U.S. patent application number 11/504359 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-15 for gaming machine having additional features for tracked players.
Invention is credited to Peter R. Anderson, Jeremy M. Hornik, Joel R. Jaffe, Richard T. Schwartz.
Application Number | 20070060332 11/504359 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37855970 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070060332 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson; Peter R. ; et
al. |
March 15, 2007 |
Gaming machine having additional features for tracked players
Abstract
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game comprises a
value input device for receiving a wager from a player and at least
one processor for executing gameplay on the gaming machine. The
gaming machine further comprises a player information reader and a
player tracking device detector operative to detect and signal the
processor regarding the presence of a player tracking device in
communication with the player information reader. The processor is
operative to execute a modified portion of gameplay in response to
the signal received from the detector.
Inventors: |
Anderson; Peter R.;
(Chicago, IL) ; Hornik; Jeremy M.; (Chicago,
IL) ; Jaffe; Joel R.; (Glenview, IL) ;
Schwartz; Richard T.; (Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Daniel J. Burnham;JENKENS & GILCHRIST, A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
Ste. 2600
225 W. Washington
Chicago
IL
60606-3418
US
|
Family ID: |
37855970 |
Appl. No.: |
11/504359 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60708337 |
Aug 15, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3234 20130101;
G07F 17/3237 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3239
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/029 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine comprising: a value input device for receiving
a wager from a player; a processor for executing a wagering game on
the gaming machine; a player information reader; and a player
tracking device detector operative to detect and signal the
processor regarding the presence of a player tracking device in
communication with the player information reader, the processor
operative to customize at least one feature of the wagering
game.
2. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the player tracking
device is casino issued card bearing a magnetic stripe.
3. The gaming machine of claim 2, wherein the player information
reader is a magnetic stripe card reader in communication with a
casino player tracking system.
4. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the feature is an audio
feature.
5. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the feature includes
symbols, graphics, downloaded images, image sizes, font sizes,
speed, colors, or combinations thereof.
6. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the player tracking
device is operative to detect and signal the processor regarding a
class of the player.
7. The gaming machine of claim 6, wherein the at least one feature
is associated with the class of the player.
8. A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine, the
method comprising: receiving a wager from a player of the gaming
machine; providing a processor for executing a wagering game on the
gaming machine; detecting and signaling the processor regarding the
presence of a player tracking device in communication with a player
information reader of the gaming machine; and in response to the
detection, providing the player with at least one information
improvement.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the information improvement
includes audio advice, video advice, an advisor, a help screen, an
assistant, or combinations thereof.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the information improvement
includes a preview of an upcoming feature, a preview of an upcoming
game, permitting the player to play unreleased games, or
combinations thereof.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the information improvement
includes game history information, casino information, or a
combination thereof.
12. The method of claim 8, further comprising detecting and
signaling the processor regarding a class of the player.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the information improvement is
associated with the class of the player.
14. A computer readable storage medium encoded with instructions
for directing a gaming device to perform the method of claim 8.
15. A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine, the
method comprising: receiving a wager from a player of the gaming
machine; providing a processor for executing a wagering game on the
gaming machine; receiving and detecting a player tracking card in a
player information reader; identifying a class of the player; and
modifying at least a portion of the wagering game based on the
class of the player.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the player information reader
is in communication with a casino player tracking system.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the class of the player is
based on criteria including wager amounts, frequency of visits,
length of play, loyalty to operator, or combinations thereof.
18. The method claim 15, further comprising the acts of awarding
the player casino sponsored complimentary services utilizing a
casino player tracking system, and displaying such award on either
the gaming machine or another display in communication with casino
player tracking system.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the act of modifying at least a
portion of the wagering game comprises providing the player with at
least one of a gameplay improvement, an information improvement, a
customization improvement, an environmental improvement, or a
gameplay variation.
20. A computer readable storage medium encoded with instructions
for directing a gaming device to perform the method of claim 15.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/708,337, filed Aug. 15, 2005,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
COPYRIGHT
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all
copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to gaming machines,
and methods for playing wagering games, and more particularly, to a
gaming machine having additional features available to players
tracked by a casino player tracking system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines
and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for
several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with
players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of
winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value
of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where
the available gaming options include a number of competing machines
and the expectation of winning at each machine is roughly the same
(or believed to be the same), players are likely to be attracted to
the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operators
consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting
machines, features, and enhancements available because such
machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to
the operator. Therefore, there is a continuing need for gaming
machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games and
improved gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play
through enhanced entertainment value to the player.
