Patent Grant
9659437
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
The present disclosure is directed to wagering games, gaming machines, networked gaming systems and methods, and in particular to cross platform persistent gaming sessions using a mobile device.
In the past, various types of gaming machines have been developed with different features to captivate and maintain player interest. In general, a gaming machine allows a player to play a game in exchange for a wager. Depending on the outcome of the game, the player may be entitled to an award which is paid to the player by the gaming machine, normally in the form of currency or game credits. Gaming machines may include flashing displays, lighted displays, or sound effects to capture a player's interest in a gaming device. There is also the desire to incorporate mobile devices for game play, however, there are numerous obstacles to the use of mobile devices for game play, including the lack of ticket printers and bill acceptors.
Historically, there has been “Ticket-in-Ticket-Out” functionality in gaming machines. Briefly explained, when using “Ticket-in-Ticket-Out” functionality a player inserts cash into a gaming machine, but does not receive cash when pressing “cash out.” Instead, he or she receives a paper ticket that may be further inserted into the present or any other gaming machine, or redeemed for cash by inserting into a kiosk.
While there is a desire to use mobile devices such as smart phones as gaming devices, there remains the problem that these mobile devices do not have access to traditional gaming peripherals such as ticket printers or bill acceptors. It would be desirable to allow mobile devices to participate in playing games with real money in a casino environment, leveraging existing infrastructure in a way that makes sense to a player. There is a continuing need in the art to address these and other issues.
Briefly, and in general terms, a method is disclosed for enabling cross platform persistent gaming sessions using a mobile device in a mobile device-enhanced system that includes a game server, a network, one or more gaming machines, and one or more mobile devices. The method includes: associating a player's mobile device with one of the one or more gaming machines at which the player has a gaming session; presenting a player with an option to move their gaming experience to their mobile device when the player leaves the associated gaming machine if a gaming session is in progress, wherein the presentation of the option to move the gaming experience is displayed on the gaming machine, mobile device, or both; enabling the player to use its mobile device to continue playing a game after the player has left a proximity of the associated gaming machine by transferring the game from the associated gaming machine to the player's mobile device; providing a stream redirector module interposed between the game server and the associated gaming machine; receiving video streams from the game server at the stream redirector module, modifying the video streams to suit the player's mobile device using the stream redirector module, and sending the video streams to the mobile device via the network, wherein when the player touches a point on a display on the player's mobile device, the coordinates of the touch point are remapped by the stream redirector module back to original screen parameters of the gaming machine display, and passed back as touchscreen input to the game server; and enabling transfer of funds between the associated gaming machine and the players' mobile device.
In another embodiment, a method is disclosed of associating a mobile device with a kiosk or gaming machine to enable transfer of funds between the mobile device and the kiosk or gaming machine using a mobile wallet application without the use of tickets, ticket printers, or ticket readers. The method includes: providing a kiosk or gaming machine that includes a QR code or barcode reader; displaying a QR code or barcode on the display of the mobile device using the mobile wallet application; in response to prompting, enabling player activation of an association function of the mobile wallet application; reading a QR code or barcode off of the display of the mobile device in response to the mobile device being placed under the QR code or barcode reader; uniquely identifying the mobile device; uniquely identifying a mobile wallet account in a database; and enabling the mobile wallet application to direct funds being withdrawn from the mobile wallet account to be correctly deposited on the kiosk or gaming machine and/or enabling the mobile wallet application to direct funds being added to the mobile wallet account to be correctly withdrawn from the kiosk or gaming machine.
In still another embodiment, a method is disclosed of associating a mobile device with a gaming machine to enable transfer of funds between the mobile device and the gaming machine using a mobile wallet application without the use of tickets, ticket printers, or ticket readers. The method includes: providing a gaming machine that displays a QR code or barcode; in response to prompting, enabling player activation of the association function of the mobile application; capturing a QR code or barcode displayed by the gaming machine using a camera of the mobile device and the mobile application; uniquely identifying the gaming machine; uniquely identifying mobile wallet account in the database; and enabling the mobile wallet application to direct funds being withdrawn from the mobile wallet account to be correctly deposited on the gaming machine and/or enabling the mobile wallet application to direct funds being added to the mobile wallet account to be correctly withdrawn from the gaming machine.
In yet another embodiment, a method is disclosed of enabling cross platform persistent gaming sessions using a mobile device in a system that includes a game server, a network, one or more gaming machines, and one or more mobile devices. The method includes: associating a player's mobile device with one of the one or more gaming machines at which the player has a gaming session; presenting a player with an option to move their gaming experience to their mobile device when the player leaves the associated gaming machine if a gaming session is in progress, wherein the presentation of the option to move the gaming experience is displayed on the gaming machine, mobile device, or both; enabling the player to use its mobile device to continue playing a game after the player has left a proximity of the associated gaming machine by transferring the game from the associated gaming machine to the player's mobile device; and enabling transfer of funds between the associated gaming machine and the players' mobile device.
Features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of the various embodiments.
Various embodiments are directed to a game, gaming machine, gaming systems and method for playing a game, wherein the gaming system includes cross platform persistent gaming sessions using a mobile device. The embodiments are illustrated and described herein, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
An example in accordance with one or more aspects of a disclosed embodiment is shown in
In another aspect of a preferred embodiment, the mobile device-enhanced system 100 enables superior interaction with an EGM 130 via a player-held mobile device 110 such as a smartphone. A preferred embodiment of this mobile device-enhanced system 100 uses streaming video technology to deliver the game content 120; however, other embodiments of this system may also use conventional thick-client technology (i.e., all or most of the required content and processing are located and performed at the client instead of being transmitted from another source).
A preferred embodiment of the mobile device-enhanced system 100 provides significant types of functionality that were not previously possible. As shown in
In one embodiment of the mobile device-enhanced system 100, a player inserts a player tracking card into the card reader before commencing wagering. This action of inserting the player tracking card associates the wagering session with their player account. In this embodiment of the mobile device-enhanced system 100, the player also has in their possession a mobile device 110, preferably a smartphone. This smartphone has an application loaded into it that is capable of receiving and displaying a video stream over a network 140 (shown in
Referring now to
As disclosed herein, one or more games may be streamed to a gaming machine 130 or a mobile device 110 over a network 160 such as the interne, a wireless network, or the like. The gaming machine 130 and/or mobile device 110 which is bound to receive graphical data from the server 160, may include a network interface, a decompression module for each display and/or each compressed data stream, video memory, a video encoder for each display, and displays.
