U.S. patent application number 15/815302 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-22 for apparatus and methods for wireless gaming communications.
The applicant listed for this patent is IGT. Invention is credited to David Muir, Binh T. Nguyen, Craig A. Paulsen, James Stockdale.
Application Number | 20180082528 15/815302 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35501003 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180082528 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nguyen; Binh T. ; et
al. |
March 22, 2018 |
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR WIRELESS GAMING COMMUNICATIONS
Abstract
A method of connecting a wireless device to an electronic gaming
machine is described. The method includes broadcasting, though a
wireless transceiver of the gaming machine, a discovery message to
wireless communication devices within a broadcast range of the
wireless transceiver. The method further includes receiving, at the
wireless transceiver, a response message from the wireless device.
The method includes establishing, by the gaming machine, a wireless
connection between the wireless device and the gaming machine. The
method further includes requesting, by the gaming machine, a player
identification and player preferences of a user of the wireless
device. The method includes receiving, from the wireless device,
the player identification and player preferences of the user. The
method further includes broadcasting, through the wireless
transceiver, an audio message customized for the user to the
wireless device.
Inventors: |
Nguyen; Binh T.; (Reno,
NV) ; Paulsen; Craig A.; (Reno, NV) ;
Stockdale; James; (Clio, CA) ; Muir; David;
(Newcastle, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
IGT |
Las Vegas |
NV |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
35501003 |
Appl. No.: |
15/815302 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14160042 |
Jan 21, 2014 |
9824534 |
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15815302 |
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12172951 |
Jul 14, 2008 |
8632403 |
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14160042 |
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10937990 |
Sep 10, 2004 |
7413513 |
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12172951 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3241 20130101;
G07F 17/3223 20130101; G07F 17/323 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20060101
G07F017/32 |
Claims
1. A gaming system comprising: a processor; and a memory device
which stores a plurality of instructions, which when executed by
the processor, cause the processor to: responsive to establishing a
wireless connection with a first wireless device associated with a
first player: receive first data from the first wireless device,
said first data being associated with a first custom image
associated with the first player, and cause a display device to
display the first custom image associated with the first player,
and responsive to establishing a wireless connection with a second,
different wireless device associated with a second, different
player: receive second data from the second wireless device, said
second data being associated with a second, different custom image
associated with the second, different player, and cause the display
device to display the second, different custom image associated
with the second, different player.
2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the first data is
associated with a first custom audio message associated with the
first player and when executed by the processor responsive to
establishing the wireless connection with the first wireless device
associated with the first player, the plurality of instructions
cause the processor to cause a speaker to play the first custom
audio message associated with the first player.
3. The gaming system of claim 2, wherein the second data is
associated with a second, different custom audio message associated
with the second, different player and when executed by the
processor responsive to establishing the wireless connection with
the second, different wireless device associated with the second,
different player, the plurality of instructions cause the processor
to cause the speaker to play the second, different custom audio
message associated with the second, different player.
4. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein when executed by the
processor following the establishment of the wireless connection
with the first wireless device, the plurality of instructions cause
the processor to send a request to the first wireless device to
verify a continued presence of the first wireless device within a
broadcast range.
5. The gaming system of claim 4, wherein when executed by the
processor, the plurality of instructions cause the display device
to cease displaying the first custom image associated with the
first player responsive to the first player has left the broadcast
range.
6. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the first wireless device
comprises a first cellular device and the second wireless device
comprises a second cellular device
7. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the first custom image
associated with the first player comprises a first message and the
second, different custom image associated with the second,
different player comprises a second, different message.
8. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the processor comprises a
gaming machine processor.
9. The gaming system of claim 8, wherein the display device
comprises a gaming machine display device.
10. The gaming system of claim 1, further comprising an acceptor,
and a cashout device, wherein when executed by the processor, the
plurality of instructions cause the processor to: responsive to a
physical item being received via the acceptor, establish a credit
balance based, at least in part, on a monetary value associated
with the received physical item, and responsive to a cashout input
being received via the cashout device, cause an initiation of any
payout associated with the credit balance.
11. A method of operating a gaming system, said method comprising:
responsive to establishing a wireless connection with a first
wireless device associated with a first player: receiving first
data from the first wireless device, said first data being
associated with a first custom image associated with the first
player, and causing a display device to display the first custom
image associated with the first player, and responsive to
establishing a wireless connection with a second, different
wireless device associated with a second, different player:
receiving second data from the second wireless device, said second
data being associated with a second, different custom image
associated with the second, different player, and causing the
display device to display the second, different custom image
associated with the second, different player.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first data is associated
with a first custom audio message associated with the first player
and further comprising, responsive to establishing the wireless
connection with the first wireless device associated with the first
player, causing a speaker to play the first custom audio message
associated with the first player.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the second data is associated
with a second, different custom audio message associated with the
second, different player and further comprising, responsive to
establishing the wireless connection with the second, different
wireless device associated with the second, different player,
causing the speaker to play the second, different custom audio
message associated with the second, different player.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising, following the
establishment of the wireless connection with the first wireless
device, sending a request to the first wireless device to verify a
continued presence of the first wireless device within a broadcast
range.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising ceasing to display,
by the display device, the first custom image associated with the
first player responsive to the first player has left the broadcast
range.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the first custom image
associated with the first player comprises a first message and the
second, different custom image associated with the second,
different player comprises a second, different message.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein a credit balance is increasable
based on any awards associated with any plays of any games
displayed by the display device, said credit balance being
increasable via an acceptor of a physical item associated with a
monetary value, and said credit balance being decreasable via a
cashout device.
18. The method of claim 11, which is provided through a data
network.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the data network is at least
one of: an internet, a cellular network, and a wireless data
network.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a continuation of, claims priority to
and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/160,042,
filed on Jan. 21, 2014, which is a continuation of, claims priority
to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/172,951,
filed on Jul. 14, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,632,403, which is a
continuation of, claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/937,990, filed on Sep. 10, 2004, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,413,513, each of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This patent is directed to a wireless casino gaming
communication device for communication with a gaming unit, which
could be either an individual gaming unit or a casino gaming system
having a plurality of gaming units.
[0003] A gaming apparatus of the type used in casinos has included
a display unit such as a video display unit or a set of mechanical
slot machine reels, a value input device such as a coin slot or
paper currency reader, and a controller operatively coupled to the
display unit and the value input device and having a processor and
a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The controller was
programmed to control the overall functions of the gaming machine,
including generating game displays representing one or more of a
number of casino games, such as poker, blackjack, slots, keno or
bingo.
[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0176218 to
LeMay et al. discloses a player tracking system that may use a
smart card, electronic token or magnetically striped cards as an
authentication instrument. The authentication instrument may be
input to a gaming machine to authenticate and provide an audit
trail. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0054881 to
Hedrick et al. discloses a wireless remote control and interface in
communication with a player tracking unit to convey gaming
information. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0232647
to Moser discloses a player tracking system that may use radio
frequency identification (RFID) to locate and track a player's
activities. When the RFID is within receiving range of a gaming
machine, the gaming machine transmits an identification query
causing the RFID to broadcast the radio identification. U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2003/0148812 to Paulsen et al.
discloses a wireless player tracking system that uses a global
positioning system to locate a player and receive player data via a
wireless device carried by a player, such as a cell phone, personal
digital assistant or RFID. U.S. Pat. No. 6,628,939 to Paulsen
discloses a wireless personal gaming device with a display screen
that may wirelessly receive game data from a gaming system and
display a game.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one aspect, the invention is directed to a gaming system
which may include a wireless communication device and a gaming
apparatus. The wireless communication device may include a first
wireless transceiver and a first controller operatively coupled to
the first wireless transceiver. The first controller may include a
first processor and a first memory operatively coupled to the first
processor. The first controller may be programmed to establish a
bidirectional wireless communication link with the gaming apparatus
when in proximity to the gaming apparatus, to receive a voice
command relating to a first gaming function, to transmit data
relating to the first gaming function to the gaming apparatus via
the first wireless transceiver, and to receive data relating to a
second gaming function from the gaming apparatus via the first
wireless transceiver. The gaming apparatus may include a display
unit, a second wireless transceiver and a second controller
operatively coupled to the display unit and the second wireless
transceiver. The second controller may include a second processor
and a second memory operatively coupled to the second processor.
The second controller may be programmed to receive the first gaming
function data via the second wireless transceiver, to execute a
first gaming function based on the first gaming function data, to
transmit the second gaming function data to the wireless
communication device via the second wireless transceiver, to cause
the display unit to generate a game display, and to determine a
value payout associated with an outcome of the game. The game
display may relate to poker, blackjack, slots, keno or bingo.
[0006] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a gaming
apparatus which may include a display unit, a value input device, a
wireless transceiver, and a controller operatively coupled to the
display unit, the value input device and the wireless transceiver.
The controller may include a processor and a memory operatively
coupled to the processor. The controller may be programmed to
establish a bidirectional wireless communication link with a
wireless communication apparatus, when in proximity to the wireless
communication apparatus, to receive data relating to a first gaming
function from the wireless communication device via the wireless
transceiver, to execute a first gaming function in response to the
first gaming function data, to transmit data relating to a second
gaming function to the wireless communication device via the
wireless transceiver, to cause the display unit to generate a game
display, and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome
of the game. The first gaming function data may relate to a voice
command. The game display may relate to poker, blackjack, slots,
keno or bingo.
[0007] In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a gaming
communication apparatus which may include a microphone, a wireless
transceiver and a controller operatively coupled to the microphone
and the wireless transceiver. The controller may include a
processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The
controller may be programmed to establish a bidirectional wireless
communication link with a gaming apparatus when in proximity to the
gaming apparatus, to receive a voice command relating to a first
gaming function, to transmit data relating to the first gaming
function to the gaming apparatus via the wireless transceiver, and
to receive data relating to a second gaming function from the
gaming apparatus via the wireless transceiver.
[0008] In a yet a further aspect, the invention is directed to a
gaming communication method which may include establishing a
bidirectional wireless communication link with a first wireless
transceiver when in proximity to the first wireless transceiver,
receiving a voice command relating to a first gaming function,
executing a function in response to the voice command, transmitting
data relating to a first gaming function to the first wireless
transceiver via a second wireless transceiver, and receiving data
relating to a second gaming function via the second wireless
transceiver.
[0009] Additional aspects of the invention are defined by the
claims of this patent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a gaming
system in accordance with the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of one of the
gaming units shown schematically in FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of a control panel for a
gaming unit;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the electronic components of
the gaming unit of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the electrical components of
the wireless communication device shown schematically in FIG.
