Detailed Description
I. Introduction to the design reside in
[0028] Some embodiments described herein overcome various disadvantages of the prior art by allowing users and/or third parties to remotely plan and/or define various aspects of gaming and/or betting experiences. In some embodiments, a user may customize the look and feel of a gaming device prior to visiting a casino. He may also select a preferred game, a preferred pay table, a preferred odds, a percentage win, etc. According to some embodiments, the player, user, and/or third party may also or alternatively set, select, and/or define game limits (e.g., to prevent, manage, and/or combat problem gambling).
[0029] For example, in some embodiments, the user and/or a third party may remotely select a wagering system that prevents or limits the user's ability to wager and/or chase a lottery game at the casino in one or more ways. For example, in some embodiments, a user may remotely record a preference that limits the total amount of wagers that the user may make at a casino within a given time period.
[0030] In some embodiments, the user and/or third party may remotely select a wagering system that allocates winnings to predetermined accounts, increases or decreases the rate of pull-down (handle pull) based on the outcome of the game, and so on. The remote selection wagering system may, for example, allow the user to follow a predetermined game strategy, avoiding enticing deviations while at the slot machine.
[0031] In some embodiments, the user may associate friends, relatives, and/or other acquaintances with his gambling vacation. In some embodiments, the user may identify a group of people who are to share his winnings. The user can then start his vacation with a good wish from all those who benefit from his results. In some embodiments, the user may remotely submit the friend's email address so that it is readily available to him at his destination casino. The user may then email his friends when he wins. In some embodiments, the user may also set up an account remotely on a casino server or a particular slot machine, receive an email address for his account, and then let his friends and relatives know where they can contact him.
[0032] In some embodiments, the user and/or third party may remotely set up (e.g., arrange, indicate limits associated with) the available credit line so that he does not need to carry large amounts of cash to the casino or have to deal with the available credit application on vacation. In some embodiments, the user may be presented and may accept marketing commitments (and thus agree to fulfill any associated obligations) as casino retail discounts, coupons, comp program points, free game availability credits, and/or insurance against gambling losses. In some embodiments, the user may arrange to receive marketing offers at the casino. The user may then choose whether to accept the marketing offer depending on how much he has won or lost at the casino.
[0033] In some embodiments, the user may remotely configure the user interface to the gaming device. When the user is subsequently present at the gaming device, he may benefit from using an area on the touch screen that allows him to make his favorite bet, order his favorite drink, accept offers from marketers, and so forth. Further, certain options (e.g., game options, game features, wager amounts, pay lines, contracted game options, payout processing options) may be disabled or modified in the event that the user and/or third party has limited the player's gaming capabilities in one or more ways. For example, certain options may be removed from the user interface or display, or otherwise disabled (e.g., dimmed, "grayed out," etc.).
[0034] In some embodiments, the user may remotely specify the bonus or gift he desires. The user can remotely submit his intended itinerary including how long he is to wait at the destination, how much he is to game, where he is to have meals, etc. The user may then receive marketing offers based on their intent.
[0035] In some embodiments, a user may remotely select a method for documenting a casino's travel. He may ask the casino to use his security camera to take a picture of him when he has won the jackpot. He may request that the casino save the results of a particular spin on the slot machine for later reproduction. If the user wants to have his vacation documented in a consistent manner, the user may then be motivated to spend most of his time at the casino.
[0036] In some embodiments, the central controller is in communication with a plurality of user devices, a plurality of casino servers, and a plurality of marketer devices. In some embodiments, the central controller may be operated by an entity other than the casino, such as a governmental entity (e.g., regulatory agency; judicial personnel or agents), commercial or non-commercial service (e.g., non-profit organization, such as the national issue gambling committee). The casino server, in turn, typically communicates with a plurality of casino devices, including gaming devices.
[0037] In some embodiments, prior to visiting the casino, the user and/or third party may log into a website hosted by the central processor. On the website, the user and/or third party may prepare for the user's casino trip by entering gaming device configurations, selecting wagering systems, selecting a group of friends to share in a profit, limiting gaming activities, and/or by making or using other aspects described herein. The central controller may then associate all data defining the user's preparation with a preparation code or user identification such as the user's name, player tracking card number, and/or the player's biological data, and store the user's preparation data, for example, in a preparation database, and the user identification in a user database. When the user subsequently visits the casino (and/or other gaming establishment), the user may submit his user identification and/or preparation code to any gaming device and/or casino device. The device may then contact the central controller through the casino server and may receive the user's provisioning data. The casino device may then modify its operation based on the provisioning data. For example, the casino device may execute software for a game that the user has selected, or may rotate the reels at a speed that the user has selected. In addition, the casino device may prevent or limit some or all gaming activities performed by the user at one or more gaming devices.
[0038] Likewise, once the user has submitted his user identification to the first casino device, the other casino devices may act upon the user's readiness data. For example, if a user has requested that he be photographed when he wins any prize of one thousand dollars ($1000) or more, the security camera may be focused on the user when he wins any such prize. Further, if the user has previously commanded the central controller that he does not want to spend more than one hundred dollars ($100) in a given week, the casino server and/or one or more other gaming devices may track the user's wager and prevent play on one or more gaming devices once the user has wagered or lost one hundred dollars ($ 100).
[0039] In some embodiments, the central controller and the casino server comprise the same device. In such a case, the combined central controller/server may communicate with casino devices at multiple casinos, or, in some embodiments, may communicate with casino devices at only a single casino. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to configure the central controller/server to communicate with casino devices at multiple casinos so that a user (e.g., at a casino device) may be restricted or prevented from gaming according to rules previously registered by the user and/or a third party. For example, the user may register his preferences for the hosting website through the central controller/server that limit his gaming behavior in a given month. When the user wants to visit one or more casinos within the month, the central controller/server can track the gaming activity of the user at the various gaming devices and can instruct the casino service area and/or gaming devices to limit the ability of the user to play as initially requested. The ability to play by users having a propensity to actually or perceptually force play may thus be limited at the participating casino (e.g., a casino in a given state jurisdiction).
[0040] According to some embodiments, the gaming device may be customized on the internet by the player and/or a third party. By logging into the central controller, a game type menu and a range of potential customization options, such as game limits, may be provided to the player and/or third party. After providing the customization data, the player may provide or give the player a customization code that can be entered into any slot machine to reconfigure the machine with the stored customization. For example, a user may log onto the Internet through a personal computer and access a casino website to customize a slot machine. The user may select from several game types (e.g., poker-wild, jack or better, video reel, three reel, five reel, video poker, blackjack, etc.) and proceed to configure the game as he or she likes. For example, the user may set a default game denomination, game start point, rules for making automatic game decisions, game rules, color schemes, help levels, award frequencies, award durations, reel rotation speeds, font sizes and/or fonts, currency type, sound type, volume level, language, currency, pay structure, pay amount, pay options, team options, presentation format, jackpot probability, total dollar limit on wagers in a given period of time, total time limit on wagers in a given period of time, total number of allowed "make" to the gaming establishment over a period of time (e.g., a player residing locally at the casino may wager on the casino in as many as three (3) days of every seven (7) calendar days), and so forth. After customization is complete, the user may be provided with a customized code, or he may provide a customized code (e.g., a player tracking card identification and/or a biometric identification). When the user arrives at the casino and is seated at the slot machine, he enters his customization code (e.g., inserts a player tracking card and/or scans a fingerprint) and the games and/or devices reconfigure themselves to the customization previously provided by the user.
[0041]In some embodiments, information about the user may be used to provide targeted advertising and/or targeted marketing offers to the user. For example, a user may log into a central controller (i.e., a custom website) and answer a series of questions about himself. For example, he may identify his age, gender, whether he has a family, the type of magazine he purchases, whether he has any children, whether he has any stock investments, his blood pressure and cholesterol levels, his education level, the identity of his long distance carrier, and so on. The answers to these questions may be stored along with the associated custom code and transmitted to the casino server. When the user arrives at the casino and plays while seated on the gaming device, he enters his custom code, which is then transmitted to the casino server. During the gaming phase, if it is determined that the marketing offer provides the player with a marketing offer, the marketing response is retrieved and used to better target the marketing offer. For example if the player is already an MCIThe customer, then, can skip long distance service from the AT with another offer&TGo to MCIThe promise of (1).
