U.S. patent application number 12/578489 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-14 for cashier generated voucher system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to BALLY GAMING, INC.. Invention is credited to Diane L.K. MacEwan.
Application Number | 20110086696 12/578489 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43855274 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110086696 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MacEwan; Diane L.K. |
April 14, 2011 |
CASHIER GENERATED VOUCHER SYSTEM AND METHOD
Abstract
Systems and methods for generating a voucher in exchange for
cash from a patron for use with a gaming machine are disclosed
herein. The method includes receiving an amount of cash or cash
equivalent from a patron and depositing the amount in a patron
account stored on a server. A voucher in the amount of the
deposited cash is printed and the voucher can be redeemed by the
patron and applied to the gaming machine for play. Each voucher
printed may include a unique voucher number. The cashier generated
voucher system enhances customer service by providing high limit
players with the ability to use vouchers or tickets rather than
needing to insert multiple bills into the gaming machines.
Inventors: |
MacEwan; Diane L.K.;
(Palermo, NJ) |
Assignee: |
BALLY GAMING, INC.
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
43855274 |
Appl. No.: |
12/578489 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 ; 463/42;
463/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3248 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 ; 463/42;
463/43 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for generating a voucher for use with a gaming machine,
the method comprising: receiving an amount of currency from a
patron; depositing the currency in a patron account stored on a
server; and printing a voucher in an amount requested by the
patron, wherein the voucher is redeemed by the patron and applied
to a meter on the gaming machine.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein printing the voucher in the
amount requested by the patron, one voucher is printed in the total
amount of currency received from the patron.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein printing the voucher in the
amount requested by the patron, multiple vouchers are printed in
different denominations totaling the amount of currency received
from the patron.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein printing the voucher in the
amount requested by the patron, the amount requested by the patron
is less than the amount of currency received from the patron.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising storing a balance in
the patron account after printing the voucher in the amount
requested by the patron.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising updating or creating a
patron account.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a voucher
number on the voucher, wherein the gaming machine reads the voucher
number and verifies a status of the voucher.
8. A method for generating a voucher for use with a gaming machine,
the method comprising: receiving cash from a patron; depositing the
cash in a patron account stored on a server; and printing a unique
voucher in an amount equal to the cash deposited in the patron
account; wherein the unique voucher is a non-promotional, cashable
voucher for use in gaming machines.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein printing a unique voucher, the
unique voucher includes a voucher number.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising storing the voucher
number and the amount of the voucher in the patron account.
11. The method of claim 8, further comprising completing a deposit
and withdrawal application before printing the unique voucher.
12. The method of claim 8, further comprising receiving casino
chips from the patron and depositing the value of the casino chips
in the patron account.
13. The method of claim 8, further comprising receiving checks or
wire transfers from the patron and depositing the amount of the
checks or wire transfers into the patron account.
14. A cashier generating voucher system, comprising: a cashier
terminal located on the floor of a casino, the cashier terminal
processes a transaction for generating a voucher in exchange for
cash from a casino patron, and the voucher includes a voucher
amount and a voucher number; a voucher server in communication via
a network with the cashier terminal, the voucher server stores a
voucher database including the voucher amount and the voucher
number; and a gaming machine in communication via the network with
the voucher server, the gaming machine having a voucher reader slot
for accepting and reading the voucher inserted by the patron, the
gaming machine transmits the voucher information to the voucher
server to verify the status of the voucher, and the voucher server
transmits the status of the voucher to the gaming machine, wherein
the value of the voucher is applied to a meter on the gaming
machine if the status of the voucher is active.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the voucher server stores a
patron account in the voucher database.
16. The system of claim 14, wherein the cashier terminal is used to
complete a deposit and withdrawal application stored on the voucher
server when generating the voucher in exchange for cash from the
patron.
17. The system of claim 14, wherein the cashier terminal generates
one voucher for the total amount of cash deposited by the
patron.
18. The system of claim 14, wherein the cashier terminal generates
multiple vouchers with amounts totaling the amount of cash
deposited by the patron.