1;
[0015] FIG. 4A is a perspective view an embodiment the wireless
communication device shown schematically in FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4B is a perspective view an alternative embodiment the
wireless communication device shown schematically in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a setup routine
that may be performed by the wireless communication device;
[0018] FIG. 5A is a flowchart of an embodiment of a locating
routine that may be performed by the gaming unit;
[0019] FIG. 5B is a flowchart of a response routine that may be
performed by the wireless communication device;
[0020] FIG. 5C is a flowchart of a silence routine that may be
performed by the wireless communication device;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a main routine
that may be performed during operation of one or more of the gaming
units;
[0022] FIG. 6A is a flowchart of an alternative embodiment of a
main routine that may be performed during operation of one or more
of the gaming units;
[0023] FIG. 6B is a flowchart of a communication session routine
that may be performed during operation of one or more of the gaming
units;
[0024] FIG. 6C is a flowchart of the game session routine 300 that
may be performed during operation of the wireless communication
device;
[0025] FIG. 6D is a flowchart of a control routine that may be
performed during operation of the wireless communication
device;
[0026] FIG. 6E is a flowchart of a control routine that may be
performed during operation of one or more of the gaming units;
[0027] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual
display that may be displayed during performance of the video poker
routine of FIG. 9;
[0028] FIG. 8 is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual
display that may be displayed during performance of the video
blackjack routine of FIG. 10;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a video poker
routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming
units;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a video blackjack
routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming
units;
[0031] FIG. 11 is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual
display that may be displayed during performance of the slots
routine of FIG. 13;
[0032] FIG. 12 is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual
display that may be displayed during performance of the video keno
routine of FIG. 14;
[0033] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a slots routine
that may be performed by one or more of the gaming units;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a video keno
routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming
units;
[0035] FIG. 15 is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual
display that may be displayed during performance of the video bingo
routine of FIG. 16; and
[0036] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a video bingo
routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming
units;
[0037] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a communication session
termination routine that may be performed during operation of one
or more of the gaming units; and
[0038] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an alternative communication
session termination routine that may be performed during operation
of one or more of the gaming units.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] Although the following text sets forth a detailed
description of numerous different embodiments of the invention, it
should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is
defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this
patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary
only and does not describe every possible embodiment of the
invention since describing every possible embodiment would be
impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments
could be implemented, using either current technology or technology
developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still
fall within the scope of the claims defining the invention.
[0040] It should also be understood that, unless a term is
expressly defined in this patent using the sentence "As used
herein, the term `______` is hereby defined to mean . . . " or a
similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that
term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or
ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be
limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this
patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that
any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is
referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single
meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse
the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term be limited,
by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally,
unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word "means" and
a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended
that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the
application of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112, sixth paragraph.
[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates one possible embodiment of a casino
gaming system 10 in accordance with the invention. Referring to
FIG. 1, the casino gaming system 10 may include a first group or
network 12 of casino gaming units 20 operatively coupled to a
network computer 22 via a network data link or bus 24. The casino
gaming system 10 may include a second group or network 26 of casino
gaming units 30 operatively coupled to a network computer 32 via a
network data link or bus 34. The first and second gaming networks
12, 26 may be operatively coupled to each other via a network 40,
which may comprise, for example, the Internet, a wide area network
(WAN), or a local area network (LAN) via a first network link 42
and a second network link 44. The casino gaming system 10 may
further include several wireless communication devices 46 capable
of bidirectional wireless communication with the gaming units 20,
30 or the network computers 22, 32. Although only one wireless
communication device 46 is shown, it should be understood that
multiple wireless communication devices 46 may be used, including a
wireless communication device 46 for each player in the casino.
[0042] The first network 12 of gaming units 20 may be provided in a
first casino, and the second network 26 of gaming units 30 may be
provided in a second casino located in a separate geographic
location than the first casino. For example, the two casinos may be
located in different areas of the same city, or they may be located
in different states. The network 40 may include a plurality of
network computers or server computers (not shown), each of which
may be operatively interconnected. Where the network 40 comprises
the Internet, data communication may take place over the
communication links 42, 44 via an Internet communication
protocol.
[0043] The network computer 22 may be a server computer and may be
used to accumulate and analyze data relating to the operation of
the gaming units 20. For example, the network computer 22 may
continuously receive data from each of the gaming units 20
indicative of the dollar amount and number of wagers being made on
each of the gaming units 20, data indicative of how much each of
the gaming units 20 is paying out in winnings, data regarding the
identity and gaming habits of players playing each of the gaming
units 20, etc. The network computer 32 may be a server computer and
may be used to perform the same or different functions in relation
to the gaming units 30 as the network computer 22 described
above.
[0044] Although each network 12, 26 is shown to include one network
computer 22, 32 and four gaming units 20, 30, it should be
understood that different numbers of computers and gaming units may
be utilized. For example, the network 12 may include a plurality of
network computers 22 and tens or hundreds of gaming units 20, all
of which may be interconnected via the data link 24. The data link
24 may be provided as a dedicated hardwired link or a wireless
link. Although the data link 24 is shown as a single data link 24,
the data link 24 may comprise multiple data links.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of
one or more of the gaming units 20. Although the following
description addresses the design of the gaming units 20, it should
be understood that the gaming units 30 may have the same design as
the gaming units 20 described below. It should be understood that
the design of one or more of the gaming units 20 may be different
than the design of other gaming units 20, and that the design of
one or more of the gaming units 30 may be different than the design
of other gaming units 30. Each gaming unit 20 may be any type of
casino gaming unit and may have various different structures and
methods of operation. For exemplary purposes, various designs of
the gaming units 20 are described below, but it should be
understood that numerous other designs may be utilized.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, the casino gaming unit 20 may include a
housing or cabinet 50 and one or more input devices, which may
include a coin slot or acceptor 52, a paper currency acceptor 54, a
ticket reader/printer 56, a card reader 58 and a wireless
transceiver (not shown) which may be used to input value to the
gaming unit 20. A value input device may include any device that
can accept value from a customer. As used herein, the term "value"
may encompass gaming tokens, coins, paper currency, ticket
vouchers, credit or debit cards, smart cards, and any other object
representative of value.
[0047] If provided on the gaming unit 20, the ticket reader/printer
56 may be used to read and/or print or otherwise encode ticket
vouchers 60. The ticket vouchers 60 may be composed of paper or
another printable or encodable material and may have one or more of
the following informational items printed or encoded thereon: the
casino name, the type of ticket voucher, a validation number, a bar
code with control and/or security data, the date and time of
issuance of the ticket voucher, redemption instructions and
restrictions, a description of an award, and any other information
that may be necessary or desirable. Different types of ticket
vouchers 60 could be used, such as bonus ticket vouchers,
cash-redemption ticket vouchers, casino chip ticket vouchers, extra
game play ticket vouchers, merchandise ticket vouchers, restaurant
ticket vouchers, show ticket vouchers, etc. The ticket vouchers 60
could be printed with an optically readable material such as ink,
or data on the ticket vouchers 60 could be magnetically encoded.
The ticket reader/printer 56 may be provided with the ability to
both read and print ticket vouchers 60, or it may be provided with
the ability to only read or only print or encode ticket vouchers
60. In the latter case, for example, some of the gaming units 20
may have ticket printers 56 that may be used to print ticket
vouchers 60, which could then be used by a player in other gaming
units 20 that have ticket readers 56.
[0048] If provided, the card reader 58 may include any type of card
reading device, such as a magnetic card reader or an optical card
reader, and may be used to read data from a card offered by a
player, such as a credit card or a player tracking card. If
provided for player tracking purposes, the card reader 58 may be
used to read data from, and/or write data to, player tracking cards
that are capable of storing data representing the identity of a
player, the identity of a casino, the player's gaming habits, etc.
In addition to, or as an alternative to, the card reader 58, a
wireless transceiver may be provided. The wireless transceiver may
include any type of communication device capable of wireless
bidirectional radio communication with a wireless communication
device, such as Bluetooth device or other wireless personal area
network (WPAN) device, a cellular device, wireless fidelity (WiFi)
or other wireless local area network (WLAN) device, etc. Although
the wireless bidirectional communication may include any wireless
technology, in one example short range radio links, such as a WPAN,
may be utilized to maintain wireless transmissions between the
gaming unit 20 and the wireless communication device, rather than
broadcast the wireless transmissions over a broader area (e.g.,
with multiple gaming units 20).
[0049] The gaming unit 20 may include one or more audio speakers
62, a coin payout tray 64, an input control panel 66, and a display
unit 70. Where the gaming unit 20 is designed to facilitate play of
a video casino game, such as video poker or video slots, the
display unit 70 may be a color video display unit that displays
images relating to the particular game or games. Where the gaming
unit 20 is designed to facilitate play of a reel-type slot machine,
the display unit 70 may comprise a plurality of mechanical reels
that are rotatable, with each of the reels having a plurality of
reel images disposed thereon. The audio speakers 62 may generate
audio representing sounds such as the noise of spinning slot
machine reels, a dealer's voice, music, announcements or any other
audio related to a casino game. The input control panel 66 may be
provided with a plurality of pushbuttons or touch-sensitive areas
that may be pressed by a player to select games, make wagers, make
gaming decisions, etc.
[0050] FIG. 2A illustrates one possible embodiment of the control
panel 66, which may be used where the gaming unit 20 is a slot
machine having a plurality of mechanical or "virtual" reels.
Referring to FIG. 2A, if the display unit 70 is provided in the
form of a video display unit, the control panel 66 may include a
"See Pays" button 72 that, when activated, causes the display unit
70 to generate one or more display screens showing the odds or
payout information for the game or games provided by the gaming
unit 20. As used herein, the term "button" is intended to encompass
any device that allows a player to make an input, such as an input
device that must be depressed to make an input selection or a
display area that a player may simply touch. The control panel 66
may include a "Cash Out" button 74 that may be activated when a
player decides to terminate play on the gaming unit 20, in which
case the gaming unit 20 may return value to the player, such as by
returning a number of coins to the player via the payout tray
64.
[0051] If the gaming unit 20 provides a slots game having a
plurality of reels and a plurality of paylines which define winning
combinations of reel symbols, the control panel 66 may be provided
with a plurality of selection buttons 76, each of which allows the
player to select a different number of paylines prior to spinning
the reels. For example, five buttons 76 may be provided, each of
which may allow a player to select one, three, five, seven or nine
paylines.
[0052] If the gaming unit 20 provides a slots game having a
plurality of reels, the control panel 66 may be provided with a
plurality of selection buttons 78 each of which allows a player to
specify a wager amount for each payline selected. For example, if
the smallest wager accepted by the gaming unit 20 is a quarter
($0.25), the gaming unit 20 may be provided with five selection
buttons 78, each of which may allow a player to select one, two,
three, four or five quarters to wager for each payline selected. In
that case, if a player were to activate the "5" button 76 (meaning
that five paylines were to be played on the next spin of the reels)
and then activate the "3" button 78 (meaning that three coins per
payline were to be wagered), the total wager would be $3.75
(assuming the minimum bet was $0.25).
[0053] The control panel 66 may include a "Max Bet" button 80 to
allow a player to make the maximum wager allowable for a game. In
the above example, where up to nine paylines were provided and up
to five quarters could be wagered for each payline selected, the
maximum wager would be 45 quarters, or $11.25. The control panel 66
may include a spin button 82 to allow the player to initiate
spinning of the reels of a slots game after a wager has been
made.
[0054] In FIG. 2A, a rectangle is shown around the buttons 72, 74,
76, 78, 80, 82. It should be understood that that rectangle simply
designates, for ease of reference, an area in which the buttons 72,
74, 76, 78, 80, 82 may be located. Consequently, the term "control
panel" should not be construed to imply that a panel or plate
separate from the housing 50 of the gaming unit 20 is required, and
the term "control panel" may encompass a plurality or grouping of
player activatable buttons.
[0055] Although one possible control panel 66 is described above,
it should be understood that different buttons could be utilized in
the control panel 66, and that the particular buttons used may
depend on the game or games that could be played on the gaming unit
20. If the display unit 70 is provided as a video display unit, the
control panel 66 could be generated by the display unit 70. In that
case, each of the buttons of the control panel 66 could be a
colored area generated by the display unit 70, and some type of
mechanism may be associated with the display unit 70 to detect when
each of the buttons was touched, such as a touch-sensitive
screen.
