U.S. patent application number 12/106792 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-22 for customized player alerts.
This patent application is currently assigned to IGT. Invention is credited to Christiaan R. Champagne, Dwayne A. Davis, Michael M. Oberberger.
Application Number | 20090264190 12/106792 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41201557 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090264190 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; Dwayne A. ; et
al. |
October 22, 2009 |
CUSTOMIZED PLAYER ALERTS
Abstract
Some implementations of the invention allow a player to specify
type(s) of wagering conditions about which the player would like to
receive notification. The player may also be able to specify the
mode of notification desired, e.g., text message, email, voice
message, etc. Wager gaming notification parameters may, for
example, comprise information regarding an occurrence of a wager
gaming outcome. Some such wager gaming notification parameters may
involve an occurrence (or a non-occurrence) of a wager gaming
outcome within a specified time or a specified number of plays.
Player notifications may include raw data, probability data,
graphical data, navigation data and/or location data.
Inventors: |
Davis; Dwayne A.; (Reno,
NV) ; Oberberger; Michael M.; (Reno, NV) ;
Champagne; Christiaan R.; (Reno, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Weaver Austin Villeneuve & Sampson LLP - IGT;Attn: IGT
P.O. Box 70250
Oakland
CA
94612-0250
US
|
Assignee: |
IGT
|
Family ID: |
41201557 |
Appl. No.: |
12/106792 |
Filed: |
April 21, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/26 ; 463/41;
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3227 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/26 ; 463/41;
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A wager gaming system, comprising: means for receiving a
player's wager gaming notification parameters; means for
determining when a wagering condition corresponds with the wager
gaming notification parameters; and means for providing a
notification to the player when the wagering condition corresponds
with the wager gaming notification parameters.
2. The wager gaming system of claim 1, wherein the receiving means
comprises a user interface.
3. The wager gaming system of claim 1, wherein the determining
means comprises a logic system.
4. The wager gaming system of claim 1, wherein the wager gaming
notification parameters comprise information regarding a
notification mode for providing the notification to the player and
wherein the providing means comprises means for providing the
notification according to the notification mode.
5. The wager gaming system of claim 1, wherein the wager gaming
notification parameters comprise information regarding an
occurrence of a wager gaming outcome within a specified time or a
specified number of plays.
6. The wager gaming system of claim 1, wherein the wager gaming
notification parameters comprise information regarding a
non-occurrence of a wager gaming outcome within a specified time or
a specified number of plays.
7. The wager gaming system of claim 1, wherein the wager gaming
notification parameters comprise a probability of an occurrence or
non-occurrence of a wager gaming outcome.
8. The wager gaming system of claim 1, wherein the receiving means
comprises means for presenting a graphical user interface for
receiving wager gaming notification parameters.
9. The wager gaming system of claim 3, wherein the logic system
comprises at least one processor.
10. The wager gaming system of claim 4, wherein the notification
mode comprises at least one of a text message, a voice message or
an email message.
11. A wager gaming method, comprising: receiving a player's wager
gaming notification parameters; determining when a wagering
condition corresponds with the wager gaming notification
parameters; and providing a notification to the player when the
wagering condition corresponds with the wager gaming notification
parameters.
12. The wager gaming method of claim 11, wherein the receiving
comprises receiving the wager gaming notification parameters via a
user interface.
13. The wager gaming method of claim 11, wherein the wager gaming
notification parameters comprise information regarding a
notification mode for providing the notification to the player and
wherein the providing means comprises means for providing the
notification according to the notification mode.
14. The wager gaming method of claim 11, wherein the wager gaming
notification parameters comprise information regarding an
occurrence of a wager gaming outcome within a specified time or a
specified number of plays.
15. The wager gaming method of claim 11, wherein the wager gaming
notification parameters comprise information regarding a
non-occurrence of a wager gaming outcome within a specified time or
a specified number of plays.
16. The wager gaming method of claim 11, wherein the wager gaming
notification parameters comprise a probability of an occurrence or
non-occurrence of a wager gaming outcome.
17. The wager gaming method of claim 11, wherein the providing step
comprises providing the player with at least one of a text message,
a voice message or an email message.
18. The wager gaming method of claim 11, wherein the wager gaming
notification parameters comprise information regarding a sporting
match.
19. The wager gaming method of claim 11, wherein the wager gaming
notification parameters comprise roulette game data.
20. The wager gaming method of claim 11, wherein the notification
comprises information regarding a probability of the wagering
condition.
21. The wager gaming method of claim 11, wherein the notification
comprises information regarding an outcome of a Keno game.
22. The wager gaming method of claim 11, wherein the notification
comprises information regarding a dealer or croupier of a table
game.
23. The wager gaming method of claim 11, wherein the notification
identifies at least one wager gaming machine or gaming table.
24. The wager gaming method of claim 19, wherein the roulette game
data comprise roulette game outcomes relating to specified portions
of a roulette wheel.
25. A wager gaming system, comprising: an interface system for
receiving a player's wager gaming notification parameters; and a
logic system comprising at least one logic device and configured to
do the following: determine when a wagering condition corresponds
with the wager gaming notification parameters; and cause a
notification to be made to the player when the wagering condition
corresponds with the wager gaming notification parameters.
26. The wager gaming system of claim 25, wherein the interface
system comprises a user interface.
27. The wager gaming system of claim 25, wherein the interface
system comprises at least one network interface.
28. The wager gaming system of claim 25, wherein the wager gaming
notification parameters comprise information regarding a
notification mode for providing the notification to the player and
wherein the logic system causes the notification to be made
according to the notification mode.
29. The wager gaming system of claim 25, wherein the wager gaming
notification parameters comprise information regarding an
occurrence of a wager gaming outcome within a specified time or a
specified number of plays.
30. The wager gaming system of claim 25, wherein the wager gaming
notification parameters comprise information regarding a
non-occurrence of a wager gaming outcome within a specified time or
a specified number of plays.
31. The wager gaming system of claim 25, wherein the wager gaming
notification parameters comprise a probability of an occurrence or
non-occurrence of a wager gaming outcome.
32. The wager gaming system of claim 25, wherein receiving means
comprises means for presenting a graphical user interface for
receiving wager gaming notification parameters.
33. The wager gaming system of claim 28, wherein the notification
mode comprises at least one of a text message, a voice message or
an email message.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to wagering devices
and methods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Wager gaming has become a multi-billion dollar business.
Casino owners and operators strive to make the gaming environment
more attractive, more entertaining and more rewarding to casino
patrons.
[0003] Jackpots are features of wager gaming that are known to
heighten patron interest and excitement. When patrons know that a
jackpot has become very large, their interest in the corresponding
wagering game intensifies. However, existing displays in casinos
may not provide such information to a wide enough audience. It
would be desirable to provide improved methods, devices and
systems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a flow chart that outlines some implementations of
the invention.
[0005] FIG. 2 is flow chart that outlines steps of receiving wager
gaming notification parameters according to some implementations of
the invention.
[0006] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate graphical user interfaces
("GUIs") that may be used to obtain user input regarding some
features of the invention.
[0007] FIGS. 4A through 4E illustrate GUIs that may be used to
obtain user input regarding additional features of the
invention.
[0008] FIGS. 5A through 5D illustrate GUIs that may be used to
obtain user input regarding other features of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 6 is flow chart that outlines steps of alternative
implementations of the invention.
[0010] FIGS. 7A through 7C illustrate GUIs that may be used to
provide player notifications according to some implementations of
the invention.
[0011] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a mobile device that may be used to
implement, at least in part, some features of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 9 depicts an example of a gaming establishment and
related devices that may be used for some implementations of the
invention.
[0013] FIG. 10 depicts an Arbiter that may be used to implement, at
least in part, some features of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a network device that may be
configured according to some implementations of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0015] In this application, numerous specific details are set forth
in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention. However, the present invention may be practiced without
some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well
known process steps have not been described in detail in order to
avoid obscuring the present invention. Accordingly, the methods
described herein may include more (or fewer) steps than are
indicated. Moreover, the steps of such methods are not necessarily
performed in the order indicated.
[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to some specific
examples of the invention, including the best modes contemplated by
the inventors for carrying out the invention. Examples of these
specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
While the invention is described in conjunction with these specific
embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit
the invention to the described embodiments. On the contrary, it is
intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as
may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined by the appended claims.
[0017] Various techniques and mechanisms of the present invention
will sometimes be described in singular form for clarity. However,
it should be noted that some embodiments include multiple
iterations of a technique or multiple instantiations of a mechanism
unless noted otherwise. For example, a system may use a logic
device, such as a processor, in a variety of contexts. However, it
will be appreciated that a system can use multiple logic devices
for similar purposes, while remaining within the scope of the
present invention. Similarly, a host device, server, etc., may be
described as performing various functions. In some implementations,
a single device may perform such functions, whereas in other
implementations the functions may be performed by multiple
devices.
[0018] Furthermore, the techniques and mechanisms of the present
invention will sometimes describe and/or illustrate a connection
between two entities. It should be noted that a connection between
two entities does not necessarily mean a direct, unimpeded
connection, as a variety of other entities may reside between the
two entities. For example, a processor may be connected to memory,
but it will be appreciated that a variety of bridges and
controllers may reside between the processor and memory.
Consequently, an indicated connection does not necessarily mean a
direct, unimpeded connection unless otherwise noted. Moreover,
there may be other connections between entities than are indicated
herein, e.g., in network diagrams.
[0019] Overview
[0020] Some players may be interested in receiving information
regarding one or more types of wagering conditions. This
information may relate to the size of a jackpot, to the "line" in
sports betting, to "hot" or "cold" wager gaming machines, or to
other wagering conditions of interest.
[0021] Accordingly, some implementations of the invention allow a
player to specify type(s) of wagering conditions about which the
player would like to receive notification. The player may also be
able to specify the mode of notification desired, e.g., text
message, email, voice message, etc. Collectively, the wagering
conditions and notification mode(s) may sometimes be collectively
referred to herein as "wager gaming notification parameters" or the
like.
[0022] Some embodiments of the invention provide a wager gaming
system, which may include the following elements: apparatus for
receiving a player's wager gaming notification parameters;
apparatus for determining when a wagering condition corresponds
with the wager gaming notification parameters; and apparatus for
providing a notification to the player when the wagering condition
corresponds with the wager gaming notification parameters.
[0023] In some embodiments, the receiving apparatus may comprise a
user interface. For example, the receiving apparatus may comprise
at least one display and/or other apparatus for presenting a
graphical user interface for receiving wager gaming notification
parameters. The determining apparatus may, for example, comprise a
logic system that includes one or more logic devices (e.g.,
processors, programmable logic devices, etc.).
[0024] The wager gaming notification parameters may comprise
information regarding a notification mode for providing the
notification to the player. The providing apparatus may be
configured for providing the notification according to the
notification mode. The notification mode may comprise one or more
of a text message, a voice message, an email message, etc.
[0025] The wager gaming notification parameters may comprise
information regarding an occurrence of a wager gaming outcome
within a specified time or a specified number of plays. However,
the wager gaming notification parameters may comprise information
regarding a non-occurrence of a wager gaming outcome within a
specified time or a specified number of plays. Moreover, the wager
gaming notification parameters may comprise other factors, e.g., a
probability of an occurrence or non-occurrence of a wager gaming
outcome.
