U.S. patent application number 13/546841 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-16 for audio playback and control between an electronic gaming machine and a mobile device.
This patent application is currently assigned to IGT. The applicant listed for this patent is Scott T. GOWIN, Steven G. LeMAY, Dwayne R. NELSON. Invention is credited to Scott T. GOWIN, Steven G. LeMAY, Dwayne R. NELSON.
Application Number | 20140018153 13/546841 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49914433 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140018153 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NELSON; Dwayne R. ; et
al. |
January 16, 2014 |
AUDIO PLAYBACK AND CONTROL BETWEEN AN ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE AND
A MOBILE DEVICE
Abstract
Music and sounds from a player's mobile device, such as a smart
phone or tablet, can be played on an electronic gaming machine
during game play. The invention enables a player of an electronic
gaming machine to have music from his mobile device be played on
the gaming machine as background music during game play. Music
files from the player's mobile device are transmitted or streamed
to the EGM and the audio is output during game play. A casino may
have an audio files library where the files are tagged with certain
categories (e.g., game type, specific game, promotion type, etc.).
These tags are used to facilitate music and sound selection for the
EGM. Music and sounds may be sourced from the player's mobile
device, the casino's audio library, or from online sources.
Inventors: |
NELSON; Dwayne R.; (Las
Vegas, NV) ; LeMAY; Steven G.; (Reno, NV) ;
GOWIN; Scott T.; (Reno, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NELSON; Dwayne R.
LeMAY; Steven G.
GOWIN; Scott T. |
Las Vegas
Reno
Reno |
NV
NV
NV |
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
IGT
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
49914433 |
Appl. No.: |
13/546841 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 ;
463/35 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3227 20130101;
G07F 17/3223 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 ;
463/35 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of playing audio on a wager-based electronic gaming
machine (EGM) having a processor and a memory, the method
comprising: establishing a connection with a mobile device;
detecting a command to control audio on the EGM; enabling a player
to control audio functions on the EGM; providing audio to a player
by utilizing one of solely the mobile device, solely the EGM, or a
combination of the mobile device and the EGM; and transitioning
between outputting audio from the EGM and outputting audio from the
mobile device.
2. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the mobile device has a
first app that receives and processes audio from the EGM and a
second app that mixes audio on the mobile device and audio on the
EGM.
3. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein a combination is one of a
gradual blending of audio, a fade-in and fade-out of audio, or a
simultaneous overlaying of audio from either the mobile device or
the EGM.
4. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein transitioning between
outputting audio is based on game play on the EGM or on song
status.
5. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein audio is categorized in a
casino audio library.
6. A method as recited in claim 5 wherein tags are used to
categorize audio in the casino audio library, said tags including
game-specific tags, game-type tags, and promotional-type tags.
7. A method as recited in claim 1 further comprising: selecting
audio from the mobile device to coincide with game content on the
EGM.
8. A method as recited in claim 1 further comprising: transmitting
audio to the mobile device.
9. A method as recited in claim 1 further comprising: providing a
connection to the Internet or to a music library.
10. A method as recited in claim 1 further comprising: executing an
audio-related app on the EGM; and streaming audio from the
audio-related app to the mobile device.
11. A method as recited in claim 1 further comprising: selecting
music based on player account data, music lists, or game
information.
12. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the EGM initiates
connection to the mobile device or the mobile device initiates
connection with the EGM.
13. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein establishing a
connection further comprises: connecting to an EGM component that
plays audio using software that is separate from the EGM.
14. A method of playing music on an electronic gaming machine
(EGM), the music originating from a mobile device, the method
comprising: receiving, at the EGM, a file containing audio data
from the mobile device; receiving input from a player, said input
causing the audio file to be played on the gaming machine;
determining when to play the audio file on the gaming machine
during game play; and playing the audio file and gaming machine
audio at different times during game play.
15. A method as recited in claim 14 wherein determining when to
play the audio file further comprises: playing the audio file to
coincide with game content.
16. A method as recited in claim 14 wherein the mobile device has a
first app that receives and processes audio from the EGM and a
second app that mixes audio on the mobile device and audio on the
EGM.
17. A method as recited in claim 14 further comprising:
establishing a connection with the mobile device.
18. A method as recited in claim 14 further comprising: detecting a
command to control audio on the EGM.
19. A method as recited in claim 14 further comprising: selecting
audio from the mobile device to coincide with game content on the
EGM.
20. A method as recited in claim 14 further comprising: executing
an audio-related app on the EGM; and streaming audio from the
audio-related app to the mobile device.
