Gaming network environment providing a cashless gaming service

Abstract

A gaming network including gaming machines and gaming services further includes a cashless gaming service that provides systems and methods for funds transfer in and out of a users account between clients in the gaming network. The gaming services framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture that includes gaming machines and servers. The systems and methods provide a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/480,929 entitled "CASHLESS GAMING SERVICE IN A SERVICE-ORIENTED GAMING NETWORK ENVIRONMENT", filed Jun. 23, 2003; and is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/788,903, entitled "A SERVICE-ORIENTED GAMING NETWORK ENVIRONMENT", (Attorney Docket 1842.020US 1), filed on Feb. 26, 2004 and assigned to the same assignee as the present application; each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to software and hardware systems for gaming machines and gaming machine networks, and more particularly to providing a cashless gaming service in a service-oriented gaming network environment.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Today's gaming terminal typically comprises a computerized system controlling a video display or reels that provide wagering games such as video and mechanical slots, video card games (poker, blackjack etc.), video keno, video bingo, video pachinko and other games typical in the gaming industry. In addition, support computing systems such as accounting, player tracking and other "back office" systems exist in order to provide support for a gaming environment.

[0004] In order to prevent players from becoming bored, new versions of wagering games, and alterations to existing games are constantly being developed. In the past, the game software and content for gaming terminals and back office systems have been developed using proprietary or closed hardware, operating systems, application development systems, and communications systems. Sometimes these systems are provided by a single vendor.

[0005] Additionally, gaming machines typically require a means to accept funds in order to make wagers during the game. In previous systems, gaming machines provide coin, token and bill acceptors and ticket readers in order to accept finds. However, this can be inconvenient to the player because the player must carry coins, tokens, bills or tickets in order to use the gaming machine. Unfortunately, due to the proprietary and closed nature of existing architectures, it can be difficult to develop new games, and it is difficult to modify existing proprietary game architectures to include support for cashless gaming. As a result, the cost and time associated with updating and adding new games or modifying existing games in gaming networks is relatively high.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems and concerns, there is a need in the art for the present invention.

SUMMARY

[0007] The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed by the present invention, which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

[0008] One aspect of the systems and methods relates to providing a cashless gaming service in a gaming network. The gaming network may comprise gaming machines, service providers, and other entities. The cashless gaming service may provide a web based service for transferring funds in and out of a user account with a gaming establishment. The entities participating in the gaming network may implement a Gaming Services Framework using the World Wide Web and internetworking technology. The World Wide Web ("Web" from here on) is a networked information system comprising agents (clients, servers, and other programs) that exchange information. The Web and networking architecture is the set of rules that agents in the system follow, resulting in a shared information space that scales well and behaves predictably.

[0009] The Gaming Services Framework comprises a set of services, protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing secure gaming system functionality in a distributed, network based architecture. It is intended to be a service-oriented framework for gaming and property management based upon internetworking technology and web services concepts. Specifically, it supports a loosely coupled architecture that consists of software components that semantically encapsulate discrete functionality (self contained and perform a single function or a related group of functions--the component describes its own inputs and outputs in a way that other software can determine what it does, how to invoke its functionality, and what result to expect). These components are distributed and programmatically accessible (called by and exchange data with other software) over standard internetworking protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, DHCP, etc.).

[0010] The present invention describes systems, methods, and computer-readable media of varying scope. In addition to the aspects and advantages of the present invention described in this summary, aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by reading the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary gaming machine incorporated in the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a block diagram providing an example of a service-oriented network for distributed management in a gaming environment.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram providing general description of service-oriented discovery and interaction.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a representation of a Gaming Services Protocol Stack according to embodiments of the invention.

[0015] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6 are flow diagrams illustrating methods and message flow for a cashless gaming service according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0017] Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the ways used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following discussions, terms such as "processing" or "computing" or "calculating" or "determining" or "displaying" or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0018] In the Figures, the same reference number is used throughout to refer to an identical component which appears in multiple Figures. Signals and connections may be referred to by the same reference number or label, and the actual meaning will be clear from its use in the context of the description.

[0019] The description of the various embodiments is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible instance of the invention. Numerous alternatives could be implemented, using combinations of current or future technologies, which would still fall within the scope of the claims. The present invention is directed to a cashless gaming service in a service-oriented framework for gaming networks that allows for the interoperability of the software components (regardless of manufacturer, operating system, or application) reducing the dependence on a closed-system, single vendor solutions and allowing for variety in innovation and competition.

[0020] The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

Operating Environment

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary gaming machine 10 in which embodiments of the invention maybe implemented. In some embodiments, gaming machine 10 is operable to conduct a wagering game. These wagering games may include reel based games such as video or mechanical slot machine games, card based games such as video poker, video dice games (e.g. a Yahtzee.RTM. like dice game) or other types of wagering games typical in the gaming industry. If based in-video, the gaming machine 10 includes a video display 12 such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma, or other type of video display known in the art. A touch screen preferably overlies the display 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is an "upright" version in which the display 12 is oriented vertically relative to a player. Alternatively, the gaming machine may be a "slant-top" version in which the display 12 is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player.

[0022] The gaming machine 10 includes a plurality of possible credit receiving mechanisms 14 for receiving credits to be used for placing wagers in the game. The credit receiving mechanisms 14 may, for example, include a coin acceptor, a bill acceptor, a ticket reader, and a card reader. The bill acceptor and the ticket reader may be combined into a single unit. The card reader may, for example, accept magnetic cards and smart (chip) cards coded with money or designating an account containing money.

