U.S. patent application number 11/686755 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-05 for automatic funding of paragames on electronic gaming platform.
Invention is credited to Sam Johnson.
Application Number | 20070155469 11/686755 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39136570 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070155469 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Sam |
July 5, 2007 |
AUTOMATIC FUNDING OF PARAGAMES ON ELECTRONIC GAMING PLATFORM
Abstract
The provision of a paragaming event on an electronic gaming
machine is provided by intercepting a cashout event, identifying
the account balance and presenting an offer to participate in the
paragaming event. If the customer agrees, the account balance is
appropriately reduced and a voucher in followed by a cashout event
is initiated to maintain a record of the transaction. A cash
voucher and a transaction receipt are then printed for the
customer.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Sam; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SMITH FROHWEIN TEMPEL GREENLEE BLAHA, LLC
Two Ravinia Drive
Suite 700
ATLANTA
GA
30346
US
|
Family ID: |
39136570 |
Appl. No.: |
11/686755 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11468946 |
Aug 31, 2006 |
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11686755 |
Mar 15, 2007 |
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10689407 |
Oct 20, 2003 |
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11468946 |
Aug 31, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3248 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/017 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for providing paragaming activity on an electronic
gaming machine, the method comprising the steps of: detecting a
triggering event on the electronic gaming machine; in response to
the triggering event, presenting a paragaming event on the screen
of the electronic gaming machine; funding the paragaming event from
the available funds in the electronic gaming machine; and
reconciling the payment of the paragaming event with the accounting
system for the electronic gaming machine.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the trigger is a cashout event
and the step of detecting the triggering event comprises the step
of detecting a slot accounting system command for a cashout and
detecting printer commands associated with a cashout process.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the trigger is a cashout event
and the step of detecting the triggering event comprises the step
of detecting a slot accounting system command for a cashout.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the trigger is a cashout event
and the step of detecting the triggering event comprises the step
of detecting printer commands associated with a cashout
process.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of parsing
the printer commands to obtain information about the cashout
transaction.
6. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of parsing
the printer commands to obtain an asset number, a validation
number, a date and a time.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of funding the
paragaming event further comprises the step of deducting the cost
of the paragaming event from the current electronic gaming machine
balance.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of reconciling the
payment of the paragaming event further comprises the step of
sending a voucher in command to the slot accounting system with the
new balance, and then sending a slot accounting system cashout
command to the accounting system.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of reconciling the
payment of the paragaming event further comprises the step of
sending a slot accouting system cashout command to the accounting
system.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of
interfacing to the paragaming server as if a writer station to the
paragaming server.
11. An apparatus for providing paragaming activity on an electronic
gaming machine, the apparatus comprising: a control unit having a
first input communicatively coupled to an SAS output of the
electronic gaming machine, a second input communicatively coupled
to a printer output of the electronic gaming machine, an output
communicatively coupled to the electronic gaming machine printer
and a network interface; a validation system communicatively
coupled to the control unit over the network interface and
communicatively coupled to a host accounting system for the
electronic gaming machine over an SAS connection to a slot machine
interface board; the control unit being operable to detect the
occurrence of a cashout event and in response, presenting a screen
to access a paragaming event, receive an election to participate in
the paragaming event and notifying the validation system of such
election; the validation system being operable to redeem the funds
associated with the electronic gaming machine from the host
accounting system, deduct a fee associated with the paragaming
event and notifying the control unit; and the control unit being
operable to perform a cashout event with the new funds balance.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control unit is operable
to detect the occurrence of a cashout event by detecting a cashout
command on the SAS output of the electronic gaming machine and
detecting printer commands associated with a cashout event on the
printer output of the electronic gaming machine.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control unit is operable
to detect the occurrence of a cashout event by detecting a cashout
command on the SAS output of the electronic gaming machine.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the control unit is operable
to detect the occurrence of a cashout event by detecting printer
commands associated with a cashout event on the printer output of
the electronic gaming machine.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the validation system being
operable to redeem the funds associated with the electronic gaming
machine from the host accounting system and deduct a fee associated
with the paragaming event by reducing an account balance by the fee
amount, sending a voucher in command with the new balance to the
host accounting system and sending a cashout command to the host
accounting system.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the control unit is further
operative to parse the printer commands to identify a current
balance for the electronic gaming machine.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the validation system is
operable to redeem the funds associated with the electronic gaming
machine from the host accounting system and deduct a fee associated
with the paragaming event by reducing the account balance detected
by the control unit by the fee amount, sending a voucher in command
with the new balance to the host accounting system and sending a
cashout command to the host accounting system.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the control unit is operable
to print out a voucher ticket and a transaction receipt associated
with the paragaming event.
