U.S. patent application number 12/047062 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-05 for systems and methods for server-based gaming.
Invention is credited to Philip Jeffrey Anderson, Jeffrey S. Topham, Kent Young.
Application Number | 20090036203 12/047062 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39760375 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090036203 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson; Philip Jeffrey ;
et al. |
February 5, 2009 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SERVER-BASED GAMING
Abstract
Aspects of the present disclosure present systems, methods, and
apparatus for server-based gaming. Embodiments of the disclosure
are directed to systems and methods that include gaming system
functionality on a host computer that provides such to individual
player-operated electronic gaming machines as thin clients in
thin-client architecture. Embodiments of the disclosure can provide
systems and methods for tracking and/or downloading a downloadable
game, and may include royalty calculation functionality for the use
of proprietary gaming software at one or more electronic gaming
machines.
Inventors: |
Anderson; Philip Jeffrey;
(Las Vegas, NV) ; Young; Kent; (Truckee, NV)
; Topham; Jeffrey S.; (Las Vegas, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
39760375 |
Appl. No.: |
12/047062 |
Filed: |
March 12, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60894278 |
Mar 12, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/26 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A system for providing a royalty calculation, the system
comprising: one or more electronic gaming machines configured to
receive gaming software from a communications link; a first server
configured to provide said gaming software to said one or more
electronic gaming machines over a first communications link; a
second server configured to provide said gaming software to said
first server over a second communications link; and a royalty
calculator configured to calculate a royalty for use of said gaming
software at said one or more electronic gaming machines.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said royalty calculator
calculates a royalty based on a usage time of said gaming software
at said one or more electronic gaming machines.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said royalty calculator
calculates a royalty based on a time-based calculation.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said royalty calculator
calculates a royalty based on an event-based calculation.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein said event-based calculation is
based on downloads of said gaming software.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said royalty calculator
calculates a royalty based on the net profit of said gaming
device.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein said royalty calculator
calculates a royalty based on the amount of money wagered at said
gaming device.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein said royalty calculator
calculates a royalty based on a daily rate.
9. A method of providing a royalty calculation, the method
comprising: selecting gaming software from a remote software
vendor; downloading said gaming software to a local server from
said remote software vendor over a communications link; providing
said gaming software to one or more electronic gaming machines for
use by a player; and calculating a royalty calculation related to
the use of the gaming software.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising providing a payment
of a royalty fee to said remote software vendor based on said
royalty calculation.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said royalty calculation is
based on usage time of said gaming software at said one or more
electronic gaming machines.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein said royalty calculation is
based on a percentage of money wagered at said one more electronic
gaming machines.
13. The method of claim 9, further including providing said gaming
software as a thin-client application.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein said thin-client application
comprises a graphical user interface viewable at said one or more
electronic gaming machines.
15. The method of claim 9, further comprising providing a plurality
of distinct gaming software, wherein each said distinct gaming
software includes a distinct royalty rate and/or schema.
16. A system for providing a thin-client software application at an
electronic gaming machine, the system comprising: a host server
configured to provide a thin-client electronic gaming software
application to a communications link; a plurality of electronic
gaming machines configured to receive said thin-client electronic
gaming software application from said communications link; and a
royalty calculator configured to calculate a royalty related to
said thin-client electronic gaming software application.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein said host server is configured
to provide graphics functionality to said plurality of electronic
gaming machines.
18. The system of claim 16, wherein said host server is configured
to provide random number generation functionality to said plurality
of electronic gaming machines.
19. The system of claim 16, wherein said host server is configured
to provide a wagering outcome to at least one of said plurality of
electronic gaming machines based on input received from at least
one of said plurality of electronic gaming machines.
20. The system of claim 16, wherein said host server is configured
to provide a bonus game application to at least one of said
plurality of electronic gaming machines concurrent with the
operation of said thin-client electronic gaming software
application.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein said bonus game application is
provided based on an outcome of a play of said thin-client
electronic gaming software application.
22. A method of providing a thin-client software application at an
electronic gaming machine, the method comprising: providing
electronic gaming functionality to one or more electronic gaming
machines; controlling a first portion of the gaming functionality
for said one or more electronic gaming machines through a
thin-client architecture with a server; and controlling a second
portion of said gaming functionality for said one or more
electronic gaming machines through a thick-client architecture.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein providing said first portion of
the gaming functionality to said one or more electronic gaming
machines includes downloading gaming software onto a host server
linked to said one or more electronic gaming machines.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising selecting gaming
software from a vendor remote from a casino and downloading said
gaming software from the software vendor over the Internet.
