Patent Grant
8771066
This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/114,355 filed Nov. 13, 2008.
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Copyright 2009, WMS Gaming, Inc.
Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate generally to wagering game systems and networks that, more particularly, configure and control wagering game presentations.
Wagering game machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines depends on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing wagering game machines and the expectation of winning at each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines, features, and enhancements available because such machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to the operator. Some of those machines, features, and enhancements may include presenting multiple content data (“content”) on a single wagering game machine. Developers encounter many challenges programming wagering game machines that can control the presentation of the multiple content, especially considering that there are many factors that can affect content presentation. Therefore, there is a continuing need for wagering game machine manufacturers to continuously develop ways of controlling the presentation of wagering game content.
In some embodiments, a method comprises determining content from one or more content sources accessible to a wagering game machine; determining presentation requirements for the content; determining a presentation template usable by the wagering game machine, wherein the presentation template includes at least one pre-configured presentation area in which to present the content; determining that the at least one pre-configured presentation area of the presentation template content can present the content in accordance with the presentation requirements; and presenting the content in the at least one pre-configured presentation area.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises pre-configuring the presentation template with the at least one pre-configured presentation area.
In some embodiments, the pre-configuring of the presentation template comprises positioning the at least one pre-configured presentation area on the presentation template, associating display configurations to the at least one pre-configured presentation area, wherein the display configurations are configured to present content within the at least one pre-configured presentation area with fixed display characteristics, and providing the presentation template to the wagering game machine.
In some embodiments, providing the presentation template to the wagering game machine comprises, selecting one or more machine characteristics related to the wagering game machine, correlating the one or more machine characteristics to the presentation template, and transferring the presentation template to the wagering game machine.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises transferring the presentation template to all wagering game machines, on a wagering game network, that possess the one or more machine characteristics.
In some embodiments, determining content from the one or more content sources accessible to the wagering game machine comprises receiving a request from a server-side application to present the content using the wagering game machine; determining the presentation requirements from content metadata; and determining the at least one pre-configured presentation area from configuration settings stored in a presentation template configuration file.
In some embodiments, determining that the at least one pre-configured presentation area of the presentation template content can present the content in accordance with the presentation requirements comprises determining the presentation requirements of the content; and determining that the one or more presentation areas of the presentation templates include configuration settings that match the presentation requirements.
In some embodiments, one or more machine-readable media having instructions stored thereon, which when executed by a set of one or more processors causes the set of one or more processors to perform operations comprises presenting a first content in a presentation area of a presentation template according to first presentation requirements; receiving a request to present a second content according to second presentation requirements; determining that an additional presentation area of the presentation template can present the second content according to the second presentation requirements; determining that the additional presentation area of the presentation template is available to present the second content; and presenting the second content in the additional presentation area of the presentation template.
In some embodiments, the operation for determining that the additional presentation area of the presentation template can present the second content according to the second presentation requirements includes operations further comprising determining presentation configurations assigned to the additional presentation area; and determining that the presentation configurations for the additional area correlate to the second presentation requirements.
In some embodiments, the first presentation requirements require that the first content be displayed according to first display properties assigned to the presentation area, and the second presentation requirements require that the second content be displayed according to second display properties assigned to the additional presentation area.
In some embodiments, the operations further comprise receiving a request to present a third content according to third presentation requirements; determining that the presentation template cannot present the third content according to the third presentation requirements; determining an additional presentation template that can present the first content, the second content, and the third content in separate presentation areas according to the first presentation requirements, the second presentation requirements, and the third presentation requirements; activating the additional presentation template in place of the presentation template; and presenting the first content, the second content, and the third content in the separate presentation areas of the additional presentation template.
In some embodiments, the operation for determining that the additional presentation area of the presentation template is available to present the second content includes operations further comprises determining that a third content is being presented in additional presentation area; determining that the second content has a higher presentation priority than the third content, and removing the third content from the additional presentation area.
In some embodiments, the operation for removing the third content from the additional presentation area includes operations further comprises minimizing the third content to a shared presentation area on the presentation template.
In some embodiments, the operations further comprise determining that the first content is active, determining that presenting the second content would interfere with the presentation of the first content while active, activating the second content in a suspended mode, before presenting the second content; and presenting the second content when the first content becomes inactive.