[0005] One concept that has been successfully employed to enhance
the entertainment value of a game is the concept of a "secondary"
or "bonus" game that may be played in conjunction with a "basic"
game. The bonus game may comprise any type of game, either similar
to or completely different from the basic game, which is entered
upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome in the basic
game. Generally, bonus games provide a greater expectation of
winning than the basic game and may also be accompanied with more
attractive or unusual video displays and/or audio. Bonus games may
additionally award players with "progressive jackpot" awards that
are funded, at least in part, by a percentage of coin-in from the
gaming machine or a plurality of participating gaming machines.
Because the bonus game concept offers tremendous advantages in
player appeal and excitement relative to other known games, and
because such games are attractive to both players and operators,
there is a continuing need to develop gaming machines with new
types of bonus games to satisfy the demands of players and
operators.
[0006] Casinos and other gaming machine operators have established
various player tracking systems for tracking the level and amount
of play by gaming machine players. Such operators use information
from the player tracking system to award players with
operator-provided services such as meals, hotel rooms,
entertainment, etc. Traditionally, player tracking systems utilize
cards or other player tracking devices to identify a player when
inserted into a player information reader located in the gaming
machine and in communication with the operators player tracking
network and system. One problem with traditional player tracking
systems is that operators are limited to awarding players with
awards such as the services described herein, rather than gameplay
related awards, bonuses, or features. Some operators also provide
progressive jackpot awards for players in their casinos that are
independent of other progressive jackpot awards provided by gaming
machine manufacturers. Due to regulations, communications between a
gaming machine processor and an operator's player tracking system
are limited. Thus, another problem exists in that the operators'
progressive jackpot awards are independent from the game play of a
gaming machine, causing the award of such operator progressives to
be less entertaining to the player. Yet another problem exists in
that operators have difficulty encouraging player loyalty based on
operator rather than manufacturer. The present invention is
directed to solving one or more of these and other problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a gaming
machine comprises a value input device for receiving a wager from a
player and at least one processor for executing gameplay on the
gaming machine. The gaming machine further comprises a player
information reader and a player tracking device detector operative
to detect and signal the processor regarding the presence of a
player tracking device in communication with the player information
reader. The processor is operative to execute a modified portion of
gameplay in response to the signal received from the detector.
[0008] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of
conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine comprises receiving
a wager from a player of the gaming machine and providing at least
one processor for executing gameplay on the gaming machine. The
method further comprises detecting and signaling the processor
regarding the presence of a player tracking device in communication
with a player information reader of the gaming machine and in
response to the detection, modifying at least a portion of the
gameplay.
[0009] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method
of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine comprises
receiving a wager from a player of the gaming machine and providing
at least one processor for executing gameplay on the gaming
machine. The method further comprises receiving and detecting a
player tracking card in a player information reader and in response
to the detection, modifying at least a portion of the gameplay.
[0010] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a computer
readable storage medium is encoded with instructions for directing
a gaming device to perform the above method.
[0011] Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed
description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to
the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine embodying
the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system suitable for
operating the gaming machine; and
[0014] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a gaming system including a
player tracking device detector.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be
described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the
embodiments illustrated.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, a gaming machine 10 is used in gaming
establishments such as casinos. With regard to the present
invention, the gaming machine 10 may be any type of gaming machine
and may have varying structures and methods of operation. For
example, the gaming machine 10 may be an electromechanical gaming
machine configured to play mechanical slots, or it may be an
electronic gaming machine configured to play a video casino game,
such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, roulette,
etc.
[0017] The gaming machine 10 comprises a housing 12 and includes
input devices, including a value input device 18 and a player input
device 24. For output the gaming machine 10 includes a primary
display 14 for displaying information about the basic wagering
game. The primary display 14 can also display information about a
bonus wagering game and a progressive wagering game. The gaming
machine 10 may also include a secondary display 16 for displaying
game events, game outcomes, and/or signage information. While these
typical components found in the gaming machine 10 are described
below, it should be understood that numerous other elements may
exist and may be used in any number of combinations to create
various forms of a gaming machine 10.