19. An apparatus for providing paragaming activity on an electronic
gaming machine, the apparatus comprising: a control unit having a
first input communicatively coupled to an SAS output of the
electronic gaming machine, a second input communicatively coupled
to a printer output of the electronic gaming machine, an output
communicatively coupled to the electronic gaming machine printer
and a network interface; a validation system communicatively
coupled to the control unit over the network interface and
communicatively coupled to a host accounting system for the
electronic gaming machine over an SAS connection to a slot machine
interface board; the control unit being operable to detect printer
commands associated with a cashout event on the printer output of
the electronic gaming machine and in response, presenting a screen
to access a paragaming event, receive an election to participate in
the paragaming event and notifying the validation system of such
election; the validation system being operable to redeem the funds
associated with the electronic gaming machine from the host
accounting system, deduct a fee associated with the paragaming
event and notifying the control unit; and the control unit being
operable to perform a cashout event with the new funds balance.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the validation system is
operable to redeem the funds associated with the electronic gaming
machine from the host accounting system and deduct a fee associated
with the paragaming event by reducing the account balance detected
by the control unit by the fee amount, sending a voucher in command
with the new balance to the host accounting system and sending a
cashout command to the host accounting system; and the control unit
is further operable to print out a voucher and a transaction
receipt associated with the paragaming transaction.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of United States
patent application filed on Aug. 31, 2006 with a title of
CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ADDITIONAL EVENT PARTICIPATION TO
ELECTRONIC VIDEO GAME CUSTOMER and assigned Ser. No. 11/468,946,
which is a continuation-in-part of United States patent application
filed on Oct. 20, 2003 with a title of CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEM FOR
DISPLAYING PROMOTIONAL EVENTS AND GRANTING AWARDS FOR ELECTRONIC
VIDEO GAMES and assigned Ser. No. 10/689,407.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The video gaming industry continues to advance by exploiting
the relatively recent technology advancements, such as networking
and communication technology advancements. However, as in most
industries, some of the technological advances are introduced by
specific companies for specific purposes. As a result, these
technological advancements are functionally ideal for the purpose
to which they were intended. However, when these technological
advances are viewed with a creative eye, they may also result in
opening the door for other potential uses. An example of this
phenomenon is clearly shown by examining a NASA invention that was
designed for use with space suits. During the Apollo program, a
super-absorbent fabric was developed to absorb excreted body fluids
within a space suit. The fabric was able to hold up to 400 times
its own weight. This fabric was developed in an effort to enable
Apollo astronauts to conduct spacewalks for six or more hours.
Ultimately, the technology advancement has greatly influenced the
present disposable diaper industry. However, considerable
engineering was required to go from an absorbent fabric to a usable
disposable diaper.
[0003] Similarly, application of some of the advancements
introduced into the electronic gaming industry, when examined under
the scrutiny of a creative and curious mind, give rise to uses that
were not intended when the technology was introduced. Often times,
when implementing such new uses, the implementers are met with
obstacles such as incompatibilities, partial functionality, and
needs for tweaks or modifications. In some situations, these
obstacles can be easily overcome. However, in other situations,
overcoming the obstacles may be quite costly, commercially
infeasible, or technologically impractical.
[0004] One of the technological advancements in the electronic
gaming machine industry has been the development and deployment of
the Slot Accounting Standard (SAS) protocol. This protocol enables
a uniform interface to various slot machines or electronic gaming
machines so that accounting operations can be performed. In many
casinos, the SAS protocol is exploited by the use of a Slot Machine
Interface Board (SMIB). In this configuration, the SMIB operates to
interface to the gaming machines using the SAS protocol and then to
the casino's accounting software, typically running on a server, to
perform accounting operations. Thus, the use of SAS and SMIBs
enables any electronic gaming machine manufacture to develop a
machine that includes an SAS port that can be compatible with the
casinos slot accounting system--essentially enabling the casino to
have machines from multiple vendors while the SMIB normalizes the
slot floor.
[0005] This technological advancement has been instrumental in the
electronic gaming machine industry. However, as described above,
this technology has given rise to other uses by the creative minds
that have developed the inventions described herein or at a
minimum, has been viewed as a component in resolving novel
configurations that are used to enhance the use of electronic
gaming machines.
[0006] Las Vegas Gaming, Inc. is in the business of creating new
and useful improvements and advancements in the electronic gaming
industry. Some of the aspects of these advancements have been
described in U.S. patent applications Ser. Nos. (1) 10/689,407
filed on Oct. 20, 2003 and having a title of CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEM FOR
DISPLAYING PROMOTIONAL EVENTS AND GRANTING AWARDS FOR ELECTRONIC
VIDEO GAMES; (2) 10/113,882 filed on Apr. 1, 2002 and having a
title of INTERACTIVE VIDEO SYSTEM; (3) 11/468,946 filed on Aug. 31,
2006 and having a title of CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING
ADDITIONAL EVENT PARTICIPATION TO ELECTRONIC VIDEO GAME CUSTOMER;
and (4) 11/470,253 filed on Sep. 6, 2006 and having a title of
MOBILE OPERATION OF VIDEO GAMING MACHINES, all of which are
incorporated herein by reference. One of the inventive aspects
disclosed in these references include the provision of paragaming
activities, such as viewing sporting events, participating in other
games, participating in promotional events, etc. Paragaming, as
used herein, can be construed to mean a game, event, activity,
advertisement, entertainment, or the like that can be made
available to a user of an electronic gaming machine but which is
parasitically added to or implemented on an electronic gaming
machine by software of devices that are added to the electronic
gaming machine and/or that operates, at least in part,
independently from the underlying game of the game machine. For
instance, paragaming may include payout tables or winning criteria
that is different than the payout table of the underlying game, may
include a different theme, and/or may even have no correlation
whatsoever with the underlying game. Thus, paragaming can take on a
variety of characteristics such as simply providing additional
payout options that are based on the operation of the underlying
game or, could be the display of entertainment content.
[0007] As described in the above-referenced documents, Las Vegas
Gaming, Inc. provides paragaming by utilizing a controller unit,
coined as the PortalVision Controller Unit (PCU), that interfaces
to the electronic gaming machine. One aspect of the PCU is to
provide and monitor the paragaming activity. One of the hurdles
that are encountered when providing this capability is associated
with collecting funds or providing monetary winnings associated
with the paragaming activity. Upon visiting a modern day casino,
the growing popularity of paragaming activity is clearly evident.