The server 160 may include software executable on one or more processors, one or more graphics processors, video memory associated with the one or more graphics processors, one or more compression modules, and a network interface. In other embodiments, the server 160 streams a plurality of games to a plurality of gaming machines 130 and/or mobile devices 110 connected to the network 140.
The software may include software for one or more games 120. In some embodiments, a processor, graphics processor, video memory, and compression module may be dedicated for each instance of gaming software. In other embodiments, one or more of the following may be dedicated for each instance of gaming software: a processor, graphics processor, video memory, and compression. For example, in some embodiments, a single processor may execute each instance of gaming software, but transmit graphical data to one or more graphics processors reserved for each of the games (i.e., four graphics processors, one for each game). Other embodiments may have different configurations of these and other components.
The one or more graphics processors receive graphical data generated as a result of the software being executed on the one or more processors. Upon receiving graphical data, at least one graphics processor renders the data into a frame of a particular format and may store the rendered frame in video memory. At least one compression module may then receive the frame for compression, and compresses (i.e., encode) the frame. Once the frame is compressed, the compressed frame may be sent to the network interface for transmission via a transport protocol over the communication network to the gaming machine 130 and/or mobile device 110.
In some embodiments, one or more system components may be added or removed from the system. For example, in some embodiments, some or all of the graphical data generated at the server 160 may not be compressed by a compression module prior to transmission to the gaming machine 130 or mobile device 110. Therefore, the server 160 may not include one or more compression modules. Otherwise stated, some or all of the graphical data may not be compressed after being rendered by a graphics processor.
In the embodiment, the gaming machine includes a display manager (e.g., stream redirector 150). In other embodiments, the server 160 may include one or more stream redirector 150 instead of the gaming machine 130 (e.g., one for each gaming machine). In yet other embodiments, a network component such as a router may include a stream redirector 150 instead of the server 160 or gaming machine 130. In yet further embodiments, the server 160, gaming machine 130, a network component, or combinations thereof may include a stream redirector 150.
The stream redirector 150 conducts display management processing on graphical data, which may include resealing (e.g., resizing) and repositioning (e.g., changing display area coordinates) the graphical data while maintaining the aspect ratio of the graphical data. For example, the display management processing may assemble or composite two or more streams of graphical data into a single stream of graphical data. Otherwise stated, the display management processing may take two frames of data and convert them into a single frame of data. In addition, the stream redirector 150 may receive touch data (i.e., touch signals) from the displays, route the touch data, and conduct coordinate transformations if necessary, to the processor executing the game 120 with which the touch data is associated.
Referring now to
Despite wishing to continue, a player may nevertheless have no option but to leave the vicinity of the EGM 130 for a pre-existing engagement or even to catch a flight home. By using the mobile device-enhanced system 100, a player may continue playing the gaming session until the player is out of network range.
In one embodiment, when a player leaves an EGM 130 while using the mobile device-enhanced system 100, the player removes their player tracking card from the player tracking card reader. If the player wishes to continue playing the gaming session on their mobile device 110, the player may signal appropriately by selecting an icon or other command on the EGM 130 or iView display (or other player tracking module display).
In yet another embodiment, the mobile device-enhanced system 100 may employ an EGM 130 that incorporates a Bluetooth transmission system. In such an embodiment, when a player is seated at the EGM 130, an application running on their mobile device 110 is also Bluetooth-enabled and is in communication with the EGM. This establishes a link between the game session and the mobile device 110. When the player moves out of Bluetooth transmission range from the EGM 130, or the Bluetooth transmission link is otherwise broken, the game session link may continue to be active from the game server 160, even though it is not continuously connected.
Continuing now with respect to
However, when using mobile device-enhanced system 100, if a gaming session is in progress when a player leaves the EGM 130, the player is presented with an option to move their experience to their mobile device. This presentation may take place on either or both of the EGM 130 and mobile device 110. In another aspect of the mobile device-enhanced system 100, to further notify the player of the mobile gaming options, the player's mobile device 110 may vibrate or play a sound to bring attention the possibility of continuing the game. Such a notification is shown in
If a player doesn't wish to continue playing the session, the game session is terminated. Any credits or game state are preserved in the player account for later use. Otherwise, the Stream Redirector module 150 modifies the output of the video streams to suit the mobile device 110, and begins sending the video streams to the mobile device via a network 140 (e.g., which is preferably WiFi, but is also possible over a cellular data connection if gaming regulations permit).
Referring now to
Referring now to
In another aspect of the mobile device-enhanced system 100, when a player touches a relevant point of the display on the player's mobile device 110, the coordinates are remapped by the Stream Redirector module 150 into the original resolution of the display, and passed back to the relevant touchscreen input of the virtual game instance. This remapping of the touchscreen coordinates assists in compensating for varying screen sizes and proportions between the display(s) of the EGM 130 and the display of the player's mobile device 110.
When using the mobile device-enhanced system 100, once a virtual game's content streams are redirected towards a mobile device 110, the EGM 130 begins a new gaming session. In some embodiments, this gaming session is of an identical game 120 (but different instance) to the game 120 that was redirected to mobile device 110. In other embodiments, another game may be chosen by the game server 160 to be executed on the EGM 130 (that is different than the game being shown on the mobile device 110), dependent upon heuristics such as the time of day, number of patrons in casino, or other data.
Another aspect of the mobile device-enhanced system 100 enables a player to use a mobile device 110 to facilitate a gaming session platform transfer. In one example, shown in
Once the EGM 130 and the mobile device 110 have been associated with each other, the game server 160 checks to see if a game session is in progress. If a game session is in progress, an option is presented on the EGM 130 and/or the mobile device 110 to move the gaming experience to the EGM 130.
Notably, as shown in
In another embodiment of the mobile device-enhanced system 100, a further enhancement is possible when the game on the mobile device 110 is re-directed to an EGM 130. Since the player typically has a mobile device 110 in their possession containing software that is capable of receiving a video stream and sending back touchscreen player input, the player's mobile device 100 can be used to enhance the gaming experience at the EGM 130.