19. The system of claim 14, further comprising a printer in
communication with the cashier terminal for printing the
voucher.
20. The system of claim 14, wherein the cashier terminal can void
the generated voucher.
Description
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0002] A cashier generated voucher system and method for use with
gaming machines is provided. Specifically, systems and methods for
allowing a patron to exchange cash or cash equivalents for a
voucher, which may then be redeemed at a gaming machine are
disclosed herein.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many games of chance and gaming machines have been developed
that have various features designed to capture and maintain player
interest. Traditionally, games garner player interest by providing
the player with the opportunity to win cash awards based upon a
player's wager. Typically, players insert bills into the gaming
machine in order to place a wager. For high limit players using a
gaming machine, they may insert several bills into the gaming
machine. Having to insert multiple bills into a bill acceptor may
detract from the player's gaming experience. Therefore, there is a
need for a system where a player can exchange cash for a voucher
that can then be inserted into the gaming machine.
SUMMARY
[0004] Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are
directed to a system and method for generating a voucher in
exchange for currency from a patron for use with a gaming machine.
The method includes receiving an amount of currency from a patron.
The patron may want to exchange cash or a cash equivalent, such as
casino chips, personal checks, wire transfers, or the like, for a
voucher. Currency from the patron is deposited in a patron account
stored on a server. If the patron account already has been
established on the server, then the account needs to be updated.
Otherwise, a patron account may need to be created. The cashier may
need to complete a deposit and withdrawal application stored on the
server before printing the unique voucher. The voucher in an amount
requested by the patron is then printed, and the voucher can be
redeemed and applied to the gaming machine for play. Each voucher
printed may include a unique voucher number. The cashier generated
voucher system enhances customer service by providing high limit
players with the ability to use vouchers or tickets rather than
needing to insert multiple bills into the gaming machines
[0005] In one embodiment, only one voucher is printed in the amount
of currency received from the patron. The voucher may include
information such as a voucher number and a voucher amount that may
be stored in a database on the server. The server can then track
the use of the voucher at a gaming machine and change the status of
the voucher from active to inactive and/or void. It is also
possible that the server can void an unused voucher at the request
of a cashier. This may be useful if a patron loses an issued
voucher and then returns to the cashier to issue another voucher
for the amount of the lost voucher.
[0006] In another embodiment, multiple vouchers may be printed in
different denominations totalling the amount of currency received
from the patron. In this way, a patron can then share the vouchers
with friends or family for use on gaming machines in the casino. It
has also been contemplated that the amount of the voucher requested
by the patron is less than the amount of currency received from the
patron. In this situation, the patron account would store the
balance between the currency deposited and the amount of the
voucher. Then, the patron can return to the casino cage and request
another voucher for the amount of the balance in the patron's
account.
[0007] A cashier generating voucher system for allowing a patron to
exchanging cash for a voucher includes a cashier terminal located
on the floor of a casino. Typically, the cashier terminal will be
located in a casino cage on the floor of the casino. The cashier
terminal can process a transaction for generating a voucher in
exchange for cash from a casino patron. Any voucher issued to a
patron may include a voucher amount and a voucher number. The
system also includes a voucher server in communication via a
network with the cashier terminal. The voucher server stores a
voucher database including the voucher amount and the voucher
number of any cashier generated voucher transaction. The system
also includes a printer in communication with the cashier terminal
for printing the voucher.
[0008] A gaming machine is also in communication via the network
with the voucher server, and the gaming machine includes a voucher
reader slot for accepting and reading the voucher inserted by the
patron. Once the voucher is read by the voucher reader slot, the
gaming machine transmits the voucher information to the voucher
server to verify the status of the voucher. The voucher server then
transmits the status of the voucher to the gaming machine, and if
the status of the voucher is active then the value of the voucher
is applied to a meter on the gaming machine. If the status of the
voucher is inactive or void, then the value of the voucher will not
be applied to the gaming machine meter and an error message may be
displayed to the patron.