In some embodiments, a system comprises a template configuration server that includes comprises a template configuration controller. The template configuration controller is configured to position one or more fixed presentation areas on one or more presentation templates used to present content on a wagering game machine, associate display configuration settings with the one or more fixed presentation areas, wherein the display configurations settings are configured to present content in the one or more fixed presentation areas with fixed display characteristics, and provide the one or more presentation templates to the wagering game machine. The system can also include a wagering game machine that comprises a template store configured to store the one or more presentation templates. The wagering game machine can also include application controller configured to determine content from one or more content sources accessible to the wagering game machine and determine presentation requirements for the content. The wagering game machine can also include a template controller configured to determine at least one of the one or more presentation templates that can present the content in accordance with the presentation requirements, determine at least one of the one or more fixed presentation areas whose display configuration settings match the presentation requirements, and present the content in the at least one of the one or more fixed presentation areas according to the display configuration settings.
In some embodiments, the template configuration controller is further configured to select one or more characteristics related to the wagering game machine, correlate the one or more characteristics of the wagering game machine with the one or more presentation templates, and transfer the one or more presentation templates to the wagering game machine.
In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more wagering game servers configured to provide one or more of wagering game content, application data requesting the presentation of the content according to the presentation requirements, and the presentation requirements.
In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a template coordination module configured to receive a request to present a first content with first presentation requirements, receive a request to present a second content with second presentation requirements, determine a first presentation template that can present the first content according to the first presentation requirements, but not the second content according to the second presentation requirements. The template coordination module can also determine a second presentation template that can present the second content according to the second presentation requirements, but not the first content according to the first presentation requirements. The template coordination module can also determine the priorities of the first content and the second content according to presentation priority rules, and select either the first presentation template or the second presentation template according to the priorities of the first content and the second content indicated by the presentation priority rules.
In some embodiments, the template coordination module is further configured to determine that the first content has a higher priority than the second content, activate the first presentation template on the wagering game machine, and present the first content on the first presentation template according to the first presentation requirements.
In some embodiments, the template coordination module is further configured to determine that the first content is active such that presenting the second content would interrupt the appearance of the first content so that it could not be presented according to the first presentation requirements. The template coordination module can also determine that presenting the second content is more valuable than presenting the first content according to its presentation requirements, activate the second presentation template in place of the first presentation template, present the first content on the second presentation template with a modified appearance, and present the second content on the second presentation template.
In some embodiments, the template coordination module is further configured to minimize the appearance of the first content to a third presentation area configured to indicate minimized content.
In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises means for presenting a first content using a first presentation template according to first presentation requirements; means for receiving a request to present a second content according to second presentation requirements; means for determining that the first presentation template cannot present the second content according to the second presentation requirements; means for determining a second presentation template that can present the first content and the second content in separate presentation areas according to the first presentation requirements the second presentation requirements; means for activating the second presentation template in place of the first presentation template; and means for presenting the first content and the second content in the separate presentation areas of the second presentation template.
In some embodiments, the means for determining a second presentation template comprises means for determining that the second presentation template has a first presentation area with first presentation configurations that correlate to the first presentation requirements, means for determining that the second presentation template has a second presentation area with second presentation configurations that correlate to the second presentation requirements, and means for selecting the second presentation template.
In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for presenting the first content in the first presentation area; and means for presenting the second content in the second presentation area.
In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for determining that the first content is actively presenting content on the first presentation template and that the means for activating the second presentation template would interfere with the presentation of the first content; means for determining the priorities of the first content and the second content; and means for activating the second presentation template according to the priorities.
Embodiments are illustrated in the Figures of the accompanying drawings in which:
This description of the embodiments is divided into six sections. The first section provides an introduction to embodiments. The second section describes example operating environments while the third section describes example operations performed by some embodiments. The fourth section describes additional example embodiments while the fifth section describes additional example operating environments. The sixth section presents some general comments.
This section provides an introduction to some embodiments.
