U.S. patent application number 15/852402 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-27 for managing mobile applications in a gaming environment.
This patent application is currently assigned to IGT. The applicant listed for this patent is IGT. Invention is credited to Kevin HIGGINS, Dwayne NELSON.
Application Number | 20190192975 15/852402 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66949231 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-27 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190192975 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HIGGINS; Kevin ; et
al. |
June 27, 2019 |
MANAGING MOBILE APPLICATIONS IN A GAMING ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
Technology for managing mobile applications on an electronic
gaming machine (EGM) in communication with a mobile device over a
communications network is disclosed. An EGM may perform an account
login by a user using a gaming host application associated with the
EGM such that the account login triggers the gaming host
application to launch a selected mobile gaming application for game
play on the EGM.
Inventors: |
HIGGINS; Kevin; (Reno,
NV) ; NELSON; Dwayne; (Las Vegas, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
IGT |
Las Vegas |
NV |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
IGT
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
66949231 |
Appl. No.: |
15/852402 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3227 20130101;
A63F 13/79 20140902; G07F 17/3225 20130101; A63F 13/73 20140902;
A63F 13/30 20140902 |
International
Class: |
A63F 13/79 20060101
A63F013/79; A63F 13/30 20060101 A63F013/30; A63F 13/73 20060101
A63F013/73 |
Claims
1. A method for managing mobile applications on an electronic
gaming machine (EGM), the method comprising: receiving, by the EGM,
account login information from a mobile device over a communication
network; creating, by the EGM, an account login session using the
account login information from the mobile device; and launching, in
response to the account login session, a selected mobile gaming
application for game play on one of the EGM or mobile device.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining the
selected mobile gaming application for a current game being
provided by the EGM.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising, subsequent to
creating the account login session, performing one of:
automatically switching, by the mobile device, operation of a
gaming host application to the selected mobile gaming application;
switching operation, on the mobile device, between the selected
mobile gaming application and a gaming host application according
to a selected indicator; and automatically switching, by one of the
EGM and the mobile device, operation of the selected mobile gaming
application to an alternative selected mobile gaming
application.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising installing, in
response to the account login session, the selected mobile gaming
application on the mobile device to facilitate the game play on the
EGM, wherein the selected mobile gaming application is provided by
the EGM to complete the install on the mobile device.
5. The method of claim 3, further comprising transmitting, from the
gaming host application to the selected mobile gaming application
on the mobile device, identity information of a user associated
with the account login information.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising performing one of:
restricting, by the mobile device, interaction between the selected
mobile gaming application and the gaming host application when the
selected mobile gaming application fails to provide the gaming host
application an application programming interface (API) key; and
providing, by the selected mobile gaming application to the gaming
host application on the mobile device, an application programming
interface (API) key to enable interaction between the selected
mobile gaming application and the gaming host application.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising validating, by the
selected mobile gaming application, exchanged data including the
identity information from the gaming host application using a
cryptographic signature.
8. The method of claim 5, further comprising, pursuant to creating
the account login session, performing: funding a bet associated
with the game play, establishing a credit balance to fund the bet
associated with the game play, receiving one or more login
credentials of the user, and providing player loyalty account
information.
9. An electronic gaming machine (EGM) comprising: a display; a
communication module; a memory device; and a processor executing
instructions stored in the memory device, wherein the instructions,
when executed, cause the processor to: create an account login
session using account login information received from a mobile
device through the communication module; and in response to the
creating the account login session, launch a selected mobile gaming
application for game play on one of the EGM or mobile device.
10. The EGM of claim 9, wherein when executed by the processor, the
instructions cause the processor to determine the selected mobile
gaming application for a current game being provided by the
EGM.
11. The EGM of claim 9, wherein subsequent to creating the account
login session, when executed by the processor, the instructions
cause the processor to perform one of: automatically switching, by
the mobile device, operation of a gaming host application to the
selected mobile gaming application; switching operation, on the
mobile device, between the selected mobile gaming application and a
gaming host application according to a selected indicator; and
automatically switching, by one of the EGM and the mobile device,
operation of the selected mobile gaming application to an
alternative selected mobile gaming application.
12. The EGM of claim 9, wherein when executed by the processor, the
instructions, in response to the account login session, install the
selected mobile gaming application on the mobile device to
facilitate the game play on the EGM, wherein the selected mobile
gaming application is provided by the EGM to complete the install
on the mobile device.
13. The EGM of claim 11, wherein when executed by the processor,
the instructions cause the processor to transmit, from the gaming
host application to the selected mobile gaming application,
identity information of a user associated with the account login
information.
14. The EGM of claim 13, wherein when executed by the processor,
the instructions cause the processor to perform one of: restrict
interaction between the selected mobile gaming application and the
gaming host application when the selected mobile gaming application
fails to provide the gaming host application an application
programming interface (API) key; and provide, by the selected
mobile gaming application to the gaming host application, an
application programming interface (API) key to enable interaction
between the selected mobile gaming application and the gaming host
application.
15. The EGM of claim 14, wherein when executed by the processor,
the instructions cause the processor to validate, by the selected
mobile gaming application, exchanged data including the identity
information from the gaming host application using a cryptographic
signature.
16. The EGM of claim 13, wherein pursuant to creating the account
login session, when executed by the processor, the instructions
cause the processor to perform: funding a bet associated with the
game play, establishing a credit balance to fund the bet associated
with the game play, receiving one or more login credentials of the
user, and providing player loyalty account information.
17. A system for managing mobile applications on an electronic
gaming machine (EGM), the system comprising: a communications
network; a mobile device; and the EGM, the EGM including a
processor executing instructions stored in a memory device, wherein
the instructions, when executed, cause the processor to: create an
account login session using account login information received from
the mobile device through the communication network; and in
response to the creating the account login session, launch a
selected mobile gaming application for game play on one of the EGM
or mobile device.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein when executed by the processor,
the instructions cause the processor to perform one of: determine
the selected mobile gaming application for a current game being
provided by the EGM; subsequent to creating the account login
session, automatically switching, by the mobile device, operation
of a gaming host application to the selected mobile gaming
application; subsequent to creating the account login session,
switching operation, on the mobile device, between the selected
mobile gaming application and a gaming host application according
to a selected indicator; subsequent to creating the account login
session, automatically switching, by one of the EGM and the mobile
device, operation of the selected mobile gaming application to an
alternative selected mobile gaming application; and install, in
response to the account login session, the selected mobile gaming
application on the mobile device to facilitate the game play on the
EGM, wherein the selected mobile gaming application is provided by
the EGM to complete the install on the mobile device.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein when executed by the processor,
the instructions cause the processor to transmit, from the gaming
host application to the selected mobile gaming application,
identity information of a user associated with the account login
information.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein when executed by the processor,
the instructions cause the processor to perform one of: restricting
interaction between the selected mobile gaming application and the
gaming host application when the selected mobile gaming application
fails to provide the gaming host application an application
programming interface (API) key; providing, by the selected mobile
gaming application to the gaming host application, an application
programming interface (API) key to enable interaction between the
selected mobile gaming application and the gaming host application;
and validating, by the selected mobile gaming application,
exchanged data including the identity information from the gaming
host application using a cryptographic signature.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure relates in general to gaming devices
and systems, and more particularly to managing mobile applications
in a gaming application.
