U.S. patent application number 13/296925 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-28 for remote gaming systems.
Invention is credited to Venu Krishnamoorthy, Richard Kundrat, Karl Franz Messerschmidt, Vishal Sharma.
Application Number | 20120165101 13/296925 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46317810 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120165101 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krishnamoorthy; Venu ; et
al. |
June 28, 2012 |
Remote Gaming Systems
Abstract
A remote gaming system, according to various embodiments,
comprises: (1) a computer network; (2) a gaming device connected to
the computer network; (3) a remote computing device connected to
the computer network; and (4) a remote game play server that is
adapted to facilitate communication between the gaming device and a
remote computing device via the computer network. In particular
embodiments, the remote gaming system is adapted to allow a user to
play the gaming device via the remote computing device while the
remote computing device and gaming device are in different
geographical locations. During remote play, the system may lock one
or more of the gaming device's controls (e.g., physical levers or
buttons attached to the gaming device) to prevent local users from
playing, or otherwise controlling, the gaming device using the
gaming device's native controls.
Inventors: |
Krishnamoorthy; Venu;
(Ambler, PA) ; Kundrat; Richard; (Robesonia,
PA) ; Sharma; Vishal; (Souderton, PA) ;
Messerschmidt; Karl Franz; (Myerstown, PA) |
Family ID: |
46317810 |
Appl. No.: |
13/296925 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61413912 |
Nov 15, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3223
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A remote gaming system comprising: a computer network; a gaming
device connected to said computer network; and a remote game play
server that is adapted to facilitate communication between said
gaming device and a remote computing device via said computer
network, wherein: said remote gaming system is adapted to allow a
user to play said gaming device via said remote computing device
while said remote computing device and said gaming device are in
different geographical locations.
2. The remote gaming system of claim 1, wherein: said remote gaming
system is adapted to disable one or more controls on said gaming
device while said gaming device is being played via said remote
computing device.
3. The remote gaming system of claim 1, wherein said remote gaming
system is adapted to selectively disable one or more controls on
said gaming device so that said gaming device may not be played
using said one or more controls while said gaming device is being
played via said remote computing device.
4. The remote gaming system of claim 3, wherein: said gaming device
is a slot machine; and said one or more controls comprises a spin
reel activation mechanism associated with said slot machine.
5. The remote gaming system of claim 4, wherein: said spin reel
activation mechanism is a handle pull or a button press associated
with said slot machine.
6. The remote gaming system of claim 5, wherein: said one or more
controls comprise a control selected from a group consisting of:
(a) a bill acceptor, (b) a coin acceptor, and (c) a cashout
button.
7. The remote gaming system of claim 1, wherein said remote gaming
system is adapted to allow a user to use said remote device to
electronically transfer winnings from said gaming device to an
account associated with said user.
8. The remote gaming system of claim 1, wherein said remote gaming
system is adapted to allow a user to use said remote device to
electronically transfer funds from an account associated with said
user to said gaming device for funding play on said gaming
device.
9. The remote gaming system of claim 1, wherein said remote gaming
system is adapted to allow a user to remotely play said gaming
device via a user interface, displayed on said remote computing
device, that is at least substantially a replication of a user
interface of said gaming device.
10. The remote gaming system of claim 9, wherein said user
interface on said remote computing device is adapted to at least
substantially mirror, at least substantially in real time, the
current movement of one or more reels of said gaming device.
11. A method of allowing an individual to play a gaming device
comprising: (A) providing a gaming device at a particular location,
said gaming device being adapted for being selectively converted
between: (i) a standard-play mode, in which said gaming device is
adapted to be played by a user that is in the same geographic
location as said gaming device; to (ii) a remote-play mode, in
which said gaming device is adapted to be played remotely by a user
that is not in the same geographic location as said gaming device;
(B) allowing a gamer who is in the same geographic location as the
gaming device to play said gaming device in said standard-play
mode; (C) receiving a request from a user to play said gaming
device in said remote-play mode; and (D) in response to receiving
said request to play said gaming device in said remote-play mode,
(i) locking at least a portion of said gaming device, and (ii)
while said gaming device is locked, allowing said user to play said
gaming device remotely on a remote computing device.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said gamer and said user are
the same individual.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein: said method further comprises
maintaining, in a disabled state, one or more controls on said
gaming device while said gaming device is being played via said
remote computing device.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein method further comprises
selectively disabling one or more controls on said gaming device so
that said gaming device may not be played using said one or more
controls while said gaming device is being played via said remote
computing device.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein: said gaming device is a slot
machine; and said one or more controls comprises a spin reel
activation mechanism associated with said slot machine.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein: said spin reel activation
mechanism is a handle pull or a button press associated with said
slot machine.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein: said one or more controls
comprise a control selected from a group consisting of: (a) a bill
acceptor, (b) a coin acceptor, and (c) a cashout button.
18. The method claim 11, wherein said method further comprises
allowing a user to use said remote device to electronically
transfer winnings from said gaming device to an account associated
with said user.
19. The method of claim 11, wherein said method further comprises
allowing a user to use said remote device to electronically
transfer funds from an account associated with said user to said
gaming device for funding play on said gaming device.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein said method further comprises
allowing a user to remotely play said gaming device via a user
interface, displayed on said remote computing device, that is at
least substantially a replication of a user interface of said
gaming device.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein said user interface on said
remote computing device is adapted to at least substantially
mirror, at least substantially in real time, the current movement
of one or more reels of said gaming device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/413,912, filed on Nov. 15, 2010, entitled Remote
Gaming System, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Slot machines remain extremely popular within the United
States and abroad. In the case of REEL slot machines, the user
typically inserts money into the machine and then pulls a handle or
presses a button on the machine to activate three or more reels on
the front of the machine. Each reel includes a series of symbols
that are spaced apart around the entire circumference of the reel.
When the reels are activated, the reels spin and then ultimately
stop so that a particular symbol on each reel aligns with one or
more "pay lines" positioned adjacent to the reels. The games are
configured to distribute credits or coins to a user when
pre-determined combinations of symbols align with the pay line. For
example, in a particular three-reel slot machine, if the machine's
reels stop so that three "7" symbols align with the pay line, the
user is paid 120 credits which may, for example, be worth $0.25
each.
[0003] As users play such machines (or other types of automated
gaming devices), they often develop a belief that a particular
machine will soon produce a generous payout. This may happen, for
example, if: (1) the user has played the machine for a long period
of time without a significant payout; or (2) the user has had
particularly good luck playing the particular machine. This may
result in a situation where a user wishes to play a particular
machine even when the user is unable to be in the same physical
location as the machine. There is currently a need for systems and
methods to address this problem in regard to slot machines and
other automated gaming devices.
SUMMARY
[0004] A remote gaming system, according to various embodiments,
comprises: (1) a computer network; (2) a gaming device connected to
the computer network; (3) a remote computing device connected to
the computer network; and (4) a remote game play server that is
adapted to facilitate communication between the gaming device and a
remote computing device via the computer network. In particular
embodiments, the remote gaming system is adapted to allow a user to
play the gaming device via the remote computing device while the
remote computing device and gaming device are in different
geographical locations. During remote play, the system may lock one
or more of the gaming device's native controls (e.g., physical
levers or buttons attached to the gaming device) to prevent local
users from playing, or otherwise controlling, the gaming device
using the native controls.
[0005] A method, according to particular embodiments, of allowing
an individual to play a gaming device comprises: (A) providing, at
a particular location, a gaming device that is adapted for being
selectively converted between: (i) a standard-play mode, in which
the gaming device is adapted to be played by a user that is in the
same geographic location as the gaming device; to (ii) a
remote-play mode, in which the gaming device is adapted to be
played remotely by a user that is not in the same geographic
location as the gaming device (e.g., not close enough to the gaming
device to touch the gaming device's controls); (B) allowing a user
who is in the same geographic location as the gaming device to play
the gaming device in the standard-play mode; (C) receiving a
request from a user to play the gaming device in the remote-play
mode; and (D) in response to receiving the request to play the
gaming device in the remote-play mode, (i) locking at least a
portion of the gaming device, and (ii) while the gaming device is
locked, allowing the user to play the gaming device remotely on a
remote computing device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Having thus described various embodiments in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a Remote Gaming System
according to one embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the Remote Game Play Server of
FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a flowchart that generally illustrates a Remote
Game Play Initiation Module according to a particular
embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a flowchart that generally illustrates a Remote
Game Play Module according to a particular embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a flowchart that generally illustrates a Remote
Game Play Termination Module according to a particular
embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a slot machine according to a particular
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a remote device displaying the user interface of
the slot machine of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0014] Various embodiments will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
various relevant embodiments are shown. The invention may, however,
be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough
and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to
those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements
throughout.
[0015] Overview
[0016] Computer systems and/or methods according to particular
embodiments are adapted for allowing a user to selectively play a
physical gaming device (e.g., a slot machine, automated poker
machine, or other gaming device) from a remote location. This may
be done, for example, by: (1) locking the physical gaming device so
that it can't be played using activation mechanisms associated with
the gaming device (e.g., the device's handle pull, play button,
bill acceptor, coin acceptor, and/or cash-out buttons are
disabled); (2) facilitating the display of a replication of the
gaming device's user interface on a remote computing device
associated with the user (which may be, for example, a desktop
computer or a portable computing device such as a laptop computer,
cellular phone, or tablet computer); (3) passing command and
control of the gaming device to the remote computing device; and
(4) allowing the user to play and otherwise control the gaming
device through the replicated display of the slot machine's user
interface that is displayed on the user's remote computing
device.
[0017] In particular embodiments, the system may be adapted to
electronically fund play through an account associated with the
user. The system may also be adapted to electronically deposit the
user's winnings into the user's account upon request by the user,
or when the user has completed a particular gaming session. Various
embodiments of such systems are described in greater detail
below.
[0018] Exemplary Technical Platforms
[0019] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the relevant field
in view of this disclosure, the present invention may be embodied
as a method, a data processing system, or a computer program
product. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an
entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or
an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore,
the present invention may take the form of a computer program
product on a computer-readable storage medium having
computer-readable program instructions (e.g., software) embodied in
the storage medium. More particularly, the present invention may
take the form of web-implemented computer software. Any suitable
computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including hard
disks, DVDs, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, flash drives, and/or
magnetic storage devices.
[0020] Various embodiments of the system are described below with
reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods,
apparatuses (e.g., systems) and computer program products according
to a particular embodiment. It will be understood that each block
of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations
of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations,
respectively, may be implemented by computer program instructions.
These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general
purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable
data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the
instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable
data processing apparatus create a means for implementing the
functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
[0021] The computer program instructions may also be stored in a
computer-readable memory that may direct a computer or other
programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular
manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable
memory produce an article of manufacture including
computer-readable instructions for implementing the function
specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program
instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other
programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of
operational steps to be performed on the computer or other
programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process
such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other
programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions
specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
[0022] Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart
illustrations support combinations of means for performing the
specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the
specified functions and program instruction means for performing
the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block
of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations
of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, may be
implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that
perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of
special purpose hardware and computer instructions and other
hardware executing appropriate computer instructions.
[0023] Exemplary System Architecture
[0024] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a Remote Gaming System 10
according to a particular embodiment. As may be understood from
this figure, the Remote Gaming System 10 includes one or more
computer networks 15, one or more Gaming Devices 20, Gaming Device
Control Hardware 25, one or more Bank Servers 30, one or more
Databases 40, one or more Remote Game Play Servers 50, and one or
more remote computing devices such as a tablet computer 52, a
desktop or laptop computer 54, or a handheld computing device 56,
such as a cellular phone). In particular embodiments, the Gaming
Device 20 is connected directly to the Gaming Device Control
Hardware 25, and the one or more computer networks facilitate
communication between the Gaming Device Control Hardware 25, Bank
Server 30, Database 40, Remote Game Play Server 50, and the one or
more remote computing devices 52, 54, 56 via a suitable network. In
other embodiments, the Gaming Device 20 and Gaming Device Control
Hardware 25 are adapted to communicate via the one or more computer
networks 15.
[0025] The one or more computer networks 15 may include any of a
variety of types of wired or wireless computer networks such as the
Internet, a private intranet, a public switch telephone network
(PSTN), or any other type of network. The communication link
between the Gaming Device Control Hardware 25 and the Remote Game
Play Server 50 may be, for example, implemented via a Local Area
Network (LAN) or via the Internet.
[0026] In particular embodiments, the Gaming Device Control
Hardware 25 is adapted to facilitate allowing a user to control and
play the Gaming Device 20 via a remote computing device 52, 54, 56.
For example, the Gaming Device Control Hardware 25 may include a
wiring harness intercept board, which is adapted to selectively
disable controls on the Gaming Device 20. This board may also be
used to send game play signals and wager amounts (and other
suitable information) to the Gaming Device 20 as a user plays the
Gaming Device 20 remotely. In certain embodiments, the Gaming
Device Control Hardware 25 is adapted to exchange two-way command
and control signals to/from the Gaming Device 20 via the Slot
Accounting System (SAS) protocol (or any other suitable protocol,
such as ACP or any other suitable protocol) via suitable
communications hardware.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
the Remote Game Play Server 50 of FIG. 1. The Remote Game Play
Server 50 includes a processor 60 that communicates with other
elements within the Remote Game Play Server 50 via a system
interface or bus 61. Also included in the Remote Game Play Server
50 is a display device/input device 64 for receiving and displaying
data. This display device/input device 64 may be, for example, a
keyboard, voice recognition, or pointing device that is used in
combination with a monitor. The Remote Game Play Server 50 further
includes memory 66, which preferably includes both read only memory
(ROM) 65 and random access memory (RAM) 67. The server's ROM 65 is
used to store a basic input/output system 68 (BIOS) that contains
the basic routines that help to transfer information between
elements within the Remote Game Play Server 50.
[0028] In addition, the Remote Game Play Server 50 includes at
least one storage device 63, such as a hard disk drive, a floppy
disk drive, a CD Rom drive, or optical disk drive, for storing
information on various computer-readable media, such as a hard
disk, a removable magnetic disk, or a CD-ROM disk. As will be
appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, each of these
storage devices 63 is connected to the system bus 61 by an
appropriate interface. The storage devices 63 and their associated
computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage for the Remote
Game Play Server 50. It is important to note that, in various
embodiments, the computer-readable media described above could be
replaced by any other type of computer-readable media (e.g.,
magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, and
Bernoulli cartridges).
[0029] A number of program modules may be stored by the various
storage devices and within RAM 67. Such program modules include an
operating system 80, a Remote Game Play Initiation Module 100, a
Remote Game Play Module 200, and a Remote Game Play Termination
Module 300. The Remote Game Play Initiation Module 100, Remote Game
Play Module 200, and Remote Game Play Termination Module 300
control certain aspects of the operation of the Remote Game Play
Server 50, as is described in more detail below, with the
assistance of the processor 60 and an operating system 80.
[0030] Also located within the Remote Game Play Server 50 is a
network interface 74 for interfacing and communicating with other
elements of a computer network. It will be appreciated by one of
ordinary skill in the art that one or more of the Remote Game Play
Server 50 components may be located geographically remotely from
other Remote Game Play Server 50 components. Furthermore, one or
more of the components may be combined, and additional components
performing functions described herein may be included in the Remote
Game Play Server 50.
Exemplary System Modules
[0031] As noted above, various aspects of the system's
functionality may be executed by certain system modules, including
the system's Remote Game Play Initiation Module 100, Remote Game
Play Module 200, and Remote Game Play Termination Module 300. These
modules are discussed in greater detail below.
Remote Game Play Initiation Module
[0032] In particular embodiments, the system 10 executes the Remote
Game Play Initiation Module 100 in response to a user requesting to
play the Gaming Device 20 remotely. The user may, for example, make
this request via a web site associated with the Gaming Device 20,
or via any other suitable communications mechanism.
[0033] In particular embodiments, the Remote Game Play Initiation
Module 100 is adapted to: (1) lock the Gaming Device 20 to prevent
locally controlled play (e.g., play using the Gaming Device's own
control devices, such as the Gaming Device's handle pull, currency
acceptors, and play and cash out buttons); and (2) facilitate
control of the Gaming Device 20 by a particular remote computing
device 52, 54, 56.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary Remote Game Play
Initiation Module 100. As may be understood from this figure, in
this embodiment, when executing this module, the system begins, at
Step 102, by disabling the gaming device's handle pull, bill
acceptor, and/or coin adapter. The system then advances to Step
104, where it begins intercepting signals from the gaming device's
other controls, such as the "Bet 1 Credit", "Bet Max", "Spin
Reels", "Cashout", and "Get Credits" buttons on the example slot
machine shown in FIG. 6. In particular embodiments, after Steps 102
and 104 are complete, users are not able to use the Gaming Device's
own controls to control play on the Gaming Device 20.
[0035] Next, the system advances to Step 106 were it displays a
message on the Gaming Device 20 indicating that the Gaming Device
20 is in remote use and not available for play. At Step 108, the
system then transmits configuration information to the user's
remote computing device 52, 54, 56 to prepare the remote computing
device 52, 54, 56 for controlling the Gaming Device 20. Next, at
Step 110, the system 10 initiates command and control of the Gaming
Device 20 by the remote computing device 52, 54, 56. Finally, the
system 10 initiates the Remote Game Play Module 200, which is
described in detail below.
Remote Game Play Module
[0036] In particular embodiments, the Remote Game Play Module 200
is adapted to facilitate play of the Gaming Device 20 via the
user's remote computing device 52, 54, 56. As may be understood
from FIG. 4, in various embodiments, when executing this module,
the system 10 begins at Step 202 where it transfers status
information regarding the gaming device's status and user interface
to the user's remote computing device 52, 54, 56. This information
may, for example, allow the remote computing device 52, 54, 56 to
display a user interface that is substantially similar to (e.g., at
least substantially replicates) the user interface of the Gaming
Device 20. As a particular example, FIG. 7 shows a portable device
(here, a tablet computer) displaying an exact replication of the
user interface of the gaming device shown in FIG. 6.
[0037] Next, at Step 204, the system 10 facilitates the remote play
of the Gaming Device 20 via the user's remote computing device 52,
54, 56. In various embodiments, command and control of the Gaming
Device 20 is passed from the remote computing device 52, 54, 56 so
that the user can play the Gaming Device 20 by interacting with the
replicated user interface displayed on the remote computing device
52, 54, 56. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the user
may bet one credit by selecting the virtual "Bet 1 Credit" button
on the tablet computer's touch screen. The user may then spin the
gaming device's reels by selecting the virtual "Spin Reels" button
on the tablet computer's touch screen.
[0038] In particular embodiments, as the user plays the Gaming
Device 20 via the user's remote computing device 52, 54, 56, the
actual Gaming Device 20 responds to the user's commands in at least
substantially the same way (e.g., in the same way) as if the user
executed those commands via the Gaming Device's native controls. In
various embodiments, the user interface on the user's remote
computing device 52, 54, 56 may also respond to the user's commands
in at least substantially the same way (e.g., in the same way) as
the Gaming Device 20 would have if the user executed those commands
via the Gaming Device's controls.
[0039] For example, in a particular embodiment, if the user selects
the "Bet 1 Credit" button on the touch screen of the user's remote
computing device 52, 54, 56, a "1" is displayed in the "Bet" window
of both the virtual user interface shown in FIG. 7 and in the "Bet"
window of the user interface of the physical Gaming Device 20,
which is shown in FIG. 6. Similarly, if the user selects the "Spin
Reels" button on the touch screen of the user's remote computing
device 52, 54, 56, the reels spin (e.g., at least substantially in
tandem) in both the virtual user interface shown in FIG. 7 and the
user interface of the physical Gaming Device 20, which is shown in
FIG. 6. In particular embodiments, the movement of the reels on the
user's remote computing device 52, 54, 56 at least substantially
mirrors (e.g., mirrors) the movement of the Gaming Device (e.g., at
least substantially in real time). Accordingly, to an individual
who is in the presence of the Gaming Device 20, the Gaming Device
20 will appear much like a player piano that is being played by an
invisible user.
[0040] In various embodiments, the system 10 is configured to allow
a user to seamlessly move between playing an actual Gaming Device
20 and playing the Gaming Device 20 remotely on the user's remote
computing device 52, 54, 56, and vice versa. This may, for example,
allow a user to: (1) start playing a particular slot machine, in
person, at a particular casino; (2) continue playing the slot
machine remotely on the user's cellular phone over dinner at a
nearby restaurant; and (3) continue playing the slot machine in
person after dinner. This entire process may be done substantially
without interrupting the playing of the particular Gaming Device 20
and without allowing other users to play the Gaming Device 20
during this entire, substantially continuous stretch of play.
[0041] Returning to the description of the Remote Game Display
Module in FIG. 4, at Step 206, in response to receiving an
indication from the user that they wish to stop playing the Gaming
Device 20, the system 10 initiates the Remote Play Termination
Module 300, which is discussed in greater detail below. In certain
embodiments, the system 10 may also initiate the Remote Play
Termination Module 300 if the user does not play the Gaming Device
20 remotely for a pre-determined period of time (e.g., two minutes
or other predetermined period of time).
Remote Game Play Termination Module
[0042] In particular embodiments, the Remote Play Termination
Module 300 is adapted to end the remote control of the Gaming
Device and make the Gaming Device 20 available for play by other
players. FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary Remote Game Play
Termination Module 300. As may be understood from this figure, in
this embodiment, when executing this module, the system begins, at
Step 304, where it stops intercepting signals from the gaming
device's other controls, such as the "Bet 1 Credit", "Bet Max",
"Spin Reels", "Cashout", and "Get Credits" buttons on the example
slot machine shown in FIG. 6.
[0043] Next, the system advances to Step 306 where it removes the
message on the Gaming Device 20 indicating that the Gaming Device
20 is in remote use and not available for play. At Step 307, the
system re-enables the gaming device's handle pull, bill acceptor,
and/or coin adapter. This again enables users to use the Gaming
Device's native controls to control play on the Gaming Device 20.
At Step 308, the system then ceases command and control of the
Gaming Device 20 by the remote device. Finally, at Step 310, the
system 10 ends execution of the remote play module.
[0044] In particular embodiments, the Remote Play Termination
Module 300 is adapted to automatically transfer any winnings or
unused credits that are left on the machine to the user upon
termination of remote play. This may be done, for example, by
transferring the winnings or credits to a bank account established
earlier by the user. In cases where the user does not have such an
account, the system may send payment to the user in any other
suitable way (e.g., via an online payment service, such as PayPal,
or via a paper check that is mailed to the user's home address.) As
shown in FIG. 1, transfers to and from the user's bank account may
be facilitated via one or more bank servers 30.
Use of Remote Game Play System
[0045] Remote game play systems according to various embodiments
may be used in a variety of different contexts. Two examples of the
use of such system are provided below.
First Example
[0046] In a first example, a user is playing a particular slot
machine on a cruise ship. The user has been on a winning streak for
over two hours when his wife calls and reminds him that they have
dinner reservations at a restaurant in another part of the ship in
five minutes. The user doesn't want to give up control of the slot
machine, but also doesn't want to miss his dinner reservation.
[0047] A system according to one embodiment of the present
invention allows the user to enter a web address on his iPhone,
which takes him to a page of the cruise ship's web site that
facilitates remote play of the cruise ship's gaming devices. After
establishing an account on the site (which may involve providing
the user's name, contact information, and bank account
information), the user logs into the site and selects that machine
that he wishes to play remotely. This may be done, for example, by
selecting the machine from a visual map of the cruise ship's
machines, or by entering a unique gaming device number that is
displayed on the front face of the slot machine.
[0048] After the user selects the appropriate machine, the system:
(1) locks the selected slot machine to locally controlled play
(e.g., it locks the Gaming Device's own control devices, such as
the Gaming Device's handle pull, currency acceptors, and play and
cash out buttons); (2) displays a message on the slot machine's
display screen indicating that the machine is being played
remotely; (3) displays a replicated version of the slot machine's
display on the user's iPhone; and (4) facilitates control of the
slot machine via the replicated display on the user's iPhone. In
particular embodiments, the replicated display includes all (or
substantially all) of the game-related information that is
displayed on the slot machine's display including, for example, the
number of credits that the user has remaining on the machine.
[0049] After this initial setup process has been completed, the
user may walk away from the machine and continue playing the
machine on the user's iPhone via the replicated slot machine
display. During this time, the machine will appear, to those
passing by the machine at the casino, as if it were being played by
an invisible operator (much like a player piano). During this time,
the display of the slot machine, and the replicated slot machine
display on the user's cellular phone, will be at least
substantially in synch (e.g., in synch), and will display the same
information (e.g., at least substantially in real time).
[0050] After dinner, if the user wishes to continue playing the
slot machine in the cruise ship's casino, the user may return to
the machine and select an option on his iPhone indicating that he
wishes to end remote play of the machine and resume playing the
slot machine in person. At that point, the system: (1) unlocks the
selected slot machine to locally controlled play (e.g., it unlocks
the Gaming Device's own control devices, such as the Gaming
Device's handle pull, currency acceptors, and play and cash out
buttons); (2) removes the message on the slot machine's display
screen indicating that the machine is being played remotely; (3)
removes the replicated version of the slot machine's display from
the user's iPhone; and (4) ends control of the slot machine via the
replicated display on the user's iPhone. The user may then continue
to play the slot machine using the slot machine's native
controls.
[0051] In various embodiments, if the user wishes to stop playing
the machine from a remote location (e.g., during dinner at a nearby
restaurant), the user may select an option on the user's iPhone
indicating that they wish to stop play and cash out. In response,
the system terminates remote play as discussed above and transfers
the user's credits to the user in any appropriate way (e.g., via an
electronic transfer to an account associated with the user, such as
the user's onboard or remote gaming account).
Second Example
[0052] In a second example, the same user from the first example is
back at home after returning from his cruise. He remembers the
lucky slot machine that he played on his way to Aruba, and wishes
to play the machine again. To do this, the user uses his desktop
computer to log onto the cruise ship's web site and selects the
desired machine as discussed above. The user may then play the
machine remotely as described above in regard to Example 1.
CONCLUSION
[0053] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention
pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the
foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it
is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the
specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other
embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the
appended exemplary concepts. Although specific terms are employed
herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and
not for the purposes of limitation.
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