U.S. patent application number 12/841706 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-26 for internet bonusing.
Invention is credited to Anthony Baerlocher, Daniel DeWaal, David L. Kern, JR., Glen K. Russell, Vincent Smith, Darren W. White.
Application Number | 20120021822 12/841706 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45494060 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120021822 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeWaal; Daniel ; et
al. |
January 26, 2012 |
INTERNET BONUSING
Abstract
An Internet bonusing system includes an electronic gaming
machine (EGM) having a memory area for receiving information
relating to game play on the EGM and a player's activity associated
with game play on the EGM and for storing the information. The EGM
also includes a processor that is programmed to record play of the
player on the EGM, encode at least a portion of the recorded play,
and output a result of the encoding in a tangible form to the
player. The Internet bonusing system also includes an
Internet-enabled computer programmed to communicatively couple to a
gaming website and to receive the result of the encoding through an
input device communicatively coupled to the computer.
Inventors: |
DeWaal; Daniel; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Smith; Vincent; (Las Vegas, NV) ;
Baerlocher; Anthony; (Reno, NV) ; Russell; Glen
K.; (North Las Vegas, NV) ; White; Darren W.;
(Las Vegas, NV) ; Kern, JR.; David L.; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
Family ID: |
45494060 |
Appl. No.: |
12/841706 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/29 ; 463/42;
463/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3237 20130101;
G07F 17/3248 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/29 ; 463/43;
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine comprising: a memory area configured to receive
information relating to game play on the gaming machine and a
player's activity associated with game play on the gaming machine
and to store the information; and a processor coupled to the memory
area and programmed to: record play of the player on the gaming
machine; encode at least a portion of the recorded play; and output
a result of the encoding in a tangible form to the player for use
in accessing a gaming website via the Internet.
2. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the gaming
website is associated with a manufacturer of the gaming
machine.
3. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the gaming
machine is located in a casino and the gaming website is associated
with an owner of the casino.
4. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the gaming
website is associated with a third party sponsor of at least a
portion of the game play.
5. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein an outcome
above a predetermined threshold triggers the processor to encode at
least a portion of the recorded play.
6. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the result
of the encoding is printed on a substrate.
7. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 6, wherein the
substrate comprises a paper product.
8. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
processor is configured to encode at least a portion of the
recorded play using a hash function.
9. A method of tracking player activity, said method comprising:
recording play of a player on a gaming machine; encoding at least a
portion of the recorded play using a hash function; and outputting
a result of the hash function to the player.
10. A method in accordance with claim 9, wherein recording play of
a player on a gaming machine comprises accumulating predetermined
portions of data over an indeterminate period of time.
11. A method in accordance with claim 10, further comprising
evaluating the accumulated data in comparison to at least one
rule.
12. A method of Internet bonusing, said method comprising:
receiving an output of a hash function from each of a plurality of
players, the hash function output including a representation of
recorded play of an associated player on a gaming machine at a
first gaming venue encoded in the hash function output; providing
credit to the plurality of players for gaming on an Internet-based
gaming site based on the respective received output; scoring
outcomes of the Internet gaming played by the plurality of players;
selecting a portion of the plurality of players based on at least
one of a ranking of outcomes of the Internet gaming and a random
selection; and awarding a bonus to the selected portion.
13. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein receiving an
output of a hash function comprises receiving an output of a hash
function that is printed as graphical characters on a physical
ticket.
14. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein receiving an
output of a hash function comprises receiving an output of a hash
function that IS electronically transmitted to at least a portion
of the plurality of players.
15. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein receiving an
output of a hash function comprises receiving an output of a hash
function that is entered into an input device into a computer
communicatively coupled to the Internet.
16. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein receiving an
output of a hash function comprises receiving an output of a hash
function that includes an identifier of the player whose play is
recorded in the hash function output.
17. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein receiving an
output of a hash function comprises receiving an output of a hash
function that includes information relating to the type of games
the player played on the gaming machine.
18. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein receiving an
output of a hash function comprises receiving an output of a hash
function that includes information relating to a wagering of the
player on the gaming machine.
19. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein providing credit
to the plurality of players for gaming on an Internet-based gaming
site based on the respective received output comprises providing
credit to the plurality of players that logon to a predetermined
Internet gaming website associated with the output of the hash
function.
20. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein selecting a
portion of the plurality of players comprises selecting a portion
of the plurality of players at a predetermined cutoff event.
21. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein awarding a bonus
to the selected portion comprises awarding an invitation to compete
in a gaming tournament at the first gaming venue.
22. An Internet bonusing system comprising: a first server
configured to host a gaming website and to receive a code via a
network, the code based on information relating to player activity
associated with game play on a gaming machine, the code generated
when the information relating to player activity meets one of a
plurality of rules, the code embodied on an offsite play
ticket.
23. An Internet bonusing system in accordance with claim 22,
wherein the first server includes programming code programmed
instruct a processor to decode the received code and to determine a
player profile that includes the player's gaming preferences and
the player's game play activity prior to generation of the offsite
play ticket.
24. An Internet bonusing system in accordance with claim 23,
wherein the first server includes programming code programmed
instruct the processor to facilitate game play by the player on the
gaming website using the determined player profile.
25. An Internet bonusing system in accordance with claim 22,
wherein the first server includes programming code programmed to
instruct the processor to: for a plurality of players, determine a
relative score of each player based on each player's game play on
the gaming website; determine a plurality of winning players after
a predetermined period of game play on the gaming website; and
output an identification of the determined plurality of winning
players.
26. An Internet bonusing system in accordance with claim 25,
further comprising a second server communicatively coupled to a
plurality of gaming machines through a network, each of the
plurality of gaming machines configured to receive game play
commands from a respective one of the determined plurality of
winning players.
27. An Internet bonusing system in accordance with claim 26,
wherein said second server includes programming code programmed to
instruct a second processor to: determine a relative score of each
player based on each player's game play on an associated one of the
plurality of gaming machines; determine a rank of the plurality of
winning players after a predetermined period of game play on the
associated one of the plurality of gaming machines; and output an
identification of the determined winning players.
28. A method of generating a redemption code, said method
comprising: recording data related play of a player on an
electronic gaming machine (EGM); detecting that the recorded data
meets a threshold value; combining the data to form a single value
in response to the detection; generating a hash value from the
single value using a hash function; encoding the hash value in a
message; and presenting the message to the player.
29. A method in accordance with claim 28, wherein combining the
data to form a single value comprises transposing the recorded data
and combining the transposed data to form the single value.
30. A method in accordance with claim 28, wherein encoding the hash
value in a message comprises encrypting the hash value and encoding
the encrypted hash value in the message.
31. A method in accordance with claim 28, wherein presenting the
message to the player comprises printing the message on a
medium.
32. A method in accordance with claim 28, wherein presenting the
message to the player comprises electronically transmitting the
message to the player.