[0009] In one embodiment, the voucher server stores a patron
account in the voucher database. The patron account stores personal
information about the patron, such as patron's name, address and
birthday, along with previous transactions. However, in other
embodiments, no player account is stored at the voucher server and
the patron exchanges cash for one or more vouchers. The voucher
number and amount may still be stored in a voucher database on the
voucher server.
[0010] In use, the cashier terminal is used to complete a deposit
and withdrawal application stored in the voucher server when
generating the voucher in exchange for cash from the patron. This
process will update or create a patron account if needed.
[0011] In one embodiment, the cashier terminal may generate one
voucher for the total amount of cash deposited by the patron. This
allows a high limit patron to insert one voucher into the gaming
machine instead of inserting multiple bills into the gaming
machine. The cashier terminal also can generate multiple vouchers
with amounts totaling the amount of cash deposited by the patron.
Different denominations may be used for each of the issued multiple
vouchers. Still further, a patron may deposit an amount of cash
with the cashier and only request a portion of that amount be
applied to a voucher. In this instance, the system may store the
balance between the amount deposited by the patron and the amount
issued on the voucher.
[0012] It is also possible that the voucher server can void an
unused voucher at the request of a cashier. This may be useful if a
patron loses an issued voucher and then returns to the cashier to
request another voucher for the amount of the lost voucher. This
provides the patron with added security with the patron's money if
the voucher becomes lost or stolen.
[0013] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the
features of the various embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts a flow chart of a method for issuing cashier
generated vouchers;
[0015] FIG. 2 depicts one embodiment of a cashier generated voucher
system;
[0016] FIG. 3 depicts a main menu screen for the cashier generated
voucher system;
[0017] FIG. 4 depicts a player account screen for the cashier
generated voucher system;
[0018] FIG. 5 depicts voucher window displayed over the player
account screen shown in FIG. 4;
[0019] FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of a gaming machine; and
[0020] FIG. 7 depicts a diagram of one embodiment of a gaming
system including a plurality of gaming machines.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Generally, various embodiments disclosed herein are directed
to a cashier generated ticket system for allowing a cage cashier at
a casino to exchange cash received from a patron for printed
non-promotional, cashable vouchers for use in gaming machines. In
one embodiment, the casino patron may receive a single ticket for
the cash deposit to be used in a slot machine. Using the single
voucher in a slot machine is simpler and quicker than inserting
several denominations of cash into the slot machine In another
embodiment, the casino patron may receive several tickets or
vouchers for the cash deposit. This allows the casino patron to
share money with family or friends for play at gaming machines or
to take one ticket at a time for play at different gaming
machines.
[0022] The cashier generated ticket system provides a better
solution for gaming machine players that may want to deposit larger
amounts of money in the casino's cage for safety. Additionally,
this system enhances customer service by providing high-limit
players with the ability to use vouchers rather than inserting
multiple bills into the gaming machine.
[0023] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the
drawings, there are shown various embodiments of a cashier
generated ticket system used for allowing a patron to deposit cash
with a casino and subsequently receive tickets or vouchers for use
in gaming machines, such as slot machines. More specifically, as
shown in a diagram of FIG. 1, a casino patron may deposit cash or
cash equivalent at a casino cage at step 10 into a player account.
At step 12, a casino cashier updates the player account and
completes a deposit application in the system. If required, the
cashier may create a player account for the patron. Subsequently,
at step 14, the patron may request to withdraw any amount of cash
in their account in the form of a ticket or voucher. The request
should include the amount to be withdrawn and the number of
vouchers required by the patron. For example, a patron may want to
withdraw $1000 as a single voucher for use with a gaming machine.
This allows the patron to insert one voucher worth $1000 into the
gaming machine without having to insert fifty $20 bills or ten $100
bills. The patron may also want to withdraw $1000 in several
vouchers with different denominations, such as, five vouchers
valued at $100 and 10 vouchers valued at $50. With several
vouchers, the patron can divide the vouchers between his family or
friends for use in the gaming machines. In one embodiment, at step
14, the patron may be required to withdraw the full amount of the
cash deposited with the casino by the patron.