Much of the push for the paragaming activity is to provide
incentives for customers to stay and play. The obvious goal of a
casino is to minimize the down time, or idle time for each
electronic gaming machine. And as the troubadour Neil Diamond sang
so poetically "money talks". Thus, although providing grandiose
entertainment to the casino patrons can help to increase playtime,
there is nothing like the added excitement of a potential cash
windfall. However, to provide monetary winnings, as well as
charging patrons for certain paragaming activity, it is necessary
to interface to the casino accounting system, as well as meet any
required regulations. Thus, there is a need in the art for a
technique to providing paragaming activity that can charge funds
and provide monetary winnings. Further, such a technique needs to
cooperatively interface with the casino's accounting system.
[0008] As one could easily imagine, running a floor full of
electronic gaming machines, most of which have moving parts and are
subject to drink spillage and the occasional kick or punch from a
not so fortunate patron, can be quite costly. As such, casino
operators are much more receptive to new ideas, such as paragaming,
as long as it adds to the bottom line rather than simply raising
costs. Customizing PCU's to provide paragaming activity and to
interface to the casino's accounting system can easily be cost
prohibitive. Thus, there is a need in the art for a technique to
provide paragaming on existing electronic gaming machine platforms
in a manner that does not require the costly activity of
customizing the system to interface to the casino's accounting
system.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention advantageously provides the ability
for paragaming activity to be parasitically provided on an
electronic gaming machine. In one embodiment of the invention, a
cashout event is detected by a control unit. The control unit may
detect the cashout event by receiving a cashout command over an SAS
port or by detecting printer commands commensurate with a cashout
event over a printer port, or both. The control unit effectively
operates to prevent the cashout event from printing a cash voucher
and instead, offers to the customer the opportunity to participate
in a paragaming activity. If the customer declines, the cashout
event is concluded and a voucher is printed. However, if the
customer accepts the offer, the control unit parses the printer
commands to identify a current balance, and if the balance is
sufficient it deducts the fee associated with the paragaming event
from the balance. In addition, certain paragaming events may also
include payout tables and provide winnings. If the paragaming
activity results in a winning event similar actions can be taken to
add the winnings to the existing balance. Alternatively, other SAS
or standard commands may be used to implement the payout aspect of
the paragaming event. The control unit then causes a "voucher in"
event to occur, followed by another cashout event. This allows the
accounting system to keep a record of the event. A unique ID is
associated with the transaction to facilitate tracking and
reporting. The control unit then prints a transaction receipt and a
cash voucher.
[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is to move funds
from the control unit onto the EGM instead of printing out a cash
voucher. This aspect of the invention is realized by placing the
control unit between the EGM and the bill acceptor and
communicating to the bill acceptor through its interface--typically
a serial port. Advantageously, this aspect of the present invention
not only enables the transfer of funds from the control unit to the
EGM, but it also enables a variety of other features to the bill
acceptor. For instance, the control unit can temporarily turn the
EGM into an ATM, allow the customer to extract funds through the
ATM to be loaded into the control unit, and then transfer these
funds via ATM transfer using the card reader interface. The card
reader is also connected to control unit so that the control unit
can read cards and can do further actions for cards that the EGM
would normally reject.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a typical interface
of a PCU to an existing gaming machine platform.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a system block diagram illustrating a typical
environment that includes an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps involved in
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention wherein a paragame
is provided via a standard electronic gaming machine.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a screen/presentation flow of a specific
embodiment of the invention as generally described in conjunction
with FIG. 3.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the components involved in
implementing an embodiment of the present invention to detect a
cashout event for a typical gaming machine.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
embodiment of the invention for providing enhanced capabilities
through card reader access.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
embodiment of the invention for providing enhanced funds transfer
capabilities through controlling the bill acceptor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention, as well as features and aspects
thereof, is directed towards providing paragaming activities on
existing electronic gaming machine platforms in a manner that
allows for the collection of funds to engage the paragaming
activity and/or providing monetary winnings to customers through
controlling the bill acceptor and/or the card reader elements of
the EGM. One aspect of the present invention is a novel way to
interface to the casino's accounting system without requiring
customization of the paragaming system or altering of the existing
accounting system. It should be understood that the various casinos
may use different accounting systems to operate the electronic
gaming machines. To build a paragaming device that interacts with
the accounting systems would require the cooperation of the slot
accounting software vendor to develop a software interface for the
paragaming device. In general, a PortalVision Controller Unit (PCU)
is connected to a single slot machine interface board (SMIB) that
is used to communicate with and interface to the casino's
accounting software. More specifically, this aspect of the present
invention includes connecting the PCU to one of the SAS ports
available on a typical electronic gaming machine (most machines
includes at least two), to interrogate and obtain certain
information and/or to control certain aspects of the electronic
gaming machine. The other SAS port of the electronic gaming machine
interfaces to an SMIB to enable communication with the casino
accounting system. Similarly, in this aspect of the present
invention, the PCUs interface to a server over a network, such as
an Ethernet connection. The server then interfaces to a single SMIB
using the SAS protocol and as such, provides an interface to the
slot accounting system. Turning now to the figures, various
aspects, features and embodiments of the present invention are
described in more detail.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a typical interface
of a PCU to an existing gaming machine platform. Such an
environment is suitable for various embodiments of the present
invention although, it should be understood that the illustrated
embodiment is only an example of a suitable environment and the
present invention is not limited to operation within the
illustrated environment. The environment includes an electronic
gaming machine (EGM) 100 which is typically an approved and
regulated machine. The EGM 100 includes a Host System 110, an SAS
controller 115, a Ticket-In/Ticket-Out (TITO) printer 120, an LCD
Monitor 125; a Bill Validater 130 and a Game Board Controller 135,
all interconnected through a motherboard or backplane 140. A PCU
150 interfaces to the EGM 100 and to an application server 160. The
PCU 150 interfaces to the SAS Controller 115 using an SAS interface
or protocol. The PCU 150 also interfaces to mother board 140, the
TITO printer 120 and the Touchscreen/LCD Monitor 125. The PCU 150
interfaces with the existing video and the TITO printer 120 of the
EGM 100 (such as a slot machine), and adds an application suite of
additional functionalities to the existing EGM 100. PortalVision is
designed to enhance the functionality, entertainment value and
revenue per machine beyond the machines current capabilities.
