CA2388326A1 - Portable data unit for communicating with gaming machine over wireless link - Google Patents
Portable data unit for communicating with gaming machine over wireless link Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2388326A1 CA2388326A1 CA002388326A CA2388326A CA2388326A1 CA 2388326 A1 CA2388326 A1 CA 2388326A1 CA 002388326 A CA002388326 A CA 002388326A CA 2388326 A CA2388326 A CA 2388326A CA 2388326 A1 CA2388326 A1 CA 2388326A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- gaming machine
- data unit
- information
- portable data
- player
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
- G07F17/3223—Architectural aspects of a gaming system, e.g. internal configuration, master/slave, wireless communication
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
- G07F17/3248—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes involving non-monetary media of fixed value, e.g. casino chips of fixed value
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
- G07F17/3251—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes involving media of variable value, e.g. programmable cards, programmable tokens
Abstract
A method and arrangement for communicating with a gaming machine is disclosed. The gaming machine includes a first wireless transceiver. A
portable data unit includes a second wireless transceiver. In response to positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, a wireless transmission link is established between the first and second wireless transceivers. The wireless transmission link may, for example, be a radio (RF) link or an infrared (IR) link. Information is transmitted between the portable data unit and the gaming machine via the wireless transmission link for such purposes as cashless gaming, player tracking, game customization, and data transfer.
portable data unit includes a second wireless transceiver. In response to positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, a wireless transmission link is established between the first and second wireless transceivers. The wireless transmission link may, for example, be a radio (RF) link or an infrared (IR) link. Information is transmitted between the portable data unit and the gaming machine via the wireless transmission link for such purposes as cashless gaming, player tracking, game customization, and data transfer.
Description
~ ~u n ; ~ I ~
r PORTABLE DATA UNIT FOR COMMUNICATING WITH GAMING
MACHINE OVER WIRELESS LINK
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
s The present invention relates generally to gaming machines and, more particularly, to a portable data unit for communicating with a gaming machine over a wireless transmission link for such purposes as cashless gaming, player tracking, game customization, and data transfer.
~o BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cashless gaming systems and player tracking systems generally require a player to insert a portable data unit, such as a smart card, magnetic stripe card, ticket, or the like, into a data unit reader at a gaming machine. The portable data unit is first issued to the player by a gaming establishment or other registration authority. The is portable data unit may carry monetary or player tracking information directly on the data unit. Alternatively, the gaming machine may be linked to a central host computer that administers accounts for a plurality of players. In this case, the portable data unit may only carry a personal identifier for accessing a player's account at the central host computer. The monetary or player tracking information may be encrypted or Zo unencrypted, depending upon the level of security desired for the application involved.
Heretofore, to communicate with gaming machines, portable data units of the above type have had to be manually inserted by players into data unit readers at the gaming machines. This arrangement suffers from numerous drawbacks. First, the process of retrieving the portable data unit and manually inserting it into a data unit zs reader can be inconvenient to a player especially if the player wishes to play numerous gaming machines in a relatively short period of time. Second, unless the portable data unit is somehow attached to the player by a string, chain, or the like, a player may forget to remove the portable data unit from a data unit reader upon completion of a gaming session, thereby possibly allowing a subsequent unscrupulous player at that 3o gaming machine to use the data unit for his/her own benefit. Third, data unit readers are often disposed at peculiar locations on gaming machines, such as above a video or mechanical display. This, in turn, requires a player to awkwardly reach for the peculiar location to manually insert the portable data unit. If the portable data unit is ,. ~. ~.;; ~i i ~ a ~.
attached to a string or the like, it is common for the string to hang over and partially obscure the machine display as the player plays the gaming machine.
Accordingly, a need exists for a portable data unit that can communicate with a gaming machine without inserting the data unit into a data unit reader.
s SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A method and arrangement for communicating with a gaming machine is disclosed. The gaming machine includes a first wireless transceiver. A
portable data unit includes a second wireless transceiver. In response to positioning the portable io data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, a wireless transmission link is established between the first and second wireless transceivers. The wireless transmission link may, for example, be a radio (RF) link or an infrared (IR) link. Information is transmitted between the portable data unit and the gaming machine via the wireless is transmission link for such purposes as cashless gaming, player tracking, game customization, and data transfer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent Zo upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.
FIG. I is a front view of an arrangement for communicating with a gaming machine in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the arrangement for communicating with a gaming machine in accordance with the present invention.
zs FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an automated teller machine optionally employed in the arrangement.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the 3o invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed.
Rather, the invention is to cover atl modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
r PORTABLE DATA UNIT FOR COMMUNICATING WITH GAMING
MACHINE OVER WIRELESS LINK
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
s The present invention relates generally to gaming machines and, more particularly, to a portable data unit for communicating with a gaming machine over a wireless transmission link for such purposes as cashless gaming, player tracking, game customization, and data transfer.
~o BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cashless gaming systems and player tracking systems generally require a player to insert a portable data unit, such as a smart card, magnetic stripe card, ticket, or the like, into a data unit reader at a gaming machine. The portable data unit is first issued to the player by a gaming establishment or other registration authority. The is portable data unit may carry monetary or player tracking information directly on the data unit. Alternatively, the gaming machine may be linked to a central host computer that administers accounts for a plurality of players. In this case, the portable data unit may only carry a personal identifier for accessing a player's account at the central host computer. The monetary or player tracking information may be encrypted or Zo unencrypted, depending upon the level of security desired for the application involved.
Heretofore, to communicate with gaming machines, portable data units of the above type have had to be manually inserted by players into data unit readers at the gaming machines. This arrangement suffers from numerous drawbacks. First, the process of retrieving the portable data unit and manually inserting it into a data unit zs reader can be inconvenient to a player especially if the player wishes to play numerous gaming machines in a relatively short period of time. Second, unless the portable data unit is somehow attached to the player by a string, chain, or the like, a player may forget to remove the portable data unit from a data unit reader upon completion of a gaming session, thereby possibly allowing a subsequent unscrupulous player at that 3o gaming machine to use the data unit for his/her own benefit. Third, data unit readers are often disposed at peculiar locations on gaming machines, such as above a video or mechanical display. This, in turn, requires a player to awkwardly reach for the peculiar location to manually insert the portable data unit. If the portable data unit is ,. ~. ~.;; ~i i ~ a ~.
attached to a string or the like, it is common for the string to hang over and partially obscure the machine display as the player plays the gaming machine.
Accordingly, a need exists for a portable data unit that can communicate with a gaming machine without inserting the data unit into a data unit reader.
s SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A method and arrangement for communicating with a gaming machine is disclosed. The gaming machine includes a first wireless transceiver. A
portable data unit includes a second wireless transceiver. In response to positioning the portable io data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, a wireless transmission link is established between the first and second wireless transceivers. The wireless transmission link may, for example, be a radio (RF) link or an infrared (IR) link. Information is transmitted between the portable data unit and the gaming machine via the wireless is transmission link for such purposes as cashless gaming, player tracking, game customization, and data transfer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent Zo upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.
FIG. I is a front view of an arrangement for communicating with a gaming machine in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the arrangement for communicating with a gaming machine in accordance with the present invention.
zs FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an automated teller machine optionally employed in the arrangement.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the 3o invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed.
Rather, the invention is to cover atl modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
l n s, DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a front view of an arrangement for communicating with a gaming machine 10 in accordance with the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the arrangement. The arrangement includes a first s wireless transceiver 12 mounted at the gaming machine 10, and a portable data unit 14 including a second wireless transceiver 16 (see FIG. 2). The wireless transceiver 12 is preferably mounted to a front center portion of the gaming machine 10 at a height proximate to a height of a waist of an average standing person. An individual, such as a patron or employee of a gaming establishment, may carry the portable data unit 14 in io his or her pocket or on a key, neck, or wrist chain so that the data unit 14 is readily available when needed. A patron may acquire the portable data unit 14 on site from a gaming establishment via an automated dispenser or an attendant station, or may have the data unit 14 shipped to the patron in response to an order placed by mail, telephone, the Internet, or the like. The portable data unit 14 may be shaped as a ~s smart card, key, or the like or may be incorporated in a typical portable device such as a mobile (cell) telephone, watch, necklace, ring, belt buckle, or any other typical device carned by casino patrons.
In response to positioning the portable data unit 14 in proximity to the gaming machine 10, but without inserting the data unit 14 into any portion (e.g., data unit zo reader) of the gaming machine 10, a wireless transmission link is established (enabled) between the wireless transceivers 12 and 16. The wireless transmission link conveys information between the portable data unit 14 and the gaming machine 10.
The wireless transmission link may be a radio (RF) link or an infrared (IR) link.
In one embodiment, the transceivers 12 and 16 are respective radio microchips zs that communicate over short distances and through obstacles by means of radio waves. The radio microchips preferably conform to the Bluetooth T"'standard detailed at www.bluetooth.com, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Bluetooth radio microchips operate in the unlicensed ISM band at 2.4 GHz and avoid interference from other signals by hopping to a new frequency after transmitting or 3o receiving an information packet. Bluetooth is a term used to describe the protocol of a short range frequency-hopping radio link between devices containing the radio microchips. These devices, which in this case are the portable data unit 14 and the gaming machine I0, are then termed "Bluerooth-enabled." The radio link replaces a h i~ ~~ ~ I
data unit reader or cable that would otherwise be used to connect the portable data unit 14 and the gaming machine 10. The Bluetooth technology is designed to be fully functional even in very noisy radio environments. The Bluetooth technology provides a very high transmission rate and all information is protected by advanced error-s correction methods, as well as encryption and authentication routines for the user's privacy. It should be noted, however, that wireless technologies other than Bluetooth may be used to communicate information between the portable data unit 14 and the gaming machine 10.
To establish the wireless transmission link, the portable data unit 14 must be ~o positioned within a predetermined distance of the gaming machine 10 for at least a predetermined period of time. The predetermined distance and period of time may be varied for such different purposes as an attract mode and a play mode. In an attract mode, the predetermined distance and period of time may be set to enable a wireless transmission link with individuals that casually walk by but do not stop at the gaming ~s machine 10. The predetermined distance may be several feet and the predetermined period of time may be less than one second. Upon establishing such an attract mode link, the gaming machine 10 may learn the identity of a passer by through the information on the individual's portable data unit 14 and invite that individual to play the gaming machine 10. In a play mode, the predetermined distance and period of Zo time may be set to enable a wireless transmission link with individuals that demonstrate an intent to play the gaming machine 10 and to disregard individuals who casually walk by the gaming machine 10. In one embodiment, this predetermined distance is no greater than about two or three feet to detect the portable data units 14 of individuals standing in front of the gaming machine 10 but not in front of an is adjacent gaming machine. The predetermined period of time is at least five seconds.
As a contingency in the event the wireless transmission link fails, the portable data unit 14 and the gaming machine 10 may be outfitted with respective conventional serial I/O interfaces for establishing a conventional physical link between the data unit 14 and the gaming machine 10. Specifically, instead of positioning the portable data 3o unit 14 in proximity to the gaming machine 10 to attempt to establish a wireless transmission link, the data unit 14 may be inserted into a data unit reader 58 on the gaming machine 10 to establish the conventional physical link. If the portable data G.'.., ~',I I
unit 14 is a smart card, the data unit reader 58 may be a smart card reader including an entry slot for receiving the smart card.
In one embodiment, the portable data unit 14 is a smart card embedded with a microcontroller and is based on an eight-bit central processing unit (CPU) core 20.
s The portable data unit 14 includes the following on-chip memories with the following capacities: 128 Bytes of RAM 22, 6 Kbytes of User ROM 24, 1 Kbyte of System ROM 26, and 1088 Bytes of EEPROM 28. If the portable data unit 14 is used to store detailed information of different types (e.g., monetary information, player tracking information, player preferences, casino preferences, and machine data), the number of ~o bytes of in the various memories can be increased to accommodate such information.
Both the User ROM 24 and EEPROM 28 can be configured into two sectors. Access rules from any memory section or sector to any other are set up by the User's Memory Access Control Matrix (MACM) 30. This provides protection against interaction between multiple applications running on the portable data unit, or against fraudulent -is software execution. The CPU 20 is coupled to the MACM 30 by an internal bus 32.
The EEPROM 28 preferably employs highly reliable CMOS EEPROM technology with approximately 10 year data retention and 300,000 erase/write cycles endurance.
The portable data unit 14 is fully compatible with the ISO standards for smart card applications. Although the portable data unit 14 is illustrated as being in the shape of Zo a card, the data unit 14 can have other shapes capable of housing a microcontroller.
An important advantage of the portable data unit 14 over some other data-carrying mediums, such as magnetic stripe cards, is that it is inherently more secure and therefore less susceptible to fraud. The internal bus 32 is protected from fraudulent use by security logic 34, and the MACM 30 sets up access rules from any is memory section or sector. Furthermore, the CPU 20 runs security software that encrypts/decrypts information transmitted between the portable data unit 14 and the gaming machine 10.
The gaming machine 10 is operable to play a game of chance such as mechanical slots, video slots, poker, blackjack, keno, bingo, or roulette. The game of 3o chance may be any game that is played in response to a wager, randomly selects a game outcome from a plurality of possible outcomes, and awards a payoff if the selected game outcome matches predetermined criteria. The gaming machine 10 includes a visual display 40 preferably in the form of a mechanical, dot matrix, CRT, LED, LCD, electro-luminescent, or other type of display known in the art. A
touch screen may overlay the display 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is an "upright" version in which the display 40 is oriented vertically relative to a player. Alternatively, the gaming machine 10 may be a "slant-top"
s version in which the display 40 is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of the gaming machine 10.
Referring primarily to FIG. 2, the gaming machine 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 42 that executes game software stored in system memory 44.
The game of chance is depicted on the display 40. In a video slot game, for example, io the player may select a number of pay lines 52 (see FIG. 1) to play and a number of credits to wager via push-buttons 46 or a touch screen 48 overlaying the display 40.
The CPU 42 decrements a credit meter 50 by the number of wagered credits. The slot game commences in response to the player pressing a "spin" push-button or touch field or pulling a handle, causing the CPU 42 to set animated reels 54 (sec FIG. 1 ) in ~ s motion, randomly select a game outcome using a random number generator (RNG), and then stop the reels to display symbols corresponding to the pre-selected game outcome. In one embodiment, certain of the game outcomes cause the CPU 42 to enter a bonus mode causing the display 40 or a secondary display to show a bonus game.
2o The system memory 44 stores control software, operational instructions and data associated with the gaming machine 10. In one embodiment, the system memory 44 comprises a separate read-only memory (ROM) and battery-backed random-access memory (RAM). It will be appreciated, however, that the system memory 44 may be implemented on any of several alternative types of memory structures or may be is implemented on a single memory structure. In response to a winning outcome (e.g., winning combination of reel symbols along an active pay line) identified on a pay table stored in the system memory 44, the CPU 42 increments the credit meter 50 by a number of credits listed on the pay table for that winning outcome. If the game has a bonus mode, the payoff amounts corresponding to certain outcomes of the bonus 3o game are also stored in the system memory 44.
When the portable data unit 14 is positioned in proximity to the gaming machine 10, the wireless transceivers 12 and 16 establish a wireless transmission link that allows the CPU 20 on the data unit 14 to communicate with the CPU 42 on the i ~~ mii gaming machine 10. Such communication may occur for such purposes as cashless gaming, player tracking, game customization, and data transfer.
The amount of information stored on the portable data unit 14 may vary depending upon the storage capacity of the data unit 14 and what is desired for the s particular application involved. On the one hand, the gaming machine 10 may be linked to a remote host computer 18 that administers accounts for a plurality of players in an account database. In this case, the portable data unit 14 may only store a personal identifier for accessing detailed information in a player's account at the host computer 18. The personal identifier is associated with the player's account.
The ~o detailed information in the player's account may, for example, include monetary information, player tracking information, player preferences, casino preferences, and verification information (e.g., verification code, biometric attribute, etc.).
On the other hand, the portable data unit 14 may store detailed information directly on the data unit 14 such that the player's "account" effectively resides on the data unit 14 is itself. The details information may, for example, include monetary information, player tracking information, player preferences, casino preferences, machine data, and verification information.
In another embodiment, both the portable data unit 14 and the host computer 18 may store some common information as a technique for verifying the contents of zo the data unit 14. For example, both the portable data unit 14 and the host computer 18 may store a current monetary balance and record of monetary transactions for a player's account identified by the portable data unit 14. If the current monetary balance and transaction record on the portable data unit 14 match the cuaent balance and transaction record in the player's account at the host computer 18, the contents of zs the portable data unit 14 are considered valid; otherwise, they are not.
