WO2012027622A1

WO2012027622A1 - Promotional couponing notification system

Info

Publication number: WO2012027622A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/049246
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elizabeth L. Vicens
Original assignee: Futurelogic, Inc.
Priority date: 2010-08-25
Filing date: 2011-08-25
Publication date: 2012-03-01

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for a Promotional Couponing Notification System where a game, POS terminal, kiosk, host system and/or printer provide visual and audible notification, the notification including notifying that coupons are being issued and generated by a printer, coupons are available to print, coupons are still in the printer, and error messaging as well as reminder and service notifications.

Description

PROMOTIONAL COUPONING NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent

Application No. 61/377,007, filed August 25, 2010 the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if stated in full herein.

BACKGROUND

Field

[0002] This present description relates generally to gaming, and more specifically to hardware and software operating with printers and printer connected hardware used in gaming and sales to perform promotional coupon printing, promotional data basing and triggering.

Background

[0003] The gaming machine manufacturing industry provides a variety of gaming machines for the amusement of gambling players. An exemplary gaming machine is a slot machine. A slot machine is an electro-mechanical game wherein chance or the skill of a player determines the outcome of the game. Slot machines are usually found in casinos or other more informal gaming establishments.

[0004] The gaming machine manufacturers have provided cashless enabled games to the market for several years, and there now exists a broad population of such games in the casino industry. Cashless enabled games are so named due to the fact that they can conduct their player's financial exchange with a mixture of traditional paper and coin currency and vouchers redeemable for cash or game credits.

[0005] Two pieces of necessary equipment for a cashless enabled game is a printer to produce the vouchers, and a bill acceptor that supports automatic reading of the vouchers. In a cashless enabled gaming system, when a player cashes out, the game is signaled and depending on the size of the pay out, it can either present coins in the tradition method of a slot machine, or it can cause the printers which are installed in such machines to produce a voucher containing the value of the pay out. The voucher may then either be redeemed for cash at the cashier's cage for currency, or it may be inserted into one of the casino's games' bill acceptor, at which point the network and server to which the game is connected will recognize the voucher as valid, redeem it and place the appropriate amount of playing credits on the game.

[0006] Over the last several years, cashless enabled games have found an increasing acceptance and use in the gaming industry with both the players, who enjoy the speed of play and ease of transporting their winnings around the casino, and the casinos who have realized significant labor savings in the form of reduced coin hopper reloads in the games, and an increase in revenue due to speed of play. The broad installation base of cashless enabled games guarantees a wide installed base of networked games and their installed printers which may be used to print coupons and promotions for the captive player audiences.

SUMMARY

[0007] The following description concerns methods and apparatus for a Promotional

Couponing Notification System where a game, POS terminal, kiosk, host system and/or printer provide visual and audible notification to a customer and/or personnel, the notification including notifying that one or more promotional coupons are being issued and generated by a connected printer, coupons are available to print, and coupons are printed and still in the printer, among others.

[0008] In one aspect, the Promotional Couponing Notification System uses one or more visual notifications, the visual notifications may include using a display for messaging, using one or more light sources or a combination of such.

[0009] In another aspect, one or more visual notifications concurrently or individually provide notification.

[0010] In another aspect, one or more light sources are of one or more colors.

[0011] In another aspect, one or more light sources flash or illuminate.

[0012] In another aspect, one or more light sources concurrently or individually provide notification.

[0013] In another aspect, the visual notification includes altering the color of one or more light sources that display.

[0014] In another aspect, the visual notification includes displaying a message on a display.

[0015] In another aspect, the Promotional Couponing Notification System uses one or more audible means, the audible means includes using one or more sounds, announcing one or more messages, or a combination of such. [0016] In another aspect, the audible means include causing the occurrence of one or more audible sounds.

[0017] In another aspect, one or more audible means concurrently or individually provide notification.

[0018] In another aspect, one or more components such as an endpoint and a printer include visual notifications, audible means, or a combination of such to provide notification, the visual and audible means of each component concurrently or separately providing notification.

[0019] In another aspect, the use of one or more visual notifications and and/or one or more audible means are synchronized.

[0020] In another aspect, one or more components include visual means, audible means, or a combination of such to provide notification, the notification being simultaneous, separately, in real time, at a set time, or predetermined interval.

[0021] In another aspect, the Promotional Couponing Notification System issues notification and signals an endpoint or any component of such to provide notification, such as a visual and/or audible notification, the endpoint signaling the host as to the notification being provided or an error of such.

[0022] In another aspect, the Promotional Couponing Notification System issues one or more notifications and signals the printer to print one or more promotional coupons, the printer signals the host that the print job is complete or an error of such.

[0023] In another aspect, the Promotional Couponing Notification System issues one or more reminder notifications and signals the endpoint or any component of such to provide one or more reminder notifications, such as a visual and/or audible notification, the endpoint or any component of such signaling the host that the notification is complete or resulted in an error.

[0024] In another aspect, in the event of any error, the Promotional Couponing

Notification System continues to signal the endpoint or any component of such as well as signal for servicing by personnel.

[0025] In another aspect, a printer connected to one or more host systems to send and receive signaling and data transmission related to game vouchers and promotional coupons.

[0026] In another aspect, a printer connected to an endpoint to send and receive signaling and data transmission related to game vouchers and promotional coupons.

[0027] In another aspect, a printer mechanically and electronically connected to visual means such as a light source, the visual means provide notification for example, that one or more coupons are being issued by a host system and printed by the printer, among others.

[0028] In another aspect, the visual means are internal or external to the printer or a combination of such.