An example of such an enhancement using the mobile device-enhanced system 100 is shown in
Further enhancements are also possible with this configuration. The mobile device 110 could have additional content displayed upon it, which could also interact with the displays of the EGM, as described with respect to Augmented Reality Gaming, U.S. application Ser. No. 12/969,462, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Notably, the mobile device-enhanced system 100 lends itself to personalized gaming experiences. Since a gaming session is tied to a mobile device 110 and/or player account, games may be designed that have longer storylines than a single spin. If a player closes the mobile application, the virtual game instance may remain active or hibernated, ready for the player to resume at a later time on the mobile device 110 or an EGM 130. Also, in some embodiments, the games 120 may be designed to operate differently depending upon the display device. For example, a dice game may be operated at an EGM 130 by a button press or a touchscreen gesture, but when running on the mobile device 110, the accelerometer of the mobile device 110 (if available), may be used to “shake” the mobile device, and thus the virtual dice, to initiate a wager.
While the above embodiments of the mobile device-enhanced system 100 have been discussed with respect to the use streaming technology to deliver the content to the display devices (e.g., the mobile device 110, the EGM 130, and the like), other embodiments of the mobile device-enhanced system 100 use conventional ‘thick-client’ technology. In some such implementations, the mobile device may not be “trusted” (by gaming regulation standards), so a persistent network link would be used to host the game outcome in a secure server-based environment.
In such an embodiment, instead of stream redirection, both the EGM 130 and the mobile device 110 would host software applications implementing the game presentation. At the point where the game is “transferred” from EGM 130 to mobile device 110 or vice-versa, the game state instead would be transferred along with meter values to the new client. In the case of moving to the mobile device 110 (if the EGM 130 has been actually performing all of the game logic without a server), a new game virtual instance would be created at the server 160 for hosting the game 120 on the “insecure” mobile device 110. When moving from the mobile device 110 to a non-server based EGM 130, the data from the virtual instance would be passed to the EGM, and then the virtual instance of the game 120 would be shut down.
Additionally, preferred embodiments of the mobile device-enhanced system 100 typically enable: (1) players to continue playing games even when they are not at an EGM 130; (2) players to have an EGM-like experience on mobile devices 110; (3) games to be enhanced to take into account the availability of a mobile device 110, without the extra costs associated with providing mobile devices 110 to the players; and (4) game play to be limited to only operate within Wi-Fi range of EGMs 130, which may be advantageous for gaming regulations.
Moreover, preferred embodiments of the mobile device-enhanced system 100 typically include structural and/or operational features such as: (1) seamless transfer of game play between mobile devices 110 and EGMs 130 (and vice-versa); (2) saving of gaming session for resumption later, either on a mobile device 110 or on an EGM 130, and (3) use of mobile device 110 as alternative input device to EGM 130.
A preferred embodiment of this mobile device-enhanced system 100 enables players to play game sessions across mobile and conventional EGM platforms as shown in
The Mobile Wallet:
In embodiment of this mobile device-enhanced system 100, the mobile device 110 acts (from the player's perspective) as a mobile wallet. However, in actual implementation and functionality, the mobile device 110 does not store the funds. These financial transactions are stored in a database on a server. The mobile device 110 must therefore have network connectivity to be functional. This is a configuration that may be achieved through the use of smart phones and ubiquitous nature of network infrastructure, such as 3G or WiFi mobile phone networks. In a preferred embodiment of the mobile device-enhanced system 100, the mobile device 110 also has a rear-facing camera that is capable of acquiring QR codes or barcodes. Specifically,
In one embodiment of the mobile device-enhanced system 100, the mobile wallet is configured to interface with via an application that is loaded onto the mobile device 110 (as well as on kiosks and EGMs 130). Accordingly to one embodiment,
In one embodiment of the mobile device-enhanced system 100, security levels are utilized for identification and/or authentication during the association process. These security components include identification and/or authentication of the device ID of the gaming machine and mobile device, the user name of the player, and the password of the player. In some embodiments of the mobile device-enhanced system 100, biometrics are used to assist in the security efforts of the employed to access the mobile device and the player's financial account. In such an embodiment, a biometric reader may be used which may take a variety of forms, for instance, a fingerprint reader, iris scan, microphone and voice recognition software, hand vein pattern detection, or combinations thereof. In alternate embodiments, a patron's written signature may be digitized and verified against a signature database. For example, a player may sign on a surface computer display with finger or stylus). Biometric analysis may be performed at the gaming system (e.g. table or arcade style gaming systems) or may be performed by remotely located remote system computer system.
Also, for example, a player's identity and proximity may be detected by the sensor subsystem or other subsystem of the gaming system. For instance, a transponder carried by a piece of media or a wireless communication device which is carried by or otherwise associated with a player may be wireless detected via wireless interrogation. The piece of media may take any of a variety of forms, for instance a loyalty program card, driver's license, credit, debit or prepaid card. Proximity data acquired by the gaming system may, for example, include a location in the casino (e.g., x, y, and z coordinates or GPS data). The gaming system or some other system may associate the proximity data with a player identifier. Based at least one part on the location coordinates, the system may create a logical relationship between the player identifier and a particular gaming system, a table identifier, seat identifier and/or player position identifier.
A player may identify him or herself at the gaming system by placing a piece of media (e.g. loyalty program or patron club card, driver's license, credit, debit or prepaid card) on the playing surface. A sensor subsystem may read the media, and a CMP/CMS system may identify the player from the read information. The display subsystem may display indicia representing cash and/or point balances one or more accounts associated with the player. The player may employ a user interface to transfer funds from their account, for example, to a credit meter of the gaming system or as virtual chips. The transfer may require entry and approval of a personal identification number (PIN), biometric data, and/or password. The user interface may include one or more user selectable icons displayed on or below the playing surface, or some separate device such as a PIN pad, keypad or keyboard, for example located at each seat. Transfers may employ appropriate security protocols and encryption, for example AFT or WAT transfer protocols of SAS or the GSA G2S class, respectively.