[0026] Some implementations of the invention provide a wager gaming
method, which may include the following steps: receiving a player's
wager gaming notification parameters; determining when a wagering
condition corresponds with the wager gaming notification
parameters; and providing a notification to the player when the
wagering condition corresponds with the wager gaming notification
parameters. The receiving step may comprise receiving the wager
gaming notification parameters via a user interface.
[0027] The wager gaming notification parameters may comprise
information regarding a notification mode for providing the
notification to the player and wherein the providing apparatus
comprises apparatus for providing the notification according to the
notification mode. The wager gaming notification parameters may
comprise information regarding an occurrence of a wager gaming
outcome within a specified time or a specified number of plays.
[0028] However, the wager gaming notification parameters may
comprise other data, e.g., information regarding a non-occurrence
of a wager gaming outcome within a specified time or a specified
number of plays, the probability of an occurrence or non-occurrence
of a wager gaming outcome, etc.
[0029] The wager gaming notification parameters may comprise
information regarding a sporting match, poker games, tournaments,
etc. In some implementations, the wager gaming notification
parameters may comprise roulette game data, e.g., data involving
roulette game outcomes, such as game outcomes relating to specified
portions of a roulette wheel.
[0030] The providing step may involve providing the player with at
least one of a text message, a voice message or an email message.
The notification may comprise information regarding a probability
of the wagering condition. For example, the notification may
comprise information regarding an outcome of a Keno game,
information regarding a dealer or croupier of a table game. In some
instances, the notification may identify at least one wager gaming
machine or gaming table.
[0031] These and other methods of the invention may be implemented
by various types of hardware, software, firmware, etc. For example,
some features of the invention may be implemented, at least in
part, by a personal digital assistant, by a portable gaming device
and/or other type of mobile device, by one or more host devices,
RFID readers, servers, cameras, etc. Some embodiments of the
invention are provided as computer programs embodied in
machine-readable media. The computer programs may include
instructions for controlling one or more devices to perform the
methods described herein.
[0032] Alternative embodiments of the invention provide a wager
gaming system that may include an interface system for receiving a
player's wager gaming notification parameters and a logic system
comprising at least one logic device. The logic system may be
configured determine when a wagering condition corresponds with the
wager gaming notification parameters and to cause a notification to
be made to the player if the wagering condition corresponds with
the wager gaming notification parameters.
[0033] The interface system may comprise at least one user
interface. Alternatively, or additionally, the interface system may
comprise at least one network interface. The receiving apparatus
may comprise hardware, software, etc., configured for presenting a
graphical user interface for receiving wager gaming notification
parameters.
[0034] The wager gaming notification parameters may comprise
information regarding a notification mode for providing the
notification to the player. The logic system may cause the
notification to be made according to the notification mode. The
notification mode may comprise at least one of a text message, a
voice message, an email message, etc.
[0035] The wager gaming notification parameters may comprise
information regarding an occurrence of a wager gaming outcome
within a specified time or a specified number of plays. The wager
gaming notification parameters may comprise information regarding a
non-occurrence of a wager gaming outcome within a specified time or
a specified number of plays. The wager gaming notification
parameters may comprise a probability of an occurrence or
non-occurrence of a wager gaming outcome.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 1, an overview of some generalized
methods of the invention will now be described. Subsequent
discussions herein will provide examples of these general features
in greater detail. As with other methods described herein, the
methods described with reference to FIG. 1 may include more (or
fewer) steps than are indicated in flow chart 100. Moreover, the
steps of these and other methods described herein are not
necessarily performed in the order indicated.
[0037] In step 101, a player's wager gaming notification parameters
are received. Wager gaming notification parameters may, for
example, comprise information regarding an occurrence of a wager
gaming outcome. Some such wager gaming notification parameters may
involve an occurrence (or a non-occurrence) of a wager gaming
outcome within a specified time or a specified number of plays.
[0038] Preferably, the wager gaming notification parameters can be
customized, at least to some extent, according to information
desired by a player. Some players are looking for "streaks," trends
or "hot" wager gaming machines, roulette wheels, players, etc. For
example, some players may believe that certain wager gaming
machines tend to "hit" big payouts more frequently than other wager
gaming machines. Some such players may wish to receive a list of
wager gaming machines that have hit the most often during a
particular time interval (e.g., during the past week, month or
year) or number of plays (during the last 100 plays, 1000 plays,
etc.).
[0039] Some players would value information regarding the machines
that had the biggest jackpot hits during the past year. Many
players may be interested in the current total of a progressive
jackpot, a lottery, etc.
[0040] Other players may wish to know information relating to
thresholds, such as payout thresholds. For example, a player may
choose to be notified when a progressive jackpot reaches or exceeds
a predetermined monetary threshold. The size of the threshold of
interest may vary, e.g., according to the number of participating
wager gaming machines: a threshold for a progressive involving a
relatively large number of wager gaming machines may be higher than
the threshold for a progressive involving a relatively small number
of machines. For example, a player may select a relatively low
threshold, (e.g., $10K or less) for a progressives based on a bank
of 6 or 8 wager gaming machines, whereas the player may select a
threshold of $1 million for a progressive involving thousands of
machines.
[0041] However, other players may wish to be notified when
different types of thresholds are met or exceeded, such as game
outcome thresholds, probability thresholds, etc. As an example of a
game outcome threshold as a wagering condition, a player may wish
to know which video poker machines in a casino have hit a straight
flush or better during a particular time interval (e.g., on a
particular day, during the past week, etc.) or during a specified
number of plays. As an example of a probability threshold, a player
may request notification when a wagering condition occurs having a
probability of 1 in 100,000 or more. The player may further specify
a time interval, a number of plays, etc.
[0042] Sports betting may involve other types of wagering
conditions about which players may seek notification. In some types
of sports betting, for example, bets may be won or lost according
to the "line." Suppose the Raiders are playing the 49'ers and the
line is 6.5. If a player bets on the Raiders and the Raiders win by
6 points, the player loses, but if the Raiders win by 7 points, the
player wins. If the player bets on the 49'ers and the Raiders win
by less than 7 points, the player wins. Sports betting may also be
made according to the "over/under." An over/under bet is a
prediction that a particular statistic for a game (e.g., the
combined score of the two teams) will be either higher or lower
than a stated number. The line and over/under are typically set by
a casino, a sports book, etc. These values may vary in time and may
also vary from casino to casino.
[0043] Therefore, a player may ask for notification whenever the
line or the over/under for a particular game reaches a certain
value. For example, the player may request notification when the
line for a particular football game is greater than, less than or
equal to a certain value. The player may be interested in receiving
notification regarding other types of sports betting, including but
not limited to golf, tennis, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer,
horse racing, boxing, and mixed martial arts. The wagering
conditions of interest may vary with the sport and/or the type of
game, so a player's desired wager gaming notification parameters
may vary accordingly.
[0044] Still other players may wish to be notified about
alternative wagering conditions. For example, some players may seek
information regarding "cold" wager gaming machines, perhaps
believing that wager gaming machines are due for hitting a jackpot
if they have not hit in a relatively long time and/or a relatively
large number of plays.
[0045] Similarly, a player may want to be notified about machines
that have not "hit" at or above a particular threshold for a period
of time. As described elsewhere, the threshold may be a monetary
threshold, a game outcome threshold or another type of threshold.
For example, a player may want to receive information regarding all
video poker machines that have not hit at four of a kind or better
in a predetermined number of plays (e.g., 10,000 plays), within a
predetermined period of time (e.g., 3 days), etc. Some players may
wish to be notified about slot machines that have not paid out more
than a predetermined monetary threshold (e.g., more than $500) per
play within a predetermined time period, within a predetermined
number of plays, etc. Similarly, a player may wish to know what
slot machines have not had a progressive jackpot hit within a
predetermined time period or within a predetermined number of
plays.
[0046] A player may also seek other information regarding a table
game, a wager gaming machine, etc. For example, some players may
desire information regarding the age of a wager gaming machine.
Some players believe that new machines will hit big jackpots more
often. Accordingly, some players may wish to know when new wager
gaming machines are deployed and/or may wish to have the age of a
machine be presented along with other notification data. On the
other hand, some players may believe that an older roulette wheel
may provide less random results than a newer roulette wheel.
Therefore, some players may desire information regarding the length
of time a roulette wheel has been in use, the extent of such use,
whether the wheel has been maintained, the time since the last
maintenance event, etc.
[0047] Some players may also desire information regarding a dealer,
a croupier, a craps shooter, an athlete scheduled to play in a
sports competition, etc., perhaps believing that the influence of a
particular person (or the lack thereof) may affect the outcome of a
game. For example, patrons interested in sports wagering may wish
to know as much as possible regarding factors that may affect the
performance of key athletes, such as indicia of their health (e.g.,
evidence of recent injuries), reports of recent arrests and/or
other factors that may affect an athlete's physical or mental
condition. Some players may wish to know of tables at which a craps
player is "on a roll" and seems to be having a lucky streak.
[0048] Similarly, a player may believe that a croupier's
consistency of throw, spin, ball size, etc., may cause certain
zones of a roulette wheel to be hit more often than other zones.
Therefore, some players may seek information regarding zones of a
roulette wheel that are being hit more than other zones within a
predetermined number of spins, a predetermined period of time, etc.
A player may wish to know how often his or her "favorite number"
has been hit. Some players may believe that an inexperienced card
dealer will provide less random card game outcomes than a more
experienced dealer. Therefore, some players may wish to know which
dealers are relatively less experienced than others.
[0049] Many other types of notifications are contemplated by the
inventors and are within the scope of the present invention. For
example, some players may desire notification when seats in a poker
room become available, when a seat at a blackjack table becomes
available, when a particular wager gaming machine becomes
available, etc. Some players may wish to be notified about
tournaments, e.g., when tournaments of a particular type are
scheduled, how to enroll, whether places in the tournaments are
available, etc.
[0050] Some patrons may wish to receive (or at least be willing to
receive) offers, advertisements, etc. In some implementations,
offers may bear some logical relationship to a patron's indicated
wager gaming notification parameters. For example, an offer may be
related to a location of a particular wager gaming machine, gaming
table, etc., about which a player will receive notification
according to his or her wager gaming notification parameters.
According to some such implementations, the offer may relate to a
restaurant, a bar, a retail establishment or other such commercial
entity that is located near a wagering location of interest.
However, such offers may or may not relate to wager gaming
notification parameters selected by the patron.
[0051] The wager gaming notification parameters may also include
information regarding a mode for providing the notification to the
player, which will sometimes be referred to herein as a
"notification mode" or the like.
[0052] Step 101 may, for example, involve a process of receiving
data from a patron. In some implementations, for example, such data
may be received via a process such as that described below with
reference to FIGS. 2 through 5D. However, step 101 may also
reference other processes, e.g., a step of receiving wager gaming
notification parameters that have previously been received by a
first device (such as a kiosk, a personal computer, a personal
digital assistant, a wager gaming machine, a cellular telephone,
etc.). For example, the wager gaming notification parameters may be
received by the first device and transmitted to a storage device,
to a host device, to a server, etc.
[0053] In step 105, wagering conditions are monitored according to
the received wager gaming notification parameters. For example, the
wagering conditions may be monitored by one or more servers, host
devices, etc., based on input from wager gaming machines, networked
gaming tables and various other devices configured for
communication via a gaming network. Depending on the types of
wagering conditions to be monitored, input may also be received
from sources outside a gaming establishment. For example, if the
wager gaming notification parameters involve wagering on one or
more sporting matches, information about the players, the weather,
the current "line" or other wagering parameters, etc., may be
obtained from outside sources (e.g., via the Internet) and
evaluated according to the received wager gaming notification
parameters.