[0029] In another aspect, a printer mechanically and electronically connected to audible means such as an audible device, the audible means provide notification for example, that one or more coupons are being issued and printed, among others.

[0030] In another aspect, the audible means are internal or external to the printer or a combination of such.

[0031] In another aspect, the printer mechanically and electronically connected to visual means, the printer upon signaling from a host signals the visual means to provide notification; for example, cause a light source to illuminate and/or flash.

[0032] In another aspect, the printer mechanically and electronically connected to audible means, signals the audible means to provide notification; for example, cause an audible device such as a speaker to play a sound or a series of sounds.

[0033] In another aspect, the printer mechanically and electronically connected to visual and audible means, the printer upon signaling from a host signals the visual and audible means to provide notification.

[0034] In another aspect, a bezel mechanically and electronically connected to a printer and mechanically and electronically connected to audible means, the bezel using the audible means such as an audible device to provide notification for example, that one or more promotional coupons are being issued and printed.

[0035] In another aspect, a bezel mechanically and electronically connected to a printer and mechanically and electronically connected to visual means, the bezel using the visual means such as flashing lights to provide notification.

[0036] In another aspect, a bezel mechanically and electronically connected to a printer and a combination of visual and audible means to provide notification.

[0037] In another aspect, a printer enclosure connected to a printer and mechanically connected to audible means, the printer enclosure using the audible means such as an audible device to provide notification.

[0038] In another aspect, a printer enclosure connected to a printer and mechanically connected to visual means, the printer enclosure using the visual means such as flashing lights to provide notification. [0039] In another aspect, a printer enclosure connected to a printer and a combination of visual and audible means to provide notification.

[0040] In another aspect, an endpoint connected to one or more host systems to send and receive signaling and data transmission related to game vouchers and promotional coupons.

[0041] In another aspect, an endpoint being a game or kiosk on a gaming

establishment floor.

[0042] In another aspect, an endpoint being a game or kiosk in lodging such as a room.

[0043] In another aspect, an endpoint being a POS terminal or kiosk located at a point-of-sale.

[0044] In another aspect, an endpoint and a host system are the same.

[0045] In another aspect, an endpoint connected to a printer, the endpoint including the visual means such as a display to provide notification for example, that one or more promotional coupons are being issued and printed.

[0046] In another aspect, an endpoint connected to a printer, the endpoint including the audible means such as an audible device to provide notification.

[0047] In another aspect, an endpoint connected to a printer, the endpoint providing visual notification, audible notification or a combination of such.

[0048] In another aspect, an endpoint and connected printer provide visual notification, audible notification or a combination of such, the notification being

simultaneous, separate, in real time, or at predetermine intervals.

[0049] In another aspect, a host system connected to a printer, the host system signaling the printer to print one or more promotional coupons.

[0050] In another aspect, a host system connected to a printer, the host system signaling the printer to provide a visual notification such as flashing lights, provide an audible notification such as making an audible sound, or a combination of such.

[0051] In another aspect, a host system signaling one or more components such as an endpoint and printer to provide visual notification, audible notification or combination of such.

[0052] In another aspect, a method of visual notification using one or more light sources and two or more forms of visual notification, for example, flashing one or more light sources and altering the color of one or more light sources. [0053] In another aspect, a method of audible notification using one or more audible means, the method using two or more forms of audible notification, for example, causing a speaker to beep and announcing a message.

[0054] In another aspect, the Promotional Couponing Notification System uses a network to send and receive signaling to and from other systems.

[0055] In another aspect, the network is a wide-area network, a local area network, or a combination of such.

[0056] In another aspect, the network is wired, wireless, or a combination of such.

[0057] In another aspect, the signaling between an endpoint and component is performed wired or wireless.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] These and other features, aspects, and advantages will become better understood with regard to the following description, accompanying drawings and appendix where:

[0059] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a Promotional Couponing Notification System in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0060] FIG. 2 is an illustration of audible and visual components of an endpoint used with the Promotional Couponing Notification System in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0061] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a printer used with the Promotional Couponing

Notification System in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0062] FIG. 4a is an isometric view of a printer enclosure used with the Promotional

Couponing Notification System in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0063] FIG. 4b is an exploded side view of a printer enclosure and components of such used with the Promotional Couponing Notification System in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0064] FIG. 5a is a block diagram of a game, printer, and light source connection in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0065] FIG. 5b is a block diagram of a game, printer or routing device, and light source utilizing a wireless connection in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0066] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a printer used with the Promotional Couponing

Notification System in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; [0067] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a host system used with the Promotional

Couponing Notification System in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0068] FIG. 8 is a side cutaway view of a printer illustrating the paper path used with the generation of promotional coupons and game vouchers in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0069] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a print arbitration process of the printer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

[0070] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a visual, audible and reminder notification process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and

[0071] APPENDIX A is a list of definitions of terms as used herein.

[0072] Identically labeled elements appearing in different ones of the figures refer to the same elements but may not be referenced in the description for all figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] The present description identifies methods and apparatus for a Promotional

Couponing Notification System where a game, POS terminal, kiosk, host system and/or printer provide visual and audible notification to a customer and/or personnel. The notification includes notifying that one or more promotional coupons are being issued and generated by a connected printer, coupons are available to print and coupons are printed and still in the printer, among others.

