Additionally, as illustrated in the example of FIG.
8, mobile device 800 may include one or more user input devices
(e.g., 802, 804) such as, for example, keys, buttons, scroll
wheels, jog wheels, touch screens, cursors, joysticks, touchpads,
etc.
[0158] In the example of FIG. 8, there is provided a graphical user
interface 811 which may be displayed on one or more of the displays
of the mobile device (e.g., 810). In a preferred embodiment of the
invention, the graphical user interface 811 is associated with at
least one main application but capable of displaying information
associated with one or more sub-applications or functions.
[0159] In one embodiment, the graphical user interface 811 is
arranged to display information provided by an application or
function which generates casino environment image information. In
addition, in one or more embodiments, the graphical user interface
811 is arranged to display information provided from other
applications or functions, and particularly those associated with
individual functions or systems of a casino. These other
applications or functions may be player tracking, casino
accounting, security and the like.
[0160] In a preferred embodiment, the graphical user interface 811
includes a main window 40. The main window 40 may comprise a
variety of elements having a variety of shapes and sizes. In
general, the main window 40 comprises an element displayed on or by
a device, such as a video screen.
[0161] In a preferred embodiment, when displayed, the main window
40 provides a gaming system environment information and permits
interaction with an application executed by or function being
performed by the mobile device 800 and, as described below, one or
more other devices. In the embodiment illustrated, the main window
40 includes a display area 42, one or more menu elements 44 and one
or more control or navigation icons 46.
[0162] In one implementation, graphical information regarding or
representing a gaming environment is illustrated in the display
area 42. The display area 42 preferably comprises a portion or
field of the main window 40. This display area 42 portion of the
main window 40 may be referred to as the data panel, window or
viewport.
[0163] According to different embodiments, the information which is
displayed in the display area 42 comprises a two-dimensional or
three-dimensional representation of a gaming environment. The
specific embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 corresponds to a
three-dimensional gaming environment representation. By gaming
environment, it is meant the physical arrangement of components of
the gaming system along with the related physical environment in
which that system or its components reside. This environmental
information may include, but is not limited to, the components of
the gaming system, the physical arrangement of the components of
the gaming system, and one or more portions of the physical
environment in which the system is located, including the
relationship of the components to the environment.
[0164] One example of such information is illustrated in FIG. 8. As
illustrated, the information includes the representation of one or
more of the gaming system devices 24 (as described above, the term
gaming system device includes, but is not limited to, any component
of the gaming system, including electronic, electromechanical,
mechanical or other devices, elements or structures). These
representations preferably comprise images, either actual images
such as photographic information in digital form, or generated
representations, of the gaming system devices 24 of the system 22.
Preferably, if not an actual image of the gaming system device 24,
the representation portrays information useful in identifying the
gaming system device 24, such as the particular type of gaming
system device. By "type" it is meant slot type machine, video type
machine, table game, server, workstation or the like. In addition,
the representation may more particularly identify the device 24,
such as by particular game or manufacturer.
[0165] In a preferred embodiment, the representation of each gaming
system device 24 is illustrated in a location on the display
relative to all other gaming system devices 24 which represent the
actual relative locations of the gaming system devices 24 of the
gaming system 22 being portrayed in their actual physical
environment.
[0166] In one embodiment, one or more aspects of the actual
physical environment in which the components of the gaming system
22 are located is displayed. For example, a representation of a
casino which is housing the gaming system 22 may be displayed. Once
again, the aspects of the casino or other physical environment are
preferably illustrated in relative and representative form to the
actual physical environment, including size, relative location and
the like.
[0167] An example of a portrayal of an actual gaming environment is
illustrated in FIG. 8. As illustrated, the gaming system includes
gaming system devices such as gaming machines 49a, b, c arranged in
a first bank 50 of gaming devices. An isle 53 separates the first
bank 50 of gaming devices from a second bank 54 of gaming devices.
An isle 54 also separates the first bank 50 of gaming devices from
a number of other gaming devices including a Blackjack table 56 and
a Roulette wheel 58. Again, these displayed images correspond to an
actual (in this case, exemplary) physical gaming environment.
[0168] Preferably, the information which is displayed to the user
aids the user in correlating the illustrated information with the
actual physical environment. A wide variety of information may be
displayed to aid this function. For example, referring to FIG. 8,
the information which is illustrated preferably includes details
regarding the physical environment of the gaming system 22, which
details aid the user of the mobile device in identifying the
corresponding physical location of the individual components or
devices of the system. This detail may include the illustration of
casino walls, hallways, isles, significant fixtures such as light
fixtures and signage, doors and the like. The detail may also
include information such as the type of flooring, including
reproduction of carpet designs, wall covering and a variety of
other information.
[0169] Preferably, a variety of functions are provided for
manipulating the information which is displayed in the display area
42. In one embodiment, a selector 59 is provided for selecting
elements in the window 40. This selector 59 may comprise, as is
known in the art, a mouse pointer or as illustrated, a hand with
pointed finger. The selector 59 may be guided by a mouse,
track-ball or a wide variety of other user input devices. Other
means may be provided for selecting elements, such as by a menu or
selection buttons, screen icons, etc,
[0170] As described, a plurality of navigation elements 46 may be
provided. In one embodiment, the navigation elements 46 comprise
directional arrows 60a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i. Selection of one of
these arrows 60a-i preferably results in the display of information
regarding an area of the gaming environment which is available in
the direction of the arrow. For example, if a user selects the
arrow 60d, then the field of view is shifted to the right.
Information regarding the gaming system and related environment
which lies in this direction is thus displayed in replacement of
the information regarding the current location. In one embodiment,
selection of a particular arrow 60 results in a predetermined
distance of movement.
[0171] In addition, functions may be performed via menu selections.
As illustrated, the menu 44 includes a number of menu elements. In
one embodiment, the menu elements comprise "open machine" 62,
"navigate" 64, "zoom" 66, "view" 67, "location" 68, "tools" 70,
"window" 72, and "help" 74.
[0172] Upon selecting one of the menu selections, one or more
functions associated with that selection may be presented to the
user. These functions or selections may be illustrated in a
hierarchical or other menu format. With respect to the "open
machine" 62 selection, a user may be provided with a number of
sub-selections, such as "open accounting," "open security," "open
operating data" and the like. Each one of these sub-selections
preferably results in the generation or display of certain
information regarding a gaming system device which is illustrated
in the display area 42, which device and information corresponds to
an actual gaming system device of the gaming system 22.
[0173] With respect to the "navigate" 64 selection, a user may be
provided with sub-selections such as "move right," "move left,",
"move up," "move down," and the like. Other selections may be
provided, such as a user's selection of a specifically designated
area.