[0054] If an observed wagering condition corresponds to a player's
wager gaming notification parameters, the player will be notified
according to his or her indicated notification parameters. (Step
115.) For example, if the player had requested to be contacted via
email, the player would be sent an email notification. As described
in more detail below with reference to FIG. 6, the patron may also
receive information according to his or her location, according to
a follow-up request for information and/or other criteria.
[0055] In step 120 it is determined whether the process will
continue. For example, it may be determined that a patron has
indicated that he or she no longer wishes to receive notifications,
etc., at least temporarily. The patron may, for example, have
switched off a device configured for receiving notifications, may
have sent a message indicating that he or she does not wish to
receive notifications for the time being, etc.
[0056] In some implementations, at least some the wager gaming
notification parameters may pertain to a particular gaming
establishment. When a patron is determined to be leaving that
gaming establishment, to be more than a predetermined distance from
the gaming establishment, etc., in some implementations the patron
will no longer receive notifications pertaining to that gaming
establishment.
[0057] A method 200 for obtaining a player's wager gaming
notification parameters will now be described with reference to
FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3A through 5D. In the example of method 200, a
player may indicate wager gaming notification parameters by
interacting with a series of graphical user interfaces ("GUIs").
These GUIs may be provided, for example, on a kiosk, on a player's
personal computer, mobile device (e.g., a personal digital
assistant ["PDA"], cellular telephone, etc.), on a wager gaming
machine, on a television screen (e.g., in a casino's hotel room) or
on some other device.
[0058] It will be appreciated that method 200 is merely one example
of how a player's wager gaming notification parameters may be
obtained and that any other suitable method may be used within the
scope of the present invention. For example, other types of GUIs,
other user interfaces, etc., may be used to obtain a player's wager
gaming notification parameters. Pull-down menus (or the like) may
be used in combination with GUIs, e.g., in order to reduce the
total number of necessary screens or panels. At least some wager
gaming notification parameters may be inferred from a player's
observed wagering patterns. These may be determined, e.g., by
reference to a player loyalty database. Alternatively, or
additionally, a player's wager gaming notification parameters may
be determined by another person (e.g., a casino attendant) and
entered by the attendant.
[0059] In step 201 of method 200, a first GUI is provided. One
example of a GUI that could be presented at this stage is depicted
in FIG. 3A. GUI 300 includes a message field 301, which provides a
greeting and instructs the patron to select a type of wager gaming
that is of interest to the player.
[0060] Various wager gaming options are provided in area 303. In
this example, a patron has the option of selecting poker,
blackjack, keno, roulette, slots/video poker or sports betting.
Here, a patron has selected Roulette. Other implementations may
provide more or fewer selections of wager gaming options. Still
other implementations may allow a patron to indicate one or more
wager gaming options that are not displayed, e.g., by filling in a
blank field.
[0061] In this example, the patron may indicate whether he or she
is a member of a player loyalty program by selecting an option in
area 305. In this instance, the patron has indicated that she is
not a member of a player loyalty program.
[0062] GUI 300 also provides audio button 307 and help button 309.
In this example, if audio button 307 is activated, various other
options are presented (not shown), including an option of
activating an audio version of the GUI (e.g., in which at least
some of fields of GUI 300 are provided in audio form), adjusting
the volume, etc. When activated, help button 309 provides an
explanation for at least some of fields of GUI 300 and/or other
(e.g., subsequent) GUIs. If audio button has also been activated,
such explanations may be provided in audio form if so desired.
[0063] Activating "Enter" button 311 will indicate the patron's
acceptance the selections on GUI 300. Referring now to FIG. 2, it
is determined in step 210 that there are additional options
available and/or additional information to be acquired regarding
the selections made on GUI 300. Therefore, activating "Enter"
button 311 will cause a modified screen and/or an additional screen
to be presented. (Step 215.) This will lead to further options
consistent with the selections made on GUI 300.
[0064] In this example, GUI 400a of FIG. 4A is presented next.
Here, because the patron had indicated an interest in roulette
games in area 303 of GUI 300, GUI 400a allows the patron to
indicate further information regarding roulette-based wager gaming
notification parameters.
[0065] Here, area 401a prompts the patron to indicate
roulette-based wager gaming notification parameters of interest.
Such a prompt (and/or other information) may be made in an audio
fashion, e.g., if audio button 307 or 407 has been activated.
[0066] Area 403 allows the patron to indicate an interest in
specific game outcomes (e.g., particular numbers hit, red or black,
etc.), hits in predetermined areas of a roulette wheel, "hot or
"cold" tables or players, or other roulette-based wager gaming
notification parameters that are not listed on GUI 400a. Further
examples of such roulette-based wager gaming notification
parameters are described below.
[0067] The patron may also indicate in area 405 whether any
location and/or navigation data should be provided along with a
notification. For example, directions to a roulette table of
interest and/or a map indicating such a roulette table, etc., may
be provided. In some implementations, real-time navigation features
may be provided, such as those described in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. ______ (attorney docket no. IGT1P410/P-1222), entitled
"Real-Time Navigation Devices, Systems and Methods," which is
hereby incorporated by reference. According to some such
implementations, a patron may be presented with image data that may
include images from cameras positioned at various locations, e.g.,
within a wager gaming establishment. The patron may be guided to a
destination of interest by a highlighted path (or the like), audio
prompts, etc.
[0068] Information button 409 can provide further information
regarding the items on GUI 400a and/or regarding other related
topics. "Back" button 413 allows the patron to return to GUI
300.
[0069] In this example, when any of the features in area 403 are
selected and the "Enter" button 411 is engaged, it will be
determined in step 210 (see FIG. 2) that there are additional
options for the received wager gaming notification parameters.
Therefore, a modified GUI (e.g., a pull-down menu or the like) or
another GUI will be presented. (Step 215.)
[0070] Because the patron selected "Hits in Predetermined Areas"
from area 403, GUI 400b of FIG. 4B provides the patron with
additional selections that pertain to areas of a roulette wheel.
The selections indicated in area 415 pertain to a roulette wheel
having 36 numbers, including zero, such as the roulette wheel
depicted in FIGS. 7B and 7C. Accordingly, the patron is provided
the option of selecting quarters, sixths or twelfths, because 36
numbers may be divided evenly into these fractions. In this
example, the specific number ranges corresponding to these
fractions are predetermined and need not be selected by the
patron.
[0071] However, in some cases a patron may indicate a desire to
select desired areas or number ranges of interest. In some
implementations, if the patron chooses the field corresponding to
"Select Desired Areas" or "Select Number Ranges" in area 415, the
patron will be presented with a GUI having a depiction of a
roulette wheel, e.g., similar to that shown in FIG. 7A. The patron
may then select desired areas and/or number ranges of interest by
interacting with this GUI.
[0072] The patron may also indicate whether a detailed analysis is
desired (see area 417) and whether the patron wishes to select
parameters for the analysis (see area 419). In this case, the
patron has indicated that a detailed analysis should be provided
upon the patron's request, instead of being provided automatically
or not being provided at all. When the patron activates Enter
button 411, the selections on GUI 400b will be accepted and a
corresponding follow up GUI will be presented.
[0073] In this example, the next GUI is shown in FIG. 4C. In this
case, because the patron indicated that a detailed analysis was
desired and that the patron wished to select parameters for the
analysis, GUI 400c includes field 421 for indicating an analysis
type and area 423 for indicating an analysis presentation style. In
this example, in area 421a patron may select an analysis and the
presentation based upon the hits for particular roulette numbers,
hits within a specified area, etc. ("Raw Hit Data") or to have the
analysis and the presentation based upon both raw hits and
probability information ("Hits and Probabilities").
[0074] Here, the patron has selected "Hits and Probabilities" and
has also selected to accept the system defaults regarding hit and
probability parameters. If the patron had chosen to select hit
and/or probability parameters, further choices would be provided in
one or more follow-up GUIs, pull-down menus, or the like.
[0075] Some patrons may wish to know about hits on one or more
favorite or "lucky" numbers, may wish to set raw hit and/or
probability thresholds for notification, etc. For example, a patron
may wish to be notified when a particular number, a particular
fraction of the roulette wheel, etc., has not been hit within a
predetermined number of spins. Alternatively, or additionally, a
patron may wish to be notified when a particular number, a
particular fraction of the roulette wheel, etc., has been hit more
than a specified number of times during a predetermined number of
spins.
[0076] Some patrons may wish to set probability thresholds for
notification. For example, this patron has indicated that the
analysis should be based, at least in part, on hits within quarters
of a roulette wheel. Accordingly, such a patron may wish to be
notified when the hit frequency for a particular quarter (or for
any quarter) of a roulette wheel substantially deviates from once
every four times, e.g., when a quarter of a roulette wheel has been
hit more than 1/3 of the time during a predetermined time, number
of spins, etc.
[0077] A patron may also set a raw hit and/or a probability
threshold based on other criteria, such as color criteria. For
example, a patron may as to be notified when either red or black
has been hit more than a threshold number of times and/or
percentage of the time within a predetermined time, number of
spins, etc.
[0078] In some implementations, the players may be able to select
the parameters of any such criteria without constraint. In other
implementations, a player may be provided with predetermined
numbers of plays, numbers of days, etc., and will need to select
from predetermined ranges. For example, the player could be
presented with predetermined ranges of plays (e.g., the last 100
plays, the last 500 plays, the last 1,000 plays, the last 5,000
plays, the last 10,000 plays, etc.), predetermined periods of time
(e.g., the last 30 minutes, the last hour, the last day, the last 3
days, the last week, the last month), etc.
[0079] Area 423 allows the patron to specify details regarding
analysis presentation. As noted elsewhere, such a presentation may
be provided automatically upon notification or may be provided upon
request. Some examples of analysis presentation will be described
below with reference to FIGS. 7A-7C. Here, the patron may select
the appropriate field of area 423 to indicate an analysis
presentation that includes numbers and text only or numbers, text
and graphics. Some such notifications may indicate, e.g., raw hits
and/or probability deviations in graphical form. For example, some
such analysis presentations may indicate peaks over numbers/ranges
of numbers/areas that are being disproportionally "hit."
[0080] As mentioned elsewhere herein, some implementations of the
invention provide information and/or analysis regarding particular
individuals. Area 425 allows a patron to select one such type of
information: a patron can indicate whether the system should
provide information and/or analysis regarding a particular
croupier. For example, a patron may wish for a hit frequency and/or
probability analysis to re-start whenever the croupier at a
roulette table changes. This would allow data to be acquired that
is specific to the new croupier. A patron may wish to know at which
table a particular croupier is working, perhaps believing that this
croupier has a style that tends to produce less than random game
outcomes.
[0081] After making selections on GUI 400c, in this example the
patron will have the option of choosing a preferred notification
mode and notification device type. GUI 400d of FIG. 4D allows the
patron to choose whether to receive a notification via a voice
message, a text message, email and/or in another mode. (See area
427.)