If the gaming machine 10 is linked to a host computer 18, it is preferably part of a high-speed network linking the host computer 18 to a plurality of similar gaming machines. The network may encompass a single gaming establishment or multiple gaming establishments. If the network encompasses multiple gaming establishments 3o and is therefore a wide-area network, the gaming machines at each gaming establishment are interconnected by a local-area network. Each local-area network may be an Ethernet using a bus or star topology and supporting data transfer rates of 10, 100, or 1000 megabits per second. Alternatively, each local-area network may be s "~il:~.ji-a slower legacy network of the type currently found in many casinos. Each local-area network includes a respective gateway that serves as an entrance to the network. Each gateway is associated with both a router, which knows where to direct a given packet of data that arrives at the gateway, and a switch, which furnishes the actual path in and s out of the gateway for a given packet. The gaming machine 10, as well as the other gaming machines in the network, are each assigned a respective permanent identification number for identifying the machine 10 to the host computer 18 and allowing the host computer 18 to address the machine 10. The host computer 18 may either be located in the same gaming establishment as one of the local-area networks io or at an offsite location remote from the gaming establishment(s). If the host computer 18 is located in a gaming establishment, the host computer 18 is preferably located in a secure area that can only be accessed by authorized establishment personnel and not patrons.
A player may modify the information associated with the portable data unit 14 is at an automated station or at a station operated by a live attendant. In an alternative embodiment, the gaming machine 10 itself may be equipped to serve as an automated station permitting a player to modify the information while at the gaming machine 10.
For example, with respect to cashless gaming, to establish or modify the monetary infonmation associated with the portable data unit 14, the player goes to either an zo automated teller machine (ATM) or an attendant station. In the description below, it should be understood that the player's monetary account may reside on the portable data unit 14 and/or at the central host computer 18. If the player's monetary account resides at the host computer 18, then both the ATM and the attendant station are linked to the host computer 18.
zs A cashless gaming system and method employing the portable data unit 14 is described in detail below.
Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a front view of an ATM 60. The ATM 60 includes a data unit dispenser 62, a cash acceptor 64, a cash dispenser 66, an instructional display 68, and a push-button user interface 70. In addition to or instead 30 of the user interface 70, a touch screen may be mounted over the instructional display 68. The display 68 initially offers three transaction options: (1) establish a new monetary account, (2) deposit money to an existing account, and (3) withdraw money from an existing account.
l,, l In response to selecting option (1), the display 68 instructs the player to insert cash (bills) into the cash acceptor 64 and to press a vend button of the user interface 70 after the desired amount of cash has been inserted. In response to pressing the vend button, the display 68 may prompt the player to enter verification information s such as a verification code (e.g., personal identification number (PIN)) and/or a biometric attribute. The ATM 60 may include a biometric measurement device 72 for measuring a biometric attribute of the player. The biometric attribute may, for example, be a fingerprint, a voice sample, or a retinal scan captured with a fingerprint reader, a voice recognition system, and a retinal scanner, respectively. A
suitable lo fingerprint reader is commercially available from Identix Incorporated of Los Gatos, California. The fingerprint reader provides adjustable security thresholds so that it can be easily tuned to fit the exact security requirements of the desired application.
The player inserts his or her finger into the fingerprint reader which, in turn, electronically or optically captures a forensic-quality fingerprint image directly from ~s the player's finger.
ARer entering the verification information, the ATM 60 establishes a new monetary account for the player. The verification information is stored with the player's account. The player's account resides either on the portable data unit 14 to be dispensed by the ATM 60 or in an account database at the host computer 18. The zo player's account initially holds an amount of money corresponding to the amount of cash deposited into the ATM 60 by the player. If the player's account is stored at the host computer 18, the host computer 18 assigns an account identifier to the new account and sends the account identifier to the ATM 60 for storage on the portable data unit 14 to be dispensed. The ATM 60 then dispenses the portable data unit is from the data unit dispenser 62.
Once the player's account is established, the player may also utilize the ATM
60 to deposit money to, or withdraw money from, the existing account.
Specifically, when the instruction display 68 initially offers the three transaction options noted above, the player selects either option (2) to deposit money or option (3) to withdraw 3o money. In response to selecting either option (2) or (3), the display 68 instructs the player to position his or her portable data unit 14 in proximity to the ATM 60 so that the data unit 14 can communicate with the ATM 60 over a wireless transmission link established between the transceiver 16 in the data unit 14 and a transceiver in the to .. . . ~.,~.~i n . ~i ATM 60. In response to establishing this wireless transmission link, the display 68 prompts the player to enter his or her verification information (e.g., verification code, biometric attribute, etc.).
After receiving the verification information, the ATM 60 verifies the existence s of the player's account and the identity of the player. Specifically, if the player's account resides on the portable data unit 14, the ATM 60 compares the entered verification information with the verification information stored with the player's account. If a match does not exist, the ATM 60 rejects use of the portable data unit 14 and informs the player of the problem. If, however, a match exists, the player may io proceed to deposit money to (option (2)), or withdraw money from (option (3)), the existing monetary account depending upon which transaction option was initially selected.
If the player's account resides at the host computer 18, the ATM 60 transmits the account identifier on the portable data unit 14 and the entered verification is information to the host computer 18. The host computer 18 determines whether or not the account identifier is assigned to any open monetary accounts. If the account identifier is not assigned to any open monetary accounts, the ATM 60 rejects use of the portable data unit 14 and informs the player of the problem. If, however, the account identifier is assigned to an open monetary account, the host computer zo compares the entered verification information with the verification information stored with the player's account. If a match does not exist, the ATM 60 rejects use of the portable data unit 14 and informs the player of the problem. If, however, a match exists, the player may proceed to deposit money to (option (2)), or withdraw money from (option (3)), the existing monetary account depending upon which transaction zs option was initially selected.
For a "deposit" transaction (option (2)), the display 68 on the ATM 60 instructs the player to insert cash (bills) into the cash acceptor 64 and to press a vend button of the user interface 70 after the desired amount of cash has been inserted. In response to pressing the vend button, the amount of deposited cash is added to the 3o player's account.
For a "withdrawal" transaction (option (3)), the display 68 on the ATM 60 informs the player as to the amount of money in the player's existing account and instructs the player to enter, via the user interface 70, the amount of money that the 1l l ,; ;i~
player wishes to withdraw from the player's account. The ATM 60 dispenses the requested amount of money via the cash dispenser 66. The amount of withdrawn cash is deducted from the player's account.
The ATM 60 may be designed to allow the player to withdraw any monetary s amount (in dollars and cents) in the player's account up to the entire account balance, or to withdraw only a whole number dollar amount in prescribed increments (e.g., $5, $10, $20, etc.). If the ATM 60 allows the player to withdraw any monetary amount up to the entire account balance, the ATM 60 is then equipped with a coin dispenser in addition to the cash dispenser 66. If, however, the ATM 60 allows the player to lo withdraw only a whole number dollar amount in prescribed increments, the cashless gaming system and method may require the player to obtain any residual amount of money from an attendant station.
Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, after the player establishes a new monetary account and deposits money into that account, the player may proceed to play a ~s gaming machine 10 using the money in the player's account. Toward that end, in response to positioning the portable data unit 14 in proximity to the gaming machine so that a wireless transmission link is established therebetween, the machine display 40 prompts the player to enter his or her verification information. If the verification information includes a biometric attribute, the gaming machine 10 may be Zo outfitted with an appropriate biometric measurement device 56 for measuring the biometric attribute.
After receiving the verification information, the gaming machine 10 verifies the existence of the player's account and the identity of the player.
Specifically, if the player's account resides on the portable data unit 14, the gaming machine 10 zs compares the entered verification information with the verification information stored with the player's account. If a match does not exist, the gaming machine 14 rejects use of the portable data unit 14 and informs the player of the problem. If, however, a match exists, the gaming machine 10 accesses the money in the player's account so that the player may proceed to play a game at the gaming machine 10.
3o If the player's account resides at the host computer 18, the gaming machine transmits the account identifier on the portable data unit 14 and the entered verification information to the host computer 18. The host computer 18 determines whether or not the account identifier is assigned to any open monetary accounts. If the t2 .i,:,., ~ i i account identifier is not assigned to any open monetary accounts, the gaming machine rejects use of the portable data unit 14 and informs the player of the problem. If, however, the account identifier is assigned to an open monetary account, the host computer 18 compares the entered verification information with the verification s information stored with the player's account. If a match does not exist, the gaming machine 10 rejects use of the portable data unit 14 and informs the player of the problem. If, however, a match exists, the gaming machine 10 accesses the money in the player's account so that the player may proceed to play a game at the gaming machine 10.
io To access the money in the player's account, the gaming machine 10 may automatically download all the money in the player's account (whether it resides on the portable data unit 14 or at the host computer 18) to the gaming machine 10.
Altennatively, the machine display may instruct the player to select an amount of money, up to the entire account balance, to deduct fiom the player's account and is electronically download to the gaming machine 10. The gaming machine 10 converts the amount of downloaded money to an appropriate number of credits. For example, if each credit on the gaming machine 10 is worth 25 cents, the number of credits is equal to the amount of downloaded money divided by 25 cents. The player may proceed to play a game on the gaming machine 10 using the number of credits Zo corresponding to the amount of downloaded money. The gaming machine 10 includes the credit meter 50 depicting the number of credits available for play. For each play, the credit meter SO is decremented by the number of wagered credits and incremented by the number of credits awarded for a winning outcome.
At the completion of a game session, the player may collect an amount of zs money corresponding to any credits remaining on the credit meter 50 by pressing a "Collect" (or "Cash Out's button. In response to pressing the "Collect"
button, the gaming machine 10 electronically uploads to the player's account (whether it resides on the portable data unit 14 or at the host computer 18) an amount of money corresponding to the number of credits remaining on the credit meter 50.
so Alternatively, the player may be given the option to have a portion of the money uploaded to the player's account and a remaining portion of the money dispensed as cash or coins from the gaming machine 10. Toward that end, the machine display may instruct the player to select an amount of money, up to the number of credits on . ., ~ ;;;; ".., s':
the credit meter 50, to upload to the player's account. Any remaining credits are dispensed as cash or coins from the gaming machine 10.
In an alternative embodiment, the actual money in the player's account is not electronically transferred to the gaming machine 10. Rather, while a wireless s transmission link exists between the player's portable data unit 14 and the gaming machine 10, the money remains in the player's account but the amount of money is visually represented on the display of the gaming machine 10. In this way, the player is aware of the amount of money in the player's account and available for game play.
At the completion of a game session, the amount of money in the player's account is io updated to reflect any wins and wagers during the game session.
Alternatively, the amount of money in the player's account may be updated after each play, which may be defined as a single wager and an associated outcome.
The wireless transmission link between the portable data unit 14 and the gaming machine 10 preferably must be maintained throughout the gaming session in .
~s order to wager with money from the player's monetary account.
Alternatively, if the player's account is only accessed at the commencement and completion of a gaming session, the wireless transmission link may only need to be established at these times.
If the wireless transmission Link is interrupted at any time the link is suppose to exist, the player may be prompted to position the portable data unit 14 in proximity to the zo gaming machine 10 to re-establish the link. If the wireless transmission link cannot be established despite positioning the portable data unit 14 in proximity to the gaming machine 10, the player may instead establish a more conventional physical link by manually inserting the portable data unit 14 into the data unit reader 58 on the gaming machine 10.
zs After completing a game session, the player may take the portable data unit to an ATM 60 or an attendant station and withdraw any money remaining in the player's account. The procedure for withdrawing money was described above in connection with the ATM 60. A similar procedure is followed at the attendant station except that the attendant station is operated by a live attendant that assists the player in so executing the transaction. The live attendant may merely provide passive instruction or may actively handle the player's portable data unit 14 and money.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 10 includes at least a transceiver 12 for communicating with the portable data unit 14 and is optionally 4 ;i ii . a~ I I
equipped with such traditional money handling devices as a bill validator, a coin acceptor, and a coin hopper. In a first embodiment, the gaming machine 10 only permits cashless gaming and therefore contains none of these traditional money handling devices. If the player uses up all the money in the player's account, the s player can take his or her portable data unit 14 to an attendant station or an ATM 60 and deposit additional money into the player's account. In a second embodiment, the gaming machine 10 can serve as an ATM 60 and include bill and/or coin acceptors for the sole purpose of depositing money into the player's account should the player use up the existing money. With this arrangement, the player need not leave the gaming ~o machine 10 to continue playing. In a third embodiment, the bill and/or coin acceptors can additionally be employed to directly load money onto the credit meter 50 of the gaming machine 10.
While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may ~s be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
For example, the player's account (whether it resides on the portable data unit 14 or at the central host computer 18) may also contain player tracking information, player preferences, and casino preferences.
The player tracking information may include a personal identifier and game zo play data as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,179,517 to Sarbin et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The game play data may include an identification of last ten machines played, specific information relating to the games played, and the jackpots and other prizes won by the player. For each denomination (e.g., nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar, dollar, etc.), the game play data may include zs data fields for the number of coins played, the number of coins paid out, the number of games played, the nuriiber of coins paid by attendants, and the time of play in minutes. Of course, the amount and types of data stored in the player's account may be varied to suit a particular casino operating environment. Based on the player tracking information in the player's account, the central host computer 18 performs 3o calculations to compute bonuses to be awarded to the player when playing a gaming machine 10.
The player preferences generally relate to the values of those parameters that players have selected in establishing their preferred gaming machine co~guration.
t5 a -, ~ I r~.. II I a The player preferences may include the preferred game (game type), the preferred configuration of the gaming machine (language, sound options, speed of reel spins, number of coins played per handle pull), and the preferred distribution of awards (payout structure, payout options, form of complimentaries, currency). The casino s preferences reflect certain parameters that casinos can adjust according to certain criteria, such as skill level or playing frequency, to maintain the interest of its players.
The casino preferences may include hold percentage, complimentary award rate, complimentary award limits, game eligibility (lockout), and other information.
Hold percentage indicates a range of hold percentages, such as high, medium, and low.
io Based on the player preferences and the casino preferences in the player's account, the gaming machine 10 is adapted or configured to such data as disclosed in U.S.
Patent No. 6,110,041 to Walker et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
In addition, the portable data unit 14 may be used by employees of a gaming is establishment to collect data relating to gaming machine operation as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,179,517 to Sarbin et al. For each machine, the machine data may include a machine ID; the number of coins played; the number of coins in the machine's cash box; the number of coins paid out by the machine; the number of games played; the number of coins paid by attendants to players; and such security Zo information as the number of machine door openings, the number of coin hopper jams, the number of blackouts (i.e., interruptions of electrical power to the machine), and the last ten security events such as tilts and illegal pays. Along with the data as described above, appropriate date-time infonmation corresponding to the data may be recorded on the portable data unit 14.
is Furthermore, if the portable data unit 14 is incorporated in a portable device such as a mobile telephone or portable Internet appliance, the device may link to a financial institution (e.g., bank or credit card company) where the player has an outside account to transfer money to the player's account (whether it resides on the portable data unit 14 or at the central host computer 18) or directly to the gaming 3o machine 10.
Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a front view of an arrangement for communicating with a gaming machine 10 in accordance with the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the arrangement. The arrangement includes a first s wireless transceiver 12 mounted at the gaming machine 10, and a portable data unit 14 including a second wireless transceiver 16 (see FIG. 2). The wireless transceiver 12 is preferably mounted to a front center portion of the gaming machine 10 at a height proximate to a height of a waist of an average standing person. An individual, such as a patron or employee of a gaming establishment, may carry the portable data unit 14 in io his or her pocket or on a key, neck, or wrist chain so that the data unit 14 is readily available when needed. A patron may acquire the portable data unit 14 on site from a gaming establishment via an automated dispenser or an attendant station, or may have the data unit 14 shipped to the patron in response to an order placed by mail, telephone, the Internet, or the like. The portable data unit 14 may be shaped as a ~s smart card, key, or the like or may be incorporated in a typical portable device such as a mobile (cell) telephone, watch, necklace, ring, belt buckle, or any other typical device carned by casino patrons.
In response to positioning the portable data unit 14 in proximity to the gaming machine 10, but without inserting the data unit 14 into any portion (e.g., data unit zo reader) of the gaming machine 10, a wireless transmission link is established (enabled) between the wireless transceivers 12 and 16. The wireless transmission link conveys information between the portable data unit 14 and the gaming machine 10.
The wireless transmission link may be a radio (RF) link or an infrared (IR) link.