[0023] In some embodiments, the gaming machine 10 includes a user interface comprising a plurality of push-buttons 16, the above-noted touch screen, and other possible devices. The plurality of push-buttons 16 may, for example, include one or more "bet" buttons for wagering, a "play" button for commencing play, a "collect" button for cashing out, a help" button for viewing a help screen, a "pay table" button for viewing the pay table(s), and a "call attendant" button for calling an attendant. Additional game specific buttons may be provided to facilitate play of the specific game executed on the machine. The touch screen may define touch keys for implementing many of the same functions as the push-buttons. Additionally, in the case of video poker, the touch screen may implement a card identification function to indicate which cards a player desires to keep for the next round. Other possible user interface devices include a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse or trackball.

[0024] A processor controls operation of the gaming machine 10. In response to receiving a wager and a command to initiate play, the processor randomly selects a game outcome from a plurality of possible outcomes and causes the display 12 to depict indicia representative of the selected game outcome. In the case of slots for example mechanical or simulated slot reels are rotated and stopped to place symbols on the reels in visual association with one or more pay lines. If the selected outcome is one of the winning outcomes defined by a pay table, the processor awards the player with a number of credits associated with the winning outcome.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a Gaming Service Network 210 comprising a customer data center 218 and a customer property 216. The data center 218 and customer property 216 are connected via a network 220. In some embodiments, network 220 is a public network such as the Internet. However, in alternative embodiments, private networks, including corporate intranets or extranets may be used to connect a data center 218 with one or more properties 216.

[0026] In some embodiments, the Customer Corporate Data Center 218 contains the bulk of the network servers supporting gaming properties owned by the corporation. Major elements of the gaming service network include Auth server 232, Gaming Management Server 236, and Progressive Server 238. In some embodiments, Auth Server 32 provides authentication, authorization and content integrity for client devices attempting to interact with other servers and services in the architecture.

[0027] In some embodiments, the Gaming Management Server 236 includes the following services: Boot Service, Name Service, Time Service, Game Management Service, Game Update Service, Event Management Service, Accounting Service, and Discovery Service.

[0028] In some embodiments, the Progressive Server 238 hosts a value-add service that allows a gaming machine to participate within a progressive gaming offering. Any value-add service can be added or substituted for this server/service. A progressive game offering is provided as an example. Other value-add services can be distributed on existing servers or reside on a newly added server.

[0029] The Customer Property 16 contains gaming machines 10, which in some embodiments allow remote updates and configuration through a network interface on the gaming machine. In some embodiments, a Boot Server 234 contains a DHCP service that facilitates the distribution of IP addressing to the gaming machines 10. It should be noted that any device capable of supporting a wagering game could be substituted for gaming machine 10. For example, a personal or laptop computer executing a wagering game may participate in the gaming network using the services described below.

[0030] As noted above, various services may be located throughout the gaming network. In some embodiments of the invention, a set of core operational services may include one or more of the following services: TABLE-US-00001 Boot Service Provides dynamic IP addressing to devices upon boot (start-up). Typically supported by Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). Discovery Service Provides the address information of the server containing the service when prompted by the requestor as well as the service description, binding and location on the server. Authentication Service Contains the master Authentication Database. Authenticates the service user before allowing the use of services in the Gaming Services Framework. Authorization Service Contains the master Authorization Database. Authorizes the use of services in the Gaming Services Framework by a service requestor. Gaming Management Service Provides the ability to configure and monitor gaming machines and other services from a central location. Name Service Provides name resolution service to enable machines in a gaming network to refer to each other by name instead of an IP Address. In some embodiments the name service is implemented in part using the Domain Naming System (DNS) protocol. Time Service Provides global synchronization of time in the gaming network. This may be implemented by running the Network Time Protocol (NTP) client software on gaming machines.

[0031] In addition to or instead of the core services described above, some embodiments of the invention include one or more of the following services referred to as Basic Gaming Services: TABLE-US-00002 Accounting Provides logging of transaction records for billing Service and general tracking purposes. Event Management Logs events occurring at client and server Service machines. Game Update Provides dynamic distribution of new or updated Service game content to gaming machines. Message Director This service uses a software-configurable message Service routing application to facilitate the reliable exchange of data messages among multiple application processes within one or more gaming systems. Content Integrity This service provides the ability to verify the Service integrity of software components running in the gaming network. This includes the verification of software versions running on gaming machines, peripherals, services as well the detection of tampering or modification of the software.

[0032] As noted above, a gaming service network may include Value Add Services. These services include participation services and player services. Examples of participation services that may be included in various embodiments of the invention include the following: TABLE-US-00003 Progressive Service Provides functionality for a gaming machine to participate within a single progressive or multiple progressives. Wide Area Disruption This service takes over the processing of Progressive Service wide area progressives at each gaming site in the event that there is no connection with a central system or the connection with the central system is temporarily disabled. Mobile Gaming Device This service processes the GPS location of GPS Service gaming machines compared with coordinates of a gaming jurisdiction. Example: players can ride a bus and begin gambling on the bus when the bus crosses into the gaming jurisdiction.