33. A gaming machine comprising: a memory area configured to store
information relating to game play on said gaming machine and a
player's activity associated with game play on said gaming machine;
and a processor coupled to said memory area, wherein said processor
is programmed to: monitor the game play information; process the
game play information using a plurality of rules; initiate
generation of an offsite play ticket when at least one of the
plurality of rules is met; encode the game play information; and
present the code to the player.
34. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 33, wherein said
processor is programmed to encode the game play information based
on an identifier associated with the at least one of the plurality
of rules.
35. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 33, wherein said
memory area is further configured to store at least one encryption
key, and wherein said processor is further programmed to encrypt
the code.
36. A gaming machine comprising: a memory area configured to store
information relating to initiation of at least one feature mode of
operation; and a processor coupled to the memory area and
configured to: detect a trigger during the game play by the player;
prompt the player to enter a code; and initiate the at least one
feature mode of operation on the gaming machine based on the
code.
37. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 36, wherein the
processor is further configured to store game play information
relating to play on the gaming machine by a player to the memory
area, to generate the code based on the game play information, and
to present the code to the player.
38. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 37, wherein the
processor is configured to generate the code by encoding at least a
portion of the stored game play information using a hash
function.
39. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 36, wherein the
trigger is a preselected outcome during game play by the
player.
40. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 36, wherein the
trigger is a preselected combination of inputs by the player at the
gaming machine.
41. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 36, wherein the
processor is further configured to detect an expiration status of
the code when entered by the player.
42. A gaming machine in accordance with claim 41, wherein the
processor is further configured to present the player with an
option to extend an expiration date of the code upon a detection
that the code has expired.
43. A gaming method comprising: receiving a code from a player via
a network; providing a trigger to the player for entry into a
gaming machine; detecting the trigger during play by the player on
the gaming machine; enabling a feature mode of play on the gaming
machine in response to detecting the trigger.
44. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein receiving
a code comprises receiving an output of the gaming machine as
graphical characters on a physical ticket.
45. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein receiving
a code comprises receiving a code that is electronically
transmitted to the player.
46. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein receiving
a code comprises receiving an output of a hash function that is
provided to the player.
47. A gaming method in accordance with claim 46, further comprising
encoding at least a portion of recorded play by the player on the
gaming machine.
48. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein detecting
a trigger comprises detecting a preselected outcome during game
play by the player on the gaming machine.
49. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein detecting
a trigger comprises detecting a preselected combination of inputs
by the player at the gaming machine.
50. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein enabling a
feature mode of play on the gaming machine comprises enabling a
bonus feature that is accessible on the gaming machine during a
preselected time period.
51. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein enabling a
feature mode of play on the gaming machine comprises: identifying a
second gaming machine to be played by the player; detecting play by
the player on the second gaming machine; and enabling the feature
mode of play on the second gaming machine.
52. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein enabling a
feature mode of play on the gaming machine comprises: detecting the
trigger during play by a second player on a second gaming machine;
and enabling the feature mode of play on the first gaming machine
and the second gaming machine.
53. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, wherein enabling a
feature mode of play on the gaming machine comprises providing the
player with entry into a gaming tournament.
54. A gaming method in accordance with claim 43, further
comprising: tracking an identifier of the feature mode of play
enabled on the gaming machine; and enabling a second feature mode
of play on the gaming machine in response to detection of a second
trigger.
55. A gaming machine comprising: a memory area configured to store
information relating to initiation of at least one feature mode of
operation and information relating to game play by a player at the
gaming machine; and a processor coupled to the memory area and
configured to: record play by the player on the gaming machine;
encode at least a portion of the recorded play; output a result of
the encoding in a tangible form to the player for use in accessing
a gaming website via the Internet; detect a trigger during the game
play by the player; prompt the player to enter the result; and
initiate the at least one feature mode of operation on the gaming
machine based on the code and the trigger.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The field of the invention relates generally to gaming, and
more specifically, to methods and systems for extending game play
outside a "brick and mortar" casino.
[0002] Casinos typically are located within buildings and operated
by operators licensed by state authorities. Such casinos are
generally referred to herein as "brick and mortar" casinos. Casino
operators typically are very interested in collecting and analyzing
gaming information about the players who visit such casinos, and
use such information to provide enhanced game play and other
benefits to the players. Since casinos compete with each other for
attracting players, the casino operators generally maintain their
player information confidential and are reluctant to release any
such information, even to their own suppliers.
[0003] For example, a casino operator may develop a database of
information related to players who visit their casinos. Such
information is used to attract the players to make return visits to
the casino and well as to enhance the gaming experience of the
player while at the casino. As explained above, casino operators
typically maintain such player information confidential. Knowledge
of at least some player information, however, may be beneficial for
at least certain casino suppliers, such as the creators and
designers of the gaming machines. Specifically, in creating and
designing a new game, knowledge of player preferences and habits
would be very helpful in guiding the game design and creation
process.
[0004] Since casino operators are reluctant to share such player
information, the game creators and designers generally look for
alternative sources in order to build their own database of player
preferences and habits. Such information can be gathered, for
example, through surveys, focus groups and simulated gaming
environments. Game creators and designers also must rely on their
intuition and own gaming experiences in creating concepts and
designs. While game creators and designers have been successful in
creating and designing new games even without actual player
information from casino operators, having access to such
information would further aide and benefit the game creation and
design process.
[0005] In addition, many players enjoy discovering and sharing
special modes or secret "unlock" aspects of games. Codes and
activation combinations have been used in home leisure systems and
arcade systems in order to prolong interest, increase popularity of
games, and, therefore, increase the commercial life of games. In
addition, the Internet has become a valuable tool to the leisure
gaming industry through community sharing of such codes and
activation combinations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0006] In one aspect, a system that facilitates the collection of
player information is described. The system, in one embodiment,
includes an electronic gaming machine (EGM) configured for being
located within a brick and mortar casino. The EGM includes a memory
area for receiving and storing information relating to game play on
the EGM and a player's activity associated with game play on the
EGM. The EGM also includes a processor programmed to control
storage of the game play and player information in the memory area
and encode at least a portion of such information. The processor
also is coupled to an output device (e.g., a ticket printer) and
controls generation of an output in a tangible form (e.g., a
ticket) to the player.
[0007] The system further includes an Internet-enabled device
programmed to communicatively couple to a server hosted gaming
system and to receive at least a portion of the encoded
information. The player inputs the encoded information on the
ticket into the Internet-enabled device, which then communicates
such information to the central gaming system server. Using the
encoded information, the server then functions to offer the player
opportunities to earn points or other credits by playing games via
the Internet-enabled device. Player information (e.g., game
preferences, duration of play) derived from the ticket and online
activities can then be collected by the server. Such player
information can then be used, for example, by game creators and
designers in connection with creating, designing, and fabricating
new games and new game machines (e.g., EGMs).
[0008] In another aspect, a method is described for tracking player
activity. The method includes recording play of a player on an EGM,
encoding at least a portion of the recorded play using a hash
function, and outputting a result of the hash function to the
player.