[0024] Once the patron requests a withdrawal from the casino
cashier, the cashier updates the patron or player account and
completes a withdrawal application at step 16. Once the withdrawal
application is completed, the system will print out the requested
vouchers in any amount and denomination. The patron will receive
the voucher(s) at step 18 and then insert the voucher(s) in a
gaming machine for play at step 20. Vouchers can be inserted into a
ticket reader slot, where the voucher is read and the amount of the
voucher is applied to the gaming machine.
[0025] In another embodiment, a player does not need to have a
player account established with the casino to use the cashier
generated ticket system. Instead, a player may provide an amount of
money to a casino cashier and request a single voucher for that
amount of money or several vouchers totalling the amount of money
given to the casino. This would allow the player to insert a single
voucher into a gaming machine without having to insert multiple
bills into the gaming machine. If the player requests several
vouchers, the vouchers may be used by the player of the player's
family or friends.
[0026] One embodiment of a cashier generating voucher system is
depicted in FIG. 2 for allowing a patron to exchanging cash for a
voucher. As shown, the system includes a cashier terminal 22
located on the floor of a casino. Typically, the cashier terminal
will be located in a casino cage 24 on the floor of the casino. The
cashier terminal can process a transaction for generating a voucher
in exchange for cash from a casino patron. Any voucher issued to
the patron may include a voucher amount and a voucher number. The
system also includes a voucher server 26 in communication via a
network 28 with the cashier terminal 22. The voucher server 26
includes a voucher database that stores the voucher amount and the
voucher number of any cashier generated voucher transaction. The
system also includes a printer (not shown) in communication with
the cashier terminal for printing the voucher.
[0027] A gaming machine 30 is also in communication via the network
28 with the voucher server 26, and the gaming machine includes a
voucher reader slot 32 for accepting and reading the voucher
inserted by the patron. Once the voucher is read by the voucher
reader slot 32, the gaming machine 30 transmits the voucher
information to the voucher server to verify the status of the
voucher. The voucher server then transmits the status of the
voucher to the gaming machine, and if the status of the voucher is
active then the value of the voucher is applied to a meter on the
gaming machine. If the status of the voucher is inactive or void,
then the value of the voucher will not be applied to the gaming
machine meter and an error message may be displayed to the
patron.
[0028] It has also been contemplated that once a patron is finished
playing the gaming machine 30, any credits on the meter of the
gaming machine may be issued to the player in the form of another
voucher that is printed by the gaming machine. The patron may have
the option to accept all of the credits on a single voucher or
accept the credits issued on multiple vouchers. The voucher reader
slot 32 may include a printer for printing vouchers, or the gaming
machine may include a separate printer for printing vouchers. The
voucher issued to the patron at the gaming machine may also include
a unique voucher number and voucher amount. Further, the voucher
information may be sent to voucher server 26 to update the patron
account.
[0029] In one embodiment, the voucher server 26 stores a patron
account in the voucher database. The patron account stores personal
information about the patron, such as patron's name, address and
birthday, along with previous transactions. However, in other
embodiments, no player account is stored at the voucher server and
the patron exchanges cash for one or more vouchers. The voucher
number and amount may still be stored in a voucher database on the
voucher server.
[0030] In use, the cashier terminal 22 is used to complete a
deposit and withdrawal application stored on the voucher server 26
when generating the voucher in exchange for cash from the patron.
This process will update or create a patron account if needed.
[0031] In one embodiment, the cashier terminal 22 may generate one
voucher for the total amount of cash deposited by the patron. This
allows a high limit patron to insert one voucher into the gaming
machine 30 instead of inserting multiple bills into the gaming
machine. The cashier terminal also can generate multiple vouchers
with amounts totalling the amount of cash deposited by the patron.
Different denominations may be used for each of the issued multiple
vouchers. Still further, a patron may deposit an amount of cash
with the cashier and only request a portion of that amount be
applied to a voucher. In this instance, the system may store the
balance between the amount deposited by the patron and the amount
issued on the voucher.