[0020] The PCU 150 in cooperation with the Application Servers 160
effectively converts existing slot machines into dual purpose slot
machines/kiosks. One of the products that incorporate this
invention, or aspects of this invention is referred to by the
applicant as PortalVision. The suite of applications, and the PCU
150 do not rely-on, or modify the EGM's 100 current functionality.
Thus, the suite of applications is an extension and enhancement of
the existing resources and video "real-estate" within the EGM
100.
[0021] For example, in one embodiment of the present invention,
casino operators may be provided with the ability to:
[0022] 1. Promote and sell a linked progressive Keno style game
such as NEVADA NUMBERS and MILLION DOLLAR TICKET directly via an
EGM 100 that is connected to an on-premise, application server 160
housing an game management system for the offered games. The EGM
100 functions as a ticket kiosk in this particular application.
[0023] 2. Display a customized marketing loop of video content when
the EGM 100 is idle enabling the casino operator to more
effectively promote and communicate to their customers on an EGM
100 that otherwise was not being fully utilized. Such a function
can be turned on and/or off as defined by the casino operator
(i.e., auto "on" after "X" minutes of game idle-time, and "off"
with a screen-touch or after a specific number of minutes).
[0024] 3. Present TV programming (audio and video) on the EGM 100
LCD Monitor 125 (or portion thereof) with user selectable
channels.
[0025] Other non-limiting examples of capabilities/features that
could be providing in various embodiments of the present invention
include:
[0026] 1. Providing the ability to accept other wagers and
transactions that otherwise would not have been possible through
the EGM 100. An example of this additional wager is a race and
sports wager. To implement such a feature or functionality, the EGM
100 acts as a kiosk terminal interfacing into existing, approved,
gaming systems in operation at the casino.
[0027] 2. Providing the ability to perform direct one-to-one
marketing or direct paragaming marketing. For instance, offers are
based on the knowledge of a player's profile. An embodiment of the
present invention captures the correlation of the player
identification number with the player identity as obtained through
the PTM (player tracking module). Using the player identification
number, the control unit can fake out player tracking module to
obtain information about his player and then, using this
information can go to a proprietary player system to obtain
additional information about the player.
[0028] 3. Providing the purchase of a live Keno game and
commerce/couponing capabilities.
[0029] The PCU 150 is connected to the video display or LCD monitor
125, the TITO printer 120 and the SAS controller 115 of the EGM
100, as well as the Application Servers 160 to provide the
above-described functionality. In an exemplary embodiment, the
Application Servers may include a Game Management system, a Media
Management System, and/or a feed of media content, such as the game
provider's local television network (i.e CATV). In one embodiment,
the television or other video presentation is delivered to the EGM
110 via a coaxial cable; however, it will be appreciated that other
delivery mechanisms are also anticipated including various wired,
optical, networked, and wireless delivery techniques, as well as
streaming server to PCU and other techniques.
[0030] To further give an appreciation of the application of the
present invention, three distinct capabilities, features or aspects
of an environment in which various embodiments of the present
invention can operate are described. By understanding these
capabilities/features, the advantages associated with embodiments
of the present invention can be more appreciated.
[0031] As a non-limiting example of the operation of the present
invention, the provision of a paragame referred to by the applicant
as SLOTTOVISION, is described as being provided through an
embodiment of the present invention. In providing this paragame,
the PCU 150 makes use of the input mechanism of the EGM 100, such
as the video touch screen of the EGM 100 if applicable, to serve as
the interface to merchandise the paragame to the customer. Activity
on the user interface is presented to the Game Management System
residing in the Application Server 160. The Game Management System
then performs standard procedures associated with writing a ticket.
For example, a ticket for NEVADA NUMBERS or a MILLION DOLLAR TICKET
can be provided as though written by an approved writer station
connected to a Game Management System. Additionally the PCU 150
makes use of the existing printer attached to the EGM 100 to
produce a valid ticket receipt that contains all information
required by Minimum Internal Control Standards. Beyond the normal
approved validation and logging process typically provided by a
writing station for a NEVADA NUMBERS and MILLION DOLLAR TICKET
transaction, the PCU 150 also connects to the game provider's
existing Slot Accounting System with its own unique asset number to
properly account for transactions.
[0032] As another non-limiting example, embodiments of the present
invention may provide a paragaming function referred to by the
applicants as ADVISION. An example of ADVISION is the provision of
advertising or other content to an otherwise utilized display
device (such as a television in a restaurant or a video gaming
machine, etc.) In providing this feature, the PCU 150 interfaces to
the EGM 100 display to present advertisements, information,
messaging, and promotions to viewers in either a player-selected,
or "screensaver" mode. This presentation can be completely
"client-specific", or in other words, can be controlled by the
display device operator (i.e., casino operator). The content can be
still-frames, animations, full-motion videos or a combination of
two or more of these. This feature can permit complete control over
the content as to display times, campaign start/stop dates, display
schedules, and background media management functionality. Both
player-selected and screensaver modes are interrupted by a
screen-touch, game initiation (game buttons), or cash-in events to
restore the EGM 100 to the appropriate state. For example, the PCU
could used to provide the home page for an EGM. Players then would
have a choice of going to paragames or base game versus blending of
the two up front.