[0002] Games of chance have been enjoyed by people for many years
and have undergone increased and widespread popularity in recent
times. As with most forms of entertainment, some players enjoy
playing a single favorite game, while others prefer playing a wide
variety of games. In response to the diverse range of player
preferences, gaming establishments commonly offer many types of
electronic games. Many electronic gaming machines (EGMs), such as
slot machines and video poker machines, have been a cornerstone of
the gaming industry for several years. The EGMs include specially
programmed computers and contain multiple external interfaces.
Further, the EGMs may provide mobile services such as funds
transferring and game functionality within the gaming
establishments to mobile or "player" devices.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] Various embodiments for managing mobile applications on an
electronic gaming machine (EGM) are provided. The EGM may receive
account login information from a mobile device over a communication
network and create an account login session using the account login
information from the mobile device. In response to the account
login session, the EGM may subsequently launch a selected mobile
gaming application for game play on either the EGM or mobile
device.
[0004] The foregoing summary has been provided to introduce a
selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further
described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not
intended to identify key features or essential features of the
claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in
determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of
example and are not limited by the accompanying drawings:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a gaming system
environment with a gaming terminal data repository (GTDR) connected
via one or more network interface(s) to a gaming network which, for
example, may include gaming devices (e.g., gaming terminals);
[0007] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a slot
machine or gaming device suitable for use in the gaming system of
FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic
configuration for use in the gaming device of FIG. 2;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic gaming
machine (EGM) having at least two wireless connections with a
mobile device;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for
automatically switching from a gaming host application to a mobile
gaming application, via a mobile device, on an electronic gaming
machine (EGM);
[0011] FIG. 6A is a block diagram illustrating an electronic gaming
machine (EGM) automatically switching from a mobile gaming
application to a gaming host application;
[0012] FIG. 6B is a block diagram illustrating an electronic gaming
machine (EGM) providing collected information about a user to a
mobile gaming application; and
[0013] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an additional exemplary
method for managing mobile applications in a gaming application in
a gaming environment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] A gaming system (i.e., an EGM) may offer a variety of
services or functions such as, for example, functionality for
transferring money, providing game play for games of chance,
ordering promotions or services, or even an interface for a user to
interact with social media. By extension, the EGM may also
facilitate providing these and other services or functions to
mobile devices used within and/or externally to a gaming
establishment in which the EGM is located. When providing this
functionality to the user through use of the mobile device, each of
the variety of services or functions served by the EGM may require
entirely separate or different mobile applications to perform the
respective service or function.
[0015] More particularly, the user or "player" within (or external
to) the gaming establishment (i.e., a gaming venue or casino) may
use a first mobile gaming application or "gaming host application"
(also referred to herein as simply "mobile application") which is
controlled, operated, and managed by the gaming establishment
(i.e., a mobile application for use on the mobile device being
controlled by a gaming venue or casino). This gaming host
application may provide such functionality as managing and/or
transferring player funds between the EGM and/or the gaming
establishment, and the player's financial institution. For example,
when the player desires to transfer funds from their financial
institution to a credit account with the gaming establishment, the
player may initiate and complete the transfer subsequent to logging
into the player's respective gaming establishment account using the
gaming host application on the mobile device.
[0016] Additionally, the player may use a second mobile gaming
application or "selected mobile gaming application" (also referred
to herein as simply "game application") which may be controlled,
operated, and/or programmed by a third party vendor or the gaming
establishment. The selected mobile gaming application may provide
to the player functionality such as a game offered for play on a
particular EGM. For example, if the player desires to play a game
being served by the particular EGM, the player may use the selected
mobile gaming application on the mobile device to access and play
the game on either the mobile device or the EGM itself. Thus, the
second mobile gaming application is referred to herein as the
"selected mobile gaming application", as the player selects the
second mobile gaming application on the mobile device corresponding
to the game of the particular EGM the player is interested in
playing.
[0017] Notably, the player, subsequent to logging in and performing
any desired management functions within the gaming host
application, manually switches operation of the mobile device from
the gaming host application (or first mobile gaming application) to
the selected mobile gaming application (or second mobile gaming
application). That is, the player first performs any management or
account functions within the gaming host application, exits the
gaming host application, and manually chooses the selected mobile
gaming application to initiate game play. Because the player's
mobile device may have stored multiple different mobile
applications from various gaming establishments and third party
vendors alike, it may be difficult for the player to choose the
correct selected mobile gaming application which corresponds to the
game of choice on the particular EGM.
[0018] Thus, the present disclosure details embodiments to
seamlessly transition from one mobile application (e.g., upon
completing account functions within the gaming host application) to
an alternative mobile application (e.g., a game within the selected
mobile gaming application) on the player's mobile device. In one of
the detailed embodiments, an EGM may receive from the mobile
device, account login information for a user (i.e., player). The
EGM may receive the account login information through one or more
communication networks. The EGM may be wirelessly connected to the
mobile device and perform an account login for the user using the
first mobile gaming application (e.g., the gaming host application)
associated with the EGM such that the account login triggers the
first gaming application to launch the second mobile gaming
application (e.g., the selected mobile gaming application) for game
play on the EGM. The first mobile gaming application may be
connected to the mobile device through the EGM on a first, wireless
and/or wired, communication network, while the second mobile gaming
application offered for game play on the EGM may be connected to
the mobile device through an alternative wireless communication
network (e.g., through a second communication network).
Gaming Systems in a Gaming Environment
[0019] By way of background, but not by way of limitation, the
following describes a representative computer environment in which
the techniques of this disclosure (described below) may be
practiced.
[0020] Turning now to FIG. 1, a block diagram illustrating a gaming
system environment 100 is shown. Environment 100 includes a Gaming
Terminal Data Repository (GTDR) connected via one or more network
interface(s) to a gaming network which, for example, may include
gaming devices (e.g., gaming terminals) and/or other devices, in
which aspects of the present disclosure may be realized. As
illustrated in FIG. 1, the gaming environment 100 may comprise a
gaming system/environment 122 located in a physical environment
(not shown). It will be appreciated that the communication links
between the various components may be separate and distinct or may
be commonly used. It will also be appreciated that one or more of
the functions or applications described above may be consolidated,
such as at a common server or host. Further, other components for
implementing other functionality may be provided. For example, a
variety of computing devices, such as user stations, may be
connected to the various systems. Printers and other peripheral
devices may also be connected to each network or system. A gaming
system/environment 122 (e.g., the gaming establishment) may be
located at least partially in one or more physical gaming
environments, such as a casino, restaurant, and/or convenience
store. For example, the casino may include publicly accessible game
areas where certain of the gaming system devices 124, such as
gaming machines 125 and table games 127 are located, as well as
secure areas where the servers and other components are
located.
[0021] In one embodiment, the physical environment includes at
least a portion of a physical structure, such as the gaming
establishment or casino, housing one or more components of the
gaming system/environment 122. The gaming system/environment 122
includes one or more gaming system devices 124 or components. The
gaming system devices 124 may include gaming machines 125, such as
those known as video or slot machines. The gaming system devices
124 may also include "table" games 127 such as Blackjack and
Roulette. The gaming system devices 124 may also include components
or devices such as player tracking card readers 129, coin counters
and other gaming device functionality options, which devices or
components may be linked or associated with other devices. The
devices or components may also comprise computers or servers and
communication equipment, cashier and accounting workstations and a
wide variety of other elements.