[0174] With respect to the "zoom" 66 selection, a user may be
provided with sub-selections such as "zoom in," "zoom out,"
"percentage zoom," "zoom to specified radius" (e.g., zoom to a
radius of 30 feet from the current location of the mobile device),
etc. Such selections may be used to change the magnitude of the
size of displayed information. For example, "zoom out" preferably
causes the scale of the displayed elements to reduce or become
smaller, such that a larger representative area of the gaming
environment is displayed in the display area 42. The "zoom in"
features preferably causes the scale of the displayed elements to
increase or become larger, such that a smaller representative area
of the gaming environment is displayed in the display area 42.
[0175] With respect to the "view" 67 selection, a user may be
provided with a number of sub-selections such as "camera view" or
"archive view." As described below, using such features a user may
obtain a photographic image of a particular component or live video
feed from a camera including the component within its field of
view.
[0176] With respect to the "location" 68 selection, a user may be
provided with options for the display of specific areas of a gaming
environment. These locations may be pre-designated, such as
"entrance" or the like.
[0177] With respect to the "tools" 70 selection, a user may be
provided with a variety of function options such as changing the
color of displayed information, contrast, importing and exporting
of information, saving of data and the like.
[0178] With respect to the "window" 72 option, a user may be
provided with options such as sizing of the window, closing or
reducing the window 40. The user may also be provided with the
option of making the display area 42 a full screen (i.e. no borders
displayed). The user may also be provided with the option of
changing the format of information displayed in the window 40, such
as adding visible tool bars, changing the style of the navigation
elements, and adding or removing information bars or areas. For
example, in one embodiment, a "location" bar 73 may be displayed in
the window 40. The "location" bar 73 may display information
regarding the information of the location of the graphical
components which are presently illustrated in the display area 42,
such as the name of the casino and more detailed mapping
information.
[0179] With respect to the "help" 74 selection, a user may be
provided with a variety of help functions. These functions may
include an index of help topics.
[0180] In one embodiment, the various functions which are provided
by the menu 44 are enabled by software and/or hardware. For
example, the mobile device 800 may include computer executable code
arranged to "zoom" the information which is displayed in the
display area 42. The mobile device may also be adapted to
dynamically modify the filtered and/or customized information
displayed, based on user input or user interaction. A variety of
other menu selections may be provided, as is known. For example,
menu selections may include "print" for printing displayed
information.
[0181] In one or more embodiments, one or more of the elements
which are displayed in the display area 42, such as represented
gaming system devices, may comprise a container element. In
general, a container element is an element which contains other
elements or information. One or more of the elements displayed in
the display area 42 may comprise application initiating elements.
Application initiating elements comprise elements which, when
selected, cause an application to be initiated or run.
[0182] In one embodiment, when a particular displayed element is
selected, data associated with that element is displayed. The
information which is displayed is dependent upon the element which
is selected. For example, if the selected element is the gaming
machine or table game, then information regarding the physical
gaming machine or gaming table to which the displayed element
corresponds is displayed. If the selected element is a progressive
meter 75, then information regarding that device is displayed.
[0183] The manner by which the information is generated and
displayed may vary. As described, the displayed element may
comprise a container with which information is associated. For
example, a displayed gaming system device may be configured similar
to a file folder in a computer-based application window. Data from
other applications or elements may be associated with the container
so that when the container is selected, the associated information
is accessible, accessed or displayed.
[0184] In another embodiment, the selection of a display element
causes an underlying function or application to be initiated.
Preferably, this function or application is arranged to generate
and then display information associated with the display element.
For example, upon selecting a particular gaming system device, an
application may be initiated which polls various of the devices of
the gaming system, such as servers or hosts, for information
regarding that device.
[0185] The information may be displayed in a wide variety of
manners. In one embodiment, the information may be displayed in a
new window 76 which has characteristics separate from the main
window 40. For example, the new window 76 may be moved, re-sized,
and closed independent of the main window 40. In another
embodiment, the information may be displayed in the main window
40.
[0186] In one embodiment, a user may be required to select by a
menu or by touching the appropriate area on the display. In another
embodiment, information may be presented when the selector 59 is
moved over a particular element or as the user navigates through
the virtual environment. For example, a window may automatically
open and present information regarding a component positioned under
the selector 59 or when touched by the user in a touch-display
format.
[0187] The type of information which may be displayed may vary. In
one embodiment, the information may comprise one or more selectable
elements themselves, such as a menu of selections for the user. In
another embodiment, specific information may be automatically
configured and displayed. Such an arrangement is illustrated in
FIG. 8. As illustrated, a variety of information may be displayed
regarding the selected device. In the case of a gaming system
device 24, the information may include the identification of the
device, such as by serial number or other identifier. The
information may include the location of the device. As described
below, in an instance where the graphical gaming system information
is arranged based upon predetermined grid arrangement which is
correspondingly associated with the physical environment of the
gaming system, then grid coordinates (i.e. 26:28 as illustrated)
may be displayed.
[0188] The information may include a wide variety of information
obtained from the actual gaming system device 24 which corresponds
to the graphical representation. The information may also come from
other sources, such as the individual servers or hosts. For
example, accounting information such as total coins (or money) in
and coins (or money) paid out by the gaming system device during
periods of time may be displayed. Other information such as the
operating status of the gaming system device and specific
information about operating software may be provided from the
gaming system device 24 via the game server 26.
[0189] The graphical user interface 811 may be configured in a wide
variety of manners. For example, the navigation element, menu
elements and the like may comprise text, buttons, symbols or take
other forms. These elements, such as the arrows 60, menu elements
and the like may have a variety of shapes and sizes.
[0190] In one embodiment, the display may be touch sensitive,
allowing a user to select a display element directly. In such
event, the various elements such as navigation arrows 60 and menu
elements may be arranged as buttons which are sized for selection
by the finger-tip touch of a user.
[0191] In one or more embodiments, one or more external windows
(not shown) or other elements may be associated with the graphical
user interface 811. Such windows or elements may be associated
with, but not form a portion of, the main window 40 or its
components. In one or more embodiments, the element may comprise a
window in which information may be displayed, or may comprise a
button, or panel including information, or other graphical elements
having a variety of forms and configurations. In one embodiment,
such an external window may be associated with an entirely
different application from that which the graphical user interface
811 is associated. In another embodiment, a window may be displayed
which is associated with an element of the graphical user interface
811.
[0192] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a method of configuring a graphical user interface, such as the
graphical user interface 811 described above. One embodiment of the
invention comprises displaying a graphical representation of at
least a portion of a gaming environment comprising a physical
gaming system and its associated environment, and displaying
filtered and/or customized information regarding one or more
components of that gaming system.