[0033] Yet another non-limiting example of the operation of the
present invention is the provision of what the applicant refers to
as PORTALVISION TV on an EGM incorporating the present invention.
When this paragaming feature is enabled (i.e. when selected by the
player or otherwise enabled) this embodiment of the invention
presents audio and/or video from a tuned TV station or from some
other video source. The player or viewer is able to control the
content being viewed by changing or selecting a channel, adjusting
the volume and/or disabling the viewing. The display can be
positioned and/or re-sized by the player so that it doesn't
interfere with underlying game they are playing. With coax feed,
the full range of "in-house", client site channels are available.
Other delivery feeds may restrict the viewable content to a
client-selected "band" of channels.
[0034] More specifically, the PCU can be an advanced multi-media
device and in a general embodiment, can interconnect with multiple
video sources, such as a CATV network, through a variety of video
inputs and formats, multiple data sources through a variety of data
lines and multiple application servers typically attached to a LAN
via an Ethernet connection or wireless encrypted 802.11b/g
standards. The sources, media types and channel choices available
can be based on the players profile. For some anticipated
embodiments, although not necessarily required for all embodiments,
the PCU connects to the EGM through one or more functional
connections including:
[0035] (a) the video monitor or display
[0036] (b) the printer, such as the ticket-in/ticket-out
printer
[0037] (c) the SAS port
[0038] (d) the touch screen
[0039] (e) the bill acceptor and
[0040] (f) the card reader
[0041] The application servers provide the management of the
specific application being performed on the EGM through the PCU.
The application server 160 illustrated in FIG. 1 may include a Game
Management System and/or a Media Management System. It should be
appreciated that other applications may also be included. Video
content, such as TV programming can be delivered to the PCU through
a coax connection or through other interfaces, such as through a
LAN or wireless network. Although the present invention can
incorporate a variety of embodiments and interface to a variety of
application servers, some of the typically anticipated applications
are further described as a non-limiting example of the operation of
the present invention.
[0042] In general, games such as keno games, lotteries, race and
sports and progressive games have a Game Management System that can
be interfaced to through a writer station to order and pay for
participation tickets. In embodiments of the present invention, the
Game Management Server enables the PCU to connect to a Game
Management system as if it were a standard writer station on the
network. As such, the PCU enables slot machines to deliver
self-service transactions for a variety of games, such as NEVADA
NUMBERS, MILLION DOLLAR TICKET or other such games. In one
embodiment, the PCU interface uses a custom socket-based protocol
over a TCP/IP network to send, receive and acknowledge messages
regarding NEVADA NUMBERS, MILLION DOLLAR TICKET or other game
receipts. For security, all messages can be encrypted and
authenticated using AES 256. The PCU, through the Game Management
System, connects to a central system at each location the Game
Management System for the NEVADA NUMBERS, MILLION DOLLAR TICKET or
other game of interest that serve the games and that are housed at
a physically secure location, and operates to validate and manage
all transactions. The system utilized real-time authentication and
authorization and precludes tickets from being issued if there is
no connectivity.
[0043] The Media Management (also referred to as the Media
Management and Entertainment Server Application) enables the PCU to
provide media and marketing content to the electronic gaming
machines. Utilizing this aspect of the present invention, the owner
or operator of the electronic gaming machines can more effectively
market and promote to their customers. The Media Management
application enables operators to schedule unique loops of content,
whereby the content can be programmed to play for a specific
duration of time (e.g. 30 seconds), during a specific period of
time (e.g., from start date to end date), or for specific times,
days and weeks (e.g., M, T and Th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. In one
embodiment, the PCU interface uses a custom socket-based protocol
over a TCP/IP network to send, receive and acknowledge media
content and playlist instructions.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a system block diagram illustrating a typical
environment that includes an embodiment of the present invention.
The illustrated embodiment of the present invention includes a
PortalVision Server 210 that communicates with other subsystems or
components over a network connection 212. The other components may
include, but are not limited to, a Game Management System 214, a
Media Management System 216, a Slot Accounting System (SAS) 218, a
Validation/Redemption Server 220 and a Race/Sports Book Server 222.
Each of these components is interconnected with the PortalVision
Server 210 over the network 212. In addition, a bank of electronic
gaming machines 100a-f is communicably coupled to the network 212
with one or more of the electronic gaming machines 100a-f being
connected to a network through a PortalVision Controller 150a-f
respectively. Each electronic gaming machine and PortalVision
Controller pair typical resembles the configuration illustrated in
FIG. 1.
[0045] The bank of electronic gaming machines is shown as being
connected to the network through a CAT-5, CAT-6, a secure wireless
connection or some other technique. The PortalVision Controller 210
is protected from external communication through a firewall 224
connected to a router 226. The PortalVision Controller 210, or more
specifically the Game Management System 214 connects to one or more
game servers (two game servers 252 and 254 are illustrated in this
exemplary embodiment) through a VPN 260 or other private network.