[0022] In one embodiment, the gaming system/environment 122 may
include a variety of sub-systems. These sub-systems may be
partially or fully independent of one another or may be related. In
one embodiment, each system may be included or be part of a
network. In one embodiment, the gaming system/environment 122 may
include a game presentation/operation system, which includes at
least one game server 126. The game server 126 may comprise a
computing device including a processor and a memory. The game
server 126 may be adapted to perform a variety of functions. This
functionality may be implemented by software and/or hardware of the
server 126. In one embodiment, the game server 126 may be arranged
to provide information or instructions to the one or more gaming
devices 124 or individual gaming system components. The information
may comprise game code and control data. In one embodiment, the
game server 126 may also be arranged to accept information from the
gaming devices 124 or components. For example, the game server 126
may accept information regarding the status of operation of a
particular gaming system device 124 (such as "normal" or
"malfunction").
[0023] In one embodiment, the game server 126 is part of a network,
which includes a communication link between the game server 126 and
selected gaming system device(s) 124 and/or other component(s) with
which communication is desired. A communication interface may be
associated with the game server 126 and each device or component
for facilitating the communication. The communication interfaces
may have a variety of architectures and utilize a variety of
protocols such as IEEE-1394 (FireWire.TM.) or Ethernet in the case
where the communication link is a wired link, or a wireless link
utilizing a wireless protocol such as WIFI, Bluetooth.TM., Radio
Frequency (RF), Infrared, third generation partnership project
(3GPP) long term evolution (LTE), Worldwide interoperability for
Microwave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), etc. The
communication links may transmit electrical, electromagnetic or
optical signals, which carry digital data streams, or analog
signals representing various types of information. In one
embodiment, such as when the gaming system device 124 comprises a
gaming machine 125, the gaming system device 124 may include a
master gaming controller, which controls the functions of game
operation. The communication interface may be associated with the
master gaming controller, permitting data to be transmitted between
the game server 126 and the master gaming controller.
[0024] In one embodiment, the gaming system/environment 122 may
include a player tracking system, which includes at least one
player-tracking server 128. The player-tracking server 128 may also
comprise a computing device including a processor and a memory. The
player-tracking server 128 may be adapted to perform
player-tracking functions. For example, the player-tracking server
128 may store information regarding the identities of players and
information regarding the game play of those players. This
information may include time of play, coin in/coin out or other
monetary transaction data, and in an arrangement where players are
awarded points based on play, a player's point total. Once again,
the player tracking system includes a network comprising a
communication link provided between the player-tracking server 128
and one or more of the gaming system devices 124 having a
player-tracking function or other components of the gaming
system/environment 122 associated with the system. In one
embodiment, such as where the gaming system device 124 comprises a
gaming machine, the device may include a management interface
board, which controls a card reader. The management interface board
may be arranged to receive data from the master gaming controller
of the gaming system device 124. A communication interface is
associated with the management interface board, permitting data to
be transmitted between the player-tracking server 128 and the
management interface board.
[0025] In the case of table games, a card reader 129 may be
associated with the table (e.g., the card reader located on or near
the table game). Players may utilize the card reader to identify
themselves. Information regarding play of the table game may be
input through an input device by a dealer, coin counter or the
like, and this information may be transmitted to the
player-tracking server 128.
[0026] In one embodiment, the gaming system/environment 122 may
include an accounting system, which includes at least one
accounting server 130. The accounting server 130 may comprise a
computing device including a processor and a memory. The accounting
server 130 is preferably adapted to perform financial related
functions, such as track financial transactions such as bets and
payouts, and perform reconciliations with monies collected from the
gaming system devices 124, such as gaming machines 125 and table
games 127. The accounting server 130 may be associated with a wide
variety of devices, including individual gaming system devices 124,
mobile devices 131, and other servers. Once again, a communication
link may be provided between the accounting server 130 and each
device with which communication is desired.
[0027] In one embodiment, the gaming system/environment 122 may
include a progressive award system, which includes at least one
progressive server 132. The progressive server 132 may comprise a
computing device including a processor and a memory. The
progressive server 132 may be designed to generate progressive
award information. In one arrangement, the progressive server 132
may obtain information regarding amounts bet at specific gaming
system devices 124, such as gaming machines 125 or table games 127.
Utilizing this information, a progressive jackpot award amount may
be generated and updated using a specified protocol. The
information may be transmitted to one or more displays 134
associated with participating gaming system devices 124. Once
again, a communication link is preferably provided between the
progressive server 132 and each device with which communication is
desired. For example, a link may be provided between the
progressive server 132 and accounting server 130 for providing
payout information to the accounting server 130. The accounting
server 130 also reads the paid amounts from the electronic gaming
machines 125 as well and makes sure the paid amounts match what the
progressive server claimed the paid amounts should have been. If
the paid amounts do not match, then the accounting server 130 may
raise a flag for further investigation by casino staff or
regulators.
[0028] A physical and/or virtual information host 136 is associated
with or comprises a portion of the gaming system/environment 122.
In one embodiment, the host 136 comprises a computing device, which
includes a processor, memory and a display. The virtual information
host 136 may be one or more devices separate from devices
performing other functions of the system/environment 122, or may be
integrated with existing devices. The virtual information host 136
may be designed and adapted to perform functions relating to
acquiring, managing, rendering, generating and/or displaying
real-time and/or non real-time casino gaming system or "gaming
environment" graphical information and information regarding one or
more components of the gaming system or environment. Such
functionality may also include the generation of at least one
graphical user interface on at least one mobile device (e.g.,
mobile device 131), which is configured or designed to graphically
display information (e.g., real-time casino information) relating
to selected aspects of casino activity. Also, different graphical
user interfaces may be displayed on an external application (e.g.,
the gaming host application and/or selected mobile gaming
application) of a computer, smart phone, and/or on any type of
mobile device 131. In one embodiment, bi-directional communication
channels 121 are provided for direct, two-way communication between
the host 136 and at least one game server 126 and at least one
player-tracking server 128, and/or any other device with which
communication is desired.
[0029] As illustrated in the example of FIG. 1, gaming
system/environment 122 may also include one or more of the mobile
devices 131 configured or designed to communicate, via one or more
wireless links 111, with various components of the gaming
environment 100 such as, for example: information systems (e.g.,
virtual information host 136); player tracking systems; accounting
systems; employee management systems; location positioning systems
(e.g., GPS system 133); game servers; surveillance systems;
security systems; communication systems; gaming systems (e.g.,
gaming machines 125, game table devices 127, other mobile devices
131, etc.); etc.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment 210 of a slot
machine, EGM, or gaming device suitable for use in the previously
depicted system of FIG. 1, in which aspects of the present
disclosure may be realized. FIG. 2 represents a base gaming device
210 that can be employed in the shared display system or the gaming
system of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates features
common to each of the gaming devices. In one embodiment, gaming
device 210 has a support structure, housing or cabinet, which
provides support for a plurality of displays, inputs, controls and
other features of a conventional gaming machine. In the illustrated
embodiment, the player plays gaming device 210 while sitting,
however, the gaming device is alternatively configured so that a
player can operate it while standing or sitting. The illustrated
gaming device 210 is positioned on the floor but can be positioned
alternatively (i) on a base or stand, (ii) as a pub-style table-top
game (e.g., where the participant gaming devices are located
remotely from the shared wheel as discussed below), (iii) as a
stand-alone gaming device on the floor of a casino with other
stand-alone gaming devices, which the player operates while
standing or sitting (e.g., where the participant gaming devices are
located remotely from the shared wheel as discussed below), or (iv)
in any other suitable manner. The gaming device 210 can be
constructed with varying cabinet and display configurations. Also,
referring to an embodiment for the electronic configuration of
gaming device 210, each gaming device may include the components
described below.