[0009] In another aspect, a method is described for providing
players with bonuses via the Internet. The method includes
receiving, at a host server associated with a centralized gaming
system (which, in some embodiments is a web site), information that
represents recorded play of an associated player on an EGM at a
first gaming venue. Such information may, for example, be encoded
in an output generated by the EGM using a hash function. The method
also includes providing credit to the plurality of players for
gaming on an Internet-based gaming site based on the respective
received output, scoring outcomes of the Internet gaming played by
the plurality of players, selecting at least one of the plurality
of players based on at least one of a ranking of outcomes of the
Internet gaming and a random selection, and awarding a bonus to at
least one selected player.
[0010] In another aspect, a method is provided for generating a
redemption code. The method includes recording information related
to the play of a player on an EGM, correlating the recorded play
information to a level of play, detecting whether the level of play
meets a threshold, executing a hash function using the recorded
play to generate a hash function output, encoding the hash function
output in a message, and presenting the message to the player.
[0011] In yet another aspect, a gaming method is provided that
enables gaming machines to implement "unlock codes" into an
underlying game. During play of a game, an EGM tracks player
activity and outputs a code to the player via, for example, a
ticket or an electronic message. A host server associated with a
centralized system receives the code as entered by the player at a
device, such as a computer. The host server then provides the
player with a trigger, such as a symbol combination or an input
combination, that the player is to achieve within a specified time
period. The player can then return to the casino to play the EGM
during the time period to either enter the input combination or to
achieve the symbol combination. Upon detecting the trigger, the EGM
prompts the player to enter the previously provided code, and
enables a special feature mode of play, such as an additional bonus
multiplier or the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The embodiments described herein may be better understood by
referring to the following description in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary gaming
machine;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary Internet
enabled computer system at an offsite location;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary method
of transforming player data in a raw form at the gaming machine
shown in FIG. 1 to an offsite play ticket redemption code
value;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a screen capture of an exemplary graphic display
such as a splash screen or home page of a website that may be used
with the Internet bonusing system shown in FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a screen capture of an alternative graphic display
such as a splash screen or home page of a website that be used with
the Internet bonusing system shown in FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a screen capture of an exemplary graphic display
during game play at the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a screen capture of a second exemplary graphic
display during game play at the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1;
and
[0020] FIG. 8 is a screen capture of a third exemplary graphic
display during game play at the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following detailed description describes embodiments of
the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. It is
contemplated that the invention has general application to
analytical and methodical embodiments of tracking player progress
and providing encoded historical data in commercial and residential
applications.
[0022] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular
and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not
excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is
explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of
the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as
excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also
incorporate the recited features.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an electronic gaming
machine (EGM) 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 100
includes at least one processor 102, such as a microprocessor, a
microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit or
one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).
Processor 102 is communicably coupled with or operable to access or
to exchange signals with at least one data storage or memory device
104. In one embodiment, processor 102 and memory device 104 reside
within a cabinet (not shown in FIG. 1) of gaming machine 100.
Processor 102 and memory device 104 may be collectively referred to
herein as a "computer" or "controller."
[0024] Memory device 104 stores program code and instructions,
executable by processor 102, to control gaming machine 100. Memory
device 104 also stores other data such as image data, event data,
player input data, random or pseudo-random number generators,
pay-table data or information and applicable game rules that relate
to the play of gaming machine 100. Memory device 104 may include
one, or more than one, forms of memory. For example, memory device
104 can include random access memory (RAM), which can include
non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM
(FeRAM) and other forms of memory. Memory device may also include
read only memory (ROM), flash memory and/or Electrically Erasable
Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM). Any other suitable
magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, by itself or in
combination with other forms of memory, may be included in memory
device 104.
[0025] Memory device 104 may also be, or include, a detachable or
removable memory, including, but not limited to, a suitable
cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD or USB memory. A player can use such
removable memory in a desktop, a laptop personal computer, a
personal digital assistant (PDA) or other computerized
platform.
[0026] In one embodiment, as discussed in more detail below, gaming
machine 100 randomly generates awards and/or other game outcomes
based on probability data. That is, each award or other game
outcome is associated with a probability and gaming machine 100
generates the award or other game outcome to be provided to the
player based on the associated probabilities. In this embodiment,
because gaming machine 100 generates outcomes randomly or based
upon a probability calculation, there is no certainty that gaming
machine 100 will ever provide the player with any specific award or
other game outcome. Such random determination could be provided
through utilization of a random number generator (RNG), such as a
true random number generator, a pseudo random number generator or
other suitable randomization process.
[0027] In another embodiment, as discussed in more detail below,
gaming machine 100 employs a predetermined or finite set or pool of
awards or other game outcomes. In this embodiment, as each award or
other game outcome is provided to the player, gaming machine 100
removes the provided award or other game outcome from the
predetermined set or pool. Once removed from the set or pool, the
specific provided award or other game outcome cannot be provided to
the player again. This type of gaming device provides players with
all of the available awards or other game outcomes over the course
of the play cycle and guarantees the amount of actual wins and
losses.
[0028] In yet another embodiment, upon a player initiating game
play at gaming machine 100, gaming machine 100 enrolls in a bingo
game. In this embodiment, a bingo server calls the bingo balls that
result in a specific game outcome. The resultant game outcome is
communicated to the individual gaming machine 100 to be provided to
a player.
[0029] Referring still to FIG. 1, gaming machine 100 includes one
or more display devices 106, 108 controlled by processor 102.
Display devices 106 and 108 are mounted to the cabinet of gaming
machine 100. Gaming machine 100 includes a central display device
106, which displays a primary game. Display device 106 may also
display any secondary game associated with the primary game as well
as information relating to the primary or secondary game. Display
device 108 may, for example, be an upper display device 108. Upper
display device 108 may display the primary game, any suitable
secondary game associated with the primary game and/or information
relating to the primary or secondary game. At least one display
device 106 and 108 may be a mobile display device, such as a PDA or
tablet PC that enables play of at least a portion of the primary or
secondary game at a location remote from other components of gaming
machine 100.
[0030] Gaming machine 100 includes a credit display 110, which
displays a player's current number of credits, cash, account
balance or the equivalent. Gaming machine 100 also includes a bet
display 112 which displays a player's amount wagered. Credit
display 110 and bet display 112 may be standalone displays
independent of display devices 106 and 108, or credit display 110
and bet display 112 may be incorporated into display devices 106
and/or 108.
[0031] Display devices 106 and/or 108 may include, without
limitation, a monitor, a television display, a plasma display, a
liquid crystal display (LCD), a display based on light emitting
diodes (LED), a display based on a plurality of organic
light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), a display based on polymer
light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), a display based on a plurality of
surface-conduction electron-emitters (SEDs), a display including a
projected and/or reflected image or any other suitable electronic
device or display mechanism. In one embodiment, as described in
more detail below, display devices 106 and/or 108 includes a
touch-screen 114 with an associated touch-screen controller 116.
Display devices 106 and/or 108 may be of any suitable
configuration, such as a square, a rectangle or an elongated
rectangle. Touch-screen 114 is coupled with touch-screen controller
116, or some other touch-sensitive display overlay to enable player
interaction with the images on display devices 106 and/or 108.