25. The method of claim 24 further comprising calculating a royalty
calculation related to said gaming software.
26. The method of claim 25 further comprising providing a payment
of a royalty fee to said software vendor based on said royalty
calculation.
27. The method of claim 22, wherein controlling a first portion of
the gaming functionality for said one or more electronic gaming
machines through a thin-client architecture with a server comprises
providing a bonus game feature to said one or more electronic
gaming machines.
28. The method of claim 22, wherein controlling a first portion of
the gaming functionality for said one or more electronic gaming
machines through a thin-client architecture with a server comprises
providing a random number generation functionality to said one or
more electronic gaming machines.
29. A method for a providing electronic games and recording related
royalties, the method comprising: establishing a link between a
host device and a gaming terminal; storing at said host device a
plurality of game files, each gaming file having an associated
royalty schema; selecting a first game file from said plurality of
game files to provide for play at said gaming terminal; determining
a royalty related to the selected game file according to said
associated royalty schema; and recording said royalty.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein each game file of said
plurality of game files has a distinct royalty schema.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein said royalty is based upon a
plurality of royalty schema.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/894,278 filed Mar. 12, 2007 entitled "SYSTEMS
AND METHODS FOR SERVER-BASED GAMING," which is hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to server based downloadable
gaming and related services.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Makers and developers of wagering games, such as those used
in casinos, continually strive to provide new and entertaining
games. One way of increasing entertainment value associated with
casino-style wagering games (e.g., video slots, video poker, video
blackjack, and the like) includes offering a base game and a
variety of bonus events. Despite the variety of bonus events,
players often lose interest in repetitive wager gaming content. In
order to maintain player interest, wagering game machine makers
frequently update game themes, game settings, bonus events, and
other wager gaming content.
[0004] In order to satisfy player demands, wager casino operators
license and install new gaming content in their casinos. Casino
operators typically order new gaming content "kits" to change the
games offered at their casino. These kits may include software to
operate at a gaming terminal stored in a game electronically
programmable read only memory (EPROM) as well as "belly glass" and
the like to reconfigure the physical gaming terminal from one game
into another, e.g., game "A" into a game "B". For casino operators
owning scores or hundreds of terminals, this process can be
cumbersome and expensive. The reconfiguration kit must be
purchased, the gaming terminals must be taken out of service and a
technician must remove and replace the EPROM and glass of game A
with the EPROM and glass of game B as well as record the
transaction and initialize game B.
[0005] Still further, the casino operator may change game A for
poor performance, e.g. little play by the players, to game B
without knowing if game B will perform any better. Thus the
operator must go through trial and error to configure the games on
the casino floor in an attempt to attract players, fulfill the
player's entertainment needs and maximize the profit to the
casino.
[0006] In regards to game choices presented to the operator,
currently casino operators are restricted to changing games to
games offered by the manufacturer of the gaming terminal. That is,
the manufacturer of the terminal will have a suite of games from
which the operator can select to reconfigure the terminal.
Currently it is rare for third parties other than the terminal
manufacturer to offer reconfiguration kits to casino operators due
to legal and regulatory restrictions. Thus, when the operator buys
the terminal it is tied to the suite of games offered by the
terminal manufacturer. Casino operators stock their casino floor
with games of different manufacturers to expand their configuration
options by getting access to the suites of games offered by the
manufacturers.
[0007] Recently casino operator demand and technology advances have
resulted in gaming manufacturers providing systems where games can
be downloaded from a central server to a gaming terminal to
reconfigure the terminal to a new game. This system avoids the
requirement of physically changing EPROMs and glass. The suite of
games offered for download are stored in a server and made
available for download.
[0008] Copyright laws afford a copyright owner the exclusive right
to reproduce the copyrighted work in copies, to distribute such
copies, and to publicly perform and display the work. Game content
such as the graphics, images, photographs, text, operational source
code and the like is subject to copyright protection for the owner.
Each time a digital file is transferred over a network and copied
onto or displayed at a user's terminal, the copyright owner's
exclusive reproduction right is implicated (and possibly violated).
Likewise, transmission of the copyrighted work over the physical
wire is tantamount to a distribution. Indeed, in an open digital
system (e.g., a personal computer accessing the World Wide Web
through an Internet Service Provider (ISP)), copies of copyrighted
materials can undergo unlimited further copying and transmission
without the ability of the owner to collect appropriate
compensation (e.g., royalties).