[0031] In one embodiment, each gaming device 210 randomly generates
awards and/or other game outcomes based on probability data. That
is, each award or other game outcome is associated with a
probability and each gaming device generates the award or other
game outcome to be provided to the player based on the associated
probabilities. Since each gaming device 210 generates outcomes
randomly or based upon a probability calculation, there is no
certainty that the gaming device 210 will provide the player with
any specific award or other game outcome.
[0032] In another embodiment, as discussed in more detail below,
each gaming device 210 employs a predetermined or finite set or
pool of awards, progressive awards, prizes or other game outcomes.
As each award or other game outcome is provided to the player, the
gaming device 210 removes the provided award or other game outcome
from the predetermined set or pool. Once removed from the set or
pool, the specific provided award or other game outcome cannot be
provided to the player again. The gaming device 210 provides
players with all of the available awards or other game outcomes
over the course of the play cycle and guarantees a designated
amount of actual wins and losses.
[0033] As seen in FIG. 2, the gaming device 210 includes a credit
display 220 that displays a player's current number of credits,
cash, account balance or the equivalent. In one embodiment, gaming
device 210 includes a bet display 222 that displays a player's
amount wagered. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, each
gaming device 210 includes at least one payment acceptor 334 (FIG.
3) that communicates with processor 322 (FIG. 3).
[0034] As seen in FIG. 2, the payment acceptor 334 (FIG. 3) in one
embodiment includes a coin slot 226, where the player inserts coins
or tokens, and a ticket, note or bill acceptor 228, where the
player inserts a bar-coded ticket, note, or cash. In one
embodiment, a player-tracking card, credit card, debit card or data
card reader/validator 232 is also provided for accepting any of
those or other types of cards.
[0035] In one embodiment, a player inserts an identification card
into card reader 232 of gaming device 210. The identification card
can be a smart card having a programmed microchip or a magnetic
strip coded with a player's identification, credit totals and other
relevant information. In one embodiment, money may be transferred
to gaming device 210 through an electronic fund transfer and card
reader 232 using the player's credit, debit or smart card. When a
player funds gaming device 210, processor 322 (FIG. 3) determines
the amount of funds entered and the corresponding amount is shown
on the credit display or other suitable display as described above.
In one embodiment, after appropriate funding of gaming device 210,
the player presses a play button 234 or pull arm (not illustrated)
to start any primary game or sequence of events. In one embodiment,
upon appropriate funding, gaming device 210 begins game play
automatically. In another embodiment, the player needs to actuate
or activate one of the play buttons to initiate play of gaming
device 210.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, a bet one button 236 is provided. The
player places a bet by pushing bet one button 236. The player
increases the player's wager by one credit each time the player
pushes bet one button 236. When the player pushes the bet one
button 236, the number of credits shown in the credit display 220
decreases by one, and the number of credits shown in the bet
display 222 increases by one. A max bet max button (not shown) can
also be provided, which enables the player to bet the maximum wager
(e.g., max lines and max wager per line). Gaming device 210 may
include other suitable wager buttons 230, such as a max bet button,
a repeat bet button, one or more select paylines buttons and one or
more select wager per payline buttons.
[0037] In one embodiment, a cash out button 238 is provided. The
player presses cash out button 238 and cashes out to receive a cash
payment or other suitable form of payment corresponding to the
number of remaining credits. The player can receive coins or tokens
in a coin payout tray 240 or a ticket or credit slip, which are
redeemable by a cashier or funded to the player's electronically
recordable identification card. Each gaming device 210 also
includes one or a plurality of communication ports for enabling
communication of a processor with one or more external peripherals,
such as external video sources, expansion buses, expansion games or
other displays, an SCSI port, or a key pad.
[0038] In one embodiment of FIG. 2, in combination with in FIG. 3,
a touch screen 352 (FIG. 3) is provided in one embodiment and
operates with a touch screen controller 354, processor 322 (FIG. 3)
and display device 326, 328 (FIG. 3). Touch screen 352 (FIG. 3) and
the touch screen controller 354 are also connected to a video
controller 356. The player touches touch screen 352 at appropriate
places to input decisions and signals into processor 322 of gaming
device 210. Also, each gaming device 210 may include a sound
generating device controlled by one or more sound cards 358, which
function in conjunction with processor 322 (FIG. 3). In one
embodiment, the sound generating device includes at least one
speaker 250 or other sound generating hardware and/or software for
generating sounds, such as playing music for the primary and/or
secondary game or for other modes of the gaming device, such as an
attract mode. In one embodiment, each gaming device 210 provides
dynamic sounds coupled with attractive multimedia images displayed
on display device 216 to provide an audio-visual representation or
to otherwise display full-motion video with sound to attract
players to gaming device 210. During idle periods, the gaming
device 210 displays a sequence of audio and/or visual attraction
messages to attract potential players to gaming device 210. The
videos in one embodiment are customized to provide information
concerning the shared display of the present disclosure as
discussed below.
[0039] In one embodiment, gaming device 210 includes a camera in
communication with a processor, which is positioned to acquire an
image of a player playing gaming device 210 and/or the surrounding
area of gaming device 210. In one embodiment, the camera may be
configured to selectively acquire still or moving (e.g., video)
images and may be configured to acquire the images in either an
analog, digital or other suitable format. Display device 216 may be
configured to display the image acquired by the camera as well as
display the visible manifestation of the game in split screen or
picture-in-picture fashion. For example, the camera may acquire an
image of the player and that image can be incorporated into the
primary and/or secondary game as a game image, symbol or
indicia.
[0040] In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a base or
primary game includes a slot game with one or more paylines 252.
Paylines 252 may be horizontal, vertical, circular, diagonal,
angled or any combination thereof. For a slot game, gaming device
210 displays at least one reel and preferably a plurality of reels
254, such as three to five reels, in either electromechanical form
with mechanical rotating reels or in video form with simulated
reels and movement thereof. Each reel 254 displays a plurality of
indicia such as bells, hearts, fruits, numbers, letters, bars or
other images, which preferably correspond to a theme associated
with the gaming device. With a slot game, gaming device 210 awards
prizes when reels 254 stop spinning and display a winning or paying
symbol or combination of symbols on an active payline 252.
[0041] In one embodiment, each gaming device 210 includes
indicators 260. Indicators 260 reside on the top of each gaming
device 210 and point to or indicate one of the awards or outcomes
on top of a shared display (not shown) when the shared display
stops spinning to reveal randomly or otherwise generated results or
outcomes. Indicators 260 may illuminate differently at different
times or states for the gaming device 210. The illumination of the
indicator 260 in one embodiment depends upon whether the gaming
device 210 is playing a base game, is in a state in which the
player is eligible to play the shared display bonus, is in a state
in which the player has committed to play the shared display bonus
or is in a state in which the player has declined to play a
particular upcoming shared display bonus, as well as other states
discussed below.