[0082] Area 428 allows a patron to select event-based or time-based
notifications. As an example of event-based notification, a player
who is currently free to participate in wagering games may wish to
receive notification of specified wagering conditions as soon as
they arise, so as not to miss a wagering opportunity. However, if a
patron knows that he or she will not be available to participate in
wagering games until a particular time (e.g., until after work),
the patron may choose to be notified only at that time and/or
during the noon hour, known break times, etc. Some implementations
of the invention allow a patron to specify one or more particular
times of day if time-based notification is selected. In the example
shown in FIG. 4D, a patron may specify time intervals for
notification, which may be expressed in units of days. Partial days
are acceptable, e.g., 0.1 of a day, 0.25 of a day, etc. In some
implementations, a patron may choose to have at least some
notifications saved (at least for a period of time), so that the
patron may review them at a time of the patron's convenience.
[0083] The patron may indicate the type of device(s) for receiving
notifications in area 429. Here, the patron has requested to
receive notification on her own device, so a GUI is presented that
allows the patron to provide more details regarding this device:
GUI 400e of FIG. 4E allows the patron to specify device type (see
area 431) and device identification/address information (see area
431).
[0084] At this stage, it is determined that there are no additional
options that the patron needs to provide regarding the
previously-received parameters (see step 210 of FIG. 2), but it is
also determined that the patron wishes to continue specifying some
wager gaming notification parameters. (Step 220.) In this example,
the patron has activated "Back" buttons 413 until she reached GUI
300 once again.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 3B, the patron now chooses "Slots/Video
Poker" from area 303. She also decides to acknowledge that she is
actually a member of a casino's player loyalty program. (See area
305.) She accepts these selections by activating "Enter" button
311.
[0086] GUI 500a of FIG. 5A is then presented. Area 501a prompts the
patron to indicate the type(s) of slot information or video poker
information of interest. As mentioned above, such prompts may be
made and/or other information may be presented in audio form. In
area 503, the patron is presented with a number of choices that
include specific game outcomes, hot or cold machines, jackpots or
other outcomes. Here, the patron indicates an interest in video
poker outcomes.
[0087] Area 505 proves a field for the patron to indicate her
player loyalty program number. In some implementations, one or more
databases of a player loyalty program may be referenced to provide
information relevant to the present invention. For example, player
preference data from such a database may be referenced to
determine, at least in part, the types of wager gaming
opportunities, offers, etc., that may be of interest to the patron.
Notifications provided to the player may be based, at least in
part, upon such data. Moreover, the player's actual responses to
notifications, offers, etc., may be recorded and stored in a player
loyalty program database.
[0088] When the player activates Enter button 511, these choices
are accepted and GUI 500b is presented. (See FIG. 5B.) Because the
patron has indicated an interest in video poker outcomes, the
patron is prompted to select relevant details. (See area 501b.)
Area 515 presents the patron with poker outcome types; she selects
"Four of a Kind of Better" as a basis of a wager gaming
notification. She indicates a desire to select her own parameters
(see area 517) instead of accepting default parameters. She also
indicates a desire to receive location and/or navigation data,
e.g., in connection with at least some types of notification. (See
area 519.) When the player activates Enter button 511, these
choices are accepted.
[0089] GUI 500c is then presented. (See FIG. 5C.) The patron is
prompted to select her preferred analysis type and presentation.
(See area 501c.) In area 521, she selects an analysis based upon
hits and probabilities and indicates her wish to select relevant
parameters. She chooses an analysis presentation that includes
numbers, text and graphics. (See area 523.) She then accepts her
selections by clicking on button 511.
[0090] This action causes GUI 500d to be presented (see FIG. 5D.)
The patron is prompted to select her preferred hit/probability
parameters for analysis and presentation. (See area 501d.) In area
525, the patron may choose from various threshold types for her
selected game outcome of "at least four of a kind." Her threshold
choices include at least one hit per an indicated number of games
(or days, which may include partial days) or no hits per an
indicated number of games (or days). She may also select "other
options" if she desires an analysis and/or presentation based upon
other thresholds or criteria.
[0091] Here, the patron selects a threshold of "no hits per 5,000
games." In this example, if the patron activates information button
509, she will be presented with the odds of attaining her selected
game outcome.
[0092] At this stage, it is determined that there are no additional
options to provide the patron, according to the selections that she
has made. (See step 210 of FIG. 2.) Moreover, it is determined that
the patron does not wish to continue. (See step 220 of FIG. 2.) For
example, the patron may activate an "End" button (not shown),
switch off the device used to enter these data, etc. The patron's
parameters are stored (step 225) and the process ends. (Step 230.)
Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the step of storing
the patron's parameters may preferably occur at various times
throughout the above-described process. However, in some
implementations, these data may be stored locally until the process
appears to be at or near completion, then stored in a central
location, e.g., in a storage device used by a casino computer
network, by a network storage device, etc.
[0093] Some examples of monitoring wagering conditions and
providing notifications will now be described with reference to
FIGS. 6 through 7C. Referring first to FIG. 6, in step 601 wagering
conditions are monitored according to received wager gaming
notification parameters. These parameters may, for example, have
been received through a process such as that described above.
[0094] The monitoring process may involve various devices and/or
people, which may be inside and/or outside a casino. Wager gaming
machines, networked table games, etc. may be polled by one or more
servers, host devices, etc., of a casino network. Alternatively, or
additionally, such devices may send relevant information to such
servers, host devices, etc., without the need for polling. Casino
attendants or other individuals may provide updates regarding the
wager gaming outcomes, etc., for some wagering activities, e.g., of
table games that are not automated and/or configured for
communication with a network. Information regarding sporting
events, key players, coaches, etc., may be obtained from outside
news sources. In some implementations, such information may be
provided by RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds or the like,
which are configured to aggregate relevant data.
[0095] In this example, when it is determined (see step 605) that a
wagering condition corresponds with a patron's wager gaming
notification parameters, the patron is notified according to his or
her notification parameters. (See step 610.) Accordingly, this
example illustrates a type of "event-based" notification, as
described above with reference to FIG. 4B. As noted above, in
alternative implementations, such notification data will be stored
until a time that the patron has indicated and the patron will be
notified at the indicated time. Although the latter implementations
may be sometimes referred to as "time based" rather than "event
based," the time of notification may in some instances be based
upon an event (e.g., of the patron being within a jurisdiction that
allows wager gaming, of the patron having a receiving device with a
setting that indicates "notification mode" or the like, of the
patron being within a gaming establishment, etc.).
[0096] Some examples of patron notifications and subsequent related
communications are provided by FIGS. 7A through 7C. FIG. 7A
indicates a notification 700a that may be displayed on a device
that a patron has identified for receipt of notifications, e.g., as
described above. Here, notification 700a provides an example of a
notification that may be sent according to the wager gaming
notification parameters indicated by the patron with reference to
FIGS. 4A through 4E.
[0097] Accordingly, notification 700a may be sent as an email (see
FIG. 4D) to the patron's PDA (see FIG. 4E) and displayed upon the
patron's PDA. For example, a server (or the like) of a casino
computer network may cause the email to be sent. Alternatively, or
additionally, a device of the casino's computer network may cause
information to be sent to a patron's device and the patron's device
will present a display in a predetermined format, but based upon
the received information.
[0098] Because the patron indicated that a detailed analysis would
be provided upon request (see FIG. 4B), field 701 provides general
information regarding a wagering condition that corresponds to the
patron's roulette-based wager gaming notification parameters. In
this example, the patron is provided with a simple message that
anomalous hits have been detected on a particular roulette
table.
[0099] The patron may or may not wish to obtain further information
regarding this notification. In this instance, it is determined
that the patron desires further information (see step 615 of FIG.
6): the patron selects "Yes" in field 705 and activates "Reply"
button 710.
[0100] Therefore, further details and analysis are provided (see
step 620 of FIG. 6): GUI 700b of FIG. 7B is then presented on the
patron's PDA. In this example, the details and analysis are
provided, at least in part, according to the patron's
previously-indicated wager gaming notification parameters. Because
the patron had previously indicated a desire to receive
notifications based (in part) upon quarters of a roulette wheel,
GUI 700b includes further information about anomalous hits in a
quarter of a roulette wheel in area 715: 110 of the last 400 hits
were in a particular quarter of the roulette wheel. Area 720
provides a graphical depiction of a roulette wheel and identifies
the quarter of interest.
[0101] Again, the patron may or may not believe that this is an
interesting wagering condition. For example, the patron may or may
not believe that the notification involves a wagering condition
that is sufficiently anomalous to indicate a possible benefit to
the patron. Here, it is determined that the patron desires still
further information (see step 615 of FIG. 6): the patron selects
"Yes" in field 715 and activates "Reply" button 710.
[0102] Accordingly, further details and analysis are provided (see
step 620 of FIG. 6): GUI 700c of FIG. 7C is then presented on the
patron's PDA. In area 725, a breakdown is provided of the number of
hits for each roulette number in the indicated quarter. The total
of all these hits equals 110, as previously indicated, but the
breakdown shown in area 725 provides the patron with yet more
information regarding the wagering condition. It is determined that
the patron does not desire further analysis at this time (see step
615 of FIG. 6): the patron selects "No" in field 730 and engages
the "Reply" area 710.
[0103] However, it is determined that the patron would like to
obtain location and/or navigation information (see step 615 of FIG.
6): the patron has selected "Yes" in field 735, indicating that the
patron would like directions to roulette table 15. Therefore,
location and/or navigation information data are provided. (See step
630 of FIG. 6.)
[0104] For example, directions to roulette table 15 and/or a map
indicating roulette table 15 may be provided.
[0105] As noted elsewhere herein, some implementations may provide
real-time navigation features such as those described in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______ (attorney docket no.
IGT1P410/P-1222), entitled "Real-Time Navigation Devices, Systems
and Methods," which has been incorporated herein by reference.
According to some such implementations, the patron may be presented
with image data that may include images from cameras positioned at
various locations, e.g., within a wager gaming establishment. The
patron may be guided to roulette table 15 by a highlighted path (or
the like), audio prompts, etc. While en route or while at the
destination, the patron may be presented with information about the
casino, offers of potential interest (e.g., according to the
patron's preference data), etc.
[0106] In this example, the patron reaches roulette table 15 and
begins a wager gaming session. (See step 635 of FIG. 6.)
Information about the patron's wager gaming session will be stored.
(Step 640.) In some implementations, the patron's preference data
and/or wager gaming notification parameters may be modified
according to observed wager gaming of the patron. If the patron
indicates a desire to continue monitoring of wagering conditions
according to her wager gaming notification parameters (e.g.,
according to a setting of her portable device), it will be
determined in step 645 that the process will continue. If not, the
process will end, at least temporarily. (Step 650.)
[0107] FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of an exemplary mobile
device 800 in accordance with a specific embodiment of the present
invention. As illustrated in the example of FIG. 8, mobile device
800 may include a variety of components, modules and/or systems for
providing functionality relating to one or more aspects of the
present invention. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, mobile
device 800 may include one or more of the following: [0108] At
least one processor 810. In at least one implementation, the
processor(s) 810 may include functionality similar to processor(s)
310 of FIG. 3. [0109] Memory 816, which, for example, may include
volatile memory (e.g., RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., disk
memory, FLASH memory, EPROMs, etc.), unalterable memory, and/or
other types of memory. In at least one implementation, the memory
816 may include functionality similar to memory 316 of FIG. 3.
[0110] Interface(s) 806 which, for example, may include wired
interfaces and/or wireless interfaces. In at least one
implementation, the interface(s) 806 may include functionality
similar to interface(s) 306 of FIG. 3. [0111] Device driver(s) 842.