In one embodiment, the transceivers 12 and 16 are respective radio microchips zs that communicate over short distances and through obstacles by means of radio waves. The radio microchips preferably conform to the Bluetooth T"'standard detailed at www.bluetooth.com, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Bluetooth radio microchips operate in the unlicensed ISM band at 2.4 GHz and avoid interference from other signals by hopping to a new frequency after transmitting or 3o receiving an information packet. Bluetooth is a term used to describe the protocol of a short range frequency-hopping radio link between devices containing the radio microchips. These devices, which in this case are the portable data unit 14 and the gaming machine I0, are then termed "Bluerooth-enabled." The radio link replaces a h i~ ~~ ~ I
data unit reader or cable that would otherwise be used to connect the portable data unit 14 and the gaming machine 10. The Bluetooth technology is designed to be fully functional even in very noisy radio environments. The Bluetooth technology provides a very high transmission rate and all information is protected by advanced error-s correction methods, as well as encryption and authentication routines for the user's privacy. It should be noted, however, that wireless technologies other than Bluetooth may be used to communicate information between the portable data unit 14 and the gaming machine 10.
To establish the wireless transmission link, the portable data unit 14 must be ~o positioned within a predetermined distance of the gaming machine 10 for at least a predetermined period of time. The predetermined distance and period of time may be varied for such different purposes as an attract mode and a play mode. In an attract mode, the predetermined distance and period of time may be set to enable a wireless transmission link with individuals that casually walk by but do not stop at the gaming ~s machine 10. The predetermined distance may be several feet and the predetermined period of time may be less than one second. Upon establishing such an attract mode link, the gaming machine 10 may learn the identity of a passer by through the information on the individual's portable data unit 14 and invite that individual to play the gaming machine 10. In a play mode, the predetermined distance and period of Zo time may be set to enable a wireless transmission link with individuals that demonstrate an intent to play the gaming machine 10 and to disregard individuals who casually walk by the gaming machine 10. In one embodiment, this predetermined distance is no greater than about two or three feet to detect the portable data units 14 of individuals standing in front of the gaming machine 10 but not in front of an is adjacent gaming machine. The predetermined period of time is at least five seconds.
As a contingency in the event the wireless transmission link fails, the portable data unit 14 and the gaming machine 10 may be outfitted with respective conventional serial I/O interfaces for establishing a conventional physical link between the data unit 14 and the gaming machine 10. Specifically, instead of positioning the portable data 3o unit 14 in proximity to the gaming machine 10 to attempt to establish a wireless transmission link, the data unit 14 may be inserted into a data unit reader 58 on the gaming machine 10 to establish the conventional physical link. If the portable data G.'.., ~',I I
unit 14 is a smart card, the data unit reader 58 may be a smart card reader including an entry slot for receiving the smart card.
In one embodiment, the portable data unit 14 is a smart card embedded with a microcontroller and is based on an eight-bit central processing unit (CPU) core 20.
s The portable data unit 14 includes the following on-chip memories with the following capacities: 128 Bytes of RAM 22, 6 Kbytes of User ROM 24, 1 Kbyte of System ROM 26, and 1088 Bytes of EEPROM 28. If the portable data unit 14 is used to store detailed information of different types (e.g., monetary information, player tracking information, player preferences, casino preferences, and machine data), the number of ~o bytes of in the various memories can be increased to accommodate such information.
Both the User ROM 24 and EEPROM 28 can be configured into two sectors. Access rules from any memory section or sector to any other are set up by the User's Memory Access Control Matrix (MACM) 30. This provides protection against interaction between multiple applications running on the portable data unit, or against fraudulent -is software execution. The CPU 20 is coupled to the MACM 30 by an internal bus 32.
The EEPROM 28 preferably employs highly reliable CMOS EEPROM technology with approximately 10 year data retention and 300,000 erase/write cycles endurance.
The portable data unit 14 is fully compatible with the ISO standards for smart card applications. Although the portable data unit 14 is illustrated as being in the shape of Zo a card, the data unit 14 can have other shapes capable of housing a microcontroller.
An important advantage of the portable data unit 14 over some other data-carrying mediums, such as magnetic stripe cards, is that it is inherently more secure and therefore less susceptible to fraud. The internal bus 32 is protected from fraudulent use by security logic 34, and the MACM 30 sets up access rules from any is memory section or sector. Furthermore, the CPU 20 runs security software that encrypts/decrypts information transmitted between the portable data unit 14 and the gaming machine 10.
The gaming machine 10 is operable to play a game of chance such as mechanical slots, video slots, poker, blackjack, keno, bingo, or roulette. The game of 3o chance may be any game that is played in response to a wager, randomly selects a game outcome from a plurality of possible outcomes, and awards a payoff if the selected game outcome matches predetermined criteria. The gaming machine 10 includes a visual display 40 preferably in the form of a mechanical, dot matrix, CRT, LED, LCD, electro-luminescent, or other type of display known in the art. A
touch screen may overlay the display 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is an "upright" version in which the display 40 is oriented vertically relative to a player. Alternatively, the gaming machine 10 may be a "slant-top"
s version in which the display 40 is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of the gaming machine 10.
Referring primarily to FIG. 2, the gaming machine 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 42 that executes game software stored in system memory 44.
The game of chance is depicted on the display 40. In a video slot game, for example, io the player may select a number of pay lines 52 (see FIG. 1) to play and a number of credits to wager via push-buttons 46 or a touch screen 48 overlaying the display 40.
The CPU 42 decrements a credit meter 50 by the number of wagered credits. The slot game commences in response to the player pressing a "spin" push-button or touch field or pulling a handle, causing the CPU 42 to set animated reels 54 (sec FIG. 1 ) in ~ s motion, randomly select a game outcome using a random number generator (RNG), and then stop the reels to display symbols corresponding to the pre-selected game outcome. In one embodiment, certain of the game outcomes cause the CPU 42 to enter a bonus mode causing the display 40 or a secondary display to show a bonus game.
2o The system memory 44 stores control software, operational instructions and data associated with the gaming machine 10. In one embodiment, the system memory 44 comprises a separate read-only memory (ROM) and battery-backed random-access memory (RAM). It will be appreciated, however, that the system memory 44 may be implemented on any of several alternative types of memory structures or may be is implemented on a single memory structure. In response to a winning outcome (e.g., winning combination of reel symbols along an active pay line) identified on a pay table stored in the system memory 44, the CPU 42 increments the credit meter 50 by a number of credits listed on the pay table for that winning outcome. If the game has a bonus mode, the payoff amounts corresponding to certain outcomes of the bonus 3o game are also stored in the system memory 44.
When the portable data unit 14 is positioned in proximity to the gaming machine 10, the wireless transceivers 12 and 16 establish a wireless transmission link that allows the CPU 20 on the data unit 14 to communicate with the CPU 42 on the i ~~ mii gaming machine 10. Such communication may occur for such purposes as cashless gaming, player tracking, game customization, and data transfer.
The amount of information stored on the portable data unit 14 may vary depending upon the storage capacity of the data unit 14 and what is desired for the s particular application involved. On the one hand, the gaming machine 10 may be linked to a remote host computer 18 that administers accounts for a plurality of players in an account database. In this case, the portable data unit 14 may only store a personal identifier for accessing detailed information in a player's account at the host computer 18. The personal identifier is associated with the player's account.
The ~o detailed information in the player's account may, for example, include monetary information, player tracking information, player preferences, casino preferences, and verification information (e.g., verification code, biometric attribute, etc.).
On the other hand, the portable data unit 14 may store detailed information directly on the data unit 14 such that the player's "account" effectively resides on the data unit 14 is itself. The details information may, for example, include monetary information, player tracking information, player preferences, casino preferences, machine data, and verification information.
In another embodiment, both the portable data unit 14 and the host computer 18 may store some common information as a technique for verifying the contents of zo the data unit 14. For example, both the portable data unit 14 and the host computer 18 may store a current monetary balance and record of monetary transactions for a player's account identified by the portable data unit 14. If the current monetary balance and transaction record on the portable data unit 14 match the cuaent balance and transaction record in the player's account at the host computer 18, the contents of zs the portable data unit 14 are considered valid; otherwise, they are not.
If the gaming machine 10 is linked to a host computer 18, it is preferably part of a high-speed network linking the host computer 18 to a plurality of similar gaming machines. The network may encompass a single gaming establishment or multiple gaming establishments. If the network encompasses multiple gaming establishments 3o and is therefore a wide-area network, the gaming machines at each gaming establishment are interconnected by a local-area network. Each local-area network may be an Ethernet using a bus or star topology and supporting data transfer rates of 10, 100, or 1000 megabits per second. Alternatively, each local-area network may be s "~il:~.ji-a slower legacy network of the type currently found in many casinos. Each local-area network includes a respective gateway that serves as an entrance to the network. Each gateway is associated with both a router, which knows where to direct a given packet of data that arrives at the gateway, and a switch, which furnishes the actual path in and s out of the gateway for a given packet. The gaming machine 10, as well as the other gaming machines in the network, are each assigned a respective permanent identification number for identifying the machine 10 to the host computer 18 and allowing the host computer 18 to address the machine 10. The host computer 18 may either be located in the same gaming establishment as one of the local-area networks io or at an offsite location remote from the gaming establishment(s). If the host computer 18 is located in a gaming establishment, the host computer 18 is preferably located in a secure area that can only be accessed by authorized establishment personnel and not patrons.
A player may modify the information associated with the portable data unit 14 is at an automated station or at a station operated by a live attendant. In an alternative embodiment, the gaming machine 10 itself may be equipped to serve as an automated station permitting a player to modify the information while at the gaming machine 10.
For example, with respect to cashless gaming, to establish or modify the monetary infonmation associated with the portable data unit 14, the player goes to either an zo automated teller machine (ATM) or an attendant station. In the description below, it should be understood that the player's monetary account may reside on the portable data unit 14 and/or at the central host computer 18. If the player's monetary account resides at the host computer 18, then both the ATM and the attendant station are linked to the host computer 18.
zs A cashless gaming system and method employing the portable data unit 14 is described in detail below.
Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a front view of an ATM 60. The ATM 60 includes a data unit dispenser 62, a cash acceptor 64, a cash dispenser 66, an instructional display 68, and a push-button user interface 70. In addition to or instead 30 of the user interface 70, a touch screen may be mounted over the instructional display 68. The display 68 initially offers three transaction options: (1) establish a new monetary account, (2) deposit money to an existing account, and (3) withdraw money from an existing account.
l,, l In response to selecting option (1), the display 68 instructs the player to insert cash (bills) into the cash acceptor 64 and to press a vend button of the user interface 70 after the desired amount of cash has been inserted. In response to pressing the vend button, the display 68 may prompt the player to enter verification information s such as a verification code (e.g., personal identification number (PIN)) and/or a biometric attribute. The ATM 60 may include a biometric measurement device 72 for measuring a biometric attribute of the player. The biometric attribute may, for example, be a fingerprint, a voice sample, or a retinal scan captured with a fingerprint reader, a voice recognition system, and a retinal scanner, respectively. A
suitable lo fingerprint reader is commercially available from Identix Incorporated of Los Gatos, California. The fingerprint reader provides adjustable security thresholds so that it can be easily tuned to fit the exact security requirements of the desired application.
The player inserts his or her finger into the fingerprint reader which, in turn, electronically or optically captures a forensic-quality fingerprint image directly from ~s the player's finger.
ARer entering the verification information, the ATM 60 establishes a new monetary account for the player. The verification information is stored with the player's account. The player's account resides either on the portable data unit 14 to be dispensed by the ATM 60 or in an account database at the host computer 18. The zo player's account initially holds an amount of money corresponding to the amount of cash deposited into the ATM 60 by the player. If the player's account is stored at the host computer 18, the host computer 18 assigns an account identifier to the new account and sends the account identifier to the ATM 60 for storage on the portable data unit 14 to be dispensed. The ATM 60 then dispenses the portable data unit is from the data unit dispenser 62.
Once the player's account is established, the player may also utilize the ATM
60 to deposit money to, or withdraw money from, the existing account.
Specifically, when the instruction display 68 initially offers the three transaction options noted above, the player selects either option (2) to deposit money or option (3) to withdraw 3o money. In response to selecting either option (2) or (3), the display 68 instructs the player to position his or her portable data unit 14 in proximity to the ATM 60 so that the data unit 14 can communicate with the ATM 60 over a wireless transmission link established between the transceiver 16 in the data unit 14 and a transceiver in the to .. . . ~.,~.~i n . ~i ATM 60. In response to establishing this wireless transmission link, the display 68 prompts the player to enter his or her verification information (e.g., verification code, biometric attribute, etc.).
After receiving the verification information, the ATM 60 verifies the existence s of the player's account and the identity of the player. Specifically, if the player's account resides on the portable data unit 14, the ATM 60 compares the entered verification information with the verification information stored with the player's account. If a match does not exist, the ATM 60 rejects use of the portable data unit 14 and informs the player of the problem. If, however, a match exists, the player may io proceed to deposit money to (option (2)), or withdraw money from (option (3)), the existing monetary account depending upon which transaction option was initially selected.
If the player's account resides at the host computer 18, the ATM 60 transmits the account identifier on the portable data unit 14 and the entered verification is information to the host computer 18. The host computer 18 determines whether or not the account identifier is assigned to any open monetary accounts. If the account identifier is not assigned to any open monetary accounts, the ATM 60 rejects use of the portable data unit 14 and informs the player of the problem. If, however, the account identifier is assigned to an open monetary account, the host computer zo compares the entered verification information with the verification information stored with the player's account. If a match does not exist, the ATM 60 rejects use of the portable data unit 14 and informs the player of the problem. If, however, a match exists, the player may proceed to deposit money to (option (2)), or withdraw money from (option (3)), the existing monetary account depending upon which transaction zs option was initially selected.
For a "deposit" transaction (option (2)), the display 68 on the ATM 60 instructs the player to insert cash (bills) into the cash acceptor 64 and to press a vend button of the user interface 70 after the desired amount of cash has been inserted. In response to pressing the vend button, the amount of deposited cash is added to the 3o player's account.
For a "withdrawal" transaction (option (3)), the display 68 on the ATM 60 informs the player as to the amount of money in the player's existing account and instructs the player to enter, via the user interface 70, the amount of money that the 1l l ,; ;i~
player wishes to withdraw from the player's account. The ATM 60 dispenses the requested amount of money via the cash dispenser 66. The amount of withdrawn cash is deducted from the player's account.
The ATM 60 may be designed to allow the player to withdraw any monetary s amount (in dollars and cents) in the player's account up to the entire account balance, or to withdraw only a whole number dollar amount in prescribed increments (e.g., $5, $10, $20, etc.). If the ATM 60 allows the player to withdraw any monetary amount up to the entire account balance, the ATM 60 is then equipped with a coin dispenser in addition to the cash dispenser 66. If, however, the ATM 60 allows the player to lo withdraw only a whole number dollar amount in prescribed increments, the cashless gaming system and method may require the player to obtain any residual amount of money from an attendant station.
Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, after the player establishes a new monetary account and deposits money into that account, the player may proceed to play a ~s gaming machine 10 using the money in the player's account. Toward that end, in response to positioning the portable data unit 14 in proximity to the gaming machine so that a wireless transmission link is established therebetween, the machine display 40 prompts the player to enter his or her verification information. If the verification information includes a biometric attribute, the gaming machine 10 may be Zo outfitted with an appropriate biometric measurement device 56 for measuring the biometric attribute.
After receiving the verification information, the gaming machine 10 verifies the existence of the player's account and the identity of the player.
Specifically, if the player's account resides on the portable data unit 14, the gaming machine 10 zs compares the entered verification information with the verification information stored with the player's account. If a match does not exist, the gaming machine 14 rejects use of the portable data unit 14 and informs the player of the problem. If, however, a match exists, the gaming machine 10 accesses the money in the player's account so that the player may proceed to play a game at the gaming machine 10.
3o If the player's account resides at the host computer 18, the gaming machine transmits the account identifier on the portable data unit 14 and the entered verification information to the host computer 18. The host computer 18 determines whether or not the account identifier is assigned to any open monetary accounts. If the t2 .i,:,., ~ i i account identifier is not assigned to any open monetary accounts, the gaming machine rejects use of the portable data unit 14 and informs the player of the problem. If, however, the account identifier is assigned to an open monetary account, the host computer 18 compares the entered verification information with the verification s information stored with the player's account. If a match does not exist, the gaming machine 10 rejects use of the portable data unit 14 and informs the player of the problem. If, however, a match exists, the gaming machine 10 accesses the money in the player's account so that the player may proceed to play a game at the gaming machine 10.
io To access the money in the player's account, the gaming machine 10 may automatically download all the money in the player's account (whether it resides on the portable data unit 14 or at the host computer 18) to the gaming machine 10.
