U.S. patent application number 11/670721 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-08 for methods and apparatus for providing entertainment content at a gaming device.
Invention is credited to Magdalena M. Fincham, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Jay S. Walker.
Application Number | 20070259710 11/670721 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29407785 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070259710 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker; Jay S. ; et
al. |
November 8, 2007 |
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING ENTERTAINMENT CONTENT AT A
GAMING DEVICE
Abstract
Gaming systems and methods of operation thereof are disclosed.
Such gaming systems and methods allow a player of a gaming device,
such as a slot machine or an arcade video game, to access
entertainment services, such as broadcast television programming,
web sites, pay-per-view services and shared-revenue telephone
services, such as 900 or 976 services, for enhanced player
retention. In accordance with one or more embodiments, when play is
initiated, a predefined establishment-specific criteria is
evaluated to determine whether the player should be provided with
access to entertainment services. A player entitled to access such
services may be presented with a list of available entertainment
services. Upon receipt of the player's selection, in accordance
with one or more embodiments, a connection may be established
between the gaming device and the provider of the selected
entertainment service. In accordance with one embodiment, the
content that is the entertainment service is store in the memory of
the gaming device or a peripheral device and output to the player.
The player's level of play may be monitored to ensure that the
establishment-specific criteria for maintaining access to such
entertainment services is being met.
Inventors: |
Walker; Jay S.; (Ridgefield,
CT) ; Jorasch; James A.; (Stamford, CT) ;
Sparico; Thomas M.; (New York, NY) ; Fincham;
Magdalena M.; (Norwalk, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WALKER DIGITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
2 HIGH RIDGE PARK
STAMFORD
CT
06905
US
|
Family ID: |
29407785 |
Appl. No.: |
11/670721 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10395529 |
Mar 21, 2003 |
7241219 |
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11670721 |
Feb 2, 2007 |
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|
09466720 |
Dec 17, 1999 |
6582310 |
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|
11670721 |
Feb 2, 2007 |
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|
08814889 |
Mar 12, 1997 |
6113495 |
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09466720 |
Dec 17, 1999 |
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60374369 |
Apr 19, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/081 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3255 20130101; G07F 17/3262
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/020 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: storing entertainment content for use in a
gaming device, wherein the entertainment content is independent of
game content and the game content corresponds to a wagering game
played at the gaming device; enabling access, by a player of the
gaming device, to the entertainment content; determining a current
level of play by the player of the gaming device; determining that
the current level of play is at least equal to a predetermined
level of play; and maintaining access, for the player of the gaming
device, to the entertainment content based on the determination
that the current level of play is at least equal to the
predetermined level of play.
2. A method for providing entertainment content to a player of a
gaming device, the method comprising: storing entertainment content
at a gaming device, wherein the entertainment content is
independent of game content, the game content corresponding to a
wagering game being played at the gaming device; enabling access,
by a player of the gaming device, to the entertainment content;
monitoring a level of play of a player of the gaming device;
determining that the level of play is at least equal to a
predetermined level of play; and maintaining access, for the player
of the gaming device, to the entertainment content based on the
determination that the level of play is at least equal to the
predetermined level of play.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the entertainment content
comprises audiovisual content.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein the audiovisual content comprises
content that has been repurposed from its original purpose for use
with the gaming device.
5. The method of claim 3 wherein the entertainment content
comprises at least one of: a movie, a television show, animated
content, a recorded sporting event, or a live sporting event.
6. The method of claim 2 wherein enabling access comprises
providing a display for presentation of the entertainment
content.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein providing the display comprises
providing the display in a peripheral device of the gaming
device.
8. The method of claim 2 further comprising determining if the
player has satisfied a condition prior to enabling access.
9. The method of claim 2 further comprising receiving a selection
from the player as to a genre of entertainment.
10. The method of claim 2 wherein the selection from the player as
to the genre is a selection of a genre of entertainment content to
which access is to be enabled.
11. The method of claim 2, wherein the level of play is determined
based on at least one of: a rate of play of the gaming device; a
profitability per unit of time associated with the player; a number
of rounds of a particular type of game played by the player within
a predetermined unit of time; a sum of wagers placed by the player
within a predetermined unit of time; a duration of time the player
has played the gaming device; a current credit meter balance of the
gaming device; and a change in the credit meter balance of the
gaming device, the change being calculated between a first point in
time and a second point in time.
12. A system comprising: a user interface; and a control system
operatively coupled to the user interface, and adapted to: store
entertainment content at a gaming device, wherein the entertainment
content is independent of game content, the game content
corresponding to a game being played at the gaming device; enable
access, by a player of the gaming device, to the entertainment
content; monitor a level of play of a player of the gaming device;
determine that the level of play is at least equal to a
predetermined level of play; and maintain access, for the player of
the gaming device, to the entertainment content based on the
determination that the level of play is at least equal to the
predetermined level of play.
13. A computer readable medium comprising software with
instructions to: store entertainment content at a gaming device,
wherein the entertainment content is independent of game content,
the game content corresponding to a game being played at the gaming
device; enable access, by a player of the gaming device, to the
entertainment content; monitor a level of play of a player of the
gaming device; determine that the level of play is at least equal
to a predetermined level of play; and maintain access, for the
player of the gaming device, to the entertainment content based on
the determination that the level of play is at least equal to the
predetermined level of play.
14. A method comprising: storing entertainment content at a server
associated with a gaming device, wherein the entertainment content
is independent of game content, the game content corresponding to a
game being played at the gaming device; enabling access, by a
player of the gaming device, to the entertainment content;
monitoring a level of play of a player of the gaming device;
determining that the level of play is at least equal to a
predetermined level of play; and maintaining access, by a player of
the gaming device, to the entertainment content based on the
determination that the level of play is at least equal to the
predetermined level of play.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the server comprises a
peripheral device server.
16. A system comprising: a user interface; and a control system
operatively coupled to the user interface and adapted to: store
entertainment content at a server associated with a gaming device,
wherein the entertainment content is independent of game content,
the game content corresponding to a game being played at the gaming
device; enable access, by a player of the gaming device, to the
entertainment content; monitor a level of play of a player of the
gaming device; determine that the level of play is at least equal
to a predetermined level of play; and maintain access, by a player
of the gaming device, to the entertainment content based on the
determination that the level of play is at least equal to the
predetermined level of play.
17. A computer readable medium comprising software with
instructions to: store entertainment content at a server associated
with a gaming device, wherein the entertainment content is
independent of game content, the game content corresponding to a
game being played at the gaming device; enable access, by a player
of the gaming device, to the entertainment content; monitor a level
of play of a player of the gaming device; determine that the level
of play is at least equal to a predetermined level of play; and
maintain access, by a player of the gaming device, to the
entertainment content based on the determination that the level of
play is at least equal to the predetermined level of play.
18. A method for providing entertainment content to a player of a
gaming device, comprising: storing entertainment content at a
peripheral device associated with a gaming device, wherein the
entertainment content is independent of a content of a game being
played at the gaming device; enabling access, by a player of the
gaming device, to the entertainment content; monitoring a level of
play of a player of the gaming device; determining that the level
of play is at least equal to a predetermined level of play; and
maintaining access, by a player of the gaming device, to the
entertainment content based on the determination that the level of
play is at least equal to the predetermined level of play.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein monitoring the level of play
comprises the peripheral device monitoring the level of play of the
player of the gaming device.
20. The method of claim 18 further comprising monitoring player
gambling history over time.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein monitoring player gambling
history over time comprises associating gambling behavior of the
player with a player identifier.
22. The method of claim 21 further comprising determining the
player identifier through use of a player tracking card.
23. The method of claim 18 further comprising tracking a type of
entertainment content accessed by the player at a first time.
24. The method of claim 23 further comprising offering, at a second
time, entertainment content to the player based on the type of
entertainment content accessed by the player at the first time.
25. The method of claim 18 further comprising creating a profile
for the player.
26. The method of claim 25 further comprising directing customized
messages to the player based on the profile.
27. The method of claim 25 wherein creating the profile comprises
creating the profile using at least one of: a number of games
initiated per unit of time; wager amount for a particular game
play; outcomes displayed for games initiated; payouts corresponding
to outcomes displayed; a credit meter balance of the gaming device;
and data associated with the player.
28. The method of claim 18 further comprising presenting the
entertainment content via the peripheral device.
29. The method of claim 18 further comprising outputting messages
to the player.
30. The method of claim 29 wherein outputting messages comprises
outputting messages relating to offers for and menus of available
entertainment services.
31. The method of claim 29 wherein outputting messages comprises
outputting messages relating to indications of the player's status
regarding qualifying for access to an entertainment service.