In at least one implementation, the device driver(s) 842 may
include functionality similar to device driver(s) 342 of FIG. 3.
[0112] At least one power source 843. In at least one
implementation, the power source may include at least one mobile
power source for allowing the mobile device to operate in a mobile
environment. [0113] Authentication/validation components 844 which,
for example, may be used for authenticating and/or validating local
hardware and/or software components and/or hardware/software
components residing at a remote device. In at least one
implementation, the authentication/validation component(s) 843 may
include functionality similar to authentication/validation
component(s) 344 of FIG. 3. [0114] Geolocation module 846 which,
for example, may be configured or designed to acquire geolocation
information from remote sources and use the acquired geolocation
information to determine information relating to a relative and/or
absolute position of the mobile device. For example, in one
implementation, the geolocation module 846 may be adapted to
receive GPS signal information for use in determining the position
or location of the mobile device. In another implementation, the
geolocation module 846 may be adapted to receive multiple wireless
signals from multiple remote devices (e.g., gaming machines,
servers, wireless access points, etc.) and use the signal
information to compute position/location information relating to
the position or location of the mobile device. [0115] Wireless
communication module(s) 845. In one implementation, the wireless
communication module 845 may be configured or designed to
communicate with external devices using one or more wireless
interfaces/protocols such as, for example, 802.11 (WiFi), 802.15
(including Bluetooth.TM.), 802.16 (WiMax), 802.22, Cellular
standards such as CDMA, CDMA2000, WCDMA, Radio Frequency (e.g.,
RFID), Infrared, Near Field Magnetics, etc. [0116] User
Identification module 847. In one implementation, the User
Identification module may be adapted to determine the identity of
the current user or owner of the mobile device. For example, in one
embodiment, the current user may be required to perform a log in
process at the mobile device in order to access one or more
features. Alternatively, the mobile device may be adapted to
automatically determine the identity of the current user based upon
one or more external signals such as, for example, an RFID tag or
badge worn by the current user which provides a wireless signal to
the mobile device for determining the identity of the current user.
In at least one implementation, various security features may be
incorporated into the mobile device to prevent unauthorized users
from accessing confidential or sensitive information. [0117]
Information filtering module(s) 849. [0118] One or more display(s)
835. [0119] One or more radio frequency identification readers 855.
[0120] One or more radio frequency identification tags 857. [0121]
One or more user I/O Device(s) 830 such as, for example, keys,
buttons, scroll wheels, cursors, touchscreen interfaces, audio
command interfaces, etc. [0122] Audio system 839 which, for
example, may include speakers, microphones, wireless
transmitter/receiver devices for enabling wireless audio and/or
visual communication between the mobile device 800 and remote
devices (e.g., radios, telephones, computer systems, etc.). For
example, in one implementation, the audio system may include
components for enabling the mobile device to function as a cell
phone or two-way radio device. [0123] Magnetic strip reader 825,
which, for example, may be configured or designed to read
information from magnetic strips such as those on credit cards,
player tracking cards, etc. [0124] Optical scanner 827, which, for
example, may be configured or designed to read information such as
text, barcodes, etc. [0125] Camera 829 which, for example, may be
configured or designed to record still images (e.g., digital
snapshots) and/or video images. [0126] Other types of peripheral
devices 831 which may be useful to the users of such mobile
devices, such as, for example: PDA functionality; memory card
reader(s); fingerprint reader(s); image projection device(s);
ticket reader(s); etc.
[0127] According to a specific embodiment, the mobile device of the
present invention may be adapted to implement at least a portion of
the features associated with the mobile game service system
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/115,164, which is
now U.S. Pat. No. 6,800,029, issued Oct. 5, 2004, (previously
incorporated by reference in its entirety). For example, in one
embodiment, the mobile device 800 may be comprised of a hand-held
game service user interface device (GSUID) and a number of input
and output devices. The GSUID is generally comprised of a display
screen which may display a number of game service interfaces. These
game service interfaces are generated on the display screen by a
microprocessor of some type within the GSUID. Examples of a
hand-held GSUID which may accommodate the game service interfaces
are manufactured by Symbol Technologies, Incorporated of
Holtsville, N.Y.
[0128] The game service interfaces may be used to provide a variety
of game service transactions and gaming operations services. The
game service interfaces, including a login interface, an
input/output interface, a transaction reconciliation interface, a
ticket validation interface, a prize services interfaces, a food
services interface, an accommodation services interfaces, a gaming
operations interfaces, a multi-game/multi-denomination meter data
transfer interface, etc. Each interface may be accessed via a main
menu with a number of sub-menus that allow a game service
representative to access the different display screens relating to
the particular interface. Using the different display screens
within a particular interface, the game service representative may
perform various operations needed to provide a particular game
service. For example, the login interface may allow the game
service representative to enter a user identification of some type
and verify the user identification with a password. When the
display screen is a touch screen, the user may enter the
user/operator identification information on a display screen
comprising the login interface using the input stylus and/or using
the input buttons. Using a menu on the display screen of the login
interface, the user may select other display screens relating to
the login and registration process. For example, another display
screen obtained via a menu on a display screen in the login
interface may allow the GSUID to scan a finger print of the game
service representative for identification purposes or scan the
finger print of a game player.
[0129] The user identification information and user validation
information may allow the game service representative to access all
or some subset of the available game service interfaces available
on the GSUID. For example, certain users, after logging into the
GSUID (e.g. entering a user identification and a valid user
identification information), may be able to access the food
services interface, accommodation services interface, or gaming
operation services interface and perform a variety of game services
enabled by these game service interfaces. While other users may be
only be able to access the award ticket validation interface and
perform EZ pay ticket validations.
[0130] Using the input/output interface, a user of the GSUID may be
able to send and receive game service transaction information from
a number of input mechanisms and output mechanisms. The
input/output interface may allow the GSUID user to select, from a
list of devices stored in a memory on the GSUID, a device from
which the GSUID may input game service transaction information or
output game service transaction information. For example, the GSUID
may communicate with a ticket reader that reads game service
transaction information from bar-coded tickets. The bar-codes may
be read using a bar-code reader of some type. The bar-coded tickets
may contain bar-code information for awards, prizes, food services,
accommodation services and EZ pay tickets. Additionally, the
bar-coded tickets may contain additional information including
player tracking information that relate the ticket to a specific
game player. The information on a ticket is not necessarily in
bar-code format and may be in any format readable by a particular
ticket reader. As another example, the GSUID may input information
from a card reader that reads information from magnetic striped
cards or smart cards. The cards may contain player tracking
information or other information regarding the game playing habits
of the user presenting the card.
[0131] The GSUID may output game service transaction information to
a number of devices. For example, to print a receipt, the GSUID may
output information to a printer. In this game service transaction,
the GSUID may send a print request to the printer and receive a
print reply from the printer. The printer may be a large device at
some fixed location or a portable device carried by the game
service representative. As another example, the output device may
be a card reader that is able to store information on a magnetic
card or smart card. Other devices which may accept input or output
from the GSUID are personal digital assistants, microphones,
keyboard, storage devices, gaming machines and remote transaction
servers.
[0132] The GSUID may communicate with the various input mechanisms
and output mechanisms using both wire and wire-less communication
interfaces. For example, the GSUID may be connected to a ticket
reader by a wire connection of some type. However, the GSUID may
communicate with a remote transaction server via a wire-less
communication interface including a spread spectrum cellular
network communication interface. An example of a spread spectrum
cellular network communication interface is Spectrum 24 offered by
Symbol Technologies of Holtsville, N.Y., which operates between
about 2.4 and 2.5 Gigahertz. As another example, the GSUID may
communicate with the printer via an infra-red wire-less
communication interface. The information communicated using the
wire-less communication interfaces may be encrypted to provide
security for certain game service transactions such as validating a
ticket for a cash pay out. Some devices may accommodate multiple
communication interfaces. For example, a gaming machine may contain
a wire-less communication interface for communication with the
GSUID or a port where a cable from the GSUID may be connected to
the gaming machine.
[0133] Another type of game service interface that may be stored on
the GSUID is an award ticket validation interface. One embodiment
of the award ticket interface may accommodate the EZ pay ticket
voucher system and validate EZ pay tickets as previously described.
However, when other ticket voucher systems are utilized, the award
ticket validation interface may be designed to interface with the
other ticket voucher systems. Using the award ticket validation
interface, a game service representative may read information from
a ticket presented to the game service representative by a game
player using the ticket reader and then validate and pay out an
award indicated on the ticket.
[0134] Typically, the award ticket contains game service
transaction information which may be verified against information
stored on a remote transaction server. To validate the ticket may
require a number of game service transactions. For example, after
the obtaining game service transaction information from the award
ticket, the GSUID may send a ticket validation request to the
remote transaction server using the spread spectrum communication
interface and receive a ticket validation reply from the remote
server. In particular, the validation reply and the validation
request may be for an EZ pay ticket. After the award ticket has
been validated, the GSUI may send a confirmation of the transaction
to the remote server. In other embodiments, the award ticket
interface may be configured to validate award information from a
smart card or some other portable information device or validate
award information directly from a gaming machine.
[0135] As game service transactions are completed, game service
transaction information may be stored on a storage device. The
storage device may be a remote storage device or a portable storage
device. The storage device may be used as a back-up for auditing
purpose when the memory on the GSUID fails and may be removable
from the GSUID.
[0136] Another type of game service interface that may be stored on
the GSUID is a prize service interface. As an award on a gaming
machine, a game player may receive a ticket that is redeemable for
merchandise including a bike, a computer or luggage. Using the
prize service interface, the game service representative may
validate the prize service ticket and then check on the
availability of certain prizes. For example, when the prize service
ticket indicates the game player has won a bicycle, the game
service representative may check whether the prize is available in
a nearby prize distribution center. The GSUID may validate the
prize ticket and check on the availability of certain prizes by
communicating with a remote prize server. Further, the game service
representative may have the prize shipped to a game player's home
or send a request to have the prize sent to a prize distribution
location. The game service transactions needed to validate the
prize ticket including a prize validation request and a prize
validation reply, check on the availability of prizes and order or
ship a prize may be implemented using various display screens
located within the prize interface. The different prize screens in
the prize service interface may be accessed using a menu located on
each screen of the prize service interface. In other embodiments,
the prize service interface may be configured to validate prize
information from a smart card or some other portable information
device or validate award information directly from a gaming
machine.
[0137] Another type of game service interface that may be stored on
the GSUID is a food service interface. As an award on a gaming
machine or as compensation for a particular amount of game play, a
game player may receive a ticket that is redeemable for a food
service including a free meal, a free drink or other food prizes.
Using the food service interface, the game service representative
may validate the food service ticket and then check on the
availability of certain prizes. For example, when the game player
has received an award ticket valid for a free meal, the food
service interface may be used to check on the availability of a
dinner reservation and make a dinner reservation. As another
example, the GSUID may be used to take a drink order for a player
at a gaming machine. The GSUID may validate the food service ticket
and check on the availability of certain food awards by
communicating with a remote food server. The game service
transactions needed to validate the food ticket, check on the
availability of food services, request a food service and receive a
reply to the food service request may be implemented using various
display screens located within the food service interface. These
display screens may be accessed using a menu located on each screen
of the food service interface. In other embodiments, the food
service interface may be configured to validate food service
information from a smart card or some other portable information
device.