[0042] In some embodiments, the casino may store customized information about the players. For example, if the player is a frequent gambler, the casino may activate a bonus payout percentage of two percent (2%) instead of the more typical one percent (1%). In some embodiments, instead of logging into the central controller, the player may log directly into the casino server or slot machine. The connection may be through the internet or through a direct dial/WAN connection. Customization data may be provided as described herein. In this embodiment, the player may have the ability to retrieve information about his game from the casino. The player may provide his player tracking identification (and possibly a security-oriented PIN code) to gain access to his account. The player may also check how much he has won for purposes such as IRS tax return.
[0043] These and other advantages and features of the present invention, which will become apparent hereinafter, will more clearly be understood by reference to the following detailed description, appended claims and the several drawings included and described herein.
[0044] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments which may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural, logical, software, and/or electrical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0045] Applicants have generally recognized that there is a need for a system and method that allows a user to quickly and easily locate an appropriate gaming device without having to search through thousands of other gaming devices. One particular benefit to users of the embodiments described herein is that once the custom code or the ready code is rendered, the user may have the ability to cause the gaming device to instantaneously conform to their individual player preferences. The user does not need to waste time to be arduous and arduous for the game device in the casino, but actually takes time to play the game. A second benefit to the user is that marketing offers presented through the gaming device may be targeted and much more controlled, resulting in less time wasted by the user having to reject inappropriate or uninteresting offers. Further, using the embodiments described herein, the user can greatly extend the excitement of the game vacation. The user has the opportunity to establish expectations in advance of the vacation by planning multiple aspects in advance. He can test various gaming device configurations to find the one that is correct. He may make his friends relevant (involved) by signing them as if he won. He may arrange for luck or emotional value (e.g., a picture of the pet) to symbolize his presence at the gaming device. On the other hand, the user may also continue the holiday's excitement by reviewing scrapbooks (scrapbooks) and other mementos when the user's trip is documented by the casino. The user has the opportunity to optimize his game conditions and other aspects of his vacation without wasting valuable time during the vacation. For example, the user may effect a determination of a good configuration for the gaming device, and/or a determination of where to find a gaming device that supports the configuration in Las Vegas.
[0046] Applicants have also generally recognized that there is a need for a system and method that allows a user or other third party to flexibly customize rules that prevent or limit some or all of the gaming activities of one or more players at one or more gaming devices of one or more casinos. Current self-exclusion list regimes take an "all or nothing" approach by completely prohibiting volunteered included individuals at all casinos in a given jurisdiction. That is, the self-exclusion list approach assumes that forced or problem gambling is not of a degree. The effect of such an overly wide constraint on the game is to completely prevent play by players who may be able to play safely or not compulsively in certain games, at certain limits, at certain times, etc., and such an overly limit the potential for casino profit. Such self-exclusion mechanisms also appear to be inapplicable to other gaming environments, such as arcade(s) and/or any kind of online game. Thus, embodiments described herein provide players with flexibility in limiting or preventing their play at one or more games, devices, and/or casinos.
[0047] Applicants have also generally recognized a need for a system and method that allows a player who has discovered and/or perceived (e.g., suspected by a third party) a gambling problem to receive reminders and guidance regarding wagering activities at a substantially simultaneous time as the gaming device is played. Accordingly, disclosed herein are systems and methods that allow a player who has discovered and/or perceived a gambling problem to receive reminders and guidance regarding wagering activities at a substantially simultaneous time as the game playing device.
[0048] Applicants have also generally recognized a need for a system and method that allows a player who has discovered and/or perceived a gambling problem to communicate with a third party (e.g., family, friends, consultants, lenders, creditors, etc.) regarding a gambling activity at a substantially simultaneous time as the gaming device is played. Accordingly, disclosed herein are systems and methods that allow a player who has discovered and/or perceived a gambling problem to communicate with a third party (e.g., family, friends, consultants, etc.) regarding gambling activities at a substantially simultaneous time as the gaming device is played. Communication between the player and a third party who has found and/or perceived the problem of the game may serve to mitigate the problem wagering activity (e.g., the problem gambler receives a suggestion to "slow down").
[0049] Some embodiments may provide many benefits to various entities. Some benefits to casinos and/or other gaming entities include, for example: (i) if the player does not find their preferred gaming machine, the player is no longer away from the casino; (ii) players play longer when the gaming machine is configured for their needs; (iii) the player accepts more marketing offers when the marketing offers are more targeted; (iv) casinos that allow a user to plan and optimize his experience at the casino are very likely to obtain a large share of the user's business; (v) when a casino documents a user's vacation, it is more likely that the user will remain in the casino, so that his vacation is documented in a consistent manner; (vi) when the marketer funds a portion of the user's gaming activity, the user tends to play more, providing more profits for the casino; (vii) (viii) a user profiling a vacation may present the profiling to friends, establish new consumers for the casino, and/or (viii) the casino may benefit from the ability to allow players (and/or third parties associated therewith) who find and/or feel gambling problems to flexibly customize rules for wagering activities (e.g., as opposed to completely disabling such players).
[0050]Some benefits to gaming device manufacturing and/or other entities include, for example: (i) it is valuable and useful to obtain player customization information when developing new gaming devices, and (ii) manufacturers will sell more customization software for gaming devices. Some benefits to the marketer are that the marketer can better target offers to the user when the user submits information about himself, his intentions, his desires, and his concerns. For example, if the user says he is MercedesThe owner, then the marketer, may attempt to sell items of a high level of consumption to the user. If the user is concerned about losing more than forty dollars ($40), the marketer may offer to compensate the user's loss for more than forty dollars ($40) in return for the user's business. Some embodiments allow the user to select a specific type of offer he would like to consider from the marketer, making the work of the marketer easier.
Terms and definitions
[0051] Throughout the following description, the following terms may include the meanings provided in this section, unless otherwise specified. These terms and descriptive meanings are provided to clarify language selected to describe embodiments in both the specification and the appended claims.
[0052] The terms "product", "good", "goods (merchandis)" and "service" shall be synonymous and may refer to any licensed, leased, sold, available for sale, available for lease, available for license and/or offered or displayed for sale, lease or license, including packaging of products, ordering of products, appointments, information, services and non-things.
[0053] The term "merchant" may refer to an entity that may offer (either to a consumer or on behalf of others) to sell, rent, and/or license one or more products to a consumer or to another merchant. For example, a merchant may include a sales channel, an individual, a company, a manufacturer, a distributor, a direct sale, a reseller, and/or a retailer. Merchants may trade in buildings including stores, markets, shopping centers, and warehouses, and/or they may trade by a variety of additional methods, including mail order catalogs, vending machines, online websites, and/or through telemarketing. Note that the producer or manufacturer may choose not to sell directly to the consumer, and in such a case, the retailer may act as a sales channel for the producer or producer.
[0054] The terms "player" and "user" shall be generally synonymous and may refer to any person or entity that operates a user device, gaming device (e.g., a gaming device such as a slot machine), and/or user terminal.
[0055]The term "gaming device" or "gaming machine" may refer to any electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, and/or other device associated with providing, facilitating, presenting, executing, and/or displaying a game. For example, in a gaming environment, such devices may facilitate accepting wagers, may follow a process to generate a outcome, and/or may be based on the outcomeAnd paying for wins. The outcome may be randomly generated, such as in the case of a slot machine; may be generated by a combination of random and user skill, such as in the case of video poker; or may be generated entirely by the skill of the user. The gaming devices may include any gaming device and/or system, including slot machines, video poker machines, video bingo machines, video roulette machines, video keno machines, video blackjack machines, arcade games, video lottery terminals, online gaming systems, body lottery machines, game consoles, personal computers logged into an online gaming website, and the like. Gaming devices and gaming machines may also include "smart" table technology or electronic devices designed to assist casinos in administering table games such as blackjack and poker1. The gaming device may or may not be owned and/or maintained by the casino and/or may not be present within the casino location.
(1Typically, such "smart table" devices are designed to ensure safe and cheatless table game play by providing accurate betting, accounting, and card tracking data to the dealer. For example, Shuffle MasterTMProducing Intelligent Shoe for preventing fraud by tracking card dealing dataA series of dealing shoes and a sorter. Similarly, from progressive gamingTMTablelink ofThe system uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to track chip information for table games, primarily for accurate game accounting. These systems can summarize information specific to individual players, including the total amount wagered in a given time period, player wager decisions, and banker decisions during the player phase. In addition to facilitating non-cheating games, such systems are also used by casinos to supervise gifting (bonus) programs. )
[0056] The term "casino device" may refer to any electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, and/or other device operable to be used in a casino and/or to interact with persons at the casino. These may include, for example, user devices, I/O devices, gaming devices, and/or personal computers located at hotel check-in stations, chip redemption stations, casino gaming areas (pits), etc. Casino devices may also include devices such as security cameras, elevators, music systems, guest room television, telephones, beds, mini bars, door locks, chairs, point of sale terminals, and the like.