In some embodiments, the mobile device-enhanced system 100 facilitates wireless transfer of funds from a personal computing device and/or wireless communication device capable of performing funds transfer using the Mobile Wallet inside the device, from a remote financial institution, or from other points or cash funds account. Personal computing and/or wireless communication devices may take a variety of forms, for example a cell phone, iPhone, personal digital assistant (PDA), laptop computer, BLACKBERRY, TREO and other such devices. The device may establish wireless communication with the table or arcade style gaming system or with a casino patron account. Funds may be debited from or credited to the device or a remote financial account. The communication protocol may take a variety of forms, for example, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, but other standard networking protocols are envisioned as long as the protocols support security via authentication and/or encryption of the transmissions and transactions.
Funding Game Play Using the Kiosk:
Another embodiment of the mobile device-enhanced system 100 facilitates a kiosk to be used to enable a player to add or release funds from their play game. This is performed in a manner somewhat similar to a conventional Ticket-In-Ticket-Out (TITO) system, but without the use of tickets, ticket printers, or ticket readers. The kiosk does not require a ticket printer (or bill validator) for other funding sources, such as credit cards, debit cards, and the like.
Referring now to
To apply funds to a mobile wallet using the mobile device-enhanced system 100, the player must either associate a mobile device 110 or player tracking card with the kiosk. As shown in
In either case when the association is complete, funds are in the mobile wallet and can be used at an EGM 130 or on a mobile device 110 for game play. In a further enhancement, for mobile device play, the player can choose the initial game or available game suite from the kiosk as well.
Funding Game Play at an EGM:
As shown in
In one embodiment of the mobile device-enhanced system 100 where a mobile device 110 is being used, the player associates the mobile device 110 with the EGM 130. This is achieved by bringing up an association function of the mobile device 110, as shown in
Multi-Platform Game Play:
In some preferred embodiments, a player may switch their game play from an EGM to a mobile device and back again. This type of game transfer between platforms is referred to herein as “Games on the Go.” Once a mobile device 110 and an EGM 130 are associated with each other, a gaming session can be moved from one to the other. Additionally, once a mobile device 110 and an EGM 130 are associated with each other, funding also can be moved from one to the other. In one embodiment of the mobile device-enhanced system 100, this association may be preferably performed by the QR code acquisition described above with respect to
Transactions which may trigger the movement of the session could include a QR scan by the player, which would move the gaming session from a mobile device 110 to the EGM 130. As shown in
Kiosk Credit Redemption:
As noted above, in some preferred embodiments of the mobile device-enhanced system 100, the kiosk may be used to redeem credits as cash or direct funding into an external (bank/credit card) account. The transaction flows for these embodiments are shown in
Alternatively, as shown in
Physical Ticket Acquisition by a Mobile Device:
An additional feature of the mobile device-enhanced system 100 enables a player to convert existing physical tickets into mobile wallet funds by the use of a barcode scanner application built into the mobile application. This scanner application uses the rear camera on the mobile device 110 to read the barcode on the ticket and deposit the funds into the mobile wallet account. The physical ticket can then be discarded.
In one embodiment of the mobile device-enhanced system 100, the system enables players to easily consolidate tickets and also convert tickets into funds even after they have left the casino, which is conventionally difficult. Such funds may be used for online game play, or at a later date in the casino without having to keep possession of physical tickets.
In some embodiments, the mobile device-enhanced system 100 provides features that include: (1) integration with existing ticket printer and bill acceptor infrastructure, (2) handling both player tracked accounts and anonymous players, (3) ease of use for player comfortable with TITO (inserting their phone into a scanner rather than a ticket, similar to the way supermarket self-serve checkouts or boarding pass terminals at airports may work), (4) not requiring extra peripherals at the EGM (since association is achieved by display of QR code on artwork and only a software change is needed), and (5) enabling players to fund an EGM from their mobile device or vice versa.
Preferred embodiments of the mobile device-enhanced system 100 typically include: (1) a smartphone or tablet with rear facing camera and network connectivity (e.g., Wifi or 3G), (2) QR code technology as the preferred visual encoding of identifiers, and (3) a Kiosk with an optical scanner for reading barcodes/QR codes. Moreover, preferred embodiments of the mobile device-enhanced system 100 typically include structural and/or operational features such as: (1) use of mobile device as a way of transferring funds between multiple EGMs or EGMs and kiosks, (2) conversion of paper tickets into mobile wallet funds, and (3) seamless transfer of funds along with game session.
A preferred embodiment of this gaming system, which includes cross platform persistent gaming sessions using a mobile device, leverages existing mobile “smart phones.” By way of example only, and not by way of limitation, such smart phones include Apple's iPhone series, Google's Droid and Nexus One series, Palm's Pre series, and RIM's Blackberry series of smart phones. Most, if not all, of these smart phones include a built-in camera that can be controlled by software applications. Accordingly, preferred embodiments of this gaming system “move” the camera from the gaming machine to a smart phone. In more detail, the components that make up the gaming system having cross platform persistent gaming sessions using a mobile device may be seen in
The captured image is also sent up to the CMS via the secure cellular internet connection. As an alternative to the use of secure connections over the internet, a WiFi local network may also be used if it is present in the casino. At the CMS, the image analysis software passes the self-portrait to the facial recognition system.
In addition to the credentials described above, in another aspect of some embodiments, the smart phone itself may be “married” to a particular user. In such embodiments, in every transaction a unique identifier for the phone may also be transmitted. This identifier is set at the time of installation, and cannot be changed by the technician. Alternatively, the phone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number or other cellular identifier may be used.
In addition to a barcode on the exterior of the gaming machine, each peripheral within the machine may also have a barcode. By scanning the barcode with the camera on the mobile phone using the mobile phone application, context sensitive help may also be retrieved for maintaining the peripheral, or for determining the asset status or configuration of a peripheral.
In such embodiments of the disclosed gaming system, smart phones are utilized that include a built in gyroscope, as well as location tracking technology such as a digital compass and a GPS system (Global Positioning System). These features enable the accurate position and orientation of the smart phones and its user to be derived. Additionally, some other embodiments of the disclosed gaming system use object recognition and OCR (Optical character recognition) techniques combined with location/orientation derivation to provide players in casinos easy ways of finding games, progressive jackpots, particular machines, and other players of their choice.