[0018] The value input device 18 may be provided in many forms,
individually or in combination, and is preferably located on the
front of the housing 12. The value input device 18 receives
currency and/or credits that are inserted by a player. The value
input device 18 may include a coin acceptor 20 for receiving coin
currency (see FIG. 1). Alternatively, or in addition, the value
input device 18 may include a bill acceptor 22 for receiving paper
currency. Furthermore, the value input device 18 may include a
ticket reader, or barcode scanner, for reading information stored
on a credit ticket, a card, or other tangible portable credit
storage device. The credit ticket or card may also authorize access
to a central account, which can transfer money to the gaming
machine 10.
[0019] The player input device 24 comprises a plurality of push
buttons 26 on a button panel for operating the gaming machine 10.
In addition, or alternatively, the player input device 24 may
comprise a touch screen 28 mounted by adhesive, tape, or the like
over the primary display 14 and/or secondary display 16. The touch
screen 28 contains soft touch keys 30 denoted by graphics on the
underlying primary display 14 and used to operate the gaming
machine 10. The touch screen 28 provides players with an
alternative method of input. A player enables a desired function
either by touching the touch screen 28 at an appropriate touch key
30 or by pressing an appropriate push button 26 on the button
panel. The touch keys 30 may be used to implement the same
functions as push buttons 26. Alternatively, the push buttons 26
may provide inputs for one aspect of the operating the game, while
the touch keys 30 may allow for input needed for another aspect of
the game.
[0020] The various components of the gaming machine 10 may be
connected directly to, or contained within, the housing 12, as seen
in FIG. 1, or may be located outboard of the housing 12 and
connected to the housing 12 via a variety of different wired or
wireless connection methods. Thus, the gaming machine 10 comprises
these components whether housed in the housing 12, or outboard of
the housing 12 and connected remotely.
[0021] The operation of the basic wagering game is displayed to the
player on the primary display 14. The primary display 14 can also
display the bonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The
primary display 14 may take the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), a
high resolution LCD, a plasma display, an LED, or any other type of
display suitable for use in the gaming machine 10. As shown, the
primary display 14 includes the touch screen 28 overlaying the
entire monitor (or a portion thereof) to allow players to make
game-related selections. Alternatively, the primary display 14 of
the gaming machine 10 may include a number of mechanical reels to
display the outcome in visual associated to at least one payline
32. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is an
"upright" version in which the primary display 14 is oriented
vertically relative to the player. Alternatively, the gaming
machine may be a "slant-top" version in which the primary display
14 is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of
the gaming machine 10.
[0022] A player begins play of the basic wagering game by making a
wager via the value input device 18 of the gaming machine 10. A
player can select play by using the player input device 24, via the
buttons 26 or the touch screen keys 30. The basic game consists of
a plurality of symbols arranged in an array, and includes at least
one payline 32 that indicates one or more outcomes of the basic
game. Such outcomes are randomly selected in response to the
wagering input by the player. At least one of the plurality of
randomly-selected outcomes may be a start-bonus outcome, which can
include any variations of symbols or symbol combinations triggering
a bonus game.
[0023] In some embodiments, the gaming machine 10 may also include
a player information reader 52 that allows for identification of a
player by reading a card with information indicating his or her
true identity. The player information reader 52 is shown in FIG. 1
as a card reader, but may take on many forms including a ticket
reader, bar code scanner, RFID transceiver or computer readable
storage medium interface. Currently, identification is generally
used by casinos for rewarding certain players with complimentary
services or special offers. For example, a player may be enrolled
in the gaming establishment's loyalty club and may be awarded
certain complimentary services as that player collects points in
his or her player-tracking account. The player inserts his or her
card into the player information reader 52, which allows the
casino's computers to register that player's wagering at the gaming
machine 10. The gaming machine 10 may use the secondary display 16
or other dedicated player-tracking display for providing the player
with information about his or her account or other player-specific
information. Also, in some embodiments, the information reader 52
may be used to restore game assets that the player achieved and
saved during a previous game session.
[0024] Turning now to FIG. 2, the various components of the gaming
machine 10 are controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 34,
also referred to herein as a controller or processor (such as a
microcontroller or microprocessor). To provide gaming functions,
the controller 34 executes one or more game programs stored in a
computer readable storage medium, in the form of memory 36. The
controller 34 performs the random selection (using a random number
generator (RNG)) of an outcome from the plurality of possible
outcomes of the wagering game. Alternatively, the random event may
be determined at a remote controller. The remote controller may use
either an RNG or pooling scheme for its central determination of a
game outcome. It should be appreciated that the controller 34 may
include one or more microprocessors, including but not limited to a
master processor, a slave processor, and a secondary or parallel
processor.