Casinos, and providers of wagering game entertainment, provide a multitude of wagering games. Those wagering games are created by different wagering game content providers and manufacturers, and are stored on separate gaming machines configured to process and present games from only that provider. When a player wants to play one of the games, the player has to find a specific machine within the casino that contains that wagering game. Some content providers, however, have recognized that a player may want to play more than one specific wagering game, and have thus created wagering game machines that can process and display multiple different wagering games themes. However, controlling the presentation of multiple content on a single display can present certain challenges for game providers and manufacturers. Embodiments of the present invention, however, present ways to control the presentation of multiple content via presentation templates. For example, a wagering game system, according to some embodiments, can present casino operators (“operators”) with a configuration tool that can configure presentation templates with fixed presentation areas (e.g., windows, frames, interfaces, etc.) to be used with certain types of content, machines, players, etc. in certain situations. The operators can store the presentation templates on wagering game machines. The wagering game machines can receive content and, based on needs and requirements of the content, determine presentation templates that will present the content in the fixed presentation areas (“presentation areas”) according to the needs and requirements of the content. By using presentation templates, an operator can control the appearance of content in a very structured manner, providing a consistent look and feel for content. The fixed structure of the presentation templates relieves the wagering game machine from having to determine how the content should look within a presentation area and allows content from multiple sources to be presented in a way that was preferred or intended by the content provider. Wagering game machines can thus simultaneously process applications in different display areas because the presentation template areas have been pre-configured to function with specific applications, for certain conditions, etc.
Although
This section describes example operating environments and networks and presents structural aspects of some embodiments. More specifically, this section includes discussion about wagering game system architectures.
The wagering game system architecture 200 can also include a wagering game server 250 configured to control wagering game content, provide random numbers, and communicate wagering game information, account information, and other information to and from a wagering game machine 260. The wagering game server 250 can include a content controller 251 configured to manage and control content for the presentation of content on the wagering game machine 260. For example, the content controller 251 can generate game results (e.g., win/loss values), including win amounts, for games played on the wagering game machine 260. The content controller 251 can communicate the game results to the wagering game machine 260. The content controller 251 can also generate random numbers and provide them to the wagering game machine 260 so that the wagering game machine 260 can generate game results. The wagering game server 250 can also include a content store 252 configured to contain content to present on the wagering game machine 260. The wagering game server 250 can also include an account manager 253 configured to control information related to player accounts. For example, the account manager 253 can communicate wager amounts, game results amounts (e.g., win amounts), bonus game amounts, etc., to the account server 270. The wagering game server 250 can also include a communication unit 254 configured to communicate information to the wagering game machine 260 and to communicate with other systems, devices and networks.
The wagering game system architecture 200 can also include the wagering game machine 260 configured to present wagering games and receive and transmit information to configure and control wagering game presentations. The wagering game machine 260 can include a content controller 261 configured to manage and control content and presentation of content on the wagering game machine 260. The wagering game machine 260 can also include a content store 262 configured to contain content to present on the wagering game machine 260. The wagering game machine 260 can also include an operating system 263 configured to control the operation and presentation of system objects and instructions. The wagering game machine 260 can also include an application controller 264 configured to control and support application functionality. The wagering game machine 260 can also include a template controller 265 configured to control the activation, switching, and other uses of presentation templates. The wagering game machine 260 can also include a template store 266 configured to store presentation templates used to present content on the wagering game machine 260.
The wagering game system architecture 200 can also include a secondary content server 290 configured to provide content in addition to content provided by the wagering game server 250 and the wagering game machine 260 (e.g., additional wagering game content, promotions content, advertising content, player tracking content, web content, etc.).
The wagering game system architecture 200 can also include a template configuration server 280 configured to process and control information to configure and control wagering game presentations. The template configuration server 280 can include a template configuration controller 281 configured to control the generation and configuration of templates. The template configuration controller 281 can create templates and configure them with fixed presentation areas having fixed display characteristics, and other properties, for presenting content according to content presentation requirements and other characteristics and constraints related to a wagering game environment, wagering game device types, player characteristics, etc. The template configuration controller 281 can also receive pre-configured templates from game providers and customize them with operator requirements. The template configuration controller 281 can also present filtering and selection controls that an operator can use to select template types and provide the template types to certain wagering game machine types. The template configuration server 280 can also include a configuration rules store 282 configured to store rules concerning presentation requirements, template configurations, template selection requirements, presentation priority, etc.