[0033] Examples of Player Services that may be included in various embodiments of the invention include: TABLE-US-00004 Player This service provides the operator and player with Tracking standard player tracking applications such as monitoring Service card in/card out transactions to track play and award player points for play, providing targeted promotional compensation to specific players, publishing account status to the player or operator, providing temporary gaming machine locking in order to hold the machine for the player for short periods of time, and providing operators and players an interface and capability for Responsible Gaming Initiatives. Game Theme This service provides location information to clients Location regarding specific games, game themes or vendor Service brands. The service may publish the information by casino, by area, by city, by state, by region, by country, or by continent depending on the input parameters provided. An example would be to publish where all of the progressive games of a particular theme (e.g., "Monopoly Money") are located in a particular hotel (e.g., the Reno Hilton) in Reno, Nevada. Personalization This service provides the gaming player with a more Service personalized gaming environment. Example: the player could choose to see text in Chinese, could choose to be reminded of dinner reservation time, could customize machine graphics, or could have a portion of his coin in go to his football club's progressive. Bonusing This service provides the ability for casinos to set up Service bonus games for a specific gaming machine, carousel of machines or one or more game themes. Game Service This service is a server-side process that provides the outcome of game play. This service may be used to enable Internet/online gaming. Advertising This service allows the operator to display advertising Service information to players in multimedia format as well as simple audio and graphic formats. Property This is a group of services that provides the ability for Service the property management company to integrate with gaming systems. It can provide interaction with functions such as hotel and restaurant reservations. Language This service provides a translation method for players on Translation a networked gaming machine. It may provide Service translations for one or more languages for the game itself, some of the additional features found on the machine, or the entire feature set of the gaming machine. Cashless This service provides the means to allow financial Gaming transactions such as funds transfers and game play Service transactions to occur electronically in a distributed or centralized model from the gaming machine.

[0034] Additional details on a cashless gaming service according to embodiments of the invention are provided below.

[0035] It should be noted that with the distributed architecture of the Gaming Service Network 210, the above-described services that reside on network servers are not limited to location and can reside anywhere the network supports. For example, it is desirable to consider security and network latency when locating services.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a Gaming Services Framework 300 according to various embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the Gaming Services Framework 300 includes a set of protocols, XML schemas, and methods for providing gaming system functionality in a distributed, network-based architecture such as the network described above in FIG. 2. In order to participate in such network-based architectures, the participating machines are interconnected via public or private networks that may be wired or wireless networks. Further, devices performing service communication support a common services protocol stack such as the Gaming Services Protocol Stack that is further described below.

[0037] The Gaming Services Framework 300 provides for the interaction of several logical elements as depicted in FIG. 3. Logical elements represent the fundamental entities that interact to implement a service. In some embodiments, these logical elements include Service Requestor 302, Service Provider 304, and Discovery Agency 306. In general terms, the roles these elements play are as defined in Web Services Architecture--W3C Working (Draft 14 November 2002 and later versions). Further details on these elements are provided below.

[0038] Logical elements may reside in a number of different physical devices as part of delivering any service. For example, a Service Provider 304 will typically reside in a slot accounting or player tracking system and the Service Requestor 302 will typically reside in a gaming machine. However, there may be scenarios where it would be advantageous or appropriate for the logical elements to reside in other physical devices. For example, in alternative embodiments a Service Requestor 302 may reside in a slot accounting system.

[0039] Service Provider 304 comprises a platform that hosts access to a service 314. A service provider may also be referred to as a service execution environment or a service container. Its role in the client-server message exchange patterns is that of a server.

[0040] Service Requestor 302 comprises an application that is looking for and invoking or initiating an interaction with a service such as that provided by service provider 304. Its role in the client-server message exchange patterns is that of a client 312.

[0041] Discovery Agency 306 comprises a searchable set of service descriptions where service providers 304 publish their service description(s) 324 and service location(s) 326. The service discovery agency 306 can be centralized or distributed. A discovery agency 306 can support both patterns where service descriptions 322 are sent to discovery agency 306 and patterns where the discovery agency 306 actively inspects public service providers 304 for service descriptions 322. Service requestors 302 may find services and obtain binding information (in the service descriptions 324) during development for static binding, or during execution for dynamic binding. In some embodiments, for example in statically bound service requestors, the service discovery agent may be an optional role in the framework architecture, as a service provider 304 can send the service description 322 directly to service requestor 302. Likewise, service requestors 302 can obtain a service description 324 from other sources besides a discovery agency 306, such as a local file system, FTP site, URL, or WSDL document.

[0042] FIG. 4 provides a block diagram of a Gaming Services Protocol Stack 400 according to embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the protocol stack includes core layers that define basic services communication and transport, and are typically implemented uniformly. Higher layers that define strategic aspects of gaming processes are also described below. FIG. 4 illustrates both the widely implemented core layers and in addition illustrates the higher gaming services oriented layers of the protocol stack.

[0043] Core Layers of the Gaming Services Protocol Stack 400

[0044] In some embodiments, the gaming services framework utilizes common Internet protocols, which may include web services protocols. Although not specifically tied to any transport protocol, it is desirable to build the gaming services on ubiquitous Internet connectivity and infrastructure to ensure nearly universal reach and support. In some embodiments, gaming services will take advantage of Ethernet 405 or 406, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) 408, Internet Protocol (IP) 407, User Datagram Protocol (UDP) 409, HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) 410, HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure/Secure Socket Layer (HTTPS/SSL) 411, Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) 412, Domain Naming System (DNS) 413, and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) 414 layers in the protocol stack 400. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other protocol layers performing equivalent functionality may be substituted for those described above and are within the scope of the present invention.