Altennatively, the machine display may instruct the player to select an amount of money, up to the entire account balance, to deduct fiom the player's account and is electronically download to the gaming machine 10. The gaming machine 10 converts the amount of downloaded money to an appropriate number of credits. For example, if each credit on the gaming machine 10 is worth 25 cents, the number of credits is equal to the amount of downloaded money divided by 25 cents. The player may proceed to play a game on the gaming machine 10 using the number of credits Zo corresponding to the amount of downloaded money. The gaming machine 10 includes the credit meter 50 depicting the number of credits available for play. For each play, the credit meter SO is decremented by the number of wagered credits and incremented by the number of credits awarded for a winning outcome.
At the completion of a game session, the player may collect an amount of zs money corresponding to any credits remaining on the credit meter 50 by pressing a "Collect" (or "Cash Out's button. In response to pressing the "Collect"
button, the gaming machine 10 electronically uploads to the player's account (whether it resides on the portable data unit 14 or at the host computer 18) an amount of money corresponding to the number of credits remaining on the credit meter 50.
so Alternatively, the player may be given the option to have a portion of the money uploaded to the player's account and a remaining portion of the money dispensed as cash or coins from the gaming machine 10. Toward that end, the machine display may instruct the player to select an amount of money, up to the number of credits on . ., ~ ;;;; ".., s':
the credit meter 50, to upload to the player's account. Any remaining credits are dispensed as cash or coins from the gaming machine 10.
In an alternative embodiment, the actual money in the player's account is not electronically transferred to the gaming machine 10. Rather, while a wireless s transmission link exists between the player's portable data unit 14 and the gaming machine 10, the money remains in the player's account but the amount of money is visually represented on the display of the gaming machine 10. In this way, the player is aware of the amount of money in the player's account and available for game play.
At the completion of a game session, the amount of money in the player's account is io updated to reflect any wins and wagers during the game session.
Alternatively, the amount of money in the player's account may be updated after each play, which may be defined as a single wager and an associated outcome.
The wireless transmission link between the portable data unit 14 and the gaming machine 10 preferably must be maintained throughout the gaming session in .
~s order to wager with money from the player's monetary account.
Alternatively, if the player's account is only accessed at the commencement and completion of a gaming session, the wireless transmission link may only need to be established at these times.
If the wireless transmission Link is interrupted at any time the link is suppose to exist, the player may be prompted to position the portable data unit 14 in proximity to the zo gaming machine 10 to re-establish the link. If the wireless transmission link cannot be established despite positioning the portable data unit 14 in proximity to the gaming machine 10, the player may instead establish a more conventional physical link by manually inserting the portable data unit 14 into the data unit reader 58 on the gaming machine 10.
zs After completing a game session, the player may take the portable data unit to an ATM 60 or an attendant station and withdraw any money remaining in the player's account. The procedure for withdrawing money was described above in connection with the ATM 60. A similar procedure is followed at the attendant station except that the attendant station is operated by a live attendant that assists the player in so executing the transaction. The live attendant may merely provide passive instruction or may actively handle the player's portable data unit 14 and money.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 10 includes at least a transceiver 12 for communicating with the portable data unit 14 and is optionally 4 ;i ii . a~ I I
equipped with such traditional money handling devices as a bill validator, a coin acceptor, and a coin hopper. In a first embodiment, the gaming machine 10 only permits cashless gaming and therefore contains none of these traditional money handling devices. If the player uses up all the money in the player's account, the s player can take his or her portable data unit 14 to an attendant station or an ATM 60 and deposit additional money into the player's account. In a second embodiment, the gaming machine 10 can serve as an ATM 60 and include bill and/or coin acceptors for the sole purpose of depositing money into the player's account should the player use up the existing money. With this arrangement, the player need not leave the gaming ~o machine 10 to continue playing. In a third embodiment, the bill and/or coin acceptors can additionally be employed to directly load money onto the credit meter 50 of the gaming machine 10.
While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may ~s be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
For example, the player's account (whether it resides on the portable data unit 14 or at the central host computer 18) may also contain player tracking information, player preferences, and casino preferences.
The player tracking information may include a personal identifier and game zo play data as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,179,517 to Sarbin et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The game play data may include an identification of last ten machines played, specific information relating to the games played, and the jackpots and other prizes won by the player. For each denomination (e.g., nickel, dime, quarter, half dollar, dollar, etc.), the game play data may include zs data fields for the number of coins played, the number of coins paid out, the number of games played, the nuriiber of coins paid by attendants, and the time of play in minutes. Of course, the amount and types of data stored in the player's account may be varied to suit a particular casino operating environment. Based on the player tracking information in the player's account, the central host computer 18 performs 3o calculations to compute bonuses to be awarded to the player when playing a gaming machine 10.
The player preferences generally relate to the values of those parameters that players have selected in establishing their preferred gaming machine co~guration.
t5 a -, ~ I r~.. II I a The player preferences may include the preferred game (game type), the preferred configuration of the gaming machine (language, sound options, speed of reel spins, number of coins played per handle pull), and the preferred distribution of awards (payout structure, payout options, form of complimentaries, currency). The casino s preferences reflect certain parameters that casinos can adjust according to certain criteria, such as skill level or playing frequency, to maintain the interest of its players.
The casino preferences may include hold percentage, complimentary award rate, complimentary award limits, game eligibility (lockout), and other information.
Hold percentage indicates a range of hold percentages, such as high, medium, and low.
io Based on the player preferences and the casino preferences in the player's account, the gaming machine 10 is adapted or configured to such data as disclosed in U.S.
Patent No. 6,110,041 to Walker et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
In addition, the portable data unit 14 may be used by employees of a gaming is establishment to collect data relating to gaming machine operation as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,179,517 to Sarbin et al. For each machine, the machine data may include a machine ID; the number of coins played; the number of coins in the machine's cash box; the number of coins paid out by the machine; the number of games played; the number of coins paid by attendants to players; and such security Zo information as the number of machine door openings, the number of coin hopper jams, the number of blackouts (i.e., interruptions of electrical power to the machine), and the last ten security events such as tilts and illegal pays. Along with the data as described above, appropriate date-time infonmation corresponding to the data may be recorded on the portable data unit 14.
is Furthermore, if the portable data unit 14 is incorporated in a portable device such as a mobile telephone or portable Internet appliance, the device may link to a financial institution (e.g., bank or credit card company) where the player has an outside account to transfer money to the player's account (whether it resides on the portable data unit 14 or at the central host computer 18) or directly to the gaming 3o machine 10.
Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
Claims (80)
1. A method of communicating with a gaming machine, the gaming machine including a first wireless transceiver, the method comprising:
acquiring a portable data unit from a data unit provider, the portable data unit including a second wireless transceiver;
positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, to establish a wireless transmission link between the first and second wireless transceivers;
and transmitting information between the portable data unit and the gaming machine via the wireless transmission link.
acquiring a portable data unit from a data unit provider, the portable data unit including a second wireless transceiver;
positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, to establish a wireless transmission link between the first and second wireless transceivers;
and transmitting information between the portable data unit and the gaming machine via the wireless transmission link.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitted information is selected from a group consisting of monetary information, player tracking information, player preferences, casino preferences, and machine data.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the data unit provider is a gaming establishment.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the portable data unit is incorporated in a portable device selected from a group consisting of a card, a key, a portable telephone, a watch, a ring, a necklace, and a belt buckle.
5. The method of claim 1, further including transferring the information between the gaming machine and a central host computer remote from the gaming machine.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless transmission link is selected from a group consisting of a short range, radio link and an infrared link.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first and second wireless transceivers are respective radio microchips.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the radio microchips and the radio link conform to a Bluetooth standard.
9. The method of claim 1, further including authenticating the transmitted information.
10. The method of claim 1, further including encrypting the transmitted information.
11. The method of claim 1, further including correcting errors in the transmitted information.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitted information includes a personal identifier, and further including transmitting the personal identifier from the gaming machine to a central host computer, the central host computer being remote from and linked to the gaming machine.
13. The method of claim 12, further including transmitting centralized information from the central host computer to the gaming machine.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the centralized information is selected from a group consisting of monetary information, award information, and game customization information.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the monetary information includes an account balance in a player's account associated with the personal identifier.
16. The method of claim 15, further including adding a number of credits to the gaming machine no greater than the account balance.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the game customization information adapts the gaming machine to at least one of player preferences and casino preferences.
18 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the personal identifier is associated with a player's account at the central host computer, and further including accessing account information in the player's account.
19. The method of claim 18, further including transmitting centralized information from the central host computer to the gaming machine, the transmitted centralized information being determined by the account information.
20. The method of claim 2, wherein the monetary information corresponds to a number of credits, and further including adding the number of credits to the gaming machine.
21. The method of claim 2, wherein the player tracking information is selected from a group consisting of a personal identifier and game play data.
22. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine includes positioning the portable data unit within a predetermined distance of the gaming machine for at least a predetermined period of time.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the predetermined distance is no greater than about three feet.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the predetermined period of time is at least five seconds.
25. The method of claim 1, wherein the first transceiver is disposed proximate a front center portion of the gaming machine.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the first transceiver is disposed at a height proximate to a height of a waist of an average standing person.
27. A method of communicating with a gaming machine, the gaming machine including a first radio microchip, the method comprising:
providing a portable data unit including a second radio microchip;
in response to positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, establishing a short range, wireless radio link between the first and second radio microchips; and transmitting information between the portable data unit and the gaming machine via the radio link.
providing a portable data unit including a second radio microchip;
in response to positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, establishing a short range, wireless radio link between the first and second radio microchips; and transmitting information between the portable data unit and the gaming machine via the radio link.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the transmitted information is selected' from a group consisting of monetary information, player tracking information, player preferences, casino preferences, and machine data.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein the portable data unit is incorporated in a portable device selected from a group consisting of a card, a key, a portable telephone, a watch, a ring, a necklace, and a belt buckle.
30. The method of claim 27, further including transferring the information between the gaming machine and a central host computer remote from the gaming machine.
31. The method of claim 30, further including transferring centralized information stored at the central host computer from the central host computer to the gaming machine.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the centralized information is determined at least in part by the information transferred from the gaming machine to the central host computer.
33. The method of claim 27, wherein the radio microchips and the radio link conform to a Bluetooth standard.
34. The method of claim 27, further including authenticating the transmitted information.
35. The method of claim 27, further including encrypting the transmitted information.
36. The method of claim 27, further including correcting errors in the transmitted information.
37. A cashless gaming method, comprising:
providing a gaming machine including a first wireless transceiver;
providing a portable data unit including a second wireless transceiver and monetary information;
positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, to establish a wireless transmission link between the first and second wireless transceivers;
and transmitting the monetary information from the portable data unit to the gaming machine via the wireless transmission link.
providing a gaming machine including a first wireless transceiver;
providing a portable data unit including a second wireless transceiver and monetary information;
positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, to establish a wireless transmission link between the first and second wireless transceivers;
and transmitting the monetary information from the portable data unit to the gaming machine via the wireless transmission link.
38. The method of claim 37, further including adding a number of credits to the gaming machine based on the transmitted monetary information.
39. A cashless gaming method, comprising:
providing a gaming machine including a first wireless transceiver;
providing a portable data unit including a second wireless transceiver and a personal identifier;
positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, to establish a wireless transmission link between the first and second wireless transceivers;
transmitting the personal identifier from the portable data unit to the gaming machine via the wireless transmission link;
transmitting the personal identifier from the gaming machine to a central host computer remote from and linked to the gaming machine;
accessing monetary information from a player's monetary account at the central host computer, the player's account being associated with the personal identifier; and transmitting the monetary information from the central host computer to the gaming machine.
providing a gaming machine including a first wireless transceiver;
providing a portable data unit including a second wireless transceiver and a personal identifier;
positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, to establish a wireless transmission link between the first and second wireless transceivers;
transmitting the personal identifier from the portable data unit to the gaming machine via the wireless transmission link;
transmitting the personal identifier from the gaming machine to a central host computer remote from and linked to the gaming machine;
accessing monetary information from a player's monetary account at the central host computer, the player's account being associated with the personal identifier; and transmitting the monetary information from the central host computer to the gaming machine.
40. The method of claim 39, further including adding a number of credits to the gaming machine based on the transmitted monetary information.
41. An arrangement for communicating with a gaming machine, comprising:
a first wireless transceiver mounted at the gaming machine;
a portable data unit including a second wireless transceiver and carried by an individual; and a wireless transmission link established between the first and second wireless transceivers in response to positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, the wireless transmission link transmitting information between the portable data unit and the gaming machine.
a first wireless transceiver mounted at the gaming machine;
a portable data unit including a second wireless transceiver and carried by an individual; and a wireless transmission link established between the first and second wireless transceivers in response to positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, the wireless transmission link transmitting information between the portable data unit and the gaming machine.
42. The arrangement of claim 41, wherein the transmitted information is selected from a group consisting of monetary information, player tracking information, player preferences, casino preferences, and machine data.
43. The arrangement of claim 41, wherein the portable data unit is incorporated in a portable device selected from a group consisting of a card, a key, a portable telephone, a watch, a ring, a necklace, and a belt buckle.
44. The arrangement of claim 41, further including means for transmitting the information between the gaming machine and a central host computer remote from the gaming machine.
45. The arrangement of claim 41, wherein the wireless transmission link is selected from a group consisting of a short range, radio link and an infrared link.
46. The arrangement of claim 45, wherein the first and second wireless transceivers are respective radio microchips.
47. The arrangement of claim 46, wherein the radio microchips and the radio link conform to a Bluetooth standard.
48. The arrangement of claim 41, further including means for authenticating the transmitted information.
49. The arrangement of claim 41, further including means for encrypting the transmitted information.
50. The arrangement of claim 41, further including means for correcting errors in the transmitted information.
51. The arrangement of claim 41, wherein the transmitted information includes a personal identifier, and further including means for transmitting the personal identifier from the gaming machine to a central host computer, the central host computer being remote from and linked to the gaming machine.
52. The arrangement of claim 51, further including means for transmitting centralized information from the central host computer to the gaming machine.
53. The arrangement of claim 52, wherein the centralized information is selected from a group consisting of monetary information, award information, and game customization information.
54. The arrangement of claim 53, wherein the monetary information includes an account balance in a player's account associated with the personal identifier.
55. The arrangement of claim 53, wherein the game customization information adapts the gaming machine to at least one of player preferences and casino preferences.
56. The arrangement of claim 51, wherein the personal identifier is associated with a player's account at the central host computer.
57. The arrangement of claim 56, further including means for transmitting centralized information from the central host computer to the gaming machine, the transmitted centralized information being determined by account information accessed from the player's account.
58. The arrangement of claim 42, wherein the monetary information corresponds to a number of credits, and further including means for adding the number of credits to the gaming machine.
59. The arrangement of claim 42, wherein the player tracking information is selected from a group consisting of a personal identifier and game play data.
60. The arrangement of claim 41, wherein the wireless transmission link is established between the first and second wireless transceivers in response to positioning the portable data unit within a predetermined distance of the gaming machine for at least a predetermined period of time.
61. The arrangement of claim 60, wherein the predetermined distance is no greater than about three feet.
62. The arrangement of claim 60, wherein the predetermined period of time is at least five seconds.
63. The arrangement of claim 41, wherein the first transceiver is disposed proximate a front center portion of the gaming machine.
64. The arrangement of claim 63, wherein the first transceiver is disposed at a height proximate to a height of a waist of an average standing person.
65. An arrangement for communicating with a gaming machine, comprising:
a first radio microchip mounted at the gaming machine;
a portable data unit including a second radio microchip and carried by an individual; and a short range, wireless radio link established between the first and second radio microchips in response to positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, the radio link transmitting information between the portable data unit and the gaming machine.
a first radio microchip mounted at the gaming machine;
a portable data unit including a second radio microchip and carried by an individual; and a short range, wireless radio link established between the first and second radio microchips in response to positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, the radio link transmitting information between the portable data unit and the gaming machine.
66. A cashless gaming system, comprising:
a gaming machine including a first wireless transceiver;
a portable data unit including a second wireless transceiver and monetary information; and a wireless transmission link established between the first and second wireless transceivers in response to positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, the wireless transmission link transmitting the monetary information from the portable data unit to the gaming machine.
a gaming machine including a first wireless transceiver;
a portable data unit including a second wireless transceiver and monetary information; and a wireless transmission link established between the first and second wireless transceivers in response to positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, the wireless transmission link transmitting the monetary information from the portable data unit to the gaming machine.
67. The system of claim 66, further including means for adding a .number of credits to the gaming machine based on the transmitted monetary information.