[0032] Display devices 106 and/or 108 are configured to display one
or more game or other suitable images, symbols and indicia such as
any visual representation or exhibition of the movement of objects
such as mechanical, virtual or video reels and wheels, dynamic
lighting, video images, images of people, characters, places,
things and faces of cards, tournament advertisements and the
like.
[0033] In one alternative embodiment, the symbols, images and
indicia displayed on or of the display device may be in mechanical
form. That is, the display device may include any electromechanical
device, such as one or more mechanical objects, such as one or more
rotatable wheels, reels or dice, configured to display at least one
and preferably a plurality of game or other suitable images,
symbols or indicia.
[0034] Still referring to FIG. 1, gaming machine 100 includes at
least one payment acceptor 118 in communication with processor 102.
Payment acceptor 118 includes a coin slot 120 and a payment, note
or bill acceptor 122, where the player inserts money, coins or
tokens. The player can place coins in coin slot 120 or paper money,
ticket or voucher into payment, note or bill acceptor 122. Devices
such as a card reader or validator 124 for credit cards, debit
cards or credit slips may be used to accept payment. An
identification card and/or a smart card having a programmed
microchip or a magnetic strip coded with a player's identification,
credit totals and other relevant information may be used. In one
embodiment, money may be transferred to a gaming machine through
electronic funds transfer (EFT). When a player funds gaming machine
100, processor 102 determines the amount of funds entered and
displays the corresponding amount on credit display 110 as
described above.
[0035] Gaming machine 100 further includes one or more input
devices 126 communicatively coupled to processor 102. Input devices
126 include any suitable device which enables the player to produce
an input signal which is readable by processor 102. In one
embodiment, input device 126 is a game activation device, such as a
pull arm or a play button which is used by the player to start any
primary game or sequence of events in gaming machine 100. The play
button can be any suitable play activator such as, but not limited
to, a bet one button, a max bet button or a repeat the bet button.
In one embodiment, upon appropriate funding, gaming machine 100
begins the game play automatically. In another embodiment, upon the
player engaging one of the play buttons, gaming machine 100
automatically activates game play.
[0036] One input device 126 may be a "Bet One" button. The player
places a bet by pushing the Bet One button. The player can increase
the bet by one credit each time the player pushes the Bet One
button. When the player pushes the Bet One button, the number of
credits shown in credit display 110 decrements by one, and the
number of credits shown in bet display 112 increments by one.
Another input device may be a "Bet Max" button which enables the
player to bet the maximum wager permitted for a game of gaming
machine 100.
[0037] Yet another input device 126 may be a "Cash Out" button. The
player may push the Cash Out button and cash out to receive a cash
payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the
number of remaining credits. When the player cashes out, the player
receives the coins or tokens in a coin payout tray (not shown in
FIG. 1) or other payout mechanisms, such as tickets or credit
slips, redeemable by a cashier, or funding to the player's
electronically recordable identification card.
[0038] Touch-screen 114 and touch-screen controller 116 are
communicatively coupled to a video controller 128. A player can
make decisions and input signals into gaming machine 100 by
touching touch-screen 114 at appropriate places. Gaming machine 100
also includes one or more communication ports 130 that enable
communication of processor 102 with external peripherals (not shown
in FIG. 1), such as, but not limited to, external video sources,
expansion buses, game or other displays, a SCSI port or a key
pad.
[0039] In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 100 includes a
sound generating device 132 that is controlled by one or more
sounds cards 134, which function in conjunction with processor 102.
Sound generating device 132 includes at least one speaker or other
sound generating hardware and/or software for generating sounds,
such as playing music for the primary and/or secondary game or for
other modes of gaming machine 100, such as an attract mode. Gaming
machine 100 provides dynamic sounds coupled with attractive
multimedia images displayed on one or more of display devices 106
and/or 108 to provide an audio-visual representation or to
otherwise display full-motion video with sound to attract players
to gaming machine 100. During idle periods, gaming machine 100 may
display a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction messages to
attract potential players to gaming machine 100. The videos may
also be customized for or to provide any appropriate
information.
[0040] In the exemplary embodiment, gaming machine 100 includes a
sensor 136, such as a camera communicatively coupled to and/or
controlled by processor 102. Sensor 136 is selectively positionable
to acquire an image of a player actively using gaming machine 100
and/or an area surrounding gaming machine 100. In one embodiment,
the camera may selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video)
images and may acquire the images in either an analog, digital or
other suitable format. Display devices 106 and/or 108 may display
the image acquired by the camera, as well as display the visible
manifestation of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture
fashion. For example, the camera may acquire an image of the player
and the processor may incorporate that image into the primary
and/or secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia.
[0041] In addition to cash or tickets redeemable for cash, and in
accordance with one embodiment, the player receives an offsite play
ticket 140 that includes a code printed in a code field 142 and may
include a URL printed in a URL field 144. Typically, no data is
encoded on ticket 140 that identifies the player. The code does
include, for example, an identification of a manufacturer of gaming
machine 100. The ticket is printed by a printer 146 communicatively
coupled to processor 102. More specifically, and in one embodiment,
players wager on participating gaming machines 100 in brick and
mortar casinos (not shown). Any win on participating gaming
machines 100 above a predetermined threshold (e.g., $20) triggers
offsite play ticket 140 to be printed. In the example embodiment,
offsite play ticket 140 includes a code printed on it and a URL.
Offsite play ticket 140 may advise the player that logging into the
printed URL with the printed code will give them an opportunity to
play additional games. Offsite play ticket 140 allows the player to
continue playing games at an offsite location such as, but not
limited to, their own home through the Internet. Alternatively,
offsite play ticket 140 allows the player to access a trigger, such
as an input combination or a symbol combination, which may be
acquired during a subsequent play session on gaming machine 100.
Upon detection of the trigger, gaming machine 100 then prompts the
player to input the code provided in code field 142 to activate a
special feature that is otherwise hidden from the player. As used
herein, offsite location refers to a location other than a location
of gaming machine 100. For example, gaming machine 100 may be
physically located on a casino floor in a hotel. The offsite
location could be a general purpose computer or laptop computer
also located in the hotel but not communicatively coupled to the
same network as gaming device 100. Offsite play ticket 140 may, for
example, be used at the player's home potentially many hundreds of
miles from the hotel and communicatively coupled to the Internet
through the player's own Internet Service Provider (ISP). In an
alternative embodiment, the code is transmitted to the player via,
for example, email, a Short Message Service (SMS) text message, a
Multimedia Message Service (MMS) text message, or any other
suitable electronic message.
[0042] Gaming machine 100 is capable of communicatively coupling to
a network 148 in the casino used to connect to a plurality of
gaming machines 100 throughout the casino or to gaming machines 100
located remotely from the casino. In the exemplary embodiment, the
network is hosted by a server 150 that can monitor and control each
of the plurality of gaming machines 100 coupled to it. Server 150
may facilitate game play by providing support for tournament play
amongst the plurality of gaming machines 100. Such support may
include tallying relative scores of players and determining a
ranking of each player based on a score achieved during tournament
play or other criteria, usually made known to each player prior to
a start of the tournament.
