Patent Application
20150111636
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 2014, WMS Gaming, Inc.
Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate generally to wagering game systems, and more particularly to wagering game systems including idle wagering game machine notifications.
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. Therefore, there is a continuing need for wagering game machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games and gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play.
Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the Figures of the accompanying drawings in which:
This section provides an introduction to some embodiments of the invention.
In an effort to increase profits, wagering game machine operators seek to decrease the amount of time wagering game machines are idle. Embodiments of the inventive subject matter monitor wagering game machines to determine if the wagering game machines are idle. When it is determined that a wagering game machine is idle, embodiments of the inventive subject matter send notifications to prospective players indicating that the wagering game machine is idle and incentivizing the players to play the idle machine. Such a system can increase wagering game machine coin-in and thus profits.
Although
At stage A, the casino gaming system 104 monitors the wagering game machines 108 to determine whether any of the wagering game machines 108 are idle. For example. The casino gaming system 104 can monitor credit meters associated with the wagering game machines 108, cash-out activity at the wagering game machines 108, whether a player tracking card has been or is currently being used at the wagering game machines 108, etc. For ease of discussion, the examples will proceed assuming that the casino gaming system 104 is monitoring credit meters associated with the wagering game machines 108 to determine if any of the wagering game machines 108 are idle. Additionally, this discussion will use the terms idle and available interchangeably to refer to wagering game machines that are not currently being used.
At stage B, the casino gaming system 104 transmits indications of the idle wagering game machines 108 to the hosted gaming system 102. In some embodiments, multiple casino gaming systems 104 transmit the indications to the hosted gaming system 102. For example, each casino gaming system 104 can be associated with a different casino, different types of wagering game machines 108 in a casino, a group of casinos, etc. The hosted gaming system 102 aggregates information received from the casino gaming system 104.
At stage C, the hosted gaming system 102 transmits indications of the idle wagering game machines 108 to a player. For example, the hosted gaming system 102 can push the indications to an application running on a mobile device 106. Alternatively, the application (or a web browser) running on the mobile device 106 can request the indications from the hosted gaming system 102. In some embodiments, the player logs into a service (via the application on the mobile device or via a webpage on the mobile device). The player login information can be associated with wagering game preference information (as well as any other information relevant to the player). The hosted gaming system 102 can leverage the player login information to determine that a specific wagering game machine 108 that is idle is suited to the player's preferences. Additionally, the hosted gaming system 102 can utilize the mobile device's 106 location information to determine idle wagering game machines 108 near the player. The hosted gaming system 102 can then target specific players when wagering game machines 108 that they might be interested in playing are available. Although stage C depicts the hosted gaming system 102 transmitting indications of idle wagering game machines to a mobile device 106, in some embodiments, the hosted gaming system also transmits the indications back to the casino gaming system 104. In such embodiments, players have logged in using player login information at a wagering game machine 106 (e.g., by inserting a player tracking card). The hosted gaming system 102 determines a wagering game machine 108 that is better suited to the player's preferences and is idle. The hosted gaming system 102 transmits an indication of the player as well as indication of the wagering game machine 106 that is idle that is better suited to the player to the casino gaming system 104. The casino gaming system 104 can then transmit a notification to the wagering game machine 106 that the player is playing. The notification can alert the player that a wagering game machine that is a better match to their preferences is available.
While
The indications of idle wagering game machines 204 include a name of the wagering game machine that is idle (i.e., “Wagering Game Machine 3821”), a type of wagering game offered on the idle wagering game machine (i.e., poker), and a theme of the idle wagering game machine (i.e., “Theme A”). The indications of idle wagering game machines 204 can include more or less information. The GUI 212 can be presented via an application running on the mobile device 210, or via a webpage accessed by the mobile device 210. In some embodiments, the player can select one of the indications of idle wagering game machines 204 to view more information about the idle wagering game machines, reserve the idle wagering game machines (as described in the discussion of
While
Additionally, in some embodiments, the hosted gaming system stores game state information for players. For example, for an episodic game, the hosted gaming system can save data as the player plays the episodic game and associate the data with a player ID corresponding to the player. In such embodiments, the hosted gaming system can send the player notifications when a wagering game machine having the episodic game is available. The player can then use the wagering game machine to continue play of the episodic game where the player left off. Additionally, storing the game state information allows the player to continue the episodic game on any wagering game machine in any casino having the episodic game. In some embodiments, the hosted gaming system also provides the player with directions to the wagering game machine. For example, the hosted gaming system can transmit a map with a highlighted route to the wagering game machine, send turn-by-turn directions to the wagering game machine to the player, etc.