[0032] It is also possible that the voucher server 26 can void an
unused voucher at the request of a cashier. This may be useful if a
patron loses an issued voucher and then returns to the cashier to
request another voucher for the amount of the lost voucher. This
provides added security for the patron's money if the voucher
becomes lost or stolen.
[0033] A casino cashier may utilize the cashier generated ticket
function of the casinos system by accessing a cashier generated
ticket menu 34 shown in FIG. 3. A cashier generated voucher feature
active field allows a user to activate and display the four options
associated with the cashier generated ticket system. A patron
number required field is an optional field, unless the flag to
require a patron number is turned on. Other fields that may be
included on the menu 34 are a maximum individual voucher amount
field and a minimum individual voucher amount field limiting the
high and low value of individual vouchers that can be issued.
Further, a maximum transaction amount field represents the maximal
amount of any number of vouchers to be generated at one time for an
individual patron. Also, a supervisor override required for amounts
exceeding field is the highest value that a cashier can generate
per transaction without a supervisor's authorization. Any
transaction exceeding this value will require a supervisor's
authorization and password for completing the transaction.
[0034] If a patron's name or number is entered into the system when
the cashier is updating a player account, the patron name, patron
number, date of birth and locale are displayed on a player account
screen 36 shown in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, when entering in a
patron's name, a name search screen may be displayed to allow the
cashier to navigate to the applicable name. Any warning messages
such as incomplete address or incomplete identification ("ID")
information can also be displayed on screen 36. From the player
account screen, a screen providing additional information can be
brought up by pressing any designated key.
[0035] At the player account screen 36, the casino cashier can
enter the dollar amount the patron is exchanging for vouchers in
the cash and chips fields, and then calculate the total amount in
the total amount field. Cash and cash equivalents, such as casino
chips, checks, wire transfers and other forms of cash are accepted
into the system. Credit cards may also be accepted into the system.
Other information, such as the country for the currency and the
other check type fields are prompt capable input fields, and a
designated key will display a list of other check types or the
country codes for currency. For checks, fields for the bank name
and check number may also be provided. The total amount of the
deposited value must be validated to equal the total amount of the
deposited cash, chips and checks. If the total amount deposited
exceeds the maximum allowable amount by for the cashier, a window
is displayed on the screen for entry of the supervisor ID.
[0036] After editing the amounts, a voucher window 38 as shown in
FIG. 5 is displayed for entry of the quantity and dollar amount of
all cashable tickets to be printed. In one embodiment, the total
must equal the total amount of the cash and check being processed.
In another embodiment, a patron is allowed to keep a balance in his
account. This window 38 may be preloaded with a quantity of one
ticket for the full amount of the receipt from the patron, unless
the amount received exceeds the maximum allowable amount for
individual tickets. The quantity of tickets and the amount of the
tickets can be edited at the patron's request. The system validates
that ticket amounts are within the minimum and maximum amounts
allowable, as defined in the system. This system also allows the
cashier to cancel out of the transaction by pressing a designated
key prior to the final step of printing the tickets. Once the
requested amount and number of tickets or vouchers has been entered
into the system, the voucher will be printed with the details for
the cashier to include in their drawer. One voucher or multiple
vouchers may be created for transaction and the voucher numbers on
each voucher will be saved in a database on the system. In one
embodiment, the voucher information, including the numbers, will be
saved to a cashier file. The cashier file may include fields to
record the total number and total dollar amount of all tickets
created by the cashier during the session. A cashier report may
also be created to show details and totals of all tickets created.
The cashier report can be stored in the system in a cashier report
file. When multiple tickets are requested on a single transaction,
there will be one record written to the cashier file.
[0037] The ticket records of each transaction will be created in a
ticket file stored on the voucher server. Each ticket number to be
printed on the bar coded coupon will be obtained by the server. In
one embodiment, one program for creating a ticket number accepts
two parms, both blanks, the first is 18 characters, and the second
parm is one character. The program returns the non-encrypted coupon
number in the first parm. The ticket number that is populated in
the ticket file on the server may be encrypted. Any encryption
method known in the art may be used.
[0038] The tickets or vouchers can be generated by using any
printer, such as the type of printer used at the gaming machine.