[0025] The controller 34 is also coupled to the system memory 36
and a money/credit detector 38. The system memory 36 may comprise a
volatile memory (e.g., a random-access memory (RAM)) and a
non-volatile memory (e.g., an EEPROM). The system memory 36 may
include multiple RAM and multiple program memories. The
money/credit detector 38 signals the processor that money and/or
credits have been input via the value input device 18. Preferably,
these components are located within the housing 12 of the gaming
machine 10. However, as explained above, these components may be
located outboard of the housing 12 and connected to the remainder
of the components of the gaming machine 10 via a variety of
different wired or wireless connection methods.
[0026] As seen in FIG. 2, the controller 34 is also connected to,
and controls, the primary display 14, the player input device 24,
and a payoff mechanism 40. The payoff mechanism 40 is operable in
response to instructions from the controller 34 to award a payoff
to the player in response to certain winning outcomes that might
occur in the basic game or the bonus game(s). The payoff may be
provided in the form of points, bills, tickets, coupons, cards,
etc. For example, in FIG. 1, the payoff mechanism 40 includes both
a ticket printer 42 and a coin outlet 44. However, any of a variety
of payoff mechanisms 40 well known in the art may be implemented,
including cards, coins, tickets, smartcards, cash, etc. The payoff
amounts distributed by the payoff mechanism 40 are determined by
one or more pay tables stored in the system memory 36.
[0027] Communications between the controller 34 and both the
peripheral components of the gaming machine 10 and external systems
50 occur through input/output (I/O) circuits 46, 48. More
specifically, the controller 34 controls and receives inputs from
the peripheral components of the gaming machine 10 through the
input/output circuits 46. Further, the controller 34 communicates
with the external systems 50 via the I/O circuits 48 and a
communication path (e.g., serial, parallel, IR, RC, 10bT, etc.).
The external systems 50 may include a gaming network, other gaming
machines, a gaming server, communications hardware, or a variety of
other interfaced systems or components. Although the I/O circuits
46, 48 may be shown as a single block, it should be appreciated
that each of the I/O circuits 46, 48 may include a number of
different types of I/O circuits.
[0028] Controller 34, as used herein, comprises any combination of
hardware, software, and/or firmware that may be disposed or
resident inside and/or outside of the gaming machine 10 that may
communicate with and/or control the transfer of data between the
gaming machine 10 and a bus, another computer, processor, or device
and/or a service and/or a network. The controller 34 may comprise
one or more controllers or processors. In FIG. 2, the controller 34
in the gaming machine 10 is depicted as comprising a CPU, but the
controller 34 may alternatively comprise a CPU in combination with
other components, such as the I/O circuits 46, 48 and the system
memory 36.
[0029] Turning now to FIG. 3, a gaming system 60 according to the
present invention is depicted. The gaming system 60 includes at
least one gaming machine 10, the player information reader 52, a
player tracking device 62, and a player tracking device detector
64. The system 60 further includes a casino player tracking system
66 in communication with a casino Wide Area Progressive ("WAP") 68.
The system 60 may optionally include a gaming machine network 70 in
communication with a manufacturer operated WAP 72. The gaming
machine 10 may be one of any type of gaming machine 10 executing a
wagering game of chance, as described herein with reference to FIG.
1.
[0030] The player information reader 52, as described herein with
reference to FIG. 1, is preferably located within the housing 12 of
the gaming machine 10, and is made available to receive and
communicate with the player tracking device 64. Preferably, the
player tracking device 64 is a machine readable card, such as card
having a magnetic strip, but the device 64 can take on many forms,
including a ticket, an RFID transceiver, a SmartCard, a portable
device having computer readable memory, a mobile device such as a
cellular phone or PDA, or other such device. Furthermore, the
player tracking device 64 may be a unique identifier, password,
biometric data or other indicia input into the reader 52 via a
corresponding keyboard, biometric reader, or other peripheral. The
player tracking device 64 identifies the player or an account and
other information associated with the player. As is understood, the
player information reader 52 may also take on many forms, and is
preferably configured to be complimentary to the form of the player
tracking device 64 so as to be able to communicate with the device
64. Thus, preferably the player information reader 52 is a card
reader capable of receiving and reading player tracking cards
bearing magnetic strips.