68. A cashless gaming system, comprising:
a gaming machine including a first wireless transceiver;
a portable data unit including a second wireless transceiver and a personal identifier;
a wireless transmission link established between the first and second wireless transceivers in response to positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, the wireless transmission link transmitting the personal identifier from the portable data unit to the gaming machine; and a central host computer remote from and linked to the gaming machine, the central host computer receiving the personal identifier from the gaming machine, accessing monetary information from a player's monetary account associated with the personal identifier, and transmitting the monetary information to the gaming machine.
a gaming machine including a first wireless transceiver;
a portable data unit including a second wireless transceiver and a personal identifier;
a wireless transmission link established between the first and second wireless transceivers in response to positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, the wireless transmission link transmitting the personal identifier from the portable data unit to the gaming machine; and a central host computer remote from and linked to the gaming machine, the central host computer receiving the personal identifier from the gaming machine, accessing monetary information from a player's monetary account associated with the personal identifier, and transmitting the monetary information to the gaming machine.
69. The system of claim 68, further including means for adding a number of credits to the gaming machine based on the transmitted monetary information.
70. A method of playing a gaming machine, the gaming machine including a first transceiver, the method comprising:
carrying a portable data unit including a second transceiver;
positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, to establish a wireless transmission link between the first and second transceivers;
transmitting information between the portable data unit and the gaming machine via the wireless transmission link; and playing a game on the gaming machine using the transmitted information.
carrying a portable data unit including a second transceiver;
positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine, without inserting the portable data unit into any portion of the gaming machine, to establish a wireless transmission link between the first and second transceivers;
transmitting information between the portable data unit and the gaming machine via the wireless transmission link; and playing a game on the gaming machine using the transmitted information.
71. The method of claim 70, wherein the wireless transmission link is selected from a group consisting of a radio link and an infrared link.
72. The method of claim 70, wherein the step of playing a game includes receiving a wager, randomly selecting a game outcome from a plurality of possible outcomes, and awarding a payoff if the selected game outcome matches predetermined criteria.
73. The method of claim 72, wherein the step of receiving a wager is accomplished using the transmitted information.
74. The method of claim 70, wherein the step of positioning the portable data unit in proximity to the gaming machine includes standing or sitting in front of the gaming machine.
75. A method of operating a gaming machine, comprising:
detecting the presence of a passerby proximate to the gaming machine, the passerby not playing the gaming machine; and in response to detecting the presence of the passerby, modifying operation of the gaming machine.
detecting the presence of a passerby proximate to the gaming machine, the passerby not playing the gaming machine; and in response to detecting the presence of the passerby, modifying operation of the gaming machine.
76. The method of claim 75, wherein the step of detecting the presence of a passerby includes establishing a wireless transmission link between a first wireless transceiver on the gaming machine and a second wireless transceiver on the passerby.
77. The method of claim 76, wherein the second transceiver in disposed in a portable data unit carried by the passerby, the portable data unit containing information for allowing an identity of the passerby to be determined.
78. The method of claim 77, wherein the step of modifying operation of the gaming machine includes inviting the passerby to play the gaming machine.
79. The method of claim 75, wherein the step of modifying operation of the gaming machine includes inviting the passerby to play the gaming machine.
80. The method of claim 75, further including operating the gaming machine in an attract mode prior to the step of detecting the presence of a passerby.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/950,139 | 2001-09-10 | ||
US09/950,139 US7147558B2 (en) | 2000-03-22 | 2001-09-10 | System and method for dispensing gaming machine credits in multiple different media of monetary exchange |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2388326A1 true CA2388326A1 (en) | 2003-03-10 |
Family
ID=25490015
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002388326A Abandoned CA2388326A1 (en) | 2001-09-10 | 2002-05-31 | Portable data unit for communicating with gaming machine over wireless link |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (6) | US7147558B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1291830A3 (en) |
AU (3) | AU784961B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2388326A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA200204719B (en) |
Families Citing this family (347)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8352400B2 (en) | 1991-12-23 | 2013-01-08 | Hoffberg Steven M | Adaptive pattern recognition based controller apparatus and method and human-factored interface therefore |
US7905775B2 (en) * | 1998-03-31 | 2011-03-15 | Igt | Methods and apparatus for operating a gaming device |
US7904187B2 (en) | 1999-02-01 | 2011-03-08 | Hoffberg Steven M | Internet appliance system and method |
US20020039921A1 (en) * | 2000-02-03 | 2002-04-04 | Rick Rowe | Method and apparatus for monitoring player loss in a gaming environment |
US8452687B2 (en) * | 2000-02-03 | 2013-05-28 | Igt | Method and apparatus for facilitating and monitoring monetary transactions and rewards in a gaming environment |
US8876608B2 (en) | 2000-04-07 | 2014-11-04 | Igt | Virtually tracking un-carded or anonymous patron session data |
US7883417B2 (en) * | 2000-04-07 | 2011-02-08 | Igt | Gaming machine communicating system |
AU2003901552A0 (en) * | 2003-04-03 | 2003-05-01 | Igt (Australia) Pty Limited | Gaming machine communicating system |
US7927211B2 (en) | 2002-04-02 | 2011-04-19 | Igt | Gaming environment including portable transaction devices |
US7699699B2 (en) | 2000-06-23 | 2010-04-20 | Igt | Gaming device having multiple selectable display interfaces based on player's wagers |
US6731313B1 (en) * | 2000-06-23 | 2004-05-04 | Igt | Gaming device having touch activated alternating or changing symbol |
US7695363B2 (en) | 2000-06-23 | 2010-04-13 | Igt | Gaming device having multiple display interfaces |
US7780517B2 (en) * | 2000-10-13 | 2010-08-24 | Igt | Gaming device having a cash out menu screen and a system and method for enabling a player to retrieve money from a gaming device |
US9408032B1 (en) | 2006-11-30 | 2016-08-02 | NexRf Corporation | Content delivery system, device and method |
US20020142844A1 (en) | 2001-02-06 | 2002-10-03 | Kerr Michael A. | Biometric broadband gaming system and method |
US9615347B1 (en) | 2006-11-30 | 2017-04-04 | NEXRF Corp. | Location positioning engine system and method |
US8942995B1 (en) | 2001-02-06 | 2015-01-27 | Nexrf, Corp. | Mobile autonomous dynamic graphical user interface |
US10430492B1 (en) | 2006-11-30 | 2019-10-01 | Nexrf, Corp. | System and method for handset positioning with dynamically updated RF fingerprinting |
US9396487B1 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2016-07-19 | NexRf Corporation | System and method for weighting content items |
US9373116B1 (en) | 2001-07-05 | 2016-06-21 | NexRf Corporation | Player tracking using a wireless device for a casino property |
US9507494B1 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2016-11-29 | Nexrf, Corp. | Merchant controlled platform system and method |
US8738024B1 (en) | 2008-03-29 | 2014-05-27 | Nexrf, Corp. | Delivering content within a boundary with beacons |
US7780529B2 (en) * | 2001-04-04 | 2010-08-24 | Igt | System, method and interface for monitoring player game play in real time |
US20030087691A1 (en) * | 2001-04-04 | 2003-05-08 | Daryn Kiely | Method and system for issuing and using gaming machine receipts in secondary game |
US7775876B2 (en) * | 2001-04-04 | 2010-08-17 | Igt | Method and apparatus for tracking game play |
WO2002102484A1 (en) | 2001-06-15 | 2002-12-27 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and apparatus for planning and customizing a gaming experience |
US9349128B1 (en) | 2006-11-30 | 2016-05-24 | Nevrf Corporation | Targeted content delivery |
US9773020B2 (en) | 2001-07-05 | 2017-09-26 | NEXRF Corp. | System and method for map based exploration |
US7993197B2 (en) * | 2001-08-10 | 2011-08-09 | Igt | Flexible loyalty points programs |
US7946917B2 (en) * | 2001-08-10 | 2011-05-24 | Igt | Flexible loyalty points programs |
US8430749B2 (en) * | 2001-08-10 | 2013-04-30 | Igt | Dynamic casino tracking and optimization |
US20060046842A1 (en) * | 2001-08-10 | 2006-03-02 | Igt | Ticket redemption using encrypted biometric data |
US20050143169A1 (en) * | 2001-09-20 | 2005-06-30 | Igt | Direction interfaces and services on a gaming machine |
US6866583B2 (en) * | 2001-09-21 | 2005-03-15 | Igt | Gaming device having wild indicators |
US6805349B2 (en) * | 2001-09-26 | 2004-10-19 | Igt | Gaming device with wild activation symbols and wild termination symbols |
US20030148812A1 (en) * | 2002-02-01 | 2003-08-07 | Paulsen Craig A. | Gaming system and gaming method |
US6843725B2 (en) | 2002-02-06 | 2005-01-18 | Igt | Method and apparatus for monitoring or controlling a gaming machine based on gaming machine location |
US8221224B2 (en) | 2002-02-28 | 2012-07-17 | Igt | Method for distributing large payouts with minimal interruption of a gaming session |
US6905406B2 (en) | 2002-04-30 | 2005-06-14 | Igt | Gaming device having resultant wild symbols |
US7169042B2 (en) * | 2002-04-30 | 2007-01-30 | Igt | Gaming device having extender symbols |
US20030212597A1 (en) * | 2002-05-10 | 2003-11-13 | Igt | Multi-level point accumulation for a player tracking system and method |
US8979646B2 (en) * | 2002-06-12 | 2015-03-17 | Igt | Casino patron tracking and information use |
US7169052B2 (en) | 2002-08-05 | 2007-01-30 | Igt | Personalized gaming apparatus and gaming method |
US8460103B2 (en) * | 2004-06-18 | 2013-06-11 | Igt | Gesture controlled casino gaming system |
US7815507B2 (en) * | 2004-06-18 | 2010-10-19 | Igt | Game machine user interface using a non-contact eye motion recognition device |
US20040185937A1 (en) * | 2003-03-04 | 2004-09-23 | Aruze Corporation | Wireless communication terminal unit, gaming machine, information managing apparatus and gaming system |
US20050289056A1 (en) * | 2003-03-27 | 2005-12-29 | Robert Guinn | Player tracking system |
US20050054438A1 (en) * | 2003-09-04 | 2005-03-10 | Rothschild Wayne H. | Universal personal identifier for accessing patron information at a gaming venue |
US8512144B2 (en) | 2003-10-20 | 2013-08-20 | Tipping Point Group, Llc | Method and apparatus for providing secondary gaming machine functionality |
NZ546245A (en) * | 2003-10-21 | 2008-06-30 | Paltronics Australasia Pty Ltd | An apparatus and method for allocating a prize |
AU2005200093B2 (en) * | 2004-01-19 | 2009-02-12 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Portable communication terminal |
US8616967B2 (en) * | 2004-02-25 | 2013-12-31 | Cfph, Llc | System and method for convenience gaming |
US7811172B2 (en) | 2005-10-21 | 2010-10-12 | Cfph, Llc | System and method for wireless lottery |
US7637810B2 (en) | 2005-08-09 | 2009-12-29 | Cfph, Llc | System and method for wireless gaming system with alerts |
US8092303B2 (en) | 2004-02-25 | 2012-01-10 | Cfph, Llc | System and method for convenience gaming |
US20070060358A1 (en) | 2005-08-10 | 2007-03-15 | Amaitis Lee M | System and method for wireless gaming with location determination |
US7534169B2 (en) | 2005-07-08 | 2009-05-19 | Cfph, Llc | System and method for wireless gaming system with user profiles |
WO2005086802A2 (en) | 2004-03-08 | 2005-09-22 | Proxense, Llc | Linked account system using personal digital key (pdk-las) |
US20050221896A1 (en) * | 2004-03-31 | 2005-10-06 | Microsoft Corporation | Wireless game controller with fast connect to a host |
US20050221895A1 (en) * | 2004-04-02 | 2005-10-06 | Microsoft Corporation | Binding of wireless game controller to host |
US8221223B2 (en) * | 2004-04-07 | 2012-07-17 | Igt | Methods, systems and apparatus for facilitating cashout options at a gaming device |
US8684839B2 (en) * | 2004-06-18 | 2014-04-01 | Igt | Control of wager-based game using gesture recognition |
GB2415638A (en) * | 2004-06-29 | 2006-01-04 | Igt Uk Ltd | A stake placing device |
JP2006020837A (en) * | 2004-07-08 | 2006-01-26 | Aruze Corp | Game machine and game system |
US20060019748A1 (en) * | 2004-07-21 | 2006-01-26 | Aruze Corp. | Communication unit and sales management method of a gaming machine using the communication unit |
US20070197275A1 (en) * | 2004-08-13 | 2007-08-23 | Gagner Mark B | Gaming machine interfaceable with collectible gaming token |
US8021230B2 (en) | 2004-08-19 | 2011-09-20 | Igt | Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards |
US7963847B2 (en) | 2004-08-19 | 2011-06-21 | Igt | Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards |
US8251791B2 (en) | 2004-08-19 | 2012-08-28 | Igt | Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards |
US7942744B2 (en) * | 2004-08-19 | 2011-05-17 | Igt | Virtual input system |
US20060046852A1 (en) * | 2004-08-26 | 2006-03-02 | Rowe Richard E | Wide area gaming system |
US8497935B2 (en) | 2004-08-26 | 2013-07-30 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Rotatable camera system including infrared communications links |
US8241127B2 (en) * | 2004-08-27 | 2012-08-14 | Igt | Wireless operation of a game device |
US7413513B2 (en) * | 2004-09-10 | 2008-08-19 | Igt | Apparatus and methods for wireless gaming communications |
US20080070675A1 (en) * | 2004-10-01 | 2008-03-20 | Gagner Mark B | Method and Apparatus for Serverless Storage of Information |
AU2005319019A1 (en) | 2004-12-20 | 2006-06-29 | Proxense, Llc | Biometric personal data key (PDK) authentication |
US20060148570A1 (en) * | 2004-12-30 | 2006-07-06 | Samuel Leopold | Portable data techniques for gaming devices |
US9589413B2 (en) * | 2005-01-11 | 2017-03-07 | Aim Management, Inc. | System for tracking a player of gaming devices |
US9289678B2 (en) | 2005-01-12 | 2016-03-22 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | System for associating a wireless device to a console device |
US8369795B2 (en) | 2005-01-12 | 2013-02-05 | Microsoft Corporation | Game console notification system |
US8062121B2 (en) * | 2005-03-09 | 2011-11-22 | Igt | Printer interpreter for a gaming machine |
US20060205507A1 (en) * | 2005-03-14 | 2006-09-14 | P5 International Limited, Of Hong Kong | Video game system having dual-function wireless game controller |
US7844996B2 (en) * | 2005-05-23 | 2010-11-30 | Broadcom Corporation | Method and apparatus for constructing an access control matrix for a set-top box security processor |
US9652637B2 (en) | 2005-05-23 | 2017-05-16 | Avago Technologies General Ip (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Method and system for allowing no code download in a code download scheme |
US7913289B2 (en) * | 2005-05-23 | 2011-03-22 | Broadcom Corporation | Method and apparatus for security policy and enforcing mechanism for a set-top box security processor |
US10510214B2 (en) | 2005-07-08 | 2019-12-17 | Cfph, Llc | System and method for peer-to-peer wireless gaming |
US8070604B2 (en) | 2005-08-09 | 2011-12-06 | Cfph, Llc | System and method for providing wireless gaming as a service application |
US8641532B2 (en) * | 2005-09-08 | 2014-02-04 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Gaming device having two card readers |
US8128491B2 (en) | 2005-09-09 | 2012-03-06 | Igt | Server based gaming system having multiple progressive awards |
US8137188B2 (en) | 2005-09-09 | 2012-03-20 | Igt | Server based gaming system having multiple progressive awards |
US7568973B2 (en) * | 2005-09-09 | 2009-08-04 | Igt | Server based gaming system having multiple progressive awards |
US7841939B2 (en) | 2005-09-09 | 2010-11-30 | Igt | Server based gaming system having multiple progressive awards |
US20070057454A1 (en) * | 2005-09-12 | 2007-03-15 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | System and method to handle playing cards, employing manual movable cover |
US20070057453A1 (en) * | 2005-09-12 | 2007-03-15 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | System and method to handle playing cards, employing manual movable cover |
US10360754B2 (en) * | 2005-10-19 | 2019-07-23 | Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. | Integrated active control system for managing gaming devices |
JP2007136072A (en) * | 2005-11-22 | 2007-06-07 | Aruze Corp | Data converter for game machine and credit management system |
CA2633341A1 (en) | 2005-12-23 | 2007-07-12 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Transient or persistent game play in wagering games |