[0193] A variety of other methods are contemplated as within the
scope of the invention, and the steps may of the methods of the
invention may be performed in a variety of sequences. In one
embodiment, the method includes the step of generating a graphical
user interface and displaying generated graphical gaming
environment or gaming system information using the interface, such
as in the display area of the interface. The method also includes
the steps of accepting input from a user, such as for effecting
navigation or requesting information regarding a particular
displayed element.
[0194] In one embodiment, each gaming system device 24 or component
is uniquely identifiable, and a graphical representation of a
component is uniquely associated with an identified physical
component. When a user selects a particular graphically represented
gaming system device, a request for information regarding that
gaming system device from a server or host is made by using the
identifier for that device. This identifier may comprise a machine
I.D., serial number or the like.
[0195] A variety of other embodiments of the invention are
contemplated. In one embodiment of the invention, the mobile device
800 may be provided with a communication link to one or more
cameras, such as casino security cameras. If desired, a user of the
graphical user interface may be permitted to view the physical
device to which the graphical representation corresponds using
information from such a camera or cameras. As described above, a
"view" 67 menu selection may be provided. By selecting a particular
element in the display area 42 and the "view" selection, actual
photographic information of the component in the physical
environment may be presented to the user.
[0196] In one embodiment, when the user selects the "view" option,
the mobile device 800 is arranged to obtain photographic
information. Such information may be obtained from a particular
camera or cameras through a communication link directly with the
camera(s), or through a centralized security or other monitoring
system through which data feeds from the one or more cameras is
provided. The information may also comprise an archived image of
the component.
[0197] For example, in one implementation, a camera or other image
collection device may be configured to collect image information
regarding one or more gaming system devices 24 and/or activities
and objects (including players). By selecting the "view" 67 menu
selection, a user may be permitted to select a particular camera,
gaming system device 24 and/or area for which collected image
information is desired. This image information may then be
displayed to the user. The image information may comprise
individual frame or streaming video information.
[0198] The photographic information may be displayed in a variety
of manners. In one embodiment, the information is displayed in a
new window located in the display area 42, in similar manner to the
window 76. In one embodiment, the image information may be stored
by the user. For example, when particular image information is
selected, the user may utilize a "store" feature (such as provided
in a sub-menu) to store the information for later use.
[0199] Of course, a wide variety of information may be provided to
the user who is viewing the graphical user interface 811. For
example, audio or audio and video information from the physical
gaming environment may be provided.
[0200] The various components or elements of the graphical user
interface 811 may be arranged in a variety of configurations. In
general, it is desired, however, that the interface 811 provide a
user with a consolidated "picture" of one or more portions of the
gaming system and be capable of providing specific information
regarding one or more components of that gaming system. In this
regard, the gaming environment which is depicted may be referred to
as a "virtual casino" in that it represents the casino in computer
generated/presented format.
[0201] While it is preferred that the gaming system be represented
in a three-dimensional form, other formats may be provided. In one
embodiment, the gaming system may be represented in a
two-dimensional format. In another embodiment, the gaming system
may be represented using actual images of the gaming environment.
For example, photographs may be taken of each gaming device 24 and
the image of each particular gaming machine may be displayed in the
represented environment with its photograph or other image. In
another embodiment, live video information may be displayed to
represent the environment. Other information may be imposed upon
that image information to aid the user in identifying features and
obtaining information. Alternatively, the image information may be
imposed over a template, whereby when the user selects a particular
displayed element, such as a particular gaming machine, the
selection results in selection of the gaming machine as identified
by its underlying template.
[0202] According to different embodiments, the graphical user
interface 811 may also include an icon 98 representing a current
position of location of the mobile device relative to other objects
in the displayed gaming environment. In one implementation, the
mobile device icon 98 may remain in a fixed position (e.g., in the
center) of the graphical user interface 811 while other objects of
the displayed gaming environment may automatically and dynamically
change as the position of the mobile device changes. In an
alternate embodiment, the mobile device icon 98 does not remain in
a fixed position on the graphical user interface 811, and the user
is able to scroll, pan, or otherwise change the portion of gaming
environment which is being displayed.
[0203] In one embodiment of the invention, information regarding
activities or events located remote from the user are displayed in
real-time to the user. When a user selects a particular gaming
system device 24, information regarding that device is displayed to
the user in real time. For example, when a user selects a
particular gaming machine 59, as illustrated in FIG. 8, information
which is being generated by the gaming machine 59 is preferably
provided to the user as it is generated. This information may
comprise, for example, player events such as a player's input of a
player card, coins in and coins out, and a wide variety of other
information, such as identification of a game currently being
played, results of games and the like.
[0204] In another embodiment, as also described, the user may
obtain historical information. As illustrated in FIG. 8, such
information may comprise information previously generated or
information which was generated from previously generated
information, such as actual win or hold percentage over time, coins
in and coins out over time, number of games played over time, and
similar information.
[0205] It will be appreciated that one or more components of a
gaming environment or system may be located in more than one
geographic location. For example, International Game Technology's
MEGABUCKS.TM.. system includes gaming system devices which are
located in multiple casinos. In an embodiment of the invention, it
is contemplated that the system may be modeled or represented in
similar manner to that described above. In such an embodiment, at
one "zoom" level, an overview graphical representation of the
system may be provided, such as one in which all of the casinos
having such machines are illustrated. A user may then select a
particular casino or location and another level of information,
such as a casino level detail as illustrated in FIG. 1 may be
illustrated.
[0206] In this regard, the method and apparatus of the invention is
not limited to presentation of information regarding a single
gaming system or a portion of a gaming system at only a single
location. It is contemplated that a user may be presented
information regarding gaming systems at different casinos or a
gaming system spread among or including multiple casinos. In such
an embodiment, as described above, the user may be provided with a
means for selecting the particular portion or area of the gaming
system or the particular gaming system or casino property which the
user would like information about. In an embodiment such as where
the gaming system is distributed among multiple casinos or
locations, the mobile device 800 may communicate with gaming system
devices 24 at the individual casinos.
[0207] In one or more embodiments, means other than arrows or the
like may be provided for changing the illustrated information or
otherwise "navigating" the information. In one embodiment,
navigation may be permitted using the selector 59. For example, as
a user moves the selector 59 (such as with a track-ball) over the
displayed gaming system information, the displayed information may
"move" as well. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
8, if a user were to move the selector 59 towards the area marked
"elevators," this portion of the displayed area would move towards
the bottom of the display area 42, and additional information above
that area would be displayed.
[0208] As noted, a variety of information regarding individual
gaming system devices or components may be presented. This
information may include device or structural data such as serial
number, manufacturer and the like. The information may also include
operational data, such as power on/off, malfunction and the like.
The information may also include game-related information, such as
amounts bet and awarded, percentage hold and the like. In one or
more embodiments, the statistics from more than one gaming system
device may be aggregated, such as by selecting an entire bank of
gaming machines or a group of table games.