[0074] A Promotional Couponing System (herein called, "PCS") creates promotional coupons and manages the issuance and redemption of promotional coupons. A PCS connects to other host systems in use as well as to one or more access points and endpoints in a gaming establishment, business establishment or both, for data transmission and signaling, among others. Additional information on a Promotional Couponing System and components thereof is more fully detailed in PCT Application PCT/US06/38492 entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A PROMOTIONAL COUPONING SYSTEM", filed October 2, 2006, published as WO2007041515, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if stated in full herein.

[0075] It has been observed that while the PCS signals for the printing of a promotional coupon, there are no or limited means to provide notification that the

promotional coupon was printed. A customer unknowingly could walk away from an endpoint such as a game without realizing that a promotional coupon was printed. [0076] The present description describes apparatuses and methods that address this by providing visual and audible means that notify the customer. Additionally, the customer may be reminded that a promotional coupon was printed and is available from the printer.

[0077] Also described are notifications of personnel of errors and/or servicing required on an endpoint, access point, and/or one or more components such as a printer.

[0078] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a Promotional Couponing Notification System in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Any component may be optional. Additionally, any components may be combined.

[0079] A Promotional Couponing Notification System 100 includes one or more games 102, one or more POS terminals 104, one or more kiosks 106, one or more host systems 108, 110, 112, 1 14, 116, 118, and one or more printers such as 120a, 120b, 120c, and 120d. Each component provides visual notification such as 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, audible notification such as 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, or a combination of such for example, that one or more promotional coupons are being issued and generated by the printer.

[0080] An endpoint such as a game 102, room 126, kiosk 106, and POS terminal 104 also connects to one or more host systems such as 108 to send and receive signaling and data transmission related to game vouchers and promotional coupons. An endpoint such as 102 also provides visual notification 122a, audible notification 124a or a combination of such that one or more promotional coupons are being issued and printed. Components of an endpoint include a printer such as 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, routing device 128, audible means such as 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, and visual means such as 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d, among others.

[0081] Additionally, an endpoint such as 102, connected printer 120a and/or routing device 128 provide visual notification 122a, audible notification 124a or a combination of such for example, that one or more promotional coupons are being issued and printed, the notifications being simultaneous, separate, in real time or one or more predetermined intervals.

[0082] A printer such as 120b connects to an endpoint 104 and/or to one or more host systems such as 108 to send and receive signaling and data transmission related to game vouchers and promotional coupons. For example, a host system signals the printer to print one or more promotional coupons. In another example, a host system signals the printer to provide a visual notification such as 122b such as by flashing lights, provide an audible notification such as 124b such as making an audible sound, or a combination of such, among others. In another, the printer signals the host system when printing is completed. In another, the printer signals the host that a coupon is printed and still in the printer. [0083] A routing device 128 connects to the printer 120a, an endpoint 102 and/or to one or more host systems such as 108 to send and receive signaling and data transmission related to game vouchers and promotional coupons. For example, a host system signals the printer to print one or more promotional coupons. The data and communication is transmitted through the routing device, then to the printer.

[0084] A host system such as 108 signals one or more components such as an endpoint 126 and printer 120c to provide visual notification 122c, audible notification 124c, or combination of such. For example, a host system signals the endpoint to provide visual and audible notification and the printer to provide audible notification. Additionally, the use of audible and visual means is synchronized.

[0085] A Promotional Couponing Notification System 100 includes a PCS 108 for the issuance, redemption, and management of promotional coupons, a Game Server 110 for the management of games, a POS Server 112 for the management of sales such as food at a restaurant, a Lodging Server 114 for management of lodging and/or guest services, a Kiosk Server 116 for the management of kiosks, Other Server(s) 118 such as a financial transactions system to process credit card and/or debit card transactions, each connected to a network 128 for data exchange and transmission.

[0086] The network 128 is a wide-area network, a local area network, or a

combination of such. Additionally, the network is wired, wireless, or a combination of such.

[0087] A PCS 108 and one or more host systems such as a Game Server 110 use the network 128 to interface with and send and receive signaling to and from each other as well as one or a plurality of access points or end points such as a game 102, a room 126, and a kiosk 106, POS terminal 104, among others.

[0088] A Game Server 110 connects to one or more Games 102 for signaling and data transmission. Each Game includes, among other components, a display 130, an audible device 124a and a printer 120a. The display provides a visual notification 122a. The audible device provides an audible notification. The printer generates one or more promotional coupons, among others.

[0089] A POS Server 112 connects to one or more POS Terminals 104 for signaling and data transmission. Each POS Terminal includes devices and/or components used to interface with host systems, such as a POS System 112 and PCS 108, among other systems. These devices and/or components include a user interface 132, an audible device 124b, and an output device, such as a printer 120b. The user interface includes devices such as a display, among others. The display provides a visual notification 122b. The audible device provides an audible notification. The printer generates one or more promotional coupons, among others. Additionally, each POS Terminal may serve as an access point and an endpoint.

[0090] A Lodging Server 114 connects to one or more Rooms 126. Each Room includes devices and/or components used to interface with host systems, such as a Lodging System 114 and PCS 108, among other systems. These devices and/or components include a user interface 134, audible device 124c, an input device 136 and an output device, such as a printer 120c. The user interface includes devices such as a television, monitor, computer, telephone, and a PDA, among others. The input device includes devices such as a keypad, among others. Additionally, each Room may serve as an access point and an endpoint.

[0091] A Kiosk Server 116 connects to one or more Kiosks 106. Each Kiosk includes devices and/or components used to interface with host systems, such as a Kiosk System 116 and PCS 108, among other systems. These devices and/or components include a user interface 138, such as a display, audible device 124d, and an output device such as a printer 120d. Additionally, each Kiosk may serve as an access point and an endpoint.