US9113464B2 (en) * | 2006-01-06 | 2015-08-18 | Proxense, Llc | Dynamic cell size variation via wireless link parameter adjustment |
US11206664B2 (en) | 2006-01-06 | 2021-12-21 | Proxense, Llc | Wireless network synchronization of cells and client devices on a network |
US20100227680A1 (en) * | 2006-02-20 | 2010-09-09 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game machine wireless key |
US9904809B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2018-02-27 | Avago Technologies General Ip (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. | Method and system for multi-level security initialization and configuration |
US9177176B2 (en) | 2006-02-27 | 2015-11-03 | Broadcom Corporation | Method and system for secure system-on-a-chip architecture for multimedia data processing |
US10909798B2 (en) | 2006-03-22 | 2021-02-02 | Gaming Technology Group, Inc. | Method and apparatus for providing secure and anonymous cash-out and cash-in values in a gaming system |
US8834264B2 (en) * | 2006-03-22 | 2014-09-16 | Stanley P. Dabrowski | Method and apparatus for providing cash-out and cash-in values to a gaming device |
US11495087B2 (en) | 2006-03-22 | 2022-11-08 | Stanley P. Dabrowski | Method and apparatus for providing secure and anonymous cash-out and cash-in values in a gaming system |
US10475280B2 (en) | 2006-03-22 | 2019-11-12 | Gaming Technology Group, Inc. | Method and apparatus for providing secure and anonymous cash-out and cash-in values in a gaming system |
US20070235522A1 (en) * | 2006-04-05 | 2007-10-11 | Diebold Self-Service Systems, Division Of Diebold, Incorporated | Automated banking machine system and method |
US7967682B2 (en) | 2006-04-12 | 2011-06-28 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Wireless gaming environment |
US8784196B2 (en) | 2006-04-13 | 2014-07-22 | Igt | Remote content management and resource sharing on a gaming machine and method of implementing same |
US10026255B2 (en) | 2006-04-13 | 2018-07-17 | Igt | Presentation of remotely-hosted and locally rendered content for gaming systems |
US8992304B2 (en) | 2006-04-13 | 2015-03-31 | Igt | Methods and systems for tracking an event of an externally controlled interface |
US9028329B2 (en) | 2006-04-13 | 2015-05-12 | Igt | Integrating remotely-hosted and locally rendered content on a gaming device |
US7644861B2 (en) | 2006-04-18 | 2010-01-12 | Bgc Partners, Inc. | Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices |
US7549576B2 (en) | 2006-05-05 | 2009-06-23 | Cfph, L.L.C. | Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices |
US7886961B2 (en) * | 2006-04-21 | 2011-02-15 | Dabrowski Stanley P | Method and apparatus for low cost concurrent provision of gaming machine token redemption and ATM services |
US8939359B2 (en) | 2006-05-05 | 2015-01-27 | Cfph, Llc | Game access device with time varying signal |
US7904718B2 (en) | 2006-05-05 | 2011-03-08 | Proxense, Llc | Personal digital key differentiation for secure transactions |
US8100753B2 (en) | 2006-05-23 | 2012-01-24 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods and articles to facilitate playing card games with selectable odds |
US8052519B2 (en) | 2006-06-08 | 2011-11-08 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods and articles to facilitate lockout of selectable odds/advantage in playing card games |
US9489318B2 (en) | 2006-06-19 | 2016-11-08 | Broadcom Corporation | Method and system for accessing protected memory |
WO2008005302A2 (en) | 2006-06-29 | 2008-01-10 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Player wagering account and methods thereof |
US8070574B2 (en) | 2007-06-06 | 2011-12-06 | Shuffle Master, Inc. | Apparatus, system, method, and computer-readable medium for casino card handling with multiple hand recall feature |
US8512130B2 (en) | 2006-07-27 | 2013-08-20 | Igt | Gaming system with linked gaming machines that are configurable to have a same probability of winning a designated award |
AU2007205809B2 (en) | 2006-08-17 | 2012-05-17 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods and articles to enhance play at gaming tables with bonuses |
US20080076530A1 (en) * | 2006-09-08 | 2008-03-27 | Charles John Kulas | Gaming system with player sponsoring |
US8647191B2 (en) | 2006-09-26 | 2014-02-11 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Resonant gaming chip identification system and method |
US7862430B2 (en) | 2006-09-27 | 2011-01-04 | Igt | Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences |
US7674180B2 (en) * | 2006-09-27 | 2010-03-09 | Igt | Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences |
US8616959B2 (en) | 2006-09-27 | 2013-12-31 | Igt | Server based gaming system having system triggered loyalty award sequences |
US20080085752A1 (en) * | 2006-10-06 | 2008-04-10 | Aruze Gaming America, Inc. | Game system including slot machines and game control method thereof |
WO2008045453A2 (en) * | 2006-10-11 | 2008-04-17 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Location-linked audio/video |
US9306952B2 (en) | 2006-10-26 | 2016-04-05 | Cfph, Llc | System and method for wireless gaming with location determination |
US8292741B2 (en) | 2006-10-26 | 2012-10-23 | Cfph, Llc | Apparatus, processes and articles for facilitating mobile gaming |
US8137179B2 (en) | 2006-11-08 | 2012-03-20 | Igt | Gaming device having expanding and rolling wild symbols |
US9101820B2 (en) | 2006-11-09 | 2015-08-11 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | System, method and apparatus to produce decks for and operate games played with playing cards |
US8002625B2 (en) * | 2006-11-09 | 2011-08-23 | Igt | Gaming device having game with symbols and adjacently displayed complementary sub-symbols |
US9111078B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2015-08-18 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Package manager service in gaming system |
US8784212B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2014-07-22 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Networked gaming environment employing different classes of gaming machines |
US8195826B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2012-06-05 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | UDP broadcast for user interface in a download and configuration gaming method |
US8920233B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2014-12-30 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Assignment template and assignment bundle in a gaming configuration and download system |
US9311774B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2016-04-12 | Igt | Gaming machine with externally controlled content display |
US9275512B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2016-03-01 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Secure communications in gaming system |
US8478833B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2013-07-02 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | UDP broadcast for user interface in a download and configuration gaming system |
US8191121B2 (en) * | 2006-11-10 | 2012-05-29 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Methods and systems for controlling access to resources in a gaming network |
US20080171588A1 (en) * | 2006-11-10 | 2008-07-17 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Download and configuration server-based system and method with structured data |
US8631501B2 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2014-01-14 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Reporting function in gaming system environment |
US20090156303A1 (en) | 2006-11-10 | 2009-06-18 | Igt | Bonusing Architectures in a Gaming Environment |
US8347280B2 (en) | 2006-11-13 | 2013-01-01 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | System and method for validating download or configuration assignment for an EGM or EGM collection |
US9269221B2 (en) | 2006-11-13 | 2016-02-23 | John J. Gobbi | Configuration of interfaces for a location detection system and application |
US8930461B2 (en) * | 2006-11-13 | 2015-01-06 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Download and configuration management engine for gaming system |
US8131829B2 (en) * | 2006-11-13 | 2012-03-06 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Gaming machine collection and management |
US9082258B2 (en) | 2006-11-13 | 2015-07-14 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Method and system for providing download and configuration job progress tracking and display via host user interface |
US9411944B2 (en) | 2006-11-15 | 2016-08-09 | Cfph, Llc | Biometric access sensitivity |
US8645709B2 (en) | 2006-11-14 | 2014-02-04 | Cfph, Llc | Biometric access data encryption |
US8510567B2 (en) | 2006-11-14 | 2013-08-13 | Cfph, Llc | Conditional biometric access in a gaming environment |
US10909584B2 (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2021-02-02 | NEXRF Corp. | Content relevance weighting system |
US9406079B1 (en) | 2006-11-30 | 2016-08-02 | NexRf Corporation | Content relevance weighting system |
US9501786B1 (en) | 2006-11-30 | 2016-11-22 | Nexrf, Corp. | Interactive display system |
JP2008178519A (en) * | 2007-01-24 | 2008-08-07 | Aruze Corp | Game machine |
US9183693B2 (en) | 2007-03-08 | 2015-11-10 | Cfph, Llc | Game access device |
US8319601B2 (en) | 2007-03-14 | 2012-11-27 | Cfph, Llc | Game account access device |
US8581721B2 (en) | 2007-03-08 | 2013-11-12 | Cfph, Llc | Game access device with privileges |
US8282477B2 (en) * | 2007-04-10 | 2012-10-09 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game machine providing a write once run anywhere environment |
WO2008155527A1 (en) * | 2007-06-16 | 2008-12-24 | Intergrated Technology Limited | Metering device for entertainment machine |
AU2008202767A1 (en) * | 2007-06-27 | 2009-01-15 | Acei Ab | A system and method for managing meters in a gaming system |
US7985133B2 (en) | 2007-07-30 | 2011-07-26 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing an additional gaming currency |
US8900053B2 (en) | 2007-08-10 | 2014-12-02 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing different bonus awards based on different types of triggered events |
WO2009026320A1 (en) * | 2007-08-21 | 2009-02-26 | Wms Gaming, Inc. | Associating portable wagering game machines with a stationary wagering game machine |
US9142097B2 (en) | 2007-10-26 | 2015-09-22 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing play of local first game and remote second game |
US8920236B2 (en) | 2007-11-02 | 2014-12-30 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Game related systems, methods, and articles that combine virtual and physical elements |
US8659427B2 (en) | 2007-11-09 | 2014-02-25 | Proxense, Llc | Proximity-sensor supporting multiple application services |
US8201229B2 (en) * | 2007-11-12 | 2012-06-12 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | User authorization system and methods |
US8616958B2 (en) | 2007-11-12 | 2013-12-31 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Discovery method and system for dynamically locating networked gaming components and resources |
US9563898B2 (en) * | 2008-04-30 | 2017-02-07 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | System and method for automated customer account creation and management |
US8171528B1 (en) | 2007-12-06 | 2012-05-01 | Proxense, Llc | Hybrid device having a personal digital key and receiver-decoder circuit and methods of use |
US9251332B2 (en) | 2007-12-19 | 2016-02-02 | Proxense, Llc | Security system and method for controlling access to computing resources |
US8597107B2 (en) * | 2007-12-28 | 2013-12-03 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods, and devices for providing purchases of instances of game play at a hybrid ticket/currency game machine |
US9141139B2 (en) | 2012-04-10 | 2015-09-22 | Arnouse Digital Devices Corp. | Mobile data center |
US10235323B2 (en) | 2008-02-13 | 2019-03-19 | Michael Arnouse | Portable computing system and portable computer for use with same |
USRE49124E1 (en) | 2008-02-13 | 2022-07-05 | Arnouse Digital Devices Corp. | Mobile data center |
US11113228B2 (en) | 2008-02-13 | 2021-09-07 | Arnouse Digital Devices Corporation | Portable computing system and portable computer for use with same |
WO2009102979A2 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2009-08-20 | Proxense, Llc | Proximity-based healthcare management system with automatic access to private information |
US11706733B1 (en) | 2008-03-29 | 2023-07-18 | NEXRF Corp. | Location positioning engine system and method |
US11729576B2 (en) | 2008-03-29 | 2023-08-15 | NEXRF Corp. | Targeted content delivery |
WO2009126732A2 (en) | 2008-04-08 | 2009-10-15 | Proxense, Llc | Automated service-based order processing |
US8187079B2 (en) * | 2008-04-08 | 2012-05-29 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Gaming system with patterned enhancement features |
JP4650516B2 (en) * | 2008-04-09 | 2011-03-16 | ソニー株式会社 | Imaging data management method and imaging apparatus |
US8721431B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2014-05-13 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods, and devices for providing instances of a secondary game |
US9092944B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2015-07-28 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Coordinating group play events for multiple game devices |
US8613655B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2013-12-24 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Facilitating group play with multiple game devices |
US20090275374A1 (en) * | 2008-04-30 | 2009-11-05 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Tournament play in a gaming property |
US8251803B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2012-08-28 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Overlapping progressive jackpots |
US9483911B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2016-11-01 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Information distribution in gaming networks |
US20090275401A1 (en) * | 2008-04-30 | 2009-11-05 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Method, system, apparatus, and article of manufacture for profile-driven configuration for electronic gaming machines (egms) |
US9406194B2 (en) * | 2008-04-30 | 2016-08-02 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Method and system for dynamically awarding bonus points |
US8856657B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2014-10-07 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | User interface for managing network download and configuration tasks |
US8251808B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2012-08-28 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Game transaction module interface to single port printer |
US9005034B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2015-04-14 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems and methods for out-of-band gaming machine management |
AU2009201551A1 (en) | 2008-05-02 | 2009-11-19 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited | A gaming system and a method of monitoring a gaming device |
US8366542B2 (en) | 2008-05-24 | 2013-02-05 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Networked gaming system with enterprise accounting methods and apparatus |
US9443377B2 (en) | 2008-05-30 | 2016-09-13 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Web pages for gaming devices |
US8412768B2 (en) | 2008-07-11 | 2013-04-02 | Ball Gaming, Inc. | Integration gateway |
GB2475643A (en) * | 2008-08-05 | 2011-05-25 | Wms Gaming Inc | Mobile-phone-based wagering game account transactions |
US8502936B2 (en) | 2008-09-26 | 2013-08-06 | Wms Gaming Inc. | System, apparatus and methods for improved transmissivity of LCD panel |
US8467012B2 (en) * | 2008-09-26 | 2013-06-18 | Wms Gaming Inc. | LCD display for gaming device with increased apparent brightness |
US8266213B2 (en) | 2008-11-14 | 2012-09-11 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Apparatus, method, and system to provide a multiple processor architecture for server-based gaming |
US8347303B2 (en) | 2008-11-14 | 2013-01-01 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Apparatus, method, and system to provide a multi-core processor for an electronic gaming machine (EGM) |
US9456007B2 (en) | 2008-11-15 | 2016-09-27 | Adobe Systems Incorporated | Session aware notifications |
US20140032627A1 (en) * | 2008-11-15 | 2014-01-30 | Adobe Systems Incorporated | Participant and proximity awareness application |
US9158897B2 (en) | 2008-11-15 | 2015-10-13 | Adobe Systems Incorporated | Methods and systems for distributing right-protected asset |
US8423790B2 (en) | 2008-11-18 | 2013-04-16 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Module validation |
US8192283B2 (en) | 2009-03-10 | 2012-06-05 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Networked gaming system including a live floor view module |
US8162737B2 (en) * | 2009-05-27 | 2012-04-24 | Igt | Contactless player card with improved security |
US8317584B2 (en) * | 2009-07-02 | 2012-11-27 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Enhanced poker game system with additional bonus challenges |
US9039516B2 (en) | 2009-07-30 | 2015-05-26 | Igt | Concurrent play on multiple gaming machines |
US8285034B2 (en) | 2009-08-26 | 2012-10-09 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Apparatus, method and article for evaluating a stack of objects in an image |
US8287357B2 (en) | 2009-10-08 | 2012-10-16 | Igt | Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading style matching game |
US8622805B2 (en) | 2009-10-28 | 2014-01-07 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game for awarding positional game modifiers in a plurality of plays |
US8858343B2 (en) * | 2009-11-09 | 2014-10-14 | Igt | Server-based gaming chair |