[0042] It should be noted that all of aforementioned functionality
of gaming device 210 may be provided, or served, by the gaming
device 210 to the one or more mobile devices 131 through the one or
more communications networks, and thereby presented for display on
the one or more mobile devices 131. To wit, the bet one button 236,
credit display 220, bet display 222, wager buttons 230, reels 254,
etc. may be implemented as "buttons" or "windows" in an interactive
graphical user interface (GUI) through one or more applications
(e.g., the gaming host application and/or the selected mobile
gaming application) executing on the one or more mobile devices
131, where the one or more applications are processed through to
the one or more mobile devices 131 by the gaming device 210.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic
configuration for use in the gaming device of FIG. 2, here again in
which aspects of the present disclosure may be realized. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the player station may include at
least one processor 322, such as a microprocessor, a
microcontroller-based platform, a suitable integrated circuit or
one or more ASICs. The processor 322 is in communication with or
operable to access or to exchange signals with at least one data
storage or memory device 324. In one embodiment, the processor 322
and the memory device 324 reside within the cabinet of the player
station. The memory device 324 stores program code and
instructions, executable by the processor 322, to control the
player station. The memory device 324 also stores other data such
as image data, event data, player input data, random or
pseudo-random number generators, pay-table data or information and
applicable game rules that relate to the play of the player
station. In one embodiment, the memory device 324 includes random
access memory (RAM), which can include non-volatile RAM (NVRAM),
magnetic RAM (MRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) and other forms as
commonly understood in the gaming industry. In one embodiment, the
memory device 324 includes read only memory (ROM). In one
embodiment, the memory device 324 includes flash memory and/or
EEPROM. Any other suitable magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor
memory may operate in conjunction with the player station and
gaming system disclosed herein.
[0044] In one embodiment, part or all of the program code and/or
operating data described above can be stored in a detachable or
removable memory device, including, but not limited to, a suitable
cartridge, disk, CD ROM, DVD or USB memory device. In other
embodiments, part or all of the program code and/or operating data
described above can be downloaded to the memory device through a
suitable network.
[0045] In one embodiment, an operator or a player can use such a
removable memory device in a desktop computer, a laptop personal
computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computing
device, or other computerized platform to implement the present
disclosure. In one embodiment, the gaming system is operable over a
wireless network, such as part of a wireless gaming system. In this
embodiment, the player station may be a hand-held device, a mobile
device or any other suitable wireless device that enables a player
to play any suitable game at a variety of different locations. It
should be appreciated that a player station as disclosed herein may
be a device (e.g., the EGM) that has obtained approval from a
regulatory gaming commission or a device that has not obtained
approval from a regulatory gaming commission. It should be
appreciated that the processor and memory device may be
collectively referred to herein as a "computer" or
"controller."
[0046] In one embodiment, a background play feature may be
available where a player, who may be sitting at the lounge and/or
at the bar with friends (at the casino) may be playing a machine
from the floor by remote via the external application(s) (e.g., via
the one or more mobile devices 131). The player may substitute into
the same game he wanted from a Gaming Vendor online game and play,
or backend the actual game though a venue network. The game may be
bankrolled by the venue the player was inside. If the player was to
win the player could collect from that venue where the player was
located, and/or instead of "reserving" a machine he could continue
the game with an auto play during a period of time the player took
a break/recess. In one embodiment, a team game may be played by a
group of players (e.g., a group of 3 or 4 players) and the group of
players may watch and/or play the same game on each player's
individual mobile device (e.g., a computer, tablet, and/or smart
phone). Similarly, as described above, the team game may be played
by a group of players from a remote location (e.g., bar, lounge,
casino, home, office, restaurant, etc.). In one embodiment, the
team game may be played by a group of players and the group of
players may share credit inputs and wins. In one embodiment, the
team game may be played by the group of players and the group of
players may sell off and/or share double up options and/or credits
to other team players of the group.
[0047] In one embodiment, as mentioned above and seen in FIG. 3,
one input device is a touch screen 352 coupled with a touch screen
controller 354, or some other touch-sensitive display overlay to
allow for player interaction with the images on the display. The
touch screen and the touch screen controller are connected to a
video controller 356. A player can make decisions and input signals
into the player station by touching the touch screen at the
appropriate places. One such input device is a conventional touch
screen button panel. In another embodiment, a plurality or each of
the display segments is a touch screen 352 coupled with a touch
screen controller 354 or some other touch-sensitive display overlay
to allow for player interaction with the images on the display
segments. The touch screens 352 and the touch screen controllers
354 are connected to a video controller. The player station may
further include a plurality of communication ports for enabling
communication of the processor with external peripherals, such as
external video sources, expansion buses, game or other displays, an
SCSI port, or a key pad. In one embodiment, at least one payment
acceptor 334 (which may communicate with processor 322 for playing
a bet,) input devices 340, and display devices 326, 328 are
provided.
[0048] The player stations, the central controller and the display
segments may include serial interfaces and/or Ethernet (e.g., G2S
(game-to-system) protocol uses commodity Ethernet equipment and
TCP/IP) to connect to specific subsystems or subnets internal and
external to the player stations, central controller and the display
segments. The serial devices may have electrical interface
requirements that differ from the "standard" EIA serial interfaces
provided by general-purpose computers. These interfaces may include
EIA, EIA, Fiber Optic Serial, optically coupled serial interfaces,
current loop style serial interfaces, etc. In addition, to conserve
serial interfaces internally in the player station, serial devices
may be connected in a shared, daisy-chain fashion where multiple
peripheral devices are connected to a single serial channel.
[0049] The serial interfaces and/or Ethernet (e.g., G2S
(game-to-system) protocol uses commodity Ethernet equipment and
TCP/IP) may be used to transmit information using communication
protocols that are unique to the gaming industry. For example, SAS
is a communication protocol used to transmit information, such as
metering information, from a player station to a remote device.
Often SAS is used in conjunction with a player tracking system.
EGMs may be treated as peripheral devices to a casino communication
controller and connected in a shared daisy chain fashion to a
single serial interface and/or Ethernet. In both cases, the
peripheral devices are preferably assigned device addresses. If so,
the serial controller circuitry must implement a method to generate
or detect unique device addresses. In one embodiment,
security-monitoring circuits detect intrusion into a player station
or gaming station by monitoring security switches attached to
access doors in a designated area, such as a player station
cabinet. In one embodiment, access violations result in suspension
of game play and can trigger additional security operations to
preserve the current state of game play. These circuits also
function when power is off by use of a battery backup. In one
embodiment, as seen in FIG. 3, the player station includes a sound
generating device controlled by one or more sound cards 358 which
function in conjunction with the processor. In one embodiment, the
sound generating device includes at least one and preferably a
plurality of speakers 360, which may be part of a distributed
speaker system, or other sound generating hardware and/or software
for generating sounds, such as playing music for the primary and/or
secondary game or for other modes of the player station, such as an
attract mode. In one embodiment, the player station provides
dynamic sounds coupled with attractive multimedia images displayed
on one or more of the display devices to provide an audio-visual
representation or to otherwise display full-motion video with sound
to attract players to the player station. During idle periods, the
player station may display a sequence of audio and/or visual
attraction messages to attract potential players to the player
station. The videos may also be customized for or to provide any
appropriate information.
[0050] In one embodiment, the gaming system may include a sensor,
such as a camera in communication with the processor (and possibly
controlled by the processor) that is selectively positioned to
acquire an image of a player actively using the player station
and/or the surrounding area of the player station. In one
embodiment, the camera may be configured to selectively acquire
still or moving (e.g., video) images and may be configured to
acquire the images in either an analog, digital or other suitable
format. The display devices may be configured to display the image
acquired by the camera as well as display the visible manifestation
of the game in split screen or picture-in-picture fashion. For
example, the camera may acquire an image of the player and the
processor may incorporate that image into the primary and/or
secondary game as a game image, symbol or indicia. In another
embodiment, the gaming system includes a wireless transceiver or a
camcorder and the display segments are components of or are
connected to televisions, satellites, DVD players, digital video
recorders and Internet-enabled devices. In one embodiment, the game
may be displayed on the central display and replicated on one or
more the player stations. In another embodiment, the game is only
displayed on the central display and the player station is only
used to input decisions or commands in the game. In another
embodiment, a primary or base game is displayed on the player
station and/or the central display and one or more bonus games are
displayed on the central display only. In one embodiment, the
player stations provide other information to a player, such as the
win/loss history of that certain games or the win/loss history of
that player. It should be appreciated that the central display and
the player stations may work together with a central controller or
a plurality of servers to provide the games to the player in any
suitable manner.