Each component shown in the wagering game system architecture 200 is shown as a separate and distinct element connected via a communications network 222. However, some functions performed by one component could be performed by other components. For example, the wagering game server 250 or the template configuration server 280 can also be configured to perform functions of the application controller 264, the template controller 265, the template store 266, and other network elements and/or system devices. Furthermore, the components shown may all be contained in one device, but some, or all, may be included in, or performed by multiple devices, as in the configurations shown in
In some embodiments, wagering game machines and wagering game servers work together such that wagering game machines can be operated as a thin, thick, or intermediate client. For example, one or more elements of game play may be controlled by the wagering game machines (client) or the wagering game servers (server). Game play elements can include executable game code, lookup tables, configuration files, game outcome, audio or visual representations of the game, game assets or the like. In a thin-client example, the wagering game server can perform functions such as determining game outcome or managing assets, while the wagering game machines can present a graphical representation of such outcome or asset modification to the user (e.g., player). In a thick-client example, the wagering game machines can determine game outcomes and communicate the outcomes to the wagering game server for recording or managing a player's account.
In some embodiments, either the wagering game machines (client) or the wagering game server(s) can provide functionality that is not directly related to game play. For example, account transactions and account rules may be managed centrally (e.g., by the wagering game server(s)) or locally (e.g., by the wagering game machines). Other functionality not directly related to game play may include power management, presentation of advertising, software or firmware updates, system quality or security checks, etc.
Furthermore, the wagering game system architecture 200 can be implemented as software, hardware, any combination thereof, or other forms of embodiments not listed. For example, any of the network components (e.g., the wagering game machines, servers, etc.) can include hardware and machine-readable media including instructions for performing the operations described herein. Machine-readable media includes any mechanism that provides (i.e., stores and/or transmits) information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a wagering game machine, computer, etc.). For example, tangible machine-readable media includes read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory machines, etc. Machine-readable media also includes any media suitable for transmitting software over a network.
This section describes operations associated with some embodiments. In the discussion below, some flow diagrams are described with reference to block diagrams presented herein. However, in some embodiments, the operations can be performed by logic not described in the block diagrams.
In certain embodiments, the operations can be performed by executing instructions residing on machine-readable media (e.g., software), while in other embodiments, the operations can be performed by hardware and/or other logic (e.g., firmware). In some embodiments, the operations can be performed in series, while in other embodiments, one or more of the operations can be performed in parallel. Moreover, some embodiments can perform more or less than all the operations shown in any flow diagram.
In some embodiments, the presentation templates can be designed so that their layouts compliment each other and can be interchanged to present additional content without unduly affecting content that is already being displayed. For example, a second presentation template 502 includes an overlay presentation area 522 which is compatible with characteristics of (e.g., has common display characteristics with, can fit within the borders of, etc.) (1) a full screen display area 511 of the first presentation template 501, (2) a game theme display area 533 of a third presentation template 503, (3) a right-hand game theme display area 544 of a fourth presentation template 504, (4) a left-hand game theme display area 555 of a fifth presentation template 505, (5) a game theme display area 566 of a sixth presentation template 506, and (6) a game theme display area 577 of a seventh presentation template 507. Further, the fourth presentation template 504 is a mirror image of the fifth presentation template 505. For example, a left-hand shared window 541 of the fourth presentation template 504 has the same set characteristics for displaying content as a right-hand shared window 551 of the fifth presentation template 505. Likewise, the right-hand game theme display area 544 has the same set characteristics for displaying content as the left-hand game theme display area 555. As a result, if the fourth presentation template 504 and the fifth presentation template 505 are interchanged while presenting content within the presentation areas 541, 544, 551, and 555, the display of the content can be interchanged (e.g., from the left-hand shared window 541 to the right-hand shared window 551 and from the right-hand game theme display area 544 to the left-hand game theme display area 555, or vice-versa), without affecting the content resolution, size, etc. of the content. A wagering game machine would not need to determine how to shift the content around the display because the presentation templates would already have the pre-programmed display characteristics and constraints programmed into them. The wagering game machine, and/or its applications, would only need to know that a new template was being interchanged and the wagering game machine, or its applications, would look for a presentation area on the new template that can display the content according to presentation requirements. In the case of conflicts, however, the system can work out conflicts, as illustrated in
Returning now to the discussion of