[0092] Other Server(s) 118 connect to the network 128 for data exchange and transmission.

[0093] The Promotional Couponing Notification System 100 uses one or more visual means to provide notification. One type of visual notification such as 130, 132, 134, and 138 is using a display for messaging. Another type of visual notification such as 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d is using one or more light sources.

[0094] Visual means includes displaying a message on a display where, for example, the system makes visible a message on the display such as 130, 132, 134, 138 of a game 102, POS terminal 104, kiosk 106, or room 126. The message provides notification for example, that one or more promotional coupons were generated by the printer such as 120a. Another message provides notification of the promotion. Another message provides notification that one or more generated promotional coupons are still in the printer and have not been taken. An example message is illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0095] Visual means such as 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d also includes using one or more light sources. Light sources, among others, include an LED connected to a printer such as 120a, a router 128, a game 102, POS terminal 104, kiosk 106 or room 126. Another type of light source includes a strobe light. Another type of light source includes a light bulb.

[0096] In an embodiment, one or more light sources include one or more colors. In another, one or more light sources flash or illuminate. In another, the use of one or more light sources includes altering the color of one or more light sources that display. In another, one or more light sources concurrently or separately provide notification.

[0097] For example, a light source is a multicolored LED connected to a game 102.

Upon signaling from a host system such as 108 to generate one or more promotional coupons, the host also signals the game to concurrently flash the LED to provide visual notification 122a of the printing. If the host system receives signaling that the one or more promotional coupons are still in the printer 120a and not taken, it signals the game to individually flash two colors of the LED to provide a reminder notification.

[0098] Additionally, visual means such as 122a and 130 include using a combination of one or more light sources and displaying one or more messages. In this embodiment, the system 100 displays a message, for example, on the display 130 of a game 102 and uses one or more light sources 122a to bolster the message.

[0099] The Promotional Couponing Notification System 100 uses one or more audible means such as 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d to provide notification. One type of audible notification is using one or more sounds. Another type of audible notification is announcing one or more messages.

[00100] Audible means such as 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d include causing the occurrence of one or more sounds. Sources for one or more sounds include a speaker, an alarm, a siren, a buzzer, a chime, and a bell, among others. The sounds occur from one or more sources of audible notification. In one example, a game 102 uses an audible notification 124a such as a speaker. Upon signaling from a host system such as 108 to generate one or more promotional coupons, the host also signals the game to cause the occurrence of one or more sounds using the speaker. If the system receives signaling that the one or more promotional coupons are still in the printer 120a and not taken, it signals the game to cause the occurrence of one or more sounds using the speaker to provide a reminder notification.

[00101] In another example, a game 102 uses two or more sources of audible notification such as a speaker and a buzzer. Upon signaling from a host such as 108 to generate one or more promotional coupons, the host also signals the game to cause the occurrence of one or more sounds using the speaker. If the system receives signaling that the one or more promotional coupons are still in the printer 120a and not taken, it signals the game to cause the occurrence of one or more sounds using the buzzer to provide a reminder notification.

[00102] Audible means such as 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d also include announcing one or more messages. For example, the system 100 uses a speaker to provide notification that one or more promotional coupons are being generated by the printer such as 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d. In another example, the system uses a speaker to provide a reminder notification to take the one or more generated promotional coupons from the printer.

[00103] Further, the system 100 uses more than one audible notification such as 124a,

124b, 124c, 124d. For example, the system uses a speaker to announce one or more messages and an alarm to alert using one or more sounds.

[00104] Additionally, one or more components such as an endpoint such as 102 and a printer such as 120a include visual means such as 122a and 130, audible means 124a, or a combination of such to provide notification, the visual and audible means of each component providing notification concurrently or separately. Each component also provides notification in real time, at a set time, or one or more predetermined intervals.

[00105] The system 100 also issues a reminder notification that one or more generated promotional coupons are still in the printer such as 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d and pending being taken out, and signals the endpoint such as 104 or any component of such to remind a customer. This reminder notification is a visual notification such as 122b and 132, audible notification such as 124b or combination of such.

[00106] In one embodiment, the embodiment is utilized in a gaming establishment, where, for example, a host system such as a PCS 108 signals an endpoint such as a game 102 that a promotional coupon will be issued by the game using an attached printer 120a. The game provides a visual notification such as displaying a message on the game screen 130 and an audible notification 124a such as an announcement that a promotional coupon is being printed. Data regarding the print job is transmitted back to the PCS using a network 128.

[00107] In another embodiment, the embodiment is utilized in a business

establishment, where, for example, a host system such as a point of sale (herein called, "POS") system 112 signals an endpoint such as a POS terminal 104 that a promotional coupon will be issued by the terminal using an attached printer 120b. The POS terminal provides a visual notification 122b such as displaying a message on the screen 132 of the POS terminal and an audible notification 124b such as an announcement that a promotional coupon is being printed. Data regarding the print job is transmitted back to the POS system using a network 128.

[00108] In another embodiment, the embodiment is utilized in an access point such as a guest's room 126 or kiosk 106, among others.

[00109] In another embodiment, the embodiment is utilized in a point of redemption such as a cashier's cage or kiosk 106, among others. [00110] In another embodiment, one or more components of the system, for example an endpoint such as a game 102 and kiosk 106, include a routing device such as 128. The routing device connects to the printer such as 120a and a host, such as the PCS 108. Data for promotional couponing and coupons is signaled, transmitted, and stored in a routing device. The routing device also transmits the stored data to the connected printer for example, to generate one or more promotional coupons. Additional information on a PCS and

components thereof such as a routing device is more fully detailed in PCT Application PCT/US06/38492 entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A PROMOTIONAL COUPONING SYSTEM", filed October 2, 2006, published as WO2007041515, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if stated in full herein.