Gaming Unit Electronics
[0056] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a number of components that may
be incorporated in the gaming unit 20. Referring to FIG. 3, the
gaming unit 20 may include a controller 100 that may comprise a
program memory 102, a microcontroller or microprocessor (MP) 104, a
random-access memory (RAM) 106 and an input/output (I/O) circuit
108, all of which may be interconnected via an address/data bus
110. It should be appreciated that although only one microprocessor
104 is shown, the controller 100 may include multiple
microprocessors 104. Similarly, the memory of the controller 100
may include multiple RAMs 106 and multiple program memories 102.
Although the I/O circuit 108 is shown as a single block, it should
be appreciated that the I/O circuit 108 may include a number of
different types of I/O circuits. The RAM(s) 104 and program
memories 102 may be implemented as semiconductor memories,
magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readable memories,
for example.
[0057] Although the program memory 102 is shown in FIG. 3 as a
read-only memory (ROM) 102, the program memory of the controller
100 may be a read/write or alterable memory, such as a hard disk.
In the event a hard disk is used as a program memory, the
address/data bus 110 shown schematically in FIG. 3 may comprise
multiple address/data buses, which may be of different types, and
there may be an I/O circuit disposed between the address/data
buses.
[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates that the control panel 66, the coin
acceptor 52, the bill acceptor 54, the card reader 58 and the
ticket reader/printer 56 may be operatively coupled to the I/O
circuit 108, each of those components being so coupled by either a
unidirectional or bidirectional, single-line or multiple-line data
link, which may depend on the design of the component that is used.
The speaker(s) 62 may be operatively coupled to a sound circuit
112, that may comprise a voice- and sound-synthesis circuit or that
may comprise a driver circuit. The sound-generating circuit 112 may
be coupled to the I/O circuit 108. A wireless transceiver 114 may
also be coupled to the I/O circuit 108 for wireless communication,
such as those described above, with the wireless communication
device 46.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, the components 52, 54, 56, 58, 66, 112,
114 may be connected to the I/O circuit 108 via a respective direct
line or conductor. Different connection schemes could be used. For
example, one or more of the components shown in FIG. 3 may be
connected to the I/O circuit 108 via a common bus or other data
link that is shared by a number of components. Furthermore, some of
the components may be directly connected to the microprocessor 104
without passing through the I/O circuit 108.
Wireless Communicator Electronics
[0060] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a number of components that may
be incorporated in the wireless communication device 46. Referring
to FIG. 4, wireless communication device 46 may include a wireless
controller 120 that may comprise a program memory 121, a
microcontroller or microprocessor (MP) 122, a random access memory
(RAM) 123 and an input/output (I/O) circuit 124, all of which may
be interconnected via an address/data bus 125. It should be
appreciated that although only one microprocessor 122 is shown, the
wireless controller 120 may include multiple microprocessors 122.
Similarly, the memory of the wireless controller 120 may include
multiple RAMs 123 and multiple program memories 121. Although the
I/O circuit 124 is shown as a single block, it should be
appreciated that the I/O circuit 124 may include a number of
different types of I/O circuits. The RAMs 123 end program memories
121 may be implemented as semiconductor memories, magnetically
readable memories, and/or optically readable memories, for
example.
[0061] Although the program memory 121 is shown in FIG. 4 as a read
only memory (ROM) 121, the program memory of the wireless
controller 120 may be a read/write or alterable memory, such as a
hard disk. In the event a hard disk is used as a program memory,
the address/data bus 125 shown schematically in FIG. 4 may comprise
multiple address/data busses, which may be of different types, and
there may be an I/O circuit disposed between the address/data
busses.
[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates that the wireless communication device 46
may further include a microphone 126, a wireless transceiver 127
and a sound circuit 128, each of which may be operatively coupled
to the I/O circuit 124 by either a unidirectional or bidirectional,
single line or multiple line data link, which may depend on the
design of the component that is used. In addition, the wireless
communication device 46 may include a speaker 129 which may be
operatively coupled to the sound circuit 128, that may comprise a
voice- and sound-synthesis circuit or that may comprise a driver
circuit. The microphone 126 may be capable of receiving sounds,
including voice commands from the player, and converting those
sounds into data signals to be interpreted by the controller
120.
[0063] The wireless transceiver 127 may be capable of sending and
receiving data via a wireless communication with the gaming unit 20
via an antenna. The antenna may be a directional antenna having
limited power and range to direct the wireless communication
towards a particular receiver, such as the gaming unit 20, and
avoid interference and communications with other wireless
receivers, such as other gaming units 20. Alternatively, or in
addition, the antenna may be an omni-directional antenna having
greater power and range to communicate with multiple wireless
receivers, such as multiple gaming units 20, network computers 22,
kiosks, wireless nodes or other wireless access points. In one
example, the wireless communication device 46 may switch between a
high power, high range omni-directional mode of operation to a
limited power, limited range directional mode of operation, and
vice versa, which may depend on whether the wireless communication
device 46 is engaging in broadcast communications or engaging in a
communication session with a particular wireless access point, as
disclosed further below. The wireless transceiver 127 may be
capable of sending and receiving wireless data signals over a wide
spectrum of frequencies, including those frequencies utilized by
the wireless transceiver 114 of the gaming unit 20. The wireless
transceiver 127 of the wireless communication device 46 may further
be capable of communicating with additional wireless transceivers
positioned throughout a casino which may be found in various
devices including, but not limited to, network computers 22,
kiosks, wireless nodes or other wireless access points.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 4, the components 126, 127, 128 may be
connected to the I/O circuit 124 by a respective direct line or
conductor. Different connection schemes could be used. For example,
one or more of the component shown in FIG. 4 may be connected to
the I/O circuit 124 via a common bus or other data link that is
shared by a number of components. Furthermore, some of the
components may be directly connected to the microprocessor 122
without passing thorough the I/O circuit 124. One or more buttons
(not shown) may likewise be operatively coupled to the I/O circuit
124. The buttons may be used for various functions, including
turning the wireless communication device 46 on or off, initiating
a silence mode to no longer receive wireless communications, adjust
volume, etc. One or more light emitting displays (LEDs) (not shown)
or other visual indicators may also be operatively coupled to the
I/O circuit 124. The LEDs may be utilized to provides visual
indication of battery life, mode of operation (e.g., broadcast,
silence, etc.), assistance request, volume, power, etc.
[0065] FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of two possible
embodiments of one or more of the wireless communication devices
46. Although the following description addresses the design of the
wireless communication device 46, it should be understood that the
design of one or more of the wireless communication devices 46 may
be different than the design of other wireless communication
devices. Each wireless communication device 46 may be any type of
wireless communication device and may have various different
structures and methods of operation. For exemplary purposes,
various designs of the wireless communication devices 46 are
described below, but it should be understood that numerous other
designs may be utilized. For example, additional designs not shown
may include a lanyard device that may be worn around a player's
neck, such as a pendant on a rope or chain. Alternatively, the
wireless communication device 46 may be designed to be worn on the
player's wrist, or may be removeably affixed to the player's
clothing, such as a broach or lapel pin.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 4A, one example of the wireless
communication device 46A may include a microphone 126A and a
speaker 129A. The wireless communication device 46B may further
include a housing which may be used to house the wireless
controller 120, the wireless transceiver 127 and the sound circuit
128. The speaker 129A may be provided as an earpiece that may be
positioned over or within the player's ear. The wireless
communication device 46A may be provided with such weight and size
as to be easily worn by the player by positioning the wireless
communication device 46A on and/or partially within the player's
ear, such that the microphone 126A is positioned towards the
player's mouth to receive voice commands and the speaker 129A is
positioned over or in the player's ear to receive sounds.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 4B, a wireless communication device 46B
may include a microphone 126B and a speaker 129B. The wireless
communication device 46B may further include a housing which may be
used to house the wireless controller 120, the wireless transceiver
127 and the sound circuit 128. As in the example above, the speaker
129B may be positioned over or within the player's ear, with the
microphone 126B positioned towards the player's mouth to receive
voice commands. As shown in FIG. 4B, the wireless communication
device 46B may be designed so as to fit over the player's head,
which may be an alternative to fitting the wireless communication
device 46B over and/or partially within the player's ear as in FIG.
4B.
Overall Operation of Wireless Communications
[0068] One manner in which one or more of the gaming units 20 (and
one or more of the gaming units 30), may communicate with the
wireless communication device 46 is described below in connection
with a number of flowcharts which represent a number of portions or
routines of one or more computer programs, which may be stored in
one or more of the memories of the controller 100 or the wireless
controller 120. The computer program portions may be written in any
high level language such as C, C++, C#, Java or the like or any
lower level assembly or machine language. While storing the
computer program portions therein, various portions of the memories
102, 106, 121, 123 are physically and/or structurally configured in
accordance with computer program instructions.
[0069] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a setup routine 130 that may be
stored in the memory of the wireless controller 120 of the wireless
communication device 46. Referring to FIG. 5, the setup routine 130
may begin operation at block 131 during which a player
identification, player voice commands, and the player's voiceprint
may be downloaded to one or more of the memories of the wireless
controller 120. The player identification, the player voice
commands, and the player voiceprint may have been previously
entered by the player and stored in the network gaming computer 22,
or another central registration computer, during a player
registration process. Alternatively, the wireless controller 120
may be utilized to initially enter the player's identification,
voice commands, the player's voiceprint, etc., such that at block
131 such information is entered by the player using the wireless
communication device 46 rather than downloading the information.
Although a player's voiceprint is disclosed, additional forms of
biometric data may also be implemented including, but not limited
to, handprints, fingerprints, hand geometry, eye or retinal
recognition, facial recognition, olfactory recognition,
thermograms, keyboard/input metrics and dynamics (e.g., typing
patterns, speed, etc.) and signature validation, for example. Such
biometric data may be read using corresponding image scanners,
touchpad sensors, video cameras, odor detectors, heat sensors and
analysis software to isolate particular characteristics uniquely
associated with the player. The biometric data may be stored and
accessed in a variety of formats, including, but not limited to,
image scans, photographic data, odor analysis data, thermography
scans or pattern analysis data for comparison to biometric data
read as part of an authentication process. Any combination of these
forms of authentication may be used by authentication processes
initiated by the wireless communication device 46, the gaming unit
20 or another device requiring authentication.
[0070] In providing the information, the player may speak voice
commands into a microphone which are recorded and associated with
various functions to be performed by the gaming units 20, the
network computer 22, the wireless communication device 46, etc. For
example, the player may record a voice command to bet one credit
wherein the network computer 22 records the player saying "bet one
credit." In one example, the voice commands may relate to
particular gaming functions, some of which are represented by the
various buttons disclosed throughout this application, including,
but not limited to, "see pays," "cash out," "max bet," "spin,"
"deal," "draw," "stay," "hit," "selected ticket," "select number,"
"play," "selected card," etc. Additional voice commands that may be
recorded may relate to receiving financial information, placing
drink and food orders, terminating wireless communications, etc.
Each of the voice commands may cause the wireless communication
device 46, the gaming unit 20 and/or the network computer 22 to
execute a particular function in response to the voice command.