32. A system comprising: a user interface; and a control system
operatively coupled to the user interface and adapted to: store
entertainment content at a peripheral device associated with a
gaming device, wherein the entertainment content is independent of
a content of a game being played at the gaming device; enable
access, by a player of the gaming device, to the entertainment
content; monitor a level of play of a player of the gaming device;
determine that the level of play is at least equal to a
predetermined level of play; and maintain access, by a player of
the gaming device, to the entertainment content based on the
determination that the level of play is at least equal to the
predetermined level of play.
33. A computer readable medium comprising software with
instructions to: store entertainment content at a peripheral device
associated with a gaming device, wherein the entertainment content
is independent of a content of a game being played at the gaming
device; enable access, by a player of the gaming device, to the
entertainment content; monitor a level of play of a player of the
gaming device; determine that the level of play is at least equal
to a predetermined level of play; and maintain access, by a player
of the gaming device, to the entertainment content based on the
determination that the level of play is at least equal to the
predetermined level of play.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/395,529, filed Mar. 21, 2003 in the name of
Walker et al., which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/374,369, filed Apr. 18, 2002. The entirety
of each application is incorporated by reference herein for all
purposes.
[0002] The Ser. No. 10/395,529 application is a
Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/466,720, filed
Dec. 12, 1999 and issued Jun. 24, 2003 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,582,310
in the name of Walker et al. and entitled AN ELECTRONIC GAMING
SYSTEM OFFERING PREMIUM ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES FOR ENHANCED PLAYER
RETENTION; which is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
08/814,889, filed Mar. 12, 1997 and issued Sep. 5, 2000 as U.S.
Pat. No. 6,113,495. The entirety of each of these Applications is
incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0003] The present application is related to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______ (02-029-C2) filed on Feb. 2, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Gaming devices, such as slot machines, video poker, video
keno or video blackjack devices or other electronic gaming devices,
such as arcade video games, are an important source of income for
the gaming industry and arcades. Accordingly, many casinos and
arcades constantly search for marketing strategies and programs to
appeal to players and to distinguish their electronic gaming
devices from competitors in the industry. For example, as an added
incentive to play the slot machines, many casinos offer "slot club"
programs to reward slot machine players. Each player in a slot club
is generally issued a player tracking card encoded with his
identification number. The casino awards "player reward points" for
the player as he plays slot machines in that casino. The "player
reward points" can generally be redeemed for merchandise or
services at the casino hotel. In many cases, however, these
incentives may not be sufficient to attract new players or to
retain existing casino players at slot machines.
[0005] Thus, a number of programs have been implemented or
suggested in an attempt to retain players at slot machines and
other electronic gaming devices. For example, many casinos provide
players with various forms of entertainment and services directly
at the slot machine. U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,613, entitled "Casino
Entertainment System", discloses an entertainment system for slot
players in a casino which includes audio/video equipment at each
slot machine for communicating with a central control station. The
operator at the central station selects audio/video programming
from a menu of available selections, for presentation at one or
more of the slot machines in the casino. The available audio/video
programming is obtained from a number of conventional sources,
including a VCR, an audio tape deck, a live camera or microphone
and commercial television broadcasting sources, including cable
television programming. Unfortunately, such conventional casino and
arcade entertainment systems have experienced only marginal success
in retaining players at slot machines and other electronic gaming
devices.
[0006] In addition to benefiting from retaining players at gaming
devices, establishments in which the gaming devices are located
also benefit from certain activities engaged in by players while
the players are playing the gaming devices. For example, gaming
devices that experience a high rate of play and/or large wager
amounts per play are more profitable. In another example, a gaming
establishment in which a gaming device is located benefits if a
player inputs into a gaming device an amount of money sufficient to
pay for a plurality of game plays, rather than inputting an amount
of money sufficient to pay for only a single game play, since the
former player is more likely to play the gaming device for a longer
period of time. However, conventional gaming devices and gaming
systems do not sufficiently motivate players to engage in behaviors
that are beneficial to the casino.
[0007] As apparent from the above-described deficiencies with
conventional systems, a need exists for a gaming system that more
effectively retains players at gaming devices and more effectively
motivates players of gaming devices to engage in behaviors
beneficial to the establishments in which the gaming devices are
located
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1A is a schematic block diagram illustrating a suitable
system for establishing communication between a gaming device, such
as a slot machine, and one or more entertainment service
providers;
[0009] FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a system consistent with
one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of a system consistent with
one or more embodiments of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the network server of
FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a gaming device of
FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a sample table from the player tracking
database of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a sample table from the content database
of FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a sample table from the connection record
database of FIG. 2;
[0016] FIGS. 7A through 7C, collectively, are a flow chart
describing an exemplary process for evaluating whether a player has
qualified for access to a premium service, consistent with one or
more embodiments of the present invention; and
[0017] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process
consistent with one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The present invention relates generally to methods and
systems for increasing the utilization of a gaming device, such as
a slot machine or arcade video game, and for rewarding a player
playing such a gaming device for engaging in behavior that is
deemed to be beneficial to the establishment in which the gaming
device is located. The methods and apparatus of the present
invention provide players of gaming devices with an incentive for
continued play. In one or more embodiments, the incentive comprises
access to one or more entertainment services. Such entertainment
services may comprise, for example, broadcast television content,
Web sites, pay-per-view services and shared-revenue telephone
services. The access may be provided, for example, via (i) a
network server in communication with a gaming device, (ii)
communication between the gaming device and a provider of an
entertainment service (e.g., television broadcaster); (iii) a
peripheral device associated with the gaming device; and/or (iv)
the gaming device alone (e.g., in an embodiment where content
comprising the entertainment service is stored at the gaming
device).
[0019] Generally, according to one or more embodiments, a player
will be permitted to access entertainment services, such as premium
web sites, pay-per-view services and shared-revenue services (e.g.,
such as 900 or 976 services), directly from the gaming device for
as long as the player meets the entitlement requirements
established by, for example, the establishment in which the gaming
device is located (e.g., the casino or arcade). Such requirements
for accessing entertainment services are referred to herein as the
"establishment-specific criteria". Alternately, an entity besides
or in addition to the establishment where the gaming device is
located may specify one or more criteria that must be satisfied in
order for a player to obtain access to entertainment services in
accordance with the present invention. For example, in one
embodiment, a provider of the content that is the entertainment
service (e.g., a television broadcaster) may establish one or more
criteria that must be satisfied in order for a player to gain
access to entertainment services. In another embodiment, a
manufacturer or designer of the gaming device may specify one or
more criteria that must be satisfied in order for a player to gain
access to one or more entertainment services.
[0020] In one or more embodiments, a gaming device may access the
entertainment services via a network server. In an alternate
embodiment, entertainment content may be stored at a gaming device
in addition to or in lieu of being stored at a network server. In
yet another alternate embodiment, a gaming device may be operative
to access one or more entertainment services without aid of the
network server and without storing the content comprising the
entertainment service. For example, the gaming device may be
operative to access the telephone network directly to provide the
player with access to the telephone-based entertainment service. In
yet another embodiment, a gaming device may be associated with a
peripheral device that is operable to communicate with a provider
of an entertainment service or that stores content comprising the
entertainment service.
[0021] In an embodiment where access to the entertainment service
is gained via the network server, the network server may be
notified when a player commences play at a particular gaming
device. The network server may evaluate establishment-specific
criteria to determine whether the player should be offered access
to entertainment services while playing. In an alternate
embodiment, a gaming device may be programmed to evaluate such
criteria to determine whether a player has qualified for access to
entertainment services and to enable access to the player for such
services. In one illustrative embodiment, the
establishment-specific criteria can offer access to the content
entertainment services on the following basis: (i) unlimited
complimentary usage to all players whose prior playing history
meets predefined criteria, (ii) unlimited complimentary usage to
all players on certain classes or types of electronic gaming
devices, (iii) limited complimentary access to those players whose
current level of play meets or exceeds a predefined threshold, or
(iv) access in exchange for a cash payment or player reward points
awarded as part of a slot club or an arcade incentive program,
regardless of any current level of play.
[0022] In one or more embodiments, if the establishment-specific
criteria for providing or offering the player the entertainment
services is met, a menu of the available entertainment services may
be transmitted to the gaming device for display to the player.
Alternately, a menu of available entertainment services may be
stored locally at the gaming device. In such an embodiment, the
gaming device may be directed to display the menu (e.g., by the
server) or may be programmed to display the menu when it is
determined (e.g., by the gaming device and/or by the server) that
the player has qualified for access to the entertainment services.