[0138] Another type of game service interface that may be stored on
the GSUID is an accommodation service interface. As an award on a
gaming machine or as compensation for a particular amount of game
play, a game player may receive a ticket that is redeemable for a
accommodation service including a room upgrade, a free night's stay
or other accommodation prize. Using the accommodation service
interface, the game service representative may validate the
accommodation service ticket and then check on the availability of
certain accommodation prizes. For example, when the game player has
received an award ticket valid for a room upgrade, the
accommodation service interface may be used to check on the
availability of a room and make a room reservation. As another
example, the GSUID may be used to order a taxi or some other form
of transportation for a player at a gaming machine preparing to
leave the game playing area. The game playing are may be a casino,
a hotel, a restaurant, a bar or a store.
[0139] The GSUID may validate the accommodation service ticket and
check on the availability of certain accommodation awards by
communicating with a remote accommodation server. The game service
transactions needed to validate the accommodation ticket, check on
the availability of accommodation services, request an
accommodation service and receive a reply to the accommodation
service request may be implemented using various display screens
located within the accommodation service interface. These display
screens may be accessed using a menu located on each screen of the
accommodation service interface. In other embodiments, the
accommodation service interface may be configured to validate
accommodation service information from a smart card or some other
portable information device.
[0140] Another type of game service interface that may be stored on
the GSUID is a gaming operations service interface. Using the
gaming service interface on the GSUID, a game service
representative may perform a number of game service transactions
relating to gaming operations. For example, when a game player has
spilled a drink in the game playing area, a game service
representative may send a request to maintenance to have someone
clean up the accident and receive a reply from maintenance
regarding their request. The maintenance request and maintenance
reply may be sent and received via display screens selected via a
menu on the screens of the gaming operations service interface. As
another example, when a game service representative observes a
damaged gaming machine such as a broken light, the game service
representative may send a maintenance request for the gaming
machine using the GSUID.
[0141] Another type of game service interface that may be stored on
the GSUID is a transaction reconciliation interface. Typically, the
GSUID contains a memory storing game service transaction
information. The memory may record the type and time when
particular game service transactions are performed. At certain
times, the records of the game service transactions stored within
the GSUID may be compared with records stored at an alternate
location. For example, for an award ticket validation, each time an
award ticket is validated and paid out, a confirmation is sent to a
remote server. Thus, information regarding the award tickets, which
were validated and paid out using the GSUID, should agree with the
information regarding transactions by the GSUID stored in the
remote server. The transaction reconciliation process involves
using the transaction reconciliation interface to compare this
information.
[0142] Another type of game service interface that may be stored on
the GSUID is a voice interface. Using the spread spectrum cellular
network incorporated into the GSUID, a game service representative
may use the GSUID as a voice communication device. This voice
interface may be used to supplement some of the interfaces
previously described. For example, when a game player spills a
drink the game service representative may send maintenance request
and receive a maintenance reply using the voice interface on the
GSUID. As another example, when a game player requests to validate
a food service such as free meal, the game service representative
may request a reservation at a restaurant using the voice interface
on the GSUID.
[0143] Yet another game service interface that may be provided by
the GSUID is a gaming device performance or metering data transfer
interface. As mentioned, the GSUID preferably contains memory to
record any wireless transfer of performance or metering data from
the gaming device. More preferably, this wireless data transfer
interface is particularly suitable for metering data in gaming
devices which support multi-game platforms with multi-denomination
inputs. For example, in a multi-game gaming device, which typically
includes separate denomination meters for each game of the multiple
games, a single gaming maintenance personnel is capable of
downloading this metering data quickly and efficiently into the
GSUID for subsequent data processing.
[0144] Some networks described herein provide methods and devices
for managing one or more networked gaming establishments. Such
networks may sometimes be referred to herein as server-based gaming
networks, Sb.TM. networks, or the like. Some such gaming networks
described herein allow for the convenient provisioning of networked
gaming machines and other devices relevant to casino operations.
Game themes may be easily and conveniently added or changed, if
desired. Related software, including but not limited to player
tracking software, peripheral software, etc., may be downloaded to
networked gaming machines and other devices, such as kiosks,
networked gaming tables, player stations, etc.
[0145] Relevant information is set forth in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/225,407 (Attorney Docket No. IGT1P237/P-1051), by Wolf
et al., entitled "METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MANAGING GAMING NETWORKS"
and filed Sep. 12, 2005, in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/757,609 by Nelson et al., entitled "METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR
GAMING DATA DOWNLOADING" (Attorney Docket No. IGT1P213/P-657) and
filed on Jan. 14, 2004, in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/938,293 by Benbrahim et al., entitled "METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR
DATA COMMUNICATION IN A GAMING SYSTEM" (Attorney Docket No.
IGT1P199/P-909) and filed on Sep. 10, 2004, in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/225,337 (Attorney Docket No.
IGT1P185/P-1017) by Nguyen et al., filed Sep. 12, 2005 and entitled
"DISTRIBUTED GAME SERVICES," in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/225,408 (Attorney Docket No. IGT1P253) by Kinsley et al.,
entitled "METHODS AND DEVICES FOR AUTHENTICATION AND LICENSING IN A
GAMING NETWORK" and filed Aug. 1, 2005, in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/078,966 (Attorney Docket No. IGT1P034X2/P-277 CIP2) by
Nguyen et al., filed Mar. 10, 2005 and entitled "SECURED VIRTUAL
NETWORK IN A GAMING ENVIRONMENT," in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/173,442 (Attorney Docket No. IGT1P153/P-991) by Kinsley et
al., filed Jul. 1, 2005 and entitled "METHODS AND DEVICES FOR
DOWNLOADING GAMES OF CHANCE" and in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/810,888 (Attorney Docket No. IGT1P390/P-1200) by Graham et
al., filed Jun. 6, 2007 and entitled "DATABASE QUERIES WITHIN A
GAMING MACHINE," all of which are hereby incorporated by reference
in their entirety and for all purposes.
[0146] Some such networks include devices that provide
functionality relating to the present invention. For example,
information may conveniently be collected from networked devices,
including but not limited to cameras, RFID readers, gaming
machines, etc. Such devices, and other devices, may be controlled
by servers, host devices, etc., to further the objects of the
invention. For example, a camera may be controlled to zoom in
and/or higher-resolution images may be acquired for a particular
patron of interest. One or more of servers, host devices, cameras
or other devices may be configured with software for patron
identification, patron tracking, event detection and/or making
responses thereto.
[0147] One example of an Sb.TM. network is depicted in FIG. 9.
Those of skill in the art will realize that this architecture and
the related functionality are merely examples and that the present
invention encompasses many other such embodiments and methods.
[0148] Here, casino computer room 920 and networked devices of a
gaming establishment 905 are illustrated. Gaming establishment 905
is configured for communication with central system 963 via gateway
950. Gaming establishments 993 and 995 are also configured for
communication with central system 963.
[0149] In some implementations, gaming establishments may be
configured for communication with one another. In this example,
gaming establishments 993 and 995 are configured for communication
with casino computer room 920. Such a configuration may allow
devices and/or operators in casino 905 to communicate with and/or
control devices in other casinos. In some such implementations, a
server in computer room 920 may control devices in casino 905 and
devices in other gaming establishments. Conversely, devices and/or
operators in another gaming establishment may communicate with
and/or control devices in casino 905.
[0150] For example, a server of casino 905 or central system 963
may be provisioned with relatively more advanced software (e.g.,
3-D facial recognition software) for patron identification than
servers of other networked locations. Such a server may process
patron identification requests from devices in casino 905 as well
as patron identification requests from devices in gaming
establishments 993 and 995.
[0151] Here, gaming establishment 997 is configured for
communication with central system 963, but is not configured for
communication with other gaming establishments. Some gaming
establishments (not shown) may not be in communication with other
gaming establishments or with a central system.
[0152] Gaming establishment 905 includes multiple gaming machines
921, each of which is part of a bank 910 of gaming machines 921. In
this example, gaming establishment 905 also includes a bank of
networked gaming tables 953. However, the present invention may be
implemented in gaming establishments having any number of gaming
machines, gaming tables, etc. It will be appreciated that many
gaming establishments include hundreds or even thousands of gaming
machines 921 and/or gaming tables 953, not all of which are
necessarily included in a bank and some of which may not be
connected to a network.
[0153] Some gaming networks provide features for gaming tables that
are similar to those provided for gaming machines, including but
not limited to bonusing, player loyalty/player tracking and the use
of cashless instruments. Relevant material is provided in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/154,833, entitled "CASHLESS
INSTRUMENT BASED TABLE GAME PROMOTIONAL SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY" and
filed on Jun. 15, 2005 (attorney docket no. IGT1P035X3), U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/858,046, entitled "AUTOMATED
PLAYER DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM FOR TABLE GAME ENVIRONMENTS" and
filed on Nov. 10, 2006 (attorney docket no. IGT1P061X5P), U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/129,702, entitled "WIDE AREA TABLE
GAMING MONITOR AND CONTROL SYSTEM" and filed on May 15, 2005
(attorney docket no. IGT1P115), U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/425,998 entitled "PROGRESSIVE TABLE GAME BONUSING SYSTEMS AND
METHODS", filed Jun. 22, 2006 (attorney docket no. IGT1P238/P-1049)
and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/225,299, entitled
"UNIVERSAL CASINO BONUSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS" and filed on Sep.
12, 2005 (attorney docket no. IGT1P243), all of which are
incorporated herein by reference. Accordingly, software related to
such features may be provided and/or controlled, and related data
may be obtained and/or provided, according to the present
invention.
[0154] Some configurations can provide automated, multi-player
roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and other table games. The table
games may be conducted by a dealer and/or by using some form of
automation, which may include an automated roulette wheel, an
electronic representation of a dealer, etc. In some such
implementations, devices such as cameras, radio frequency
identification devices, etc., may be used to identify and/or track
playing cards, chips, etc. Some of gaming tables 953 may be
configured for communication with individual player terminals (not
shown), which may be configured to accept bets, present an
electronic representation of a dealer, indicate game outcomes,
etc.
[0155] Some gaming networks include electronically configurable
tables for playing table games. U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/517,861, entitled "CASINO DISPLAY METHODS AND DEVICES" and filed
on Sep. 7, 2006 (attorney docket no. IGT1P106X2), describes some
such tables and is hereby incorporated by reference. An operator
may select a desired game, such as a poker game or a blackjack
game, and the table will be automatically configured with
geometrical patterns, text, etc., which are appropriate for the
desired table game. The desired type of table game may be selected
by a control on the table itself or according to instructions
received from, e.g., a server or a casino manager via a network
interface.
[0156] Gaming establishment 905 also includes networked kiosks 977.
Depending on the implementation, kiosks 977 may be used for various
purposes, including but not limited to cashing out, prize
redemption, redeeming points from a player loyalty program,
redeeming "cashless" indicia such as bonus tickets, smart cards,
etc. In some implementations, kiosks 977 may be used for obtaining
information about the gaming establishment, e.g., regarding
scheduled events (such as tournaments, entertainment, etc.),
regarding a patron's location, etc. Software related to such
features may be provided and/or controlled, and related data may be
obtained and/or provided, according to the present invention. For
example, in some implementations of the invention, kiosks 977 may
be configured to receive information from a patron, e.g., by
presenting graphical user interfaces similar to those described
above and illustrated in FIGS. 4A through 6D.