[0071] Voice recognition software may be utilized by the wireless
controller 120 to correlate each of these spoken voice commands
with the particular function. For example, the player may be
prompted to say "bet one credit" which is associated with entering
a wager of one credit with a gaming unit 20, or to say "see pays"
which is associated with a function such as displaying a payout
table on the display unit 70 of the gaming unit 20. The player may
be then prompted to record another voice command which is
associated with another function, examples of which are mentioned
above and below in connection with various routines that may be
performed by the gaming unit 20. The prompt may include a voice
prompt which may be generated by the wireless communication device
46 through the speaker 129 to prompt the player to speak the voice
commands into the microphone 126. By directly correlating
particular phrases with particular commands, the wireless
controller 120 may take into account speech behaviors, such as
accents, speech patterns, etc., that vary from person to person.
Further, speech that has been affected by additional circumstances,
such as illness, may also be taken into account.
[0072] On the other hand, the voice recognition software may be
pre-programmed to recognize particular words or phrases, without a
player correlating each command with a phrase, as disclosed above.
In some examples, voice recognition software may identify key
aspects of speech that are generally common among most players.
Although pre-programmed voice recognition software may take into
account variances in accents, speech patterns, or other speech
behaviors, the player may still be prompted to calibrate the voice
recognition software by speaking particular words or phrases. The
wireless controller 120 may respond by audibly repeating the
calibration word or phrase, and the player may indicate a correct
response or an incorrect response. The word or phrase may be
repeated several time, and a statistical average having acceptable
minima and maxima calculated to determine a range of recognition by
the voice recognition software. In one example, the player may type
in the correct word or phrase which the wireless controller 120 may
associate with the spoken word or phrase. The wireless controller
120 may thereby be trained to take into account each player's
speech behaviors, and may further correct for speech that has been
affected by other circumstances, such as illness.
[0073] As mentioned above, the player's voiceprint may be
downloaded to the wireless communication device 46. The player's
voiceprint may also be stored in a memory of the network computer
22. In one example, the player's voiceprint may be the player
identification and may be recorded as biometric data. The player's
voiceprint may be a simple recording of the player's voice or may
be the result of analysis of the player's speech patterns which are
uniquely associated with the player. Further, a statistical average
of a player's voice pattern with acceptable minima and maxima may
be performed to determine a range of recognition by the voice
recognition software. The speech patterns may generally exist in a
player's speech independent of variations in how the player speaks.
For example, a voice print may be the same for a player speaking in
a normal voice as it is for the same player whose speech is
affected by illness, although generally unique to that player as
compared to other players. In addition, the player's voiceprint may
also relate to the player's language. For example, a player may
specify during registration that the player's primary language is
Spanish. A wireless communication device 46 may be automatically
adjusted, such as by downloading an appropriate voice recognition
routine, to accommodate the player's language.
[0074] Once the player's identification, voice commands and
voiceprint have been downloaded (or entered) at block 131, the
player's preferences may be downloaded to the wireless
communication device 46 at block 132. Alternatively, a voice prompt
may be generated by the wireless communication device 46 through
the speaker 129 to prompt the player to speak his or her
preferences into the microphone 126. The player preferences may
relate to a variety of preferences, including, but not limited to,
games, game themes, wager amounts, drinks, food, etc. The player
preferences may be stored in one or more of the memories of the
wireless controller 120.
[0075] At block 133, the routine 130 may further establish access
rights related to player's access to cash, accounts, promotions,
etc., some or all of which may be based on the player
identification and the player preferences provided above. For
example, access rights may be granted to promotions directed
towards new players if the player's identification relates to a new
player account, whereas access to promotions directed to returning
players may be restricted from the new players. Promotions may
relate to free wagers, specials on drinks and food, bonus games and
the occurrence thereof, etc. In some cases, the player may have
established an account from which to electronically deposit or
withdraw money as needed. Therefore, at block 133, access rights
may be granted to this account based on the prior identification
and/or voiceprint. Access rights to particular services, gaming
units 20, game, etc. may also be granted on the basis of player
status, such as for returning or preferred customers. For example,
the wireless communication device 46 may include a "privileged"
mode of operation for a returning or preferred customer, whereby
the player may be granted access to services not otherwise
available to regular players, such as additional gaming
capabilities (e.g., sports betting), or access to concierge
services (e.g., tickets, restaurant reservations, etc.), for
example. Access rights to particular areas and locations, such as a
hotel room or private gaming areas, may also be granted whereby the
wireless communication device 46 may be utilized to provide a
player access to otherwise restricted areas and locations.
[0076] At block 134, the wireless communication device 46 may be
registered with an authentication server and undergo an encryption
key exchange with the authentication server. The encryption keys
may include public/private encryption key pairs for asymmetric
encryption of data transmitted to and from the wireless
communication device 46. At block 135, the routine 130 may encrypt
the data downloaded at blocks 131 and 132. Additionally, the
routine 130 may enable a write protection at block 136 to prevent
the stored information from being erased or altered unless
authorized to do so. At block 137 the routine 130 may verify if the
set up operation has been completed. If not, the routine 130 may
loop through various set up options to identify and correct those
set up options that have not been completed. Once set up is
complete, as determined at block 137, the set up routine may
terminate and pass control to another routine to allow the wireless
communication device 46 to search for and respond to wireless
transmissions being broadcast throughout the casino.
[0077] FIG. 5A is a flowchart of a locating routine 140 that may be
stored in the memory of a controller of an access point within the
casino. The casino may be provided with numerous access points
throughout the casino to locate and identify the player via the
wireless communication device 46. As used herein, an access point
may refer to any device having a wireless transceiver capable of
receiving and/or broadcasting wireless transmissions to or from the
wireless communication device 46. For example, wireless
transceivers may be positioned throughout the casino and
operatively coupled to the network computer 22. Alternatively, or
in addition, each of the gaming units 20 may operate as an access
point via the wireless transceiver 114. In the example described
with reference to FIG. 5A, the locating routine 140 will be
described as a routine stored in the memory of the controller 100
of a gaming unit 20, wherein the gaming unit 20 communicates with
the wireless communication device 46 as an access point using the
wireless transceiver 114. Although one access point may be capable
of locating and identifying the player via the wireless
communication device 46, multiple access points may be coordinated
to utilize the locating routine 140 to triangulate the position of
the player.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 5A, the locating routine 140 may begin
operation at block 141 during which a discovery message is
broadcast via the wireless transceiver 114. The discovery message
may be broadcast to any of the wireless communication devices 46
with the broadcast range of the wireless transceiver 114. The
broadcast message may prompt the wireless communication device 46
to respond. If such a response is detected at block 142, the
routine 140 may cause a connection message to be broadcast at block
143. Otherwise, the routine 140 may continue to periodically
broadcast a discovery message until the wireless transceiver 114
receives a response from the wireless communication device 46. At
block 144, the routine 140 may verify the connection with the
wireless communication device 46 by prompting the wireless
communication device 46 for a response to the connection message
broadcast at block 143. If no response is provided, the routine 140
may return to broadcasting the discovery message at block 141. If
the wireless communication device 46 responds, as determined at
block 144, a connection may be established between the wireless
transceiver 114 and the wireless communication device 46 at block
145.
[0079] Having established a connection, the routine 140 may cause
the gaming unit 20 to request the player identification from the
wireless communication device 46 at block 146. Player preferences
may also be requested at block 146. Once the player identification
and player preferences have been received, the player
identification and the location of the gaming unit 20, which may be
stored in a memory of the controller 100, may be transmitted to the
network computer 22. The network computer 22 may thereby be
notified that the player is within the vicinity of the access
point. The vicinity may refer to the broadcast range of the
wireless communication device 46. Additionally, the player
identification and the player preferences may be transmitted at
block 148 to additional gaming units 20 in the vicinity of the
player. This may enable the various gaming units 20 within the
vicinity of the player to establish communication with the wireless
communication device 46 and broadcast audio messages and display
images customized for the player according to the player
identification and preferences such as promotions, music,
attraction sequences, etc., some of which may be subject to the
access rights determined during the set up routine 130. Additional
devices other than gaming units 20 (e.g., television monitors,
kiosks, etc.) may likewise be modified to broadcast audio messages
and display images customized for the player. In addition, the
access point may use the player identification to allow the player
access to his/her hotel room or areas of the casino restricted to
particular players, order food or drinks, balance transfers, each
of which may be in response to a voice command from the player.
[0080] At block 149, the routine 140 may confirm whether or not the
player remains in the vicinity of the access point by broadcasting
a confirmation message at block 149 requesting the wireless
communication device 46 to verify its presence. The confirmation
message may be broadcast at block 149 continuously or at
predetermined intervals of time. If provided with a response, as
determined at block 150, the routine 140 may continue to
periodically confirm the presence of the wireless communication
device 46. If the wireless communication device 46 does not provide
a response, as determined at block 150, a message indicating that
the player has left the vicinity of the access point may be
transmitted to the network computer 22 and/or the gaming unit(s) 20
within the vicinity (e.g., those contacted at block 148). The
routine 140 may further cause the access point to poll additional
access points for the location of the player at block 152. The
access point may continue polling additional access points for the
location of the player until the player is located as determined at
block 153. Once located, the access point may transfer, or hand
off, data regarding the player (e.g., the player's previous
locations, games played, duration at a particular location,
movement patterns, etc.) to the new access point that has located
the player. By continually locating the player, the player's
movements may be tracked and areas around the player may
continually be tailored to the player as the player moves
throughout an establishment. The tracking of multiple players may
be used to provide traffic analysis within the establishment.
[0081] In addition to generally locating a player using the
locating routine 140, the locating routine 140 may be used for
emergency purposes. For example, during the setup routine 130 the
wireless communication device 46 may be programmed by the player
(e.g., as part of the player preferences or voice commands) to
transmit a distress call or request for assistance in the event of
an emergency. The wireless communication device 46 may also be
programmed according to specific emergencies, such as when the
player may have a medical condition, which may automatically alert
appropriate medical personnel when the distress call is initiated.
A default emergency response may alert security personnel. The
distress call may be triggered by a variety of events, including a
voice command such as "help," or activation of a button, for
example. Although the distress call may not be in response to a
broadcast message, any access point within the range of the
wireless communication device 46, or the last access point to have
located the wireless communication device 46, may automatically
transmit location information along with an emergency request
directly to the appropriate personnel or to a central computer,
such as the network computer 22, which may in turn contact the
appropriate personnel. Although the distress call may specify the
nature of the emergency (e.g., medical, security, etc.), the
central computer may determine the nature of the emergency based
upon the programming of the wireless communication device 46 during
the setup routine 130 and alert the appropriate personnel
accordingly with information regarding the emergency and the last
known location of the player.
[0082] While the location information provided by the access point
may relate to a generalize location indicating that the player is
within the vicinity of the access point, the responding personnel
may also be provided with a wireless communication device 46 to
specifically pinpoint the player's location. As the responding
personnel proceed to the last known location of the player, the
wireless communication device 46 of the player may detect the
presence of the wireless communication device 46 of the responding
personnel, and begin to initiate an operational mode to attract the
responding personnel to the player's specific location. The
attraction mode may include emission of a sound or light, or a
transmitted signal indicating proximity, for example. A proximity
or location signal may be based on global positioning or may
include a simple transmission transmitted to one or more access
points, including the wireless communication device 46 of the
responding personnel which may be used to triangulate the source of
the signal (e.g., by comparing time of transmission to time of
receipt). The wireless communication device 46 of the responding
personnel may thereby act as an access point and execute the
locating routine 140 to locate and communicate with the wireless
communication device 46 of the player. In another example, the
wireless communication device 46 of the player may act as an access
point and execute the locating routine 140 to locate and
communicate with the wireless communication device 46 of the
responding personnel.