The player thereafter enters his selection of a desired premium
entertainment service, which selection is transmitted to the
network server. Alternately, in an embodiment where access to the
entertainment service is direct from the gaming device, or in an
embodiment where the content comprising the entertainment service
is stored at the gaming device, the player may be provided with his
selected entertainment service by the gaming device upon making a
selection. Upon receipt of the player's selection, a content
database may be accessed to retrieve information required to access
the selected content provider (in embodiments where the content is
not stored at the gaming device or a peripheral device associated
with the gaming device), such as the appropriate external network
and network address to be utilized, as well as any required account
number and/or password. A connection may thereafter be established
(e.g., by the network server, by the gaming device, or by a
peripheral device associated with the gaming device) between the
gaming device and the selected content provider.
[0023] In one or more embodiments, once the connection to the
selected entertainment service is established, the level of play of
the player may be monitored to determine if the
establishment-specific criteria for maintaining access to the
selected premium entertainment service is being met. Criteria for
maintaining access to the selected entertainment service may be the
same as criteria for first gaining access to the entertainment
service. For example, if a predetermined rate of play (e.g.,
predetermined number of game plays initiated per unit of time) must
be achieved by a player in order to gain access to an entertainment
service, the rate of play may need to be maintained by the player
in order to maintain access to the entertainment service.
Alternately, criteria for maintaining access to an entertainment
service may be different than criteria for initially gaining access
to the entertainment service. For example, a first rate of play may
need to be achieved to initially gain access to an entertainment
service while a second rate of play (e.g., a rate of play that is a
higher rate of play or a lower rate of play than the first rate of
play) may need to be maintained by the player in order to maintain
access to the entertainment service.
[0024] As previously indicated, in an illustrative embodiment, the
establishment-specific criteria will maintain entertainment
services for (i) all players on certain classes of gaming devices,
regardless of the player's current level of play; (ii) certain
players based on their prior playing history, regardless of the
player's current level of play, (iii) for those players whose
current level of play meets or exceeds a predefined threshold, and
(iv) for those players who provide a cash payment or player reward
points awarded as part of a slot club or an arcade incentive
program.
[0025] In one or more embodiments, if the establishment-specific
criteria for maintaining access to the entertainment service is not
being met, a disconnection warning may be transmitted to the player
with information on how the connection to the entertainment service
can be maintained by the player. For example, the player may be
informed that a connection to the entertainment service may be
maintained by (i) complying with predetermined level of play
requirements to maintain complimentary access; (ii) depositing
coins in the gaming device or otherwise providing an additional
payment; or (iii) allowing a deduction of earned credits from
current play prizes or player reward points. These are examples of
establishment-specific criteria for maintaining access to an
entertainment service. They may also be examples of predetermined
criteria for initially qualifying for access to an entertainment
service. In other words, a predetermined level of play is an
example of an establishment-specific criteria (whether for gaining
or for maintaining access to an entertainment service), as is
payment for content.
[0026] In one or more embodiments, after receiving the
disconnection message, the connection to the entertainment service
(e.g., or the output of the entertainment service, if the content
comprising the entertainment service is stored locally at a gaming
device or peripheral device associated with the gaming device) may
be terminated if the player does not perform one of the indicated
steps for maintaining the connection. Once the access to the
entertainment service is terminated, an entry of the connection
session may be made in a connection record database (described
below).
[0027] A more complete understanding of the present invention, as
well as further features and advantages of the present invention,
will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description
and drawings.
[0028] FIG. 1A shows an illustrative network environment for
transferring multimedia information, such as video, audio and data,
between a content provider, such as content providers 115, 120,
125, and one or more electronic gaming devices, such as slot
machine 300, over one or more external networks 140, 145, 150.
According to a feature of the present invention, the content
providers, such as providers 115, 120 and 125, provide players with
access to entertainment services. An entertainment service, as used
herein, is a service for which a fee is specifically charged (e.g.,
to the establishment in which the gaming device is located and/or
to the player playing the gaming device) for the use of that
service, including web sites, pay-per-view services and
shared-revenue telephone services, such as 900 or 976 services. It
is noted that the fee incurred for a particular premium
entertainment service may be a fixed fee for a predefined period of
time (in other words, a flat monthly fee), or a variable rate based
on the amount of usage of the entertainment service.
[0029] According to one or more embodiments of the invention,
discussed below, access to the entertainment services can be
provided to a player on a complimentary basis, as an incentive for
continued play, as a prize in lieu of, or in addition to, a cash
payout, or in exchange for a cash payment or player reward points
awarded as part of a slot club or an arcade incentive program.
[0030] The term "gaming device" as used herein refers to any
programmable gaming terminal controlling a random or pseudo-random
event in which one or more players can bet on the outcome of the
event. Examples of gaming devices include slot machines (e.g.,
mechanical reel or electronic reel), video bingo, video keno, video
poker and video blackjack devices, or arcade video games such as
Mortal Kombat.TM., NBA Jam.TM., or Virtua Fighter.TM.. While the
gaming device 300 is illustrated as a slot machine in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3 and discussed herein, another electronic
gaming device, such as a video arcade game, could be substituted
therefore, as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill. In
the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the gaming device 300
accesses the external networks 140, 145, 150, indirectly via a
network server 110, discussed further below in conjunction with
FIG. 2. It is noted that the functionality provided by the network
server 110 for connecting the gaming device 300 to the remote
content providers 115, 120, 125, as discussed below, could be
provided directly in the gaming device 300 itself, as would be
apparent to a person of ordinary skill. In this manner, a gaming
device 300 could directly access a desired content provider 115,
120, 125, via the external networks 140, 145, 150. The network
server 110 and the gaming device 300, discussed further below in
conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively, may comprise
conventional hardware and software, as modified herein to carry out
the functions and operations described below. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1B, a gaming device communicated with one or
more content providers (e.g., such as content provider 115, 120,
and/or 125) directly, without establishing the communication
through a network server 110. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
1C, a content provider (e.g., such as content provider 115, 120,
and/or 125) may be communicated with by a gaming device, a computer
(e.g., network server 110), a peripheral device associated with a
gaming device, and/or a peripheral device server in order to
provide to a player access to an entertainment service.
[0031] The network server 110, gaming device 300, a peripheral
device, and a peripheral device server may transmit data (e.g.,
digitally encoded data) and other information between one another.
The transmitted data and other information may represent player
name and identification number, play results (e.g., particular
outcomes obtained by the player and/or statistical information
regarding a player's gaming session), authenticated player
identification, a menu of entertainment services and player
selections, and the multimedia entertainment service content (e.g.,
a file comprising a movie or portion of a movie). The
communications link between any of the devices illustrated in the
systems of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C may comprise a cable or wireless
link on which electronic signals can propagate. Note that although
FIG. 1A shows only one gaming device 300, a plurality of gaming
devices may be in communication with a network server 110, each
identified by a unique gaming device identifier. It is noted that
each content provider, such as content providers 115, 120, 125, may
employ a computer, for communicating with the network server 110.
The computer of each content provider 115, 120, 125 may comprise,
for example, of a processing unit, a modem, memory means and any
required audio/video hardware and software.
[0032] The television network 140, as used herein, includes a
wireless broadcast network for distribution of video programming,
such as a digital satellite service ("DSS"), as well as a
conventional wired cable television network ("CATV"). The
entertainment services accessed via the television network 140
include pay-per-view video programming.
[0033] The telephone network 145, as used herein, includes the
combination of local and long distance wire or wireless facilities
and switches known as the public switched telephone network
("PSTN"), as well as cellular network systems and the telephony
feature of the Internet. The entertainment services accessed via
the telephone network 145 include shared-revenue telephone
services, such as 900 or 976 services. As is well known,
shared-revenue telephone services deliver a particular service over
the telephone and subsequently bill the caller. The caller is
typically identified by the phone number from which the call is
made, with the subsequent bill then included as part of the
caller's regular telephone bill. The content provider typically
calculates the amount of the bill after the service has been
delivered. This amount is forwarded to the billing telephone
company, which both bills and collects the appropriate amount from
the caller. The telephone company typically deducts a portion of
the total fee for the service in return for both the cost of making
the telephone connection and for the telephone company's role as
bill collector.
[0034] The Internet network 150, as used herein, includes the World
Wide Web (the "Web") and other systems for storing and retrieving
information using the Internet. To view a web site, the user
communicates an electronic Web address, referred to as a Uniform
Resource Locator ("URL"), associated with the web site. In one
embodiment, a player can be presented with a list or menu of
available web sites, with the corresponding URL preprogrammed for
each site. The player thereafter enters his selection of a desired
web site, which selection may be transmitted to the network server
110 or accessed by the gaming device being played by the player. A
web browser software product, such as Netscape Navigator.TM. or
Microsoft Internet Explorer.TM., may then access the web site by
communicating with the appropriate server, in a known manner. The
entertainment services accessed via the Internet network 150
include web sites such as ESPNET Sportszone.TM..