The flow 300 continues at processing block 304, where the system transfers the presentation templates to a wagering game machine. In some embodiments, the system can determine current versions of presentation templates on the wagering game machine and compare with the current versions with updated versions of presentations templates stored on the template configuration server. The system can download/update presentation templates to the wagering game machine (e.g., via XML messages). The system can update configuration files already existing on the wagering game machine for older versions of presentation templates, download new presentation templates to the wagering game machine that weren't already there, and delete old and outdated presentation templates. The system can also transfer the presentation templates to multiple wagering game machines, based on selections, or filters, for characteristics or constraints. For example, in
The flow 300 continues at processing block 306, where the system determines content from one or more content sources and determines presentation requirements for the content. In some embodiments, presentation requirements can be set by a content provider and/or by the casino operator. The requirements can relate to preferred, predetermined configurations, set by the content provider and/or the casino. The configurations can include content display requirements based on selected configuration factors (e.g., characteristics, types, etc.), and/or other needs of the content, such as preferred display sizes and resolutions, preferred presentation area dimensions (e.g., within the main theme display, within a particular sized auxiliary windows, etc.), priority information (e.g., high priority content versus low priority content), etc. In some embodiments, the content can include the presentation requirements (e.g., via attached messages, via metadata, etc.). The content can deliver the presentation requirements when the content is requested or delivered. In other embodiments, system applications and/or services can assign configuration requirements based on presentation rules. The presentation rules can provide display rules, priority rules, and other information related to presentation of specific types of content. In some embodiments, the presentation requirements can be pre-programmed into configurations files associated with the presentation templates. In some embodiments, the system can communicate with server-side and client-side applications to determine content and presentation requirements. The applications can store the content that they will display within each window. One or more servers can provide the content (e.g., provide a URL for the content, offer access to the content for download, respond to requests for the content, etc). Server-side applications can provide the content to a wagering game machine and client-side applications on the wagering game machine can access the content. The wagering game machine can also include applications, modules, software, hardware, etc. that can control the presentation of the content. The system (e.g., applications, wagering game machine, etc.) can provide requests, commands, instructions, messages etc. that control the content presentation (e.g., instructions to lock/unlock the wagering game machine, commands to open windows, commands to load content into windows, commands to close windows, etc.). Server-side application can send the wagering game machine a request to display specific content within a presentation template having a specific layout. The server-side application may specifically indicate presentation areas (e.g., the main theme display, auxiliary windows, etc.) of the presentation template.
The flow 300 continues at processing block 308, where the system determines an active presentation template utilized by the wagering game machine. The system can load, or activate, a presentation template on a wagering game machine when the wagering game machines powers-up and initializes and at all other times when the wagering game machine is on, for various presentation purposes. For example, after start-up, the system may activate a presentation template that can display attract animations. When a player approaches the wagering game machine and logs in, the system may activate a presentation template that can display logon information. After logging on, the system may activate a presentation template that can display game selection icons, and so forth. Based on triggering activity, the system loads different presentation templates. Whichever presentation template was the last one loaded is the “active” presentation template.
The flow 300 continues at processing block 310, where the system determines whether the content can be presented using the active presentation template according to the presentation requirements. In some embodiments, the content to be displayed in each window can vary. In some cases the content displayed in an auxiliary, or shared, presentation area (e.g., marketing or advertising content, bonus game content, second-chance to win content, mystery bonus content, progressive content, secondary game content, non-game content, etc.) can be different from the content displayed in the main presentation area (e.g., base game content). Consequently, the system can determine the presentation needs of the content and can determine, based on characteristics and configuration information associated with the presentation templates, which presentation areas are best suited for the content that needs to be presented. At the point which the wagering game machine receives the content, the wagering game machine may have a presentation template activated, or loaded. If that “active” presentation template is not capable of presenting the content according the presentation requirements (e.g., the presentation areas are insufficient to present the content properly), then the system can determine that another presentation template would need to be loaded, or activated, before presenting the content. If the content cannot be presented using the active presentation template according to the presentation requirements, then the process continues at processing block 312. Otherwise, the process continues at processing block 316.