[0057] The term "casino" may refer to the owner and/or operator of the gaming device, an agent of the owner and/or operator, and/or any entity that may benefit from a player using the gaming device. Casinos may include, for example, casino properties, resort casinos, casino hotels, amusement hubs and/or other gaming companies and/or entities.
[0058] The term "casino location" may refer to a physical geographic venue, complex, or building in which the gaming devices owned and/or operated by the casino are located. In the case of an online casino, the casino location may refer to an address (e.g., a Uniform Resource Locator (URL)) of an online casino website or facility.
[0059] The term "pull down" may refer to a single game on a gaming device. In some embodiments, a draw may refer to a single round of a complete game (or hand), or in other embodiments, the term may refer to a game associated with a single wager. For example, in video blackjack, a user may play a single game in which he splits a pair of seven, requiring additional wagers. The single game may be considered to include one or two pulls. Multiple pulls may generally define a game "session," but "session" may also or alternatively refer to a single bet, hand, pull, and/or hand.
[0060] The terms "central controller" and "controller" should be synonymous and may refer to any device that may communicate with one or more casino servers, one or more casino devices, one or more gaming devices, one or more third party service provider servers, one or more remote controllers, one or more player devices, and/or one or more other network nodes, and may have the capability to relay communications to and from each other.
[0061] The terms "user terminal" and "remote controller" may be generally synonymous and may refer to any device that may communicate with one or more central controllers, one or more casino servers, one or more casino devices, one or more gaming devices, one or more third party service provider servers, one or more player devices, and/or other network nodes. For example, the user terminal may include a pager, a personal digital assistant, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a telephone (e.g., a cellular telephone), a kiosk, an automated teller machine, a gaming device, a gaming console, and/or a vending machine. They may be used to access configuration selection programs, to execute such programs (in whole or in part), and/or to configure gaming devices. They may include facilities to support secure communications using encryption and the like.
[0062] The terms "player device" and "user device" should be synonymous and may refer to any device owned by a user or consumer that is capable of accessing and/or displaying online and/or offline content. The player devices may communicate with one or more central controllers, one or more casino servers, one or more casino devices, one or more gaming devices, one or more third party service provider servers, one or more user terminals, and/or other network nodes. In some embodiments, the player devices may include, for example, gaming devices, personal computers, personal digital assistants, point-of-sale terminals, point-of-display terminals, kiosks, telephones, cellular telephones, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), pagers, and combinations of these devices. They may be used to access configuration or preference selection programs, to execute such programs (in whole or in part), and/or to configure gaming devices.
[0063] The term "input device" may refer to a device used to receive input. The input device may be in communication with or part of another device (e.g., a point-of-sale terminal, a point-of-display terminal, a user terminal, a server, a player server, a gaming device, a controller, etc.). Some embodiments of the input device include: a barcode scanner, a magnetic stripe reader, a computer keyboard, a point-of-sale terminal keyboard, a touch screen, a microphone, an infrared sensor, a sonar rangefinder, a computer port, a video camera, a motion detector, a digital camera, a network card, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, a GPS receiver, an RFID receiver, an RF receiver, a thermometer, a pressure sensor, a biological device (e.g., a fingerprint reader, an iris reader, a local facial pattern recognizer/reader), and/or a scale or mass balance.
[0064]In one embodiment, a suitable fingerprint reader for use herein comprises FujitsuAn MBF200 scanner, Tacoma Technology, Inc, by taipei, taiwan.TMAnd Fujitsu Microelectronics America, Inc, Tokyo, Japan.TMAnd (4) manufacturing. FujitsuThe MBF200 scanner provides a resolution of five hundred dots per inch (500dpi), an image capture area of 12.8x15mm (0.5 "x 0.6"), and a cell size of 60 x 40 x15mm (2.4 "x 1.6" x 0.6 "). FujitsuThe MBF200 scanner may communicate with the gaming machine processor through a USB interface. FujitsuMBF200 scanners may be desirable in embodiments where the gaming machine processor is commanded by a Linux-based operating system. In FujitsuIn embodiments characterized by MBF200, fingerprint matching software may be employed. Exemplary fingerprint matching software includes neurotechnija, Ltd from vale, littora.TMVeriFinger ofTM4.2。
[0065]In another embodiment, a suitable fingerprint reader comprises AuthenTec, Inc, of melbourne, florida.TMAF-S2finger LonglocTM。AF-S2FingerLocTMA resolution of two hundred fifty dots per inch (500dpi), an image capture area of 13 x 13mm (0.51 "x 0.51"), and a cell size of 24 x 24 x 3.5mm (0.94 "x 0.94" x 0.14 ") are provided. AF-S2finger LonglocTMMay communicate with the gaming machine processor through a USB interface. AF-S2finger LonglocTMWherein the application of the composition is based on MicrosoftWindowsMay be desirable in embodiments where the operating system commands the gaming machine processor. In the field of application of AF-S2finger locTMIn a featured embodiment, fingerprint matching software may be employed. Exemplary fingerprint matching software includes neurotechnija, Ltd from vale, littora.TMVeriFinger ofTM4.2。
[0066] The term "output device" may refer to a device for outputting information. The output device may be in communication with or part of another device (e.g., a gaming device, a point-of-sale terminal, a point-of-display terminal, a player device, a merchant device, a controller, etc.). Possible output devices include: a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitor, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen, a Light Emitting Diode (LED) screen, a printer, an audio speaker, an Infrared Radiation (IR) emitter, and/or an RF emitter. The term "I/O device" may refer to any combination of input and/or output devices.
[0067] The term "frequent customer card" may refer to a device capable of storing information about consumers that are customers. The information may include identification information. The information may also report shopping history information. The frequent customer card may be machine readable, for example, through a point of sale (POS) terminal. According to some embodiments, the frequent shopper card may store configuration information customized for the gaming device.
[0068] The term "player tracking card" refers to a device that is capable of storing information about consumers that are casinos and/or game players. Typically, the player tracking card is accessible by a magnetic card reader operated by the gaming device or casino personnel. The information stored in the player tracking card may include identification information as well as financial information (e.g., number of remaining game credits available). The card is machine readable, for example, by a gaming device. According to some embodiments, the player tracking card may store configuration information customized to the gaming device.
[0069] The term "ATM card" may refer to a device that may have the ability to store information about a consumer that is a bank consumer. The information may include identification information and bank account information. The ATM card may be machine readable by an ATM. According to some embodiments, the ATM card may store configuration information customized for the gaming device.
[0070] The term "configuration" may refer to one or more feature values, preferences, limitations, authorization, accessibility rules, and/or selections for operation of a gaming device or other device.
[0071] The term "customized configuration" may refer to a configuration designed or selected by a player and/or designed or selected for a particular player by a player and/or by a third party such as a relative, friend, advisor, judicial, insurer, creditor, employer, manager, or the like.
[0072] The term "configuration data" may refer to customized configuration and/or information that a device may use to configure itself or another device. In some embodiments, configuration data may refer to information about a player that may be useful to a casino or a third party that may attempt to configure a gaming device for the player to some extent. For example, a marketing company may use information about a player to create targeted advertisements that may be configured to be presented to the player through a gaming device. In another embodiment, the regulatory agency and/or casino may use information about the player to limit the player's ability to wager more than a certain amount of money in a given time period (e.g., the player may be prevented from gaming more than five dollars ($5) per day).
[0073] The term "preparation data" may refer to any data received from or associated with a user that describes a user's expectations, cravings, intentions, wishes, concerns, habits, impulsions, problems, addictions, anxiety, diagnoses, preferences and/or plan in connection with his or her playing and/or gaming experience or game vacation. In some embodiments, the preparation data may include information (and/or profiling) useful (and/or desirable) in addressing a user's concerns and/or meeting a user's desires, cravings, intentions, desires, and/or plans. For example, the provisioning data may include work products (e.g., completed questionnaires) that the user has generated in exchange for coupons from marketing survey companies that are free meals for casino restaurants that the user is intending to eat. In another embodiment, the preparation data may include answers to questions that have been provided to the user through an online user interface (e.g., a web page) regarding the user's preferences and/or gaming limitations (e.g., the user may indicate through the web page that the gaming device wants the gaming device to prevent him from spending more than two hundred dollars per month ($ 200/month)) for the gaming activity. In some embodiments, the readiness number may also include configuration data.