[0035] FIG. 1B illustrates an alternate system 1000, consistent
with one or more embodiments of the present invention. System 1000
includes components similar to those of the system of FIG. 1A.
Accordingly, a component of system 1000 that is similar to a
component of the system of FIG. 1A (e.g., gaming device 300) may be
operable to perform similar functions in both systems. A difference
between the system 1000 and the system of FIG. 1A is that in system
1000 a gaming device 300 is operable to communicate direction with
one of the content providers 115, 120, and 125 using television
network 140, telephone network 145, and the Internet 150,
respectively. In other words, a difference between system 1000 and
the system of FIG. 1A is that a gaming device 300 in system 1000
may gain access to an entertainment service or communicate with a
content provider without establishing such communication through
network server 110. Note that, in system 1000, a gaming device 300
may still be in communication with network server 110 for purposes
other than establishing communication with a provider of an
entertainment service such as content provider 115, 120, and 125.
Note further that, in an alternate embodiment, a gaming device 300
may establish communication with a content provider such as content
provider 115, 120, and 125 via a network (not shown). Such a
network may comprise, for example, an intranet of the establishment
in which the gaming device is located.
[0036] FIG. 1C illustrates yet another alternate system 2500,
consistent with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
The system 2500 includes a computer 2100 (e.g., a network server of
a casino similar to the network server 110 of FIG. 1A) that is in
communication, via a communications network 2200, with one or more
gaming devices 300 (e.g., slot machines, video poker machines). A
difference between the systems of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B and system
2500 (FIG. 1C) is that in system 2500 at least one gaming device
300 is also in communication with one or more peripheral devices
2400. A peripheral device 2400 may, in turn, be in communication
with a peripheral device server 2450 and, in some embodiments, with
computer 2100. In one or more embodiments the peripheral device
server 2450 may be in communication with one or more gaming devices
300 and/or computer 2100.
[0037] System 2500 also includes a content provider device 2700.
Content provider device 2700 may comprise a device of a content
provider 115, 120, or 125 (FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B). Further, although
only one content provider device 2700 is illustrated in FIG. 1C,
any number of content provider devices may be used. Any and all of
the other devices of system 2500 (i.e., computer 210, a gaming
device 300, a peripheral device 2400, and/or the peripheral device
server 2450) may communicate with content provider device 2700.
Such communication may be direct, or via a network. If the
communication is via a network, the network may comprise the
network 2200 and/or the network 2600. The network 2200 may
comprise, for example, an intranet of an establishment in which the
gaming devices 300 are located. The network 2600 may comprise, for
example, an external network. In one embodiment, the network 2600
may comprise any and all of the television network 140, the
telephone network 145, and the Internet 150 (FIG. 1A and FIG.
1B).
[0038] The computer 2100 may communicate with the devices 300 and
devices 2400 directly or indirectly, via a wired or wireless medium
such as the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, or via any
appropriate communications means or combination of communications
means. For example, the computer 2100 may communicate directly with
one of the gaming devices 300 (e.g., via a LAN) and indirectly
(e.g., via a gaming device 300) with a peripheral device 2400. In
another example, the computer 2100 may communicate with one of the
gaming devices 300 via a LAN and with another of the gaming devices
300 via the Internet (e.g., if the particular gaming device
comprises a personal computer in communication with an online
casino).
[0039] Each of the devices 300 and the peripheral devices 2400 may
comprise computers, such as those based on the Intel.RTM.
Pentium.RTM. processor, that are adapted to communicate with the
computer 210. Further, each of the devices 300 may comprise a
gaming device such as a mechanical or electronic slot machine, a
video poker machine, a video blackjack machine, a video keno
machine, a pachinko machine, a video roulette machine, and/or a
lottery terminal. Further yet, each of the devices 2400 may
comprise an external or internal module associated with one or more
of the gaming devices 300 that is capable of communicating with one
or more of the gaming devices 300 and of directing the one or more
gaming devices 300 to perform one or more functions. Any number of
devices 300 may be in communication with the computer 2100. Any
number and type of peripheral devices 2400 may be in communication
with a gaming device 300, peripheral device server 2450 and
computer 2100.
[0040] Communication between the gaming devices 300 and the
computer 2100, between the gaming devices 200 and peripheral
devices 2400, between peripheral device server 2450 and the
peripheral devices 2400 and/or the gaming devices 300, between the
peripheral device server 2450 and computer 2100, among the gaming
devices 300, and among the peripheral devices 2400 may be direct or
indirect, such as over the Internet through a Web site maintained
by computer 2100 on a remote server or over an on-line data network
including commercial on-line service providers, bulletin board
systems and the like. In yet other embodiments, any and all of the
devices of system 2500 (i.e., the gaming devices 300, the
peripheral devices 2400, the computer 2100, and the peripheral
device server 2450) may communicate with one another over RF, cable
TV, satellite links and the like.
[0041] Some, but not all, possible communication networks that may
comprise network 2200 and/or network 2600 or otherwise be part of
system 2500 include: a local area network (LAN), a wide area
network (WAN), the Internet, a telephone line, a cable line, a
radio channel, an optical communications line, a satellite
communications link. Possible communications protocols that may be
part of system 2500 include: Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP,
Bluetooth.TM., and TCP/IP. Communication may be encrypted to ensure
privacy and prevent fraud in any of a variety of ways well known in
the art.
[0042] In an embodiment, the computer 2100 may not be necessary
and/or preferred. For example, the present invention may, in one or
more embodiments, be practiced on a stand-alone gaming device 300,
one or more gaming devices in communication with one or more
peripheral devices 2400, one or more gaming devices in
communication with peripheral device server 2450, one or more
peripheral devices 2400 in communication with peripheral device
server 2450, and/or a gaming device 300 in communication only with
one or more other gaming devices 300. In such an embodiment, any
functions described as performed by the computer 2100 or data
described as stored in a memory of the computer 2100 may instead be
performed by or stored on one or more gaming devices 300, one or
more peripheral devices 2400, and/or peripheral device server
2450.
[0043] Similarly, peripheral device server 2450 may not be desired
and/or needed in some embodiments of the present invention. In
embodiments that do not involve peripheral device server 2450, any
or all of the functions described herein as being performed by
peripheral device server 2450 may instead be performed by computer
2100, one or more gaming devices 300, one or more peripheral
devices 2400, or a combination thereof. Similarly, in embodiments
that do not involve peripheral device server 2450 any data
described herein as being stored in a memory of peripheral device
server 2450 may instead be stored in a memory of computer 2100, one
or more gaming devices 300, one or more peripheral devices 2400, or
a combination thereof.
[0044] Any or all of the gaming devices 300 may, respectively,
include or be in communication with a peripheral device 2400. A
peripheral device 2400 may be a device that receives information
from (and/or transmits information to) one or more gaming devices
300. For example, a peripheral device 2400 may be operable to
receive information about games being played on a gaming device
300, such as the initiation of a game and/or a random number that
has been generated for a game.
[0045] In one or more embodiments, one or more such peripheral
devices 2400 may be in communication with a peripheral device
server 2450. This allows the peripheral device server 2450 to
receive information regarding a plurality of games being played on
a plurality of gaming devices 300. The peripheral device server
2450, in turn, may be in communication with the computer 2100. It
should be understood that any functions described herein as
performed by a peripheral device 2400 may also or instead be
performed by the peripheral device server 2450. Similarly, any data
described herein as being stored on or accessed by a peripheral
device 2400 may also or instead be stored on or accessed by the
peripheral device server 2450.
[0046] A peripheral device 2400 may be operable to access a
database (e.g., of peripheral device server 245) to provide access
to an entertainment service based on, for example, a level of play
associated with a player.
[0047] The peripheral device server 2450 may also monitor player
gambling history over time by associating gambling behavior with
player identifiers, such as player tracking card numbers. For
example, in embodiments wherein a player selects a type of
entertainment service to access (e.g., a web site versus a
broadcast television channel), the peripheral device server 2450
may track which type of entertainment service the player previously
selected and subsequently use that information to present types of
entertainment services to the player (e.g., the information may be
used to select which available entertainment services are to be
included in a menu of available entertainment services to be output
to a player). Further, information about the player obtained or
accessed by peripheral device server 2450 may be analyzed, e.g., to
identify those players that a particular gaming machine owner,
operator, or manufacturer finds most desirable. Based upon desired
objectives, the peripheral device server 2450 may direct the
appropriate peripheral device 2400 to issue customized messages
(e.g., offering particular entertainment services) to specific
players that are relevant to their gambling behaviors.