While
While
Although examples refer to sending notifications to mobile devices indicating idle wagering game machines, in some embodiments, the hosted gaming system can aggregate idle wagering game information from the casino gaming system and publish the idle wagering game information on one or more large display devices throughout a casino. For example, large display devices can be located throughout a casino, each containing a list of some or all of the idle wagering game machines in the casino. As wagering game machines become idle or become in use, the hosted gaming system can update the list of idle wagering game machines. Similarly, in some embodiments, players do not subscribe to an idle wagering game notification service. Instead, the hosted gaming system publishes a list of idle wagering game machines to a website, to an application that can be accessed on a mobile device, etc. Additionally, in some embodiments, the hosted gaming system manipulates the list using various algorithms. For example, the hosted gaming system can place only low-performing idle wagering game machines on the list in an attempt to increase gameplay on the low-performing idle wagering game machines. Additionally, the hosted gaming system can provide greater incentives for low-performing wagering game machines.
In some embodiments, players can configure the type of notifications received from the hosted gaming system. For example, players can choose to be notified only about wagering game machines having certain games (e.g., video poker, video blackjack, slot games, etc.), certain themes, certain types of wagering game machines (e.g., wagering game machines with greater or less player interactivity), wagering game machines with mechanical reels, wagering game machines with high or low volatility, wagering game machines made by a specific manufacturer or group of manufacturers, wagering game machines only in a casino that they are currently in, etc.
This section describes operations associated with some embodiments of the invention. In the discussion below, the flow diagrams will be described with reference to the block diagrams presented above. 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 less than all the operations shown in any flow diagram.
The section will discuss
At block 602, the wagering game machines are monitored to determine when they are idle. This monitoring can be done in any suitable way. For example, credits meters associated with the wagering game machines can be monitored. Alternatively, activity on the wagering game machines can be monitored. For example, gameplay on a wagering game machine can be monitored, whether a player is logged in at a wagering game machine, whether a player tracking card is inserted in a wagering game machine, whether a player has cashed out at a wagering game machine, whether there has been any player input (e.g., button presses) in the last five minutes on a wagering game machine, etc. The flow continues at block 604.
At block 604, it is determined which wagering game machines are idle. For example, when the credit meter has a balance of zero, it is likely that the wagering game machine is idle. Likewise, if there hasn't been any player input at the wagering game machine in the last several minutes, if no player is logged into the wagering game machine, if a player has recently cashed out at the wagering game machine, etc., it is likely that the wagering game machine is idle. Additionally, incentives for playing the idle wagering game machines can be determined. For example, a player can be offered a coupon for a free meal at a casino restaurant in exchange for playing the idle wagering game machine. In some embodiments, all wagering game machines have the same incentive (e.g., there is a free credit incentive to reserve and play any idle wagering game machine). In other embodiments, the incentive a player is being offered can be specific to the player and/or to the wagering game machine. For example, players having a certain status may be offered greater incentives, players can receive ten free spins for a slot machine, ten dollars in free credits for a video blackjack game, etc. The flow continues at block 606.
At block 606, an indication of idle wagering game machines is transmitted. This transmission can be accomplished via any suitable medium. For example, the indication can be transmitted via a communications network comprising Wi-Fi, 3G/4G telecommunications, short-range wireless (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth), etc.
At block 702, player credentials are received. The player credentials can include a player ID, player wagering game history, player preferences, player location information (e.g., in which casino the player is currently located), etc. The player preferences can include the players preferred wagering game machines, preferred types of wagering game machines, preferred wagering games, preferred themes, preferred volatility, preferred payback percentage, preferred bet amounts, etc. The player preferences can also include the player's preferred method of notification of idle wagering game machines. The flow continues at block 704.