[00111] In another aspect, the Promotional Couponing Notification System 100 issues notification and signals an endpoint such as 102, 104, 106, and 126 or any component of such to provide notification, such as a visual such as 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d and/or audible notification such as 124a, 124b, 124c, 124d, the endpoint signaling the host such as 108 as to the notification being provided or an error of such.

[00112] In another aspect, the Promotional Couponing Notification System 100 issues notification and signals the printer such as 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d to print one or more promotional coupons, the printer signals the host such as 108 that the print job is complete or an error of such.

[00113] In another aspect, in the event of any error, the Promotional Couponing

Notification System 108 continues to signal the endpoint 106 or any component of such as well as signal for servicing by personnel, the signaling being of visual means such as 122a and 130, audio means such as 124a, or a combination of such.

[00114] FIG. 2 is an illustration of audible and visual components of an endpoint used with the Promotional Couponing Notification System in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[00115] As previously disclosed, an access point and an endpoint can be the same component or device. For example, a room 126 of FIG. 1 can be used as an access point where a customer can request promotional coupons as well as an endpoint for signaling and receiving data transmission from a host system, such as the Promotional Couponing

Notification System 100 of FIG. 1 to provide notification that one or more promotional coupons are printing.

[00116] An endpoint 200 is a game or kiosk (102 and 106 of FIG. 1) located on a gaming establishment floor, lodging such as a room 126 of FIG. 1, or a combination of such, among others. An endpoint also is a POS terminal 104 of FIG. 1 or kiosk located at a point- of-sale, among others. Additionally, an endpoint and a host system such as 118 of FIG. 1 can be the same.

[00117] The endpoint 200 includes one or more audible devices to provide audible notification 202. The endpoint also includes one or more visual means such as a display 204a and light source 204b. Audible and/or visual notification includes providing notification that one or more promotional coupons are being printed by the printer such as 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d of FIG. 1 or a reminder notification that one or more promotional coupons are still in the printer awaiting removal. For example, a message is presented on the display notifying the customer that a promotional coupon will print after printing the game voucher while the audible device, for example, plays a series of sounds.

[00118] In another aspect, a method of visual notification using one or more light sources 204b, and two or more forms of visual notification, for example, flashing one or more light sources and altering the color of one or more light sources.

[00119] In another aspect, a method of audible notification using one or more audible means 202, the method using two or more forms of audible notification, for example, causing a speaker to beep and announcing a message.

[00120] In another aspect, notification is provided using a combination of visual such as 204a and 204b and audible notification 202.

[00121] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a printer used with the Promotional Couponing

Notification System in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[00122] The printer 300 serves, among others, as a means of generating a promotional coupon. A more detailed discussion of a printer and components of such is presented in U.S. Patent Number 7,594,855, entitled, "METHOD & APPARATUS FOR A GAMING

PROMOTIONAL PRINTER" filed March 31, 2003, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if stated herein in full as well as throughout this specification.

[00123] Another embodiment of a printer 300 is a combined output device and card reading device such as the printer and components of such presented in U.S. Patent Number 7,128,482, entitled, "MULTI-MEDIA GAMING PRINTER" filed September 12, 2003, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if stated herein in full.

[00124] Among other components as described in FIG. 6, FIG. 8 and throughout this specification, the printer 300 includes the means to provide visual 302 and/or audible notifications 304. For example, a visual notification is provided using a lighting mechanism; such as, a computer board with one or more attached LEDs. The LED board is mechanically attached to the printer and/or the bezel using a fastening mechanism such as one or more screws (not shown). The LED board is electronically connected to the printer using wiring and a connector that connects through a port; for example, a port located at the front of the printer. Additionally, the visual means are internal or external to the printer or a combination of such. For example, the printer, being mechanically and electronically connected to an LED, signals the LED to provide notification such as causing the LED to illuminate and/or flash.

[00125] Audible notification 304 is provided using an audible device such as a speaker. The audible device is mechanically attached to the printer 300 using a fastening mechanism such as one or more screws (not shown). The audible device is electronically connected to the printer using wiring and a connector that connects through a port; for example, a port located at the front of the printer. Additionally, the audible means is internal or external to the printer or a combination of such. In an embodiment, the wiring for both the visual notification and audible notification is routed through the same port using one connector. In another embodiment, the wiring for both is routed through separate ports using separate connectors.

[00126] In operation, the printer 300, being mechanically and electronically connected to visual means 302 such as a LED and audible means 304 such as a speaker, signals the LED and speaker to provide notification, such as causing the LED to flash and the speaker to beep. In another operation, the printer, signals the audible means to provide notification; for example, cause the speaker to play a sound or a series of sounds.

[00127] Also attached to the printer 300 is a bezel 306. The bezel is mechanically and electronically connected to a printer and mechanically and electronically connected to visual means 302. The bezel uses the visual means such as a light source to provide notification for example, that one or more promotional coupons are being issued and printed as well as provide a reminder notification, among others.

[00128] In another aspect, a bezel 306 mechanically and electronically connected to a printer 300 and a combination of visual 302 and audible means 304 to provide notification for example, that one or more promotional coupons are being issued and printed.