[0074] The preparation data may generally include at least two types of data, such as "preference preparation data" and/or "game rule preparation data". The preference preparation data may generally include, for example, preparation data relating to and/or associated with customization of preference-related features of the gaming device (e.g., screen size, color, game type, etc.). Game rule (and/or game limit) preparation data may generally include preparation data associated with setting limits and/or constraints on game behavior and/or a player's abilities
[0075] The terms "custom code" and "preparation code" should be synonymous and may refer to a code used to identify a set of stored or otherwise identifiable preparation data (which may include user preferences, game rules or restrictions, and other configuration data). In some embodiments, the customized code may be a player tracking card number or other unique or substantially unique identification (e.g., identification number; biometric data, such as iris data, fingerprint data, local facial data, etc.) of the player. In some embodiments, the custom code may include the actual preparation data and/or the address of the preparation data (or a pointer thereto). The pointer to the preparation data can be used, for example, to indicate where in the read-only memory of the casino device the predefined preparation data for the casino device can be found. In another embodiment, a pointer to the provisioning data may be used to indicate where configuration data corresponding to a particular user may be found within the memory of the casino server.
[0076] The term "feature" may refer to various aspects of the operation of a gaming (or other) device, or the user's experience with a gaming (or other) device. The various characteristics may include reel speed, payout percentage, or contrast on a video screen of the slot machine. Further, various features may include restrictions or rules governing for one or more particular users the types of wagers that may be allowed (e.g., which paylines may be activated on a slot machine; maximum wager amount per pull-down), (ii) maximum net wager amount per time period, (iii) maximum net loss amount per time period, (iv) maximum net profit amount per time period, (v) maximum rate of pull-down that may be allowed, (vi) maximum time period for which one or more gaming machines may be operable (e.g., from triggering a pull-down), (vii) maximum number of pull-downs allowed per time period, (viii) days and/or hours for which one or more gaming machines may be operable, (ix) funding sources that may be used to wager (e.g., a player may play with only a stored value or debit card; after a threshold amount of cash has been placed, some players may only play with "won" money), (x) the types of games that may be allowed (e.g., slot-only games; all games except video poker); (xi) The identity or type of gaming machine that may or may not be allowed (e.g., only on machine number "1234651"; only on slot machines with a denomination of twenty-five cents ($ 0.25)), and/or (xii) any other gaming attributes. Other features are contemplated as discussed herein. A group of features put together represents a configuration for a gaming device.
[0077] The terms "gambling insurance policy," "gambling insurance," and "gambling insurance contract (contract)" shall be generally synonymous and may refer to an agreement between a user and a casino, and/or between a user and an insurer having some or all of the following specifications: (i) the user pays a fixed amount for the insurance provider in advance; (ii) the user has to pull down for a predetermined number of times, not a few; (iii) the user does not have to pay any additional money after purchasing the game insurance agreement; (iv) after all pulldowns have been completed, the user retains any net profit; (v) if the user has a net loss after the pull down has been completed, the amount of loss is paid out by the insurer to the casino and returned to the player. There are many possible variations of these provisions, and additional provisions are possible. The game insurance contract can ensure that the user is confronted with excessive losses and can give the user more dropdowns than would otherwise be possible for the game insurance contract price. Also, because no additional user decision may be required after the user has purchased the game insurance contract, the user need not be present for the performance of the contract.
[0078] The term "contract" may include game insurance contracts and/or game contracts in which a fixed number of pull-down or pull-down "blocks" and/or an amount or time "block" are purchased at a single price. In some embodiments, these drop-down "blocks" may be referred to as "game phases" (sessions).
[0079] The terms "playcircle" and "playcircle" shall be generally synonymous and may refer to a group of people at least one of whom plays or plays a game and whose members receive revenue based on the gambler/player's outcome. For example, the user may go to Las Vegas, while several friends remain in the user's hometown. The user can sign the friend as part of the user's playcircle. In some embodiments, the friend may then receive the percentage of any jackpot won by the user.
System III
[0080] An exemplary embodiment of a system 100A is depicted in fig. 1A. According to some embodiments, the system 100A may include one or more casino servers 112, 114 (examples of which are depicted in fig. 3) over a network (e.g., the internet 104) or over another communication connection; one or more user terminals 106, 108, 110 (an embodiment of which is depicted in fig. 4); and/or one or more marketer devices 128, 130 (an embodiment of which is depicted in fig. 6) of the central controller 102 (an embodiment of which is depicted in fig. 2) in one or two-way communication. The casino servers 112, 114, in turn, communicate with one or more gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126 (embodiments of which are depicted in FIG. 5), respectively. Although not depicted, other casino devices other than gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126 may be connected to the casino servers 112, 114 and in communication with (and/or controlled by) the central controller 102. The devices depicted in fig. 1A as being directly connected together may also or alternatively be connected by a network (e.g., local area network, internet 104) and/or by another communication link.
[0081] In operation, the central controller 102 may function under the control of a casino, merchant, or other entity (e.g., non-profit organization, advisor, justice, insurance carrier, creditor, manager) that may also control, in whole or in part, the use of the gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126. For example, central controller 102 may be a server in a merchant network. In some embodiments, the central controller 102 and the casino servers 112, 114 may comprise the same device.
[0082] Referring to fig. 1B, an alternative system 100B according to some embodiments also includes one or more third party service provider servers 118. Third party service provider server 118 may also communicate with central controller 102 in one or two directions. However, as shown in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1B, a third party service provider server 118 may be disposed between the central controller 102 and the user terminals 106, 108, 110. Alternatively, the third party service provider server 118 may be disposed between the central controller 102 and the casino servers 112, 114.
[0083] A notable difference between the two alternative embodiments depicted in fig. 1A and 1B is that system 100B includes a third party service provider server 118, which third party service provider server 118 may be operable by an entity other than operation center controller 102 and/or an entity physically remote from the entity operating center controller 102. In operation, third party service provider server 118 may perform the methods described herein by sending a signal to central controller 102 to be relayed to user terminals 106, 108, 110. For example, a marketing company may operate a third-party service provider server 118 in communication with a slot machine manufacturing company server (functioning as the central controller 102) to provide marketing offers to players based on player information gathered through the user terminals 106, 108, 110, marketer devices 128, 130, and/or gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126. In another embodiment, an entity interested in facilitating the limiting or preventing of one or more players' games (e.g., a government agency) may operate third party service provider server 118 to receive provisioning data (e.g., game rules provisioning data) from user terminals 106, 108, 110 and/or from another device. In system 100A, the functionality of third party service provider server 118 may be incorporated into central controller 102 and/or another device.
[0084] Another difference between these two embodiments relates to the physical topology between systems 100A and 100B. In both depicted embodiments, each node may securely communicate with each other node in the system 100A, 100B through, for example, a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Thus, all nodes may be logically connected. However, system 100B may allow third-party service provider server 118 to optionally act as a single gateway between nodes that would normally be under control of one or more casinos (and players within a casino location) and other nodes in system 100B (i.e., nodes that may be operated by players outside of the casino location). In some embodiments, the centralization, security, and control that naturally results from this topology may be useful in monitoring player usage of the systems 100A, 100B to make such determinations as which are ready to be most popular or how many users are currently actively planning or preparing to visit the casino. Further, in some embodiments, marketer devices 128, 130 may be connected to system 100B via the internet 104 rather than directly to the central controller 102. This would physically locate them at the "public" site of the third party service provider server 118 gateway and, for example, allow for a much more secure network at the "private" site of the third party service provider server 118 gateway.