[0043] Gaming machine 100 can incorporate any suitable wagering
primary or base game. Gaming machine 100 may include some or all of
the features of conventional gaming machines or devices. The
primary or base game may comprise any suitable reel-type game, card
game, number game or other game of chance susceptible to
representation in an electronic or electromechanical form which
produces a random outcome based on probability data upon activation
from a wager. That is, different primary wagering games, such as
video poker games, video blackjack games, video Keno, video bingo
or any other suitable primary or base game may be implemented.
[0044] Data acquired from gaming machine 100 during play by each
player is stored in one or more storage locations. The storage
locations may include one or more databases, data registers, gaming
machine meters, or a combination thereof. The source data is
derived from gaming machine 100 to which a collection device is
attached. The data collection device may be an integral component
of gaming machine 100 embodied in hardware, firmware, or software,
or may be an add-on device in retrofit applications. Additionally,
the data collection device may include a single device or may
include a plurality of devices communicatively coupled to
accomplish the functions described herein.
[0045] In one embodiment, an accumulation of the specified data
occurs over an indeterminate period of time based on an event
occurring on gaming machine 100. For example at an end of each game
cycle and/or upon the receipt of a cash-out event, the state of the
accumulated data is evaluated. Predetermined rules are established
based on threshold values (games played and credits wagered) and
the accumulated data is compared, such as periodically compared or
continuously compared, to these rule sets. Once the rule set is
satisfied, the action associated with that rule is executed.
[0046] In each instance certain key accumulated data is gathered
and filtered such that a valid redemption code is generated. One or
more guidelines are used to initiate generation of the redemption
code. An exemplary guideline is a length of the code needed to
encode all the accumulated data. The code cannot exceed a specified
maximum number of characters in length, so as the data accumulated
requires a larger number of characters to encode the accumulated
data a redemption code generation event may be triggered and an
offsite play tickets 140 is printed and the accumulation of data
resumes after the data associated with the data encoded on the
offsite play tickets 140 is removed. Another exemplary guideline
relates to security of the code. The code needs to contain a
specified minimum level of security.
[0047] In the exemplary embodiment, the algorithm evaluates and
transposes the data to provide threshold approximations and to
reduce size. The resulting fields are packed together into a single
unique value, which is hashed and encrypted using stored encryption
keys. The encrypted value is then encoded into a printable
character set. At the end of the process a data string is output
that when formatted appropriately is printed on offsite play
tickets 140 and provided to the player for later usage, as
described below. After the rule set executes and the ticket is
printed, key accumulated data will be reset to predefined default
values and the process of rules evaluations continues.
[0048] Data that may be accumulated includes, but is not limited to
only including, data that is retrieved from the meters on gaming
machine 100 and that may be used to establish a baseline player
profile on the offsite location. Moreover, the data may include
time and date data, an identifier or serial number of gaming
machine 100, a gaming machine theme identifier and/or name, a pay
table identifier, an amount of coin in, and/or an amount of cash
out. Further, the data may include gaming data such as denomination
played or accepted by gaming machine 100, credit bet amounts,
credit win amounts, a date or time of a game's end, and/or
externally generated data that is relevant to third party
affiliates and can be used to establish a baseline player profile
on the offsite location. In addition, the data that may be
accumulated includes data that is accumulated and/or derived from
data retrieved from gaming machine 100 and is based on the player's
session. As used herein, the term "player session" refers generally
to a time period being bounded by, for example, a game start time
and a game end time. Such accumulated data includes, but is not
limited to, a time duration since the start of game play, a time
duration of a current session, a last rule set triggered since the
start of game play, a total player buy-in since the start of game
play, and/or a total player buy-in during the current session.
Moreover, such accumulated data may also include a total number of
games played since the start of game play of all themes and/or
denominations, a total number of games played during the current
session of all themes and/or denominations, a total number of
credits wagered since the start of game play of all themes and/or
denominations, and/or a total number of credits wagered during the
current session of all themes and/or denominations.
[0049] In the exemplary embodiment, the accumulated data is
analyzed according to, for example, a game theme, duration of play
using the game theme, and a denomination during the duration of
play. For example, a first subset of accumulated data includes a
first game theme identifier, duration of play of the game with the
first game theme identifier, a number of games played and a total
number of credits wagered at a first denomination, and/or a number
of games played and a total number of credits wagered at a second
denomination. The accumulated data may also indicate whether it was
externally generated by, for example, a trusted partner or
affiliate of the casino.
[0050] In the exemplary embodiment, one or more factors are used to
determine when a redemption code should be generated. Exemplary
factors associated with gaming machine 100 include, but are not
limited to only including, when a player initiated cash out occurs
or when a player's credits reach or approach a cash out threshold,
when a game change occurs with credits still available for use,
when a denomination change occurs with credits still available for
use, when a total number of credits wagered reaches a threshold
number, and/or when a total number of games played reaches a
threshold number.
[0051] In some embodiments, one or more constraints are placed on
generating the redemption code and/or offsite play ticket 140. For
example, a denomination maybe limited to a multiple of a specified
value, such as one cent, five cents, ten cents, twenty-five cents,
fifty cents, one dollar, five dollars, ten dollars, and/or any
other suitable value. Another exemplary constraint prevents a code
from being duplicated during a specified time interval during which
the accumulated data is equal or nearly equal. Moreover, the date
and/or time of generation of the redemption code and/or offsite
play ticket 140 may be rounded to the nearest ten-minute boundary.
Further, accumulated meter data from gaming machine 100 may be
reset upon each redemption code generation. In some embodiments, a
six-digit code will be used to determine where the redemption code
was generated. For example, redemption codes 00001-49999 are
reserved for gaming machine 100. There may also be a limited number
of rule sets used to determine when to print the redemption code
and/or offsite play ticket 140. Moreover, in some embodiments, in
order for a particular rule to fire the rule preceding it must have
fired immediately before or within the current session. For
example, in order for Rule 4 to fire, the previous rule that fired
must be Rule 3. However, in some embodiments, Rule 0, which
represents a cash-out event, does not have a prerequisite rule.
Rather, a cash-out-generated rule resets all accumulated values
back to the default values.