[0009] Many publishers or other content providers naturally are
hesitant to make their copyrighted works available over the
Internet due to the ease with which these materials may be copied
and widely disseminiated without adequate compensation. Presently,
Internet commerce remains highly unregulated, and there is no
central authority for managing collection and allocation of content
provider royalties. Moreover, while publishers and content rights
societies and organizations are attempting to address the legal and
logistical issues, the art has yet to develop viable technical
solutions.
[0010] One technique that has been proposed involves wrapping a
copyrighted work in a copy protection "environment" to facilitate
charging users for use of that information obtained from the
Internet or World Wide Web. This approach, called COPINET, links a
copyright protection mechanism with a copyright management system,
and it is described in Charging, Paying and Copyright--information
Access in Open Networks, Bennett et al., 19th International Online
Information Meeting Proceedings, Online Information 1995 pp. 13-23
(Learned Information Europe Ltd.).
[0011] Other known techniques for managing use of software content
over the Internet typically involve electronic "wallets" or smart
cards. Known prior art systems of this type are illustrated, for
example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,590,197 and 5,613,001 (the contents of
both of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by
reference.) These systems described in these patents involve
complex hardware and encryption schemes, which are expensive and
difficult to implement in practice. They are not readily adaptable
to provide general royalty payment schemes for Internet content
usage.
[0012] Other known techniques for managing use of software content
are described in Berstis, U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,653 (the contents of
which are incorporated herein it their entirety by reference),
which describes a method for managing copies of a digital file that
includes content subject to copyright on behalf of a content
provider.
[0013] While applications of the prior art may be suitable for
their respective intended purposes, there remains a need to provide
improved methods and systems for downloadable and server-based
gaming systems, including systems and methods for monitoring and
collecting royalties for the use of copyrighted gaming content
and/or for systems and methods providing thin-client functionality
for electronic gaming systems that is not envisioned or motivated
by the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0014] Aspects of the preset disclosure present systems, methods,
and apparatus for downloadable as well as server-based content
delivery in a gaming environment. Embodiments of the disclosure in
one aspect are directed to systems and methods that include content
delivery functionality in a gaming environment on a host computer
that provides such to individual player-operated game machines
thin-client architectures/configurations. Content delivery may be
game displays, interfaces and information or other content such as
video and audio content to the thin terminal. Embodiments of the
disclosure can provide systems and methods for tracking and/or
downloading a downloadable game, and may include royalty
calculation functionality.
[0015] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will
be understood upon reading and understanding the detailed
description of exemplary embodiments, described herein, in
conjunction with reference to the drawings, in which like numerals
represent like elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Aspects of the disclosure may be more fully understood from
the following description when read together with the accompanying
drawings, which are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and
not as limiting. The drawings are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being placed on the principles of the disclosure.
In the drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation depicting a
server-based gaming system according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a method of providing a
royalty calculation based on use of downloadable gaming software at
an electronic gaming machine;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation depicting a system for
providing a thin-client software application at one or more
electronic gaming machines; and
[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a method of providing a
thin-client software application at one or more electronic gaming
machines.
[0021] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments
depicted in the drawings are illustrative and that variations of
those shown, as well as other embodiments described herein, may be
envisioned and practiced within the scope of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Aspects of the present disclosure provide systems, methods,
and apparatus useful for server-based downloadable gaming and
royalty calculations.
[0023] The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and
apparatus useful for server-based and downloadable gaming.
Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to systems and methods
that include gaming system functionality on a host server that
provides such to individual player-operated electronic gaming
machines, e.g., server based gaming. Further embodiments of the
present disclosure can provide systems and methods where gaming
software is downloaded or uploaded to a gaming terminal, for
tracking and/or downloading a downloadable gaming software, and may
include royalty calculation functionality relating to the use of
such downloadable gaming software.
[0024] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed
to systems and methods that include gaming system functionality on
a host server that provides such to individual player-operated
electronic gaming machines. In certain embodiments, the electronic
gaming machines may be implemented in a casino or other gaming
facility, and the machines can be linked to one another in various
configurations.
[0025] Further embodiments of the present disclosure can provide
systems and methods for tracking and/or downloading a downloadable
gaming software and providing such gaming software to one or more
electronic gaming machines, and may include royalty or use fee
calculation functionality relating to the use of such downloadable
gaming software.
[0026] It is expected that in the future electronic gaming
terminals will be able to accept game downloads from various
content providers, even from third parties who did not supply the
gaming terminals.