[0085] In some embodiments, the casino servers 112, 114 may each be controlled by a different casino (and/or other gaming entity). The central controller 102 may be operated by an entity that uses the systems 100A, 100B to, for example, command the casino to limit or prevent one or more players' gaming activities, in accordance with instructions from one or more players and/or other parties (e.g., family members, friends, managers, justicers, insurers, creditors, and consultants). The central controller 102 may also or alternatively be operated by an entity that uses the system 100B to, for example, ship players to different casinos. If a third party service provider server 118 is present, it may be operated by an unrelated entity that merely allows the operator of central controller 102 access to players who are operating user terminals 106, 108, 110 or gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126. Thus, in such exemplary embodiments, the system 100A, 100B may include a plurality of casinos (operating the casino servers 112, 114, 116), merchants (operating the central controller 102) such as the consumer acquisition service, merchant customers (operating the marketer devices 128, 130) of the consumer acquisition service, third party network operators (operating the third party service provider server 118), and users (operating the user terminals 106, 108, 110 and gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126). In an alternative embodiment, the casino may directly operate the combined central controller/casino servers 102, 112, 114, and the systems 100A, 100B may include only the casino and the user.
[0086] In both embodiments depicted in fig. 1A and 1B, communication between the central controller 102, casino servers 112, 114, user terminals 106, 108, 110, gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, marketer devices 128, 130 and/or third party service provider server 118 may be direct and/or via a network (e.g., the internet 104).
[0087]Referring to both fig. 1A and 1B, each of the central controller 102 (third party service provider server 118 of fig. 1B), the casino servers 112, 114, gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, marketer devices 128, 130, user terminals 106, 108, 110 may, for example, comprise computers adapted to communicate with each other, such as those based on IntelA computer of a processor. Any number of third party service provider servers 118, casino servers 112, 114, gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, marketer devices 128, 130, and/or user terminals 106, 108, 110 may be in communication with the central controller 102. Further, the user terminals 106, 108, 110 may be in one-way or two-way communication with the casino servers 112, 114, marketer devices 128, 130, and/or gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, either directly or indirectly. Central controller 10 2, the third party service provider server 118, the casino servers 112, 114, the gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, the marketer devices 128, 130, and/or the user terminals 106, 108, 110 may be physically proximate to each other or geographically remote from each other, respectively. As described herein, central controller 102, third party service provider server 118, casino servers 112, 114, gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, marketer devices 128, 130, and/or user terminals 106, 108, 110 may include input devices 202, 302, 402, 412, 502, 510, 512, 602, 610, 700, 800 and output devices 202, 302, 402, 408, 502, 508, 602, 608, 700, 800, respectively.
[0088] As indicated, communication between the central controller 102, third party service provider server 118, casino servers 112, 114, gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, marketer devices 128, 130, and/or user terminals 106, 108, 110 may be direct or indirect, such as through an Internet Protocol (IP) network, e.g., the Internet 104, an intranet (intranet), or an extranet (extranet) of a website maintained by the central controller 102 (and/or third party service provider server 118) on a remote server, or through an online data network including commercial online service providers, bulletin board systems, routers, gateways, and the like. In some embodiments, the nodes may communicate with each other over local area networks including ethernet, token ring, etc., RF communications, IR communications, microwave communications, cable television systems, satellite links, WANs, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks, Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN), other wireless networks, and so forth.
[0089] Devices that are in communication with each other need not be continuously transmitting to each other. Instead, the devices need only communicate with each other when necessary, and can actually avoid exchanging data most of the time. For example, a device communicating with another device over the internet 104 may not transmit data to the other device for weeks at a time.
[0090]Central controller 102 (and/or third party service provider server 118) may function as a rendering and/or production webThe role of a "web server" of pages, which are documents stored on computers connected to the internet that are accessible over the world wide web using protocols such as the hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP). These documents typically include one or more hypertext markup voice (HTML) files, associated graphics, and script files. The network server allows communication with the central controller 102 in a manner known in the art. The gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126 and user terminals 106, 108, 110 may use a web browser (e.g., a Web browser)Disclosed is) Access HTML forms generated or maintained by or on behalf of central controller 102 and/or third party service provider server 118.
[0091]As indicated, any or all of the central controller 102, third party service provider server 118, casino servers 112, 114, gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, marketer devices 128, 130, and/or user terminals 106, 108, 110 may include, for example, a processor-based cash register, a telephone, such as a Missing Link Interactive Voice Response SystemTMContemplated ML400-IVR Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, cellular/wireless telephones, vending machines, pagers, gaming devices including slot machines, personal computers, portable computers, such as laptop computers, wearable computers, palmtop computers, handheld computers, smart cards, and/or PDAs. Further details of central controller 102, third party service provider server 118, casino servers 112, 114, gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, marketer devices 128, 130 and user terminals 106, 108, 110 are provided herein.
[0092] As indicated above, in some embodiments, the central controller 102 (and/or the third party service provider server 118) may include the casino servers 112, 114 and/or the user terminals 106, 108, 110. Further, the central controller 102 may communicate with the gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126 and players directly through the gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126 rather than through the casino servers 112, 114. Further, the central controller 102 may communicate directly with the user rather than through the user terminals 106, 108, 110 or gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126. Although not depicted, the central controller 102, third-party service provider server 118, casino servers 112, 114, gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, marketer devices 128, 130, and/or user terminals 106, 108, 110 may also communicate with one or more consumer and/or merchant reputation associations to conduct transactions, and may do so directly or through a secure financial network (e.g., Fedwire network maintained by the U.S. Federal Reserve System, Federal Reserve network), automatic clearing System (ACH) network, Bank consummate clearing System (CHIPS), etc.).
[0093] In operation, the casino servers 112, 114 and/or the user terminals 106, 108, 110 may exchange information about players and player preparation data through the central controller 102. In embodiments with third party service provider server 118, casino servers 112, 114 and/or user terminals 106, 108, 110 and/or gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126 may be provided with information about players via third party service provider server 118. The casino servers 112, 114 may, for example, provide information related to casino features or other information to the central controller 102 (and/or third party service provider server 118). The user terminals 106, 108, 110 may provide user-prepared data to the central controller 102 (and/or the third-party service provider server 118). The central controller 102 (and/or the third party service provider server 118) may provide information about the players and their preparation data to the casino servers 112, 114, as well as provide preparation codes to the user terminals 106, 108, 110 for later use by the players at the casino locations at gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126. In some embodiments, upon receiving a ready code from gaming device 120 or other casino device, casino server 112 may transmit instructions to gaming device 120 to configure the gaming device itself according to the stored configuration associated with the ready code.
IV. apparatus
[0094] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating details of an embodiment of a central controller 200 (central controller 102 of FIG. 1A, and/or third party service provider server 118 of FIG. 1B). The central controller 200 may generally be operable to manage a system (e.g., the systems 100A, 100B of fig. 1A and/or 1B) and/or perform the methods and processes described herein. The central controller 200 may be implemented, for example, as one or more system controllers, one or more dedicated hardware circuits, one or more appropriately programmed general-purpose computers, or any other similar electronic, mechanical, electromechanical, and/or manually operated device. For example, in FIG. 1B, the central controller 102, 200 is depicted as being coupled to a third party service provider server 118. In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the two servers may provide the same functionality as the separate central controllers 102, 200 in the embodiment of FIG. 1A.
[0095]Central controller 200 (and/or third party service provider server 118) may include a processor 201, such as one or moreA processor. Processor 201 may include and/or be coupled to one or more clocks or timers (not depicted) and one or more communication ports 202 through which processor 201 communicates with other devices (e.g., casino servers 112, 114, user terminals 106, 108, 110, gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, marketer devices 128, 130, and/or third party service provider servers 118 of fig. 1A and/or 1B). The processor 201 may also or alternatively be in communication with a data storage device 204. The data storage device 204 may include any suitable combination of magnetic, optical, and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example, additional processors, communication ports, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Compact Discs (CDs), and/or hard disks. For example, the processor 201 and the storage device 204 may be: (i) is totally located in a single In a computer or other computing device; or (ii) connected to each other through a remote communications medium such as a serial port cable, a LAN, a telephone line, a radio frequency transceiver, an optical connection, etc. For example, in one embodiment, the central controller 200 may include one or more computers (or processors 201) connected to one or more remote server computers operable to maintain a database, wherein the data storage device 204 constitutes a combination of the remote server computers and associated databases.
[0096] The data storage device 204 typically stores a program 206 for controlling the processor 201. The processor 201 executes instructions, such as a program 206, and thus operates in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Some embodiments may be implemented as computer programs developed using an object-oriented language that allows complex systems to be modeled with modular objects to create abstractions that represent the actual world, physical objects, and their interrelationships. However, it should be understood that embodiments as described herein may be implemented in many different ways using a wide range of programming techniques and general purpose hardware systems or dedicated controllers. Program 206 may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled, and/or encrypted format. Programs 206 may also include program elements that may generally be useful, such as an operating system, a database management system, and device drivers to allow processor 201 to interface with a computer peripheral. Suitable general purpose program elements are known to those skilled in the art and need not be described in detail herein.