[0157] In this example, each bank 910 has a corresponding switch
915, which may be a conventional bank switch in some
implementations. Each switch 915 is configured for communication
with one or more devices in computer room 920 via main network
device 925, which combines switching and routing functionality in
this example. Although various communication protocols may be used,
some preferred implementations use the Gaming Standards
Association's G2S Message Protocol. Other implementations may use
IGT's open, Ethernet-based SuperSAS.RTM. protocol, which IGT makes
available for downloading without charge. Still other protocols,
including but not limited to Best of Breed ("BOB"), may be used to
implement various aspects of the invention. IGT has also developed
a gaming-industry-specific transport layer called CASH that rides
on top of TCP/IP and offers additional functionality and
security.
[0158] Here, gaming establishment 905 also includes an RFID
network, implemented in part by RFID switches 919 and multiple RFID
readers 917. An RFID network may be used, for example, to track
objects (such as mobile gaming devices 970, which include RFID tags
927 in this example), patrons, etc., in the vicinity of gaming
establishment 905. Some examples of how an RFID network may be used
in a gaming establishment are set forth in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/655,496, entitled "DYNAMIC CASINO TRACKING AND
OPTIMIZATION" and filed on Jan. 19, 2007 (Attorney Docket No.
IGT1P082C1X1/P-713 CON CIP) and in U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/599,241, entitled "DOWNLOADING UPON THE OCCURRENCE OF
PREDETERMINED EVENTS" and filed on Nov. 13, 2006 (Attorney Docket
No. IGT1P118C1X1/P-303 CON CIP), all of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0159] As noted elsewhere herein, some implementations of the
invention may involve "smart" player loyalty instruments, such as
player tracking cards, which include an RFID tag. Accordingly, the
location of such RFID-enabled player loyalty instruments may be
tracked via the RFID network. In this example, at least some of
mobile devices 970 may include an RFID tag 927, which includes
encoded identification information for the mobile device 970.
Accordingly, the locations of such tagged mobile devices 970 may be
tracked via the RFID network in gaming establishment 905. Other
location-detection devices and systems, such as the global
positioning system ("GPS"), may be used to monitor the location of
people and/or devices in the vicinity of gaming establishment 905
or elsewhere.
[0160] Various alternative network topologies can be used to
implement different aspects of the invention and/or to accommodate
varying numbers of networked devices. For example, gaming
establishments with large numbers of gaming machines 921 may
require multiple instances of some network devices (e.g., of main
network device 925, which combines switching and routing
functionality in this example) and/or the inclusion of other
network devices not shown in FIG. 9. Some implementations of the
invention may include one or more middleware servers disposed
between kiosks 977, RFID switches 919 and/or bank switches 915 and
one or more devices in computer room 920 (e.g., a corresponding
server). Such middleware servers can provide various useful
functions, including but not limited to the filtering and/or
aggregation of data received from switches, from individual gaming
machines and from other devices. Some implementations of the
invention include load-balancing methods and devices for managing
network traffic.
[0161] Storage devices 911, Sb.TM. server 930, License Manager 931,
Arbiter 933, servers 932, 934, 936 and 938, host device(s) 960 and
main network device 925 are disposed within computer room 920 of
gaming establishment 905. In practice, more or fewer devices may be
used. Depending on the implementation, some such devices may reside
in gaming establishment 905 or elsewhere.
[0162] One or more devices in central system 963 may also be
configured to perform, at least in part, tasks specific to the
present invention. For example, one or more servers 962, storage
devices 964 and/or host devices 960 of central system 963 may be
configured to implement the functions described in detail elsewhere
herein. These functions may include, but are not limited to,
communications with and/or collecting data from devices such as
cameras 909, RFID readers 917, wager gaming machines 921, gaming
tables 953, mobile devices 970, etc.
[0163] For example, one or more of the servers of computer room 920
may be configured with software for receiving a player's wager
gaming notification parameters, determining when a wagering
condition corresponds with the wager gaming notification parameters
and/or providing a notification to the player when the wagering
condition corresponds with the wager gaming notification
parameters. Moreover, one or more of the servers may be configured
to receive, process and/or provide image data from cameras 909, to
provide navigation data to patrons (e.g., to indicate the location
of and/or directions to a gaming table, a wager gaming machine,
etc., associated with a wager gaming notification), etc.
[0164] For example, navigation data (which may include map data,
casino layout data, camera image data, etc.) may be provided by one
or more of the servers of computer room 920 to mobile devices 970.
Some implementations of the present invention include a plurality
of networked cameras 909, which may be video cameras, smart
cameras, digital still cameras, etc. In some such implementations,
such cameras may provide, at least in part, real-time navigation
features such as those described in U.S. patent application Ser.
No. ______ (attorney docket no. IGT1P410/P-1222), entitled
"Real-Time Navigation Devices, Systems and Methods," which has been
incorporated herein by reference.
[0165] Other devices that may be used in connection with the
present invention do not appear in FIG. 9. For example, some
networks for implementing the present invention may include not
only various radio frequency identification ("RFID") readers 917,
but also RFID switches, middleware servers, etc., some of which are
not depicted in FIG. 9. These features may provide various
functions related to the present invention. For example, a server
(or another device) may determine a location of a mobile device 970
according to the location of an RFID reader that reads an RFID tag
927.
[0166] The servers and other devices indicated in FIG. 9 may be
configured for communication with other devices in or outside of
gaming establishment 905, such as host devices 960, kiosks 977
and/or mobile devices 970, for implementing some methods described
elsewhere herein. For example, host devices 960, kiosks 977 and/or
mobile devices 970 may be used to provide some of the graphical
user interfaces and related functionality described above, e.g.,
with reference to FIGS. 4A through 7C. Servers (or the like) may
facilitate communications with such devices, receive and store
patron data, provide appropriate responses, etc., as described
elsewhere herein.
[0167] Some of these servers may be configured to perform tasks
relating to accounting, player loyalty, bonusing/progressives,
configuration of gaming machines, etc. One or more such devices may
be used to implement a casino management system, such as the IGT
Advantage.TM. Casino System suite of applications, which provides
instantaneous information that may be used for decision-making by
casino managers. A Radius server and/or a DHCP server may also be
configured for communication with the gaming network. Some
implementations of the invention provide one or more of these
servers in the form of blade servers.
[0168] Some preferred embodiments of Sb.TM. server 930 and the
other servers shown in FIG. 9 include (or are at least in
communication with) clustered CPUs, redundant storage devices,
including backup storage devices, switches, etc. Such storage
devices may include a "RAID" (originally redundant array of
inexpensive disks, now also known as redundant array of independent
disks) array, back-up hard drives and/or tape drives, etc.
[0169] In some implementations of the invention, many of these
devices (including but not limited to License Manager 931, servers
932, 934, 936 and 938, and main network device 925) are mounted in
a single rack with Sb.TM. server 930. Accordingly, many or all such
devices will sometimes be referenced in the aggregate as an "Sb.TM.
server." However, in alternative implementations, one or more of
these devices is in communication with Sb.TM. server 930 and/or
other devices of the network but located elsewhere. For example,
some of the devices could be mounted in separate racks within
computer room 920 or located elsewhere on the network. Moreover, it
can be advantageous to store large volumes of data elsewhere via a
storage area network ("SAN").
[0170] Computer room 920 may include one or more operator consoles
or other host devices that are configured for communication with
other devices within and outside of computer room 920. Such host
devices may be provided with software, hardware and/or firmware for
implementing various aspects of the invention. However, such host
devices need not be located within computer room 920. Wired host
devices 960 (which are desktop and laptop computers in this
example) and wireless devices 970 (which are PDAs in this example)
may be located elsewhere in gaming establishment 905 or at a remote
location.
[0171] Some embodiments of the invention include devices for
implementing access control, security and/or other functions
relating to the communication between different devices on the
network. In this example, arbiter 933 serves as an intermediary
between different devices on the network. Arbiter 933 may be
implemented, for example, via software that is running on a server
or another networked device. Some implementations of Arbiter 933
are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/948,387,
entitled "METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR NEGOTIATING COMMUNICATIONS
WITHIN A GAMING NETWORK" and filed Sep. 23, 2004 (the "Arbiter
Application"), which is incorporated herein by reference and for
all purposes. In some preferred implementations, Arbiter 933 is a
repository for the configuration information required for
communication between devices on the gaming network (and, in some
implementations, devices outside the gaming network). Although
Arbiter 933 can be implemented in various ways, one exemplary
implementation is discussed in the following paragraphs.
[0172] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a simplified communication
topology between gaming machine 921, network computer 1023 and
Arbiter 933. Network computer 1023 may be, for example, a server or
other device within computer room 920 or elsewhere. Although only
one gaming machine 921, one network computer 1023 and one Arbiter
933 are shown in FIG. 10, it should be understood that the
following examples may be applicable to different types of
networked devices in addition to gaming machine 921 and network
computer 1023, and may include different numbers of network
computers 1023, Arbiters 933 and gaming machines 921. For example,
a single Arbiter 933 may be used for secure communications among a
plurality of network computers 1023 and tens, hundreds or thousands
of gaming machines 921. Likewise, multiple Arbiters 933 may be
utilized for improved performance and other scalability
factors.
[0173] Referring to FIG. 10, the Arbiter 933 may include an arbiter
controller 1021 that may comprise a program memory 1022, a
microcontroller or microprocessor (MP) 1024, a random-access memory
(RAM) 1026 and an input/output (I/O) circuit 1028, all of which may
be interconnected via an address/data bus 1029. The network
computer 1023 may also include a controller 1031 that may comprise
a program memory 1032, a microcontroller or microprocessor (MP)
1034, a random-access memory (RAM) 1036 and an input/output (I/O)
circuit 1038, all of which may be interconnected via an
address/data bus 1039. It should be appreciated that although the
Arbiter 933 and the network computer 1023 are each shown with only
one microprocessor 1024, 1034, the controllers 1021, 1031 may each
include multiple microprocessors 1024, 1034. Similarly, the memory
of the controllers 1021, 1031 may include multiple RAMs 1026, 1036
and multiple program memories 1022, 1032. Although the I/O circuits
1028, 1038 are each shown as a single block, it should be
appreciated that the I/O circuits 1028, 1038 may include a number
of different types of I/O circuits. The RAMs 1024, 1034 and program
memories 1022, 1032 may be implemented as semiconductor memories,
magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readable memories,
for example.
[0174] Although the program memories 1022, 1032 are shown in FIG.
10 as read-only memories (ROM) 1022, 1032, the program memories of
the controllers 1021, 1031 may be a read/write or alterable memory,
such as a hard disk. In the event a hard disk is used as a program
memory, the address/data buses 1029, 1039 shown schematically in
FIG. 10 may each comprise multiple address/data buses, which may be
of different types, and there may be an I/O circuit disposed
between the address/data buses.
[0175] As shown in FIG. 10, the gaming machine 921 may be
operatively coupled to the network computer 1023 via the data link
1025. The gaming machine 921 may also be operatively coupled to the
Arbiter 933 via the data link 1049, and the network computer 1023
may likewise be operatively coupled to the Arbiter 933 via the data
link 1047.