[0027] In a related development, systems have been and are being
developed to provide server based gaming. In server based gaming
the terminals are "dumb" and merely provide for the display of the
game and game functions and instructions and input by the player
for play of the game. The game control such as random number
generators, as opposed to downloadable games, reside at the server
which interfaces with the terminals connected thereto. For such
systems, the server would store a suite of available games which
could be played. There games may be from various game content
providers.
[0028] For either of downloadable or server based gaming, the
content which may be provided at the terminals may be controlled by
the casino operator who chooses which games are played. In an
alternative scenario players can choose the games they wish to
play.
[0029] Downloadable and/or server based gaming is being or will be
deployed to operate in brick and mortar casinos and, through a
wireless network, on handheld devices such a tablet terminals,
cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other
such gaming terminals. Where remote gaming is permitted gaming may
take place on in-home personal computers, cellular telephones, PDAs
and the like.
[0030] In addition to gaming files, it may also be desired to
download or broadcast to terminals other content such as
advertising, information or other video and audio content to a
gaming terminal or a display associated therewith.
[0031] FIG. 1 depicts a gaming system 100 for downloading gaming
software code or program(s) for use one or more electronic gambling
or gaming machines 106(1)-106(3), e.g., in a casino environment.
System 100 can include a first host server 102, which can be
configured and arranged to provide gaming software, shown as 104,
to one or more electronic gaming machines 106(1)-106(3) by way of a
suitable communications link or links 108(1)-108(3). Gaming
software 104 can include gaming applications, and/or subcomponents
of gaming applications such as graphics, audio, video, operational
code, updates, etc.
[0032] With continued reference to FIG. 1, system 100 can also
include a second server 110, acting as a gaming software content
source and configured to provide gaming software content (e.g.,
gaming software) to the first server 102 and/or directly to
electronic gaming machines 106(1)-106(3). The second server 110 may
be configured to deliver such electronic gaming software over
suitable communication link(s), e.g., such for example wireless
links 112(1)-112(2) and the Internet 114.
[0033] System 100 also includes a royalty calculator 120. Royalty
calculator 120 may be any combination of hardware and/or software
configured to calculate, track, store, report, adjust, and/or remit
royalty or use fee amounts (collectively referred to a "royalty").
One embodiment of the royalty calculator 120 provides for a royalty
calculator specifically adapted to calculate royalty amounts
related to electronic gaming machines and their related software
104. The royalty calculator 120 may be a general purpose processor
with related instruction set. In another embodiment, the royalty
calculator 120 may be a personal computer type processor.
Alternatively, the royalty calculator may be part of a slot account
system or a processor within server 102. Royalty calculator 120 may
be a standalone processor, or may be functionality provided by a
general purpose processor such as the type acting as the CPU of
server 102. As shown in FIG. 1, royalty calculator 120 may be
connected to server 102, as well as other parts/components of
system 100, e.g., server 110 and/or electronic gaming machines
106(1)-106(3), in exemplary embodiments.
[0034] The downloadable gaming system depicted in FIG. 1 provides
for downloadable content and game operational code to the gaming
machines 106(1)-106(3). The system 100 provides for gamin machines
106(1)-106(3) operable to download a software payload consisting of
gaming software 104. The software payload is capable of configuring
a gaming machine operable to play the downloaded game. For example,
the software payload may include a game as well as configuration
instructions to change the appearance of the gaming machine. More
specifically, a casino operator could cause a gaming machine to
download a new game recently released. The software payload would
include the game, as well as configuration instructions that could
alter the appearance of the gaming machine to indicate the gaming
machine is configured to play the newly downloaded game. One
example configuration is an instruction to change the name
displayed on a configurable electronic display. In another example
embodiment, a gaming machine player may be able to cause a software
payload to be downloaded to a machine. After the payload has been
received the gaming machine 106(1)-106(3) can function
independently of the system 100 to receive wagers, player input,
select and display outcomes and issue awards to the players for
those outcomes.
[0035] The software payload may include graphics, displays,
functions, operational controls, input output interfaces and other
code. This software payload may be used to configure the gaming
devices 106(1)-(3), with the resident hardware and software at the
gaming device 106(1)-(3), to display and operate a game. As such
the software payload may include proprietary code, software
architecture, and/or multimedia. This software payload may include
intellectual property that is protected by patents or copyright,
and/or may cause a gaming machine to operate in a manner that
implicates the intellectual property rights of a third party. Thus,
a third party may seek to collect royalties based on the
downloading and/or use of the software payload, as well as the used
of a gaming machine.