Managing Mobile Applications in the Gaming Environment
[0051] Having described one or more gaming establishments and/or
EGM architectures, turning now to FIG. 4, a block diagram is
depicted illustrating an exemplary gaming system 400. The gaming
system may include an EGM 402 having at least two wired and/or
wireless connections, such as wireless connections 408A, 408B,
through which a mobile device (or "player device") 410 connects
thereto. The EGM 402 may include one or more mobile applications
such as, for example, mobile application 404 (e.g., the gaming host
application) and game application 406 (e.g., the selected mobile
gaming application). The EGM 402 may use the wireless connections
408A, 408B via a system slot machine interface board (SMIB) 412 to
facilitate providing mobile application 404 and game application
406 to the mobile device 410 through which a user may interact with
the EGM 402.
[0052] Consider, for illustration purposes, that the EGM 402 may
itself provide, or facilitate providing to the mobile device 410,
at least two mobile services: a money transfer service and game
play functionality. The money transfer service may enable a player
to cash-in and cash-out using the mobile device 410 and a mobile
application, such as, mobile application 404 (e.g., the gaming host
application). In other words, a player may, in some embodiments,
use the mobile device 410 and the EGM 402 interchangeably such that
accounting functions (e.g., login and money transfer functionality)
may, for example, be performed on the mobile application 404 of the
mobile device 410, and subsequently the player may then initiate
the game application 406 on either the mobile device 410 or on the
EGM 402 itself, and vice versa. In one aspect, the mobile
application 404 may be associated with and/or include the SMIB 412
such that the mobile application 404 may be operated on or by the
SMIB 412 and connected to the mobile device 410 via a wired and/or
wireless connection, such as wireless connection 408A and/or 408B.
The mobile application 404 may be branded or associated with a
gaming host (e.g., a casino or gaming establishment), identifying a
specific property, brand, or slogan. An example of this branding
may be found in the gaming host application entitled "MGM.RTM.
M-Life.RTM.", which is operated and maintained by the MGM Resorts
International.TM. Corporation. Gaming establishments, such as the
aforementioned, may brand the gaming host application in an effort
to distinguish their mobile application as genuine and secure,
particularly since the gaming establishment may manage funds
transferred to and from their respective property application
(e.g., mobile application 404 or "gaming host application"). Again,
the mobile application 404 may communicate with the EGM 402 SMIB
412 or an alternative communications module within the EGM 402 via
the wired and/or wireless connections 408A, 408B of which may
comprise communication protocols such as WIFI, Bluetooth.TM., Radio
Frequency (RF), Infrared, third generation partnership project
(3GPP) long term evolution (LTE), Worldwide interoperability for
Microwave Access (WiMAX), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), or other
wireless communication standards.
[0053] The game functionality of the EGM 402 may enable a player to
perform one or more actions, such as screen captures, game plays,
interaction with game elements, or a combination thereof. Thus, the
game application 406 (e.g., the selected mobile gaming application)
may communicate with the EGM 402 game electronics via a wired
and/or wireless connection interface, such as wireless connection
408B or, alternatively, wireless connection 408A. The game
application 406 may be released by a third party game manufacturer
independent of the gaming establishment, which may provide separate
instances of the game application 406 as a distinct application for
each particular released game and/or group of games.
[0054] More specifically, the game application 406 may be provided
by a game manufacturer separately from the mobile application 404
(the gaming host application). Each released iteration may include
a new game application, or update thereto, to enable one or more
game features. For example, a driving game may be released by the
game manufacturer that enables a player to use the mobile device
410 and the game application 406 to operate a vehicle within the
game by player input of the mobile device 410. Another example may
include a separate instance of the game application 406 that
enables a player to control pinball flippers by player input of the
mobile device 410 during play of a pinball game. Hence, the player
may have multiple mobile applications (multiple instances of game
application 406) on the mobile device 410 to facilitate play of
each one of a plurality of games, each having a unique variety of
features.
[0055] In the provided example/scenario of FIG. 4, the player/user
(not depicted) may encounter an undesirable workflow since the
player may be required to manually switch between the multiple
applications of the mobile device 410 to use the various gaming
features. This generally requires the player to know the names of
all possible applications (of the multiple mobile applications)
that may be compatible with the EGM 402 they are using, since each
instance of the game application 406 may only be compatible with a
single game or theme.
[0056] Hence, the various embodiments provided herein facilitate
this workflow by first presenting the player the opportunity to
perform monetary or account functions (e.g., account login
operations) via the mobile application 404 (e.g., the branded
property or gaming host application). More particularly, the player
first opens the mobile application 404 on the mobile device 410,
which may be branded to the gaming establishment property, where
the player may be presented with a GUI providing an initial screen
such as an account login screen. The player may enter login
credentials associated with the gaming establishment (e.g., the
casino) which have been established either previously and/or at the
time of first opening the mobile application 404.
[0057] Once the player has been authorized by input of the player
login credentials (which are confirmed through the EGM 402 via a
connection such as wireless connection 408A, 408B), the player may
then be automatically transferred to an interface such as an
account "home" screen, through which the player may then complete
the desired monetary or account functions associated with the
player's account with the gaming establishment. The monetary or
account functions may include performing a cash-in cash-out
operation, establishing a transferring of the winnings, funding a
bet associated with game play, establishing a credit balance to
fund the bet associated with the game play, changing and/or
resetting one or more of the login credentials of the user/player,
providing player loyalty account information, or a combination
thereof.
[0058] Subsequent to performing the monetary or account functions,
the mobile application 404 may automatically transfer the player to
the game application 406 (e.g., the selected mobile gaming
application). In other words, the mobile application 404 may
automatically launch the appropriate game application, such as game
application 406, for the particular EGM 402 in which the player is
physically situated. In another embodiment, for a player external
to the gaming establishment (or otherwise remotely located to the
EGM 402), an instance of the game application 406, which may have
been previously played by the player in a previous gaming session,
may be automatically launched. In still another embodiment, the
mobile application 404 may provide a GUI "button" or selector to
the player on a display of the mobile device 410 which, when
depressed, initiates the appropriate instance of the game
application 406 for the local or remotely located EGM 402 of which
the player desires to play. To wit, the mobile application 404 may
provide a "hybrid" approach where the player manually depresses the
GUI selector on the mobile device 410 to be taken to the
appropriate instance of the game application 406 while determining
which mobile application the appropriate instance is, and
automatically transferring the player to the appropriate instance
of the game application 406 in response to the player depressing
the GUI selector within the mobile application 404.
[0059] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 500
for automatically switching from the mobile application 404 (e.g.,
the gaming host application) to the game application 406 (e.g., the
selected mobile gaming application) on mobile device 410 via EGM
402. That is, the method 500 depicts exemplary steps of a login
process to the player's gaming establishment account using the
mobile application 404, wherein the mobile device 410 automatically
switches to an appropriate instance of the game application 406
being served by the EGM 402 subsequent to the login process. The
method 500 may be implemented in various environments described in
FIGS. 1-4.