[0209] In one embodiment, graphical representations of players
(e.g., 99) may be included. For example, in the event information
is received that a particular gaming machine is in play by a
player, the graphical representation of the environment may be
updated to add a graphical representation of a player at that
particular gaming machine. Likewise, graphical representation of
players and dealers may be illustrated with respect to table games.
In this manner, a user of the system may easily identify the gaming
system devices which are current in use from those which are
not.
[0210] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated
in FIG. 8, a user may obtain information regarding players and/or
other persons or devices in the gaming environment such as, for
example, casino employees, service technicians, gaming regulators,
gaming machines, other mobile devices, etc. In one embodiment, the
user may select a player (e.g., 99) to obtain information regarding
that player. Information may be obtained whether the identity of
the player is known or not. For example, if the identity of the
player is not known, the gaming machine 25 may still provide
information that a player is playing. In that event, a graphical
representation (or actual image, such as obtained from a camera) of
the player may be provided. When the user selects that
representation, information may be displayed, such as collected and
generated information regarding the time play began, coins in and
coins out and the like.
[0211] As described above, a player may identify themselves by
using a player tracking card or the like. In such an event, the
user may obtain specific information regarding the player and the
player's activities, such as tracked by a player tracking server
(see, e.g., FIG. 1). This information may comprise any of the wide
variety of information which is known to be collected or generated
with such a system, such as the name of the player, bonus or awards
points accrued to the player or the like, as illustrated in FIG.
8.
[0212] In this embodiment, a user may obtain information which
allows the user to make decisions regarding the player. For
example, by viewing the historical and/or real time play of a
player as illustrated in FIG. 8, the user may elect to award the
player a special bonus, such as a bonus number of accrued points
which the player may utilized for free game play or prizes, as is
known in the art of player rewards programs. In one embodiment,
menu features may be provided for permitting the user to perform
such functions, such as via the graphical user interface 811. In
one embodiment, such actions may be transmitted over the gaming
system (e.g., 22, FIG. 1) back to the player, so that the player is
made aware of the award.
[0213] In a similar manner, a user may obtain information regarding
other persons. For example, a user may obtain information regarding
a dealer at a Blackjack table 56. A dealer may be required to log
in when they begin dealing at a particular table 56. Further,
equipment may be used, as described, for tracking game play,
including bets and amounts paid at the table. By selection upon the
representation of the dealer, the user may obtain information such
as the identity of the dealer, their time at the table and related
information.
[0214] In one or more embodiments, other options may be provided
for manipulating the graphical information. For example, in one
embodiment, a user may be permitted to move graphical elements,
such as individual gaming system devices (such as representations
of gaming machines or table games). In this manner, a user may be
permitted to reconfigure the virtual gaming environment or casino
and visually inspect the new configuration. This information may be
useful in changing the actual physical environment/arrangement of
the system.
[0215] For example, a user may utilize the graphical representation
to reconfigure the gaming environment. For example, a casino may
wish to reconfigure their gaming floor, such as by moving one or
more gaming machines. A user may obtain a visual representation of
the gaming floor as reconfigured by moving the representations of
the gaming system devices 24. In one embodiment, the user may "drop
and drag" the representations, or may use input commands to effect
the movement.
[0216] In one embodiment, once one or more of the representations
of the gaming devices 24 have been moved, reconfiguration
information may be generated and output. This information may
comprise, for example, the identification of moved devices and
their new locations, such as in coordinate or other form.
Technicians or workers may then utilize those instructions to move
the physical devices to their intended locations.
[0217] In another embodiment, the physical gaming devices may be
moved and then the system of the invention may utilize input
information to change the represented environment. For example,
technicians may input new location information for moved devices,
and the system may then utilize that information to generate a new
graphical representation for use by the user. In this manner, the
representation is always accurate of the true environment.
[0218] In one embodiment, the user may be permitted to interact
with individual gaming system device by sending information, such
as control instructions, to the device. For example, a technician
may query a device using the system and then send information to
the device, such as a reset code. A user may also use the system to
update control code, such as gaming machine game code using the
system. In this arrangement, information or instructions are
provided the virtual information host 56 to the one or more
devices.
[0219] In one embodiment, a user may cause information to be
transmitted to a gaming system device for use by a technician or
similar party. For example, a user may obtain information regarding
a particular gaming machine using the interface 811 and determine
that the gaming machine should be reconfigured. The user may cause
a work ticket to be printed from a ticket printer or dispenser at
that gaming machine for use by the technician. Such work tickets
may also be printed to provide trouble-shooting or similar
information to a technician or other party at the gaming system
device. Alternatively, the user of the mobile device may transmit a
wireless message to an appropriate entity (e.g., service technician
who also has a mobile device), to cause at least a portion of
desired information to be displayed on the display of the receiving
entity.
[0220] In general, the graphical user interface and system permit a
party to obtain information regarding gaming system devices and
transmit information to those devices. Advantageously, the
interface provides a convenient means for recognizing and utilizing
the information.
[0221] A variety of methods have been described above which, as
indicated, may be implemented via the mobile device 800. For
example, embodiments of the invention can be implemented as
computer software in the form of computer readable code executed on
a general purpose computer or other electronic device, or in the
form of bytecode class files executable within a Java.TM. runtime
environment running on such a computer/device, or in the form of
bytecodes running on a processor (or devices enabled to process
bytecodes) existing in a distributed environment (e.g., one or more
processors on a network).
[0222] FIG. 9 shows a specific embodiment of a mobile device 900
which may be used for implementing various aspects of the present
invention. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 9, mobile device
900 may include a primary display 910 and one or more auxiliary
displays 920. Additionally, as illustrated in the example of FIG.
9, mobile device 900 may include one or more user input devices
(e.g., 912, 914).
[0223] In the example of FIG. 9, there is provided a graphical user
interface 951 within the primary display 910. In one embodiment,
the graphical user interface 951 is arranged to display information
provided by an application or function which generates casino
environment image information. In addition, in one or more
embodiments, the graphical user interface 951 is arranged to
display information provided from other applications or functions,
and particularly those associated with individual functions or
systems of a casino.
[0224] In a preferred embodiment, the graphical user interface
(GUI) 951 includes a main window adapted to display a variety of
objects having a variety of shapes and sizes. In a preferred
embodiment, when displayed, the main window may be adapted to
provide gaming system environment information for facilitating
interaction with an application executed by or function being
performed by the mobile device 900 and/or one or more other
devices.
[0225] As shown in the example of FIG. 9, GUI 951 may be adapted to
display a two-dimensional or three-dimensional representation of a
gaming environment. The specific embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9
corresponds to a two-dimensional gaming environment representation.