21. An electronic gaming machine (EGM) comprising: a processor; a
network interface; a memory storing music files imported from a
player mobile device, wherein the imported music files are played
on the EGM during wager game play; an audio source selection and
transition module to determine which audio is played during wager
game play, said audio originally sourced from the player mobile
device or from the EGM; a mobile device playback proxy module to
control playback of music files from the player mobile device; and
a display component displaying a service window containing playback
controls for controlling playback functions on the EGM.
22. An EGM as recited in claim 21 wherein audio from the music
files imported from the player mobile device is mixed with audio
from EGM resident audio files.
23. An EGM as recited in claim 21 wherein the audio source
selection and transition module selects audio from the Internet and
from a casino music library.
24. An EGM as recited in claim 21 wherein the memory stores EGM
audio files that are categorized based on game type, specific game,
player account data, player preferences, game play status,
promotions, and ads for a casino.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Described Embodiments
[0002] The described embodiments relate generally to gaming
systems, such as gaming systems deployed in a casino enterprise.
More particularly, it relates to controlling and outputting audio
content between an electronic gaming machine and a mobile
device.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Developing and maintaining a loyal customer base is a
critical component of operating a successful casino enterprise. To
develop a loyal customer base, casino enterprises attempt to
generate interactions with their patrons that provide a unique and
personalized game playing experience.
[0005] An ever increasing portion of patrons that visit casinos are
regularly carrying mobile devices, such as smart phones, laptops,
netbooks, and tablet/slate computers. The mobile devices provide
entertainment features, such as audio playback and often store a
repository of music and lists of a player's favorite music. For
this and other reasons, mobile devices, such as smart phones, have
become essential tools and in some instances, the primary
electronic interface for many individuals.
[0006] The popularity of mobile devices allows for the possibility
of utilizing their capabilities to further personalize and enhance
a player's gaming experience through better utilizing music and
audio in general in a casino gaming environment, in particular when
playing an electronic gaming machine. As such, it would be
desirable to bring audio to the gaming machine experience by
leveraging a player's mobile device.
SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIBED EMBODIMENTS
[0007] One aspect of the present invention enables a player of an
electronic gaming machine to have music from his mobile device be
played on the gaming machine as background music during game play.
Music files from the player's mobile device are transmitted or
streamed to the EGM and the audio is output during game play. In
another aspect of the present invention, the casino may have an
audio files library where the files are tagged with certain
categories (e.g., game type, specific game, promotion type, etc.).
These tags are used to facilitate music and sound selection for the
EGM. Music and sounds may be sourced from the player's mobile
device, the casino's audio library, or from online sources. The
music may be blended or be played in various ways (e.g., fade-in,
fade-out) on the EGM depending on who the player is, what games are
played, EGM data, whether the player is a hotel guest, and so on.
The personalization and customization of the music and sounds on
the EGM to suit the player's preferences enhances the overall
gaming experience of the player.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a method of
playing music from a mobile device on a gaming machine. The gaming
machine receives a file containing audio data from the mobile
device. It also receives input from a player which causes the audio
file to be played on the gaming machine. It is then determined when
to play the audio file on the gaming machine during game play. The
audio file from the mobile device and gaming machine audio are then
played at different times during game play.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The embodiments will be readily understood by the following
detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements,
and in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a gaming system that
allows for interactions between a mobile device and an EGM in
accordance with one embodiment;
[0011] FIGS. 2A and 2B are block diagrams illustrating
communication pathways between the EGM, a mobile device, and a
server in accordance with one embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a network diagram of a gaming machine, a mobile
device, and related components in accordance with one
embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an audio library as it may be
stored on a server in a gaming network in a casino in accordance
with one embodiment; and
[0014] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process of playing music from
a player's mobile device on an EGM during game play in accordance
with one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Methods and systems for enabling the transmission, blending,
and overlaying of audio, in particular music, sourced from a
player's mobile device and an electronic gaming machine (EGM)
during game play are described in the various figures. In one
embodiment, music from a player's mobile device is transmitted to
the gaming machine and played through the machine's speakers and
audio components during game play. In this manner, the player's
gaming experience on the EGM is enhanced because the player's
preferred music (e.g., a favorite play list) may be played as
background music continuously during game play, thereby providing a
more personalized and memorable experience for the player.
[0016] Music from the player's mobile device can be blended or
combined with music and other sounds that would normally be
outputted by the EGM. For example, a player's favorite song may be
heard during game play while in the time between games,
conventional audio from the EGM may be played, such as various
sound effects, commercials, promotional messages, and the like.
That is, audio from both sources can fade in and out depending on
EGM and game play status. The player can control playback, skip
songs, repeat songs, search, etc, using physical or virtual (touch
screen) buttons on the EGM. In another embodiment, the player can
listen to audio, both music from his mobile device and audio from
the gaming machine, through headphones connected to his mobile
device (e.g., via Bluetooth). In this embodiment, all or most of
the audio during game play is being outputted through the mobile
device. In these and other embodiments, the player's gaming
experience is enhanced because of the personalized music. Other
variations of these embodiments provide the same advantages and are
described below.
[0017] One of the necessary aspects of the present invention is the
coupling or communication between the mobile device and the EGM,
which may also be connected to a server in a gaming network. From a
broader perspective, the present invention describes a gaming
machine or system that is compatible with mobile devices controlled
by users who are also players of the EGM. The mobile devices can be
configured to transmit and receive information, specifically
audio-related data, used on a gaming machine. Audio on the EGM and
on the mobile device may be controlled, in certain embodiments,
from either the EGMs or the devices. With respect to the following
figures, methods and apparatus that allow a mobile device to
interact with a EGM, namely playing and sharing audio between them
and controlling the playback of the audio are described.
[0018] The described embodiments may be practiced without some or
all of these specific details. In other instances, well known
process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid
unnecessarily obscuring the underlying concepts.
[0019] A gaming system, specifically an EGM, compatible with mobile
devices controlled by users of the gaming system is described. In
one embodiment, the mobile devices can be configured to transmit
and receive audio data used on a wager-based EGM. The various
embodiments describe mobile devices that transmit music files to
the EGM to be played as background music during game play. The EGM
and mobile device can be configured to allow audio controls on the
EGM. For instance, via virtual buttons on the EGM, it is possible
to control volume and other playback functions.
[0020] With respect to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, methods and apparatus
that allow a mobile device to interact with an EGM are described.
In particular, with respect to FIG. 1, interactions between a
mobile device and an EGM are described. With respect to FIGS. 2A
and 2B, different instantiations of communication pathways between
a mobile device and an EGM are described.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing components and modules in
a mobile device and an EGM.
EGM-Mobile Device Interactions in a Gaming System
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a gaming system that
allows for interactions between a mobile device 34 and an EGM 2. A
gaming system server 10 is shown connected to EGM 2. The connection
12 between server 10 and EGM 2 can be via wireless and/or wired
communication links. In a casino environment, EGM 2 can be
connected to multiple servers and gaming system server 10 can be
connected to multiple EGMs.
[0023] EGM 2 is configured to communicate with the mobile device
34. In some instances, EGM 2 can communicate directly with the
mobile device via a wired or wireless communication interface
located on the EGM 2. Also, the EGM 2 can be in communication with
mobile device 34 via multiple communication channels
simultaneously, such as via two different wireless communication
channels (e.g., Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.TM.).
[0024] In other embodiments, a portion of the communications
between the EGM 2 and the mobile device can be through an
intermediary device, such as server 10. For instance, a
communication channel can be first initiated between server 10 and
mobile device 34. Then, in instances where it is determined mobile
device 34 is near a particular EGM, server 10 can open up a
communication channel between the server and the EGM determined to
be near the mobile device. Then, server 10 can act as intermediary
device where communications between mobile device 34 and EGM 2 are
routed through server 10.
[0025] The location of mobile device 34 can be determined by server
10, EGM 2 or mobile device 34, alone or in combination with one
another. For instance, mobile device 34 can gather information that
is transmitted to sever 10 and/or EGM 2 that allows mobile device
34 location to be determined. In another example, EGM 2 can include
a detection mechanism, such as a Near-field communication (NFC)
interface, that allows the presence of mobile device 34 at the EGM
2 to be detected.
[0026] Mobile device 34 can be configured to initiate and maintain
multiple simultaneous communication channels with different devices
in the gaming system. For instance, a first direct communication
channel between mobile device 34 and EGM 2 can be established for
some types of information that are communicated between the
devices. Whereas a second communication channel can be opened
between mobile device 34 and EGM 2 for communicating various types
of information where the communications are routed through system
server 10 including audio files and related playback controls. In
general, mobile device 34, EGM 2 and/or server 10 can maintain
multiple simultaneous communication channels for communicating
different types of information between mobile device 34 and EGM 2
where one or more different communication protocol are used.
[0027] In one embodiment, server 10 can act as a gateway for
communications between mobile device 34 and different EGMs. For
instance, the communication session between mobile device 34 and
server 10 can be maintained as the mobile device is moved from EGM
to EGM in an environment with multiple EGMs, such as a casino.
However, server 10 can be configured to terminate a communication
session between mobile device 34 and a first EGM when mobile device
34 is moved from the vicinity of the first EGM and instantiate a
communication session between the mobile device and a new EGM when
the mobile device is moved to the vicinity of the new EGM. Server
10 can repeat this process as mobile device 34 is moved from device
to device by the user.
[0028] Once a communication session is established between mobile
device 34 and EGM 2, mobile device 34 and EGM 2 can begin
interacting. The interactions can be in the context of a
wager-based gaming environment and can depend on the respective
capabilities of mobile device 34 and EGM 2. Thus, as follows, EGM 2
and its capabilities are briefly described and then interactions
involving mobile device 34, EGM 2 and/or server 10 are discussed.
In particular, examples of interactions between EGM 2 and mobile
device 34 are described where audio files and playback controls are
shared.
[0029] EGM 2 can include multiple displays, such as displays 14 and
16. The displays can be used to output video images associated with
a wager-based game play, such as a presentation associated with a
main game or a bonus game. Each of the displays on EGM 2, such as
14 and 16, can be configured to receive content from a game
controller within EGM 2, a remote device, such as server 10, mobile
device 34 or combinations thereof.
[0030] Game play decisions can be entered via a player input panel
28. Player input panel 28 can include mechanical buttons. One or
more of the mechanical buttons can include a display screen that
allows at least some information about a function of a button to be
displayed and changed over time. Player input panel 28 can also
include a touch screen display that allows a selection of displayed
buttons to be selected. These may include audio/music playback
controls to allow the player to control game play background music.
In addition, displays 14 and/or 16 can be provided with a touch
screen interface and an associated touch screen controller. The
touch screen interfaces can be used to enter information about
decisions associated with game play as well as information
associated with audio or music playback.
[0031] Input panel 28 or another input device on the EGM 2 can also
be used to provide an input that affects a state of mobile device
34. For instance, actuation of one of the input buttons can cause a
state change on the mobile device or music playback on the device.
For instance, actuation of the button can cause the mobile device
34 to play a music track or emit a sound.
[0032] EGM 2 can include a number of devices used in cash handling
transactions. The cash handling devices can include 1) a bill
acceptor 22 configured to accept cash and/or ticket vouchers, a
printer 38 configured to generate printed ticket vouchers and 3) a
card reader 36 which can be configured to read a magnetic striped
card or a smart card. The magnetic striped card or the smart card
can be used to store account information used to transfer funds,
such as funds stored on a debit card. In another example, the
magnetic striped card or smart card can store information
associated with a loyalty program account and the card reader 36
can be used to read account information associated with a loyalty
program account from the card.
[0033] In a particular embodiment, a wireless interface 18 can be
configured to receive information, such as music files from mobile
device 34 or music data stream. As an example, wireless interface
18 can be configured to implement a near field communication (NFC)
protocol. The NFC protocol is designed with a communication range
of 4 cm or less. NFC can involve an initiator and a target. The
initiator actively generates an RF field that can power a passive
target. This enables NFC targets to take very simple form factors
such as tags, stickers, key fobs, or cards that do not require
batteries. In other embodiments, the NFC functions can be
integrated into a device, such as mobile device 34. NFC
peer-to-peer communication is of course possible, where both
devices are powered. For instance, device 34 (for example, a smart
phone or tablet) and EGM 2 can be configured to implement a
peer-to-peer communication.
[0034] Wireless interface 18 can be used to accept information from
a digital wallet application, such an E-wallet application.
E-wallets can store passwords, credit card numbers, email contacts
and identification data like driver's license or social security
numbers. In some instances, an E-wallet can be linked to a bank
account. An E-wallet application can be used to transfer "cash"
electronically to an EGM that can be used for wagers. When funds
are received electronically, such as via an E-wallet transaction,
EGM 2 can be configured to store an electronic record of the
transaction in a manner similar to cash transactions involving
physical currency. The E-wallet like application can also be used
to store a loyalty program account information that can be used to
initiate a player tracking system on EGM 2.
[0035] Other wireless interface protocols can also be implemented
on EGM 2. For instance, EGM 2 can be configured to provide Wi-Fi
and/or Bluetooth.TM. communications. These protocols can be used in
lieu of or in combination with NFC. For instance, an NFC
communication can be used to instantiate a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.TM.
communication between EGM 2 and mobile device 34, such as secure
pairing using one of these protocols. To initiate a pairing, an NFC
and Bluetooth-enabled EGM 2 can be tapped by an NFC and Bluetooth
enabled mobile device, such as device 34, to instantiate Bluetooth
pairing between the devices. Instantiating pairing between EGM 2
and an NFC enabled device, can save time related to searching,
waiting, and entering codes. In another example, a gaming device,
such as EGM 2, can be configured as an NFC enabled router, such as
a router supporting a Wi-Fi communication standard. Tapping an NFC
enabled device to an NFC enabled and Wi-Fi enabled gaming device
can be used to establish a Wi-Fi connection between the two
devices.
[0036] An NFC interface on an EGM 2 can be used to receive
information that allows a higher speed communication to be set-up
between the EGM 2 and another NFC enabled device such as mobile
device 34. The higher speed communications can occur via wireless
interface 18 or another wireless interface on the EGM 2. The higher
speed communication rates can be used for expanded content sharing.
For instance, the higher speed communications can be used to
transmit a high volume of music files from device 34 to EGM 2.
[0037] When a device is carried by a player, such as in a pocket,
EGM 2 can detect the presence of a wireless device via continual
wireless communications with the mobile device or the signal
strength detected from the mobile device remains above a certain
level. When wireless communications are lost or the signal strength
drops below a certain level, EGM 2 can end a session.
Communications Between an EGM and a Mobile Device
[0038] Details regarding how mobile device data files and
information can be handled and routed to an EGM and within a gaming
system are described with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIGS. 2A and
2B are block diagrams illustrating communication pathways between
server 10, EGM 2 including a game controller 50 and mobile device
34. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the
communications between mobile device 34 and the EGM 2 can be
through an intermediary device, such as server 10. For instance,
mobile device 34 can establish communications with server 10 via
the wireless interface 18a. Then, via network interface 56 on EGM
2, server 10 can establish a communication link with EGM 2 that
allows communications between mobile device 34 and EGM 2.
[0039] In another example, wireless interface 18a can be configured
as a wireless access point that provides access to an internal
network 55. As an example, each bank of EGMs can be equipped with a
wireless access point. A plurality of EGMs can be coupled to
internal network 55. Mobile device 34 can access the wireless
interface 18a via a direct connection (e.g., a Wi-Fi connection)
and then can access internal network 55 to communicate with one or
more of the EGMs or servers. In another example, via cellular data
communication on network 45, the mobile device can access wireless
interface 18a and be routed onto internal network 55 to communicate
with EGMs or servers. The cellular data communications can be on a
network associated with mobile device 34 service provider, such as
a 3G or 4G network. Once on the network 55, the mobile device can
communicate using one or more protocols instantiated on the
network, such as an NTP (network time protocol).
[0040] In one embodiment, EGM 2 may not include a wired or wireless
interface that allows direct communications between EGM 2 and
mobile device 34. In other embodiments, EGM 2 can include an
interface that allows for direct communications between mobile
device 34 and EGM 2 but optionally the communications can also be
performed via server 10. In yet other embodiments, as described
above, server 10 and EGM 2 can be configured to allow certain
information to be transmitted directly to EGM 2 while other types
information are communicated only through a server to the EGM, such
as via server 10. Thus, in some instances, the gaming system may
allow the mobile device to communicate simultaneously with multiple
devices. For example, the mobile device can be linked to server 10
and can be simultaneously linked to EGM 2 via a direct
connection.
[0041] Once information, such as audio files and playback controls,
arrives at EGM 2 via the network interface it can be routed to
different devices via different communications pathways. For
instance, in one embodiment, the information can be sent to audio
components and related logic which can output to speakers.
[0042] In one embodiment, game controller 50 may not include
features that allow it to communicate with or respond to
information received from a mobile device. For instance, game
controller 50 can be on an older device that has been deployed
without mobile device interaction capabilities. In these
embodiments, the audio files and/or audio commands related to
mobile device communications can bypass a game controller. For
instance, the audio information can go to the speakers.
[0043] FIG. 2B, communications between a server 10, a mobile device
34 and EGM 2 are described. In this example, the EGM 2 includes a
wireless interface 18b that allows information to be directly
received from mobile device 34. A wired interface can also be
provided. The information can be, for example, audio files and
controls.
[0044] Once music files or other information has arrived on EGM 2
it can routed to different devices, such as a sound chair or
headphones, via different communication pathways. For instance,
communications between mobile device 34 and server 10 can be
enabled by routing information from wireless interface 18b directly
to network interface 56, to network interface 56 via secondary
device 52, to network interface via the game controller 50 or to
network interface 56 via first game controller 50 and then
secondary device 52. When mobile device 34 provides information
that can be output to speakers, such as audio files it can be
routed to game controller 50 and then directly out to the one of
the speakers or game controller 50 can route the audio information
to another device.
[0045] FIG. 3 is a network diagram of a gaming machine, a mobile
device, and related components in accordance with one embodiment. A
mobile device 302, such as a smart phone or a tablet, has a wired
or wireless connection with an EGM 304. An enterprise (casino)
music library 306 on a server may be accessed by EGM 304, typically
through a wired connection as part of a gaming network. EGM 304 may
also be connected to the Internet 308 through Web servers (not
shown) in a gaming network or EGM 304 may be connected directly to
Internet 308.
[0046] Mobile device 302 may have at least two apps that are
relevant to the present invention. One app 310 may be referred to
as an EGM audio import app. It is responsible for receiving or
importing audio files, which may consist of music files, sounds,
and other types of audio data, from EGM 304. This audio data may be
streamed from EGM 304 and an app for implementing this streaming
(not shown) may be utilized. A player may activate app 310 when she
wants to play EGM music and sounds on her mobile device 302, for
example, to listen using headphone 312.
[0047] Another app 314 may be referred to as an audio source mixing
or blending app. The function of this app may be to mix audio that
is sourced from mobile device 302 and EGM 304. For example, it may
enable fade in and fade out of music from device 302 (i.e.,
resident music files) and audio from EGM 304, such as sounds
related to promotions or music played when changing games. In other
embodiments, these apps may not reside on mobile device 302 or
their functionality may be combined in one app. If the player does
not want any EGM music files to be imported onto device 302 or if
the player is not interested in listening to game-play audio
through her device and ear phones 312, then apps 310 and 314 are
not needed. As described in FIG. 5, music files may be transmitted
or streamed to an EGM to be played during game play.
[0048] Mobile device 302 also has a library of music files 316. As
is known in the art, these files may be organized and categorized
in many different ways and may consist of playlists, albums,
individual tracks, and so on. For illustrative purposes, library
316 shows two playlists and two tracks. It is expected that these
files contain music, whereas the files on EGM 304, described below,
have a wider range of audio, which includes not only music, but
sounds related to promotions, marketing, game play status, and the
like (for this reason those files are referred to as audio files).
Device 302 also has playback controls 318, such as volume, skip
forward/backward, repeat, search, random, and so on. Of course,
this functionality already exists on device 302; it is shown for
reference in describing how some or all of this functionality may
be controlled from a display area on EGM 304.
[0049] EGM 304 has numerous components that are relevant to the
present invention. In one embodiment, it has an audio/music library
320. This may be comprised of resident audio files 322. Other audio
files may be retrieved from enterprise music library 306. The
organization and categorization of the content of music libraries
322 and 306 are described in FIG. 4. In the described embodiment,
music files 324 from mobile device 302 may be imported onto EGM
304. Applications (not shown) for importing device 302 music files
and mixing them with EGM resident audio files may be present on EGM
304.
[0050] As described above, EGM 304 can play sounds and music that
are resident on the gaming machine or received from
enterprise/casino music library 306. It can also play music from
mobile device 304, which it receives through a previously
established connection. In one embodiment, an audio
selection/transition logic module 326 has software that determines
which music and sounds to play on EGM 304. For example, module 326
determines which music and sounds to play depending on the type of
game being played, the specific game being played, player's account
data and preferences, game play status (game transition, base game,
bonus game, etc.), and other factors. Module 326 determines when a
promotion or ad should be played or when music from player's mobile
device 302 should be played instead of sounds from EGM's music
library 322.
[0051] Another module is an audio playback control module 328 that
implements functionality related to controlling the audio on EGM
304. In one embodiment, it has software for controlling playback on
mobile device 302, shown as mobile device playback control proxy
330. This allows a player to control the volume and other playback
functions, such as repeat, skip, random, and the like, of the
mobile device using controls on EGM 304, such as physical buttons
or through virtual touch screen buttons. In one scenario, the
player has her mobile device connected to EGM and is listening to
the EGM sounds through ear phones connected to mobile device 302.
She can control the volume of the sounds or search for a favorite
song which she wants to hear while playing a game on the machine
using controls on EGM 304. These controls can be touch screen
buttons shown, for example, in a service window on the EGM display.
These controls can control the volume and other playback
functionality on mobile device 302.
[0052] EGM 304 may also have online apps 332 for playing music from
Internet 308. For example, EGM 304 can execute applications such as
Pandora, Spotify, and other music playing apps that can be played
during game play on the machine. In this embodiment, EGM 304 has a
connection to Internet 308 either directly or through Web servers
in a gaming network. Audio selection/transition logic module 326
can use online apps 332 as another source of music in its
determination of what to play on EGM 304.
[0053] Audio components 334 are the physical components of EGM 304
that output the audio, such as speakers, amplifiers, ear phone
jacks, and other audio hardware and modules. It may also include
devices connected to EGM 304, such as a sound chair, which may have
its own software and hardware for playing audio that is separate
from EGM 304.
[0054] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an audio library as it may be
stored on a server in a gaming network in a casino. Block 402
contains an audio selection logic module 403 which executes logic
for determining which audio files are played on an EGM. For
example, the logic may examine a player's account data, the
collective music and sound lists available for that EGM, what game
is being played, and other factors as noted above with respect to
audio selection module 326. A library of audio files 405 is stored
on a server. In one embodiment, each audio file may have one or
more tags associated with it. The tags are used by a casino to
select songs and themes that appeal to a particular player or, more
generally, to its player (i.e., customer) base.
[0055] In the described embodiment, a tag indicates different
characteristics of the audio file. For example, a tag may indicate
music/sound type or category, such as classical, rock, jazz, pop,
electronic, and so on. There may be numerous music/sound
categories. This is shown in box 404, which can be stored on a
server as a table in a relational database. In this table, each
music/sound type is listed and a subset of audio files that have
this tag is provided. Thus, if logic module needs an audio file
that has rock music, then it may reference table 404, find the rock
music category and select one of the audio files from audio file
subset B, shown as an example.
[0056] Another tag may be for a specific game, such as Star Wars,
Wheel of Fortune, The Sopranos, and so on. This is shown in box
406. The games may be a listing of all the games the casino offers
or may be games from a specific gaming manufacturer, such as IGT of
Reno, Nev. An audio file having a "game specific" tag of Sex and
the City means that the audio file would be an appropriate
selection if that game is being played or if a promotion somehow
related to the game or the show is executing on the machine. In box
or table 406, a specific game, such as All for One, may have
associated with it audio files that are classical or Hollywood
theme music and the like. Stars Wars may have a classical audio
files associated with it and so on.
[0057] Another tag may be game type, shown in box 408, such as
poker, Black Jack, slot, high roller, bar, and so on. The casino
may determine what audio is suitable for each of these types of
games. For example, if a game type is known to be played by an
older demographic, then audio files that may appeal more to this
customer base may be associated with that game type. If a game type
is an offshoot of a current, popular online game that is played by
a younger customer base, the music files associated with it may be
more rock or pop oriented, and so on.
[0058] Finally, another tag type may be promotion type as shown in
box 410. The types of promotions may vary in different casinos.
Some examples are buffet, show, holiday, hotel services, and the
like. The casino marketing group may be aware of the best type of
music or sounds to play for each type of promotion and the audio
files for each promotion type can be selected accordingly. Thus,
when a promotion for the casino buffet is being run on an EGM,
audio selection logic module 403 can select an audio file
associated with buffet. In this manner, tags can be used to ensure
that appropriate audio is played at each stage of the EGM and that
this will result in an enhanced experience for the player. In the
described embodiment, there is logic for selecting audio both on
the server and on EGM 304. In other embodiments, the logic for
selecting and transitioning audio may only reside on EGM 304. The
configuration described in FIG. 4 is one of many that can be used
to organize and categorize the audio files to facilitate audio
selection on EGM 304. A person of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize that there are others ways to arrange this data and that
other types of modifiers, other than tags, may be used to classify
the audio. Classifications other than those shown (music type, game
type, promotion type, etc.) may also be used to make audio
selection more efficient and targeted.
[0059] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process of playing music from
a player's mobile device on an EGM during game play in accordance
with one embodiment. Some of the steps described here are also
relevant in the scenario where audio from the EGM is transmitted to
the mobile device, mixed or blended with music on the device, and
listened to through ear phones connected to the device and not
through the EGM. At step 502 a connection is established between
the mobile device and the EGM. Processes for establishing this
connection are described in detail above with respect to FIGS. 1,
2A, and 2B. The connection may be wired or wireless, which is more
likely if the device is a smart phone or tablet.
[0060] At step 504 the player (device owner) initiates a process
for transmitting music files from the device to the EGM. This may
be started by pressing virtual (touch screen) buttons in a service
window area on the EGM. For example, there may be a button labeled
"Customize Game Play Music--Download Favorite Songs from your
Mobile Device" or something similar. There may be other virtual
buttons for downloading or streaming music from the Internet using
apps (e.g., "Stream Music from Pandora!" and the like). In step
504, a process of transmitting music files from the mobile device
executes and the files are stored on the EGM. There may be an app
on the device that works with the EGM in coordinating the download
and providing the user experience for selecting which songs,
playlists, artists, etc. to download. There will likely be
processes on the EGM to ensure that the files downloaded or that it
receives are safe, malware-free and the like. For example, the
music files may be stored in a secure or separate memory. At step
506, music and audio from other sources, such as the Internet or
from a casino music library may be retrieved. As described above,
audio may be retrieved or accessed when needed from different
sources. The present embodiment described in FIG. 5 focuses on
receiving music from a player's mobile device. The music from the
device may be stored as shown in FIG. 3.
[0061] At step 508 an audio selection logic module on the EGM
examines various data to determine which music or sounds to play.
This logic may be bypassed if the player manually selects tracks,
playlists, albums, artists, etc. to play during game play. Audio
selection and transition may be determined based on factors such as
game type, specific game, player account information, game play
status, EGM data, and other factors. For example, one type of music
or sounds may be played during the base game and a different type
may be played during a bonus game. One type of music, such as a
favorite track downloaded from the player's device, may be played
if there is a win over a certain amount. As is evident, there is a
wide variety of scenarios that may occur during and between game
play that gives rise to opportunities to play many different types
of music and sounds. The implementation and embodiments of the
present invention enable a more customized and enhanced game play
experience for the player by leveraging music sourced from the
player's device and from a growing library of music and sounds
maintained and operated by the casino.
[0062] At step 510 music playback controls for controlling music on
the EGM are enabled on the EGM. These are controls as described
above (volume, search, skip, etc.) that the player would normally
use on the player's device. At step 510 these controls are made
available either through physical or virtual buttons on the EGM.
For example, during game play, the player can use a skip forward
button in the service interface window on the EGM display to skip
tracks to get to a particular song or search for a playlist, and so
on. Some of these controls may not apply in all scenarios, for
example, if a promotion is running on the EGM, the player's the
ability to skip forward or turn down the volume may be temporarily
disabled. At step 512 the music or sounds are outputted from the
EGM through audio components, namely the EGM speakers. The player
may have the option of plugging ear phones into the EGM.
[0063] As described above, a player of an EGM has a mobile device
which may be a smart phone, tablet or laptop. The player connects
the mobile device using a wired or wireless connection, physically
or virtually to the EGM. The player is able to use the mobile
device to provide music to the EGM game experience. The music can
be playing in the background continuously on the EGM.
[0064] The EGM can provide volume controls to adjust the volume of
the music, downloaded or streamed from the mobile device, and other
sounds on the EGM. These controls can be physical buttons or
controls displayed on the screen to adjust, for example, the
volume. The EGM can provide other controls such as play, stop, fast
forward, rewind, song change, artist change, etc. For example, the
player could listen to his iTunes music instead of the EGM game
background music. The EGM will have the ability to not play the
game background music and instead play the music from the mobile
device.
[0065] A mobile device application or the EGM may introduce
additional sounds, voices or music along with the player's music.
For example, the EGM may introduce a commercial for the player to
hear or it may announce a promotion for casino services. The EGM
may make selections from the mobile device music content to
coincide with the game content. For example, the EGM might pick a
particular song from the mobile device during the bonus round but
another for the base game. For example, the EGM might choose
classical music during a Star Wars bonus game since that music
theme matches the game better than other music themes. The EGM has
logic to transition between its sounds and the player's music from
the mobile device. For example, the EGM can wait until the end of
one song before switching to another or it may fade out one song to
switch to another.
[0066] The operation might work in an inverse fashion where the EGM
provides the connection to the mobile music and that music is sent
to the player's mobile device. In this configuration the player
hears the music on their mobile device. The player might choose
this method so that they can use their headphones or wireless
Bluetooth headset. The EGM would provide the connection to the
internet or other library for the music. For example the EGM could
run an application like Pandora and send the music stream to the
mobile device.
[0067] The casino may have a music library stored on a server in a
gaming network. This would allow the casino to choose songs and
themes that appeal to its customer base. This would also allow the
music to be categorized so that the EGM is better able to select
music during game play. For example, the casino might put songs on
its server and tag them as "classical" or "Star Wars". These tags
would help the Star Wars game find the correct content to use. Or
the casino may tag the sounds with grouping like "poker", "slot",
"high roller", or "bar". Or the casino may tag the sounds with
promotional items such as "buffet", "magic show" or "holiday". The
logic for selecting the music may reside on the server. The server
might provide the EGM with a song or list of songs to play based on
information from the player account, music list, or EGM
information.
[0068] The mobile device may not link to the EGM itself but to a
device on the EGM. For example, the mobile device might connect to
an EGM sound chair. The sound chair could then play the music with
or without the involvement of EGM software. Or the mobile device
may connect with a device on the cabinet which provides the sound
controls and displays necessary to control music playback. The
music library might be stored in the "cloud" or, essentially on a
server on the Internet. For example, the source of the music might
be the Pandora music service.
[0069] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used
specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the
invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art
that the specific details are not required in order to practice the
invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments
of the present invention are presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent
to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and
variations are possible in view of the above teachings.
[0070] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best
explain the principles of the invention and its practical
applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
following claims and their equivalents.
[0071] While the embodiments have been described in terms of
several particular embodiments, there are alterations,
permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of these
general concepts. It should also be noted that there are many
alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the
present embodiments. It is therefore intended that the following
appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations,
permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and
scope of the described embodiments.
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