[0048] Information received by a peripheral device 2400 from a
gaming device 300 may include gambling data such as number of games
initiated per unit of time, wager amount for a particular game
play, outcomes displayed for games initiated, payouts corresponding
to outcomes displayed, a credit meter balance of the gaming device,
and/or data associated with the player currently playing the gaming
device 300. Such data may be utilized, for example, to determine
whether a player has satisfied one or more establishment-specific
criteria for accessing one or more entertainment services.
[0049] The functions described herein as being performed by a
peripheral device server 2450 and/or a peripheral device 2400 may,
in one or more embodiments, be performed by the computer 2100 (in
lieu of or in conjunction with being performed by a peripheral
device server 2450 and/or a peripheral device 2400).
[0050] In one or more embodiments, a peripheral device 2400 may be
useful for implementing the embodiments of the present invention
into the operation of a conventional gaming device. For example, in
order to avoid or minimize the necessity of modifying or replacing
an interface, cabinet, or program already stored in a memory of a
conventional gaming device, an external or internal module that
comprises a peripheral device 2400 may be inserted in or associated
with the gaming device.
[0051] Thus, for example, a peripheral device 2400 may be utilized
to monitor play of the gaming device and output messages (e.g.,
offers for and menus of available entertainment services, or
indications of a player's status regarding qualifying for access to
an entertainment service). In such embodiments the gaming device
300 with which the peripheral device 2400 is in communication with
may continue to operate conventionally. The peripheral device 2400
may also provide access to an entertainment service (e.g., by
displaying the content comprising the entertainment service). Note
that, in one or more embodiments, a gaming device 300 may not
communicate with a peripheral device 2400. Instead, a peripheral
device 2400 may monitor activities of the gaming device 300.
[0052] A peripheral device 2400 may include (i) a communications
port (e.g., for communicating with one or more gaming devices 300,
peripheral device server 2450, another peripheral device 2400,
and/or computer 2100); (ii) a display (e.g., for displaying
messages and/or outcomes), (iii) another output means (e.g., a
speaker, light, or motion device to communicate with a player),
and/or (iv) a benefit providing means (e.g., a printer and paper
dispensing means, a credit meter, and/or a hopper and hopper
controller).
[0053] In one or more embodiments, the peripheral device 2400
associated with a gaming device 300 may not output messages and/or
content comprising an entertainment service to a player but may
instead direct the processor of the gaming device 300 to perform
such functions. For example, a program stored in a memory of
peripheral device 2400 may cause a processor of a gaming device 300
to perform certain functions. For example, a program stored in a
memory of peripheral device 2400 may cause a processor of a gaming
device to initiate communications with a content provider of
entertainment services or with computer 210 in order to gain access
to entertainment services or to output content comprising an
entertainment service.
[0054] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the architecture of an
illustrative network server 110 (or of computer 2100). The network
server 110 may be embodied, for example, as an RS 6000 server,
manufactured by IBM Corp., as modified herein to execute the
functions and operations of the present invention. The network
server 110 may include certain standard hardware components, such
as a central processing unit (CPU) 200, a data storage device 210,
a read only memory (ROM) 220, a random access memory (RAM) 230, a
clock 240, and communications ports 250, 255. The CPU 200 may be in
communication with each of the other listed elements, by means of,
for example, a shared data bus or dedicated connections, as shown
in FIG. 2.
[0055] The CPU 200 may be embodied as a single processor, or a
number of processors. The data storage device 210 and/or ROM 220
are operable to store one or more instructions, as discussed below
in conjunction with FIGS. 7A through 7C, which the CPU 200 is
operable to retrieve, interpret and execute. The CPU 200 may
include a control unit, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), and a CPU
local memory storage device, such as, for example, a stackable
cache or a plurality of registers, in a known manner. The control
unit is operable to retrieve instructions from the data storage
device 210 or ROM 220. The ALU is operable to perform a plurality
of operations needed to carry out instructions. The CPU local
memory storage device is operable to provide high speed storage
used for storing temporary results and control information.
[0056] As discussed further below in conjunction with FIGS. 4
through 6, the data storage device 210 includes a player tracking
database 400, a content database 500, and a connection record
database 600. Note that, in one or more embodiments, any and all of
these databases (as well as any and all data stored therein) may be
stored at another device in lieu of or in addition to being stored
at network server 110. For example, any and all of the databases or
data stored therein may be stored in the memory of a gaming device
300, a peripheral device 2400 associated with the gaming device,
and/or a peripheral device server 2450.
[0057] The player tracking database 400 may store, for example,
historical information on each player, including an indication of
his gaming activity. The content database 500 may store, for
example, information associated with (e.g., by the network server
110, a gaming device, or a peripheral device) one or more
entertainment services. For example, content database 500 may store
information required to access the selected content provider, such
as the appropriate external network and network address to be
utilized, as well as any required account number and/or password.
The connection record database 600 may store information associated
with, for example, one or more connection sessions established by
the network server 110, a gaming device or a peripheral device to
an entertainment service. For example, connection record database
600 may store an indication of the duration or estimated cost of a
connection session.
[0058] The communications port 250 connects the network server 110
to a gaming device interface 260, thereby linking the network
server 110 to one or more gaming devices, such as the slot machine
300 shown in FIG. 1. The communications port 255 connects the
network server 110 to an external network interface 265, thereby
linking the network server 110 to one or more external networks,
such as the networks 140, 145, 150 shown in FIG. 1. The
communication ports 250, 255 preferably include multiple
communication channels for simultaneously connecting multiple
players to multiple content providers 115, 120, 125.
[0059] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the architecture of an
illustrative gaming device 300. Although gaming device 300 is
illustrated as comprising a three reel slot machine, as described
above, a gaming device operative to perform any and all of the
embodiments of the present invention may comprise another type of
gaming device (e.g., an electronic reel slot machine, a video poker
machine, a blackjack device, or an arcade game). The gaming device
300 may include certain standard hardware components, such as a CPU
310, a data storage device 320, a ROM 340, a RAM 342, and a clock
348. The CPU 310 may be linked to each of the other listed
elements, either by means of a shared data bus, or dedicated
connections, as shown in FIG. 3. The CPU 310 executes program
modules stored in the data storage device 320 or the ROM 340 to
perform the processes described below, in a known manner.
[0060] With respect to gaming operations, gaming device 300
performs in a conventional manner. A player initiates a game play
at the gaming device 300 by providing a form of payment, for
example, by depositing coins, or inserting a credit card, debit
card or smart card, and pressing a starting controller 374. Under
control of a program stored, for example, in the data storage
device 320 or ROM 340, the CPU 310 initiates the random number
generator 372 to generate a number. The CPU 310 looks up the
generated random number in a stored probability table 322 and finds
the corresponding outcome, or game result. Based on the identified
outcome, the CPU 310 locates the appropriate payout in a stored
payout table 324. The CPU 310 also directs a reel controller 330 to
spin the reels 332, 334, 336 and to stop them at a point when a
combination of symbols corresponding to the selected payout is
displayed. When the player wins, the gaming device 300 stores the
credits in a random access memory (RAM) 342 and displays the
available credits in a video display area 346.
[0061] A hopper controller 352 is connected to a hopper 354 for
dispensing coins. When the player requests to cash out by pushing a
button on the slot machine 300, the CPU 310 checks the RAM 342 to
see if the player has any credit and, if so, signals the hopper 354
to release an appropriate number of coins into a payout tray (not
shown).
[0062] In alternative embodiments, the gaming device 300 does not
include the reel controller 330, or reels 332, 334, 336. Instead,
the video display area 346 graphically displays representations of
objects contained in the selected game, such as graphical reels or
playing cards. These representations may be animated to display
playing of the selected game.
[0063] A player tracking device 360 is also in communication with
the CPU 310. The player tracking device 360 comprises a card reader
364 for reading player identification information stored on a
player tracking card (not shown), which may be encoded with
information to identify the player, in a known manner. The player
tracking device 360 also preferably includes a display 362, having
a touch screen, or associated player interface 370. Suitable
commercially available player card tracking devices include, for
example, the Mastercom.TM. device available from Bally
Manufacturing.TM.. (See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,361 to
Raven et al.). Such player tracking devices include a magnetic card
reader and a numeric keypad for entry of player information.
[0064] The gaming device 300 also includes a network server
interface 380 which provides a communication path between the slot
machine 300 and the network server 110. Thus, as discussed further
below, information may be communicated among the player tracking
device 360, gaming device 300 and network server 110.