[0052] In the exemplary embodiment, a number of games played and/or
a total amount wagered are considered to be an "AND" vs. "OR"
conditional test. The number of games played may have a minimum
threshold, such as 100 games played. Similarly, the amount wagered
may have a minimum threshold, such as 100 credits wagered. Table 1,
shown below, illustrates exemplary thresholds for a number of games
played and a number of credits wagered that are used to determine
whether to generate offsite play ticket 140. After Rule 4 fires,
from that point forward a ticket generation event occurs at a fixed
interval determined by the last rule fired. For example, in the
scenario listed in Table 1, after Rule 4 initially fires then that
rule repeats until a cash out event occurs. Notably, the values
shown in Table 1 are exemplary values. The number of rules and/or
the thresholds associated with the rules may vary. Moreover,
alternative data may be used to represent the thresholds other than
those shown in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Rule Credit Games Credits ID Description
Threshold Played Wagered 0 Cash out or near Zero 0 X Y Credits 1
Initial redemption code N/A X * 5 Y * 5 2 Secondary redemption N/A
X * 4 Y * 4 code - rule 1 previously triggered 3 Tertiary
redemption code - N/A X * 3 Y * 3 rule 2 previously triggered 4
Quaternary redemption N/A X * 2 Y * 2 code - rule 3 previously
triggered
[0053] In the exemplary embodiment, the redemption code is related
to data such as, but not limited to, a time and date to determine
session-to-session frequency of game play, a theme name, a pay
table identifier, and/or a denomination. In some embodiments, the
theme name, the pay table identifier, and/or the denomination
relate to a particular game, such as a game that was played most
frequently during a specified time period or during a period of
heaviest wagering. Moreover, in some embodiments, the redemption
code is also related to an actual amount wagered during a specified
time period and/or a number or identifier of games played during a
specified time period. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, a
variety of data is encoded into the redemption code using the hash
function. Table 2 illustrates exemplary ticketing data that is
encoded into the redemption code. Notably, the values shown in
Table 2 are exemplary values. The fields and/or the values
associated with the fields may vary.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Field Description Source ID 00001-49999 Game
Theme Text representation of the most frequent game theme Julian
Date Range 0 . . . 365 (counting leap day) Time of Day In 10 min
intervals 0 . . . 143 Denomination Range 0 . . . 8: [.01, .05, .10,
.25, .50, 1.00, 5.00, 10.00, and "other"] Rule ID Range 0 . . . 7
Delta Range 0 . . . 11: Value greater than rule threshold amount
for non-triggered field. Taken from the list: [0%, 10%, 20%, 30%,
40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, >=100%] Trigger Field 0 = Game
count triggered, 1 = wager amount triggered
[0054] Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, the data shown below
in Table 3 will be printed on the ticket in clear text format.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Data Type Field Constraint Alphanumeric
Date/Time Alphanumeric Theme Name Most frequent Alphanumeric Pay
table ID Most frequent
[0055] Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, offsite play ticket
140 is printed based on one or more dependencies including, but not
limited to only including, a procedural scripting language with
basic flow control such as if-then statements and looping,
arbitrary precision integer math using, for example, at least 32
decimal digits, addition, multiplication, division, and/or
subtraction operations, raising a value to an integer power and log
base 10, access to secure storage with room for multiple binary
data keys that are each associated with a start and end date,
and/or a 64-bit block sized cipher such as Blowfish. Furthermore,
offsite play ticket 140 is formatted using, for example, a
13-character ASCII string that includes any suitable character.
[0056] The tracking of players' gaming and preferences and
generation of offsite play ticket 140 permits extending legal
gaming play outside of traditional bricks and mortar casinos by
awarding players of brick and mortar casino games with tickets that
may be used to generate free Internet play (for a score instead of
credits). This play remains meaningful for the player because
players earning high enough scores are invited (e.g., all expenses
paid) to a later tournament in a brick and mortar casino through
which they may win large cash prizes. Moreover, in some
embodiments, allowing a player to access an unlock code enables a
casino or gaming machine manufacturer to form a cycle or loop of
repeat patronage. Offering an unlock code also generates interest
by players in forming Internet community groups for sharing unlock
codes, which offers inexpensive advertising for particular gaming
machines or themes.
[0057] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an Internet enabled
computer system 200 at an offsite location in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary
embodiment, computer system 200, such as a player's home computer,
includes a monitor 202, and input devices, such as a keyboard 204
and a mouse 206. A processor 208 is housed within a cabinet 210.
Processor 208 is communicatively coupled to monitor 202, keyboard
204, mouse 206, and a conduit 212 to the Internet 214 either
directly or through various peripheral components. Conduit 212 and
Internet 214 permit computer system 200 to communicatively couple
to a website 216 associated with a casino where gaming machine 100
(shown in FIG. 1) is located or otherwise affiliated with, or
website 216 may be associated with a manufacturer of gaming machine
100 or associated with a third party sponsor that is not affiliated
with either the casino or the manufacturer.
[0058] As explained above, players may have offsite play tickets
140 that include a code printed and a URL. Offsite play ticket 140
may advise the player that logging into the printed URL with the
printed code will give them an opportunity to enter sweepstakes or
contests, or to play additional games. In an alternative
embodiment, the code is transmitted to the player. For example, the
code may be emailed to an email address that the player uses to
receive other messages or invitations from the casino, or to an
email address that is input into gaming machine 100. Alternatively,
the code may be transmitted to the player via text message, such as
an SMS text message or an MMS text message. It should be understood
that the code may be transmitted to the player using any suitable
electronic messaging method.
[0059] From an offsite location, players may log into dedicated
website 216 and input the code on their ticket or tickets into
website 216. Each of these codes enables an internet play session,
or other activities. The player may elect to use his play session
to play games in a variety of categories such as Slots, Video
Poker, and Casual Games. During each play session the player earns
a score. An aggregate score for each player may be generated based
on a number of different factors such as scores earned in each game
category, bonus points awarded for filling out customer surveys,
and earning a very high score in a particular game category.
[0060] The codes printed on offsite play ticket 140 issued to
players correspond to key data about the player's play history at
the brick and mortar casinos. In the example embodiment, the
printed code is generated (e.g., encoded and can be decoded) by an
algorithm that includes a hash function. The generated code is used
to build and update player profiles. The manufacturer of gaming
machine 100 or other entity that sponsors the use of offsite play
ticket 140 can, for example, use this information to make
intelligent dynamic offers to these players and to reward the
players for their loyalty.
[0061] In one example, a leader board is created and kept up to
date using data associated with offsite play. The leader board can
be viewed by the players so that each player knows his/her status
relative to the other players. At a set cut off time, for example,
but not limited to, once a month, the leader board is locked and
the players with, for example, the top 10 aggregate scores are
invited to participate in a tournament at a brick and mortar
casino. The player's lodging fees during the event may be covered
by the host property, and there is no tournament entry fee for any
of the players who earned or have been randomly awarded the right
to participate.
[0062] After the conclusion of the tournament, players are rewarded
based on their finishing position. For example, the first place
player may win $50,000, the second place player may win $25,000,
and the third place, $15,000. The prize pool for this event is to
be funded by the manufacturer of gaming machine 100 and/or other
entities that sponsor the use of offsite play ticket 140.
[0063] The information encoded and printed on each offsite play
ticket 140, and then supplied by the player to website 216 for
offsite play, is stored for later use by the manufacturer of gaming
machine 100 or other entity that sponsors the use of offsite play
ticket 140. While playing at the bricks and mortar casino, various
events can occur during a single round of the players' play that
cause offsite play ticket 140 to be printed. Consequently, the
player may have several offsite play tickets 140 to use at the
offsite location to build an even greater score, thereby increasing
their chances of finishing in a high position in the
tournament.