In another aspect of some embodiments, gaming systems are utilized that include mobile gaming capabilities. In such embodiments of the disclosed gaming system, smart phones are utilized that include built in object recognition technologies and OCR (Optical character recognition) techniques combined with location/orientation derivation to provide players in casinos with additional gaming options and opportunities. In one embodiment of a gaming system that includes mobile gaming capabilities, the gaming system leverages the possession by players of smart phones to enable the manufacturer to build profiles of players and target valuable players for promotions of key products of the manufacture.
Continuing, in some embodiments of the gaming system having mobile gaming capabilities, the “Geographic Restrictions” file includes some combination of cell tower identifier, reverse DNS lookup, and GPS address to restrict the eligibility of some bonuses. In another aspect of some embodiments, the “Demographic Restrictions” file includes some bonuses that are available to players in certain demographic groups such as age-ranges. In still another aspect, the “Time Restrictions” field includes bonuses that may be only available at certain times of the week or for a fixed length of time.
Referring now to the smart phone application of the gaming system having mobile gaming capabilities, the smart phone application is comprised of a number of smaller modules. In some embodiments, the smart phone application has a user interface that interfaces with the Player Web Interface module. This enables the smart phone application to provide periodic updates with new offers which may be targeted to the player.
In another aspect, the application also includes an image capture module. The image capture module is activated by the player upon them pressing the “Take Picture” button for a particular offer. In some embodiments, the image capture module controls the built-in camera on the smart phone and displays a copy of the current camera captured image on the phone's display, much like a conventional camera application. Additionally, a button is also presented to the player to be pressed when the display of the gaming machine is roughly centered in the camera view. In another embodiment, no button is used, and image analysis algorithms built into the capture module detect the presence of game symbols in the camera view and immediately begins capturing images. The presence of game meters (read by OCR) or a physical barcode sticker may be used to automatically begin capturing images.
In some preferred implementations of the gaming system having mobile gaming capabilities 2600, the image capture module reads the values of the accelerometers from the phone and does not capture images unless the phone is relatively stable (i.e., only small amounts of acceleration detected). This assists the player in making a good image capture in the low (in-door) light of a casino. In some embodiments, the auto-focus algorithms of the phone's camera only allow photos to be taken that are sharp. Additionally, as each image is taken it may be analyzed using box filters and Fourier transforms to detect the overall sharpness of the image. The application may also take multiple image captures until an image is taken that is suitably sharp and contains recognizable data (such as meter values) in acceptable areas of the image.
In another aspect of the gaming system, the Image Encoder module in the smart phone application encodes the image for transmission to the Image Analysis Module. Since the link between the Image Analysis module and the mobile phone is over a public data network such as the internet (in some embodiments), it is important that all communication is encrypted. Furthermore, public key encryption may be used, with server applications only permitting the connection from phones that can prove to be authorized to participate in the bonus system by means of a digital signature. To prevent hacking, it is preferred that the smart phone application platform be relatively secure, with the application only being distributed through authorized channels such as the smart phone manufacturer's Application store or the gaming machines manufacturer's website. In some embodiments of the gaming system, encryption keys and methods are periodically updated to make it more difficult for a hacker to insert their own images into the system. Along with the fraud detection methods disclosed above, these hacker prevention modules are configured to make the risk of significant loss very low.
An alternative for players who do not have access to a smart phone is that casinos or bars may be supplied with phones capable of running the mobile phone application. In the event of a qualifying win, the player calls for assistance and has an attendant or bartender performs the photo verification process.
In some embodiments of the disclosed gaming system, players may use their smart phone to take a photo of the machine and obtain access to the following capabilities: (a) Tournament across venues (e.g., each player signs in, time limited, and the like); (b) take photo of a game (or barcode) to download a mobile application version of the game; (c) obtain a free copy of the mobile game for winning some trivial amount (which ensures players play a game a minimum amount of time); and (d) take a photo of game to see what gaming machine manufacturer offers are available.
Some preferred implementations of the disclosed embodiments use (1) a smart phone for the client, (2) any suitable web server for communication with the smart phone and registration of players, and (3) OpenCV image analysis software. Additionally, some embodiments provide features that include, by way of example only: (1) alternative player tracking, bonusing, and a marketing method for gaming manufacturers, (2) the capabilities to work with existing games without requiring any modification, and (3) leveraging existing smart mobile phone infrastructure. In other aspects, some embodiments provide: (1) detection of a win by image analysis, without any access to game code; (2) detection of fraudulent entries by analysis of symbols displayed, meters on the screen, location and time of image taken; (3) capture of multiple images to prevent fraud and also more accurately detect wins; (4) alternative method of determining player value (e.g., using win amounts instead of using coin in); (5) enabling the addition of ad-hoc tournaments to existing games; and (6) enabling the targeted marketing of new games for valuable players.
In accordance with one or more embodiments,
In another aspect of one embodiment, the plurality of player-activated buttons 460 may be used for various functions such as, but not limited to, selecting a wager denomination, selecting a game to be played, selecting a wager amount per game, initiating a game, or cashing out money from gaming machine 400. The Buttons 460 functions to input mechanisms and may include mechanical buttons, electromechanical buttons or touch screen buttons. Optionally, a handle 485 may be rotated by a player to initiate a game.
In other embodiments, buttons 460 may be replaced with various other input mechanisms known in the art such as, but not limited to, a touch screen system, touch pad, track ball, mouse, switches, toggle switches, or other input means used to accept player input. For example, one input means is a universal button module as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/106,212, entitled “Universal Button Module,” filed on Apr. 14, 2005, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. Generally, the universal button module provides a dynamic button system adaptable for use with various games and capable of adjusting to gaming systems having frequent game changes. More particularly, the universal button module may be used in connection with playing a game on a gaming machine and may be used for such functions as selecting the number of credits to bet per hand. In other embodiments, a virtual button deck may be used to provide similar capabilities. An example of a virtual button deck is disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/938,203, entitled, “Game Related Systems, Methods, and Articles That Combine Virtual and Physical Elements,” filed on Nov. 9, 2007, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.
Cabinet housing 420 may optionally include top box 450 which contains “top glass” 452 comprising advertising or payout information related to the game or games available on gaming machine 400. Player tracking panel 436 includes player tracking card reader 434 and player tracking display 432. Voucher printer 430 may be integrated into player tracking panel 436 or installed elsewhere in cabinet housing 420 or top box 450.