[0097] Further, the program 206 is generally operable to execute a number of specific modules or subroutines, which may include (but are not limited to) one or more routines for: (i) identifying a user at a user terminal 106, 108, 110 as a potential user of a custom-configured gaming device 120, 122, 124, 126; (ii) one or more routines for receiving information about a user; (iii) one or more routines for providing casino characteristic information to a user at a user terminal 106, 108, 110; (iv) one or more routines for generating and associating a preparation code with the player's preparation data; (v) one or more routines for storing player preparation data; (vi) one or more routines for securely communicating the stored preparation codes and associated preparation data to the casino servers 112, 114; (vii) one or more routines for facilitating and controlling communications between casino servers 112, 114, gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, marketer devices 128, 130, user terminals 106, 108, 110, central controller 102, and/or third party service provider server 118; and/or (viii) one or more routines for controlling a database or software object that tracks information about users, casinos, merchants, other third parties, user terminals 106, 108, 110, gaming results, preparation data, preparation codes, casino characteristics, gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, and travels requested by users. Embodiments of these routines and their operations are described in detail herein, such as in conjunction with the flow descriptions of the methods 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700 depicted in and described with respect to FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and/or FIG. 17.
[0098] According to some embodiments, instructions of program 206 may be read into main memory of processor 201 from another computer-readable medium (e.g., from ROM to RAM). Execution of the sequences of instructions in program 206 may cause processor 201 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or integrated circuits may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the processes described herein. Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware, firmware, and/or software.
[0099] In addition to the program 206, the storage device 204 may generally store (i) a user database 208, (ii) a trip profiling database 210, (iii) a playcircle database 212, and (iv) a preparation database 214. The databases 208, 210, 212, 214 are described in detail herein, and exemplary structures are depicted in the figures as sample entries (entries). As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the schematic representations and the associated descriptions of the sample databases presented herein are exemplary arrangements of stored information representations. Any number of other arrangements may be employed in addition to those set forth in the illustrated table. For example, although four (4) separate databases are illustrated, embodiments may be effectively practiced using one (1), two (2), three (3), five (5), or more functionally equivalent databases. Similarly, the illustrated entries of the database represent exemplary information only; those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number and content of the items may vary from those shown herein. In addition, although the databases are described as tables, object-oriented models can be used to store and manipulate the data types of the present invention, and as such, object methods or behaviors can be used to implement the processes of the present invention.
[0100] Turning to fig. 3, a block diagram depicting an exemplary casino server 300 (e.g., casino servers 112, 114 of fig. 1A and/or 1B) includes a processor 301 coupled to a communication port 302, a data storage device 304 storing a casino server program 306, a local copy of the relevant entries of a user database 308, and preparing a local copy of the relevant entries of a database 314. In embodiments where the central controller 102, 200 serves/controls multiple casinos operated by different entities, a casino may want to have a local copy of the portion of the central controller's database 208, 210, 212, 214 that includes entries related to that casino and exclude access to that casino information by other casinos. Thus, the exemplary embodiment of the casino server 300 depicts a local copy of some of the databases 208, 210, 212, 214 of FIG. 2 to illustrate this. This redundant configuration may provide improved system performance by reducing network traffic. The casino server program 306 may include one or more routines to respond to requests from the gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, which in some embodiments are requests for preparation data for a particular player, or in other embodiments for preparation data for a specified preparation code. In other words, a local copy of the user database 308 may provide the casino server program 306 with access to information about a particular player, while a local copy of the ready code database 314 may provide access to the ready data. In some embodiments, the local copy of the database is not stored on the casino server 300, rather the casino server program 306 accesses the user database 208 and the preparation database 214 stored and maintained on the central controller 102, 200. Similarly, in some embodiments, the database may exist only on the casino server 300, and the central controller 102, 200 accesses the casino server 300 for data. This distributed configuration may provide improved system security by allowing different casinos to store and maintain their own databases.
[0101] Turning to fig. 4, a block diagram of an exemplary user terminal 400 (e.g., user terminals 106, 108, 110 of fig. 1A and/or 1B) is depicted. The user terminal 400 according to some embodiments may include a processor 401 coupled to a communication port 402, a data storage device 404 storing a user terminal program 406, an output device 408, and an input device 412. The user terminal program 406 may include one or more routines to facilitate and control communication and interaction with the central controller 102, 200, as well as a user interface to facilitate communication and interaction with a player. Exemplary display screen images of such user interfaces are provided herein in fig. 7A, 7B, and 8. An optional security device (not depicted) connected to the processor 401 may provide a facility for supporting secure communications through, for example, encryption.
[0102] In addition, the user terminal 400 may include additional devices to support other functions. For example, the user terminal 400 implemented as a personal computer may additionally include a printing device for generating a coupon or barcode representing the preparation code. In some embodiments, cashless gaming receipts can be issued to users, who can print the cashless gaming receipts (along with a preparation code) as an incentive to follow or go to a sponsored casino location. In some embodiments, user equipment such as a PDA device or cellular telephone may be used in place of or in addition to the user terminal 400. Many different types of input and output devices may be used in connection with user terminal 400. The use of various user terminal 400 components is described herein.
[0103] Turning to fig. 5, a block diagram of an exemplary gaming device 500 (e.g., gaming devices 106, 120, 122, 126 of fig. 1A and/or 1B) is depicted. In addition to the means for supporting gaming functionality, the gaming device 500 according to some embodiments may include a processor 501 coupled to a communication port 502, a data storage device 504 storing a gaming device program 506, a display screen 508, a tracking card reader 510, a user input device 512, and, in some embodiments, a player device (not depicted). The gaming device program 506 may include one or more routines to facilitate and control communication and interaction with the casino servers 112, 114, 300 and/or interfaces to facilitate communication and interaction with the central controller 102, 200, the third party service provider server 118 and/or the user terminals 106, 108, 110, 400 in some embodiments.
[0104] The gaming device 500 according to some embodiments may be implemented in any number of devices, such as a slot machine, a processor-based cash register, a telephone, an IVR system, a cellular/wireless telephone, a vending machine, a pager, a personal computer, a portable computer, such as a laptop computer, a wearable computer, a palmtop computer, a handheld computer, and/or a PDA. In some embodiments, a user device such as a PDA or cellular telephone may be used in place of or in addition to some or all of the gaming device 500 components depicted in FIG. 5.
[0105] In operation, tracking card reader 510 may be used to identify a player to the systems 100A, 100B of FIG. 1A and/or FIG. 1B. In some embodiments, the gaming device program 506 may use the player identity determined by the tracking card reader 210 as an index into a ready code database 314, the ready code database 314 residing on the casino server 112, 114, 300. Thus, in some embodiments, the gaming device 500 may be operable to retrieve provisioning data associated with a player using the player's tracking card information. In some embodiments, the gaming device program 506 may be further operable to configure the gaming device 500 based on the retrieved preparation data.
[0106] Turning to fig. 6, a block diagram of an exemplary marketer device 600 (e.g., marketer devices 128, 130 of fig. 1A and/or 1B) is depicted. Marketer device 600 according to some embodiments may include a processor 601 coupled to a communication port 602, a data storage device 604 storing a marketer device program 606 and a product database 608, an input device 610 and an output device 612. The marketer device program 606 may include one or more routines to facilitate and control communication and interaction with the central controller 102, 200, as well as a user interface to facilitate communication and interaction with merchants. In some embodiments, product database 608 may be used by marketers in determining what products to offer to users based on preparation data provided by the users.