[00129] In the operation of one embodiment, the PCS 108 signals a game 102 (both of

FIG. 1) to print a promotional coupon. The game, in response, provides a visual notification 204a of FIG. 2) message on the game screen 130 of FIG. 1 and plays a message using an audible device 124a of FIG. 1 to alert the player. The printer 300 then generates a coupon by pulling media from the paper tray through the print module where the media is printed upon using the print head. Additional detail is described in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 as well as throughout this specification.

[00130] FIG. 4a is an isometric view of a printer enclosure used with the Promotional

Couponing Notification System in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[00131] The printer enclosure 400 provides a means to secure the printer 418 of FIG.

4b for use with access points and endpoints such as a POS 104 of FIG. 1. The printer enclosure includes a top part 402 and a bottom part 404. The printer enclosure also includes a bezel 406 from which media such a coupon exits the printer and enclosure. In one

embodiment the bezel and/or printer enclosure is made from transparent material. In another, the material is semi-transparent. In another, the material is opaque. In yet another, a combination of material is used.

[00132] In this illustration, the printer enclosure 400 provides a visual notification 408 for example, that one or more promotional coupons are being printed where one or more light sources illuminate the front of the top part 402 of the printer enclosure. The illumination is of one or more colors, concurrently or individually flashing.

[00133] The printer enclosure 400 also provides an audible notification by using an audible device 410 to produce one or more sounds or messages. The audible device is audible using an aperture in the printer enclosure, for example on the top part 402 of the printer enclosure.

[00134] FIG. 4b is an exploded side view of a printer enclosure and components of such used with the Promotional Couponing Notification System in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[00135] The printer enclosure 400 includes all previously described in FIG. 4a as well as throughout this specification. In this illustration, a printer enclosure includes two parts: a top part 402 and a bottom part 404. The printer enclosure serves as housing for a printer 418. In this embodiment, the visual means 408 and audible means 410 are mechanically attached to the printer enclosure using a fastening mechanism such as one or more screws (not shown) and mechanically and electronically attached to the printer using wiring 412 and a connector 414 to connect to a port 416. The printer enclosure uses the audible means such as an audible device and the visual means such as flashing lights to provide notification.

[00136] FIG. 5a is a block diagram of a game, printer, and light source connection in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [00137] In this embodiment, the game controller 500 is separately connected to a light source 502 and a printer 504a. The game controller sends signaling to the light source, for example, to flash when the game needs servicing.

[00138] The game controller 500 also sends and receives signaling from the printer

504a, for example, to print a coupon.

[00139] FIG. 5b is a block diagram of a game, printer or routing device, and light source utilizing a wireless connection in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[00140] Illustrated are a game 506, printer (and/or routing device) 504b and a light source 502, each using a wireless communication device 508 such as a wireless radio transceiver to send and receive signaling to and from each other and the main controller of the endpoint such as 102 of FIG. 1.

[00141] In this embodiment, the wireless connection 510 uses one or more sensors

512. The printer (and/or routing device) 504b and game share the light 502 source using the wireless connection and the one or more sensors. The one or more sensors allow each device to take control of and use the light source. For example, the printer receives signaling to print a coupon. At any time, the printer sends signaling to the sensor to allow the switching over of the control of the light source for use by the printer.

[00142] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a printer used with the Promotional Couponing

Notification System in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[00143] A printer 600 contains the programming instructions 610 and memory 604, among others necessary for signaling, data transfer, and printing of one or more promotional coupons, among others.

[00144] A printer 600 includes a processor 602, operatively coupled via a bus 616 to a memory 604. The processor is further operatively coupled via the bus to a storage device 606. Program instructions 610 and data 608 implementing the described herein system are stored in the storage device until the processor retrieves the program instructions and stores them in the memory. The processor then executes the program instructions stored in the memory and uses the data to implement printing and others features.

[00145] The processor 602 is further coupled via the bus 616 to one or a plurality of communication devices 612 or ports. The printer uses the communication devices to securely transmit and receive control signals and/or data to and from any external device such as a controller, a host system such as 108 of FIG. 1, gaming system, gaming machine, among others. [00146] The processor 602 is further coupled via the system bus 616 to a print device

614. The printer uses the print device to generate promotional coupons, among others, as described herein. Additional detail is disclosed in FIG. 3, FIG. 8 and throughout this specification.

[00147] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a host system used with the Promotional

Couponing Notification System in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[00148] A host system 700 contains the programming instructions 710, memory 704, security interface means (not shown), among others necessary for signaling and data transmission. Any exemplary host system is a PCS 108 of FIG. 1 used to create, manage and track the issuance and redemption of promotional coupons.

[00149] A host 700 includes a processor 702, operatively coupled via a bus 718 to a memory 704. The processor is further operatively coupled via the bus to a storage device 706. Program instructions 710 and data 708 for implementing the processes described herein are stored in the storage device until the processor retrieves the program instructions and stores them in the memory. The processor then executes the program instructions stored in the memory and uses the data to implement the features of the described herein system.

[00150] The processor 700 is further coupled via the bus 718 to one or a plurality of communications devices 716 or ports. The host uses the communications devices to securely transmit and receive control signals and/or data 708 to and from external devices as described herein.

[00151] The processor 702 is further coupled via the bus 718 to one or a plurality of user input devices 712 and one or a plurality of user output devices 714 for communicating with a user as described herein.

[00152] FIG. 8 is a side cutaway view of a printer illustrating the paper path used with the generation of promotional coupons and game vouchers in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[00153] Illustrated are the media tray 802, the PCB 804, the print module 806, a print head 808, a media path 810, a front aperture 812, the base 814, a lid 816, and a lid aperture 818.