[0083] FIG. 5B is a flowchart of a response routine 160 that may be
stored in the memory of the wireless controller 120 of the wireless
communication device 46 for communication with the access point
described above. Referring to FIG. 5B, the response routine 160 may
begin operation at block 161 during which the wireless
communication device 46 searches for any discovery messages being
broadcast by an access point. If the wireless communication device
detects a discovery message being broadcast, as determined at block
161, the wireless communication device 46 may transmit a response
to the access point at block 162 via the wireless transceiver 127.
The routine 160 may then search for a connection message being
broadcast by the access point at block 163. If the wireless
communication device 46 does not detect a connection message being
broadcast by the access point, the routine 160 may return to
searching for discovery messages being broadcast at block 161.
Otherwise, the routine 160 may cause the wireless communication
device 46 to transmit the player identification and player
preferences to the access points at block 164.
[0084] As mentioned above, the access point may transmit a
confirmation message to determine if the wireless communication
device 46 (and hence the player) is still in the vicinity. The
wireless communication device 46 may therefore periodically detect
whether or not a confirmation message has been transmitted from the
access point, such confirmation message being detected at block
165. If the wireless communication device 46 receives the
confirmation request, as determined at block 165, the wireless
communication device 46 may transmit a confirmation message to the
access point to verify that the player is still within the
vicinity. Otherwise, the routine 160 may pass control to block 161
to search for a new discovery message being broadcast.
[0085] FIG. 5C is a flowchart of a silence routine 170 that may be
stored in the memory of the wireless controller 120 of the wireless
communication device 46. As mentioned above, the gaming units 20,
or other devices with wireless transceivers, may broadcast various
audio messages to the player via the wireless communication device
46, including, but not limited to, promotional offers, music,
attraction sequences, etc. When player no longer wishes to receive
such broadcast messages, the player may initiate the silence
routine 170 described below.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 5C, the silence routine 170 may begin
operation at block 171 during which the wireless communication
device 46 may determine whether or the player has requested not to
receive any further broadcast messages. If the player has made such
a request, which may be expressed as a voice command or by
activating a switch (e.g., a button) on the wireless communication
device 46, the routine 170 may determine whether or not the player
is currently engaged in bidirectional communications, such as a
gaming session, with a gaming unit 20 at block 172. For example, a
gaming session generally does not include broadcast messages, but
rather direct communications between the gaming unit 20 and the
wireless communication device 46.
[0087] If the player is engaged in a bidirectional communication,
the routine 170 may deny the player's request to continue with the
silence routine 170 at block 173. The routine 170 may inform the
player of such denial at block 173 via an appropriate audio message
via the speaker 129. However, if the player is not engaged in a
bidirectional communication with a gaming unit 20, the silence
routine 170 may confirm that the player wishes to initiate the
silence mode at block 174 by playing an appropriate audio message
requesting confirmation via the speaker 129. The player may express
confirmation via a voice command or the switch (e.g., depressing
the button).
[0088] At block 175, the silence routine 170 may cause the wireless
communication device 46 to ignore all broadcasts or otherwise no
longer receive the various wireless communications, which may be
accomplished by disabling the wireless transceiver 127.
Alternatively, the wireless communication device 46 may continue to
receive wireless communications, but deactivate or otherwise
disable the sound circuit 128 and/or the speaker 129 such that
audio messages are no longer played through the speaker 129.
However, other broadcast messages may continue, including those
relating to the locating routine 140. Also at block 175, the
silence routine 170 may cause the wireless communication device 46
to engage in a power saving mode, which may include minimizing use
of components that are not used during the silence mode.
[0089] Periodically, the silence routine 170 may determine whether
or not the player wishes to resume receiving wireless
communications at block 176, such wish being expressed via a voice
command or activating the above-mentioned switch. The wireless
communication device 46 may continue to ignore all broadcasts until
the player signifies otherwise as determined at block 176. The
silence routine 170 may confirm that the player wishes to resume
receiving broadcasts at block 177 by requesting confirmation via
the speaker 129, wherein the player may confirm resumption by voice
command or activating the switch (e.g., depressing the button).
Having confirmed the resumption of broadcast, the silence routine
170 may reactivate, or otherwise enable the wireless transceiver
127, the sound circuit 128 and/or the speaker 129.
[0090] While the above has described various methods and uses of
the wireless communication device 46 by a player in gaming
operations, it should be understood that additional persons, such
as casino personnel, maintenance personnel or supervisory
personnel, may use the wireless communication device 46 to obtain
authorized access to the gaming unit 20. For example, as disclosed
above, security personnel, medical personnel or other emergency
personnel may use the wireless communication device 46 to locate a
player requiring emergency services. The emergency personnel may
further use the wireless communication device 46 to administer aid
to the player by requesting supplies, services, additional
personnel, etc. using the wireless communication device 46.
[0091] In another example, authorized personnel (e.g., casino
personnel, maintenance personnel, supervisory personnel, auditors,
etc.) may utilize the wireless communication device 46 to access
maintenance and service functions of a gaming unit 20, which are
not otherwise available to a player. During the setup routine 130,
the personnel identification, voiceprint and voice commands may be
downloaded to the memory of the wireless controller 120 at block
131. Although the personnel may provide this information to the
wireless controller 120 directly, this information may be provided
from the network gaming computer 22 or other secure centralized
personnel server for security purposes. As above, the voiceprint
may be used for identification purposes. If desired, the
personnel's preferences may be provided to the wireless
communication device 46 at block 132.
[0092] At block 133, the routine 130 may establish the personnel's
access rights based on the personnel's status (e.g., identification
and/or work order), including, but not limited to, access to the
maintenance and service functions of one or more of the gaming
units 20. For instance, the personnel may be restricted only to
particular gaming units 20 and/or particular functions based on the
personnel's status (e.g., security clearance, a work order, etc.),
and may be restricted from other services, including, but not
limited to, access rights normally granted to a player. The
wireless communication device 46 may then be registered with an
authentication server, which may be the network computer 22 or a
centralized personnel server, and undergo an exchange of encryption
keys. Write protection may also be enabled at block 136 to prevent
unauthorized access.
[0093] The personnel may then proceed to the appropriate gaming
unit(s) 20, establish a communication session with a gaming unit 20
as disclosed above and further below. The personnel may thereby
access the functions and services of the gaming unit 20 using a
unique identification, such as a voice print. Additional commands
may be provided by the personnel to the gaming unit 20 via voice
command. Access to the gaming unit 20 and actions taken during such
access may be recorded and/or transmitted by the wireless
communication device 46, along with a timestamp of each occurrence,
to track all authorized and unauthorized access and actions taken
with respect to the gaming unit 20.
Overall Operation of Gaming Unit
[0094] One manner in which one or more of the gaming units 20 (and
one or more of the gaming units 30) may operate is described below
in connection with a number of flowcharts which represent a number
of portions or routines of one or more computer programs, which may
be stored in one or more of the memories of the controller 100. The
computer program(s) or portions thereof may be stored remotely,
outside of the gaming unit 20, and may control the operation of the
gaming unit 20 from a remote location. Such remote control may be
facilitated with the use of a wireless connection, or by an
Internet interface that connects the gaming unit 20 with a remote
computer (such as one of the network computers 22, 32) having a
memory in which the computer program portions are stored. The
computer program portions may be written in any high level language
such as C, C++, C#, Java or the like or any low-level assembly or
machine language. By storing the computer program portions therein,
various portions of the memories 102, 106 are physically and/or
structurally configured in accordance with computer program
instructions.
[0095] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a main operating routine 200 that
may be stored in the memory of the controller 100. Referring to
FIG. 6, the main routine 200 may begin operation at block 202
during which an attraction sequence may be performed in an attempt
to induce a potential player in a casino to play the gaming unit
20. The attraction sequence may be performed by displaying one or
more video images on the display unit 70 (if provided as a video
display unit) and/or causing one or more sound segments, such as
voice or music, to be generated via the speakers 62 or broadcast
via the wireless transceiver 114. The attraction sequence may
include a scrolling list of games that may be played on the gaming
unit 20 and/or video images of various games being played, such as
video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video keno, video bingo,
etc.
[0096] During performance of the attraction sequence, if a
potential player makes any input to the gaming unit 20 as
determined at block 204, the attraction sequence may be terminated
and a game-selection display may be generated on the display unit
70 (if provided as a video display unit) at block 206 to allow the
player to select a game available on the gaming unit 20. The gaming
unit 20 may detect an input at block 204 in various ways. For
example, the gaming unit 20 could detect if the player presses any
button on the gaming unit 20; the gaming unit 20 could determine if
the player deposited one or more coins into the gaming unit 20; the
gaming unit 20 could determine if player deposited paper currency
into the gaming unit; the gaming unit 20 could receive a message,
such as a voice command or discovery confirmation message, from the
wireless communication device 46, etc.
[0097] The game-selection display generated at block 206 may
include, for example, a list of video games that may be played on
the gaming unit 20 and/or a visual message to prompt the player to
deposit value into the gaming unit 20. While the game-selection
display is generated, the gaming unit 20 may wait for the player to
make a game selection. Upon selection of one of the games by the
player as determined at block 208, the controller 100 may cause one
of a number of game routines to be performed to allow the selected
game to be played. For example, the game routines could include a
video poker routine 210, a video blackjack routine 220, a slots
routine 230, a video keno routine 240, and a video bingo routine
250. At block 208, if no game selection is made within a given
period of time, the operation may branch back to block 202.
[0098] After one of the routines 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 has been
performed to allow the player to play one of the games, block 260
may be utilized to determine whether the player wishes to terminate
play on the gaming unit 20 or to select another game. If the player
wishes to stop playing the gaming unit 20, which wish may be
expressed, for example, by selecting a "Cash Out" button, the
controller 100 may dispense value to the player at block 262 based
on the outcome of the game(s) played by the player. The operation
may then return to block 202. If the player did not wish to quit as
determined at block 260, the routine may return to block 208 where
the game-selection display may again be generated to allow the
player to select another game.
[0099] It should be noted that although five gaming routines are
shown in FIG. 6, a different number of routines could be included
to allow play of a different number of games. The gaming unit 20
may also be programmed to allow play of different games.
[0100] FIG. 6A is a flowchart of an alternative main operating
routine 270 that may be stored in the memory of the controller 100.
The main routine 270 may be utilized for gaming units 20 that are
designed to allow play of only a single game or single type of
game. Referring to FIG. 6A, the main routine 270 may begin
operation at block 271 during which an attraction sequence may be
performed in an attempt to induce a potential player in a casino to
play the gaming unit 20. The attraction sequence may be performed
by displaying one or more video images on the display unit 70 (if
provided as a video display unit) and/or causing one or more sound
segments, such as voice or music, to be generated via the speakers
62.
[0101] During performance of the attraction sequence, if a
potential player makes any input to the gaming unit 20 as
determined at block 272, the attraction sequence may be terminated
and a game display may be generated on the display unit 70 (if
provided as a video display unit) at block 273. The game display
generated at block 273 may include, for example, an image of the
casino game that may be played on the gaming unit 20 and/or a
visual message to prompt the player to deposit value into the
gaming unit 20. At block 274, the gaming unit 20 may determine if
the player requested information concerning the game, in which case
the requested information may be displayed at block 275. Block 276
may be used to determine if the player requested initiation of a
game, in which case a game routine 277 may be performed. The game
routine 277 could be any one of the game routines disclosed herein,
such as one of the five game routines 210,220, 230, 240, 250, or
another game routine.