[0064] While the specific encoding used in generating ticket 140
may take one of many different forms, there are benefits to
encoding as much relevant information as possible into a simple
code that can then be provided by the player to website 216. The
more information encoded into the code about the players'
activities at the brick and mortar casino, for example, the more
information that can be used by others involved in website 216
(e.g., game manufacturers) to ascertain the playing habits,
activities and patterns, for example, of that player. Encoding as
much relevant data as possible into a code, however, presents a
challenge in keeping the code simple.
[0065] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary method
300 of transforming player data to code(s) printed on an offsite
play ticket 140. In the exemplary embodiment, information
accumulated about a player at each of a plurality of gaming
machines 100 in a bricks and mortar casino is collected 302 in
predetermined locations. Rules applied to the information and the
locations trigger a print event where one or more offsite play
tickets 140 are generated and printed for the players' use at an
offsite location. When triggered, an algorithm processes the
accumulated information using, for example, a hash function, and
encrypts 304 it into, for example, a ten digit alphanumeric code.
In various other embodiments, the code comprises a different number
of digits and may include additional characters other than
alphanumeric characters depending upon system requirements, an
amount of data to be encoded, and/or a desired level of security.
The encoded and encrypted information is printed 306 on offsite
play ticket 140 at the respective gaming machine 100 for the
player's later use. Alternatively, the code may be electronically
transmitted to the player. In the exemplary embodiment, and at an
offsite location and, generally, at the player's convenience, the
code from the offsite play ticket 140 is entered 308 into a website
dedicated to playing additional games using points stored in the
code. Additionally, information about the player's history and
preferences are also encoded in the code. The player profile is
also generated 310 from the code and stored through the website for
the use of the sponsor of the offsite play, which may be, for
example, but not limited to, a manufacturer of gaming machine 100
or a third party commercial sponsor.
[0066] FIG. 4 is an exemplary screen capture of a graphic display
400, such as a splash screen or home page of a website, which may
be used with the Internet bonusing system in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary
embodiment, display 400 includes a plurality of message fields and
a plurality of input fields for interaction with the player.
Display 400 includes a menu bar 402 that permits the player to
select various menu selections that advance the player to different
areas of the website, for example, but not limited to, a "Home"
page by selecting a "Home" button 404, a "Security" page by
selecting a "Security" button 406, a "My Account" page by selecting
a "My Account" button 408, a "Contact Us" page by selecting a
"Contact Us" button 410, and a "Help" page by selecting a "Help"
button 412.
[0067] Display 400 also includes an identification field 414 that
includes a name field 416, an avatar or photo field 418, and a
logout field 420. Display 400 further includes a marquee field 422
that displays the name of the game the player will be playing. In
the exemplary embodiment, the name of the game is "Big Board Game."
However, in other embodiments, the names of other selected games
are displayed. A player may select a game from a plurality of
available games using a game selector field 424. Game selector
field 424 includes a plurality of game selector buttons 426 and one
or more field advance buttons 428. If a desired one of the
available games is not displayed in game selector field 424 a
player can select field advance buttons 428 to bring the desired
game into the game selector field 424 display.
[0068] The players' total standing with respect to other players is
displayed in a total standings field 430. To play the selected
game, the player enters a code from any of offsite play tickets 140
the player may have collected into a code entry field 432. A credit
meter field 434 indicates a number of plays available to the player
and a game standings field 436 indicates the player's standing in
each game relative to other player's also playing each game.
Additional messaging fields 438 permit the website sponsor to
provide encouragement, enticement, notices of special offers, or
general informational messages and/or help to the players. A
"Store" button 440 advances the player to an online store where the
player can purchase merchandise using the credits won or may
purchase merchandise using money to gain additional credits. The
player may also take surveys to increase their credit point
total.
[0069] FIGS. 5-8 are exemplary screen captures of graphic displays
for use in an alternative embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 5 is an
exemplary screen capture of a graphic display 500, such as a splash
screen or home page of a website, which may be used to provide an
unlock code in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the
present invention, and FIGS. 6-8 are exemplary screen captures 600
of a graphic display of gaming machine 100 (shown in FIG. 1) in
accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0070] In the alternative embodiment, gaming machine 100 emits a
code via offsite play ticket 140 (shown in FIG. 1) under various
play conditions. For example, a player may be provided with offsite
play ticket 140 according to the above-described rules.
Alternatively, the player may be provided with offsite play ticket
140 after wagering a preselected amount, inserting a preselected
number of credits, obtaining a preselected symbol or symbol
combination, or any other suitable triggering event. As explained
above, players may have offsite play tickets 140 that include a
code printed and a URL. Offsite play ticket 140 may advise the
player that logging into the printed URL with the printed code will
entitle them to an unlock code for use on one or more specific
gaming machines 100 within the brick and mortar casino. In an
alternative embodiment, the code and/or the URL are transmitted to
the player. For example, the code and/or the URL may be emailed to
an email address that the player uses to receive other messages or
invitations from the casino, or to an email address that is input
into gaming machine 100. Alternatively, the code and/or the URL may
be transmitted to the player via text message, such as an SMS text
message or an MMS text message. It should be understood that the
code and/or the URL may be transmitted to the player using any
suitable electronic messaging method. In addition to unlocking a
feature, the code printed on offsite play ticket 140 may correspond
to key data about the player's play history at the brick and mortar
casinos. In the example embodiment, the printed code is generated
(e.g., encoded and can be decoded) by an algorithm that includes a
hash function as described above. The generated code is used to
build and update player profiles. The manufacturer of gaming
machine 100 or other entity that sponsors the use of offsite play
ticket 140 can, for example, use this information to make
intelligent dynamic offers to these players and to reward the
players for their loyalty.
[0071] From an offsite location, such as an Internet-enabled
computer 202 players may log into dedicated website 216 (each shown
in FIG. 2) and input the code on their ticket or tickets into
website 216. As shown in FIG. 5, display 500 is then provided to
the player, and describes the one or more triggers that are
required to unlock a special feature that is associated with the
code and the triggers. For example, display 500 includes an
instruction portion 502 that includes a set of operations 504 that
the player can complete within a specified a time period 506 to
unlock the special feature. Display 500 may also include a sample
display portion 508 that provides the player with a sample screen
from gaming machine 100 where the player is to complete operations
504. Display 500 also includes a publication portion 510 that
offers the player options for publishing or outputting operations
504. For example, the player may print operations 504 and/or sample
display portion 508 to use as a reference while playing the game
during time period 506. The player may instead transfer operations
504 and/or sample display portion 508 to a device, such as a mobile
phone, a smart phone, or a Personal Digital Assistant. In addition,
the player may send an email to another player that includes
operations 504, time period 506, and/or sample display portion 508.
Furthermore, the player may post operations 504, time period 506,
and/or sample display portion 508 to a blog. Publishing unlock
codes facilitates promoting new and continual patronage at a casino
to play specific games.
[0072] After obtaining operations 504 and time period 506 from
website 216, the player then returns to a casino, which may be the
casino that issued offsite play ticket 140 or another casino. The
player may be required to play gaming machine 100 until a
particular symbol or combination of symbols is displayed.