Printers including the Ithaca Series 800, Model 850 Thermal printer
may be used.
[0039] Another function of the cashier generated voucher system
will be to void cashier generated vouchers using the voucher number
or other identifier. All vouchers created as part of the voucher
transaction must be verified to still be in the issued or active
status before allowing the void. In one embodiment, a supervisor ID
will be required to void the voucher. The voucher status must be
updated to voided or inactive on the voucher server.
[0040] The system may also include a function to void and reprint a
cashier generated voucher. This program will be similar to the void
function described above, except the voucher is voided and a new
voucher is printed with a different voucher number. The voucher
server is then updated to show the status of the original voucher
as being voided and the newly issued voucher to have an issued or
active status. Either the void function or the void and reprint
function can be used when a patron loses a ticket or wishes to
cancel one voucher in order to change the value of the voucher.
[0041] FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of one of the gaming machine 30
or slot machine used in a casino, which is a five reel slot game
52. The machine includes a gaming cabinet 54 that houses a display
screen 56. Optionally, the display 56 may include a touch screen
system (not shown). In other embodiments, the five reel video slot
game can be replaced by any game, including mechanical slots, video
keno, video poker, video blackjack, video roulette, Class II bingo,
games of skill, or games of chance involving some player skill. For
the sake of brevity and clarity, the following disclosure and
examples of the game is a slot-type game, but those skilled in the
art will appreciate that any of the above-referenced games or
others may be presented in the gaming machine 30.
[0042] The game 52 includes a dedicated set of buttons 58 having
functions such as, but not limited to, a collect button (or
cash-out), select lines button, bet per line button, max bet
button, and a spin button. A max bet button 60 is also disclosed
and allows the player to place a maximum wager. In one embodiment,
the bonus payout is weighted to players placing maximum wagers.
[0043] The gaming machine 52 shown in FIG. 6 also includes a player
interface having a set of buttons 62 for the game presented on the
display 56. The buttons 62 function as input mechanisms and may
include mechanical buttons, electromechanical buttons, or touch
screen buttons. While FIG. 6 illustrates a gaming machine having
both touch screen buttons and mechanical buttons, other
contemplated embodiments have only mechanical buttons or touch
screen buttons. According to one embodiment, the buttons 62 are
backlit to indicate whether the button is active. In another
embodiment, one input mechanism is a universal button module that
provides a dynamic button system adaptable for use with various
games, as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/106,212,
entitled "Universal Button Module", filed Apr. 14, 2005 and U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/223,364, entitled "Universal Button
Module", filed Sep. 9, 2005, which are both hereby incorporated
herein by reference. Additionally, other input devices, such as,
but not limited to, a touch pad, track ball, mouse, switches,
toggle switches, are included with the gaming machine to also
accept player input. Optionally, one or more handles 64 may be
"pulled" by a player to initiate a slots-based game.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, the gaming machine 30 includes a ticket
reader/ticket printer slot 32 that is associated with the cashier
generated ticket system. According to one embodiment, the slot 32
is used for the ticket reader and ticket printer. Accordingly, the
same slot 32 may be used to insert and/or issue a ticket. However,
in alternate embodiments, separate slots (not shown) may be
provided for the ticket acceptor and the ticket printer. In one
embodiment, the ticket reader (not shown) of the cashier generated
ticket system is capable of accepting previously printed vouchers,
paper currency, promotional coupons, or the like. The ticket
printer (not shown) of the cashless gaming system generates
vouchers having printed information that includes, but is not
limited to, the value of the voucher (i.e., cash-out amount) and a
barcode that identifies the voucher. In another embodiment, the
gaming machine may allow a player insert credit onto the gaming
machine through an electronic funds transfer from a player's
account. In this embodiment the slot may be a card reader for
reading a credit or debit card from the player.
[0045] In one embodiment, the ticker reader slot 32 reads a bar
code or other information disclosed on the cashier generated
voucher or ticket and transmits this information, which includes
the voucher number and amount, to the voucher server. The voucher
server is in communication with the gaming machine 30 and can
verify that the cashier generated voucher is a valid. Once the
ticket server verifies the cashier generated voucher is valid, the
gaming machine applies the amount of the voucher to the gaming
machine for play.