[0102] After the routine 277 has been performed to allow the player
to play the game, block 278 may be utilized to determine whether
the player wishes to terminate play on the gaming unit 20. If the
player wishes to stop playing the gaming unit 20, which wish may be
expressed, for example, by selecting a "Cash Out" button, the
controller 100 may dispense value to the player at block 279 based
on the outcome of the game(s) played by the player. The operation
may then return to block 271. If the player did not wish to quit as
determined at block 278, the operation may return to block 274.
[0103] FIG. 6B is a flowchart of a communication session routine
280 that may be stored in the memory of the controller 100 of the
gaming unit 20. The communication session routine 280 may be
utilized by the gaming unit 20 to initiate a gaming session between
the player and the gaming unit 20 by initiating a bidirectional
communication between the wireless transceiver 114 of the gaming
unit 20 and wireless transceiver 127 of the wireless communication
device 46. Although described as a separate routine, it should be
understood that the session routine 280 may be incorporated into
either of the main routines 200, 270 shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A. In
particular, the communication session routine 280 may be
implemented as part of the attraction sequence at blocks 202, 271
and/or detection of the player input at blocks 204, 272. In another
example, the communication session routine 280 may be initiated
when a gaming unit 20 is informed that a player is within the
vicinity of the gaming unit 20, as determined by the locating
routine 140.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 6B, the communication session routine 280
may begin operation at block 281 during which the gaming unit 20
may broadcast a discovery message via the wireless transceiver 114.
The discovery message may request that all wireless communication
devices 46 within the vicinity of the gaming unit 20 respond to the
discovery message. The vicinity of the gaming unit 20 may be
determined by the broadcast range of the wireless transceiver 114.
If the gaming unit 20 receives a response from a wireless
communication device 46 via the wireless transceiver 114, as
determined at block 282, the gaming unit 20 may broadcast a
connection message to the wireless communication device 46 to
establish a connection and bidirectional communication session. If
the gaming unit 20 receives a response from the wireless
communication device 46, as determined at block 284, the connection
may be confirmed at block 285.
[0105] Once a connection has been established, at block 286 the
routine 280 may request the wireless communication device 46 to
provide validation, such as a validation number unique to the
wireless communication device 46, a certificate of authenticity,
etc., to determine whether or not the wireless communication device
46 is authorized to communicate with the gaming unit 20. If the
wireless communication device 46 is not valid as determined at
block 287, the routine 280 may cause the gaming unit 20 to transmit
a help request to appropriate personnel at 288 and generate a
display on the display unit 70 of the gaming unit 20 requesting the
player to remain in the vicinity of the gaming unit 20 of block
289.
[0106] If, however, the wireless communication device 46 is valid,
the routine 280 may determine whether the player has requested a
new gaming session at block 290. A new gaming session may be
determined by an appropriate gaming instruction received from the
wireless communication device 46. In one example, the gaming unit
20 may prompt the player to initiate a new gaming session by
generating a display on the display unit 70 and/or generating a
sound via the speaker 129 of the wireless communication device 46.
If the gaming unit 20 does not receive any input for a new gaming
session, or if the player affirmatively rejects a new gaming
session, the routine 280 may initiate a termination routine,
examples of which are disclosed further below.
[0107] If, however, a new gaming session is requested, the routine
280 may cause the gaming unit 20 to request login information from
the wireless communication device 46 at block 291. The login
information may relate to the player's identification, the player
preferences, a spoken password, voiceprint analysis, or any other
form of authentication to confirm that the identity of the player
corresponds to the identification information stored within the
memory of the wireless controller 120. Once provided to the gaming
unit 20, the player may be effectively "logged in" to the gaming
unit 20 and authenticated at block 292. Although the player's
identity may be verified by the wireless controller 120 as
disclosed below, the player's identity may also be verified by the
controller 100 of the gaming unit 20. For example, the login
information may include a voice command, spoken password, spoken
identity, etc., which may be transmitted from the wireless
controller 120. The controller 100 may retrieve a recorded
voiceprint (e.g., from the network computer 22) and compare/analyze
the voiceprint of the login information to the recorded voiceprint
or the analysis thereof. The gaming unit 20 may notify the wireless
controller 120 of the comparison results.
[0108] An additional or alternative form of authentication may
include a temporal and/or location authentication. In some cases,
it may be possible for a player's wireless communication device 46
to be stolen and/or for a player's voice commands to be recorded.
The routine 280 may therefore cause the gaming unit 20 to prompt
the player to repeat a word or phrase displayed on the display unit
70 and/or repeat a word or phrase communicated to the wireless
communication device 46 as an audible message. The word or phrase
may vary periodically, and the player-spoken word/phrase may be
compared to the prompt. If they are the same, the player may be
considered to be at the gaming unit 20 as opposed to a pre-recorded
message. In addition, the routine 280 may compare the voiceprint of
the player-spoken word or phrase to previously a recorded/analyzed
voiceprint to further verify authenticity. A further form of
authentication may include verifying that the player is located at
the gaming unit 20. Although this may be accomplished via the
prompt disclosed above, the locating routine 140, which may be
performed by the gaming unit 20, may be used to determine that the
wireless communication device 46, and by assumption the player, is
located near the gaming unit 20. The connection confirmation at
block 285 may also be used to confirm that the wireless
communication device 46, and by assumption the player, is located
within the broadcast range of the gaming unit 20.
[0109] If authenticated, the gaming unit 20 may be adjusted
according to the player preferences (e.g., displaying preferred
games, preferred game themes, etc.) at block 293. The controller
100 may then continue operating by initiating a game routine, which
may be any of the game routines 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 disclosed
herein, or the controller 100 may continue with a main operating
routine 200, 270, which may be the case if the routine 280 is
provided as part of an attraction sequence.
[0110] FIG. 6C is a flowchart of a communication session routine
300 that may be stored in the memory of the wireless controller 120
of the wireless communication device 46. The communication session
routine 300 may be utilized by the wireless communication device 46
to initiate a gaming session between the player and the gaming unit
20 by initiating a bidirectional communication between the wireless
transceiver 114 of the gaming unit 20 and wireless transceiver 127
of the wireless communication device 46. Referring to FIG. 6C, the
communication session routine 300 may begin operation at block 301
during which the wireless communication device 46 may continually
determine whether or not a discovery message is being broadcast by
a gaming unit 20. If so, the wireless communication device 46 may
respond to the discovery message by providing a confirmation
message to the gaming unit 20 at block 302. The routine 300 may
then detect a connection request message as broadcast by the gaming
unit 20 at block 303. If the connection message is not detected,
the wireless communication device 46 may continue searching for
discovery message being broadcast by other gaming units 20. If the
connection message is detected, as determined at block 303, the
wireless communication device 46 may provide a confirmation that
the connection has been established at block 304.
[0111] Having established a bidirectional communication with the
gaming unit 20, the wireless communication device 46 may wait for a
request for validation information at block 305. If provided, the
wireless communication device 46 may transmit an identification
unique to the wireless communication device 46 at block 306. If the
device identification is accepted by gaming unit 20, as determined
at block 307 via a message from the gaming unit 20, the routine 300
may determine whether the player has requested a new gaming session
at block 308. A new gaming session may be determined by an
appropriate voice command received from the player or based on an
input by the player to the gaming unit 20. In one example, the
wireless communication device may prompt the player to initiate a
new gaming session by generating a sound via the speaker 129 and/or
by instructing the gaming unit 20 to generate a display on the
display unit 70. If the gaming unit 20 does not receive any input
for a new gaming session, or if the player affirmatively rejects a
new gaming session, the routine 300 may return control to block
301.
[0112] If a new gaming session is initiated by the player, as
determined at block 308 the wireless communication device 46 may
transmit the player identification and player preferences at block
309 for authentication and adjustment of the gaming unit 20
according to the player preferences. The wireless communication
device 46 may then continue communicating with the gaming unit 20
during operation of a game routine, which may be any of the game
routines 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 disclosed herein, or the wireless
communication device 46 may continue communicating with the gaming
unit 20 during operation of a main operating routine 200, 270.
[0113] FIG. 6D is a flowchart of a control routine 310 that may be
stored in the memory of the wireless controller 120 of the wireless
communication device 46. The control routine 310 may provide the
player with a voice activated interface and control over the gaming
unit 20. Referring to FIG. 6D, the control routine 310 may begin
operation at block 311 during which the player may provide a voice
command to the wireless the communication device 46 via the
microphone 126. The voice command may be provided as individual
commands, such as "select 2 lines," "5 credits per line," "$1
wager," whereby the wireless communication device 46 may separately
transmit gaming function data to the gaming unit 20 for each
command, and the gaming unit 20 may separately perform a gaming
function in response to each command. In another example, a voice
command may include a string of functions to be executed, such as
"select 2 lines, 5 credits per line, $1 wager," whereby the
wireless communication device 46 may collectively transmit gaming
function data that includes each function, and the gaming unit 20
may execute multiple gaming functions in response to each item
listed in the voice command. Each voice command may be punctuated
by a word or phrase such as "execute" to cause the gaming unit 20
to execute the gaming function.
[0114] Using a voice recognition routine, the wireless
communication device 46 may interpret and translate the voice
command into data relating to a gaming function at block 312. In
one example, the gaming function may relate to a gaming
instruction, such as a wager amount, a pay line selection, a number
selection, a card selection, deal, draw, hit, stay, etc. However,
it should also be understood that the voice command may relate to
additional functions such as viewing or transferring financial
information, ordering food or drink, etc. Because some gaming
environments may have a large amount of background noise, the voice
recognition software may take background noise into account to
isolate a voice command. In one example, the voice recognition
software may be calibrated to determine the level and nature of the
background noise, and cancel such noise when awaiting or receiving
a voice command. The calibration may be performed periodically to
account for variations in background noise. The control routine 310
may further record the voice command within a memory of the
wireless controller 120 to provide an audit trail of the player's
gaming selections, wagers, etc. The audit trail may be associated
with the player and/or the player's gaming sessions.
[0115] The control routine 300 may verify the authenticity of the
player's identity at block 313 by comparing voiceprint of the voice
command to recorded voiceprints stored in the memory of the
wireless controller 120. As such, each voice command may result in
an authentication process to verify the player as the source of the
command. If the player's identification is authentic as determined
at block 314, the wireless communication device 46 may encrypt the
data relating to the gaming function associated with the voice
commend at block 315. If the player's identification is not
authenticated as determined at block 314, the bidirectional
communication with the gaming 20 may be terminated. The encrypted
data may be transmitted at block 316 to the gaming unit 20.
Alternatively, or in addition, the controller 100 of the gaming
unit 20 may authenticate the player's identity, as disclosed above,
and the wireless controller 120 may be provided with the results of
the authentication.
[0116] After transmitting the gaming function data to the gaming
unit 20 at block 316, or if the player has not provided a voice
command as determined at block 311, the wireless communication
device 46 may determine whether or not gaming data has been
received from the gaming unit 20 at block 317. If not, the wireless
communication device 46 may continue to wait for a voice command
from the player. If gaming data is received from gaming unit 20,
such gaming data may be received at block 318 and decrypted, if
necessary, at block 319. The gaming data from the gaming unit 20
may relate to any data which may be provided to the wireless
communication device 46, including, but not limited to, financial
information (e.g., account balance, winnings, balance transfers),
confirmation of gaming instruction, updates on drink or food
orders, promotions, updates on dinner or show reservations, etc.
Having received and decrypted the gaming data, the wireless
communication device 46 may execute a function based on the gaming
data at block 320. In some cases, the function may include
translating the gaming data into audio played to the player via the
speaker 129. In other cases, the gaming data may result in the
execution of functions such as transferring funds, updating
information (e.g., player preferences, account balance, etc.)
stored on the memory of the wireless controller 120, etc.