In at least one implementation, the representation of the gaming
environment displayed in GUI 951 may include information which has
been filtered and/or customized based on a variety of different
filter parameters such as those described herein and/or other
filter parameters which are commonly know to one having ordinary
skill in the art. For example, as illustrated in the example of
FIG. 9, the information displayed in GUI 951 may include: [0226]
Objects representing individual gaming machines and/or banks of
gaming machines (e.g., 906, 908). [0227] Objects representing game
tables (e.g., 902) and/or other non-electronic game play stations.
[0228] Labels (e.g., 904a-f) for use in identifying different
objects displayed in GUI 951. [0229] Objects representing mobile
devices (e.g., 930). [0230] Objects representing persons in the
gaming environment (not shown) such as, for example, players,
casino employees, etc. [0231] Objects representing physical
features of the gaming environment (e.g., plants 911, chairs and
bar 914). [0232] Information (e.g., 901) relating to the location
or portion of the of the gaming environment being displayed. [0233]
Menu Information (e.g., 903) adapted to provide the user with
access to different features and functionalities provided by the
mobile device 900.
[0234] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 9, at least a portion
of the different filter parameters may be displayed to the user,
for example, via auxiliary display 920 and GUI 953. Thus, for
example, as shown at 922, the user is provided with information
relating to enabled and/or disabled filter parameters which are
being used (or not being used) for generating the filtered
information displayed in GUI 951. In this particular example, the
displayed filter parameters shown at 922 indicate the following
with regard to the information displayed in GUI 951: [0235] The
information displayed within GUI 951 is dynamically and
automatically modified based on the current position of the mobile
device (indicated by icon 930), which, in this example, is
positioned in the center of GUI 951. According to a specific
embodiment, as the user moves around the casino floor with the
mobile device, the mobile device icon 930 will remain in the center
of GUI 951 while the positions of other objects displayed in GUI
951 will automatically and dynamically change to reflect their
current positions relative to the mobile device. [0236] The
information displayed within GUI 951 has been filtered to show only
a portion of the casino gaming environment which is within an
approximate radius of 30 feet from the current position of the
mobile device. [0237] The information displayed within GUI 951 is
rendered as a 2-dimensional representation of the gaming
environment. [0238] A "Display Labels" feature is enabled to allow
label information (e.g., 904a-f) to be included in the information
displayed in GUI 951. [0239] A "Display Persons" feature has been
disabled, which prevents information relating to persons located in
the displayed gaming environment (e.g., players, casino employees,
etc.) from being displayed or represented in GUI 951. [0240] The
portion of the gaming environment displayed in GUI 951 corresponds
to a relative Zoom Factor of 3. In the examples illustrated in
FIGS. 9-19, it is assumed that a relatively lower Zoom Factor value
results in a more "zoomed in" view of the gaming environment, as
compared to a relatively higher Zoom Factor value which results in
a more "zoomed out" view of the gaming environment.
[0241] In at least one implementation, at least a portion of the
filter parameters may be selected and/or configured by the user.
For example, in one implementation, the user may select the
displayed "Modify Display Features" button 924 to activate a GUI
(not shown) which enables the user to select, modify, activate
and/or deactivate desired parameters associated with the
information being displayed on primary display 910 and/or auxiliary
display(s) 920.
[0242] FIG. 10 shows an alternate embodiment of a mobile device
1000 which may be used for implementing various aspects of the
present invention. The mobile device embodiment of FIG. 10 is
similar to that of FIG. 9. However, as shown in FIG. 10, the
display parameters at 1022 indicate that a "user scrollable"
feature has been enabled to allow the user to scroll, pan,
navigate, or otherwise change the portion of gaming environment
being displayed in GUI 1051. In this embodiment, the information
displayed within GUI 1051 is not centered on the current position
of the mobile device (indicated by icon 930). Rather, in one
implementation, the mobile device may be adapted to display a fixed
portion of the gaming environment in GUI 1051, and to display the
current position of the mobile device (e.g., 1030) relative to the
displayed portion of gaming environment. As the user moves around
the casino floor with the mobile device, the position of icon 1030
(representing the mobile device) will dynamically change to reflect
its current position relative to other displayed objects of the
gaming environment.
[0243] Additionally, in at least one implementation, the mobile
device may be adapted to allow the user to scroll, pan, navigate or
otherwise change the portion of gaming environment being displayed
in GUI 1051 via at least one user input device. For example, using
navigation buttons, the user may navigate across different sections
of the casino to view desired portions of the casino floor and/or
other regions of the casino. According to a specific embodiment, if
the mobile device is not within the selected portion of gaming
environment being displayed in GUI 1051, additional may be included
in GUI 1051 to indicate, for example, the relative direction and
distance to the mobile device.
[0244] FIG. 11 shows an alternate embodiment of a mobile device
1100 which may be used for implementing various aspects of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the portion of gaming
environment displayed in GUI 1151 is set to a different zoom level
in order to display more of the surrounding area, as compared, for
example, to GUI 1051 of FIG. 10.
[0245] In at least one implementation, the representation of the
gaming environment displayed in GUI 1151 may include information
which has been filtered and/or customized based on a variety of
different filter parameters such as those described herein and/or
other filter parameters which are commonly know to one having
ordinary skill in the art. For example, as illustrated in the
example of FIG. 11, the information displayed in GUI 1151 may
include: [0246] Objects representing individual gaming machines
and/or banks of gaming machines (e.g., 1106, 1108). [0247] Objects
representing game tables (e.g., craps tables 1104, blackjack tables
1102) and/or other non-electronic game play stations. [0248] Labels
for use in identifying different objects displayed in GUI 1151.
[0249] Objects representing mobile devices (e.g., 1130, 1133,
1131).
[0250] At least a portion of the different filter parameters may be
displayed to the user, for example, via auxiliary display 1120 and
GUI 1153. Thus, for example, as shown at 1122, the user is provided
with information relating to enabled and/or disabled filter
parameters which are being used (or not being used) for generating
the filtered information displayed in GUI 1151. In this particular
example, the displayed filter parameters shown at 1122 indicate the
following with regard to the information displayed in GUI 1151:
[0251] The information displayed within GUI 1151 represents a fixed
portion of the gaming environment corresponding to "Sector 8" of
the casino floor. In this embodiment, the mobile device is adapted
to display a fixed portion of the gaming environment in GUI 1151,
and to display the current position of the mobile device (e.g.,
1130) relative to the displayed portion of gaming environment. As
the user moves around the casino floor with the mobile device, the
position of icon 1130 (representing the mobile device 1100) will
dynamically change to reflect its current position relative to
other displayed objects of GUI 1151. [0252] The information
displayed within GUI 1151 is rendered as a 2-dimensional
representation of the gaming environment. [0253] A "Display Labels"
feature is enabled to allow label information to be included in the
information displayed in GUI 1151. [0254] A "Display Other MDs"
feature has been enabled, which allows information relating to
other MDs (e.g., 1131, 1133) to be displayed or represented in GUI
1151. [0255] A "Display Persons" feature has been disabled, which
prevents information relating to persons located in the displayed
gaming environment (e.g., players, casino employees, etc.) from
being displayed or represented in GUI 1151. [0256] The portion of
the gaming environment displayed in GUI 1151 corresponds to a
relative Zoom Factor of 5.