[0046] Additionally, each gaming machine 30 is in communication
with a player tracking system (not shown). The player tracking
system allows a casino to monitor the gaming activities of various
players and in one embodiment verifies the status of the cashier
generated voucher inserted into the gaming machine. The player
tracking system typically includes a database of all qualified
players (i.e., those players who have enrolled in a player rating
or point accruing program). Generally, the database for the player
tracking system is separate from the gaming machines. Additionally,
the player tracking system is able to store data relating to a
player's gaming habits as well as the player's preferences for
gaming machine configuration. That is, a player can accrue player
points that depend upon the amount and frequency of their wagers.
Casinos can use these player points to compensate the loyal
patronage of players. For example, casinos may award or "comp" a
player free meals, room accommodations, tickets to shows, and
invitations to casino events and promotional affairs.
[0047] The player tracking system is operatively connected to one
or more input components on the gaming machine 30. These input
components include, but are not limited to, a player card slots 68
for receiving a player tracking card, a keypad or equivalent, and a
display 70. Accordingly, the gaming activity of the players may be
tracked. Alternatively, the gaming machine includes no slot at all.
If the gaming machine does not include a player card slot, the
players may input player identification via a touch screen, keypad,
or other input mechanisms that are associated with the player
tracking system in lieu of inserting a player tracking card.
[0048] In another embodiment, each gaming machine 30 includes an
Internet connection or other known network connections to link the
plurality of gaming machines together. According to one embodiment,
the Internet connection is used for web browsing, prize redemption,
or access to other gaming or non-gaming information.
[0049] The main cabinet 54 of the gaming machine 30 also houses a
CPU, circuitry, and software for receiving signals from the
player-activated buttons 58 and one or more handles 64, operating
the games, and transmitting signals to the game display and
speakers.
[0050] In various embodiments, one or more game programs may be
stored in a memory (not shown) comprising a read only memory (ROM),
volatile or non-volatile random access memory (RAM), a hard drive
or flash memory device or any of several alternative types of
single or multiple memory devices or structures. Optionally, each
gaming machine 30 includes one or more data repositories for
storing data. Examples of information stored by the gaming machines
30 include, but are not limited to, accounting data, maintenance
history information, short and/or long-term play data, real-time
play data, and sound data. In one embodiment, the data repository
also stores display content configurations for various games and
gaming machines.
[0051] In FIG. 6, the gaming machine 30 includes a top box 72 on
the main cabinet 54. According to one embodiment, the top box is a
separate and distinct component that is affixed to the main
cabinet. In another embodiment, the top box is an area that is
partitioned from the main cabinet. Alternatively, the top box and
the main cabinet may be contiguous areas with the outward
appearance of two distinct components. The top box may include a
secondary display for displaying game information (e.g., name of
the game, animation, one or more pay tables, game information, one
or more help menus, progressive jackpot or game information,
tournament game information, or any combination thereof) or
non-game related information (e.g., news, advertisements, messages,
promotions, or any combination thereof). In one embodiment, the
secondary display presents a secondary game such as, but not
limited to, a bonus game, progressive game, or a continuation game
of the primary game. In yet another embodiment, the top box also
includes a display glass that includes the name of the game,
artwork, game instructions, pay table, or other information
relating to one or more games presented on the gaming machine
30.
[0052] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not
all gaming machines have all these components and may have other
components in addition to, or in lieu of, those components
mentioned here. Furthermore, while these components are viewed and
described separately, various components may be integrated into a
single unit in some embodiments.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 7, a casino gaming system 100 is
illustrated. The casino gaming system 100 comprises one or more
gaming machines 30 and may include one or more banks of associated
gaming devices 51. The gaming machine 30 illustrated in FIG. 6 act
as terminals for interacting with a player playing a casino game.