[0060] In operation, the method 500 may include one or more of the
following actions. An account login function or association may be
performed on the mobile device 410 using a GUI interface provided
by the mobile application 404, as in block 502. It should be noted
that any monetary or account function associated with the mobile
application 404 may comprise the account login operation. For
example, the account login function may be a cash-in and/or
cash-out operation, a player account login operation, or an
enablement of an achieved bonus feature/operation (e.g., an extra
credit or bonus game). Again, the player may first open or "launch"
the mobile application 404 on the mobile device 410 where the
player may be presented with a GUI providing an initial screen such
as an account login screen. The player may enter login credentials
associated with the gaming establishment (e.g., the casino) which
have been established either previously and/or at the time of first
opening the mobile application 404. Alternatively, the player may
have previously entered login credentials and may desire to perform
an additional account login or monetary function, such as the
aforementioned cash-in and/or cash-out operation or enablement of
an achieved bonus feature/operation.
[0061] Subsequent to the account login function, a query operation
may be performed by the mobile device 410 on the EGM 402 through
communications networks 408A and/or 408B to identify a current game
for play (or a most recent game for play) being provided or served
by the EGM 402, as in block 504. The appropriate game application
406 (the current game being provided or served by EGM 402) may be
determined and/or identified for executing the game on the mobile
device 410, as in block 506. Alternatively to querying the EGM 402
by the mobile device 410, the EGM 402 may identify the current game
for play and asynchronously notify the mobile device 410. A
switching operation may then be performed to immediately switch
from the mobile application 404 to the (automatically launched)
appropriate instance of the game application 406 on the mobile
device 410, as in block 508. This switching operation may be
performed on the mobile device 410 automatically and immediately
following a completion of one or more of the account login
functions. Alternatively, the GUI of the mobile application 404 may
provide an interface button, tab, or the like, to transfer the
player from the mobile application 404 to the game application 406
upon the player physically depressing the selected button or tab
option.
[0062] In additional embodiments, subsequent to the account login
function, when a player changes from the current game for play to
an alternative game on the mobile device 410, the mobile device 410
may notify the EGM 402, and the EGM 402 may perform a switching
operation to the appropriate game application 406, if the requested
game is present on the EGM 402. That is, when the player is playing
a certain game application 406 on the mobile device 410 (which is
being served by the EGM 402), and the player then changes to an
alternative game application 406 on the mobile device 410, the EGM
402 may then determine whether the alternative game application 406
is installed and available to be served by the EGM 402 to the
mobile device 410, and begin serving the alternative game
application 406 to the mobile device 410. Moreover, the inverse of
this situation may also be performed. In other words, when the
player changes a game selection of the game application 406 on the
EGM 402, the EGM 402 may perform a switching operation to begin
game play of the selected game application 406, and begin serving
this selected game application 406 (and thereby automatically
switching the selected game application 406) to the mobile device
410 (assuming the selected game application 406 is installed or
available for play on the mobile device 410--if not, the mobile
device 410 may install the selected game application 406 from an
application store as will be described, following).
[0063] With the foregoing functional components of FIGS. 1-5 in
view, consider the following examples and scenarios. Upon logging
into the mobile application 406 on the mobile device 410, the
player may choose to fund a selected amount of money or apply a
credit to a credit meter. This "cash-in" operation serves as the
account login function which triggers the identification of the
current game application 406 being offered by the particular EGM
402 the player is either physically situated at or desires to play.
The player is then automatically transferred to the appropriate
(currently served) game application 406 (which is launched) from
the mobile application 404 for game play on either the EGM 402
and/or the mobile device 410. Alternatively and as aforementioned,
a selection option through the GUI of the mobile application 404
may be provided to transfer the player from the mobile application
404 to the game application 406 such that the player may complete
several account login functions prior to proceeding to the game
application 406 upon the player depressing the selected option.
[0064] In still further embodiments, a timer may be presented to
the player such that, upon completion of one of the account login
functions, the player is automatically transferred from the mobile
application 404 to the game application 406 upon the timer
expiring. For example, the player may complete the cash-in
operation as referred to above, at which point the GUI of the
mobile application 404 presents a timer of a predetermined time
(e.g., 10 seconds), where upon expiration of the timer, the player
is then automatically transferred from the mobile application 404
to the game application 406. The timer may reset upon the player
performing an additional account login function, or the player may
alternatively cancel the timer by depressing a GUI selection option
and remain in the mobile application 404. Still further, the player
may forfeit the remaining time by depressing an additional GUI
selection option to be directly transferred to the game application
406.
[0065] In some cases, the player may not have installed the correct
mobile application for the appropriate instance of the game
application 406 on the mobile device 410. In this case, the mobile
application 404 of the mobile device 410 may communicate with the
EGM 402 to detect the absence of the correct mobile application on
the mobile device 410 for current game play (a current game being
provided or served) by the EGM 402. The appropriate instance of the
game application 406 may be preloaded or installed on the EGM 402
such that the EGM 402 provides the appropriate instance of the game
application 406 to the mobile device 410 upon detecting the
absence. That is, if the player's mobile device 410 does not have
stored the correct application for the appropriate instance of the
game application 406 which is currently offered for play by the EGM
402, the mobile device 410 may download the appropriate instance of
the game application 406 from the EGM 402 and install such
automatically on the mobile device 410. Alternatively, the mobile
application 404 of the gaming establishment may direct and transfer
the player of the mobile device 410 to an application center or
application store to enable the mobile device 410 to install the
appropriate instance of the game application 406 on the player's
mobile device 410.
[0066] In some embodiments, the player may be located at the EGM
402 and playing the game application 406, and desire to switch from
the game application 406 to the mobile application 404. In other
words, the player may be playing the selected mobile gaming
application and desire to switch back to the gaming host
application associated with the gaming establishment property.
Therefore, in one aspect, the embodiments enable the game
application 406 (which, again, may be provided by a third party
vendor) to identify the gaming establishment's application (the
mobile application 404), and seamlessly switch from the game
application 406 to the (correct) mobile application 404 of the
gaming establishment the player is located within, as depicted in
FIG. 6A.
[0067] FIG. 6A depicts a block diagram 600 illustrating the mobile
device 410 which automatically switches from the game application
406 (the selected mobile gaming application) to the mobile
application 404 (the gaming host application). Of note, mobile
device 410 is depicted for convenience in the block diagram 600,
however, the mobile device 410 may additionally and/or
alternatively comprise the EGM 402 itself. The game application 406
executing on the mobile device 410 may provide an interactive GUI
button 606 (e.g., a selection button) within the game application
406 to transfer and switch back the mobile device 410 to the mobile
application 404.
[0068] For example, the player may be playing an instance of the
game application 406 entitled "Ellen" on the mobile device 410, and
desire to switch back to the gaming establishment's mobile
application 404 (e.g., the MGM.RTM. M-Life.RTM. mobile
application). The player may select the GUI button 606 ("Go to
MLife") on the mobile device 410 such that the game application 406
is either exited or paused, and the mobile application 404 is
initiated or brought into view. The mobile application 404 may
depict the player's account information (e.g., Name: "Kevin",
Amount of player points: "50", Wallet/credit balance: "50", and the
like). Upon switching from the game application 406 to the mobile
application 404, the GUI button 606 (or other type of selector) may
be changed to indicate and facilitate the mobile device 410 to
switch back to the game application 406 (e.g., using a selector
indicator depicting "Go to Ellen") upon depression of the selector
on the GUI of the mobile device 410, by the player.