[0031] The player information reader 52 is in communication with a
casino player tracking system 66 which may include one or more
computers, processors, servers, and computer storage devices linked
together by a network. The casino player tracking system 66
generates, compiles, updates, alters, and gathers information
related to play of gaming machines 10 operated by the casino,
allowing such information to be used in provided players with
services such as complimentary or reduced price meals, hotel rooms,
entertainment or other intangible services. The casino player
tracking system 66 may optionally include, or communicate with, a
casino WAP 68. The casino WAP 68 may be configured to be funded by
a portion of the wagers made in gaming machines 10 owned and/or
operated by a particular casino, and award players in such a casino
with progressive jackpots upon the occurrence of certain winning
outcomes. It should be understood that a casino operator may own
and operate casino facilities in more than one location, such that
the terms "casino" and "operator" as used herein includes a stand
alone gaming machine operator as well as an operator who
collectively operates gaming machines 10 from more than one
location.
[0032] The gaming system 60 includes a player tracking device
detector 64 preferably located inside the housing 12 of the gaming
machine 10, and in communication with the CPU 34. The detector 64
serves to detect the presence of a player tracking device 62 in the
player information reader 52. Stated differently, the detector 64
detects when a player tracking device 62 such as a card is in
communication with the player information reader 52, such as a card
reader, and signals the CPU 34 that a tracked player is playing the
gaming machine 10. The player tracking device detector 64 may be
one of any variety of mechanical, magnetic, electrical, infra red,
software or electromechanical sensors which detects the presence of
the player tracking device 62 in the gaming machine 10. The player
tracking device detector 64 may be configured to be relatively
sophisticated so as to permit the exchange of player information
between the CPU 34 and the casino player tracking system 66.
However, due to regulations limiting such communications,
preferably the player tracking device detector 64 is configured to
only detect the presence of a valid player tracking device 62,
without having access to any player information associated with
such device 62. In this way, the detector 64 is "dumb", serving
only to signal the CPU 34 of the presence of a player tracked by
the casino player tracking system 66 without divulging information
from such system 66.
[0033] The gaming machine 10 may optionally be in communication
with a network 70 and a manufacturer operated WAP 72, as seen in
FIG. 3. The network 70 may include a plurality of linked gaming
machines 10 which execute the same or different gameplay. The
manufacturer operated WAP 72 may be configured to be funded by a
portion of the wagers made in such manufacturers' gaming machines
10 included in the network 70, and award players with progressive
jackpots upon the occurrence of certain winning outcomes. The
gaming machines 10 in the network 70 may include a variety of base
and bonus games and may utilize a variety of display and
presentation techniques for awarding awards, WAP jackpots, and
other prizes.
[0034] The gaming machine 10 of the present invention may be
configured to award players based upon whether or not the players
are tracked by the casino player tracking system 66. In this way,
the player tracking device detector 64 signals the processor 34
after detecting the presence of a player tracking device 62 in the
player information reader 52. Based upon the detection of the
player tracking device 62, the processor 34 may alter one or more
components of the game execution in an effort to provide more
favorable results, more entertainment, customization, or other
benefits to the tracked player. Furthermore, it should be
understood that the gaming machine 10 may be configured so that the
default gameplay assumes the presence of a player tracking device
62 in the reader 52, and only modifies the gameplay to a less
improved version of gameplay if when the device 62 is not detected.
In this way, the gaming machine 10 may be configured to expect
receipt of a tracking device 62 and downgrade features on the
machine 10 if the device 62 is not inserted.
[0035] In one embodiment, detection of the player tracking device
62 provides the player with one or more gameplay improvements which
increase the likelihood of occurrence of winning outcomes. For
example, gameplay improvements include extra wild symbols,
expanding wilds, multipliers, free spins, free credits or
additional bonus pick selections, above and beyond what is provided
to a untracked player of the gaming machine 10. Additional gameplay
improvements which may be implemented in the gaming machine 10
include extra cards in a poker game, extra chances to win, free
side-bets for side-betting options, a smart wild (wild symbol lands
in best position), multiplies paylines, eligibility for a new or
alternate bonus, terminator protection (protection against the
selection of a terminator symbol), holding some reels while
respinning others, nudging reels, increased paytable, replay of
certain bonus games, an offer of a credit amount in lieu of playing
the bonus game, additional winning combinations in the paytable,
and enhanced free spins within a free spin bonus. Many other
gameplay improvements are possible. For example, gameplay
improvements may also include eligibility for progressives, WAPs
(either casino WAP, manufacturer WAP, or other WAP), or bonus
features not provided to untracked players. Moreover, gameplay
improvements may include persistent state features, the ability to
cancel and replay a bonus game yielding undesirable results, and
extra paylines. The player may also be allowed to designate a
favorite game which is associated with his player tracking device
62, and when detected by the detector 64 at such favorite game, the
player may be awarded gameplay improvements in the way of higher
payouts, extra bonuses, etc. Furthermore, a tracked player may be
awarded higher expected value payout on a gaming machine 10 as
compared to a non-tracked player, which may or may not be also
dependent on a certain betting threshold, such as a Max Bet
requirement, coin in, or speed of gameplay.