[00154] The media tray 802 stores blank media for use with printing. The PCB 804 contains the electronics and components such as memory 604 of FIG. 6 as well as those disclosed herein necessary to drive the printing processes such generating vouchers and promotional coupons, among other printing processes and interfacing with external devices such as a host system 100, game 102, routing device 128 (all of FIG. 1) and handheld device, among others.

[00155] The print module 806 serves as casing for the print head 808, media path 810 and rollers 820, among others. The print head generates indicia on the blank media. The media path consists of a plurality of components such as a series of pinch rollers, covered in a flexible material, with accompanying mechanical guides. The pinch rollers and mechanical guides provide a serpentine path for media as the media is being printed. The pinch rollers pull the media through the media path as the media is being printed by the print head. The overall length of the serpentine path is such that media can be held within the media path after media has been fully printed.

[00156] The print module 806 also contains an aperture 812 located to the front of the print module. Printed media such as a promotional coupon or voucher exits through this aperture.

[00157] The base 814 of the printer 800 provides the means by which the printer mounts to a game 102, kiosk 106 (both of FIG. 1), or other. The print module 806 and other components of the printer are slidably and removably connected to the base for ease of use and servicing.

[00158] In the operation of one embodiment, blank media is loaded and stored in the media tray 802 and fed into the lid aperture 818 of the lid 816 where the blank media is ready for printing. Upon receiving a print command, the printer 800 pulls the blank media through the lid aperture over the print head 808 and generates an image and/or indicia to be printed on the media and operates the print mechanism in a manner that creates the image and/or indicia on the media. The media continues through the media path 810 in the print module 806 and exits through the front aperture 812.

[00159] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a print arbitration process of the printer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[00160] As illustrated, the process 900 for the main communication interface begins with the Main Communication Handler 902. If data such as a game voucher exists on the main communication interface 904, the system gets the data from the main communication interface and sets the printer to busy 906. If data does not exist on the main communication interface, the process returns to the Main Communication Handler.

[00161] The process 900 for the secondary communication interface begins with the

Secondary Communication Handler 908. If data such as a promotional coupon exists on the secondary communication interface 910, the system gets the data from the secondary communication interface and sets the printer to busy 912. If data does not exist on the secondary communication interface, the process returns to the Secondary Communication Handler.

[00162] If the printer is busy using any communication interface, the data from the other communication interface is queued 914.

[00163] The process 900 continues with the system identifying which data was received first 916. After identifying the data received first, the system processes the first data 918 to generate for instance a game voucher or promotional coupon, then returns to process the second data to generate for instance a game voucher or promotional coupon 920.

[00164] An example of one arbitration scheme would be the printer always giving priority to a game voucher print job which comes from the game (on the main

communication interface) 922, and then queuing a promotional coupon print job (on the secondary communication interface) 924 behind the game voucher. Another example of an arbitration scheme would be the printer receiving a promotional coupon print job on its secondary communication interface, then holding the coupon for a period of time awaiting arrival of a game voucher on the main communication interface. If the game voucher did not arrive within a reasonable amount of time, the promotional coupon could either be printed or canceled by the printer. In addition to promotional coupon print data, the printer would receive certain static promotional campaign data on its secondary communication interface. The static data could include, for example, graphic icons which are necessary to print on the various coupons, portions of the coupons which would never change with an award, and a set of trigger conditions which would cause the printer to trigger a promotional coupon.

[00165] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a visual, audible and reminder notification process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[00166] The Promotional Couponing Notification System 100 provides visual such as

122a and/or audible notifications such as 124a (all of FIG. 1) that, among others, coupons are printing, coupons have already printed, coupons are still in the printer and not removed, and provide a reminder notification, for example to remove coupons from the printer or that the printing of coupons has completed. For example, the system issues a reminder notification to notify at 10-minute intervals that media is still in the printer and signals the endpoint or any component of such to provide one or more reminder notifications, such as a visual and/or audible notification.

[00167] As illustrated, the process 1000 begins with issue coupon 1002 where a host transmits data related to one or more promotional coupons to a printer and data related to visual and/or audible notification to the visual and/or audible means, among others. The host signals the printer 1004 to print the one or more promotional coupons and signals the visual and/or audible means 1006 to provide notification that the one or more promotional coupons are issued and printed.

[00168] The printer then prints the one or more promotional coupons 1008. In coupon taken 1010, a determination is made to identify that the one or more promotional coupons were removed from the printer. Signaling is generated by the printer and transmitted to the host 1012. If a taken signal is received by the host, the host signals one or more components to clear and reset the visual and/or audible indicators 1014 and the process ends.

[00169] If no taken signal is received by the host, the host signals one or more components to issue a visual, audible or combination of such reminder notification 1016 to take the coupon or coupons from the printer. From here, the process can return the coupon taken 1010 or notify host 1018, where, for example, the host is notified that an error message was generated by the printer.

[00170] In another aspect, the Promotional Couponing Notification System 100 of

FIG. 1 issues notification and signals an endpoint such as 102 of FIG. 1 or any component of such to provide notification, such as a visual such as 122a of FIG. 1 and/or audible notification such as 124a of FIG. 1, the endpoint signaling the host as to the notification being provided or an error of such.

[00171] In another aspect, the Promotional Couponing Notification System 100 of

FIG. 1 issues notification and signals the printer such as 120a of FIG. 1 to print one or more promotional coupons, the printer signals the host such as 108 of FIG. 1 that the print job is complete or an error of such.

[00172] In another aspect, in the event of any error, the Promotional Couponing

Notification System 100 of FIG. 1 continues to signal the endpoint 102 of FIG. 1 or any component of such as well as signal for servicing by personnel.