[0257] In at least one implementation, at least a portion of the
filter parameters may be selected and/or configured by the user.
For example, in one implementation, the user may select the
displayed "Modify Display Features" button 1124 to activate a GUI
(not shown) which enables the user to select, modify, activate
and/or deactivate desired parameters associated with the
information being displayed on primary display 1110 and/or
auxiliary display(s) 1120.
[0258] FIG. 12 shows an alternate embodiment of a mobile device
1200 which may be used for implementing various aspects of the
present invention.
[0259] In at least one implementation, the representation of the
gaming environment displayed in GUI 1251 may include information
which has been filtered and/or customized based on a variety of
different filter parameters such as those described herein and/or
other filter parameters which are commonly know to one having
ordinary skill in the art. For example, as illustrated in the
example of FIG. 12, the information displayed in GUI 1251 may
include: [0260] Objects and/or text representing persons and/or
players in the gaming environment, such as, for example, players
(e.g., 1201, 1203, 1209, etc.), casino employees (e.g., Casino
Attendant (C.A) 1231, Pit Boss (P.B.) 1233, Bar Tender (B.T.) 1235,
etc.), etc. [0261] Labels for use in identifying different objects
displayed in GUI 1251. [0262] Objects representing mobile devices
(e.g., 1230).
[0263] At least a portion of the different filter parameters may be
displayed to the user, for example, via auxiliary display 1220 and
GUI 1253. Thus, for example, as shown at 1222, the user is provided
with information relating to enabled and/or disabled filter
parameters which are being used (or not being used) for generating
the filtered information displayed in GUI 1251. In this particular
example, the displayed filter parameters shown at 1222 indicate the
following with regard to the information displayed in GUI 1251:
[0264] The information displayed within GUI 1251 has been modified
to highlight or otherwise identify "Hot Players" (e.g., 1201, 1202,
1205) and/or "Cold Players" (e.g., 1211) in the displayed gaming
environment which meet predetermined criteria, conditions, and/or
rules. For example, one display property/filter may be implemented
to identify players in the vicinity of the mobile device who have
wagered more than $500 within the past hour. In one implementation,
such identified players may be represented in GUI 1251 using a
particular icon, object, color and/or shape. Another display
property/filter may be implemented to identify players in a
selected region of the casino who may need assistance and/or
education in game play or wagering. In one implementation, such
identified players may be represented in GUI 1251 using a different
icon, object, color and/or shape. Additionally, as shown in the
example of FIG. 12, anonymous or uncarded players (e.g., 1202) may
also be identified and/or highlighted which meet the specified
filter criteria. [0265] The information displayed within GUI 1251
has been modified to identify selected casino employees (e.g.,
1231, 1233, 1235) who are located in the displayed gaming
environment. For example, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 12,
GUI 1251 has been adapted to display representations of Casino
Attendants, Pit Bosses, Cocktail Hostesses, and has been further
adapted to not display representations of Dealers. [0266] The
information displayed within GUI 1251 is centered around the
current position of the mobile device, represented as object 1230
in GUI 1251. [0267] The information displayed within GUI 1251 is
rendered as a 2-dimensional representation of the gaming
environment. [0268] The portion of the gaming environment displayed
in GUI 1251 corresponds to a relative Zoom Factor of 2.
[0269] In at least one implementation, at least a portion of the
filter parameters may be selected and/or configured by the user.
For example, in one implementation, the user may select one or more
of the displayed filter parameters (e.g., by tapping the
touchscreen on the box icon associated with the filter parameter to
be modified) to activate a GUI (not shown) which enables the user
to select, modify, activate and/or deactivate the selected filter
parameter(s) associated with the display of information on primary
display 1210 and/or auxiliary display(s) 1220.
[0270] In an alternate embodiment as shown, for example, in FIG.
18, auxiliary display 1820 may be used for displaying additional
information relating to one or more selected objects of the gaming
environment. For example, it is assumed in the example of FIG. 18
that the user desires to view additional information relating to a
particular player (e.g., John Smith) at gaming machine 1802.
According to different embodiments, the user may select desired
objects displayed in GUI 1851 via different input mechanisms such
as, for example, cursors (e.g., 1804), touchscreens, keypads, etc.
In at least one implementation, when the user selects a particular
object (e.g., object 1802), the object may be highlighted, and
additional information relating to the selected object may be
displayed, for example, on primary display 1810 and/or auxiliary
display 1820. In the example of FIG. 18, additional information
relating to the selected player, John Smith, is displayed at
auxiliary display 1820. Such additional information may include,
for example: player profile information (e.g., player name, player
tracking ID, address, contact information, photo, etc.); player
membership information; player preference information; player
tracking information (e.g., arrival dates, departure dates, games
played, etc.); session information (e.g., length of current gaming
session); coins, cash, and/or credits wagered; coins, cash, and/or
credits won; money the player has spent at casino owned stores;
etc.
[0271] In at least one implementation, the mobile device 1800 may
also be adapted to allow the user to view additional information
about other selected persons and/or devices which may be displayed
in the gaming environment such as, for example: casino employees
(e.g., dealers, attendants, hosts, security, maintenance,
cocktails, drops, pit bosses, etc.); vendors; mobile devices;
security devices; gaming devices; etc. Depending upon the
characteristics of the object which has been selected by the user,
various detailed information relating to the selected object may be
displayed on primary display 1210 and/or auxiliary display(s) 1220.
Such detailed information may include, for example: [0272] Employee
profile information; [0273] Employee work schedule information;
[0274] Employee contact information; [0275] Position/location
information relating to the selected object(s); [0276]
Communication information (e.g.;, type of wireless communication
interface, signal strength, etc;); [0277] Gameplay statistics for
each game type, or machine, or user; [0278] Player information;
[0279] etc.
[0280] FIG. 13 shows an alternate embodiment of a mobile device
1300 which may be used for implementing various aspects of the
present invention.
[0281] In at least one implementation, the representation of the
gaming environment displayed in GUI 1351 may include information
which has been filtered and/or customized based on a variety of
different filter parameters such as those described herein and/or
other filter parameters which are commonly know to one having
ordinary skill in the art. For example, as illustrated in the
example of FIG. 13, the information displayed in GUI 1351 may
include information relating to desired characteristics associated
with gaming machines and/or other objects in the displayed gaming
environment. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, representations of
individual gaming machines (e.g., 1311, 1303, etc.) may be
displayed which include information relating to the identity of the
gaming machine(s) (e.g., 1302), and/or various information relating
to the status of the gaming machine(s). Such gaming machine status
information may include one or more of the following: hopper status
information; drop box status information (e.g., 1304); game play
information; jackpot information; bonus game information; machine
settings (e.g. volume, display settings); meter information;
etc.