[0045] In some embodiments, service request and response data are formatted using Extensible Markup Language (XML) 415. XML 415 is a widely accepted format for exchanging data and its corresponding semantics. XML is a fundamental building block used in layers above the Common Internet Protocols. In some embodiments, the Gaming Services Protocol Stack 400 incorporates this protocol in accordance with the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) XML Working Group's XML specification. However, those of skill in the art will appreciate that other data exchange formats may be substituted for XML 415, and such formats are within the scope of the present invention.

[0046] In some embodiments of the invention, the gaming service protocol stack 400 utilizes the Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) 416. SOAP 416 is a protocol for messaging and RPC (Remote Procedure Call) style communication between applications. SOAP is based on XML 415 and uses common Internet transport protocols like HTTP 410 to carry data. SOAP 416 may be used to define a model to envelope request and response messages encoded in XML 415. SOAP 416 messaging can be used to exchange any kind of XML 415 information. SOAP 416 is used in some embodiments as the basic standard for carrying service requests/responses between service users and providers. SOAP 416 has been submitted to the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards body as recommendation documents (versions 1.1 and 1.2) and will likely emerge as "XML Protocol (XP)."

[0047] Higher Layers of the Gaming Services Protocol Stack 400

[0048] In some embodiments, the gaming services protocol stack includes a Web Services Description Language (WSDL) 417 and a Universal Description, Discovery, and Integration (UDDI) 418. WSDL 417 comprises a description of how to connect to a particular service. In some embodiments, WSDL 417 is based on XML. A WSDL 417 description abstracts a particular service's various connection and messaging protocols into a high-level bundle and forms an element of the UDDI 418 directory's information. WSDL 417 is similar to CORBA or COM IDL in that WSDL 417 describes programmatic interfaces. WSDL 417 is typically independent of the underlying service implementation language or component model, and focuses on an abstract description. The Gaming Services Protocol Stack 400 incorporates this description in accordance with the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) Web Services Description Language (WSDL) 1.1--W3C Note 15 March 2001 and later versions.

[0049] In some embodiments, UDDI 418 represents a set of protocols and a public directory for the registration and real-time lookup of services. UDDI 418 enables an entity such as a company to publish a description of available services to the registry, thereby announcing itself as a service provider. Service users can send requests conforming to the UDDI 418 schema as SOAP 416 messages to the service registry to discover a provider for services. Some embodiments of the present invention may utilize UDDI Version 3, released in July of 2002 and later versions. Further development of UDDI 418 is managed under the auspices of the OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards) UDDI Specifications technical committee.

[0050] Returning to FIG. 3, the service requesters and service providers use the above-described protocol stack to perform service interactions with one another. The service interactions include publish 330, discover (find) 332, and interact 334.

[0051] Publish interaction 330 provides a mechanism for a service to be made accessible by other entities in the gaming network environment. In order to be accessible, a service needs to publish its description such that the requestor can subsequently find it. Where it is published can vary depending upon the requirements of the application. A service description 322 can be published using a variety of mechanisms known in the art. The various mechanisms used by the varying embodiments of the invention provide different capabilities depending on how dynamic the application using the service is intended to be. The service description may be published to multiple service registries using several different mechanisms. The simplest case is a direct publish. A direct publish means the service provider sends the service description directly to the service requester. In this case the service requestor may maintain a local copy of the service description 322.

[0052] Another means of publishing service descriptions utilized in alternative embodiments of the invention is through a UDDI registry. There are several types of UDDI registries known in the art that may be used depending on the scope of the domain of Web services published to it. When publishing a Web service description to a UDDI registry, it is desirable to consider the business context and taxonomies in order for the service to be found by its potential service . Examples of UDDI registries used in the gaming service architecture of various embodiments of the invention are Internal Enterprise Application UDDI registry, Portal UDDI registry, and Partner Catalog UDDI registry.

[0053] An Internal Enterprise Application UDDI registry may be used in some embodiments for gaming services intended for use within an organization for internal enterprise applications integration. For example, all services that provide gaming and gaming management to devices within a casino or casino organization may be published to an Internal Enterprise Application UDDI registry.

[0054] A Portal UDDI registry may be used in some embodiments for gaming services that are published by a company for external partners to find and use. A portal UDDI registry typically runs in the service provider's environment outside of a firewall or in a DMZ (de-militarized zone) between firewalls. This kind of private UDDI registry generally contains only those service descriptions that a company wishes to provide to service requesters from external partners through a network. For example, these services may be used to provide online gaming to customers connecting through the World-Wide Web.

[0055] A Partner Catalog UDDI registry may be used in some embodiments for gaming services to be used by a particular company. The Partner Catalog UDDI registry can be thought of as a rolodex like UDDI registry. A Partner Catalog UDDI registry is typically located on a computer or gaming machine behind a firewall. This kind of private UDDI registry typically contains approved, tested, and valid service descriptions from legitimate (e.g. authorized) business partners. The business context and metadata for these services can be targeted to the specific requestor. In some embodiments, this type of registry may be used for inter-casino services as well as interactions between casinos and other types of organizations such as regulators and financial institutions. It is desirable that an appropriate authorization and qualification procedure be in place to insure that only approved are published to service repositories.

[0056] In the discover interactions 332 (also referred to as find interactions), the service requestor a service description directly or queries the for this type of service required. It there processes the description in order to be able to bind and invoke it.

[0057] As with publishing service descriptions, acquiring service descriptions may vary depending on how the service description is published and how dynamic the service application is meant to be. In some embodiments, service requestors may find Web services during two different phases of an application lifecycle--design time and run time.

[0058] At design time, service requestors search for web service descriptions by the type of interface they support. At run time, service requestors search for a web service based on how they communicate or qualities of service advertised.