In general, within a casino environment, servers are protected by
industry-standard hardware or host-based firewalls to prevent
unauthorized network traffic from affecting system components. In
addition, in the illustrated embodiment, a firewall 258 is also
placed between the frame relay and or VPN/dial-up connection that
connects to the game servers. Communication with the game servers
is routed through router 256 and can be conducted by HTTP/SSL over
a VPN connection. Data may be encrypted and authenticated using
industry-standard SSL communications over a VPN connection.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps involved in
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention wherein a paragame
is provided via a standard electronic gaming machine. In general, a
PCU associated with an EGM detects the occurrence of a triggering
event, such as a cashout event, and then proceeds to offer
participation in a paragaming event to the customer. More
specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the PCU detects the
occurrence of a cashout event 302. It should be noted that other
events could be used to trigger the offer of paragaming
participation and the cashout event is simply one, non-limiting
example of an event. Other non-limiting examples may include adding
additional money to the EGM, a threshold increase in the EGM
balance due to one or more wins, a threshold period of time for
playing, a threshold period of idle time, a random time-out, a
periodic time-out, etc. Once a trigger event is detected, normal
operation of the EGM is suspended 304. In the illustrated
embodiment, the cashout process would be interrupted. The player or
customer is then prompted or provided an offer to participate in a
paragaming event 306. The offer and/or the available paragame(s)
can be selected based on the user profile upon cash out. If the
customer declines to participate in the paragaming event 308, the
normal EGM activity is resumed. In the illustrated example, the
normal operation would then proceed with a cashout of the current
balance in the EGM by printing a cash voucher or other cashout
vehicle 310.
[0047] However, if the player elects to participate in the
paragaming event 308, the customer is presented with options
pertaining to the paragaming event 312. This step can vary greatly
depending on the particular embodiment of the invention. For
instance, if the paragaming activity is a progressive lottery, the
customer may select the number of desired tickets and select the
particular numbers for each ticket or have the Game Management
System 214 select a quick pick option through the appropriate game
server. In an advertising or couponing paragaming scenario, the
customer may be presented with the option to purchase a meal
voucher, purchase a product, etc. If the paragaming event is the
provision of media content, the customer may be presented with the
option to view the media for a select period of time or otherwise.
In any event, the selected options are received 314 and the option
selection process either ends automatically upon the last selection
or proactively by the customer selecting a purchase button. At this
point, the transaction is validated 316 and transaction receipt is
printed 318. The cash balance in the EGM is reduced by the purchase
or participation price 320. Normal operation of the EGM then
resumes and, in the illustrated example, a cashout of the current
balance in the EGM is performed by printing a cash voucher or other
cashout vehicle 310.
[0048] In a more specific example, this embodiment of the invention
may be utilized to provide a slot machine customer with the
opportunity to participate in a paragame, such as NEVADA NUMBERS
upon the occurrence of a cashout event. When the cashout process is
initiated, instead of the slot machine immediately producing a cash
voucher, the PortalVision platform temporarily suspends the slot
machine, and prompts the player if they would like to purchase a
chance at the upcoming NEVADA NUMBERS drawing. If the player is not
interested in making such a wager, then the normal cashout process
takes place where a cash voucher for the funds is validated through
the slot accounting system. If the player is interested in
purchasing a NEVADA NUMBERS ticket, then the customer is presented
with the option to select their own numbers or have the Game
Management System generate a quick pick ticket. Once the numbers
are selected or the quick pick option is selected, the customer can
proceed with the transaction by pressing the "Proceed With
Purchase" button. Once the system receives the customer's
acknowledgement the transaction is validated via LVGI's Optima Game
Management System a receipt is printed from the standard printer
attached to the slot machine. The PortalVision system then deducts
the appropriate amount from the slot machine's account balance to
cover the cost of the Nevada Numbers transaction. Lastly, the
customer receives a cash voucher for the remaining balance.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a screen/presentation flow of a specific
embodiment of the invention as generally described in conjunction
with FIG. 3. Screen 402 is presented to the customer upon the
detection or occurrence of the triggering event 302 (i.e., a
request to cashout). Screen 402 provides current jackpot status
information for the Nevada Numbers lottery game, presents the rules
and cost to participate 304 and then invites the customer to play
306. Screen 404 presents a user interface to entering options
pertaining to the paragaming event 312. In this example, the
options allow the customer to select five numbers from the
available 80 numbers or to request a quick pick. Once the customer
is completed 314, the customer can select the "proceed with
purchase" button to continue or may cancel out of the transaction.
If the customer selects to proceed with the purchase, screen 406 is
presented to notify the customer that the transaction has been
validated 316 and that the receipt/ticket 408 is being printed 318.
Finally, the cash voucher 410, with a balance reduced by any fees
associated with the purchase of the NEVADA NUMBERS ticket 408, is
also printed out for the customer as the normal operation of the
EGM resumes 310.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the components involved in
implementing an embodiment of the present invention to detect a
cashout event for a typical gaming machine. One aspect of the
present invention is to non-invasively provide the paragaming
functionality in a parasitic manner by detecting the occurrence of
a cashout event, temporarily taking over operation of the user
interface of the EGM, providing the paragaming event to the
customer and then conducting all accounting functions necessary to
extract payment for the paragaming event participation. Each PCU
connects to the Game Management System with a unique station ID.
All transactions that occur, via the PortalVision implementation,
are tracked via the Game Management system in an identical manner
in which regular Keno and NEVADA NUMBERS tickets are written via a
writer station. Additionally, each PCU connects to the casino's
slot accounting system and is recognized/enrolled as a unique asset
number in order to properly record validation and redemption
requests made by the PCU.
[0051] The process is initiated by the EGM 502 upon notifying the
host slot accounting system 520 via the SMIB 525 that a cashout
ticket is being requested. The PCU 510 operates to detect this
event in one or both of two ways. First of all, the EGM 502 may
send a cashout ticket printing command (command 0x3D) on the
primary SAS 504 and secondary SAS 506 ports. This command can be
detected by the PCU 510. Secondly, the EGM 502 will initiate
printer activity by sending printer commands over the printer port
508. The PCU 510 can detect and intercept these commands as it sits
between the EGM 502 and the printer 530. Upon detection of the
printer activity and or the cashout command, the provision of the
paragaming activity is initiated.