[0069] Turning now to FIG. 6B, a block diagram 625 of a system for
collecting and transferring player information between the EGM 402
and the mobile device 410 is depicted. It should be noted that the
context of which instance of the mobile application 404 (the gaming
host application) that the mobile device 410/EGM 402 switches to
may be determined based upon numerous factors, including, but not
limited to, whether the gaming establishment's application (mobile
application 404) launched the game application 406, and/or the
geolocation of the EGM 402 or mobile device 410. Additionally,
there may be scenarios where the game application 406 may need to
know information about the particular player in order to offer the
player one or more unique features which are specifically targeted
for the individual player.
[0070] For example, the EGM 402's game application 406 executing on
the mobile device 410 may allow the player to save state data, such
as data indicating the player earned a selected number of credits
or winnings during game play of the game application 406. In order
to save the state data, the mobile application 404 may be enabled
to learn identity and other selected information pertaining to the
player playing the game application 406.
[0071] In one aspect, the EGM 402's game application 406 may be
integrated with the gaming establishment's Casino Management System
(CMS) to learn the selected identity information about the player
of the particular game. Accordingly, as indicated in FIG. 6B, the
game application 406 (i.e., the current or selected mobile gaming
application being provided or served by the EGM 402) may be enabled
to learn about the identity and selected information pertaining to
the player directly from the gaming establishment's mobile
application 404, so as to provide the EGM 402 manufacturer an
integration point to collect details about the player and/or the
game play thereof. This identifying information may include a
player name (or nickname), a player ID (e.g., an alphanumeric
sequence), a signature (e.g., using a private signature key), and
the aforementioned account information associated therewith.
[0072] For example, this integration may include passing one or
more messages in a background process between two mobile
applications (e.g., the mobile application 404 and the game
application 406). The messages may include identifying information
associated with the player, identifying the player's authentication
state (e.g., whether the player has input a PIN associated with
their account login, and whether the PIN has or has not been
authenticated), or providing a variety of alternative analytic
data. The game application 406 may also send requests to the mobile
application 404, such as a request to authenticate the player (PIN
validation if no PIN has been input by the player).
[0073] All information transferred or passed to and from the mobile
application 404 may be cryptographically signed such that the game
application 406 may validate that the player has been transferred
directly from the gaming establishment's mobile application 404
and/or the operator's CMS. Finally, the gaming establishment's
mobile application 404 may even restrict which instances of the
game application 406 are allowed to integrate with the mobile
application 404 by requiring each game application 406 to include
an application programming interface ("API") key with each data
request. In other words, information shared between the mobile
applications may be encrypted in order to ensure that only
authorized mobile applications may engage in the exchange of data,
including the player identification and analytic information.
[0074] For example, the game application 406 (for the game entitled
"Ellen") may be automatically launched for the player identified as
"Kevin" if the message identifies that certain criteria are met
(e.g., the player is identified as "Kevin" having player
identification number "1234", authorizations set as "true", and the
signature 0x0033747575).
[0075] It should be noted that, when launching the game application
406 (the selected mobile gaming application) by the mobile
application 404 (the gaming host application), the identity and
analytic information associated with the player may additionally be
included (e.g., through an inter-application message) in the game
application 406 during the launching operation of the game
application 406 for game play on either the mobile device 410
and/or EGM 402.
[0076] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an additional exemplary
method for managing mobile applications on the mobile device 410
being in communication with the EGM 402 through one or more
communication networks 408A, 408B. The functionality of the method
700 may be implemented in various environments as described in
FIGS. 1-6A-B.
[0077] The functionality 700 may start in block 702. The mobile
device 410 may, through communication with the EGM 402, perform an
account login function by the player/user using the mobile
application 404 (the gaming host application) associated with the
EGM 402 such that the account login function triggers the mobile
application 404 to launch the game application 406 (the selected
mobile gaming application) for game play on the EGM 402 or the
mobile device 410, as in block 704. In one aspect, performing the
account login function may include funding a bet associated with
the game play, establishing a credit balance to fund the bet
associated with the game play, providing and/or changing one or
more login credentials of a user, providing player loyalty account
information, or a combination thereof. The communication network
may include at least one wired and/or wireless communication
network through, for example, a Bluetooth.TM., WIFI, and/or
Ethernet connection. The method 700 may end in block 706.
[0078] In one aspect, in conjunction with and/or as part of at
least one block of FIG. 7, the functionality of the method 700 may
include one or more of the following. In one aspect, the method 700
may determine, through the EGM 402, the game application 406 for a
current game (being provided or served by) the EGM 402. The method
700 may additionally switch operation of the mobile application 404
to the game application 406 on the EGM 402 subsequent to one or
more account login functions being performed. Further, the method
700 may switch operation of the mobile application 404 to the game
application 406 on the EGM 402 according to a selected indicator
(e.g., the interactive GUI button or selector).
[0079] The game application 406 may be automatically and/or
manually installed on the mobile device 410 for the game play on
the EGM 402 through the mobile device 410. The method 700 may
learn, by the game application 406, identity information related to
the player or user from the mobile application 404. The identity
information may include at least identifying credentials of the
user, authentication state data relating to the account login, or a
combination thereof.
[0080] In an additional aspect, the method 700 may restrict an
instance of the game application 406 which lacks an API key from
interacting with the mobile application 404, provide to the API key
to enable interacting of the game application 406 with the mobile
application 404, and/or validate, by the game application 406,
information from the mobile application 404 using a cryptographic
signature.
[0081] As aforementioned, the mobile device 410 may comprise a
desktop computer, a portable phone (e.g., a "smartphone"), a media
player, a personal data organizer, a handheld game platform, a
tablet computer, a notebook or portable computer, or any
combination of such devices. Additionally, some or all of the
aforementioned functionality may be implemented cross-platform
between the mobile device 410 and the EGM 402. In other words, when
referring to functionality throughout the present disclosure being
performed by "the mobile device 410", this functionality may be
equally performed by "the EGM 402" and vice versa.
[0082] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of
the present disclosure may be embodied as an apparatus, system,
method or a computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the
present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware
embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware,
resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining
software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to
herein as a "circuit," "module" or "system."
[0083] Aspects of the present disclosure have been described above
with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of
methods, apparatus, and systems according to embodiments of the
disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart
illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in
the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, may be
implemented by computer program instructions. These computer
program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general
purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable
data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the
instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or
other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for
implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowcharts and/or
block diagram block or blocks.
[0084] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a
computer readable storage medium that may direct a computer, other
programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to
function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored
in the computer readable storage medium produce an article of
manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act
specified in the flowcharts and/or block diagram block or blocks.
The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a
computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other
devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on
the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to
produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions
which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus
provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in
the flowcharts and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0085] A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but
not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,
infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any
suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a
non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would
include the following: an electrical connection having one or more
wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access
memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable
read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a
portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage
device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of
the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable
storage medium may be any tangible medium that may contain, or
store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction
execution system, apparatus, or device.
[0086] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the above figures
illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of
possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program
products according to various embodiments of the present
disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block
diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which
comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the
specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in
some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block
may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two
blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially
concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the
reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will
also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or
flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block
diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by
special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified
functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and
computer instructions.
* * * * *