[0059] With the direct publish approach noted above, the service requester may cache the service description at design time for use at runtime. The service description may be statically represented in the program logic, stored in a file, or in a simple, local service description repository.

[0060] Service requestors can retrieve a service description at design time or runtime from a Web page (URL), a service description repository, a simple service registry or a UDDI registry. The look-up mechanism typically supports a query mechanism that provides a find by type of interface capability (for example, based on a WSDL template), the binding information (i.e. protocols), properties (such as QOS parameters), the types of intermediaries required, the taxonomy of the service, business information, etc.

[0061] The various types of UDDI registries, including those described above, have implications on the number of runtime binding services can choose from, policy for choosing one among many, or the amount of pre screening that will be done by the requestor before invoking the service. Service selection can be based on binding support, historical performance, quality of service classification, proximity, or load balancing. It is desirable that an appropriate authorization and qualification procedure be in place to insure that only approved services are published to service repositories.

[0062] Once a service description is acquired, the service requestor will need to process it in order to invoke the service. In some embodiments, the service requestor uses the service description to generate SCAP requests or programming language specific proxies to the service. The generation of such requests can be done at design time or at run time to format an invocation to the service. Various tools can be used at design time or runtime to generate programming language bindings from interface descriptions, such as WSDL documents. These bindings present an API (Application Program Interface) to the application program and encapsulate the details of the messaging from the application.

[0063] After a service has been published 330 and discovered 332, the service may be invoked so that a service requestor and service provider may interact 334. In the interact operation 334, the service requester invokes or initiates an interaction with the service at runtime using the binding details in the service description 322 to locate, contact, and invoke the service. Examples of service interactions 334 include: single message one way, broadcast from requester to many services, a multi message conversation, or a business process. Any of these types of interactions can be synchronous or asynchronous requests.

[0064] In some embodiments of the invention, security mechanisms may be used to secure the Gaming Services Framework 300. Securing the Gaming Services Framework typically involves providing facilities for ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the messages and for ensuring that a service acts only on requests in messages that express the claims required by policies. Examples of such mechanisms used in various embodiments of the invention include IPSec and SSL/TLS, which provide network and transport layer security between two endpoints. However, when data is received and forwarded on by an intermediary beyond the transport layer both the integrity of data and any security information that flows with it maybe lost. This forces any upstream message processors to rely on the security evaluations made by previous intermediaries and to completely trust their handling of the content of messages. Thus it is desirable to include security that provide end-to-end security. It is also desirable that such mechanisms be able to leverage both transport and application layer security mechanisms to provide a comprehensive suite of security capabilities.

Cashless Gaming Service

[0065] In general, the various embodiments of the invention implement a mechanism by which a player may conveniently use electronic funds transfers to wager at a gaming terminal. The funds transfers can be from the gaming terminal to a Cashless Gaming Service and from the Cashless Gaming Service to the gaming terminal. A player may initiate funds transfers while at a gaming machine. The casino can also initiate the transfer of promotional credits to a player's account. The Cashless Gaming Service provides the player with current account information, including the current balance and a list of transactions in the current period. The Cashless Gaming Service also supports inter-bank transfers between player accounts. For instance a player may request that funds be transferred from his/her Checking account to the Cashless Gaming account.

[0066] A typical sequence of events is as follows. When a player signs up for a Player Tracking card or some other casino-issued identification, the player has the option of signing up for a Cashless Gaming account at the casino. The account can be operated just like a regular bank account and the casino in effect operates like a bank. The player can contribute funds to the account at the time the account is opened. Alternatively, the player may deposit funds later while actually playing at a Cashless Gaming Service-enabled gaming machine, akin to an ATM deposit. When a player identifies himself/herself to a Cashless Gaming Service-enabled gaming machine (via a Player Tracking card, User ID/PIN), the gaming machine sends a registration message with the player's identification and authorization information to the Cashless Gaming Service. If the player has previously established an account, is in good standing and is eligible to use the Service, the Service will successfully register the player.

[0067] The player may deposit funds at a gaming machine by inserting money into any of the gaming machine's cash-in devices. These funds are automatically transferred to his/her Cashless Gaming account, so that he/she might play with these funds at another gaming terminal in the future. When the player is done playing at a terminal, he/she has the option of cashing out all or a portion of the funds at the machine or committing them back to the Cashless Gaming account. If the Player removes the Player Tracking card (or signs off the session) at any time, the gaming device will automatically transfer all remaining credits in the gaming machine back to the Cashless Gaming account. The player can at any time request the current account balance and a transaction history.

[0068] The casino also has the ability to fund a player's account with promotional credits. These credits may be designated as cashable or non-cashable and are transferable between gaming machines.

[0069] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6 are flow diagrams illustrating methods for providing a cashless gaming service in a gaming network according to embodiments of the invention. The methods may be performed within an operating environment such as that described above with reference to FIGS. 1-4. The methods to be performed by the operating environment constitute computer programs made up of computer-executable instructions. Describing the methods by reference to a flow diagram enables one skilled in the art to develop such programs including such instructions to carry out the methods on suitable computers (the processor of the computer executing the instructions from machine-readable media such as RAM, ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, flash memory etc.). The methods illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6 are inclusive of the acts performed by an operating environment executing an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0070] FIG. 5A is a flow diagram illustrating a method for providing a cashless gaming service in a service-oriented gaming network. In the detailed description of the method below, particular program method names may be provided for particular embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that such names are convenient labels for the method and are exemplary in nature. The present invention is not limited to any functionality that may be implied by the name.