US8663019B2 (en) | 2009-11-12 | 2014-03-04 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Gaming machine chair and wagering game systems and machines with a gaming chair |
US8613664B2 (en) * | 2009-11-13 | 2013-12-24 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering interface for a gaming system |
AU2010241301A1 (en) * | 2009-11-13 | 2011-06-02 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game having a free-play bonus with a variable free-play retriggering condition |
AU2011200521B2 (en) | 2010-02-16 | 2012-08-30 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Wagering game with altered probabilities based on reel strip configurations |
US9418205B2 (en) | 2010-03-15 | 2016-08-16 | Proxense, Llc | Proximity-based system for automatic application or data access and item tracking |
US10721705B1 (en) | 2010-06-04 | 2020-07-21 | NEXRF Corp. | Content Relevance Weighting System |
US9322974B1 (en) | 2010-07-15 | 2016-04-26 | Proxense, Llc. | Proximity-based system for object tracking |
US8628400B2 (en) | 2010-07-21 | 2014-01-14 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Progressive wagering game having symbol-triggering award feature |
US9269233B2 (en) | 2010-07-21 | 2016-02-23 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Poker game system and system with a secondary award feature having an expected value dependent on the ranking of a primary game outcome |
US8974302B2 (en) | 2010-08-13 | 2015-03-10 | Cfph, Llc | Multi-process communication regarding gaming information |
US8956231B2 (en) | 2010-08-13 | 2015-02-17 | Cfph, Llc | Multi-process communication regarding gaming information |
US8469797B2 (en) | 2010-09-27 | 2013-06-25 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game with multiple overlying reel strips for triggering events or outcomes |
US8613648B2 (en) | 2010-11-02 | 2013-12-24 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Multi-game video poker machine and system with asymmetrically accessible customization features |
US8678923B2 (en) | 2010-11-02 | 2014-03-25 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Gaming machine chair and wagering game systems and machines with a gaming chair |
US8506390B2 (en) | 2010-11-04 | 2013-08-13 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game having game assets with multiple levels of enhancement |
AU2011239259B2 (en) | 2010-11-04 | 2013-04-18 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods and devices for playing wagering games with randomized clumping of symbols |
US20120115580A1 (en) | 2010-11-05 | 2012-05-10 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game with player-directed pursuit of award outcomes |
US8753194B2 (en) | 2010-11-11 | 2014-06-17 | Igt | Escrow accounts for use in distributing payouts with minimal interruption to game play |
US8608544B2 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2013-12-17 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game including multiple arrays of reel symbols |
US8857716B1 (en) | 2011-02-21 | 2014-10-14 | Proxense, Llc | Implementation of a proximity-based system for object tracking and automatic application initialization |
US20120220363A1 (en) | 2011-02-28 | 2012-08-30 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Gaming terminal with an adjustable display |
US8696438B2 (en) | 2011-03-09 | 2014-04-15 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game with a secondary game determined by symbol positions in a base game |
US8851985B2 (en) | 2011-04-06 | 2014-10-07 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Multi-layer wagering game display |
US8851976B2 (en) | 2011-04-07 | 2014-10-07 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Wagering game with game enhancement feature |
US8876592B2 (en) | 2011-04-07 | 2014-11-04 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Enhancements offering perceived value for community wagering game |
US20120302323A1 (en) | 2011-05-23 | 2012-11-29 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Haptic gaming chairs and wagering game systems and machines with a haptic gaming chair |
US9058716B2 (en) | 2011-06-06 | 2015-06-16 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Remote game play in a wireless gaming environment |
US9142083B2 (en) | 2011-06-13 | 2015-09-22 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Convertible gaming chairs and wagering game systems and machines with a convertible gaming chair |
US8959459B2 (en) * | 2011-06-15 | 2015-02-17 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Gesture sensing enhancement system for a wagering game |
US20130017884A1 (en) * | 2011-07-13 | 2013-01-17 | Igt | Methods and apparatus for providing secure logon to a gaming machine using a mobile device |
US9875607B2 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2018-01-23 | Igt | Methods and apparatus for providing secure logon to a gaming machine using a mobile device |
US8414380B2 (en) | 2011-07-21 | 2013-04-09 | Igt | Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple dimension cascading symbols game with three dimensional symbols |
US8371930B1 (en) | 2011-07-21 | 2013-02-12 | Igt | Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple dimension cascading symbols game with a time element |
US8430737B2 (en) | 2011-07-21 | 2013-04-30 | Igt | Gaming system and method providing multi-dimensional symbol wagering game |
US8485901B2 (en) | 2011-07-21 | 2013-07-16 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a multi-dimensional symbol wagering game with rotating symbols |
US8357041B1 (en) | 2011-07-21 | 2013-01-22 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a multi-dimensional cascading symbols game with player selection of symbols |
US8366538B1 (en) | 2011-07-21 | 2013-02-05 | Igt | Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple dimension cascading symbols game |
US8986101B2 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2015-03-24 | Igt | Gaming device having positional symbol awards |
US8979633B2 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2015-03-17 | Igt | Gaming device having positional symbol awards |
US9005006B2 (en) | 2011-08-10 | 2015-04-14 | Igt | Gaming device having wild symbol generation within a play matrix |
WO2013073956A2 (en) * | 2011-08-17 | 2013-05-23 | Business Intelligence Solutions Safe B.V. | Marketing tool |
US9336647B2 (en) * | 2011-08-29 | 2016-05-10 | Igt | Attract based on mobile device |
US8834254B2 (en) | 2011-09-06 | 2014-09-16 | Wms Gaming, Inc. | Account-based-wagering mobile controller |
US9367835B2 (en) | 2011-09-09 | 2016-06-14 | Igt | Retrofit devices for providing virtual ticket-in and ticket-out on a gaming machine |
US10297105B2 (en) | 2011-09-09 | 2019-05-21 | Igt | Redemption of virtual tickets using a portable electronic device |
US8613659B2 (en) | 2011-09-09 | 2013-12-24 | Igt | Virtual ticket-in and ticket-out on a gaming machine |
US10121318B2 (en) | 2011-09-09 | 2018-11-06 | Igt | Bill acceptors and printers for providing virtual ticket-in and ticket-out on a gaming machine |
US8545307B2 (en) | 2011-09-27 | 2013-10-01 | Igt | Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing a game with multi-component symbols and awards based on common components |
US8602869B2 (en) | 2011-09-27 | 2013-12-10 | Igt | Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing a game with multi-component symbols and awards based on common components |
US9514605B2 (en) * | 2011-09-28 | 2016-12-06 | Igt | Gaming system, gaming device and method for providing a multiple player, multiple game bonusing environment with a multiple player coin drop game |
US9524609B2 (en) | 2011-09-30 | 2016-12-20 | Igt | Gaming system, gaming device and method for utilizing mobile devices at a gaming establishment |
US9076283B2 (en) | 2011-09-30 | 2015-07-07 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Systems, methods, and devices for playing wagering games with symbol-driven expected value enhancements and eliminations |
AU2012233004B2 (en) | 2011-10-12 | 2015-04-30 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Systems, methods, and devices for playing wagering games with movable symbol arrays |
AU2012241187B2 (en) | 2011-10-20 | 2016-04-21 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Wagering game with expanding reels |
USD771193S1 (en) | 2011-11-11 | 2016-11-08 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Game display screen with multiple arrays of reels |
US8613668B2 (en) * | 2011-12-22 | 2013-12-24 | Igt | Directional wireless communication |
US8974305B2 (en) | 2012-01-18 | 2015-03-10 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Network gaming architecture, gaming systems, and related methods |
US9120007B2 (en) | 2012-01-18 | 2015-09-01 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Network gaming architecture, gaming systems, and related methods |
US8512138B2 (en) | 2012-01-19 | 2013-08-20 | Igt | Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbols game which reuses discarded symbols |
US9005022B2 (en) | 2012-01-19 | 2015-04-14 | Igt | Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbols game which builds layers of multiple dimension symbols |
US8882578B2 (en) | 2012-01-19 | 2014-11-11 | Igt | Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbols game which reuses discarded symbols |
TWI627987B (en) | 2012-02-28 | 2018-07-01 | Cfph有限責任公司 | Method and apparatus of providing gameing service |
US8876596B2 (en) | 2012-02-29 | 2014-11-04 | Igt | Virtualized magnetic player card |
US9293014B2 (en) | 2012-03-12 | 2016-03-22 | Igt | Gaming device having persistently extending wild symbols |
US9311769B2 (en) | 2012-03-28 | 2016-04-12 | Igt | Emailing or texting as communication between mobile device and EGM |
US10101769B2 (en) | 2012-04-10 | 2018-10-16 | Michael Arnouse | Mobile data center |
US9165428B2 (en) | 2012-04-15 | 2015-10-20 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Interactive financial transactions |
US20130296013A1 (en) * | 2012-05-03 | 2013-11-07 | Tyche Gaming, LLC | Skill-Based Amusement Machine With Loss-Biased Jackpot |
JP6004750B2 (en) * | 2012-06-01 | 2016-10-12 | 任天堂株式会社 | GAME SYSTEM, GAME DEVICE, GAME PROGRAM, AND GAME PROCESSING METHOD |
US9564007B2 (en) | 2012-06-04 | 2017-02-07 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Wagering game content based on locations of player check-in |
US9039523B2 (en) | 2012-06-22 | 2015-05-26 | Igt | Avatar as security measure for mobile device use with electronic gaming machine |
CN103514039B (en) * | 2012-06-25 | 2018-07-06 | 联想(北京)有限公司 | Method of controlling operation thereof and electronic equipment |
US9412227B2 (en) * | 2012-07-11 | 2016-08-09 | Igt | Method and apparatus for offering a mobile device version of an electronic gaming machine game at the electronic gaming machine |
US8894481B2 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2014-11-25 | Igt | Gaming system and method providing multiway evaluation for a game associated with multi-component symbols configured to affect a base count |
US8979639B2 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2015-03-17 | Igt | Gaming system and method providing multiway evaluation for a game associated with multi-component symbols configured to affect a base count and/or a value of one or more modifiers |
US8905836B2 (en) | 2012-08-28 | 2014-12-09 | Igt | Gaming system and method providing multiway evaluation for a game associated with multi-component symbols configured to affect a value of one or more modifiers |
US8616981B1 (en) | 2012-09-12 | 2013-12-31 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Systems, methods, and devices for playing wagering games with location-triggered game features |
US8622809B1 (en) | 2012-09-25 | 2014-01-07 | Igt | Gaming system and method providing a multiplay game with resultant symbols |
US10607448B2 (en) | 2012-09-27 | 2020-03-31 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a cascading multiple sided symbol game |
US9361763B1 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2016-06-07 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Wagering game having reels with dynamic growing-symbol feature |
US9571816B2 (en) | 2012-11-16 | 2017-02-14 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Associating an object with a subject |
US8894493B2 (en) | 2012-12-13 | 2014-11-25 | Wms Gaming, Inc. | Opt-in proximity alert |
US9251701B2 (en) | 2013-02-14 | 2016-02-02 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Control device with passive reflector |
US10726668B2 (en) | 2013-03-01 | 2020-07-28 | Igt | Transfer verification of mobile payments |
US9098847B2 (en) | 2013-03-08 | 2015-08-04 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a game including roaming wild symbols |
US9098973B2 (en) | 2013-03-08 | 2015-08-04 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a game including roaming wild symbols |
US9098982B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2015-08-04 | Wms Gaming Inc. | Systems, methods, and devices for playing wagering games with symbol clumps and non-uniform weighting of reel positions |
US9196113B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2015-11-24 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Wagering game preference selection |
US9978221B2 (en) | 2013-03-22 | 2018-05-22 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a multiple dimension symbol game with expanding wild symbols |
US11043070B2 (en) | 2013-04-24 | 2021-06-22 | Sg Gaming, Inc. | Methods of transferring funds in a cashless wagering system |
US9405898B2 (en) | 2013-05-10 | 2016-08-02 | Proxense, Llc | Secure element as a digital pocket |
PT2843632T (en) * | 2013-09-03 | 2018-12-04 | Novomatic Ag | Method of and system for gaming |
US10559167B2 (en) * | 2014-02-03 | 2020-02-11 | Novomatic Ag | Method of and system for rendering financial services |
US20150243133A1 (en) * | 2014-02-21 | 2015-08-27 | John J. Nicholas | Mobile application (app) for electronic transfer of funds to a casino player account for wagering |
US10147281B2 (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2018-12-04 | Igt | Gaming system and method having matching symbol stacks and additional award opportunities |
US9875618B2 (en) | 2014-07-24 | 2018-01-23 | Igt | Gaming system and method employing multi-directional interaction between multiple concurrently played games |
US10503912B1 (en) | 2014-08-12 | 2019-12-10 | NEXRF Corp. | Multi-channel communication of data files |
US10169952B2 (en) | 2014-08-26 | 2019-01-01 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Processing credit-related events in a wagering game system |
WO2016057166A1 (en) * | 2014-10-06 | 2016-04-14 | Arnouse Digital Devices Corporation | Mobile data center |
US10410476B2 (en) | 2014-10-29 | 2019-09-10 | King Show Games, Inc. | Gaming device utilizing multiple symbol replacement |
US9788155B1 (en) | 2015-04-22 | 2017-10-10 | Michael A. Kerr | User interface for geofence associated content |
US9916735B2 (en) | 2015-07-22 | 2018-03-13 | Igt | Remote gaming cash voucher printing system |
US10055930B2 (en) | 2015-08-11 | 2018-08-21 | Igt | Gaming system and method for placing and redeeming sports bets |
US9972171B2 (en) | 2015-09-24 | 2018-05-15 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing a triggering event based on a collection of units from different games |
US10529191B2 (en) * | 2015-09-25 | 2020-01-07 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Anonymous funding and tracking of sports wagering across multiple devices |
US20170092054A1 (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2017-03-30 | Igt | Gaming system and method for utilizing a mobile device to fund a gaming session |
US10417867B2 (en) | 2015-09-25 | 2019-09-17 | Igt | Gaming system and method for automatically transferring funds to a mobile device |
US10838582B2 (en) | 2016-06-15 | 2020-11-17 | NEXRF Corp. | Mobile autonomous dynamic graphical user interface |
US9927244B2 (en) | 2016-07-20 | 2018-03-27 | Igt | Gaming system and method for locating an electronic gaming machine with a mobile device |
US10217317B2 (en) | 2016-08-09 | 2019-02-26 | Igt | Gaming system and method for providing incentives for transferring funds to and from a mobile device |
US10916090B2 (en) | 2016-08-23 | 2021-02-09 | Igt | System and method for transferring funds from a financial institution device to a cashless wagering account accessible via a mobile device |
US10621824B2 (en) | 2016-09-23 | 2020-04-14 | Igt | Gaming system player identification device |
US10332344B2 (en) | 2017-07-24 | 2019-06-25 | Igt | System and method for controlling electronic gaming machine/electronic gaming machine component bezel lighting to indicate different wireless connection statuses |
US10360761B2 (en) | 2017-08-03 | 2019-07-23 | Igt | System and method for providing a gaming establishment account pre-approved access to funds |
US10360763B2 (en) | 2017-08-03 | 2019-07-23 | Igt | System and method for utilizing a mobile device to facilitate fund transfers between a cashless wagering account and a gaming establishment retail account |
US10380843B2 (en) | 2017-08-03 | 2019-08-13 | Igt | System and method for tracking funds from a plurality of funding sources |
US10373430B2 (en) | 2017-08-03 | 2019-08-06 | Igt | System and method for tracking fund transfers between an electronic gaming machine and a plurality of funding sources |
US10706688B2 (en) | 2017-10-04 | 2020-07-07 | Sg Gaming, Inc. | System, method and apparatus for gaming in a convenient environment |
US11341817B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2022-05-24 | Igt | System and method for providing awards for utilizing a mobile device in association with a gaming establishment retail account |