[0176] Communications between the gaming machine 921 and the
network computer 1023 may involve different information types of
varying levels of sensitivity resulting in varying levels of
encryption techniques depending on the sensitivity of the
information. For example, communications such as drink orders and
statistical information may be considered less sensitive. A drink
order or statistical information may remain encrypted, although
with moderately secure encryption techniques, such as RC4,
resulting in less processing power and less time for encryption. On
the other hand, financial information (e.g., account information,
winnings, etc.), download information (e.g., game and/or peripheral
software, licensing information, etc.) and personal information
(e.g., social security number, personal preferences, etc.) may be
encrypted with stronger encryption techniques such as DES or 3DES
to provide increased security.
[0177] As disclosed in further detail in the Arbiter Application,
the Arbiter 933 may verify the authenticity of devices in the
gaming network, including but not limited to devices sending
queries and/or remote procedure calls to gaming machines. The
Arbiter 933 may receive a request for a communication session from
a network device. For ease of explanation, the requesting network
device may be referred to as the client, and the requested network
device may be referred to as the host. The client may be any device
on the network and the request may be for a communication session
with any other network device. The client may specify the host, or
the gaming security arbiter may select the host based on the
request and based on information about the client and potential
hosts. The Arbiter 933 may provide encryption keys (session keys)
for the communication session to the client via the secure
communication channel. Either the host and/or the session key may
be provided in response to the request, or may have been previously
provided. The client may contact the host to initiate the
communication session. The host may then contact the Arbiter 933 to
determine the authenticity of the client. The Arbiter 933 may
provide affirmation (or lack thereof) of the authenticity of the
client to the host and provide a corresponding session key, in
response to which the network devices may initiate the
communication session directly with each other using the session
keys to encrypt and decrypt messages.
[0178] Alternatively, upon receiving a request for a communication
session, the Arbiter 933 may contact the host regarding the request
and provide corresponding session keys to both the client and the
host. The Arbiter 933 may then initiate either the client or the
host to begin their communication session. In turn, the client and
host may begin the communication session directly with each other
using the session keys to encrypt and decrypt messages. An
additional explanation of the communication request, communication
response and key distribution is provided in the Arbiter
Application.
[0179] Referring again to FIG. 9, the communication link(s) between
casino 905 and central system 963 preferably have ample bandwidth
and may, for example, comprise one or more T1 or T3 connections
and/or satellite links having comparable bandwidth, etc. Network
929 is the Internet in this example. However, it will be understood
by those of skill in the art that network 929 could include any one
of various types of networks, such as the public switched telephone
network ("PSTN"), a satellite network, a wireless network, a metro
optical transport, etc. Accordingly, a variety of protocols may be
used for communication on network 929, such as Internet Protocol
("IP"), Fibre Channel ("FC"), FC over IP ("FCIP"), Internet SCSI
("iSCSI," an IP-based standard for linking data storage devices
over a network and transferring data by carrying SCSI commands over
IP networks) or Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing ("DWDM," an
optical technology used to increase bandwidth over existing fiber
optic backbones).
[0180] If a host device is located in a remote location, security
methods and devices (such as firewalls, authentication and/or
encryption) should be deployed in order to prevent the unauthorized
access of the gaming network.
[0181] Similarly, any other connection between gaming network 905
and the outside world should only be made with trusted devices via
a secure link, e.g., via a virtual private network ("VPN") tunnel.
For example, the illustrated connection between Sb.TM. server 930,
gateway 950 and central system 963 (that may be used for
communications involving peripheral device software downloads,
etc.) is advantageously made via a VPN tunnel. Details of VPN
methods that may be used with the present invention are described
in the reference, "Virtual Private Networks-Technologies and
Solutions," by R. Yueh and T. Strayer, Addison-Wesley, 2001,
ISBN#0-201-70209-6, which is incorporated herein by reference and
for all purposes. Additionally VPNs may be implemented using a
variety of protocols, such as, for example, IP Security (IPSec)
Protocol, Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol, Multiprotocol Label Switching
(MPLS) Protocol, etc. Details of these protocols, including RFC
reports, may be obtained from the VPN Consortium, an industry trade
group (http://www.vpnc.com, VPNC, Santa Cruz, Calif.).
[0182] Alternatively, a permanent virtual circuit ("PVC") can be
established to provide a dedicated and secure circuit link between
two facilities, e.g., between a casino and central system 963. A
PVC is a virtual circuit established for repeated use between the
same data terminals. A PVC could be provided, for example, via
AT&T's Asynchronous Transfer Mode ("ATM") switching fabric.
Some implementations provide a dedicated line from an endpoint
(e.g., from casino 905) into the ATM backbone. Other
implementations provide a connection over another network (e.g.,
the Internet) between an endpoint and the nearest device of the ATM
backbone, e.g., to the nearest edge router. In some such
implementations, the fixed-sized cells used in the ATM switching
fabric may be encapsulated in variable sized packets (such as
Internet Protocol or Ethernet packets) for transmission to and from
the ATM backbone.
[0183] For security purposes, information transmitted to, on or
from a gaming establishment may be encrypted. In one
implementation, the information may be symmetrically encrypted
using a symmetric encryption key, where the symmetric encryption
key is asymmetrically encrypted using a private key. The public key
may, for example, be obtained from a remote public key server. The
encryption algorithm may reside in processor logic stored on the
gaming machine. When a remote server receives a message containing
the encrypted data, the symmetric encryption key is decrypted with
a private key residing on the remote server and the symmetrically
encrypted information sent from the gaming machine is decrypted
using the symmetric encryption key. A different symmetric
encryption key is used for each transaction where the key is
randomly generated. Symmetric encryption and decryption is
preferably applied to most information because symmetric encryption
algorithms tend to be 100-10,000 faster than asymmetric encryption
algorithms.
[0184] Some network implementations may use Trusted Network Connect
("TNC"), which is an open architecture provided by the Trusted
Network Connect Sub Group ("TNC-SG") of the Trusted Computing Group
(TCG). TNC enables network operators to provide endpoint integrity
at every network connection, thus enabling interoperability among
multi-vendor network endpoints. Alternatively, or additionally, the
Secure Internet File Transfer ("SIFT") may be employed. SIFT allows
devices to send and receive data over the Internet in a secure
(128-bit encryption) method of transport.
[0185] Providing secure connections between devices in a gaming
network, such as the connections between the local devices of the
gaming network 905 and central system 963, allows for the
deployment of many advantageous features. For example, a customer
(e.g., an employee of a gaming establishment) may be able to log
onto an account of central system 963 to obtain the account
information such as the customer's current and prior account
status. Automatic updates of a customer's software may also be
enabled. For example, central system 963 may notify one or more
devices in gaming establishment 905 regarding new products and/or
product updates. For example, central system 963 may notify server
(or other device) in computer room 920 regarding new software,
software updates, the status of current software licenses, etc.
Alternatively, such updates could be automatically provided to a
server in computer room 920 and downloaded to networked gaming
machines.
[0186] After the local server receives this information, relevant
products of interest may be identified (by the server, by another
device or by a human being). If an update or a new software product
is desired, it can be downloaded from the central system.
Similarly, a customer may choose to renew a software license via a
secure connection with central system 463, e.g., in response to a
notification that the software license is required.
[0187] In addition, providing secure connections between different
gaming establishments can enable alternative implementations of the
invention. For example, a number of gaming establishments may be
owned and/or controlled by the same entity. In such situations,
having secure communications between gaming establishments makes it
possible for a gaming entity to use one or more servers in a gaming
establishment as an interface between central system 963 and gaming
machines in multiple gaming establishments. For example, new or
updated software may be obtained by a server in one gaming
establishment and distributed to gaming machines in that gaming
establishment and/or other gaming establishments. A server in one
gaming establishment may perform services, such as patron
identification services, in response to a request from a device in
another gaming establishment.
[0188] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a network device that may
be configured for implementing some methods of the present
invention. Network device 1160 includes a master central processing
unit (CPU) 1162, interfaces 1168, and a bus 1167 (e.g., a PCI bus).
Generally, interfaces 1168 include ports 1169 appropriate for
communication with the appropriate media. In some embodiments, one
or more of interfaces 1168 includes at least one independent
processor and, in some instances, volatile RAM. The independent
processors may be, for example, ASICs or any other appropriate
processors. According to some such embodiments, these independent
processors perform at least some of the functions of the logic
described herein. In some embodiments, one or more of interfaces
1168 control such communications-intensive tasks as encryption,
decryption, compression, decompression, packetization, media
control and management. By providing separate processors for the
communications-intensive tasks, interfaces 1168 allow the master
microprocessor 1162 efficiently to perform other functions such as
routing computations, network diagnostics, security functions,
etc.
[0189] The interfaces 1168 are typically provided as interface
cards (sometimes referred to as "linecards"). Generally, interfaces
1168 control the sending and receiving of data packets over the
network and sometimes support other peripherals used with the
network device 1160. Among the interfaces that may be provided are
FC interfaces, Ethernet interfaces, frame relay interfaces, cable
interfaces, DSL interfaces, token ring interfaces, and the like. In
addition, various very high-speed interfaces may be provided, such
as fast Ethernet interfaces, Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, ATM
interfaces, HSSI interfaces, POS interfaces, FDDI interfaces, ASI
interfaces, DHEI interfaces and the like.
[0190] When acting under the control of appropriate software or
firmware, in some implementations of the invention CPU 1162 may be
responsible for implementing specific functions associated with the
functions of a desired network device. According to some
embodiments, CPU 1162 accomplishes all these functions under the
control of software including an operating system and any
appropriate applications software.
[0191] CPU 1162 may include one or more processors 1163 such as a
processor from the Motorola family of microprocessors or the MIPS
family of microprocessors. In an alternative embodiment, processor
1163 is specially designed hardware for controlling the operations
of network device 1160. In a specific embodiment, a memory 1161
(such as non-volatile RAM and/or ROM) also forms part of CPU 1162.
However, there are many different ways in which memory could be
coupled to the system. Memory block 1161 may be used for a variety
of purposes such as, for example, caching and/or storing data,
programming instructions, etc.
[0192] Regardless of network device's configuration, it may employ
one or more memories or memory modules (such as, for example,
memory block 1165) configured to store data, program instructions
for the general-purpose network operations and/or other information
relating to the functionality of the techniques described herein.
The program instructions may control the operation of an operating
system and/or one or more applications, for example.
[0193] Because such information and program instructions may be
employed to implement the systems/methods described herein, the
present invention relates to machine-readable media that include
program instructions, state information, etc. for performing
various operations described herein. Examples of machine-readable
media include, but are not limited to, magnetic media such as hard
disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as
CD-ROM disks; magneto-optical media; and hardware devices that are
specially configured to store and perform program instructions,
such as read-only memory devices (ROM) and random access memory
(RAM). The invention may also be embodied in a carrier wave
traveling over an appropriate medium such as airwaves, optical
lines, electric lines, etc. Examples of program instructions
include both machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and
files containing higher-level code that may be executed by the
computer using an interpreter.
[0194] Although the system shown in FIG. 11 illustrates one
specific network device of the present invention, it is by no means
the only network device architecture on which the present invention
can be implemented. For example, an architecture having a single
processor that handles communications as well as routing
computations, etc. is often used. Further, other types of
interfaces and media could also be used with the network device.
The communication path between interfaces may be bus based (as
shown in FIG. 11) or switch fabric based (such as a cross-bar).
[0195] While this invention is described in terms of preferred
embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents
that fall within the scope of the invention. It should also be
noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the
present invention. It is therefore intended that the invention not
be limited to the preferred embodiments described herein, but
instead that the invention should be interpreted as including all
such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the
true spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *
References