[0052] In operation, the PCU 150 captures the printer message on
the printer port 508 before the ticket begins to print. If the
customer elects to pass on participation in the paragame, the PCU
150 then passes the printer message on to the printer. However, if
the customer elects to participate in the paragame (i.e., to make a
purchase) the data intended to be printed onto the ticket is then
parsed to identify an asset number, a validation number, a date and
a time. This information is then sent via the Ethernet connection
to the Validation Redemption Server (VRED) 220. If the captured
ticket is not a cashout ticket, or if the VRED 220 is not connected
or otherwise not able to process redemptions, the PCU 150 continues
to pass the ticket printing information directly to the printer for
a normal cashout process.
[0053] Using the information extracted from the ticket printing
commands, the VRED 220 acts as a Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM)
and redeems the full value of the ticket from the Host Accounting
System 520 through a second SMIB board 526 connected between the
VRED 220 and the Host Accounting System 520. The VRED 220 is
considered another EGM to the Host Accounting System 520. The
second SMIB 526 associated with the VRED 220 is enrolled to the
Host Accounting System 520 with an asset number like any other EGM.
As such, the VRED 220 is tracked monetarily like any other EGM.
[0054] It should be appreciated that the system configuration
described herein may also be employed to provide a variety of other
capabilities. In fact, applications can be provided to the EGM by
assigning a unique transaction ID for the application and then
using one unique SMIB for each unique transaction ID. For instance,
a transaction ID could be assigned for Races, and one for Sports
and then an SMIB would be used to provide access for these
applications into the system. Further, this can be broken down more
granularly by assigning a unique ID and using a dedicated SMIB for
individual sports (i.e., football, baseball, boxing, etc) and
aggregate based on EGM fakes.
[0055] It should be appreciated that in an exemplary embodiment,
the PCU 150 does not present the paragaming interface until the
VRED 220 has successfully redeemed the original cashout ticket or
an equivalent event has been completed. For instance, the PCU 150
could obtain the necessary information from the SAS, or some other
network accounting protocol, to poll the EGM to identify or verify
the money that presently exists on the meter. Thus, the PCU 150
needs to know how much money is available for waging on the
paragame. After the PCU 150 receives the placement of a wager, the
PCU 150 then instructs the VRED 220 regarding the remaining
balance. After the VRED 220 has redeemed the full value of the
ticket issued by the EGM, the VRED 220 subtracts the amount
required to make a purchase and validates a ticket with the Host
Accounting System for the remaining amount of money. The VRED 220
then performs the cashout function by sending modified printer
commands to the PCU 150 for delivery to the printer and for
printing a cashout ticket.
[0056] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary
embodiment of the invention for providing enhanced capabilities
through card reader access. This aspect of the present invention
allows the PCU to provide additional functions not normally
available to the EGM. For instance, if a card is entered into the
card reader 610, the EGM 110 would examine the card to determine if
it is valid. If the card is not valid, the PCU 150 may then examine
the card to determine if a special feature is to be provided. An
example of one such feature would be for the PCU 150 to detect that
the card is a credit card and then invoke the proper clearing house
systems to extract funds on behalf of the player. Similarly, the
card may be identified as an ATM card and the PCU 150 could then
operate as an ATM machine. In essence, embodiments of the present
invention could be configured to provide any service desired
related to the reading of a card in the card reader 610. This
aspect of the present invention enables the PCU to ID players and
then associate game play etc. with that player to be able to direct
CASHOUT propositions, advertisements, games, screen format, etc.
based on additional user profile information stored in the Other
Player Tracking System 640. In operation, the PTM obtains the
identification being used by the player and accesses the player
tracking system 630 through an EGM fake through the SMIB to obtain
the identification of the player. Next, the PTM can use this
information to access the other player tracking system 640 to
obtain more information and then direct the operation based on this
information. For example, the following steps may be included in
such a process:
[0057] Player inserts card
[0058] SMIB Sends inquiry for player data
[0059] System responds with Current player Data
[0060] Session play tracked locally
[0061] Player record updated with session data by SMIB by card
removal
[0062] It should also be noted that if the paragaming event
includes payout capabilities, that the balance in the Host
Accounting System may also be increased by any winnings earned in
the paragaming event. FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an
exemplary system that would enable the transfer of funds obtained
or won through a paragaming application to the customer via various
means. The connection between the EGM 100 and the bill acceptor 710
is broken and the PCU 150 interfaces to the billing acceptor 710
instead. In operation, if a paragame results in a monetary win for
the customer, the PCU 150 can execute the bill acceptor 710 to fake
a cash-in event and thus, increase the credit in the machine. Thus,
this aspect of the present invention enables the PCU to move funds
on to the EGM by "virtually" inserting a cash voucher into the Bill
Acceptor (BA) path. In addition, it enables the PCU to read and
validate vouchers from other game management systems (e.g. Optima,
Race and Sports, etc.) and move funds onto the EGM.
[0063] As a non-limiting example, the application of one or more of
the above-described embodiments of the present invention is
described using a particular configuration. In this configuration,
a slot machine is used to parasitically provide a customer with a
NEVADA NUMBERS interface. As such, the following process takes
place during a typical NEVADA NUMBERS transaction via a
PortalVision system embodying aspects of the present invention.