Alternatively, the player may bypass additional play on gaming
machine 100 and may simply input operations 504. Display 600 of
FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a particular screen that includes
a specified combination of symbols. The player can then operate
gaming machine 100 according to operations 504. When the player
enables the special feature, as shown in FIG. 6, gaming machine 100
alerts the player accordingly. In some embodiments, and as shown in
FIG. 7, the player may then be required to enter the code provided
on offsite play ticket 140. Finally, when operations 504 are
complete and the code has been entered, and as shown in FIG. 8,
gaming machine 100 indicates to the player that the special feature
has been activated. Gaming machine 100 also indicates to the player
the reward that is associated with the special feature.
[0073] Exemplary rewards associated with the special feature
include, but are not limited to only including, free game
sequences, multipliers, addition of one or more wild symbols,
addition of one or more scatter symbols, re-population of a
paytable used by gaming machine 100 to increase a win percentage,
additional trigger opportunities for bonus games, new triggers for
bonus games, entry into a progressive tournament, adjustment of a
wager necessary to enter a progressive tournament, free meals
and/or entertainment, or any other suitable reward.
[0074] The casino and/or gaming machine manufacturer may require
other actions or enrollments prior to providing offsite gaming
ticket 140 or prior to enabling the code or activating the special
feature based on the code. Exemplary requirements include, but are
not limited to, requiring two or more players to activate a shared
or communal code during the same time period, requiring a player to
follow a code sequence that uses multiple gaming machines 100 in a
particular sequence and then combines clues to generate the code,
and requiring the player to solve a puzzle in order to receive a
code and/or activate the special feature. In addition, a code
and/or operations associated with a code and a special feature may
be dynamic in time such that a value of the special feature
decreases in time. A player may also be able to sustain the valid
time period of a code via payment.
[0075] The above-described alternative embodiment includes benefits
to casinos, gaming machine manufacturers, advertisers, and players
alike. For example, casinos gain valuable repeat business from
players, and may also gain additional members to player tracking
systems. In addition, casinos may gain new revenue streams through
advertiser-supplied unlock codes, and may be able to optimize floor
usage based on additional player tracking data. Players benefit
through use of unlock codes that may be published for consumption
by other players. Use of the unlock codes also benefits players by
offering additional rewards that are generally unavailable without
the use of such codes. Gaming machine manufacturers gain an
opportunity to funnel players to specific games and to collect
valuable play history of players.
[0076] As will be appreciated based on the foregoing specification,
the above-described embodiments of the disclosure may be
implemented using computer programming or engineering techniques
including computer software, firmware, hardware or any combination
or subset thereof, wherein the technical effect is extending legal
gaming play outside of traditional bricks and mortar casinos by
awarding players of brick and mortar casino games with tickets that
may be used to generate free Internet play (for a score instead of
credits) that remains meaningful for the player because players
earning high enough scores are invited (e.g., all expenses paid) to
a later tournament in a brick and mortar casino through which they
may win large cash prizes. Additionally, the Internet play tickets
issued to players for Internet-enabled games have a code, or a
hash, that when input into the dedicated website, will communicate
valuable information about the player's historical play and allow
gaming manufacturers to build player profiles and thus more
intelligently market to and reward that player. Any such resulting
program, having computer-readable code means, may be embodied or
provided within one or more computer-readable media, thereby making
a computer program product, i.e., an article of manufacture,
according to the discussed embodiments of the disclosure. The
computer readable media may be, for example, but is not limited to,
a fixed (hard) drive, diskette, optical disk, magnetic tape,
semiconductor memory such as read-only memory (ROM), and/or any
transmitting/receiving medium such as the Internet or other
communication network or link. The article of manufacture
containing the computer code may be made and/or used by executing
the code directly from one medium, by copying the code from one
medium to another medium, or by transmitting the code over a
network.
[0077] The above-described embodiments of a method and system of
Internet bonusing provides a cost-effective and reliable means for
extending a gaming device manufacturer or other sponsor's contact
with a player after the player leaves a traditional bricks and
mortar casino location. More specifically, the methods and system
described herein facilitate extending legal gaming play outside of
traditional bricks and mortar casinos by awarding players of brick
and mortar casino games with tickets that may be used to generate
free Internet play (for a score instead of credits). In addition,
the above-described methods and system facilitate maintaining the
Internet play meaningful for the player because players earning
high enough scores using the dedicated Internet website are invited
(all expenses paid) to a later tournament in a brick and mortar
casino through which they may win large cash prizes. As a result,
the methods and system described herein facilitate generating and
maintaining gaming tracking information and a continuing
relationship with players after they leave the bricks and mortar
casino in a cost-effective and reliable manner.
[0078] The term "processor," as used herein, refers to central
processing units, microprocessors, microcontrollers, reduced
instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated
circuits (ASIC), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor
capable of executing the functions described herein.
[0079] As used herein, the terms "software" and "firmware" are
interchangeable, and include any computer program stored in memory
for execution by processor 102, including RAM memory, ROM memory,
EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory.
The above memory types are exemplary only, and are thus not
limiting as to the types of memory usable for storage of a computer
program.
[0080] A computer or controller, such as those described herein,
includes at least one processor or processing unit and a system
memory. The computer or controller typically has at least some form
of computer readable media. By way of example and not limitation,
computer readable media include computer storage media and
communication media. Computer storage media include volatile and
nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any
method or technology for storage of information such as computer
readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other
data. Communication media typically embody computer readable
instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a
modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport
mechanism and include any information delivery media. Those skilled
in the art are familiar with the modulated data signal, which has
one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner
as to encode information in the signal. Combinations of any of the
above are also included within the scope of computer readable
media.
[0081] Although the present invention is described in connection
with an exemplary gaming system environment, embodiments of the
invention are operational with numerous other general purpose or
special purpose gaming system environments or configurations. The
gaming system environment is not intended to suggest any limitation
as to the scope of use or functionality of any aspect of the
invention. Moreover, the gaming system environment should not be
interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any
one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary
operating environment. Examples of well known gaming systems,
environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use
with aspects of the invention include, but are not limited to,
personal computers, server computers, hand-held or laptop devices,
multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, set top
boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile telephones,
network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed
computing environments that include any of the above systems or
devices, and the like.
[0082] Embodiments of the invention may be described in the general
context of computer-executable instructions, such as program
components or modules, executed by one or more computers or other
devices. Aspects of the invention may be implemented with any
number and organization of components or modules. For example,
aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific
computer-executable instructions or the specific components or
modules illustrated in the figures and described herein.
Alternative embodiments of the invention may include different
computer-executable instructions or components having more or less
functionality than illustrated and described herein.
[0083] The order of execution or performance of the operations in
the embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein
is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the
operations may be performed in any order, unless otherwise
specified, and embodiments of the invention may include additional
or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is
contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation
before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is
within the scope of aspects of the invention.
[0084] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal language of the claims.
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