At block 704, it is determined that the player is playing a first wagering game machine. This can be determined by a player logging into the first wagering game machine, the player inserting a tracking card at the first wagering game machine, the player's credit card used at the wagering game machine, proximity of the player's mobile device to the wagering game machine, etc. The flow continues at block 706.
At block 706, it is determined that a second wagering game machine is idle. Again, this can be determined in a variety of ways, such as monitoring the second wagering game machine's credit meter, player input at the second wagering game machine, etc. The flow continues at block 708.
At block 708, it is determined that the player prefers the second wagering game machine to the first wagering game machine. For example, the player credentials may indicate that the player spends a majority of their time playing Texas Hold 'Em on wagering game machines. Additionally, the first wagering game machine may only offer video blackjack, and the second wagering game machine may offer Texas Hold 'Em. Based on the player credentials and content available on the second wagering game machine, it can be determined that the player prefers the second wagering game machine to the first wagering game machine. The flow continues at block 710.
At block 710, an indication that the second wagering game machine is available is transmitted. For example, the indication can be transmitted to the first wagering game machine and a notification (e.g., in a player interface window) can be presented on the first wagering game machine. Alternatively, the indication can be transmitted to the player's mobile device. The indication can also include an option to reserve the second wagering game machine, and an incentive available to the player for reserving/playing the second wagering game machine.
This section describes an example operating environment and presents structural aspects of some embodiments. This section includes discussion about wagering game machine architectures and wagering game networks.
The CPU 826 is also connected to an input/output (I/O) bus 822, which can include any suitable bus technologies, such as an AGTL+frontside bus and a PCI backside bus. The I/O bus 822 is connected to a payout mechanism 808, primary display 810, secondary display 812, value input device 814, player input device 816, information reader 818, and storage unit 830. The player input device 816 can include the value input device 814 to the extent the player input device 816 is used to place wagers. The I/O bus 822 is also connected to an external system interface 824, which is connected to external systems 804 (e.g., wagering game networks).
In one embodiment, the wagering game machine 806 can include additional peripheral devices and/or more than one of each component shown in
Any component of the architecture 800 can include hardware, firmware, and/or 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.
While
Each casino 912 includes a local area network 916, which includes an access point 904, a wagering game server 906, wagering game machines 902, and a casino gaming system(s) 918. The access point 904 provides wireless communication links 910 and wired communication links 908. The wired and wireless communication links can employ any suitable connection technology, such as Bluetooth, 802.11, Ethernet, public switched telephone networks, SONET, etc. In some embodiments, the wagering game server 906 can serve wagering games and distribute content to devices located in other casinos 912 or at other locations on the communications network 914. The casino gaming system(s) is operable to monitor the wagering game machines 902 and transmit indications of idle wagering game machines to a hosted gaming system 920. Although the casino gaming system 918 is depicted as being in the casino 912, in some embodiments, the casino gaming system 918 is not physically located in the casino. The hosted gaming system 920 is operable to transmit indications of idle wagering game machines 902 to players, match idle wagering game machines 902 to players, etc., as described herein.
The wagering game machines 902 described herein can take any suitable form, such as floor standing models, handheld mobile units, bartop models, workstation-type console models, etc. Further, the wagering game machines 902 can be primarily dedicated for use in conducting wagering games, or can include non-dedicated devices, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants, personal computers, etc. In one embodiment, the wagering game network 900 can include other network devices, such as accounting servers, wide area progressive servers, player tracking servers, and/or other devices suitable for use in connection with embodiments of the invention.
In some embodiments, wagering game machines 902 and wagering game servers 906 work together such that a wagering game machine 902 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 machine 902 (client) or the wagering game server 906 (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 906 can perform functions such as determining game outcome or managing assets, while the wagering game machine 902 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 902 can determine game outcomes and communicate the outcomes to the wagering game server 906 for recording or managing a player's account.
In some embodiments, either the wagering game machines 902 (client) or the wagering game server 906 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 906) or locally (e.g., by the wagering game machine 902). 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.
Any of the wagering game network components (e.g., the wagering game machines 902) can include hardware and machine-readable media including instructions for performing the operations described herein.
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 of the invention, 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.
This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/892,230 filed Oct. 17, 2013.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61892230 | Oct 2013 | US |