[0117] FIG. 6E is a flowchart of a control routine 330 that may be
stored in the memory of the controller 100 of the gaming unit 20.
Referring to FIG. 6E, the control routine 330 may begin operation
at block 331 during which the gaming unit 20 may determine whether
or not gaming function data has been received from the wireless
communication device 46 via the wireless transceiver 114. As
mentioned above, the gaming function data may relate to various
types of information to cause the gaming unit 20 to execute a
function in response thereto, including, but not limited to, gaming
instructions, financial instructions, food or drink orders, etc. If
gaming function data is detected at block 331, the gaming function
data may be received at block 332 and decrypted at block 333. In
addition to decrypting the gaming function data, the gaming unit 20
may verify the authenticity of the player's identity, including,
but not limited to, verifying the player's voiceprint if the gaming
function data comprises a voice command. The gaming unit 20 may
then interpret the gaming function data and execute a function in
response thereto at block 334. The function may relate to a game
being played (e.g., a wager amount, game selection, cash out
option, etc.). However, the function may further relate to
additional information such as the choice of a game theme, drink
order, food order, a financial transaction, a maintenance function
request, etc. The gaming unit 20 may further store the gaming
function data as part of an audit trail relating to the player
and/or the gaming session. If the gaming function data is provided
as a voice command, the gaming unit 20 may record and store the
voice command, or the voice command (and associated gaming function
data) may be provided to a centralized storage system or server
such as the network computer 22 and stored as audit trail data.
[0118] In response to executing the gaming function at block 334,
or if no gaming function data is received as determined at block
331, the gaming unit 20 may determine whether any gaming data is to
be transmitted to the wireless communication device 46 at block
335. If not, the routine 330 may continue to wait for gaming
function data from the wireless communication device 46. However,
if the gaming unit 20 has gaming data to provide to the wireless
communication device 46, the gaming unit 20 may encrypt the gaming
data at block 336 and transmit the gaming data at 337. As mentioned
above, the gaming data may relate to confirmation of a player
instruction, an advertisement, music, information related to the
outcome of the execution of the gaming function at block 334,
etc.
Video Poker
[0119] Where the gaming unit 20 is designed to facilitate play of a
video poker game, the display unit 70 may comprise a video display
unit. FIG. 7 is an exemplary display 350 that may be shown on the
display unit 70 during performance of the video poker routine 210
shown schematically in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 7, the display 350
may include video images 352 of a plurality of playing cards
representing the player's hand, such as five cards. To allow the
player to control the play of the video poker game, a plurality of
player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may include
a "Hold" button 354 disposed directly below each of the playing
card images 352, a "Cash Out" button 356, a "See Pays" button 358,
a "Bet One Credit" button 360, a "Bet Max Credits" button 362, and
a "Deal/Draw" button 364. The display 350 may also include an area
366 in which the number of remaining credits or value is displayed.
If the display unit 70 is provided with a touch-sensitive screen,
the buttons 354, 356, 358, 360, 362, 364 may form part of the video
display 350. Alternatively, one or more of those buttons may be
provided as part of a control panel that is provided separately
from the display unit 70.
[0120] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the video poker routine 210 shown
schematically in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 9, at block 370, the
routine may determine whether the player has requested payout
information, such as by activating the "See Pays" button 358, in
which case at block 372 the routine may cause one or more pay
tables to be displayed on the display unit 70. At block 374, the
routine may determine whether the player has made a bet, such as by
pressing the "Bet One Credit" button 360, in which case at block
376 bet data corresponding to the bet made by the player may be
stored in the memory of the controller 100. At block 378, the
routine may determine whether the player has pressed the "Bet Max
Credits" button 362, in which case at block 380 bet data
corresponding to the maximum allowable bet may be stored in the
memory of the controller 100.
[0121] At block 382, the routine may determine if the player
desires a new hand to be dealt, which may be determined by
detecting if the "Deal/Draw" button 364 was activated after a wager
was made. In that case, at block 384 a video poker hand may be
"dealt" by causing the display unit 70 to generate the playing card
images 352. After the hand is dealt, at block 386 the routine may
determine if any of the "Hold" buttons 354 have been activated by
the player, in which case data regarding which of the playing card
images 352 are to be "held" may be stored in the controller 100 at
block 388. If the "Deal/Draw" button 364 is activated again as
determined at block 390, each of the playing card images 352 that
was not "held" may be caused to disappear from the video display
350 and to be replaced by a new, randomly selected, playing card
image 352 at block 392.
[0122] At block 394, the routine may determine whether the poker
hand represented by the playing card images 352 currently displayed
is a winner. That determination may be made by comparing data
representing the currently displayed poker hand with data
representing all possible winning hands, which may be stored in the
memory of the controller 100. If there is a winning hand, a payout
value corresponding to the winning hand may be determined at block
396. At block 398, the player's cumulative value or number of
credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player
and adding, if the hand was a winner, the payout value determined
at block 396. The cumulative value or number of credits may also be
displayed in the display area 366 (FIG. 7).
[0123] Although the video poker routine 210 is described above in
connection with a single poker hand of five cards, the routine 210
may be modified to allow other versions of poker to be played. For
example, seven card poker may be played, or stud poker may be
played. Alternatively, multiple poker hands may be simultaneously
played. In that case, the game may begin by dealing a single poker
hand, and the player may be allowed to hold certain cards. After
deciding which cards to hold, the held cards may be duplicated in a
plurality of different poker hands, with the remaining cards for
each of those poker hands being randomly determined.
Video Blackjack
[0124] Where the gaming unit 20 is designed to facilitate play of a
video blackjack game, the display unit 70 may comprise a video
display unit. FIG. 8 is an exemplary display 400 that may be shown
on the display unit 70 during performance of the video blackjack
routine 220 shown schematically in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 8, the
display 400 may include video images 402 of a pair of playing cards
representing a dealer's hand, with one of the cards shown face up
and the other card being shown face down, and video images 404 of a
pair of playing cards representing a player's hand, with both the
cards shown face up. The "dealer" may be the gaming unit 20.
[0125] To allow the player to control the play of the video
blackjack game, a plurality of player-selectable buttons may be
displayed. The buttons may include a "Cash Out" button 406, a "See
Pays" button 408, a "Stay" button 410, a "Hit" button 412, a "Bet
One Credit" button 414, and a "Bet Max Credits" button 416. The
display 400 may also include an area 418 in which the number of
remaining credits or value is displayed. If the display unit 70 is
provided with a touch-sensitive screen, the buttons 406, 408, 410,
412, 414, 416 may form part of the video display 400.
Alternatively, one or more of those buttons may be provided as part
of a control panel that is provided separately from the display
unit 70.
[0126] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the video blackjack routine 220
shown schematically in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 10, the video
blackjack routine 220 may begin at block 420 where it may determine
whether a bet has been made by the player. That may be determined,
for example, by detecting the activation of either the "Bet One
Credit" button 414 or the "Bet Max Credits" button 416. At block
422, bet data corresponding to the bet made at block 420 may be
stored in the memory of the controller 100. At block 424, a
dealer's hand and a player's hand may be "dealt" by making the
playing card images 402, 404 appear on the display unit 70.
[0127] At block 426, the player may be allowed to be "hit," in
which case at block 428 another card will be dealt to the player's
hand by making another playing card image 404 appear in the display
400. If the player is hit, block 430 may determine if the player
has "bust," or exceeded 21. If the player has not bust, blocks 426
and 428 may be performed again to allow the player to be hit
again.
[0128] If the player decides not to hit, at block 432 the routine
may determine whether the dealer should be hit. Whether the dealer
hits may be determined in accordance with predetermined rules, such
as the dealer always hit if the dealer's hand totals 15 or less. If
the dealer hits, at block 434 the dealer's hand may be dealt
another card by making another playing card image 402 appear in the
display 400. At block 436 the routine may determine whether the
dealer has bust. If the dealer has not bust, blocks 432, 434 may be
performed again to allow the dealer to be hit again.
[0129] If the dealer does not hit, at block 436 the outcome of the
blackjack game and a corresponding payout may be determined based
on, for example, whether the player or the dealer has the higher
hand that does not exceed 21. If the player has a winning hand, a
payout value corresponding to the winning hand may be determined at
block 440. At block 442, the player's cumulative value or number of
credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player
and adding, if the player won, the payout value determined at block
440. The cumulative value or number of credits may also be
displayed in the display area 418 (FIG. 8).
Slots
[0130] Where the gaming unit 20 is designed to facilitate play of a
video slots game, the display unit 70 may comprise a video display
unit. FIG. 11 is an exemplary display 450 that may be shown on the
display unit 70 during performance of the slots routine 230 shown
schematically in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 11, the display 450 may
include video images 452 of a plurality of slot machine reels, each
of the reels having a plurality of reel symbols 454 associated
therewith. Although the display 450 shows five reel images 452,
each of which may have three reel symbols 454 that are visible at a
time, other reel configurations could be utilized.
[0131] To allow the player to control the play of the slots game, a
plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The
buttons may include a "Cash Out" button 456, a "See Pays" button
458, a plurality of payline-selection buttons 460 each of which
allows the player to select a different number of paylines prior to
"spinning" the reels, a plurality of bet-selection buttons 462 each
of which allows a player to specify a wager amount for each payline
selected, a "Spin" button 464, and a "Max Bet" button 466 to allow
a player to make the maximum wager allowable.
[0132] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the slots routine 230 shown
schematically in FIG. 11. Referring to FIG. 13, at block 470, the
routine may determine whether the player has requested payout
information, such as by activating the "See Pays" button 458, in
which case at block 472 the routine may cause one or more pay
tables to be displayed on the display unit 70. At block 474, the
routine may determine whether the player has pressed one of the
payline-selection buttons 460, in which case at block 476 data
corresponding to the number of paylines selected by the player may
be stored in the memory of the controller 100. At block 478, the
routine may determine whether the player has pressed one of the
bet-selection buttons 462, in which case at block 480 data
corresponding to the amount bet per payline may be stored in the
memory of the controller 100. At block 482, the routine may
determine whether the player has pressed the "Max Bet" button 466,
in which case at block 484 bet data (which may include both payline
data and bet-per-payline data) corresponding to the maximum
allowable bet may be stored in the memory of the controller
100.
[0133] If the "Spin" button 464 has been activated by the player as
determined at block 486, at block 488 the routine may cause the
slot machine reel images 452 to begin "spinning" so as to simulate
the appearance of a plurality of spinning mechanical slot machine
reels. At block 490, the routine may determine the positions at
which the slot machine reel images will stop, or the particular
symbol images 454 that will be displayed when the reel images 452
stop spinning. At block 492, the routine may stop the reel images
452 from spinning by displaying stationary reel images 452 and
images of three symbols 454 for each stopped reel image 452. The
virtual reels may be stopped from left to right, from the
perspective of the player, or in any other manner or sequence.
[0134] The routine may provide for the possibility of a bonus game
or round if certain conditions are met, such as the display in the
stopped reel images 452 of a particular symbol 454. If there is
such a bonus condition as determined at block 494, the routine may
proceed to block 496 where a bonus round may be played. The bonus
round may be a different game than slots, and many other types of
bonus games could be provided. If the player wins the bonus round,
or receives additional credits or points in the bonus round, a
bonus value may be determined at block 498. A payout value
corresponding to outcome of the slots game and/or the bonus round
may be determined at block 500. At block 502, the player's
cumulative value or number of credits may be updated by subtracting
the bet made by the player and adding, if the slot game and/or
bonus round was a winner, the payout value determined at block
500.