[0065] The gaming device 300 also includes an external network
interface 382. External network interface 382 may be similar to the
external network interface 265 (FIG. 2) and enable the gaming
device 300 to communicate with a device external to the
establishment in which the gaming device is located or external to
any intranet on which the gaming device 300 may be located. For
example, in an embodiment where a gaming device 300 is operable to
communicate with a content provider (e.g., such as a content
provider 115, 120, and 125) without relying on network server 110
to establish such communication, the gaming device 300 may
establish such communication via external network interface
382.
[0066] Once play is initiated by a player, in the manner described
above, the gaming device 300 may display a menu of available
entertainment services on the display 362 or video display area
346, and may prompt the player to select a desired entertainment
service, for example, using the player interface 370. Alternately,
a menu of available entertainment services may not be displayed to
a player until a player has qualified for at least one of the
entertainment services (e.g., if a level of play of the player
satisfies one or more establishment-specific criteria corresponding
to the entertainment services). Note that, in one or more
embodiments, the menu of entertainment services may include an
indication of the level of play necessary to qualify for access to
each respective entertainment service.
[0067] According to one or more embodiments of the present
invention, the gaming device 300 is capable of presenting
entertainment service received from one or more content providers
115, 120, 125 to a player at the gaming device 300. As previously
indicated, the entertainment service received from the content
provider may be multimedia information, including video, audio
and/or data information. Thus, the gaming device 300 may be capable
of presenting such multimedia information to a player. Thus, in
addition to the video display area 346, which may be utilized to
display the video and data information, the gaming device 300 may
include an audio speaker or headset 353. In an alternate
embodiment, a peripheral device 2400 associated with (e.g., in
communication with and/or located proximate to) a gaming device 300
may include a video display area and audio content delivery
capability via which an entertainment service may be provided.
[0068] In one or more embodiments, the gaming device 300 may
include a means for presenting the player with an integrated
display of the multimedia information associated with the
entertainment service, together with the gaming result, for
example, by means of a virtual reality (VR) headset (not shown). In
this manner, all of the entertainment content intended for the
player, including the game result and the premium entertainment
service, is presented through the VR headset. A VR headset offers
particular advantages since it permits private viewing of a
selected entertainment service in a public environment.
Alternatively, a pair of glasses which are uniquely "keyed" to the
output of the video display area 346, for example, by means of a
particular polarization or wavelength, could be configured to
provide similar privacy.
[0069] As previously indicated, the player tracking database 400,
shown in FIG. 4, may store historical information on each player,
including an indication of their gaming activity. The player
tracking database 400 maintains a plurality of records, such as
records 410-412, each associated with a different player. For each
player identified by player tracking number in field 420, the
player tracking database 400 includes a casino rating in field 425
which may be utilized to characterize the playing history of a
player. For example, the casino rating may indicate whether a given
player is a "high roller." In addition, the player tracking
database 400 may include an indication in field 430 of the recent
gaming activity of the player within a predefined historical period
(e.g., manifested as a theoretical win of the player), and an
indication in field 435 of the current balance of player reward
points available to the given player.
[0070] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
the player tracking database 400 may include an indication in field
440 of the player's preferences with respect to particular
entertainment services. In this manner, the menu of available
entertainment services which is presented to the player when play
is commenced can be tailored to the indicated preferences of the
particular player.
[0071] Information on one or more available entertainment services
may be stored in the content database 500, such as the content
database 500 illustrated in FIG. 5. Such information may be
utilized by, for example, the network server 110 or another device
(e.g., a gaming device 300, a peripheral device 2400 associated
with the gaming device, and/or a peripheral device server 2450), to
provide to a player access to an entertainment service. The content
database 500 maintains a plurality of records, such as records
510-512, each associated with a different entertainment service.
For each entertainment service option listed in field 520, the
content database 500 includes an indication in field 525 of the
appropriate content provider, such as the content provider 125,
that provides the respective entertainment service. In addition,
the content database 500 may contain any information which is
required by a device to access each entertainment service. For
example, in one embodiment, the content database 500 stores access
information in field 530, an account number in field 535 and a
password in field 540. Note that the information stored in content
database 500 that may be required to gain access to an
entertainment service is different from any establishment-specific
criteria that are to be satisfied in order for a player to gain
access to a given entertainment service.
[0072] For example, if a particular entertainment service is a web
site, the access information stored in field 530 may indicate that
the web site is accessed via the Internet 150, and may contain the
appropriate URL address. Similarly, if an entertainment service is
a shared-revenue telephone service, the access information stored
in field 530 may indicate that the shared revenue telephone service
is accessed via the telephone network 145, and contain the
appropriate 900 or 976 telephone number. Finally, if the
entertainment service is a pay-per-view movie selection, the access
information may indicate that the pay-per-view movie is accessed
via a cable (or wireless) television network, such as the network
140, and contain the appropriate cable television channel
number.
[0073] In one embodiment, the content database 500 also includes
cost information in field 545 for one or more entertainment
services. The cost information may comprise information that
permits the casino to maintain estimated cost information for each
connection session and to also implement variable per minute rates
for one or more entertainment services. The cost information may
comprise an indication of what the casino or other establishment in
which a gaming device is located may be required to pay for
providing an entertainment service to a player, but not necessarily
what a player would be required to pay for accessing the
entertainment services. In one or more embodiments, for example, a
casino may provide to a player access to one or more entertainment
services as a reward for the player's engagement in an activity
that benefits the casino (e.g., achieving and maintaining a
predetermined rate of play of a gaming device for at least a
predetermined duration). The player may not be required to provide
payment for access to the entertainment service other than
qualifying for the access by engaging in the activity that benefits
the casino. However, the casino may be required to pay a provider
of the entertainment service for the access. Accordingly, in one or
more embodiments, a casino may take into account any costs that
will be incurred by the casino in providing access to the
entertainment service (e.g., such as any payment for the
entertainment service that will be required by a provider of the
service) when setting any establishment-specific criteria that a
player is to satisfy in order to gain access to the entertainment
service. For example, a required rate of play may be set such that
the expected profit derived by the casino from the rate of play
being maintained is at least sufficient (e.g., or exceeds by a
predetermined amount) to cover the expected costs of providing
access to the entertainment service.
[0074] In one or more embodiments, the content database 500 may
also store one or more files (or groups of files) comprising the
content (or information pointing to where such files are stored in
memory) that is the entertainment service to be provided to a
player. For example, one type of content comprising an
entertainment service that may be provided to a player is a movie,
portion of a movie, a music video, an interview (audio and/or
video) with a celebrity, or an audio file of a song. In one or more
embodiments, one or more files (e.g., an mpg file) containing the
content may be stored in the content database 500 or another
database. In such embodiments, the content database or other
database storing such one or more files may be stored in a gaming
device 300, a peripheral device 2400, a peripheral device server
2450, or computer 2100 (e.g., network server 110). In such
embodiments, if a player qualifies for access to the content stored
in the one or more files, the one or more files may be retrieved
from memory and the content output to the player.
[0075] As previously indicated, the network server 110 (e.g., or
another device such as a gaming device 300, a peripheral device
2400 associated with the gaming device, and/or a peripheral device
server 2450) may maintain a connection record database 600, shown
in FIG. 6, for storing information on each connection session to a
premium entertainment service. The connection record database 600
maintains a plurality of records, such as the records 610-612, each
associated with a different connection session made by the network
server 110 to an entertainment service. For each connection session
listed in field 620, the connection record database 600 preferably
stores the player tracking number of the player who requested the
connection in field 625, and the date, time and duration of the
connection in fields 630, 635 and 640, respectively. In addition,
the connection record database 600 may store an indication of the
identity of the content provider that provides a particular
entertainment service associated with the connection in field 645
and an indication of the estimated cost of the connection in field
650. In this manner, the casino has recorded the appropriate
information which may be required to verify any contested
charges.
[0076] As discussed further below in conjunction with FIGS. 7A
through 7C, the processes performed by a device (e.g., by the
network server 110, a gaming device 300, a peripheral device 2400
associated with the gaming device, and/or a peripheral device
server 2450) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present invention, may require the network server 110 to interact
with one or more gaming devices 300, one or more peripheral devices
2400, peripheral device server 2450, and one or more content
providers, such as the content providers 115, 120, 125. For
example, in accordance with one or more embodiments, when the
network server 110 is notified that play has commenced at a
particular gaming device 300, the network server 110 may evaluate
establishment-specific criteria to determine whether the player of
the gaming device 300 should be offered access to entertainment
services while playing. It is noted that the functionality provided
by the network server 110, including the programs described below
in conjunction with FIGS. 7A through 7C, could be performed
directly by a gaming device 300 or another device (e.g., by the
network server 110, a peripheral device 2400 associated with the
gaming device 300, and/or a peripheral device server 2450), as
would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill after reading the
present disclosure.