[00173] Although certain specific embodiments have been described herein, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the present embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the present invention to be determined by any claims supportable by this application and the claims' equivalents rather than the foregoing description. APPENDIX A - LIST OF TERMS

For the purposes of this document, the following definitions apply:

"Gaming Establishment" - A gaming entity such as a casino.

"Business Establishment" - A business entity such as a restaurant.

"Access Point" - A room, kiosk, or POS location, cashier's cage, among others, that for example, allow access to one or more host systems to, for example, play credit purchases or promotional coupons requests. An access point can exist in a gaming establishment and/or a business establishment. An access point and an endpoint can be the same component or device.

"Endpoint" - A game, kiosk, or POS terminal, among others operating within a gaming establishment, business establishment, lodging, or a POS location. An endpoint sends to and receives from one or more host systems signaling and data transmission. An endpoint and an access point can be the same component or device.

"Game", Gaming Machine", or "Game Machine" - A slot machine, gaming machine, or game table in a gaming establishment.

"Promotional Coupon" - Media, such as paper or rewritable card, containing sufficient information to identify at a minimum, a promotional event or a promotional reward to a player and validation information.

"Game Voucher" or "Game Cash-out Voucher" - Media, such as paper or rewritable card, containing sufficient information to identify at a minimum, an amount of money and a validation number used to authenticate the transaction.

"Host System" or "Host" - A computer, back-end system, gaming system, network, or other system that sends and/or receives information to and/or from a game, a kiosk, a POS terminal, a printer or other component. Examples of a host system include a wagering issuance and redemption system, cash-out voucher system, a player tracking system, and a promotional couponing system, among others.

"PCS" - Acronym for Promotional Coupon System or Promotional Couponing System, the system for the management, issuance, tracking and/or redemption of promotional coupons. "Point of Redemption" - Any kiosk, point-of-sale, cashier's cage, or other means whereby a player can redeem a game voucher and/or a promotional coupon.

"POS" - Acronym for Point-of-Sale.

"Printer Controller" - Device internal or external to a printer, which controls print jobs and receives and/or transmits data, among other functions. "Rewritable Card" - Media such as a smart card, magnetic media, thermal media, thermal reversible media, RF fiber media, RFID tag media, or write once media, which may be used for game vouchers and promotional coupons.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

A process of operating a promotional couponing notification system, comprising: transmitting by a host to a printer, data related to one or more promotional coupons;

transmitting by the host to a notification device, data related to a notification; signaling by the host the printer to print the one or more promotional coupons; signaling by the host the notification device to generate the notification that the one or more promotional coupons are issued and printed;

printing by the printer the promotional coupon;

determining by the host if the one or more promotional coupons have been taken;

signaling by the host the notification device to clear and reset the notification if the host determines that the one or more promotional coupons have been taken; and signaling by the host the notification device to generate a reminder notification in the case the host determines that the one or more promotional coupons have not been taken.

The process of Claim 1, wherein the notification device is included in an endpoint.

The process of Claim 2, wherein the endpoint is located in lodging.

The process of Claim 2, wherein the endpoint is located at a point-of-sale.

The process of Claim 1, wherein the notification is visual.

The process of Claim 1, wherein the notification is audible.

The process of Claim 1, wherein the notification is a combination of a visual notification and an audible notification.

The process of Claim 1, further comprising signaling by the printer the host when an error occurs during the printing of the one or more promotional coupons.

9. The process of Claim 8, further comprising signaling by the host the notification device that the error has occurred.

10. The process of Claim 1, further comprising signaling by the host an endpoint in the case that the one or more promotional coupons are not taken.

11. A promotional couponing notification system, comprising:

a host constructed to:

transmit to a printer, data related to one or more promotional coupons; transmit to a notification device, data related to a notification;

signal the printer to print the one or more promotional coupons;

signal the notification device to generate the notification that the one or more promotional coupons are issued and printed;

determine if the one or more promotional coupons have been taken; signal the notification device to clear and reset the notification if the host determines that the one or more promotional coupons have been taken; and

signal the notification device to generate a reminder notification in the case the host determines that the one or more promotional coupons have not been taken;

the notification device constructed to:

receive from the host data related to a notification;

receive from the host the signal to generate the notification that the one or more promotional coupons are issued and printed;

receive from the host the signal to clear and reset the notification; and receive from the host the signal to generate a reminder notification in the case the host determines that the one or more promotional coupons have not been taken; and

the printer constructed to:

receive from the host the data related to one or more promotional coupons; receive from the host the signal to print the one or more promotional coupons; and

signal the host in the case the one or more promotional coupons have been taken.

12. The promotional couponing notification system of Claim 11, wherein the notification device is included in an endpoint.

13. The promotional couponing notification system of Claim 12, wherein the endpoint is located in lodging.

14. The promotional couponing notification system of Claim 12, wherein the endpoint is located at a point-of-sale.

The promotional couponing notification system of Claim 11, wherein the notification is visual.

The promotional couponing notification system of Claim 11, wherein the notification is audible.

The promotional couponing notification system of Claim 11, wherein the notification is a combination of a visual notification and an audible notification.

18. The promotional couponing notification system of Claim 11 , the printer further constructed to signal the host when an error occurs during the printing of the one or more promotional coupons.

19. The promotional couponing notification system of Claim 18, the host further constructed to signal the notification device that the error has occurred.

20. The promotional couponing notification system of Claim 11, the host further constructed to signal an endpoint in the case that the one or more promotional coupons are not taken.