[0282] At least a portion of the different filter parameters may be
displayed to the user, for example, via auxiliary display 1320 and
GUI 1353. Thus, for example, as shown at 1322, the user is provided
with information relating to enabled and/or disabled filter
parameters relating to the filtered/customized information
displayed in GUI 1351. In this particular example, the displayed
filter parameters shown at 1322 indicate the following with regard
to the information displayed in GUI 1351: [0283] The information
displayed within GUI 1351 has been modified include drop box status
information (e.g., 1304). As shown in the example of FIG. 13, the
drop box status information includes a value which provides an
estimate of used (or remaining) drop box capacity. [0284] The
information displayed within GUI 1351 has been modified highlight
or otherwise identify gaming machines which require drop box
servicing. For example, in one implementation, a gaming machine may
be highlighted (e.g., as shown at 1301,1303, and 1305), if its
corresponding drop box capacity value (e.g., 1304) exceeds 80%.
[0285] The information displayed within GUI 1351 has been modified
to not include objects representing casino employees or players.
[0286] The information displayed within GUI 1351 is "user
scrollable" for allowing a user to scroll, pan, navigate, or
otherwise change the portion of gaming environment being displayed
in GUI 1351. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the user may
chose to re-center the displayed gaming environment on the current
location of the mobile device (represented at 1330) by clicking or
selecting the "Re-Center on MD" button 1324.
[0287] In at least one implementation, at least a portion of the
filter parameters may be selected and/or configured by the user.
For example, in one implementation, the user may select one or more
of the displayed filter parameters (e.g., by tapping the
touchscreen on the box icon associated with the filter parameter to
be modified) to activate a GUI (not shown) which enables the user
to select, modify, activate and/or deactivate the selected filter
parameter(s) associated with the display of information on primary
display 1310 and/or auxiliary display(s) 1320.
[0288] In an alternate embodiment as shown, for example, in FIG.
19, auxiliary display 1920 may be used for displaying additional
information relating to one or more selected objects of the gaming
environment. For example, it is assumed in the example of FIG. 19
that the user desires to view additional information relating to
Gaming Machine ID# 1710 (object 1902). According to different
embodiments, the user may select desired objects displayed in GUI
1951 via different input mechanisms such as, for example, cursors
(e.g., 1904), touchscreens, keypads, etc. In at least one
implementation, when the user selects a particular object (e.g.,
object 1902), the object may be highlighted, and additional
information relating to the selected object may be displayed, for
example, on primary display 1910 and/or auxiliary display 1920. In
the example of FIG. 19, the additional information relating to
selected gaming machine ID# 1710 is displayed in auxiliary display
1920. Such additional information may include, for example: total
coins, cash, and/or credits in; total coins, cash, and/or credits
paid out; relative coins, cash, and/or credits returned to player;
drop box status; game play information (e.g., current game being
played, available games, etc.); machine settings (e.g. volume,
display settings); meter information; etc.
[0289] Further, in at least one implementation, the mobile device
1900 may be adapted to allow the user to initiate a variety of
other actions and/or responses based upon the information displayed
to the user via the mobile device. For example, as shown in FIG.
19, an interface (e.g., GUI button 1922) may be provided for
allowing the user to remotely disable the selected gaming machine
(or other selected device). Additionally, as shown in FIG. 19,
another interface (e.g., GUI button 1923) may be provided for
allowing the user to notify a casino attendant (and/or other
persons and/or remote systems) about one or more conditions
relating to the selected gaming machine (or other selected
device).
[0290] FIG. 14 shows an alternate embodiment of a mobile device
1400 which may be used for implementing various aspects of the
present invention. As shown in the example of FIG. 14, GUI 1451
includes customized/filtered information (e.g., 1403) for providing
instructions/directions to allow the user to navigate to a selected
object (e.g., person, device, general area of the casino and/or
other object) in the casino. For example, it is assumed in the
example of FIG. 14 that desires to the mobile device to determine
and display the shortest route (by foot) to gaming machine 1401,
based upon the current position of the user (1430). In this
particular example, the mobile device 1400 may be adapted to
display textual and/or graphical navigation/routing information
(e.g., 1403) relating to the shortest route (by foot) from mobile
device 1430 to gaming machine 1401. Additionally, as illustrated in
FIG. 14, the destination location or object (e.g., 1401) may be
highlighted or otherwise identified for reference purposes.
[0291] Additionally, as shown at 1422, the user is provided with
information relating to enabled and/or disabled filter parameters
which are being used (or not being used) for generating the
filtered information displayed in GUI 1451. In this particular
example, the displayed filter parameters shown at 1422 indicate the
following with regard to the information displayed in GUI 1451:
[0292] The information displayed within GUI 1451 includes
navigation and/or routing information for facilitating the user in
navigating regions of the casino. [0293] The displayed navigation
and/or routing information represents a relatively "shortest path"
which the user may use to get to the desired destination from the
user's present location. In at least one implementation, such
navigation and/or routing information may be generated using one or
more navigation and/or routing filtering parameters such as, for
example: line-of-sight filter parameters (e.g., for displaying
objects which are within a direct line of sight from the user's
current position), path selection filter parameters (e.g., shortest
walking path, fastest path, etc.).
[0294] In at least one implementation, at least a portion of the
filter parameters may be selected and/or configured by the user.
For example, in one implementation, the user may select the
displayed "Update Route" button 1426 in order to obtain updated
navigation and/or routing information. Additionally, as shown in
FIG. 14, GUI 1451 may also include descriptive information (e.g.,
1402) which describes at least a portion of the information being
displayed.
[0295] FIG. 15 shows an alternate embodiment of a mobile device
1500 which may be used for implementing various aspects of the
present invention.
[0296] In at least one implementation, the representation of the
gaming environment displayed in GUI 1551 may include information
which has been filtered and/or customized based on a variety of
different filter parameters such as those described herein and/or
other filter parameters which are commonly know to one having
ordinary skill in the art. For example, as illustrated in the
example of FIG. 15, the information displayed in GUI 1551 may
include information relating to desired characteristics associated
with gaming machines (e.g., 1515), players (e.g., 1513), devices
(e.g., 1535), game tables (e.g., 1502, 1504) and/or other objects
in the displayed gaming environment. For example, as shown in FIG.