[0107] Turning to fig. 7, an exemplary embodiment of a "preferences" preparation menu screen 700A (e.g., which may be displayed on the output device 408 of the user terminal 106, 108, 110, 400) is depicted. Exemplary preference preparation menu screen 700A may generally include several selections, each of which guides the user to a sub-menu to develop preference preparation data. The selections may include (as shown) "game type", "look and feel", "financial rebate", "contract", "marketing offer", "playcircle", "travel arrangement", "intent", "bonus", "environmental condition", "fantasy reward", "lost", "available credit line", "betting rules", and "scrapbook". Each of these menu choices is described in detail herein with respect to various embodiments associated with some embodiments. In some embodiments, preference preparation menu screen 700A may be presented to a user outside the casino while the user is operating user terminal 106, 108, 110, 400, and/or presented to a user within the casino while the user is operating gaming device 120, 122, 124, 126, 500 (or any suitable casino device). In some embodiments, preference preparation menu screen 700A may be implemented as a web page stored remotely but viewed locally through a web browser. In some embodiments, preference preparation menu screen 700A may be implemented as a program executing locally on user terminals 106, 108, 110, 400 and/or on gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, 500 (or any suitable casino device).
[0108] Although not depicted on the exemplary preference preparation menu screen 700A of fig. 7A, additional options may be provided to the user and/or third parties. For example, in one or more embodiments, the user may be provided with menu options that allow for constraints on the game and/or gambling. An embodiment of such "game rules" and/or "game limits" options is depicted in FIG. 7B.
[0109] Fig. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of a game limit preparation menu screen 700B for use with some embodiments. The game limit preparation menu screen 700B may include, for example, a game type rule field 702, a denomination rule field 704, an allowed play time field 706, a restricted play time field 708, a maximum wager field 710, and/or a maximum loss field 712. As shown, for example, a player and/or third party may restrict a player's gaming activity by: (i) allowing only the player to play the slot game (at 702); (ii) constraining players to gaming machines with a face value of twenty-five cents ($0.25) (at 704); (iii) allowing the player to play only on weekends (at 706); (iv) limiting the player's game to night (at 708, e.g., to not interfere with work); (v) the player is not allowed to bet more than five dollars ($ 5); and/or (vi) players are not allowed to lose more than fifty dollars ($ 50; at 712). As described herein, such gaming rules and/or restrictions may be established by the player and/or by a third party such as a player's relative, employer, casino, insurer, and/or government agency, or non-profit organization. Although an example of certain types and/or configurations of game rules and/or limits is illustrated in fig. 7B, it should be clear that other game and/or gaming features and/or parameters may be similarly managed and/or constrained.
[0110] Turning to fig. 8, an exemplary embodiment of a preference preparation submenu screen 800 is depicted. The particular submenu depicted in fig. 8 is an embodiment of a screen image that may be rendered, for example, in response to a player selecting a "look and feel" option from preference preparation menu screen 700A of fig. 7A. The preference preparation sub-menu screen 800 renders five (5) exemplary feature selection controls for indicating for the gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126, 500 (i) volume selection (large, medium, soft), (ii) font size selection (small, medium, large), (iii) symbol selection (fruit, gem, car), (iv) contrast selection (large, medium, small), and (v) language selection (english, spanish, german, japanese, chinese). In operation, a user terminal 106, 108, 110, 400 (or casino device) executing a browser program may be used to access the central controller 102, 200 to retrieve a web page (as depicted in FIG. 8) that renders feature selection controls depicted as being specific to the particular gaming device 120, 122, 124, 126, 500 available to the casino location that the player intends to visit. The user may click on one button in each of the five (5) feature selection controls to indicate his selection. The user terminals 106, 108, 110, 400 may be further operable to transmit the player's selections and responses to other sub-menu questions (together representing the preparation data) back to the central controller 102, 200 for storage in the preparation database 208. In some embodiments, the preparation data is stored by indexing a preparation code, which is provided to the user by the user terminal 106, 108, 110, 200.
[0111] In one or more embodiments in which a user and/or third party may be provided menu options that allow a player to limit future gaming activities, sub-menu options for defining the nature and/or extent of such limitations may be provided (once selected from, for example, game rules preparation menu 700B of fig. 7B). For example, such submenu options may include, but are not limited to, options that allow settings to be set to one or more specific user-governed restrictions or rules: (i) the type of wagers that may be allowed (e.g., which paylines may be activated on a slot machine; the maximum wager amount per pull down), (ii) the maximum net wager amount per time period, (iii) the maximum net loss amount per time period, (iv) the maximum net profit amount per time period, (v) the maximum rate of pull down that may be allowed, (vi) the maximum time period that one or more gaming machines will be operational (e.g., from triggering a pull down), (vii) the maximum number of pull downs allowed per time period, (viii) the days and/or hours that one or more gaming machines may be operational, (ix) the source of funds that may be used to wager (e.g., a player may only play with a stored value or debit card; after a threshold amount of cash has been placed, a certain player may only play with "won"), (x) the type of games that may be allowed (e.g., only slot games; all games other than video); (xi) The identity or type of gaming machine that may or may not be allowed (e.g., only on machine number "1234651"; only on slot machines with a denomination of twenty-five cents ($ 0.25)), and/or (xii) any other gaming attributes. Other features are contemplated as discussed herein.
V. database
[0112] As indicated above, it should be noted that while the exemplary embodiment generally depicts five (5) particular databases stored in the storage devices 204, 304, 604, other database arrangements may be used, which would still be consistent with the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In other words, some embodiments may be implemented using any number of database files or database structures that are different from the five (5) databases generally depicted herein. In addition, the respective database files may be stored on different servers (e.g., on different storage devices located in different geographic locations, such as server 118 on a third party service provider). Similarly, the programs 206, 306, 606 may also or alternatively be located remotely from the storage devices 204, 304, 604 and/or on another server. As indicated, the programs 206, 306, 606 generally include instructions for retrieving, processing, and storing data in the databases 208, 210, 212, 214, 308, 310, 608 as needed to perform the methods described herein.
A. User database
[0113] Turning to fig. 9, a tabular representation of an embodiment of a user database 900 (e.g., user database 208 in fig. 2) is illustrated, according to some embodiments. The particular tabular representation of user database 900 includes sample records or entries, each of which includes information about a particular user. In some embodiments, user database 900 is used to track content such as player identity, player financial account information, player demographic information, and player gambling performance information, as well as to associate players with a preparation code. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a user database 900 may include any number of entries or additional fields. For example, although not depicted in fig. 9, such a user database 900 may include entries or fields for gaming restrictions or rules set by the user and/or third parties. Accordingly, certain constraints may be indicated in such a user database 900, and a usage or gambling history for a particular user may also be stored therein, such that a computer (e.g., with gaming device 122, casino device 112, central controller 102, and/or third party service provider server 118, all of fig. 1A and/or 1B) may determine whether one or more gambling limits or rules have been exceeded or satisfied based on the usage or gambling history, in which case such a computer may output instructions or commands (e.g., to a slot machine) to limit or restrict the ability of a player to gamble at the casino in accordance with the limits or rules.
[0114] The particular tabular representation of the user database 900 of fig. 9 includes seven (7) fields for each entry or record. The fields may include: (i) a user identification field 901 uniquely identifying the user; (ii) a name field 902 storing a representation of the user's name; (iii) a financial account identification field 904 that stores a representation of a bank account number, credit card number, or other financial account information required to charge an account; (iv) a demographic field 906 storing a representation of a demographic information description about the user; (v) a gaming machine identification field 908 storing a representation uniquely identifying the gaming device on which the user is playing; (vi) a lifetime theoretical profit field 910 that stores a representation of a user's lifetime theoretical profit (lifetime); and (vii) a preparation code field 912 that stores a representation of the preparation code associated with the user (e.g., acting as a pointer to the preparation database 214).
[0115] The exemplary user database 900 depicted in fig. 9 provides exemplary data to illustrate the meaning of information stored in the database embodiment. Player identification 901 (e.g., "P111123", "P22234") may be used to identify and index players listed in a player database (e.g., player data 610). Two embodiments of player information are provided: "Sam Brown" with credit card numbers "1111-. "Sam Brown" has provided to the casino preparation data which can be retrieved from the preparation database using the associated preparation code "C8331" and for "Linda Jones" is "C5006".
B. Travel filing database
[0116] Turning to fig. 10, a tabular representation of an embodiment of a trip profiling database 1000 (e.g., trip profiling database 210 in fig. 2) is illustrated, according to some embodiments. This particular tabular representation of the trip profiling database 1000 includes sample records or entries, each of which includes information about a particular user's preparation data describing how the user desires his trip to be profiled. In some embodiments, trip profiling database 1000 is used to track content such as user identity, trip identity, user's photos, recording criteria, and deliverability. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a trip profiling database 1000 may include any number of entries or additional fields.