[0071] The method begins by publishing the availability of a cashless gaming service on a gaming network (block 510). In some , the service is registered by sending a description (e.g. in WSDL) of the service to the discovery agency. The discovery agency adds the service description to its UDDI repository. At this point the cashless gaming service is available for discovery by interested parties.

[0072] Next, in some embodiments, a client/service requestor makes UDDI calls to the discovery agency to find a cashless gaming service (block 512). The discovery agency returns the service description and location information to the requestor.

[0073] Next, a client/service requestor registers with the service provider (block 514). In some embodiments, this is accomplished by invoking a invoking a cashlessGamingServiceRegister method on the Cashless Gaming Service. As an example, this may occur when a player inserts his/her Player identification card into the gaming terminal. In some embodiments this method call is a SOAP call and includes parameters that identify the gaming terminal, the player and provide authentication information to the Cashless Gaming Service provider. The Cashless Gaming Service provider may verify that the gaming terminal and player are authorized to execute methods in its service before successfully registering the client. When the client is done using the service, it may invoke a cashlessGamingServiceRegister method on the Cashless Gaming Service. For example, this may occur when the player removes the Player identification card from the gaming terminal.

[0074] Finally, a client (e.g. a gaming terminal, a service requestor or a service provider) can invoke the cashless service to process a request (block 516). In some embodiments, invoking the cashless gaming service involves invoking methods. The methods may be either a SOAP message or an HTTP Request encapsulating an OFX message, or one based on a number of other open XML-based protocols such as IFX, IOTP, and ECML. The Cashless Gaming Service may implement ACH, SWIFT or any of a number of other electronic funds transfer protocols to transact with other financial institutions.

[0075] The Open Financial Exchange (OFX) is a standardized, extensible XML-based protocol to exchange information between clients and financial institutions. OFX supports message sets for Consumer Banking operations, inter-bank transfers, wire transfers, recurring transfers, credit card, automatic payment processing, taxes and brokerage investments. In a casino gaming environment, the Consumer banking message set adequately encapsulates the needed functionality to perform electronic funds transfers.

[0076] The Interactive Financial exchange (IFX) is another XML-based, financial messaging protocol. IFX provides content rich conversations in the areas of Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment, Business to Business Payments, Business to Business Banking, Automated Teller Machine communications, Consumer to Business Payments and Consumer to Business Banking.

[0077] The Internet Open Trading Protocol (IOTP) is an interoperable framework for Internet commerce. It is optimized for the case where the buyer and the merchant do not have a prior acquaintance and is payment system independent.

[0078] The Electronic Commerce Modeling Language (ECML) defines a standard set of information fields used by consumers in electronic commerce transaction, so that the task of filling in the fields can be automated by wallet software, for example.

[0079] The choice of a cashless transfer protocol will depend on the model of the cashless network. In the first model, the gaming machine and the server collaborate in financial bookkeeping. In this model the gaming machine must handle bookkeeping for the money on resident on gaming machine while the server handles the bookkeeping for the money resident in the Cashless Gaming account. Money is transferred electronically between the server and the gaming machine. This model will be referred to as the Distributed Banking model.

[0080] In the second model, all accounts are maintained at the server and the server handles all financial bookkeeping. The gaming machine simply displays the current account information held at the server. This will be referred to as the Centralized Banking model. The OFX (or IFX) protocol may be more appropriate in this model between the gaming machine and the Cashless Gaming Service. Money transfers occur on the server between the Player's account and the Casino's account. The gaming machine is only responsible for displaying the Player's current account balance as well as translating game outcomes to OFX (or IFX) transactions that are sent to the server to fulfill. The OFX (or IFX) protocol may also be used to request the transfer funds between the Player's Cashless account and an external account held at another financial institution. OFX (or IFX) also allows the client to query the Cashless service for a list of transactions for a given period.

[0081] The following is a nonexclusive list of methods of the cashless gaming service that may be invoked in various embodiments (the methods may be as SOAP calls): [0082] cashlessGamingServiceNewAccount--The client this call to the Cashless Gaming Service to establish a new account for the Player. In some embodiments, only the casino's management system will have the authority to make this request. [0083] cashlessGamingServiceModifyAccount--The client makes this call to the Cashless Gaming Service to modify the details of an existing account. In some embodiments, only the casino's management system will have the authority to make this request. [0084] cashlessGamingServiceCloseAccount--The client makes this call to the Cashless Gaming Service to close out an existing account. In some embodiments, only the casino's management system will have the authority to make this request. [0085] cashlessGamingServiceGetAccountDetails--The client makes this call to the Cashless Gaming Service to get detailed information about the Account. The account information may include name, address, phone number, tax identification number, account number, account balance, promotional credits balance and transaction history. [0086] cashlessGamingServiceGetAccountBalance--The client makes this call to the Cashless Gaming Service to get the current account balance. [0087] cashlessGamingServiceGetTransactionHistory--The client makes this call to the Cashless Gaming Service to get a list of account transactions for the specified period. The extent of account history retained by the Cashless Service is implementation dependent. Players may retrieve the transaction history of their account while at a gaming terminal. Players may optionally choose to print it out on the gaming machine's printing device or have it sent to a chosen email address for later viewing. [0088] cashlessGamingServiceDepositFunds--The client makes this call to the Cashless Gaming Service to deposit funds to the account. Typically the player situated at a gaming terminal initiates this action. [0089] cashlessGamingServiceWithdrawFunds--The client makes this call to withdraw funds from the Cashless Account and transfer them as playable credits on the gaming terminal where the player is situated. [0090] cashlessGamingServiceTransferFunds--The client can make this call to request a funds transfer between a player's external account (e.g. Checking account) and his/her Cashless Gaming account. The gaming terminal will obtain information from the player prior to requesting the funds transfer. This call may also be used to transfer funds between two Cashless Gaming accounts that have been previously set up as linked. For example a player may transfer funds to a spouse's account directly from a gaming machine. As another example, a player can tip the wait-staff directly by transferring funds to the wait-staff's account at the gaming terminal. [0091] cashlessGamingServiceDepositPromoCredits--The client makes this call to request to deposit promotional credits to the players account. The casino operator will typically initiate this operation. [0092] cashlessGamingServiceWithdrawPromoCredits--The client makes this call to request to withdraw promotional credits from the players account. The casino operator will typically initiate this operation.