[0036] In modern casinos the system 100 may include a slot
accounting feature which may be hosted at the server 102 or a
dedicated server. A slot accounting system may be used to automate
slot machine meter reporting and event logging, as well as for
player tracking, bonus reward, ticketing and cashless gaming. The
gaming machines 106(1)-106(3) are in communication with the server
102 through a wired or wireless network to communicate operational
information to the server 102.
[0037] This information may be security information related to the
physical security of a machine, such as whether a machine door is
open or a whether component has been tampered with or suffered a
security breach. Additionally, this information may be accounting
related such as wagers made by the player, payouts, etc. This
information is used to measure the operation and performance of the
gaming machines 106(1)-106(3) for accounting, budgeting and
forecasting purposes as well as for determining "comps" or "perks"
to be offered to the player. The slot accounting system can
determine the value wagered and paid at each gaming machine
106(1)-(3).
[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, described below, embodiments of the
present disclosure, e.g., similar to system 100 of FIG. 1, can
operate to account and thereby provide a royalty to a software
vendor for use of that vendor's proprietary gaming software
payload, which may include patented, proprietary, or copyrighted
technology and/or images or symbols subject to trademarks, rights
of publicity or other intellectual property rights. The royalty
scheme for using proprietary software may be, for example, (1) a
flat fee when the download has been received by the gaming device
106(1)-106(3), (2) a fee related to the net profit (value wagered
minus value paid out) of the gaming device 106(1)-106(3) while the
player is playing the device configured by the software, (3) a fee
based upon the amount wagered, (4) a flat fee per day whether or
not the software is downloaded, (5) based upon player usage time,
(6) a combination of (1)-(5) or some other schema which may be
mutually agreeable between the software owner and the casino. Other
examples include a site license, a varied rate based upon premium
versus regular games, a trial period before royalties start
accruing, a royalty that changes based upon the percentage of the
gaming floor have the company's games, volume discounts, and a
varying royalty based upon a relationship to floor average. Further
embodiments of the invention allow for an operator to input a
royalty schema or algorithm at a gaming machine. Other embodiments
provide for the royalty schema to be downloaded to the gaming
machine. Additionally, the royalty schema may incorporate minimum
and/or maximum thresholds to adjust the royalty fee. While example
(1) above calls for a flat fee based upon a download, the royalty
could be triggered by any other event, such as a game update. Still
further the required fee may have to be shared, for example,
between the software owner and the download host entity. Certain
software may also be owned outright such that no royalties would be
required to be paid. Such downloadable gaming software can be
provided to a casino and/or a host (e.g., a facility or server),
which in turn can provide the gaming software or various portions
thereof to one or more casinos or gaming facilities having
electronic gaming machines.
[0039] FIG. 2 depicts a method 200 of providing a royalty
calculation based on use of downloadable gaming software at an
electronic gaming machine at a casino. At step 202, game software
suitable for use in conjunction with an electronic gaming machine,
similar to the electronic gaming machine 108(1) of FIG. 1, can be
downloaded or transferred, to a host computer from a content source
such as a server in communication with the Internet. As described
above the software may also be stored at the server in any suitable
form such as on a CD-ROM, DVD, hard drive, etc.
[0040] At step 204, the gaming software can be provided for use at
one or more electronic gaming machines from the host computer. The
gaming software may include new game application data, updated
application data, gaming machine configuration information, etc.
The gaming software may be provided through wired or wireless
information links. Additionally, the gaming software transfer may
be initiated by a user or device remote from the gaming machine,
host computer, and/or content server.
[0041] At step 206, a royalty is calculated related to the download
and/or usage of the gaming software. Software and/or hardware are
provided so that the royalty calculation applicable to the
downloaded game software payload can be made, stored, reported and
retrieved. Royalty calculations can be made on any suitable basis
as described above. In embodiments utilizing drop, value in,
jackpots paid and the like, meter data can be retrieved from the
slot accounting system and saved to provide a redundancy or back up
for royalty calculation.
[0042] At step 208, different games (or gaming software) may be
provided on different royalty schedules. Therefore, when a game
software payload is downloaded the applicable royalty calculation
schema is also identified and used in calculating the royalty. For
example, Game X may be a free game whereas Game Y may have a
royalty based on net win and Game Z a royalty based on a daily
rate. A royalty calculator can be used whenever a royalty generated
event is triggered. For example, Game Z may be downloaded for a day
and then replaced with Game X. In this example, a royalty for Game
Z may be owed, because Game Z was on a gaming machine for one day.