The flow 300 continues at processing block 312, where the system determines an appropriate presentation template that can present the content according to the presentation requirements. In some embodiments, the system can determine a presentation template that displays the content according to a preferred configuration. The preferred configuration can represent operator configured, system defined and/or content appropriate display constraints. The presentation template allows the content to be presented as it should, for maximum effect, and avoids presenting content in ways for which it wasn't intended (e.g., avoids forcing content into a static auxiliary window, avoids shrinking or expanding content, avoids presenting content in presentation areas that cannot present specific effects, etc.). In some embodiments, the system can determine the content's needs and select the presentation template that will fit the needs of the content (e.g., a bonus application wants to display an award, and wants to use a full screen). The system then selects an appropriate presentation template from a store of presentation templates on the wagering game machine and/or requests a presentation from a server (e.g., a template configuration server).
The flow 300 continues at processing block 314, where the system activates the appropriate presentation template on the wagering game machine.
The flow 300 continues at processing block 316, where the system determines one or more presentation areas of the presentation template in which to present the content and present the content in the one or more presentation areas. In some embodiments, the system can determine presentation requirements of the content; and determine that the one or more presentation areas of the presentation template include configuration settings that match presentation requirements.
The flow 800 continues at processing block 804, where the system receives a request to present a second content according to second presentation requirements. In some embodiments, the first content and second content can be different types of content. In some embodiments, the first presentation requirements can require that the first content be displayed according to a first display dimension and/or resolution that match configuration settings for the first presentation area. The second presentation requirements can require that the second content be displayed according to a second display dimension and/or resolution that matches, or correlates, to configuration settings for a presentation area other than the first presentation area. For example, in
The flow 800 continues at processing block 806, where the system determines whether at least one other (“second presentation area”) of the first presentation template can present the second content according to the second presentation requirements (e.g., the preferred display dimension and resolution) while the first content is presented. For example, in
The flow 800 continues at processing block 808, where the system determines whether the second presentation area of the first presentation template is available. For example, in
The flow 800 continues at processing block 810, where the system presents the second content in the second presentation area of the first presentation template. For example, the wagering game machine 760 presents the content 711 (e.g., secondary wagering game elements) in the left-hand side presentation area 732, which contains presentation configurations that match the presentation requirements for the second content.
The flow 800 continues at processing block 812, where the system determines a second presentation template that can present both the first and a second content in separate presentation areas according to the first presentation requirements and the second presentation requirements. In some embodiments, the system can determine a presentation template that displays the content according to a preferred presentation configuration set by a content provider, according to content display requirements, and/or other needs of the content.
The flow 800 continues at processing block 814, where the system determines whether the first content can accommodate a switch to the second presentation template. In some embodiments, the system can determine whether the content is active (e.g., slot reels are spinning and therefore cannot be stopped to switch templates unless the switch can be done seamlessly). If the first content cannot, or is not willing to, accommodate a switch, according to presentation rules or guidelines for proper display and functionality, then the system can elect to reject the request to switch to a second presentation template. The system can wait until the first content can accommodate the switch (i.e., return to processing block 814) or it can force the switch. In some embodiments, the system can activate the second content (e.g., launch a secondary application) in suspended mode, and present the content when the first content can accommodate the switch. If the system forces the switch before the first content can accommodate the switch, the system can determine options for pausing the first content (e.g., presenting a message to the player that it is pausing the wagering game, then switch the presentation templates). If the first content can accommodate a switch to the second presentation template, then the process continues at processing block 816. If not, then the process can return to processing block 814 until the first content can accommodate the switch to the second presentation template.
The flow 800 continues at processing block 816, where the system activates the second presentation template in place of the first presentation template.
The flow 800 continues at processing block 818, where the system presents the first content and the second content in preconfigured presentation areas of the second presentation template.
The flow 900 continues at processing block 904, where the system presents the high priority content on a first presentation template according to first presentation requirements that match one or more configurations of the first presentation template.
The flow 900 continues at processing block 906, where the system receives a lower priority content, where the lower priority content cannot be presented on the first presentation template according to second presentation requirements.
The flow 900 continues at processing block 908, where the system determines whether the high-priority content is still active. If the high-priority content is still active, then the process continues at block 910. If not, then the process continues at block 912.