[0036] In another embodiment, detection of the player tracking
device 62 provides the player with one or more customization
improvements which increase the enjoyment of playing the gaming
machine 10. For example, customization may include permitting the
tracked player to select from various sets of symbols, graphics and
corresponding sounds with which to play the game. Moreover, the
tracked player may be permitted to download images and sounds from
external sources (such as the internet, or computer readable
storage medium) and incorporate such images and/or sounds into the
play of the game. This feature would allow tracked players to
include pictures and voice recordings of family, friends, etc. in
the play of the game on the gaming machine 10. Further
customization of audio and visual components of the game may
include the speed of the game, size of images and fonts, selection
of colors, etc. In this embodiment, such customization improvements
are only made available to tracked players, while untracked players
are not provided with the same customization options.
[0037] In yet another embodiment, one or more information
improvements may be provided to a tracked player upon detection by
the detector 64 of the presence of a player tracking device 62.
Such information improvements may include enablement of audio
and/or visual advice, advisors, help screens, and/or assistants
which provide information to the player of the gaming machine 10
relating to optimizing selections and play of the game. Other
information improvements may include previews of upcoming features
or games in development by certain manufacturers. Further
information improvements may include information relating to casino
features such as service related information, entertainment, shows,
meals, etc. Other information improvements may provide the player
with game history information or machine history information,
thereby permitting the tracked player to be informed as to how
often the machine 10 has paid awards, and in what amounts. The
information improvements may also permit tracked player to play
games not yet released to the general public during a VIP preview
playing session (e.g. 30 days). This permits a tracked player to
play games prior to their general availability for play by the
public and untracked players.
[0038] In yet another embodiment, the presence of a player tracking
device 62 entitles the player to one or more environmental
improvement features. Such environmental improvements may include
gameplay featurettes not available to untracked players. A gameplay
featurette is a portion of gameplay which is the same or similar in
more than one gaming machine 10, including gaming machines of the
same, similar, related, or unrelated themes. Such featurettes may
include linked gameplay features such as group, shared,
competitive, or collaborative bonuses or other aspects of gameplay.
Improved sound, lighting, and effects may also be included as
environmental improvements. For example, a tracked player may be
permitted to experience improved stereo or surround sound, tactile
vibrations, and improved video and effects as compare to the
untracked player. In one embodiment, an improved gaming machine
chair may be activated only upon detection of the player tracking
device 62. Such an improved gaming chair is described in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 60/592,894 filed Jul. 30, 2004,
entitled "Gaming Machine Chair," which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety as if full set forth herein. In another
embodiment, a transmissive L.C.D. display may be activated only
upon detection of the player tracking device 62. Such a display is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,433 to Loose et. al, entitled
"Reel Spinning Slot Machine with Superimposed Video Image," which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if full set
forth herein.
[0039] In yet another embodiment, the player tracking device 62
detected by the detector 64 permits the tracked player to
experience one or more gameplay variations. For example, a gaming
machine 10 having a series or a plurality of rounds of bonus games
may permit a tracked player to experience improved chances of
winning outcomes in subsequent bonus rounds, as compared to an
untracked player who's chances of winning may remain constant or
even decrease in subsequent rounds. Alternatively, a tracked player
may be permitted to see prior plays or selections from prior bonus
rounds so as to be able to "learn" from such plays during
subsequent rounds of the game. While an untracked player may play
the same bonus game as a tracked player, the tracked player may be
given an enhanced scripted bonus display. For example, a casino WAP
may award mystery awards to various players in the casino at random
or partially random times. A non tracked player may be notified as
to the occurrence of such an award by a simple display such as:
"Mystery Bonus: 500 Credits Awarded." On the other hand, a tracked
player may be given an entertaining animation or other video
display presentation of the 500 credit mystery award. Moreover, a
tracked player may be permitted to gamble winnings on a gaming
machine 10 via a "double up" feature or other gambling feature in
which the player may either win even more credits, or lose the
credits already won. The untracked player would not experience such
gambling options.
[0040] Additionally, the gaming machine 10 may be programmed such
that the manufacturer matches any casino WAP awards on the machine,
so that a tracked player is paid double (or other increased) amount
of the WAP award received by an untracked player. To accomplish
this, the gaming machine 10 may be configured to lower the expected
value of the machine 10 payout on other bonuses or features of the
machine such that the overall expected value of the machine 10
remains constant. In this way, the manufacturer's machine 10 which
"matches" all or a portion of the casino WAP award benefits the
manufacturer by making such machine 10 more appealing to players in
the casino, as compared to other manufacturer's machines which do
not offer the match. It should be understood that the
manufacturer's "match" may be a portion of the casino WAP award,
equal to the casino WAP award, or any multiple of the casino WAP
award.
[0041] In yet another gameplay variation offered to tracked
players, the casino may offer traditional complimentary services
(hotel rooms, meals, entertainment etc.) through gameplay on the
gaming machine 10. Thus, for example, rather than simply giving the
tracked player one or two free meals based on his play, the casino
may award the player an opportunity to play a bonus game on the
machine 10 to receive a number of free meals (e.g. 1 to 5) based on
his or her selection of selectable elements. Moreover, the bonus
game for awarding complimentary services may be played on another
gaming machine 10 at a later time, or on a dedicated gaming machine
10 utilized only for awarding complimentary services. In this way,
the tracked player receives traditional casino provided
complimentary services ("comps") in an entertaining and exciting
manner through gameplay on the gaming machine 10. The untracked
player does not receive comps, and as such, does not receive the
opportunity to play such extra bonus features. Alternatively, a
tracked player who also plays table games in a casino may transfer
comps earned at the table games to free plays of gaming machines 10
in the casino.
[0042] The present invention is described herein through a
multitude of examples, but a myriad of other possibilities exist.
It is preferred, however, that the player tracking device detector
64 monitor the existence of communications between a player
tracking device 62 and the player information reader 52, so as to
signal the processor 34 of the gaming machine 10 that a tracked
player is playing the machine 10. Upon knowing that a tracked
player is wagering at the machine 10, the machine 10 alters certain
behaviors, programs, and processes to provide the player with
special awards or variations for being a tracked player.
[0043] It should be understood that the gaming machine 10 may also
include one or more indicators regarding the presence of a player
tracking device 62 in the machine 10. For example, a visual or
audio indicator may be mounted to the housing 12 of the machine 10
to indicate the presence of a player tracking device 62 in the
machine 10, and hence the presence of a tracked player. This
audio/visual indication may be used by the operator to monitor the
status of the gaming machines 10 and tracked players in the
operator's establishment.
[0044] Furthermore, the player tracking devices 62 may be used to
identify a plurality of classes of tracked players. For example,
players may be categorized by the player tracking system 66 into
Silver, Gold, and Platinum players based on various criteria
including wager amounts, frequency of visits, length of play,
loyalty to operator, etc. The above described gaming machine 10
improvements may not be made available to all classes of tracked
players, but rather only to certain classes based upon various
criteria. Thus, the player information reader 52 may be configured
not only to detect the presence of a player tracking device 62, but
also to identify the class of tracked player associated with the
device 62. By passing on the class of the player to the CPU 34, the
gaming machine 10 may execute gameplay with one or more
improvements associated with the class of the tracked player at the
machine 10.
[0045] The gaming system 60 of the present invention offers a
number of benefits over traditional gaming systems. Because casinos
and other operators are in the business of operating establishments
and not in the business of developing game content for gaming
machines 10, casino operated WAP systems are frequently lacking in
display, entertainment, and presentation. Thus, casino WAP awards
are frequently simply displayed and awarded through the use of a
simple meter or other device. Conversely, gaming machine
manufacturers are experts at producing game content with high
entertainment value, interesting displays, and dazzling
presentation. Thus, the gaming system 60 of the present invention
provides a casino or operator the benefit of maintaining a casino
WAP system while coupling it with the improved presentation
techniques of gaming machines 10 provided by a gaming machine
manufacturer.
[0046] Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is
contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed
invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
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