[0093] FIG. 5B illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the invention for providing a cashless gaming service to a client in a gaming machine network. In particular, FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary usage scenario involving an exemplary message sequence 500 that describes how a client such as gaming machine 501 and a cashless gaming service 502 interact between themselves and other components of a gaming network such as discovery service 503 and an authorization database 504 when a player deposits finds to a Cashless Gaming account. Message sequence 500 is but one example of a message sequence. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other message sequences for other types of requests are within the scope of the invention. Additional information for each message is provided below as defined by the reference number in FIG. 5B.

[0094] At 521 the Cashless Gaming Service 502 is deployed and saves its binding information to the Discovery Service 503 (e.g. using a UDDI Registry).

[0095] At 522 the Discovery Service 503 authenticates the Cashless Gaming Service 502 with the Authentication/Authorization/Account Database 504 (e.g. using LDAP, RADIUS, SQLServer, Oracle, et al.).

[0096] At 523 the Authentication/Authorization/Account Database 504 successfully authenticates the Cashless Gaming Service 502 (e.g. using LDAP, RADIUS, SQLServer, Oracle, et al.).

[0097] At 524 the Discovery Service 503 returns a information element to the Cashless Gaming Service 502 (e.g. using UDDI). The Cashless Gaming Service 502 is now ready to accept requests for service from clients (e.g. gaming machines, game servers or other components of a gaming network).

[0098] At 525 a Gaming Machine 501 contacts the Discovery Service 503 to find the location of a Cashless Gaming Service (e.g. using UDDI).

[0099] At 526 the Discovery Service 503 returns with a list of possible Cashless Gaming Services (e.g. using UDDI).

[0100] At 527 the Gaming Machine 501 chooses one (using some suitable algorithm) and requests the binding information of that instance of the Cashless Gaming Service 502 (e.g. using UDDI).

[0101] At 528 the Discovery Service 502 returns the binding information to the Gaming Machine 501 (e.g. using UDDI).

[0102] At 529 a player inserts a player-tracking (or other ID) card into the Gaming Machine 501.

[0103] At 530 the Gaming Machine 501 registers with the Cashless Gaming Service 502 (e.g. using SOAP) on behalf of the player.

[0104] At 531 the Cashless Gaming Service 502 authenticates the Gaming Machine 501 and player with the Authentication/Authorization/Account Database 504 (e.g. using LDAP, SQT Server, Oracle, et al.).

[0105] At 532 the Authentication/Authorization/Account Database 504 successfully authenticates the Machine 501 and player (e.g. using LDAP, RADIUS, SQLServer, Oracle, et al.).

[0106] At 533 the Cashless Gaming 502 returns a successful response to the Gaming Machine 501 (e.g. using SOAP).

[0107] At 534 the player inserts funds, plays the game for a period of time and upon completing play, removes the player-tracking card while there are still credits remaining on the Gaming Machine 501. The player selects the option of depositing the credit balance back to the player's cashless account.

[0108] At 535 the Gaming Machine 501 sends a cashlessGamingServiceDepositFunds message (SOAP) to the Cashless Gaming Service 502. The message contains at a minimum the Player ID, Date/Time, deposit amount (credit balance) and a unique transaction ID.

[0109] At 536 the Cashless Gaming Service 502 commits those to the player's account by sending a DEPOSIT_FUNDS_REQ message to the Account Database 504 (e.g. using LDAP, RADIUS, SQLServer, Oracle, et al.)

[0110] At 537 the Account Database 504 successfully acknowledges completion of the transaction by returning a DEPOSIT_FUNDS_RSP (e.g. using LDAP, RADIUS, SQLServer, Oracle, et al.) to the Cashless Gaming Service 502.

[0111] At 538 the Cashless Gaming Service 502 responds to the Gaming Machine 501 with a cashlessGamingServiceDepositFundsAck message (SOAP). Either or both of the Gaming Machine 501 and the Cashless Gaming Service 502 may maintain a transaction log for audit purposes and also to re-sync their databases in the event of lost communication.

[0112] FIG. 6 illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the invention for providing a cashless gaming service to a client in a gaming machine network. In particular, FIG. 6 describes an message sequence scenario 600 of how a player transfers funds between an external Checking Account and the Cashless Gaming account. Message sequence 600 is but one example of a message sequence. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that other message sequences for other types of requests are within the scope of the inventive subject matter. information for each message is provided below as defined by the ID number in FIG. 6. Note that the discovery process is omitted from this sequence. It is assumed that the gaming machine knows how to locate the Cashless Gaming Service (OFX server.)