Once a cash-out is initiated, the game unit will log the value of
the funds in the gaming machines Coin-Out meter as it normally
would do (e.g. $20). The PCU then steps the customer through the
selling proposition for NEVADA NUMBERS as described above. If the
customer proceeds with the purchase of a NEVADA NUMBERS ticket (via
the PortalVision system), then the PCU will redeem the value of
this cashout onto the PCU and it is properly recorded on the
casinos slot accounting software with a unique associated asset
number and the ID number of the utilized EGM. The PCU will then
validate with the Game Management System the transactions and
return to the PCU the appropriate information in order to print a
valid ticket. The PCU then deducts the cost of the NEVADA NUMBERS
transaction (e.g. $2) and then validates the balance with the
casino's slot accounting system using the asset ID from the SMIB
connected to the VRED in order to properly print a cash-voucher
equal to the remaining balance (e.g. $18). For further auditing and
reporting purposes, reports are provided, in addition to standard
transaction reporting, so a transaction can be identified and
traced to a specific EGM and time. It should be noted that in a
typical embodiment, the PCU will not allow the selling process to
take place if the gaming machine returns a value upon a cash-out
event that is less than the minimum transaction amount.
Additionally the PCU will limit the number of NEVADA NUMBERS
tickets to be purchased such that it does not exceed the amount
returned from the gaming machine upon a cash-out event and/or the
maximum number of multi-race tickets allowed. However, in other
embodiments, it will be appreciated that the customers credit card
can be used to pay the remaining balance of any request tickets or,
the customer could be prompted to enter additional money into the
machine.
[0064] Thus, advantageously, the present invention allows the
provision of paragaming activity by connecting to a single SMIB, or
multiple SMIBs in some embodiments for each desired level of
control and accounting, in the back office to interact with the
Host Accounting System without the need for cooperation from the
slot accounting software vendor to develop a software interface to
the Host Accounting System software. The Host Accounting System
interprets the PCU as just another electronic gaming machine on the
network. On most electronic gaming machines there are at least two
SAS ports. The PCU in various embodiments of the present invention
connects to one of the SAS ports to interrogate and obtain certain
information and control certain aspects of gaming machine as
described above. The other SAS port connects to the SMIB in the
slot machine. These connections are typically IEEE 485. All of the
PCUs connect to a single SMIB, typically located in the back
office, via Ethernet to the VRED 220. Then a serial port on the
VRED 220 is connected to the Host Accounting System. Another
advantage of the present invention is that if the full command set
of the SAS is not available or the implemented version is not
compatible, the present invention can still operate to conduct
Electronic Funds Transfers and Advanced Funds Transfer without
having to rely on the specific SAS commands designed to provide
these functions. Rather, as long as the SAS provides the Ticket In
Ticket Out (TITO) function, the present invention can accomplish
the funds transfer. However, for systems that actually do implement
the applicable SAS functions, embodiments of the present invention
may utilize those command sets to provide the paragaming
activity.
[0065] The VRED looks like another electronic gaming machine (EGM)
to the Host Accounting System. The VRED reports metered coin in,
metered voucher dropped, and total drop to the Host Accouting
System. The PortalVision system does not need to accept money
directly from a bill acceptor; however, in some embodiments the
system may be enabled to accept such payments. All money
transferred can come from vouchers captured from the EGM printer,
therefore the EGM soft count is not affected. In a voucher based
embodiment, at the time of cash out, the customer receives a
receipt. This receipt can then go to cashier or back into machine.
At the end of day, the casino knows the number of vouchers given
out, so all money-in matches data received. When a paragame is
offered and participation funds are extracted from the EGM, this
would result in a disparity in accounting at the end of the day.
Thus, embodiments of the present invention may employ the use of a
printer in server room that is tied to the VRED. When a customer
pays for a paragame, the VRED causes a voucher for the cost of the
paragame to be printed out on behalf of player. As a specific
example, suppose a player puts $10 into a machine and plays for a
few minutes. The player loses $2 in the machine and then requests a
cash out. Normally, this would result in printing out of an $8
voucher. However, in the present invention, this cash out request
is capture and the system offers a $2 entry fee for a paragame. If
this offer is accepted, the system prints out a $2 voucher in
server room. In the Host Accounting System, the VRED will show up
as an EGM reporting coin in, voucher in, and voucher out. The VRED
will only show profit, since it is accepting money for another
entity, such as the Race and Sport Book or Keno Lounge.
[0066] Thus, embodiments of the present invention allow funds to be
moved off and onto the electronic gaming machine without having to
deal with different versions of the slot accounting software. In
addition, because a system employing the present invention is
viewed by the slot accounting system as a unique slot machine with
a unique asset id, the accounting department is able to determine
what the transactions were by the PCU sending up to the slot
accounting system unique asset numbers for each unique transaction.
As such, when a report is generated, all the results for a
particular asset number can be compiled. Thus, different asset
numbers can also be used to identify transactions for different
paragaming activity (i.e., sports bets, keno tickets, lottery
tickets, etc.).
[0067] Thus, embodiments of the present invention provide
paragaming activity on an electronic gaming machine by detecting a
triggering event on the electronic gaming machine. In one
embodiment the triggering event may be a cashout event, however,
other events are also anticipated by the present invention. In
response to the triggering event, a paragaming event is presented
on the screen of the electronic gaming machine and the customer is
invited to participate. If the customer elects to participate, the
funding of the paragaming event is subtracted from the available
funds in the electronic gaming machine. The payment for the
paragaming event is then reconciled with the accounting system for
the electronic gaming machine. This can simply be accomplished by
performing a voucher in command followed by a cashout command. As
such, the activity is recorded in the accounting system for report
purposes.
* * * * *