15, representations of individual game tables (e.g., 1502, 1504,
etc.) may be displayed which include information relating the
gaming activities being conducted at such game tables. Such gaming
activity information may include one or more of the following: game
table ID; type of game; betting limits; casino employee information
(e.g., dealer, croupier, etc.); betting information; financial
information (e.g., monies wagered, amounts collected, amounts paid
out, etc.); game play information; player tracking information;
timestamp information; game scheduling information (e.g. keno);
etc. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 15, representations of
individual casino employees (e.g., casino croupiers 1531, 1533) may
also be displayed.
[0297] According to at least one implementation, the mobile device
may be adapted to display a second GUI (e.g., GUI 1553) which may
also present filtered/customized information to the user. For
example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 15, auxiliary display
1520 is adapted to display GUI 1553 which includes a graphical
representation of a casino gaming environment. In this particular
example, the casino gaming environment represented in GUI 1553
corresponds to an overhead "overview map" of a portion of a casino
floor. As illustrated, the overview map illustrated in GUI 1553
includes box 1525 which corresponds to that portion of the casino
floor which is illustrated in greater detail in GUI 1551 of primary
display 1510. Additionally, GUI 1553 includes representations of
other portions of the casino floor which are adjacent to the
portion of the casino floor represented within box 1525. Such
visual information allows of the user to quickly determine his or
her current position relative to other regions/objects of the
casino floor which are not displayed within primary display 1510.
In at least one implementation, the mobile device may be adapted to
swap, rotate, and/or otherwise modify the GUIs displayed on the
primary and auxiliary displays in response to appropriate input
from the user.
[0298] FIGS. 16 and 17 show alternate embodiments of mobile devices
which may be used for implementing various aspects of the present
invention. In the examples of FIGS. 16 and 17, the mobile devices
of the present invention have been adapted to include communication
and/or messaging functionality for permitting wireless voice and/or
data communication with other devices. In at least one
implementation, the mobile device of the present invention may be
adapted to include functionality for enabling the mobile device to
be used as a wireless telephone device, a two-way radio device, a
text messaging device, an email device, and/or any combination
thereof.
[0299] In the embodiment of FIG. 16, it is assumed that a wireless
text message has been sent from Mobile Device 12 (1622) to the
mobile device 1600 of FIG. 16. In one implementation, the mobile
device at 1600 may be adapted to automatically display information
relating to the identity and/or location (e.g., 1622) of the
device/user which sent the message. In addition, the mobile device
may be configured to generate audio, visual, and or tactile (e.g.,
vibrate) cues to alert the user of mobile device 1600 that a
message has been received.
[0300] Upon receiving the message, mobile device of 1600 may
process and display the received message to the user via display
1610 and/or display 1620, for example. For example, as illustrated
in FIG. 16, a pop-up window may appear within GUI 1651 for
displaying information (e.g., 1607) relating to the received
message. The pop-up window may also display other customized
features or objects (e.g., buttons 1603, 1605) for allowing the
user to initiate one or more actions based upon the received
message. In one implementation, the customized features/objects
which are displayed to the user may be dynamically determined based
upon information relating to the received message such as, for
example: message content, time/date, location, type of device which
sent the message, information relating to a person or entity which
sent the message, etc.
[0301] For example, in one implementation, the user of mobile
device 1600 may select the Reply button 1605 in order to compose a
reply message to be sent to Mobile Device 12. An example of this is
illustrated in FIG. 17 of the drawings.
[0302] In the example of FIG. 17, it is assumed that the user of
mobile device 1700 desires to compose a message to be sent to
Mobile Device 12. According to one embodiment, the mobile device
1700 may be adapted to display a "Compose Message" window 1711 to
the user in order facilitate the user in composing, generating
and/or sending a message to one or more selected remote device(s).
Additionally, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 17, a user
input window (e.g., 1740) may be displayed to the user for
facilitating the user in composing, generating and/or sending the
message. In this particular embodiment, the user input window 1740
includes an electronic touchscreen keyboard for facilitating the
user in composing a text message. In at least one implementation,
the user may also be presented with an option for inserting preset
or preconfigured messages. Further, it will be appreciated that
alternate embodiments may include other types of user input devices
such as, for example, a keyboard, key pad, voice-to-text component
and/or other types of suitable user input devices.
[0303] According to at least one implementation, the mobile device
may be adapted to display a second GUI (e.g., GUI 1753) which may
also present filtered/customized information to the user. For
example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 17, auxiliary display
1720 is adapted to display GUI portion 1722 which enables the user
to select and/or view various types of information such as, for
example: messaging information (e.g., inbox, outbox, missed alerts,
etc.), drop service information, gaming information (e.g.,
jackpots, bonus games, etc.), security information, etc.
Additionally, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 17, auxiliary
display 1720 may be adapted to display GUI portion 1724 which
enables the user to view a message digest or message log. In at
least one implementation, the information displayed in auxiliary
display 1720 may be automatically and dynamically customized and/or
filtered based upon specified parameters such as, for example, the
current position or geolocation of the mobile the vice 1700 and/or
user.
[0304] It will be appreciated that the features and/or
functionalities of the mobile devices described herein represent
only an exemplary portion of a wide variety of features and/or
functionalities which may be unable using the technique of the
present invention. In addition to the features/functionalities of
the mobile devices described above, other embodiments of the mobile
device of the present invention may include one or more of the
following features and/or functionalities: [0305] Functionality for
enabling notification of alerts from a pager (or other device) to
the mobile device. For example, if a particular casino employee is
not answering a page, an alert may automatically be sent to the
mobile device currently being used by the appropriate supervisor.
[0306] Functionality for enabling receipt of notification of
desired events and/or for initiating responses to selected events
such as, for example: [0307] 1. Change light button pushed more
than n times (where n may be configured). [0308] 2. Excessive
hopper fills. [0309] 3. Illegal door open. [0310] 4. Ticket printer
out of paper. [0311] 5. Hopper empty. [0312] 6. Jackpot pending.
[0313] 7. Validator not working--notice for repair [0314]
Functionality for enabling selection of desired gaming machine
event(s) and/or for tracking issues or problematic gaming machines.
[0315] Functionality for enabling issue of Player Club Cards from
the mobile device. [0316] Functionality for enabling issue of
Player Comps from the mobile device. [0317] Functionality for
enabling Casino Host to identify and obtain additional information
about important persons and/or other selected persons on the gaming
floor. [0318] Functionality for enabling the tracking of casino
employee activities, and to generate and/or transmit instructions
to such employees in real time. [0319] Functionality for accepting
and paying out funds for a gaming session. [0320] Functionality for
enabling communication between MD users. [0321] Functionality for
displaying and modifying player tracking information, and
monitoring player statistics.
[0322] Although several preferred embodiments of this invention
have been described in detail herein with reference to the
accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited to these precise embodiments, and that various changes
and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art
without departing from the scope of spirit of the invention as
defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *