U.S. patent application number 11/824337 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-01 for electronic funds transfer system and method of use in gaming environment.
Invention is credited to Don Hesskamp, Neil J. Netley.
Application Number | 20090005157 11/824337 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40161278 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090005157 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Netley; Neil J. ; et
al. |
January 1, 2009 |
Electronic funds transfer system and method of use in gaming
environment
Abstract
A system and method for electronically transferring funds in a
gaming environment is disclosed. The system includes a memory
device operable to store a game value and memory device interface
operable to retrieve data from, and transfer data to, said memory
device. The memory device interface may be integrated into an
electronic gaming machine or proximate a live table game. Monetary
value may be added to the memory device by casino personnel or a
kiosk. A player may then use the memory device to download credits
to a gaming machine or in exchange for game chips at a live table
game. Machine credits may also be added to the memory device for
later use at a another machine. Credits may also be stored on a
casino system for access based on identification of the player
facilitated by the memory device.
Inventors: |
Netley; Neil J.; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Hesskamp; Don; (North Las Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG
3773 HOWARD HUGHES PARKWAY, SUITE 500 NORTH
LAS VEGAS
NV
89169
US
|
Family ID: |
40161278 |
Appl. No.: |
11/824337 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3251 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of electronic gaming
machines; a memory device including a microchip therein for storing
a value amount; a memory device interface integrated into each of
the gaming machines wherein said interface is positioned to contact
the memory device upon engagement with the memory device; and means
for crediting said gaming machines an amount equivalent to a memory
device value amount in response to the memory device being engaged
with said memory device interface, and crediting the memory device
with a credit amount on said gaming machine in response to a game
session being terminated by a player.
2. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein said gaming machines are in
communication with a central computer.
3. The gaming system of claim 1 further comprising one or more
magnetic members for maintaining engagement between the memory
device and the memory device interface.
4. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the memory device is
fabricated of stainless steel.
5. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the game session is
terminated via a cash out button integrated on said gaming
machines.
6. The gaming system of claim 1 further comprising a memory device
holder.
7. The gaming system of claim 6 wherein the memory device holder
includes an opening for attachment to a lanyard.
8. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the memory device interface
is a reader operable to, retrieve data from, and transfer data to,
said memory device.
9. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the memory device stores a
gaming value.
10. The gaming system of claim 1 wherein the memory device is
uniquely identified.
11. The gaming system of claim 1 further comprising means for
authenticating said memory device prior to crediting said gaming
machines.
12. The gaming system of claim 1 further comprising means for
verifying a player identity prior to crediting said gaming
machines.
13. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of live table games,
each said table game having an associated monitor; processor means;
a memory device including a microchip therein for storing a value
amount; a memory device interface in communication with the
processor means wherein said interface is positioned to contact the
memory device upon engagement with the memory device; and wherein
said processor means causes a live table game dealer to be
notified, via said monitor, of a value amount stored on said memory
device so that said dealer may provide a player with an appropriate
amount of game chips.
14. The gaming system of claim 13 wherein said monitors are in
communication with a central computer.
15. The gaming system of claim 13 further comprising one or more
magnetic members for maintaining engagement between the memory
device and the memory device interface.
16. The gaming system of claim 13 wherein the memory device is
fabricated of stainless steel.
17. The gaming system of claim 13 further comprising a memory
device holder.
18. The gaming system of claim 17 wherein the memory device holder
includes an opening for attachment to a lanyard.
19. The gaming system of claim 13 wherein the memory device
interface is a reader operable to, retrieve data from, and transfer
data to, said memory device.
20. The gaming system of claim 13 wherein each live gaming table
has a memory device interface associated with each player position
at said gaming table.
21. The gaming system of claim 13 wherein the memory device is
uniquely identified
22. The gaming system of claim 13 further comprising means for
authenticating said memory device prior to a dealer providing chips
to a player.
23. The gaming system of claim 13 further comprising means for
verifying a player identity prior to providing a player with game
chips.
24. A gaming method comprising: providing a plurality of electronic
gaming machines wherein each gaming machine has a memory device
interface integrated therein such that said memory device interface
is positioned to receive and engage a memory device having a
microchip; crediting said gaming machines an amount equivalent to a
memory device value amount in response to the memory device being
engaged with said memory device interface; and crediting the memory
device with a credit amount on said gaming machine in response to a
player terminating a game session.
25. The gaming method of claim 24 further comprising allowing
players to add value to said memory devices via a live cashier or a
kiosk.
26. The gaming method of claim 24 further comprising crediting the
memory device with a credit amount in response to a player talking
action to cash out.
27. The gaming method of claim 26 further comprising alerting a
player that said memory device is not engaged in response to said
player taking action to cash out.
28. The gaming method of claim 24 further comprising utilizing
magnets to maintain engagement between said memory device and
memory device interface.
29. The gaming method of claim 24 further comprising uniquely
identifying the memory device.
30. The gaming method of claim 24 further comprising authenticating
said memory device prior to crediting said gaming machines.
31. The gaming method of claim 24 further comprising verifying a
player identity prior to crediting said gaming machines.
32. A gaming method comprising: providing a plurality of live table
games wherein each table game has a monitor in communication with
processing means, each of said live table games also having at
least one associated memory device interface wherein said memory
device interface is positioned to receive and engage a memory
device having a microchip; notifying a dealer of a value amount
stored on said memory device in response to the memory device being
engaged with said memory device interface; providing a player a
desired amount of game chips less than or equal to the value amount
stored on said memory device; and deducting from the memory device
the value of the amount of game chips provided to the player.
33. The gaming method of claim 32 further comprising allowing
players to add value to said memory devices via a live cashier or a
kiosk.
34. The gaming method of claim 32 further comprising crediting back
to the memory device an amount equivalent to game chips cashed in
by the player.
35. The gaming method of claim 32 further comprising utilizing
magnets to maintain engagement between said memory device and
memory device interface.
36. The gaming method of claim 32 further comprising uniquely
identifying each memory device.
37. The gaming method of claim 32 further comprising authenticating
said memory device prior to providing a player game chips.
38. The gaming method of claim 32 further comprising verifying a
player identity prior to providing a player game chips.
39. A gaming system comprising: an electronic storage device
maintaining player accounts; a plurality of electronic gaming
machines in communication with said electronic storage device; a
memory device including a microchip therein for storing player
identification data; a memory device interface integrated into each
of the gaming machines wherein said interface is positioned to
contact the memory device upon engagement with the memory device;
and means for crediting said gaming machines an amount from a value
amount stored in a identified player account in response to the
memory device being engaged with said memory device interface.
40. The gaming system of claim 39 further comprising means for
crediting the identified player account with a credit amount on
said gaming machine in response to a game session being terminated
by a player.
41. The gaming system of claim 39 further comprising means for
verifying a player identity prior to crediting said gaming
machines.
42. A gaming system comprising: an electronic storage device
maintaining player accounts; a plurality of live table games, each
said table game having an associated monitor in communication with
said electronic storage device; processor means; a memory device
including a microchip therein for storing player identification
data; a memory device interface in communication with the processor
means wherein said interface is positioned to contact the memory
device upon engagement with the memory device; and wherein said
processor means causes a live table game dealer to be notified, via
said monitor, of a value amount stored in a identified player
account so that said dealer may provide the player with an amount
of game chips to be deducted from the identified player
account.
43. The gaming system of claim 42 further comprising means for
crediting the identified player account an amount equivalent to
game chips turned in by the player.
44. The gaming system of claim 42 further comprising means for
verifying a player identity prior to crediting said gaming
machines.
45. A gaming method comprising: providing a plurality of electronic
gaming machines wherein each gaming machine has a memory device
interface integrated therein such that said memory device interface
is positioned to receive and engage a memory device having a
microchip, said electronic gaming machines in communication with an
electronic storage device maintaining player accounts; crediting
said gaming machines an amount from an identified player account in
response to the memory device being engaged with said memory device
interface; and crediting the identified player account with a
credit amount on said gaming machine in response to a player
terminating a game session.
46. The gaming method of claim 45 further comprising authenticating
said memory device prior to crediting said gaming machines.
47. The gaming method of claim 45 further comprising verifying a
player identity prior to crediting said gaming machines.
48. A gaming method comprising: providing a plurality of live table
games wherein each table game has a monitor in communication with
processing means, each of said live table games also having at
least one associated memory device interface wherein said memory
device interface is positioned to receive and engage a memory
device having a microchip, said monitors also in communication with
an electronic storage device maintaining player accounts; notifying
a dealer of a value amount stored in an identified player account
in response to the memory device being engaged with said memory
device interface; providing a player a desired value of game chips
less than or equal to the value amount stored in said identified
player account; and deducting from the identified player account
the value of the game chips provided to the player.
49. The gaming method of claim 48 further comprising crediting the
identified player account a value of the game chips turned in by a
player.
50. The gaming method of claim 48 further comprising authenticating
said memory device prior to providing a player with game chips.
51. The gaming method of claim 48 further comprising verifying a
player identity prior to providing a player with game chips.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to an
electronic transfer of funds system implemented in a gaming
environment. With such a system and method, casino customers are
able to purchase credits from a casino cashier or kiosk and then
proceed to play the purchased credits at electronic gaming machines
(e.g., slot machines) or live table games within the casino or
other commonly owned casinos.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In today's casino market the most popular means of
transferring funds between electronic gaming machines is via the
use of paper tickets. Such tickets have turned gaming into a
generally cashless endeavor. In one exemplary situation, a player
approaches an electronic gaming machine (or device), inserts cash
and proceeds to play the game. When the player is ready to leave
the machine, the player simply presses the `cash out` button and
the machine prints a ticket for the remaining credit on the game.
The ticket may then be cashed in at a cashier or kiosk, or inserted
into another machine, read and redeemed as machine credits.
[0003] The current ticket system suffers from several problems
including 1) the requirement for a significant background
accounting system to authenticate the transactions and maintain
security; and 2) the system is expensive to use. Casinos in Nevada
have disclosed that the cost of such a system runs as much as $3.00
per ticket. In addition, the ticket printers (one per machine) cost
about $600.00 each and frequently break down.
[0004] Thus, there is a need for a cost-effective system that
eliminates tickets and ticket printers in the gaming
environment.
SUMMARY
[0005] Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present invention is
a gaming system comprising: a plurality of electronic gaming
machines; a memory device including a microchip therein for storing
a value amount; a memory device interface integrated into each of
the gaming machines wherein said interface is positioned to contact
the memory device upon engagement with the memory device; and means
for crediting said gaming machines an amount equivalent to a memory
device value amount in response to the memory device being engaged
with said memory device interface, and crediting the memory device
with a credit amount on said gaming machine in response to a game
session being terminated by a player.
[0006] A first method of the present invention comprises: providing
a plurality of electronic gaming machines in communication with a
central computer system wherein each gaming machine has a memory
device interface integrated therein such that said memory device
interface is positioned to receive and engage a memory device
having a microchip; crediting said gaming machines an amount
equivalent to a memory device value amount in response to the
memory device being engaged with said memory device interface; and
crediting the memory device with a credit amount on said gaming
machine in response to a player terminating a game session.
[0007] The system and method of use described herein allows a
player to electronically transfer funds to and from a gaming
machine or live table game via a small memory device (e.g.,
iButton.RTM.). A corresponding memory device interface (i.e.,
reader) integrated on the machine or proximate the live table game
location facilitates the electronic transfer of funds.
[0008] Other variations, embodiments and features of the present
invention will become evident from the following detailed
description, drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of one system embodiment
of the present invention;
[0010] FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrate an exemplary memory device in a
closed and open position, respectively, for facilitating the
embodiments of the present invention;
[0011] FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate a memory device contained within
a carrying unit;
[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a memory device interface integrated on
an electronic gaming machine;
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a memory device interface separated from
the electronic gaming machine;
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a memory device engaged with a memory
device interface; and
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart detailing one method of
using the memory device to facilitate an electronic funds transfer
system according to the embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present
invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments
illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to
describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no
limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any
alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature
illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the
principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would
normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having
possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the
scope of the invention claimed.
[0017] The operation of electronic gaming machines (e.g., slot
machines) is controlled by microprocessors which communicate with
internal memory devices and the external features of the machines.
The microprocessors also incorporate, or communicate with, a random
number generator which ensures the randomness of the machines'
outcomes. Since the technology for operating and controlling
electronic gaming machines is well-known to those skilled in the
art, the subtle details are not described herein.
[0018] Like electronic gaming machines, player tracking systems are
well-known in the art. Such systems track the play of registered
players. Players identify themselves to the casino using player or
slot cards which can be inserted into, and read by, electronic
gaming machines. Upon being read, a player database is accessed
such that new information from the current play session can be used
to update the player's database. Player cards may also be used at
live table games where casino personnel swipe the card to access
the player's database. Gaming information may then be entered
manually or via the use of RFID systems now finding there way into
casinos. Since the technology for operating and controlling player
tracking systems is well-known to those skilled in the art, the
subtle details are not described herein.
[0019] Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are
referred to by like numerals throughout. FIG. 1 shows a block
diagram of a gaming system generally denoted by reference numeral
100. The system 100 includes a plurality of electronic gaming
machines 110-1 through 110-N and a central computer system (e.g., a
server) 120. The server 120 may be running player tracking system
software 121 and accounting system software 122 among other
conventional casino software. Each gaming machine 110-1 through
110-N includes a memory device interface 130 integrated on the
machine 110-1 through 110-N for engagement with a memory device as
explained in more detail below.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a memory device 150 in the form of a silicon
microchip 151 housed in a button or similar container. Dallas
Semiconductor (a subsidiary of Maxim Integrated Products located in
Sunnyvale, Calif.), located in Dallas, Tex., manufacturers an
iButton.RTM. of the type that can be used to facilitate the
embodiments of the present invention. The memory device 150 may be
fabricated of stainless steel or other durable material. In this
instance, the contained microchip 151 stores at least a game value
associated with the memory device 150. However, as set forth below,
the memory device 150 may also include personal information (e.g.,
name, ID number, etc.) associated with a purchaser or holder of the
memory device 150. The memory devices 150 may also include unique
and unalterable addresses laser etched onto the microchip. The
addresses may be used as an identifier for each memory device 150.
FIGS. 3a and 3b show the memory device 150 contained within a
carrying case 155. An opening 156 in the carrying case 155 allows
the memory device 150 to be attached to a lanyard or similar item
so that it may be conveniently carried throughout a casino with
minimal risk of loss.
[0021] FIG. 4 shows a memory device interface 160 integrated on an
electronic gaming machine 110. The memory device interface 160 may
be integrated anywhere on the gaming machine 110. The memory device
interface 160 is adapted to read output from the memory device 150
and relay input to the memory device 150. The memory device
interface 160 may be DS2460 and DS1963S data carriers also
manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor. Associated software is also
utilized to analyze data and authenticate memory devices 150. The
memory device interface 160 includes a protruding pin 165 having a
flat end surface 170. As shown in FIG. 6, the memory device
interface 160 is sized to receive and engage the memory device 150
so that the flat end surface 170 of the memory device interface 160
contacts a data contact surface of the memory device 150. Through
this contact, the memory device interface 160 is able to read
output from the memory device 150 and relay input to the memory
device 150 in a preprogrammed manner as described below. Power is
supplied to the memory device 150 via the memory device interface
160. In one embodiment, a magnet 157 on said memory device 150
and/or memory interface device 160 maintains engagement between the
memory device 150 and/or memory interface device 160. FIG. 5 shows
a memory interface device 160 separated from the electronic gaming
machine 110. A cable 165 connects the memory interface device 160
to one or more backend programs, like the player tracking software
121, accounting software 122 or related software. Alternatively,
the cable 165 connects to a local processor at the machine level.
Dedicated and/or proprietary software may also be used to manage
the electronic funds transfer (EFT) system embodiments of the
present invention. In one embodiment, a wireless mesh network and
backend database may facilitate the EFT system.
[0022] FIG. 7 shows a flow chart 200 detailing one method
embodiment of the present invention. At 205, a player acquires and
loads a memory device 150 with value loaded thereon from casino
personnel. A player may load the memory device 150 with any dollar
amount (e.g., $25 to $1000) permitted by the casino. At 210, the
player next locates an electronic gaming device 110 he or she
desires to play. At 215, the player attaches the memory device 150
to a memory device interface 160 integrated in the electronic
gaming device 110. At 220, the authenticity of the memory device
150 is verified by backend software in communication with the
memory device interface 160 and/or machine processor and/or central
server 120. At 225, upon verification of the authenticity of the
memory device 150, the dollar amount stored on the memory device
150 is transferred to the electronic gaming machine 110 and
displayed in the form of game credits on a machine credit meter.
Optionally, in addition, a player database is accessed.
Alternatively, the player database is only accessed in response to
a player of slot card or similar device being read by the gaming
machine 110. Authenticating and/or verifying the memory device 150
may comprise a correspondence of the memory device's unique
identifier number mentioned above. For example, the authentication
may involve a 64-bit Authentication Secret known to the memory
device 150. The 64-bit Authentication Secret may be derived from
the unique identifier and a master secret. Authentication may also
involve a 24-bit Challenge value sent to the memory device 150
prior to the authentication of the data in the memory device 150.
The 24-bit Challenge value is randomly generated at the start of
each transaction and changes for each transaction. Other
authentication and verification schemes and/or systems may be used
as well. A game session then transpires at 230. In response to the
player electing to cash out (e.g., pressing the machine's cash out
button or cash out icon on a touch screen), it is determined, at
235, whether the memory device 150 remains engaged to the memory
interface device 160. If so, at 240, existing machine credits are
transferred or downloaded to the memory device 150. If not, at 245
a visual and/or audio message instructing the player to re-engage
or re-attach the memory device 150 is sent to the gaming machine
110. At 240, in response to the reattachment of the memory device
150, the existing machine credits are transferred to the memory
device 150. Optionally, at 250, simultaneously with the transfer or
download of the existing credits, information regarding the gaming
session is downloaded into the player's database accessed at 225. A
player may then move to another gaming machine 110 and attach the
memory device 150 to begin play or may proceed to a cashier or
kiosk to collect any monies stored on the memory device 150.
[0023] While the description herein focuses on electronic gaming
machines 110, the EFT system according to the embodiments of the
present invention may also be utilized at live table games. In such
an embodiment, each gaming table has a memory device interface 160
linked to a dealer monitor proximate the table. The monitor may be
a dummy or smart device. As a dummy device, the processing power
may be supplied by a central server or similar device. In one
embodiment, there maybe 7 or 8 memory device interfaces 160
corresponding to each player location at the table. Dealer monitors
are commonly used with player card readers to track play at live
table games based on pit boss input or RFID chip input. With the
embodiments of the present invention, as a player approaches a live
table game he or she takes a seat and hands the memory device 160
to the dealer who attaches it to the single memory device interface
160 (or the one memory device interface 160 corresponding to the
player's seat location) to obtain a game value associated
therewith. Once the game value is determined, the dealer provides
the player with a desired value of game chips. If the value of the
game chips is less than the full value stored on the memory device
150, the dealer uses a monitor interface to deduct only a portion
of the value thereby leaving the remaining value balance on the
memory device 160. If only one memory device interface 160 is used,
the memory device 150 is then returned to the player until the game
session ends. If memory device interfaces 160 are available for
each player location, the dealer maintains the memory device 150
attached to the corresponding memory device interface 160. Once the
player is ready to leave, the player may simply leave with any
remaining chips and the memory device 150 or "cash in" whereby the
dealer adds the player's chip value to the player's memory device
150 in exchange for the player's chips.
[0024] In another embodiment, player credits are stored on the
system 100. For example, player credits may be stored on the server
120 in a player account. The player account may be the player
tracking account or another designated account. In this embodiment,
the memory device 150 is used as an identifier at a machine 110 or
gaming table. In such an embodiment, the player first deposits cash
or similar value with the casino. The casino then causes the player
account, maintained by the server 120, to be credited the amount of
the deposit. Then, when the player desires to play a machine 110 or
a live game of chance, the player uses the memory device as an
identification tool for access to the stored credits. In a machine
example, once the identification of the player is verified and
authenticated, the stored credits or a portion of the stored
credits are transferred to the machine for play. Once the gaming
session ends, any machine credits are either stored on the system
100 for later use or may be cashed out by the player. In a live
game of chance example, once the identification of the player is
verified and authenticated by the dealer, the player may request a
desired amount of gaming chips based on the stored credit amount.
The dealer then causes the stored credit amount to be adjusted
based on the gaming chips provided. After the game session ends,
the player may either turn in the chips for credit to the system
100 or may retain the chips for use at another table or cash them
in.
[0025] In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, players may also
be issued passwords or other unique codes which must be provided
prior to funds being transferred from the memory devices 150 or
stored player accounts. In one example, players use a touchpad or
touch screen on the gaming machines 110 to enter the code to verify
their identity. Thus, once the memory device 150 and player
identification are verified, the funds can be moved. A dealer may
enter the code at the live table games. In another embodiment,
players must insert their player card along with the memory device
150 so that the two can be authenticated and verified. Other means
of protecting funds stored on the memory devices 150 or player
accounts may also be implemented as desired by casinos and required
by regulatory bodies.
[0026] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to several embodiments, additional variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
* * * * *