The flow 900 continues at processing block 910, where the system determines whether presenting the lower priority content before the high priority content becomes inactive is more valuable than presenting the high-priority content according to its presentation requirements. In some embodiments, the system can supersede, or modify, the priority of the content and can shift the priority of the content (e.g., dynamic determination of the presentation templates based on the number of items in queue). For example, a first presentation template may be displayed that presents the high-priority content. The system wants to present the lower priority content, but requires a second presentation template because the first presentation template does not have an available presentation area that can present the lower-priority content. The system can cause the lower priority content to wait until the high-priority content is displayed. However, the system can instead determine, regardless of the lower-priority content's lower assigned priority, that it can still be valuable to present the lower-priority content even if it means affecting the presentation of the high-priority content. For example, in
The flow 900 continues at processing block 912, where the system activates a second presentation template in place of the first presentation template. The second presentation template can present the high-priority content and at least some of the lower priority content according to their respective presentation requirements.
The flow 900 continues at processing block 914, where the system presents the high-priority content and at least some of the lower priority content on the second presentation template.
According to some embodiments, a wagering game system (“system”) can provide various example devices, operations, etc., to configure and control wagering game presentations. The following non-exhaustive list enumerates some possible embodiments.
This section describes example operating environments, systems and networks, and presents structural aspects of some embodiments.
The CPU 1026 is also connected to an input/output (“I/O”) bus 1022, which can include any suitable bus technologies, such as an AGTL+ frontside bus and a PCI backside bus. The I/O bus 1022 is connected to a payout mechanism 1008, primary display 1010, secondary display 1012, value input device 1014, player input device 1016, information reader 1018, and storage unit 1030. The player input device 1016 can include the value input device 1014 to the extent the player input device 1016 is used to place wagers. The I/O bus 1022 is also connected to an external system interface 1024, which is connected to external systems (e.g., wagering game networks). The external system interface 1024 can include logic for exchanging information over wired and wireless networks (e.g., 802.11g transceiver, Bluetooth transceiver, Ethernet transceiver, etc.)
The I/O bus 1022 is also connected to a location unit 1038. The location unit 1038 can create player information that indicates the wagering game machine's location/movements in a casino. In some embodiments, the location unit 1038 includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver that can determine the wagering game machine's location using GPS satellites. In other embodiments, the location unit 1038 can include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that can determine the wagering game machine's location using RFID readers positioned throughout a casino. Some embodiments can use GPS receiver and RFID tags in combination, while other embodiments can use other suitable methods for determining the wagering game machine's location. Although not shown in
In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 1006 can include additional peripheral devices and/or more than one of each component shown in
In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 1006 includes a template coordination module 1037. The template coordination module 1037 can process communications, commands, or other information, where the processing can configure and control wagering game presentations.
Furthermore, any component of the wagering game machine 1006 can include hardware, firmware, and/or machine-readable media including instructions for performing the operations described herein.
The mobile wagering game machine 1100 includes several input/output devices. In particular, the mobile wagering game machine 1100 includes buttons 1120, audio jack 1108, speaker 1114, display 1116, biometric device 1106, wireless transmission devices (e.g., wireless communication units 1112 and 1124), microphone 1118, and card reader 1122. Additionally, the mobile wagering game machine can include tilt, orientation, ambient light, or other environmental sensors.
In some embodiments, the mobile wagering game machine 1100 uses the biometric device 1106 for authenticating players, whereas it uses the display 1116 and the speaker 1114 for presenting wagering game results and other information (e.g., credits, progressive jackpots, etc.). The mobile wagering game machine 1100 can also present audio through the audio jack 1108 or through a wireless link such as Bluetooth.
In some embodiments, the wireless communication unit 1112 can include infrared wireless communications technology for receiving wagering game content while docked in a wager gaming station. The wireless communication unit 1124 can include an 802.11G transceiver for connecting to and exchanging information with wireless access points. The wireless communication unit 1124 can include a Bluetooth transceiver for exchanging information with other Bluetooth enabled devices.
In some embodiments, the mobile wagering game machine 1100 is constructed from damage resistant materials, such as polymer plastics. Portions of the mobile wagering game machine 1100 can be constructed from non-porous plastics which exhibit antimicrobial qualities. Also, the mobile wagering game machine 1100 can be liquid resistant for easy cleaning and sanitization.