Networking components facilitate communications between a system
server 112 and game management units 126 that control displays for
carousels of gaming machines 30 across a network. Game management
units (GMU's) 126 connect gaming machines to networking components
and may be installed in the gaming machine cabinet or external to
the gaming machine 50. The function of the GMU 126 is similar to
the function of a network interface card connected to a desktop
personal computer (PC). Some GMU's 126 have much greater capability
and can perform such tasks as presenting and playing a game using a
display (not shown) operatively connected to the GMU 126. In one
embodiment, the GMU 126 is a separate component located outside the
gaming machine 30. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the GMU
126 is located within the gaming machine 30. Optionally, in an
alternative embodiment, one or more gaming machines 30 connect
directly to a network and are not connected to a GMU 126.
[0054] The gaming machines 30 are connected via a network to a
network bridge 120, which is used for networking, routing and
polling gaming machines, including slot machines. The network
bridge 120 connects to a back end system 112. Optionally, the
gaming machines may connect to the network via a network rack 122,
which provides for a few number of connections to the back end
system 112. Both network bridge 120 and network rack 122 may be
classified as middleware, and facilitate communications between the
back end system 112 and the game management units 126. The network
bridges 120 and network rack 122 may comprise data repositories for
storing network performance data. Such performance data may be
based on network traffic and other network related information.
Optionally, the network bridge 120 and the network rack 122 may be
interchangeable components. For example, in one embodiment, a
casino gaming system may comprise only network bridges and no
network racks. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a casino
gaming system may comprise only network racks and no network
bridges. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, a casino
gaming system may comprise any combination of one or more network
bridges and one or more network racks.
[0055] The back end system 112 may be configured to comprise one or
more servers, and the back end system can house the cashier
generated ticket server. In this embodiment, the back end system
112 may also be in communication with a terminal in the casino cage
to allow a cashier to access the ticket server stored on the back
end system. The type of server employed is generally determined by
the platform and software requirements of the gaming system. In one
embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the back end system 112 is
configured to include three servers: a slot floor controller 114, a
casino management server 116 and a casino database 118. It is
possible that the voucher server of the cashier generated ticket
system is disposed in the back end system 112. The slot floor
controller 114 is a part of the player tracking system for
gathering accounting, security and player specific information. The
casino management server 116 and casino database 118 work together
to store and process information specific to both employees and
players. Player specific information includes, but is not limited
to, passwords, biometric identification, RFID, player card
identification, and biographic data. Additionally, employee
specification information may include biographic data, biometric
information, job level and rank, passwords, authorization codes and
security clearance levels.
[0056] Overall, the back end system 112 performs several functions.
For example, the back end system 112 can collect data from the slot
floor as communicated to it from other network components, and
maintain the collected data in its database. The back end system
112 may use slot floor data to generate a report used in casino
operation functions. Examples of such reports include, but are not
limited to, accounting reports, security reports, and usage
reports. The back end system 112 may also pass data to another
server for other functions. Alternatively, the back end system 112
may pass data stored on its database to floor hardware for
interaction with a game or game player. For example, data such as a
game player's name or the voucher number and amount of a voucher
being redeemed at a gaming machine may be passed to the floor
hardware. Additionally, the back end system 112 may comprise one or
more data repositories for storing data. Examples of types of data
stored in the system server data repositories include, but are not
limited to, information relating to individual player play data,
individual game accounting data, gaming machine accounting data,
cashable ticket data, sound data, and optimal display
configurations for one or more displays for one or more system
game.
[0057] Of course, one will appreciate that the gaming system 100
may also comprise other types of components, and the above
illustrations are meant only as examples and not as limitations to
the types of components or games used in a casino gaming system
presenting a group play feature.
[0058] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that not
all cashier generated voucher systems will have all these
components and may have other components in addition to, or in lieu
of, those components mentioned here. Furthermore, while these
components are viewed and described separately, various components
may be integrated into a single unit in some embodiments.
[0059] The various embodiments described above are provided by way
of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the
claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize
various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed
invention without following the example embodiments and
applications illustrated and described herein, and without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention,
which is set forth in the following claims.
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