Alternatively, Game Z may have a daily royalty rate that does not
come into effect until a minimum play threshold is triggered. If
Game Z was never played, the royalty schema may dictate no royalty
is due for Game Z because no play or insufficient play occurred for
Game Z.
[0043] Continuing with this example, Game X may be replaced with
Game Y, which may collect a royalty related to the value of money
input into the gaming machine. Where the royalty is related to the
value handled by the gaming machine the calculator may constantly
update the royalty fee or retain information while the game is
presented on the gaming device to make periodic, e.g. daily,
royalty calculations.
[0044] At step 210, a royalty payment may be remitted. For example,
the calculator may be configured to calculate the gross or net
royalties due for all interested owners or third parties and
prepare corresponding royalty reports with the corresponding
back-up information so that the owner can validate the calculation.
Still further the calculator or system may be configured to
periodically, e.g., monthly, print royalty payment checks or drafts
or make electronic deposits for the payment of royalties due.
[0045] In certain circumstances the owner of the game content
software may desire to promote certain games or content for
downloading. In those circumstances the royalty schema may include
an initial discount rate, an initial free trial period or physical
or virtual coupons which the casino may use to receive a discount
from the royalty. Where coupons are provided the casino may include
the coupons into the royalty calculator and the coupon would be
accounted for in calculating the royalty. Where the coupon is
electronic, the casino would need to accept the terms at which time
the coupon terms would be included in the royalty calculation.
[0046] The royalty calculation as described above can be employed
for server based gaming as well. Returning to FIG. 1, in a server
based gaming environment server 102 would contain the game software
to control "dumb" gaming devices 106(1)-106(3) to interface with
and display the game features. In this embodiment, in the event the
network communication with the gaming terminals 106(1)-106(3) is
lost the gaming devices 106(1)-106(3) might not be able to operate.
A game would be provided at the gaming device 106(1)-106(3) and a
player could interact with the gaming device, causing the gaming
device to interface with the server 102 for the play of the game.
At the server, the outcome is selected and signals are sent to the
gaming device to display the outcome, issue awards, etc.
[0047] In an example embodiment, a plurality of game software
stored at the server has an associated royalty scheme or schedule
whereby the casino or game host is charged a fee for the use of the
game. The royalty calculator calculates the royalty and if so
configured remits the same to the game software owner or other
entitled party. Also as described above coupons and/or vouchers may
be included to provide incentives to casino owners to provide a
game on their gaming machines.
[0048] FIG. 3 depicts a system 300 for providing a thin-client
software application at an electronic, thick client, gaming machine
306(1)-306(3). A thin client is a client computer or client
software in client-server architecture network which depends
primarily on a central server for processing activities, and mainly
focuses on conveying input and output between the user and the
remote server. Many thin client devices run only web browsers or
remote desktop software, meaning that all significant processing
occurs on the server. However, recent devices marketed as thin
clients can run complete operating systems qualifying them as
diskless nodes or hybrid clients. The term "thin client", in terms
of hardware, has come to encompass any device marketed as, or used
as, a thin client in the original definition--even if its actual
capabilities are much greater.
[0049] In contrast, a thick client does as much processing as
possible and passes only data for communications and storage to the
server. A thick client is a computer in client-server architecture
networks which typically provides rich functionality independently
of the central server.
[0050] Each gaming machine 306(1)-306(3) may include a cabinet 330
which supports a base game display 332 of a type well known in the
art such as a CRT, flat screen display or electro-mechanical reels.
Disposed within the cabinet 330 is a processor (not shown) of a
type known in the art which controls the display 332 and the
overall operation of the gaming machine 306(1)-306(3). In this
embodiment, the gaming machine 306(1)-306(3) can function as or be
a "thick" client, in that it contains the software and hardware to
operate a game apart from the server 302. The game software may be
fixed by an EPROM or hard drive or CD or other memory device or, as
described above game software may be downloaded to the gaming
machine 306(1)-(3).