[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 7A through 7C, a flowchart
illustrates a process 700 that may be performed by one or more
devices in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention. The process 700 may begin with step 705, upon initiation
by a player of a game play at a gaming device 300. The level of
play may be monitored (e.g., by the network server 110, a gaming
device 300, a peripheral device 2400 associated with the gaming
device, and/or a peripheral device server 2450) during step 710 to
determine whether this player is entitled to access the
entertainment services.
[0078] Thus, a test may be performed during step 715 to determine
if the establishment-specific criteria for offering players access
to the entertainment services is met. For example, in one
illustrative embodiment, the establishment-specific criteria can
define circumstances under which access to the entertainment
services will be made available to a player. For example, access to
one or more entertainment services may be offered or provided to
(i) all players whose prior playing history meets predefined
criteria, as determined, for example, by accessing the player
tracking database 400, (ii) unlimited complimentary usage to all
players on certain classes or types of electronic gaming devices,
as determined by accessing a record maintained by the network
server 110 identifying the machine type for each electronic gaming
device, (iii) limited complimentary access to those players whose
current level of play meets or exceeds a predefined threshold, as
determined by monitoring the current level of play of each player,
or (iv) access to those players who provide a cash payment or
player reward points awarded as part of a slot club or an arcade
incentive program, regardless of any level of play.
[0079] A level of play, as used herein unless expressly indicated
otherwise, comprises a measurement or other indicator of an
activity engaged in by a player. Accordingly, a level of play may
comprise a specified activity and a value associated with the
activity. In one or more embodiments, access to an entertainment
service is qualified based on a predetermined level of play, such
that a player may not be allowed access to the entertainment
service until the player's level of play meets or exceeds a
predetermined level of play. Examples of activities that may
comprise a level of play include, but are not limited to, (i) a
number of coins played by the player per unit of time (e.g., a sum
of wagers placed by a player per hour); (ii) an amount of money the
player has won (e.g., a sum of payouts and bonuses obtained by a
player during a predetermined period of time), (iii) a length of
time the player has played (e.g., two hours) at a particular gaming
device; (iv) a length of time the player has played in a particular
establishment; (v) an initial credit meter balance the player
established at the beginning of a gaming session; (vi) a change in
the credit meter balance (e.g., from the time the player initiated
a gaming session to a current time); (vii) a current credit meter
balance; (viii) a rate of play achieved by the player (e.g., a
number of game plays initiated by the player per unit of time);
(ix) a profitability of the player to the casino (e.g., as
represented by the theoretical win or as based on a comparison of
coin-in and coin-out during the player's gaming session or an
amount of money spent by the player in the casino during a
predetermined period of time); (x) a number of particular gaming
devices or games the player has played during a predetermined
period of time; and (xi) a number of types of gaming devices or
games the player has played during a predetermined period of
time.
[0080] Note that, when a level of play is set by an establishment
as an establishment-specific criteria for obtaining access to an
entertainment service, the level of play may indicate not only the
type of activity (e.g., rate of play) but also a value to be
achieved for the type of activity in order to qualify for access to
the entertainment service. Thus, for example, an establishment may
specify that if a player achieves a rate of play of twenty game
plays per three minute period of time the player is to qualify for
access to an entertainment service. Note that, in one or more
embodiments, a type of entertainment service (e.g., access to
broadcast television) may be associated with one or more particular
levels of play. For example, in order to gain access to broadcast
television content a player must either achieve a rate of twenty
game plays per three minute period of time (a first level of play
associated with the entertainment service) or wager a minimum of
fifteen coins per minute (a second level of play associated with
the entertainment service). Each respective available entertainment
service may, in one or more embodiments, be associated with at
least one level of play. Note that, in one or more embodiments,
more than one piece of content may be available from a particular
entertainment service provider or as a particular type of
entertainment service. For example, if the entertainment service in
question is a movie, a first level of play may be associated with a
first category of movie (e.g., movies released more than two years
ago) while a second level of play may be associated with a second
category of movie (e.g., newly released movies). The first level of
play and the second level of play may specify, for example, the
same activity (e.g., a rate of play) but different values. In other
words, if a player achieves a rate of play of twenty game plays per
three minute period, the player may gain access to movies released
more than two years ago but if the player achieves a rate of play
of thirty game plays per three minute period, the player may gain
access to newly released movies. Alternately, the first and second
level of play may each define a different type of activity.
[0081] If it is determined during step 715 that the
establishment-specific criteria for providing or offering players
access to one or more entertainment services is not met, program
control returns to step 710, and the network server 110 continues
monitoring the player's level of play until the
establishment-specific criteria for offering players access to the
one or more entertainment services is met.
[0082] Thus, once it is determined during step 715 that the
establishment-specific criteria for providing or offering players
access to the one or more available entertainment services is met,
program control proceeds to step 720, where the network server 110
transmits a menu of the available entertainment services to the
slot machine 300 for display to the player. As described above, in
one or more embodiments a gaming device or peripheral device
associated with a gaming device may store and display such a menu
without involvement of the network server 110.
[0083] In one or more embodiments, the player's content preferences
are retrieved from the player tracking database 400, and the menu
of available entertainment services is tailored to the preferences
of the individual. For example, only a subset of available
entertainment services may be displayed on the menu, based on the
player's preferences. A player's preferences may be determined, for
example, based on preferences expressly indicated by the player
(e.g., by filling out a survey regarding the player's preferences)
or inferentially based on one or more previous entertainment
services the player has selected or foregone. In one or more
embodiments, a subset of available entertainment services may
selected for inclusion on the menu to be displayed to the player
based on factors in addition to or other than player preferences.
For example, an entity such as the establishment in which the
gaming device being played by the player or manufacturer or
designer of the gaming device may specify one or more factors based
on which such a selection for inclusion may be made. For example, a
casino may specify that only the three least costly entertainment
services are to be included on the menu, based on the cost of each
available service at the time the selection for inclusion is being
made. In another example, an entity may specify that one or more
particular entertainment services are to be selected for inclusion
if a particular level of play is achieved by the player. Regardless
of how it is determined which entertainment services are to be
included on the menu output to the player, once the menu is output
to the player the player is instructed to select one of the
services. The process 700 may be paused until such a selection from
a player is received in step 725. Note that, in one or more
embodiments, if a selection from a player is not received within a
predetermined amount of time or a player declines to select any
entertainment service (e.g., by selecting a "no thank you" option
that may be included on the menu), the gaming device may return to
conventional game play rather than continuing to perform the steps
of process 700.
[0084] Note that, other methods for a player to indicate an
interest in obtaining access to an entertainment service (besides
selecting an entertainment service from a menu of options displayed
to the player) are envisioned. For example, in one embodiment, a
player may affirmatively request access to an entertainment service
rather than responding to an offer for an entertainment service.
For example, in one or more embodiments, one or more mechanisms
(e.g., buttons or knobs) or areas of a touchscreen may be located
on a gaming device or peripheral device in communication with the
gaming device. A player may request access to an entertainment
service by actuating one of such mechanisms or areas. In another
example, a player may be provided with an entertainment service of
the establishment's choosing rather than being offered a menu of
available entertainment services.
[0085] Note further that, as described above, in one or more
embodiments a player may be presented with an indication of one or
more entertainment services before the player has qualified for the
one or more entertainment services (e.g., before an
establishment-specific criteria associated with an entertainment
service has been met). In such embodiments, the indication of the
one or more entertainment services may include an indication of the
establishment-specific criteria respectively associated with one or
more of the entertainment services. For example, an indication of a
rate of play that the player must achieve in order to gain access
to a particular entertainment service may be output to the player.
Further, in one or more embodiments a player's current progress
towards gaining access to one or more entertainment services may be
indicated to the player (e.g., continuously through the gaming
session of the player or on a periodic or non-periodic basis). Such
an indication of progress may motivate the player into attempting
to meet the establishment-specific criteria and thus gain access to
the entertainment service. An indication of the player's progress
may be output via audio (e.g., a speaker outputting a spoken
message, music, or other audio signals indicative of the player's
progress) or visually (e.g., via a display of the gaming device or
a peripheral device associated with the gaming device). For
example, in one embodiment a player may (e.g., at the beginning of
a gaming session) indicate an interest in gaining access to a
particular entertainment service. For example, the player may
select such an entertainment service from a menu of available
entertainment services or actuate a mechanism associated with the
entertainment service. In response to the player's indication of
interest, the establishment-specific criteria associated with the
entertainment service may be output to the player along with the
player's current level of play. Throughout the player's gaming
session, the player's current level of play may continue to be
output such that the player is aware of how the player must improve
his level of play in order to gain access to the entertainment
service.