Game display 440 presents a game of chance wherein a player receives one or more outcomes from a set of potential outcomes. For example, one such game of chance is a video slot machine game. In other aspects of the invention, gaming machine 400 may present a video or mechanical reel slot machine, a video keno game, a lottery game, a bingo game, a Class II bingo game, a roulette game, a craps game, a blackjack game, a mechanical or video representation of a primary wheel game or the like.
Mechanical or video/mechanical embodiments may include game displays such as mechanical reels, wheels, or dice as required to present the game to the player. In video/mechanical or pure video embodiments, game display 440 is typically a CRT or a flat-panel display in the form of, but not limited to, liquid crystal, plasma, electroluminescent, vacuum fluorescent, field emission, or any other type of panel display known or developed in the art. Game display 440 may be mounted in either a “portrait” or “landscape” orientation and be of standard or “widescreen” dimensions (i.e., a ratio of one dimension to another of at least 16×9). For example, a widescreen display may be 32 inches wide by 18 inches tall. A widescreen display in a “portrait” orientation may be 32 inches tall by 18 inches wide.
Game display 440 may also present information such as, but not limited to, player information, advertisements and casino promotions, graphic displays, news and sports updates, or may even offer an alternate game. This information may be generated through a host computer networked with gaming machine 400 on its own initiative, or it may be obtained by request of the player using either (1) one or more of the plurality of player-activated buttons 460; (2) the game display itself, if game display 440 comprises a touch screen or similar technology; (3) buttons (not shown) mounted on game display 440 which may permit selections such as those found on an ATM machine, where legends on the screen are associated with respective selecting buttons; or (4) any player input device that offers the required functionality.
Cabinet housing 420 incorporates a single game display 440. However, in alternate embodiments, cabinet housing 420 or top box 450 may house one or more additional displays 453 or components used for various purposes including additional game play screens, animated “top glass,” progressive meters or mechanical or electromechanical devices (not shown) such as, but not limited to, wheels, pointers or reels. The additional displays may or may not include a touch screen or touch glass system.
Referring to
Peripherals 551 connect through bus 553 to EGM Processor Board 503. For example, a bill/ticket acceptor is typically connected to a game input-output board 553 which is, in turn, connected to a conventional central processing unit (“CPU”) board 503, such as an Intel Pentium microprocessor mounted on a gaming motherboard. I/O board 553 may be connected to CPU processor board 503 by a serial connection such as RS-232 or USB or may be attached to the processor by a bus such as, but not limited to, an ISA bus. The gaming motherboard may be mounted with other conventional components, such as are found on conventional personal computer motherboards, and loaded with a game program which may include a gaming machine operating system (OS), such as a Bally Alpha OS. Processor board 503 executes a game program that causes processor board 503 to play a game. In one embodiment, the game program provides a slot machine game having an interactive wheel feature game. The various components and included devices may be installed with conventionally and/or commercially available components, devices, and circuitry into a conventionally and/or commercially available gaming machine cabinet, examples of which are described above.
When a player has inserted a form of currency such as, for example and without limitation, paper currency, coins or tokens, cashless tickets or vouchers, electronic funds transfers or the like into the currency acceptor, a signal is sent by way of I/O board 553 to processor board 503 which, in turn, assigns an appropriate number of credits for play in accordance with the game program. The player may further control the operation of the gaming machine by way of other peripherals 551, for example, to select the amount to wager via electromechanical or touch screen buttons. The game starts in response to the player operating a start mechanism such as a handle or touch screen icon.
The game program includes a random number generator to provide a display of randomly selected indicia on one or more displays. In some embodiments, the random number generator may be physically separate from gaming machine 400. For example, it may be part of a central determination host system which provides random game outcomes to the game program. Thereafter, the player may or may not interact with the game through electromechanical or touch screen buttons to change the displayed indicia. Finally, processor board 503 under control of the game program and OS compares the final display of indicia to a pay table. The set of possible game outcomes may include a subset of outcomes related to the triggering of a feature game. In the event the displayed outcome is a member of this subset, processor board 503, under control of the game program and by way of I/O Board 553, may cause feature game play to be presented on a feature display.
Predetermined payout amounts for certain outcomes, including feature game outcomes, are stored as part of the game program. Such payout amounts are, in response to instructions from processor board 503, provided to the player in the form of coins, credits or currency via I/O board 553 and a pay mechanism, which may be one or more of a credit meter, a coin hopper, a voucher printer, an electronic funds transfer protocol or any other payout means known or developed in the art.
In various embodiments, the game program is stored in a memory device (not shown) connected to or mounted on the gaming motherboard. By way of example, but not by limitation, such memory devices include external memory devices, hard drives, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and flash memory cards. In an alternative embodiment, the game programs are stored in a remote storage device. In one embodiment, the remote storage device is housed in a remote server. The gaming machine may access the remote storage device via a network connection, including but not limited to, a local area network connection, a TCP/IP connection, a wireless connection, or any other means for operatively networking components together. Optionally, other data including graphics, sound files and other media data for use with the EGM are stored in the same or a separate memory device (not shown). Some or all of the game program and its associated data may be loaded from one memory device into another, for example, from flash memory to random access memory (RAM).
In one or more embodiments, peripherals may be connected to the system over Ethernet connections directly to the appropriate server or tied to the system controller inside the EGM using USB, serial or Ethernet connections. Each of the respective devices may have upgrades to their firmware utilizing these connections.
GMU 507 includes an integrated circuit board, a GMU processor, and memory including coding for network communications, such as the G2S (game-to-system) protocol from the Gaming Standards Association, Las Vegas, Nev., used for system communications over the network. As shown, GMU 507 may connect to card reader 555 through bus 557 and may thereby obtain player card information and transmit the information over the network through bus 541. Gaming activity information may be transferred by the EGM Processor Board 503 to GMU 507 where the information may be translated into a network protocol, such as S2S, for transmission to a server, such as a player tracking server, where information about a player's playing activity may be stored in a designated server database.