[0135] Although the above routine has been described as a virtual
slot machine routine in which slot machine reels are represented as
images on the display unit 70, actual slot machine reels that are
capable of being spun may be utilized instead, in which case the
display unit 70 could be provided in the form of a plurality of
mechanical reels that are rotatable, each of the reels having a
plurality of reel images disposed thereon.
Video Keno
[0136] Where the gaming unit 20 is designed to facilitate play of a
video keno game, the display unit 70 may comprise a video display
unit. FIG. 12 is an exemplary display 520 that may be shown on the
display unit 70 during performance of the video keno routine 240
shown schematically in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 12, the display
520 may include a video image 522 of a plurality of numbers that
were selected by the player prior to the start of a keno game and a
video image 524 of a plurality of numbers randomly selected during
the keno game. The randomly selected numbers may be displayed in a
grid pattern.
[0137] To allow the player to control the play of the keno game, a
plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The
buttons may include a "Cash Out" button 526, a "See Pays" button
528, a "Bet One Credit" button 530, a "Bet Max Credits" button 532,
a "Select Ticket" button 534, a "Select Number" button 536, and a
"Play" button 538. The display 520 may also include an area 540 in
which the number of remaining credits or value is displayed. If the
display unit 70 is provided with a touch-sensitive screen, the
buttons may form part of the video display 520. Alternatively, one
or more of those buttons may be provided as part of a control panel
that is provided separately from the display unit 70.
[0138] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the video keno routine 240 shown
schematically in FIG. 6. The keno routine 240 may be utilized in
connection with a single gaming unit 20 where a single player is
playing a keno game, or the keno routine 240 may be utilized in
connection with multiple gaming units 20 where multiple players are
playing a single keno game. In the latter case, one or more of the
acts described below may be performed either by the controller 100
in each gaming unit or by one of the network computer 22, 32 to
which multiple gaming units 20 are operatively connected.
[0139] Referring to FIG. 14, at block 550, the routine may
determine whether the player has requested payout information, such
as by activating the "See Pays" button 528, in which case at block
552 the routine may cause one or more pay tables to be displayed on
the display unit 70. At block 554, the routine may determine
whether the player has made a bet, such as by having pressed the
"Bet One Credit" button 530 or the "Bet Max Credits" button 532, in
which case at block 556 bet data corresponding to the bet made by
the player may be stored in the memory of the controller 100. After
the player has made a wager, at block 558 the player may select a
keno ticket, and at block 560 the ticket may be displayed on the
display 520. At block 562, the player may select one or more game
numbers, which may be within a range set by the casino. After being
selected, the player's game numbers may be stored in the memory of
the controller 100 at block 564 and may be included in the image
522 on the display 520 at block 566. After a certain amount of
time, the keno game may be closed to additional players (where a
number of players are playing a single keno game using multiple
gambling units 20).
[0140] If play of the keno game is to begin as determined at block
568, at block 570 a game number within a range set by the casino
may be randomly selected either by the controller 100 or a central
computer operatively connected to the controller, such as one of
the network computers 22, 32. At block 572, the randomly selected
game number may be displayed on the display unit 70 and the display
units 70 of other gaming units 20 (if any) which are involved in
the same keno game. At block 574, the controller 100 (or the
central computer noted above) may increment a count which keeps
track of how many game numbers have been selected at block 570.
[0141] At block 576, the controller 100 (or one of the network
computers 22, 32) may determine whether a maximum number of game
numbers within the range have been randomly selected. If not,
another game number may be randomly selected at block 570. If the
maximum number of game numbers has been selected, at block 578 the
controller 100 (or a central computer) may determine whether there
are a sufficient number of matches between the game numbers
selected by the player and the game numbers selected at block 570
to cause the player to win. The number of matches may depend on how
many numbers the player selected and the particular keno rules
being used.
[0142] If there are a sufficient number of matches, a payout may be
determined at block 580 to compensate the player for winning the
game. The payout may depend on the number of matches between the
game numbers selected by the player and the game numbers randomly
selected at block 570. At block 582, the player's cumulative value
or number of credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by
the player and adding, if the keno game was won, the payout value
determined at block 580. The cumulative value or number of credits
may also be displayed in the display area 540 (FIG. 12).
Video Bingo
[0143] Where the gaming unit 20 is designed to facilitate play of a
video bingo game, the display unit 70 may comprise a video display
unit. FIG. 15 is an exemplary display 600 that may be shown on the
display unit 70 during performance of the video bingo routine 250
shown schematically in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 15, the display
600 may include one or more video images 602 of a bingo card and
images of the bingo numbers selected during the game. The bingo
card images 602 may have a grid pattern.
[0144] To allow the player to control the play of the bingo game, a
plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The
buttons may include a "Cash Out" button 604, a "See Pays" button
606, a "Bet One Credit" button 608, a "Bet Max Credits" button 610,
a "Select Card" button 612, and a "Play" button 614. The display
600 may also include an area 616 in which the number of remaining
credits or value is displayed. If the display unit 70 is provided
with a touch-sensitive screen, the buttons may form part of the
video display 600. Alternatively, one or more of those buttons may
be provided as part of a control panel that is provided separately
from the display unit 70.
[0145] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the video bingo routine 250 shown
schematically in FIG. 6. The bingo routine 250 may be utilized in
connection with a single gaming unit 20 where a single player is
playing a bingo game, or the bingo routine 250 may be utilized in
connection with multiple gaming units 20 where multiple players are
playing a single bingo game. In the latter case, one or more of the
acts described below may be performed either by the controller 100
in each gaming unit 20 or by one of the network computers 22, 32 to
which multiple gaming units 20 are operatively connected.
[0146] Referring to FIG. 16, at block 620, the routine may
determine whether the player has requested payout information, such
as by activating the "See Pays" button 606, in which case at block
622 the routine may cause one or more pay tables to be displayed on
the display unit 70. At block 624, the routine may determine
whether the player has made a bet, such as by having pressed the
"Bet One Credit" button 608 or the "Bet Max Credits" button 610, in
which case at block 626 bet data corresponding to the bet made by
the player may be stored in the memory of the controller 100.
[0147] After the player has made a wager, at block 628 the player
may select a bingo card, which may be generated randomly. The
player may select more than one bingo card, and there may be a
maximum number of bingo cards that a player may select. After play
is to commence as determined at block 632, at block 634 a bingo
number may be randomly generated by the controller 100 or a central
computer such as one of the network computers 22, 32. At block 636,
the bingo number may be displayed on the display unit 70 and the
display units 70 of any other gaming units 20 involved in the bingo
game.
[0148] At block 638, the controller 100 (or a central computer) may
determine whether any player has won the bingo game. If no player
has won, another bingo number may be randomly selected at block
634. If any player has bingo as determined at block 638, the
routine may determine at block 640 whether the player playing that
gaming unit 20 was the winner. If so, at block 642 a payout for the
player may be determined. The payout may depend on the number of
random numbers that were drawn before there was a winner, the total
number of winners (if there was more than one player), and the
amount of money that was wagered on the game. At block 644, the
player's cumulative value or number of credits may be updated by
subtracting the bet made by the player and adding, if the bingo
game was won, the payout value determined at block 642. The
cumulative value or number of credits may also be displayed in the
display area 616 (FIG. 14).
Communication Termination
[0149] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a communication session
termination routine 700 that may be stored in the memory of the
controller 100 of the gaming unit 20. The termination routine 700
may be used to automatically terminate the bidirectional
communication link with the wireless communication device 46, due
to inactivity (e.g., the player walking away from the gaming unit).
Referring to FIG. 17, the termination routine 700 may begin
operation at block 702 during which a confirmation message is
transmitted to the wireless communication device 46 to confirm
whether the wireless communication device 46 (and hence the player)
is within the vicinity of the gaming unit 20. The confirmation
message may be transmitted periodically during the bidirectional
communication session with the wireless communication device
46.
[0150] If the wireless communication device 46 provides a response
as determined at block 704, the bidirectional communication link
may continue and gaming unit 20 may transmit another confirmation
message after a predetermined interval. If there is no response
from the wireless communication device 46 as determined at block
704, the gaming unit 20 may determine how many times a confirmation
has been transmitted without a response at block 706. If the number
of confirmation requests that have been transmitted without a
response do not equal a predetermined amount, the gaming unit 20
may continue to transmit a confirmation and wait for a response.
However, if the confirmation message has been transmitted without a
response for a predetermined number of times as determined at block
706, the routine 700 may determine whether a credit balance remains
on the gaming unit 20 that has not been downloaded to a player
account or to the wireless communication device 46 at block
708.
[0151] If no such credits exist, the gaming unit 20 may transmit a
message to the network computer 22 indicating that the player is no
longer logged on to the gaming unit 20. However, if credits exist,
as determined at block 708, gaming unit 20 may determine whether or
not the player has an electronic account at block 710. If so, the
gaming unit 20 may electronically transmit the credit balance to
the player's account at block 712 and proceed to log the player off
of the gaming unit 20 at block 716. However, if the player does not
have an account, the gaming unit 20 may attribute the credit
balance to the player identification and transmit both to a default
account at block 714, which may later be reclaimed by the player.
The gaming unit 20 may then log the player off of the gaming unit
20 at block 716. Once the player is logged out of the gaming unit
20, the gaming unit 20 may proceed to establish contact with
another wireless communication device 46 (and hence another
player).
[0152] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an alternative communication
session termination routine 750 that may be stored in the memory of
the controller 100 of the gaming unit 20. The termination routine
750 may be utilized when a player decides to log off the gaming
unit 20. Referring to FIG. 18, the termination routine 750 may
begin operation at block 752 during which the gaming unit 20 may
determine whether or not the player has decided to log off the
gaming unit 20 and terminate the bidirectional communication link.
The determination at block 752 may be made by detecting the cash
out option, a quit option, or other termination option as selected
by the player by pressing a button or issuing a voice command. If
such a selection is made, as determined at block 752, any credit
balance may be provided to the player by the number of options,
which may be selected by the player. For example, the gaming unit
20 may dispense cash to the player at block 754 via the coin payout
tray 64, print a ticket voucher 60 which may be redeemed for cash
at block 756, or electronically transfer the funds to the player
account.
[0153] The funds may be electronically transmitted to a player
account by requesting account validation from the wireless
communication device 46 at block 758. The account validation may
relate to an account number, a routing number, a pass code, a voice
print analysis, etc., or any other information uniquely identifying
the account with the player. Once provided, the gaming unit may
proceed at block 760 to authenticate the information provided at
block 758. For example, the gaming unit 20 may compare the account
number and routing number with the player identification provided
at the beginning of the bidirectional communication session.
Alternatively, the gaming unit 20 may compare the information to
information stored in the network computer 22. If the account
information has been authenticated, as determined at block 762, the
gaming unit 20 may transfer the credit balance to the account at
block 764. Otherwise, the gaming unit 20 may prompt the player to
select another form of receiving the funds.
[0154] Having dispensed the credit balance at blocks 754, 756 or
764, the gaming unit 20 may transmit a message to the player via
the wireless communication device 46 and/or the display unit 70,
indicating that the player is no longer logged onto the gaming unit
20 at block 766. The gaming unit 20 may then proceed to initiate a
new communication session with a nearby wireless communication
device 46.
* * * * *