US10643426B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2020-05-05 | Igt | System and method for providing a gaming establishment account automatic access to funds |
US11922765B2 (en) | 2017-12-18 | 2024-03-05 | Igt | System and method employing virtual tickets |
US10950088B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2021-03-16 | Igt | System and method for utilizing virtual ticket vouchers |
US11043066B2 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2021-06-22 | Igt | System and method for centralizing funds to a primary gaming establishment account |
US10970968B2 (en) | 2018-04-18 | 2021-04-06 | Igt | System and method for incentivizing the maintenance of funds in a gaming establishment account |
US20200105090A1 (en) * | 2018-10-02 | 2020-04-02 | Igt | Gaming system and method for determining awards based on moving wild reels with modifiers |
JP7297298B2 (en) * | 2019-07-12 | 2023-06-26 | 株式会社ユニバーサルエンターテインメント | Information processing device and payout management system |
US11570205B1 (en) | 2020-03-20 | 2023-01-31 | Loyalty Iot, Inc. | Anonymous contact tracing with network based hyperlocal authentication |
US11217062B1 (en) | 2020-06-15 | 2022-01-04 | Sg Gaming, Inc. | Using mobile devices to operate gaming machines |
Family Cites Families (113)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US71557A (en) * | 1867-11-26 | Stephen b | ||
US45484A (en) * | 1864-12-20 | Improvement in chain-pumps | ||
US45476A (en) * | 1864-12-20 | Improvement in shaft-couplings | ||
US580310A (en) * | 1897-04-06 | Compensating device for car-brake mechanism | ||
US64805A (en) * | 1867-05-14 | Charles sparks | ||
US68631A (en) * | 1867-09-10 | George lomas | ||
US44337A (en) * | 1864-09-20 | Improvement in pumps | ||
US4190066A (en) * | 1977-12-27 | 1980-02-26 | Bally Manufacturing Corporation | Coin and paper money payout system |
ES8507274A1 (en) | 1983-05-02 | 1985-09-16 | Ainsworth Nominees Pty Ltd | Poker machine communication system |
DE3883860T2 (en) * | 1987-06-16 | 1994-01-05 | Casio Computer Co Ltd | Name unit containing the transmission unit. |
US4764666A (en) | 1987-09-18 | 1988-08-16 | Gtech Corporation | On-line wagering system with programmable game entry cards |
US4800543A (en) * | 1987-12-03 | 1989-01-24 | Ramtron Corporation | Timepiece communication system |
US5179517A (en) * | 1988-09-22 | 1993-01-12 | Bally Manufacturing Corporation | Game machine data transfer system utilizing portable data units |
US5038022A (en) * | 1989-12-19 | 1991-08-06 | Lucero James L | Apparatus and method for providing credit for operating a gaming machine |
US5811772A (en) * | 1989-12-19 | 1998-09-22 | Scotch Twist, Inc. | Gaming machine system operable with general purpose charge cards |
US5429361A (en) | 1991-09-23 | 1995-07-04 | Bally Gaming International, Inc. | Gaming machine information, communication and display system |
US5265874A (en) | 1992-01-31 | 1993-11-30 | International Game Technology (Igt) | Cashless gaming apparatus and method |
DE4205791A1 (en) | 1992-02-26 | 1993-09-02 | Nsm Ag | MONEY PROCESSING CENTER |
US5371345A (en) | 1992-09-17 | 1994-12-06 | Bally Gaming International, Inc. | Gaming machine change system |
US5290033A (en) | 1992-12-02 | 1994-03-01 | Bittner Harold G | Gaming machine and coupons |
US6048269A (en) | 1993-01-22 | 2000-04-11 | Mgm Grand, Inc. | Coinless slot machine system and method |
DE4311561C2 (en) | 1993-04-06 | 2001-06-07 | Walter Holzer | Process for operating gaming machines with chip cards |
EP0650148B2 (en) | 1993-10-18 | 2005-10-12 | Gemplus | Game machine with electronic coin tester |
FR2717597B1 (en) | 1994-03-16 | 1996-04-12 | Gemplus Card Int | Game machine with statutory mechanical counters and electronic coin operated. |
US5470079A (en) | 1994-06-16 | 1995-11-28 | Bally Gaming International, Inc. | Game machine accounting and monitoring system |
FR2724036B1 (en) | 1994-08-31 | 1997-01-03 | Gemplus Card Int | CARD READER FOR GAME MACHINE. |
US5655961A (en) * | 1994-10-12 | 1997-08-12 | Acres Gaming, Inc. | Method for operating networked gaming devices |
DE59501776D1 (en) * | 1994-11-25 | 1998-05-07 | Rieter Ag Maschf | Arrangement of stretch texturing machines for synthetic threads |
US5674128A (en) | 1995-02-21 | 1997-10-07 | Oneida Indian Nation | Cashless computerized video game system and method |
US6280328B1 (en) * | 1996-09-25 | 2001-08-28 | Oneida Indian Nation | Cashless computerized video game system and method |
AUPN220795A0 (en) * | 1995-04-06 | 1995-05-04 | Marvel Corporation Pty Ltd | Audio/visual marketing device |
SE506506C2 (en) * | 1995-04-11 | 1997-12-22 | Au System | Electronic transaction terminal, telecommunication system including an electronic transaction terminal, smart card as electronic transaction terminal and method of transferring electronic credits |
AU687312B2 (en) | 1995-05-09 | 1998-02-19 | Smartmove (Nz) Limited | Card interface |
CA2158523A1 (en) | 1995-07-10 | 1997-01-11 | Lyle L. Bell | Cash gaming machine |
US6234898B1 (en) | 1995-11-21 | 2001-05-22 | Serge Christian Pierre Belamant | Method and apparatus for controlling a gaming operation |
US5999808A (en) | 1995-12-12 | 1999-12-07 | Aeris Communications, Inc. | Wireless gaming method |
US5738583A (en) | 1996-02-02 | 1998-04-14 | Motorola, Inc. | Interactive wireless gaming system |
IT1285321B1 (en) * | 1996-03-13 | 1998-06-03 | Siab Italia S P A | ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING MONEY |
US6110041A (en) | 1996-12-30 | 2000-08-29 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and system for adapting gaming devices to playing preferences |
US5902983A (en) | 1996-04-29 | 1999-05-11 | International Game Technology | Preset amount electronic funds transfer system for gaming machines |
DE19629086A1 (en) * | 1996-07-18 | 1998-01-29 | Siemens Ag | Portable data transmission device and fastener |
DE19629856A1 (en) * | 1996-07-24 | 1998-01-29 | Ibm | Method and system for the secure transmission and storage of protectable information |
US5833540A (en) | 1996-09-24 | 1998-11-10 | United Games, Inc. | Cardless distributed video gaming system |
US6099408A (en) | 1996-12-31 | 2000-08-08 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and apparatus for securing electronic games |
NZ337454A (en) | 1997-02-10 | 2001-09-28 | Aristocrat Technologies Au | Distributed game accelerator |
US5926531A (en) * | 1997-02-14 | 1999-07-20 | Statsignal Systems, Inc. | Transmitter for accessing pay-type telephones |
US6113493A (en) | 1997-02-21 | 2000-09-05 | Walker Digital, Llc | System and method for generating and executing insurance policies for gambling losses |
BR9809291A (en) | 1997-04-22 | 2000-07-04 | Gamescape Inc | Wireless interactive game system |
US6142876A (en) * | 1997-08-22 | 2000-11-07 | Cumbers; Blake | Player tracking and identification system |
US6264556B1 (en) | 1997-10-29 | 2001-07-24 | Japan Cash Machine Co., Ltd. | Gaming machine having note hopper/dispenser |
US6342010B1 (en) | 1997-11-14 | 2002-01-29 | Russell Dale Slifer | Personalized wireless video game system |
US6168522B1 (en) * | 1998-03-31 | 2001-01-02 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and apparatus for operating a gaming device to dispense a specified amount |
US5967896A (en) | 1998-04-06 | 1999-10-19 | Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership | Method and apparatus for controlling a gaming device having a plurality of balances |
KR100261224B1 (en) | 1998-05-07 | 2000-09-01 | 윤종용 | Si-containing polymers and chemically amplified resists comprising the same |
JP3841132B2 (en) * | 1998-06-01 | 2006-11-01 | 株式会社ソニー・コンピュータエンタテインメント | Input position detection device and entertainment system |
AUPP541898A0 (en) | 1998-06-21 | 1998-09-10 | A. Hankin & Co. Pty. Limited | Remotely enabled pool table |
FI105965B (en) * | 1998-07-07 | 2000-10-31 | Nokia Networks Oy | Authentication in telecommunications networks |
US6409602B1 (en) | 1998-11-06 | 2002-06-25 | New Millenium Gaming Limited | Slim terminal gaming system |
US6500067B1 (en) * | 1998-12-04 | 2002-12-31 | Sierra Design Group | Voucher gaming system |
JP3413125B2 (en) | 1999-04-14 | 2003-06-03 | 株式会社ソニー・コンピュータエンタテインメント | Entertainment system, data communication network system, entertainment device and portable information communication terminal |
AU771924B2 (en) * | 1999-04-23 | 2004-04-08 | Alliance Gaming Corporation | A system and method for securely storing and controlling the dispensing of a payout |
US6508709B1 (en) * | 1999-06-18 | 2003-01-21 | Jayant S. Karmarkar | Virtual distributed multimedia gaming method and system based on actual regulated casino games |
JP2001070655A (en) | 1999-08-31 | 2001-03-21 | Konami Co Ltd | Communication method, game system and information transmission method between game machines of different kinds |
US6845238B1 (en) * | 1999-09-15 | 2005-01-18 | Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) | Inter-frequency measurement and handover for wireless communications |
WO2001025957A2 (en) * | 1999-10-04 | 2001-04-12 | Douglas Barry | Personalized gaming and demographic collection method and apparatus |
US20030216961A1 (en) * | 2002-05-16 | 2003-11-20 | Douglas Barry | Personalized gaming and demographic collection method and apparatus |
US6577733B1 (en) | 1999-12-03 | 2003-06-10 | Smart Card Integrators, Inc. | Method and system for secure cashless gaming |
US6287200B1 (en) | 1999-12-15 | 2001-09-11 | Nokia Corporation | Relative positioning and virtual objects for mobile devices |
US6536658B1 (en) * | 1999-12-28 | 2003-03-25 | Ncr Corporation | Method and apparatus for operating a retail terminal having a proximity detector that is operable to ascertain movement and distance of a consumer relative to the retail terminal |
CA2331976C (en) | 2000-01-27 | 2010-06-01 | International Game Technology | Gaming terminal and system with biometric identification |
US6761637B2 (en) * | 2000-02-22 | 2004-07-13 | Creative Kingdoms, Llc | Method of game play using RFID tracking device |
US6682421B1 (en) * | 2000-04-07 | 2004-01-27 | Igt | Wireless gaming environment |
US6676522B2 (en) * | 2000-04-07 | 2004-01-13 | Igt | Gaming system including portable game devices |
JP2002094689A (en) * | 2000-06-07 | 2002-03-29 | Sony Computer Entertainment Inc | Program execution system, program execution device, relay device, and recording medium |
US6712485B2 (en) * | 2000-06-29 | 2004-03-30 | Surefire, Llc | Flashlight securement systems |
US20020112026A1 (en) * | 2000-07-18 | 2002-08-15 | Leonid Fridman | Apparatuses, methods, and computer programs for displaying information on signs |
WO2002021377A1 (en) | 2000-09-08 | 2002-03-14 | Ardent Technology | System and method for cashless transactions |
US6752312B1 (en) | 2000-09-12 | 2004-06-22 | Igt | Gaming machine with hopper and printer |
US6884171B2 (en) | 2000-09-18 | 2005-04-26 | Nintendo Co., Ltd. | Video game distribution network |
US6354946B1 (en) | 2000-09-20 | 2002-03-12 | Time Domain Corporation | Impulse radio interactive wireless gaming system and method |
US7209733B2 (en) * | 2000-10-06 | 2007-04-24 | Pay X Pda, Llc | Credit manager method and system |
US6579179B2 (en) | 2000-10-13 | 2003-06-17 | Igt | Gaming device having a cash out menu screen and a system and method for enabling a player to retrieve money from a gaming device |
US6884162B2 (en) | 2000-12-01 | 2005-04-26 | Sony Corporation | System and method to support gaming in an electronic network |
US7127069B2 (en) | 2000-12-07 | 2006-10-24 | Igt | Secured virtual network in a gaming environment |
US7125335B2 (en) | 2000-12-08 | 2006-10-24 | Igt | Casino gambling system with biometric access control |
US20020142844A1 (en) | 2001-02-06 | 2002-10-03 | Kerr Michael A. | Biometric broadband gaming system and method |
US20020111213A1 (en) | 2001-02-13 | 2002-08-15 | Mcentee Robert A. | Method, apparatus and article for wagering and accessing casino services |
US6612928B1 (en) | 2001-02-15 | 2003-09-02 | Sierra Design Group | Player identification using biometric data in a gaming environment |
US6645078B1 (en) * | 2001-02-16 | 2003-11-11 | International Game Technology | Casino gambling apparatus with person detection |
US7918738B2 (en) * | 2001-03-27 | 2011-04-05 | Igt | Interactive game playing preferences |
US6601771B2 (en) * | 2001-04-09 | 2003-08-05 | Smart Card Integrators, Inc. | Combined smartcard and magnetic-stripe card and reader and associated method |
WO2002089935A1 (en) * | 2001-04-11 | 2002-11-14 | Walker Digital, Llc | Method and apparatus for remotely customizing a gaming device |
US6722985B2 (en) | 2001-04-19 | 2004-04-20 | Igt | Universal player tracking system |
US20020184500A1 (en) | 2001-05-29 | 2002-12-05 | Michael Maritzen | System and method for secure entry and authentication of consumer-centric information |
US6628939B2 (en) * | 2001-06-15 | 2003-09-30 | Igt | Personal gaming device |
US6709333B1 (en) | 2001-06-20 | 2004-03-23 | Sierra Design Group | Player identification using biometric data in a gaming environment |
US6585598B2 (en) * | 2001-06-28 | 2003-07-01 | Igt | Method for cashless gaming |
US6908387B2 (en) * | 2001-08-03 | 2005-06-21 | Igt | Player tracking communication mechanisms in a gaming machine |
US20060046842A1 (en) | 2001-08-10 | 2006-03-02 | Igt | Ticket redemption using encrypted biometric data |
US6896618B2 (en) | 2001-09-20 | 2005-05-24 | Igt | Point of play registration on a gaming machine |
US6846238B2 (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2005-01-25 | Igt | Wireless game player |
US20030092489A1 (en) | 2001-11-09 | 2003-05-15 | Veradej Annusorn Andy | Interactive gaming with biometric verification |
US7506172B2 (en) | 2002-01-07 | 2009-03-17 | Igt | Gaming device with biometric system |
US6916244B2 (en) * | 2002-06-05 | 2005-07-12 | Cyberscan Technology, Inc. | Server-less cashless gaming systems and methods |
US20040009809A1 (en) | 2002-07-15 | 2004-01-15 | Salerno Victor J. | Method and system for regulating gaming |
US6892938B2 (en) | 2002-08-13 | 2005-05-17 | Mandalay Resort Group | Gaming system and method for completing a transaction associated with a gaming machine |
US6979264B2 (en) | 2002-09-12 | 2005-12-27 | Igt | Method and system for verifying entitlement to play a game using biometric identifier |
US7867083B2 (en) | 2003-03-25 | 2011-01-11 | Igt | Methods and apparatus for limiting access to games using biometric data |
US8123616B2 (en) | 2003-03-25 | 2012-02-28 | Igt | Methods and apparatus for limiting access to games using biometric data |
US20050054438A1 (en) | 2003-09-04 | 2005-03-10 | Rothschild Wayne H. | Universal personal identifier for accessing patron information at a gaming venue |
US20050077995A1 (en) | 2003-10-09 | 2005-04-14 | Igt | Universal key security method and system |
US7329186B2 (en) | 2004-08-20 | 2008-02-12 | Igt | Gaming system with rewritable display card and LCD input display for reading same |
US7159765B2 (en) | 2004-10-12 | 2007-01-09 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty, Ltd. | Method and apparatus for employee access to a gaming system |
-
2001
- 2001-09-10 US US09/950,139 patent/US7147558B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2002
- 2002-05-31 CA CA002388326A patent/CA2388326A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-06-05 AU AU45820/02A patent/AU784961B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2002-06-12 ZA ZA200104719A patent/ZA200204719B/en unknown
- 2002-09-02 EP EP02292159A patent/EP1291830A3/en not_active Ceased
-
2003
- 2003-07-30 US US10/630,141 patent/US8282465B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-07-30 US US10/630,036 patent/US20040023721A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2004
- 2004-05-27 US US10/855,270 patent/US20040214641A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-05-27 US US10/855,241 patent/US20040219983A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-05-27 US US10/854,897 patent/US20040214640A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2006
- 2006-08-31 AU AU2006204636A patent/AU2006204636A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2006-08-31 AU AU2006204635A patent/AU2006204635A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7147558B2 (en) | 2006-12-12 |
EP1291830A3 (en) | 2004-06-30 |
US20040214640A1 (en) | 2004-10-28 |
US20040219983A1 (en) | 2004-11-04 |
US20040023721A1 (en) | 2004-02-05 |
AU4582002A (en) | 2003-03-13 |
AU784961B2 (en) | 2006-08-10 |
ZA200204719B (en) | 2003-12-12 |
EP1291830A2 (en) | 2003-03-12 |
US20030045354A1 (en) | 2003-03-06 |
US20040214641A1 (en) | 2004-10-28 |
AU2006204636A1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
AU2006204635A1 (en) | 2006-09-28 |
US20040029635A1 (en) | 2004-02-12 |
US8282465B2 (en) | 2012-10-09 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8282465B2 (en) | Portable data unit for communicating with gaming machine over wireless link | |
US10846724B2 (en) | Game at cash register | |
US7611407B1 (en) | Wireless wagering system | |
CA2539826C (en) | Personal gaming device and method of presenting a game | |
US8734236B2 (en) | Player wagering account and methods thereof | |
US8087988B2 (en) | Personal gaming device and method of presenting a game | |
AU721733B2 (en) | Electronic funds transfer system for gaming machines | |
US20090131146A1 (en) | Wagering Game Funding Mechanisms and Methods Therefor | |
US20020034299A1 (en) | Method and system for secure cashless gaming | |
AU2981401A (en) | Open-loop cashless gaming system and method using smart data mediums | |
US8469790B1 (en) | Wireless wagering system | |
US8568224B1 (en) | Wireless wagering system | |
IL157420A (en) | Remotely-controlled slot machine |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
EEER | Examination request | ||
FZDE | Dead |