In some embodiments, the mobile wagering game machine 1100 can also include an input/output (“I/O”) port 1130 for connecting directly to another device, such as to a peripheral device, a secondary mobile machine, etc. Furthermore, any component of the mobile wagering game machine 1100 can include hardware, firmware, and/or machine-readable media including instructions for performing the operations described herein.
The wagering game machine 1200 comprises a housing 1212 and includes input devices, including value input devices 1218 and a player input device 1224. For output, the wagering game machine 1200 includes a primary display 1214 for displaying information about a basic wagering game. The primary display 1214 can also display information about a bonus wagering game and a progressive wagering game. The wagering game machine 1200 also includes a secondary display 1216 for displaying wagering game events, wagering game outcomes, and/or signage information. While some components of the wagering game machine 1200 are described herein, numerous other elements can exist and can be used in any number or combination to create varying forms of the wagering game machine 1200.
The value input devices 1218 can take any suitable form and can be located on the front of the housing 1212. The value input devices 1218 can receive currency and/or credits inserted by a player. The value input devices 1218 can include coin acceptors for receiving coin currency and bill acceptors for receiving paper currency. Furthermore, the value input devices 1218 can include ticket readers or barcode scanners for reading information stored on vouchers, cards, or other tangible portable storage devices. The vouchers or cards can authorize access to central accounts, which can transfer money to the wagering game machine 1200.
The player input device 1224 comprises a plurality of push buttons on a button panel 1226 for operating the wagering game machine 1200. In addition, or alternatively, the player input device 1224 can comprise a touch screen 1228 mounted over the primary display 1214 and/or secondary display 1216.
The various components of the wagering game machine 1200 can be connected directly to, or contained within, the housing 1212. Alternatively, some of the wagering game machine's components can be located outside of the housing 1212, while being communicatively coupled with the wagering game machine 1200 using any suitable wired or wireless communication technology.
The operation of the basic wagering game can be displayed to the player on the primary display 1214. The primary display 1214 can also display a bonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display 1214 can include a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, light emitting diodes (LEDs), or any other type of display suitable for use in the wagering game machine 1200. Alternatively, the primary display 1214 can include a number of mechanical reels to display the outcome. In
A player begins playing a basic wagering game by making a wager via the value input device 1218. The player can initiate play by using the player input device's buttons or touch screen 1228. The basic game can include arranging a plurality of symbols along a pay line 1232, which indicates one or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes can be randomly selected in response to player input. At least one of the outcomes, which can include any variation or combination of symbols, can trigger a bonus game.
In some embodiments, the wagering game machine 1200 can also include an information reader 1252, which can include a card reader, ticket reader, bar code scanner, RFID transceiver, or computer readable storage medium interface. In some embodiments, the information reader 1252 can be used to award complimentary services, restore game assets, track player habits, etc.
The described embodiments may be provided as a computer program product, or software, that may include a machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer system (or other electronic device(s)) to perform a process according to embodiments(s), whether presently described or not, because every conceivable variation is not enumerated herein. A machine readable medium includes any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form (e.g., software, processing application) readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, magnetic storage medium (e.g., floppy diskette); optical storage medium (e.g., CD-ROM); magneto-optical storage medium; read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasable programmable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; or other types of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. In addition, embodiments may be embodied in an electrical, optical, acoustical or other form of propagated signal (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), or wireline, wireless, or other communications medium.
This detailed description refers to specific examples in the drawings and illustrations. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inventive subject matter. These examples also serve to illustrate how the inventive subject matter can be applied to various purposes or embodiments. Other embodiments are included within the inventive subject matter, as logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes can be made to the example embodiments described herein. Features of various embodiments described herein, however essential to the example embodiments in which they are incorporated, do not limit the inventive subject matter as a whole, and any reference to the invention, its elements, operation, and application are not limiting as a whole, but serve only to define these example embodiments. This detailed description does not, therefore, limit embodiments, which are defined only by the appended claims. Each of the embodiments described herein are contemplated as falling within the inventive subject matter, which is set forth in the following claims.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2009/064280 | 11/12/2009 | WO | 00 | 6/6/2011 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010/056923 | 5/20/2010 | WO | A |
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| 61114355 | Nov 2008 | US |