[0051] Each gaming machine 306(1)-306(3) has one or more "thin"
client processing units 307. For example a thin client may be
functionally coupled to a secondary display 334 which may be a flat
screen display mounted above the main game display. Alternatively
or additionally the gaming machine 306(1)-(3) may include a player
tracking module (PTM) 336 having thin client architecture and a PTM
display 338 which may be a small flat screen display. The PTM
module 336 provides an interface for the player to interact with a
player tracking system server (e.g., server 302 or other
server/computer). For example, a PTM module may have a keyboard,
touchpad, touchscreen, or any other input/output mechanism enabling
communication between a player and a system server. A card reader
340 can be provided to read a player card (not shown) to provide
access to the player's account retained at the player tracking
system as described in Acres et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,961 titled
"Method for Operating Networked Gaming Devices, the disclosure of
which is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively, a
biometric identification device such as a fingerprint scanner may
be used to access a player's account. The PTM display 338 has been
provided to display player tracking related information and to
enable the player to interface with the player tracking system.
[0052] System 300 includes first (or host) server 302 that is
configured and arranged to control one or more of the thin clients
and their secondary display 334 or PTM display 338 to display
graphics, video, audio, interfaces or deliver server based bonus or
secondary gaming features to the player over suitable
communications link(s) 308(1)-308(3) using suitable protocols. In
exemplary embodiments, a gaming device or machine implemented in
system 300 can be a Sentinel.TM. III player tracking module 336, as
available by the assignee of the present disclosure, Aristocrat
Technologies, Inc. of Las Vegas, Nev. USA.
[0053] Such thin-client applications can include, for example, one
or more graphics applications/features, bonus
applications/features, and/or additional gaming
applications/features, on any of the one or more electronics gaming
machines, and/or one or more separate displays. Further adjunct
functions for multiple electronic gaming devices or machines
306(1)-306(3) can be operated and controlled through server
302.
[0054] System 300 accordingly provides one or more electronic
gaming machines 306(1)-306(3) while server 302, operating through a
thin-client architecture, can control a portion of the gaming
machine functionality (e.g., more complex functionality) such as
functions related to secondary or bonus gaming offered through the
secondary display 334 or PTM display 338 including computational
processing, random number generation, driving displays, operating
player interfaces and/or memory, etc. Because the thin client(s)
processing units 307 do not need to include intensive processing
and memory storage for running games, bonus games, related game
features or the like, system 300 can offer a lower cost for gaming
applications. Further, increased flexibility can be provided, e.g.,
as changes can be implemented at a host computer, e.g., server 302,
rather than reconfiguring all of the connected/linked gaming
machines 308(1)-308(3) or player tracking modules 336. System 300
may also include a royalty calculator, shown as component 320, for
calculating, storing, and/or remitting royalties related to the use
of software 304. The royalty calculator 320 may be similar to the
royalty calculator 120 described above.
[0055] FIG. 4 depicts a method 400 of providing thin-client
software gaming related application at one or more electronic
gaming machines, e.g., machines similar to the machines
306(1)-306(3) of FIG. 3. For such a method 400, each electronic
gaming machine can include a base game which is operationally
displayed at the base game display. In addition to the base game, a
server, e.g., server 302 of FIG. 3, can be configured to control
the PTM display to operate as a display for a server based game
such as Keno. For example, a player would select their keno
ticket(s) at the PTM display and the server would randomly select
the Keno outcomes and control the PTM display to display the
outcome at the player's PTM display as well as notify the player of
any winning outcomes. Thus this Keno game can operate, as a server
based game, parallel to the base game being played by the player.
Server based gaming may also function to provide casino wide or
multi-site progressive games at the PTM display such as lottery,
Caribbean stud, etc. These thin client application could be
displayed at the secondary display as well.
[0056] At step 402, electronic gaming functionality is provided to
players at one or more electronic gaming machines. As described
elsewhere, this gaming functionality may be in the form a of a thin
client architecture. The electronic gaming machine may be used to
accept user input and provide gaming output to the player in form
of audio, video, graphics, or payouts. A server in the thin client
architecture may be used to perform all or a substantial portion of
the processing power to the electronic gaming machine, which would
be considered to be the thin-client. For example, the server would
provide all or most of the calculations related to the gaming
outcomes, royalty calculations, and/or multimedia generation. The
client gaming machine may process accepting the input and providing
the output generated by the server.
[0057] At step 404, an electronic gaming machine with a thin client
processing unit similar to the thin client processing unit 307 of
FIG. 3 may perform gaming functions. For example, a thin client
processing unit may perform random number generation (RNG), memory
functions, and/or royalty calculations.
[0058] At step 406, the thin client architecture may also be used
to deliver video, graphics, audio or other non-gaming content to
the secondary display or PTM display. This may be in addition to or
alternative to providing server based gaming to thick client gaming
machines, e.g., machines. For example, a gaming machine may provide
thick client functionality to operate a game independent of a
central server. Concurrently or alternatively, the gaming machine
may also interact with a server to provide thin client
functionality on a secondary display and input system. For example,
a player may be playing a thick client video poker game while
concurrently playing a thin client keno game at an electronic
gaming machine.