PID 509 includes an integrated circuit board, PID processor, and memory which includes an operating system, such as Windows CE, a player interface program which may be executable by the PID processor together with various input/output (I/O) drivers for respective devices which connect to PID 509, such as player interface devices 511, and which may further include various games or game components playable on PID 509 or playable on a connected network server and PID 509, which is operable as the player interface. PID 509 connects to card reader 555 through bus 523, display 559 through video decoder 561 and bus 521, such as an LVDS or VGA bus.
As part of its programming, the PID processor executes coding to drive display 559 and provides messages and information to a player. Touch screen circuitry interactively connects display 559 and video decoder 561 to PID 509, such that a player may input information and cause the information to be transmitted to PID 509 either on the player's initiative or responsive to a query by PID 509. Additionally, soft keys 565 connect through bus 517 to PID 509 and operates together with display 559 to provide information or queries to a player and receive responses or queries from the player. PID 509, in turn, communicates over the CMS/SMS network through Ethernet switch 531 and busses 535, 539 and with respective servers, such as a player tracking server.
Player interface devices 511 are linked into the virtual private network of the system components in gaming machine 501. The system components include the iVIEW processing board and game monitoring unit (GMU) processing board. These system components may connect over a network to the slot management system (such as a commercially-available Bally SDS/SMS) and/or casino management system (such as a commercially-available Bally CMP/CMS).
The GMU system component has a connection to the base game through a serial SAS connection and is connected to various servers using, for example, HTTPs over Ethernet. Through this connection, firmware, media, operating system software, or gaming machine configurations can be downloaded to the system components from the servers. This data is authenticated prior to installation on the system components.
The system components include the iVIEW processing board and game monitoring unit (GMU) processing board. The GMU and iVIEW (or other player tracking unit) can be combined into one like the commercially available Bally GTM iVIEW device. This device may have a video mixing technology to mix the EGM processor's video signals with the iVIEW display onto the top box monitor or any monitor on the gaming device.
In accordance with one or more embodiments,
As shown in the example, there are three layers: a hardware layer 605; an operating system layer 610, such as, but not limited to, Linux; and a game kernel layer 600 having game manager 603 therein. In one or more embodiments, the use of a standard operating system 610, such as a UNIX-based or Windows-based operating system, allows game developers interfacing to the gaming kernel to use any of a number of standard development tools and environments available for the operating systems. This is in contrast to the use of proprietary, low-level interfaces which may require significant time and engineering investments for each game upgrade, hardware upgrade, or feature upgrade. The game kernel layer 600 executes at the user level of the operating system 610, and itself contains a major component called the I/O Board Server 615. To properly set the bounds of game application software (making integrity checking easier), all game applications interact with gaming kernel 600 using a single API 602 in game manager 603. This enables game applications to make use of a well-defined, consistent interface, as well as making access points to gaming kernel 600 controlled, where overall access is controlled using separate processes.
For example, game manager 603 parses an incoming command stream and, when a command dealing with I/O comes in (arrow 604), the command is sent to an applicable library routine 612. Library routine 612 decides what it needs from a device, and sends commands to I/O Board Server 615 (see arrow 608). A few specific drivers remain in operating system 610's kernel, shown as those below line 606. These are built-in, primitive, or privileged drivers that are (i) general, (ii) kept to a minimum, and (iii) easier to leave than extract. In such cases, the low-level communications are handled within operating system 610, and the contents are passed to library routines 612.
Thus, in a few cases, library routines may interact with drivers inside operating system 610, which is why arrow 608 is shown as having three directions (between library utilities 612 and I/O Board Server 615, or between library utilities 612 and certain drivers in operating system 610). No matter which path is taken, the logic needed to work with each device is coded into modules in the user layer of the diagram. Operating system 610 is kept as simple, stripped down, and common across as many hardware platforms as possible. The library utilities and user-level drivers change as dictated by the game cabinet or game machine in which it will run. Thus, each game cabinet or game machine may have an industry standard processor board 505 connected to a unique, relatively dumb, and as inexpensive as possible I/O adapter board 540, plus a gaming kernel 600 which will have the game-machine-unique library routines and I/O Board Server 615 components needed to enable game applications to interact with the gaming machine cabinet. Note that these differences are invisible to the game application software with the exception of certain functional differences (i.e., if a gaming cabinet has stereo sound, the game application will be able to make use of API 602 to use the capability over that of a cabinet having traditional monaural sound).
Game manager 603 provides an interface into game kernel 600, providing consistent, predictable, and backwards-compatible calling methods, syntax, and capabilities by way of game application API 602. This enables the game developer to be free of dealing directly with the hardware, including the freedom to not have to deal with low-level drivers as well as the freedom to not have to program lower-level managers 630, although lower-level managers 630 may be accessible through game manager 603's interface 602 if a programmer has the need. In addition to the freedom derived from not having to deal with the hardware level drivers and the freedom of having consistent, callable, object-oriented interfaces to software managers of those components (drivers), game manager 603 provides access to a set of upper level managers 620 also having the advantages of consistent callable, object-oriented interfaces, and further providing the types and kinds of base functionality required in casino-type games. Game manager 603, providing all the advantages of its consistent and richly functional interface 602 as supported by the rest of game kernel 600, thus provides a game developer with a multitude of advantages.
Game manager 603 may have several objects within itself, including an initialization object (not shown). The initialization object performs the initialization of the entire game machine, including other objects, after game manager 603 has started its internal objects and servers in appropriate order. In order to carry out this function, the kernel's configuration manager 621 is among the first objects to be started. The configuration manager 621 has the data needed to initialize and correctly configure other objects or servers.
The upper level managers 620 of game kernel 600 may include game event log manager 622 which provides, at the least, a logging or logger base class, enabling other logging objects to be derived from this base object. The logger object is a generic logger. Otherwise stated, the logger object is not aware of the contents of logged messages and events. The log manager's (622) job is to log events in non-volatile event log space. The size of the space may be fixed, although the size of the logged event is typically not. When the event space or log space fills up, one embodiment deletes the oldest logged event (each logged event has a time/date stamp, as well as other needed information such as length), providing space to record the new event. In this embodiment, the most recent events are found in the log space, regardless of their relative importance. Further provided is the capability to read the stored logs for event review.