[0086] Returning now to process 700, upon receipt of the desired
entertainment choice, the content database 500 may be accessed
(e.g., by the network server 110, a gaming device 300, a peripheral
device 2400 associated with the gaming device, and/or a peripheral
device server 2450) during step 730 and access information
retrieved therefrom. For example, an account number, and/or
password which is required to access the selected premium
entertainment service, including the appropriate external network
to be utilized; any required network address (Internet), telephone
number (shared revenue telephone services) or cable channel
(pay-per-view); and any required account number and/or password may
be retrieved. For example, if the player has selected a web
site-based premium entertainment service provided by content
provider 125, which is accessed via the Internet 150, the network
server 110 accesses the appropriate record of the content database
500 and retrieves the appropriate stored access information,
including the URL address associated with the web site.
[0087] Thereafter, during step 735 (FIG. 7B) the information
retrieved during the previous step may be utilized (e.g., by the
network server 110, a gaming device 300, a peripheral device 2400
associated with the gaming device, and/or a peripheral device
server 2450) to establish the appropriate connection between the
slot machine 300 and the selected content provider, such as content
provider 125. For example, if the player has selected a web
site-based premium entertainment service provided by content
provider 125, which is accessed via the Internet network 150, the
network server 110 preferably enters the URL in a web browser, such
as Netscape, to access the desired web site.
[0088] Once the connection is established to the selected content
provider during step 735, such as the web-based content provider
125, the account number and password, if any, retrieved during step
730, are preferably transmitted to the content provider 125 during
step 740. Thereafter, the network server 110 preferably queries the
clock 240 during step 745 to determine the time at which the
connection is initially established.
[0089] The network server 110 preferably resumes monitoring the
level of play during step 750 to determine whether the current
level of play is sufficient to maintain this player's access to the
premium entertainment services. Thus, a test is performed during
step 755 to determine if the casino-specified criteria for
maintaining access to the premium entertainment services is met.
For example, in the illustrative embodiment, the
establishment-specific criteria will maintain the premium
entertainment services for (i) all players on certain classes of
electronic gaming devices, regardless of the player's current level
of play; (ii) certain players based on their prior playing history,
regardless of the player's current level of play, (iii) for those
players whose current level of play meets or exceeds a predefined
threshold, and (iv) for those players who provide a cash payment or
player reward points awarded as part of a slot club or an arcade
incentive program.
[0090] If it is determined during step 755 that the
establishment-specific criteria for maintaining access to the
entertainment services is currently being met, program control
returns to step 750, and the network server 110 or other device
performing the steps of 700 continues monitoring the player's level
of play until the establishment-specific criteria for providing the
player access to the services is no longer being met, or until play
is terminated.
[0091] Once it is determined in step 755 that the
establishment-specific criteria for providing players access to the
entertainment services is no longer being met, program control
proceeds to step 760, where the network server 110 (or other device
performing the steps of process 700) transmits a disconnection
warning to the gaming device 300 for output to the player. The
disconnection warning may include options for maintaining the
connection to the selected content provider 125. In one
illustrative embodiment, the disconnection warning can indicate
that the player can maintain the connection to the entertainment
service by (i) complying with the casino's level of play
requirements to maintain complimentary access (the
establishment-specific criteria); (ii) depositing coins in the
electronic gaming device or otherwise providing an additional
payment, for example, by means of a credit card, debit card or
smart card; or (iii) allowing a deduction of earned credits from
current slot play prizes or player reward points.
[0092] Thereafter, a test is performed during step 765 to determine
if the player has complied with the establishment-specific criteria
for maintaining the connection within a predefined timeout period.
Thus, if it is determined during step 765 that the player has
complied with the establishment-specific criteria for maintaining
the connection within a predefined timeout period, program control
returns to step 750, and the network server 110 (or other device
performing steps of process 700) continues monitoring the player's
level of play until the establishment-specific criteria for
offering access to the entertainment services is again no longer
being met, or until play is terminated.
[0093] If, however, it is determined during step 765 that the
player has failed to comply with the establishment-specific
criteria for maintaining the connection (or for continuing to
provide the entertainment service) within a predefined timeout
period, program control proceeds to step 770 (FIG. 7C), where the
network server 110 (or other device performing steps of process
700) disconnects the connection to the selected content provider
125 or otherwise discontinues providing access to the entertainment
service. The network server 110 (or other device performing steps
of process 700) may create a record of the connection in the
connection record database 600 during step 780. As previously
indicated, this record may be utilized to confirm any billing
information received from the content provider 125. Thereafter, the
network server 110 (or other device performing steps of process
700) exits the process during step 785 to wait for the next play
session which may be entitled to access a entertainment
service.
[0094] The establishment at which the entertainment services are
provided to players may be billed by each content provider for the
total connection time on each gaming device. The billing
information can be verified, for example, using the connection
record database 500.
[0095] An exemplary process from the point of view of a player is
shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIG. 8, a player initiates the process
during step 810 by providing a form of payment to a gaming device
300, for example, by depositing coins, or inserting a credit card,
debit card or smart card. Thereafter, the player optionally
initiates play of the gaming device 300 during step 820, for
example, by pressing a starting controller 374 (FIG. 3). According
to an embodiment of the invention, the player may receive a menu of
the available entertainment services during step 830, and make a
selection of a desired entertainment service during step 840.
Thereafter, the player receives access to the selected
entertainment service during step 850 for as long as the player
complies with the establishment-specific criteria for accessing
such entertainment services, in the manner described above.
[0096] As described above, in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the invention, the gaming device 300 may perform
some or all of the functionality of the pay-per-view content
provider 115 and/or the network server 110. For example, the
content database 500 may be stored on or at the gaming device 300
(e.g. via data storage device 320).
[0097] As described above, in accordance with such an embodiment,
the information stored in the access information field 530 of the
content database 500 may include an indication of the content to be
provided and/or the content itself. For example, the information
stored in the access information field 530 may include a file in an
appropriate format (e.g., .mpg .mpg2, .avi, .mov .wav, etc.) that
may be executed by the gaming device CPU 310 in order to output
audio/video content to the gaming device player. Such files may be
stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format.
According to one embodiment, such files may be loaded on to
portable media, such as a compact disc (CD) or digital video disk
(DVD) and loaded periodically (e.g., as needed) or entirely onto
data storage device 320.
[0098] Thus, a gaming device player having achieved
establishment-specific criteria may receive premium content at the
gaming device 300 while minimizing the need for two-way
communication between the gaming device 300, the network server 110
and/or the content provider 115.
[0099] In accordance with one or more embodiments, a player may
initially gain access to an entertainment service at one gaming
device and subsequently continue to gain access to the
entertainment service at another device. For example, a player may
begin viewing a movie at a first gaming device and continue viewing
the movie at another gaming device. In such embodiments, an
indication of the point at which the player discontinued viewing
the movie or otherwise perceiving an entertainment service may be
stored in association with the player (e.g., in a player tracking
database or on a player tracking card) such that the entertainment
service may continue to be provided to the player from the point at
which the player discontinued access to the entertainment
service.
[0100] In accordance with one embodiment, a player may be provided
access to an entertainment service before the player has qualified
for access to the entertainment service. In another embodiment, a
player may access an entertainment service and agree to be charged
for the entertainment service. In either of the above-described
embodiments, a player's activities subsequent to accessing the
entertainment service may be monitored and determined to be
sufficient to retroactively qualify the player for access to the
entertainment service or to eliminate a charge for the
entertainment service. For example, a player may be provided with
an entertainment service in exchange for a charge of two coins, to
be applied to an account associated with the player. However, if
the player achieves a predetermined rate of play (e.g., ten game
plays per minute for a minimum of ten minutes) within a
predetermined period of time (e.g., the current gaming session
engaged in by the player) the charge will not be applied to the
player's account.
[0101] Note that the processes of the present invention may be
implemented in an online casino environment as well as in a
brick-and-mortar casino or other establishment where a gaming
device is located. For example, a player using a personal computer
to play games at an online casino may qualify for access to web
site content that the player would otherwise have to provide
payment to access.
[0102] It is to be understood that the embodiments and variations
shown and described herein are merely illustrative of the
principles of this invention and that various modifications may be
implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the
scope and spirit of the invention.
* * * * *