[0059] At step 408, bonus game features can be provided as
thin-client applications in addition to or separate from the base
game. In exemplary embodiments, method 400 may include calculating
a royalty for use of one or more software components, similar to
method 200 described previously. At step 410, a royalty payment can
be calculated and remitted.
[0060] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure can
provide for the use and play of downloadable and/or server-based
games (e.g., based on gaming software). These embodiments may be
useful for providing base games and/or bonus game feature(s) from
developer(s) such as third party developers who create game
software. Additionally, game software may be provided to casinos
for downloading and play at a casino or to a host who will then
provide the software to one or more casinos. Thus, game providers
may be paid for their software, e.g., which may have copyrighted,
trademarked, and/or patented content. Further, one or more gaming
features utilized at one or more electronic gaming machines can be
provided at the machine(s) as thin-client applications provided
from a server.
[0061] In exemplary embodiments, operation of the downloading of
gaming software and/or providing a thin-client software application
may occur in conjunction with use of OASIS.TM. PersonalBanker.RTM.
Advanced Funds Transfer (AFT) solution, made available by the
assignee of the present disclosure, Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.
PersonalBanker.RTM. AFT allows players to download promotional
credits, convert points to cash, and upload and download cashable
credits to their PersonalBanker.RTM. account at the gaming machine,
significantly expanding casinos' ability to implement high-impact
marketing and promotions programs and can provide casinos the
flexibility to better tailor rewards for player loyalty and
capitalize on additional promotional opportunities at the gaming
machine level not available before in a single-wire solution.
Players can convert their loyalty points to cash at the gaming
machine and upload funds from the gaming machine to their
PersonalBanker.RTM. account and then download funds to other
machines for play.
[0062] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may utilize
OASIS.TM. Sentinel III.TM. player-interface hardware, the next
generation of the OASIS.TM. floor network, as provided by
Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. An IP/Ethernet-based device, the
Sentinel III.TM. features downloadable multi-media graphics and
sound capability and uses a touch screen interface powered by
Aristocrat's SpeedMedia.TM. technology. The included
high-resolution visual display allows casinos to advertise player
and hotel promotions at the gaming machine using a suitable
high-speed delivery system. The high-resolution visual display may
be one of the current "HD" standards such as 720p, 1080i, and/or
1080p. Alternatively, the high-resolution visual display may a form
of the "Ultra HD" format comprising a resolution of
7,680.times.4,320 pixel display. The high-speed delivery system may
be any networking standard capable of providing such signals, such
as wired or wireless Ethernet, 3G cellular standard, or any other
broadband delivery system.
[0063] Embodiments of the present disclosure may operate or be used
in conjunction with BlackBart PRIME.TM. with Multi-Game Analyzer
PRIME.TM.. This functionality can allow casinos to easily manage
and monitor multi-game product performance and adjust the
theoretical hold percentage accordingly. Exemplary embodiments may
use Aristocrat's OASISv.11.5.2.NV, the first system to be approved
by the Nevada Gaming Control Board for meeting Nevada Regulation
14, Technical Standards for Gaming Devices and Technical Standard
3: Integrity of and Proper Accounting for On-Line Slot Systems.
[0064] The embodiments above provide a solution for managing the
collection of royalties and/or the allocating of such payments to
content providers in a downloadable or server based gaming
environment. Additionally certain embodiments of the invention
provide for a solution in the context of an open personal computer
(PC) architecture such as implemented in the public Internet.
Further the embodiments of the invention do not require the use of
a separate trusted subsystem to generate the authorizations for
particular content transfers. The embodiments described above may
also be applicable to the distribution and royalty calculation of
electronic media such as video, music, television, graphics,
advertisements, as well as gaming.
[0065] While certain embodiments have been described herein, it
will be understood by one skilled in the art that the methods,
systems, and apparatus of the present disclosure may be embodied in
other specific forms without departing from the spirit thereof. For
example, while embodiments have been described herein as including
the downloading of gaming software components to a host server that
subsequently conveys such software to one or more individual
electronic gaming machines, such software may within the scope of
the present disclosure be downloaded directly to the one or more
electronic gaming machines, with or without control by an
associated host server or computer.
[0066] Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are to be
considered in all respects as illustrative of the present
disclosure and not restrictive.
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