In accordance with one embodiment, meter manager 623 manages the various meters embodied in the game kernel 600. This includes the accounting information for the game machine and game play. There are hard meters (counters) and soft meters. The soft meters may be stored in non-volatile storage such as non-volatile battery-backed RAM to prevent loss. Further, a backup copy of the soft meters may be stored in a separate non-volatile storage such as EEPROM. In one embodiment, meter manager 623 receives its initialization data for the meters, during startup, from configuration manager 621. While running, the cash-in (624) and cash-out (625) managers call the meter manager's (623) update functions to update the meters. Meter manager 623 will, on occasion, create backup copies of the soft meters by storing the soft meters' readings in EEPROM. This is accomplished by calling and using EEPROM manager 631.
In accordance with still other embodiments, progressive manager 626 manages progressive games playable from the game machine. Event manager 627 is generic, like log manager 622, and is used to manage various gaming machine events. Focus manager 628 correlates which process has control of various focus items. Tilt manager 632 is an object that receives a list of errors (if any) from configuration manager 621 at initialization, and during game play from processes, managers, drivers, and the like, that may generate errors. A random number generator manager 629 is provided to allow easy programming access to a random number generator (RNG), as an (RNG) is required in virtually all casino-style (gambling) games. The RNG manager 629 includes the capability of using multiple seeds.
In accordance with one or more embodiments, a credit manager object (not shown) manages the current state of credits (cash value or cash equivalent) in the game machine, including any available winnings, and further provides denomination conversion services. Cash out manager 625 has the responsibility of configuring and managing monetary output devices. During initialization, cash out manager 625, using data from configuration manager 621, sets the cash-out devices correctly and selects any selectable cash-out denominations. During play, a game application may post a cash-out event through the event manager 627 (the same way all events are handled), and using a callback posted by cash-out manager 625, and cash-out manager 625 is informed of the event. Cash-out manager 625 updates the credit object, updates its state in non-volatile memory, and sends an appropriate control message to the device manager that corresponds to the dispensing device. As the device dispenses dispensable media, there typically are event messages being sent back and forth between the device and cash-out manager 625 until the dispensing finishes. After the dispensing finishes, the cash-out manager 625, having updated the credit manager and any other game state (such as some associated with meter manager 623) that needs to be updated for this set of actions, sends a cash out completion event to event manager 627 and to the game application thereby. The cash in manager 624 functions similarly to cash out manager 625, addressing requirements for controlling, interfacing, and managing actions associated with cashing in events, cash in devices, and associated meters and crediting.
In a further example, in accordance with one or more embodiments, I/O server 615 may write data to the gaming machine EEPROM memory, which is located in the gaming machine cabinet and holds meter storage that must be kept even in the event of power failure. Game manager 603 calls the I/O library functions to write data to the EEPROM. The I/O server 615 receives the request and starts a low priority EEPROM thread 616 within I/O server 615 to write the data. This thread uses a sequence of an 8-bit command, and data writes to the EEPROM device to write the appropriate data in the proper location within the device. Any errors detected are sent as IPC messages to game manager 603. Preferably, all of this processing is asynchronously performed.
In accordance with one embodiment, button module 617 within I/O server 615, polls (or is sent) the state of buttons every two milliseconds. These inputs are debounced by keeping a history of input samples. Certain sequences of samples are required to detect a button was pressed, in which case the I/O server 615 sends an inter-process communication event to game manager 603 that a button was pressed or released. In some embodiments, the gaming machine may have intelligently distributed I/O which debounces the buttons, in which case button module 617 may be able to communicate with the remote intelligent button processor to retrieve the button events and simply relay them to game manager 603 via IPC messages. In still another embodiment, the I/O library may be used for pay-out requests from the game application. For example, hopper module 618 must start the hopper motor, constantly monitoring the coin sensing lines of the hopper, debounce them, and send an IPC message to the game manager 603 when each coin is paid.
Further details, including disclosure of lower level fault handling and/or processing, are included in U.S. Pat. No. 7,351,151 entitled “Gaming Board Set and Gaming Kernel for Game Cabinets” and provisional U.S. patent application No. 60/313,743, entitled “Form Fitting Upgrade Board Set For Existing Game Cabinets,” filed Aug. 20, 2001; said patent and provisional application are both fully incorporated herein by explicit reference.
Referring to
The various servers and gaming machines 703 may connect to the network with various conventional network connections (such as, for example, USB, serial, parallel, RS485, and Ethernet). Additional servers which may be incorporated with CMS 707 include a responsible gaming limit server (not shown), advertisement server (not shown), and a control station server (not shown) where an operator or authorized personnel may select options and input new programming to adjust each of the respective servers and gaming machines 703. SMS 705 may also have additional servers including a control station (not shown) through which authorized personnel may select options, modify programming, and obtain reports of the connected servers and devices, and obtain reports. The various CMS and SMS servers are descriptively entitled to reflect the functional executable programming stored thereon and the nature of databases is maintained and utilized in performing their respective functions.
Gaming machines 703 include various peripheral components that may be connected with USB, serial, parallel, RS-485 or Ethernet devices/architectures to the system components within the respective gaming machine. The GMU has a connection to the base game through a serial SAS connection. The system components in the gaming cabinet may be connected to the servers using HTTPs or G2S over Ethernet. Using CMS 707 and/or SMS 305 servers and devices, firmware, media, operating systems, and configurations may be downloaded to the system components of respective gaming machines for upgrading or managing floor content and offerings in accordance with operator selections or automatically depending upon CMS 707 and SMS 705 master programming. The data and programming updates to gaming machines 703 are authenticated using conventional techniques prior to installation on the system components.
In various embodiments, any of the gaming machines 703 may be a mechanical reel spinning slot machine, video slot machine, video poker machine, video bingo machine, keno machine, or a gaming machine offering one or more of the above-described games including an interactive wheel feature. Alternately, gaming machines 703 may provide a game with an accumulation-style feature game as one of a set of multiple primary games selected for play by a random number generator, as described above. A gaming system of the type described above also allows a plurality of games in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention to be linked under the control of a group game server (not shown) for cooperative or competitive play in a particular area, carousel, casino or between casinos located in geographically separate areas. For example, one or more examples of group games under the control of a group game server are disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/938,079, entitled “Networked System and Method for Group Gaming,” filed on Nov. 9, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention.
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