[0113] At 621 the player inserts a player-tracking card into the Gaming Machine 601 and initiates a funds transfer from an external Financial Institution account to the Cashless Gaming account. The player enters via a keypad, touch screen, or some other interface identification and authorization information for the account(s) being used.

[0114] At 622 the Gaming Machine 501 then sends on behalf of the player a message to the Cashless Service 602. In some embodiments, the message is an OFX message carried in an HTTP POST Request message. The message is transmitted securely using SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and contains a Sign-on section, a transaction section, a Destination Acct section, a Source Account Section, a transaction amount, and a date (IFX can also be used).

[0115] At 623 the Cashless Service 602 authenticates the player and source account information with the Authentication/Authorization/Account Database 603 (LDAP, SQLServer, Oracle, et al.)

[0116] At 624 the Authentication/Authorization/Account Database 603 authenticates the player and source account information (LDAP, SQLServer, Oracle, et al.).

[0117] At 625 the Cashless Service 602 then initiates an inter-bank transfer using any standard electronic funds transfer network such as SWIFT, ACH or FedWire with the player's Financial Institution External Account 604.

[0118] At 626 the Financial Institution 604 acknowledges and completes the transfer transaction.

[0119] At 627 the Cashless Service 602 commits the funds to the Cashless Gaming Account 603 (LDAP, SQLServer, Oracle, et al.)

[0120] At 628 the Cashless Gaming Account 603 successfully acknowledges completion of the transaction (LDAP, SQLServer, Oracle, et al.)

[0121] At 629 the Cashless Service 602 responds to the Gaming Machine 601 with an OFX message contained in an HTTP OK Response.

[0122] At 630 the player can now view the deposited funds on the Gaming Machine 601 and display and wager those funds directly out of the Cashless Gaming Account 603. This implies that every game play results in a transaction to the Cashless Service 602. In the case of a win the Gaming Machine will request a transfer from the Casino's account to the player's Cashless Gaming Account 603. In the case of a loss, the will request a transfer from the player's Cashless Gaming Account 603 to the Casino's account.

Conclusion

[0123] Systems and methods providing a cashless gaming service in a service-oriented gaming network environment have been disclosed. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention.

[0124] The terminology used in this application is meant to include all of these environments. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A method for providing a cashless gaming service in a gaming network including gaming machines, the method comprising: publishing an availability of the cashless gaming service on the gaming network; receiving a discovery request for the cashless gaming service; registering by a gaming client with the cashless gaming service; and processing one or more service requests between the gaming client and the cashless gaming service, said service requests conforming to an internetworking protocol.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cashless gaming service comprises a web service.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the service request is formatted according to a service description language.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the service description language is a Web Services Description Language (WSDL).

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the cashless gaming service is registered in a UDDI registry.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the gaming client comprises a gaming machine.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the gaming client comprises a service provider.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the service request comprises an HTTP request encapsulating an OFX message.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the service request comprises a request to establish a new account.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the service request comprises a request to modify details for an account.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the service request comprises a request to close an account.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the service request comprises a request to provide details for an account.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the service request comprises a request to obtain an account balance.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the service request comprises a request to obtain a list of transactions associated with an account.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the service request comprises a request to deposit funds into an account.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising electronically transferring funds from an external account into the account.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising obtaining authorization prior to electronically transferring funds.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the service request comprises a request to withdraw funds from an account.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising transferring the withdrawn funds as a playable credit on a gaming machine.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the service request comprises a request to deposit promotional credits into an account.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein the service request comprises a request to withdraw promotional credits from an account.

22. The method of claim 1, further comprising authenticating the gaming client to determine if the gaming client is authorized to receive cashless gaming services.

23. A gaming network system, the gaming network system comprising: a gaming client communicably coupled to the gaming network; and a cashless gaming service communicably coupled to the gaming network and operable to: publish an availability of the cashless gaming service on the gaming network; register a gaming client with the cashless gaming service; and process one or more service requests between the gaming client and the cashless gaming service, said service requests conforming to an internetworking protocol.

24. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the cashless gaming service comprises a web service.

25. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the service request is formatted according to a service description language.

26. The gaming network system of claim 25, wherein the service description language is a Web Services Description Language (WSDL).

27. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the cashless gaming service is registered in a UDDI registry.

28. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the gaming client comprises a gaming machine.

29. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the gaming client comprises a service provider in the gaming network.

30. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the service request comprises an HTTP request encapsulating an OFX message.

31. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the service request comprises a request to establish a new account.

32. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the service request comprises a request to modify details for an account.

33. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the service request comprises a request to close an account.

34. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the service request comprises a request to provide details for an account.

35. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the service request comprises a request to obtain an account balance.

36. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the service request comprises a request to obtain a list of transactions associated with an account.

37. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the service request comprises a request to deposit finds into an account.

38. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the cashless gaming service is further operable to electronically transfer funds from an external account into an account.

39. The network system of claim 38, wherein the cashless gaming service is further operable to obtain authorization prior to electronically transferring funds.

40. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the service request comprises a request to withdraw funds from an account.

41. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the service request comprises a request to deposit promotional credits into an account.

42. The gaming network system of claim 23, wherein the service request comprises a request to withdraw promotional credits from an account.

43. The gaming network system of claim 23, further comprising an authentication service operable to authenticate the gaming client to determine if the gaming client is authorized to receive cashless gaming services.

44. The gaming system of claim 43, wherein the authentication service includes an LDAP authentication service.