[0117] The particular tabular representation of the trip profiling database 1000 of fig. 10 includes six (6) fields for each entry or record. The fields may include: (i) a user identification field 1001 storing a representation uniquely identifying a user; (ii) a travel identification field 1002 storing a representation uniquely identifying the user's casino travel; (iii) a photo identification field 1004 storing a representation that uniquely identifies each photo that has been taken by the user during the trip; (iv) an outcome identification field 1006 storing a representation uniquely identifying each outcome of the user that has been recorded for the user during the journey; (v) a record criteria field 1008 that stores a representation of what the player has requested to document during the journey; and (vi) a deliverable field 1010 that stores a representation of the trip archive rendering form that the player has requested.
[0118] The exemplary trip profiling database 1000 depicted in fig. 10 provides exemplary data to illustrate the meaning of information stored in this database embodiment. Player identification 1001 (e.g., "P111666"; "P222777"; "P333888"; "P444999") may be used to correlate a user to particular trip profiling preparation data. A journey identifier 1002 (e.g., "T222222"; "T333333"; "T444444"; "T555555") may be used to indicate a user's particular journey, for example, when the user visits a casino more than once.
[0119] Photo identification 1004 (e.g., "Ph 100000"; "Ph 100001"; "Ph 100999"; "Ph 200002"; "Ph 200010"; "Ph 300333"; "N/A") may be used to reference all photos that a casino has taken for a user based on recording criteria 1008 (e.g., "take a photo when i won more than $ 10"; "take a photo every hour"; "take a photo when i won $100 or more, and overlay a photo on a slot game screen"). The deliverable 1010 for the photo record criteria 1008 can be, for example, "album with 100 photos"; "relief photo album with 300 photos"; "photo album with 100 photos"; or "5T-shirts with photos".
[0120] The outcome identification 1006 (e.g., "OC 123456"; "OC 500001"; "OC 500002"; "OC 500003") may be used to reference the outcomes of all users that the casino has recorded for the user based on the recording criteria 1008 (e.g., "take a picture when I won $100 or more and overlay the picture on the slot game screen"; "record all my outcomes"). The deliverable 1010 for the outcome recording criteria 1008 may be, for example, "a software program that reproduces all outcomes".
C. Game circle database
[0121] Turning to fig. 11, a tabular representation of an embodiment of a playcircle database 1100 (e.g., playcircle database 212 in fig. 2) is illustrated, according to some embodiments. This particular tabular representation of the playcircle database 1100 includes sample records or entries, each of which includes information about playcircles and/or playcircle members of a particular user. In some embodiments, the playcircle database 1100 is used to track content such as playcircle membership, contract information, and avails, and to associate players with their playcircle members. Note that the play circles and/or betting circles may include any number of members. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a playcircle database 1100 may include any number of entries or additional fields.
[0122] The particular tabular representation of the playcircle database 1100 of fig. 11 includes six (6) fields for each entry or record. The fields may include: (i) a user identification field 1101 storing a representation uniquely identifying the user; (ii) a beneficiary identification field 1102 storing a representation that uniquely identifies the player playcircle member as a player game and/or gambling beneficiary; (iii) a name field 1104 storing a representation of the beneficiary's name; (iv) an email field 1106 and (v) an address field 1108 that stores a representation of the beneficiary's contact information; and (vi) a benefit field 1110 storing a representation of the benefit that the beneficiary would receive if there were any benefit.
[0123]The exemplary playcircle database 1100 depicted in fig. 11 provides exemplary data to illustrate the meaning of information stored in the database embodiment. Refer to the first recordAs part of its preparation data, user "P555555" has designated "B111111" (more commonly referred to as "Adam Finsky") as a member of the user's playcircle and a beneficiary of "5% of any jackpot prize won by the user over $ 1000". "Adam Finsky" with email Address "adam@aol.com"and live anywhere in the United states.
[0124]Referring to the second record, as part of its preparation data, user "P666666" has designated "B222222" (more commonly referred to as "Laura Tanner") as a member of the user's playcircle and the beneficiary that the user won "5% of net profit". "Laura Tanner" has an email address "Itanner@ibm.com"and live somewhere in the United states".
[0125]Referring to the third record, as part of its preparation data, user "P77777777" has designated "B333333" (more commonly referred to as "Jack Tinsel") as a member of the user's playcircle and the beneficiary of the "win per $200 of wool" won for the user. "Jack Tinsel" with email Address "tinsel@home.com"and live somewhere in the United states".
D. Preparing a database
[0126] Turning to fig. 12, a tabular representation of an embodiment of a preparation database 1200 (e.g., preparation database 214 in fig. 2) is illustrated, according to some embodiments. The particular tabular representation of the preparation database 1200 includes three (3) sample records or entries, each of which includes information regarding preparation data (e.g., preference preparation data and/or game rules and/or limit preparation data) for a particular user. In some embodiments, the readiness database 1200 is utilized to track information describing preferences, intentions, plans related to a user's gambling vacation, and/or restrictions or rules associated with the user's gaming and/or gambling activities as specified by the user. In the particular embodiment depicted in FIG. 12, the provisioning database 1200 is configured to store and track user-specified preferences related to gaming device configuration (e.g., game type, default playing denomination, language, currency, noise level, and font size). In the depicted embodiment, the preparation database 1200 is also configured to store game limitations and/or rules associated with the user. It should be appreciated that other data structures, such as each of the playcircle database 212 and the trip profiling data 210 of fig. 2, may be used to track other forms and types of preparation data, such as data regarding gaming limitations or rules associated with a particular player that have been enrolled by the player and/or a third party. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a provisioning database 1200 may include any number of entries and/or additional or alternative fields.
[0127] The particular table representation of the exemplary provisioning database 1200 depicted in fig. 12 includes thirteen (13) fields for each entry or record. The fields may include: (i) a user identification field 1201; (ii) a ready code field 1202 storing a representation uniquely identifying a particular custom configuration; (iii) a game type field 1203 that stores a representation of the selected game type; (iv) a value field 1204 that stores an identification of default values that the selected gaming device will accept; (v) a language field 1206 storing a representation of the language to be used by the selected gaming device; (vi) a currency field 1208 that stores a representation of the currency to be used by the selected gaming device; (vii) a noise level field 1210 that stores a representation of a description of the sound effect volume of the gaming device; (viii) a size field 1212 that stores a representation of the size of the character to be displayed on the gaming device; (ix) a picture field 1214 storing the name of the picture the player wants to display when he wins the jackpot (and/or any winning outcome) and the picture itself; (x) A music field 1216 that stores a representation of the name of the music the player wants to play when he wins the jackpot (and/or any winning outcome) and the music itself; (xi) Allowed game type field 1218; (xii) A maximum net loss per month field 1220; and/or (xiv) maximum game play amount per month field 1222.
[0128]The exemplary provisioning database 1200 depicted in FIG. 12 provides exemplary data to illustrate the implementations stored in the databaseMeaning of information in the scheme. The preparation code 1202 (i.e., "C5006"; "C9224"; "C8331") may be used to identify and/or index the preparation data received from the user. Examples of game types that may be indicated by game type field 1203 may include reel slot games, video poker, and blackjack. Examples of face values that may be indicated by face value field 1204 may include one dollar ($1), twenty-five cents ($0.25), and five dollars ($ 5.00). Exemplary languages that may be indicated by language field 1206 may include english and japanese, and exemplary currencies that may be indicated by currency field 1208 may include U.S. dollars and japanese yen. Exemplary noise levels that may be indicated by the noise level field 1210 may include medium, small, and large. Exemplary pictures that may be indicated by picture field 1214 may include an image of a user's lion dog, an image of another user's grandson, and an image of yet another user's hamster. Exemplary music that may be indicated by music field 1216 may include "Macarena", "My Way", and "Beethoven's 9th(bazedoxifene ninth symphony) ".
[0129] In one or more embodiments, the preparation database may be configured to store information for one or more particular users regarding gaming limitations or rules associated with a particular player that have been enrolled by the player and/or a third party, such as (i) the type of wagers that may be allowed (e.g., which paylines may be activated on a slot machine; maximum wager amount per pull down), (ii) maximum net wager amount per time period, (iii) maximum net loss amount per time period, (iv) maximum net profit amount per time period, (v) maximum rate of pull down that may be allowed, (vi) maximum time period for which one or more gaming machines may be operating (e.g., from triggering a pull down), (vii) maximum number of pull down allowed per time period, (viii) days and/or hours for which one or more gaming machines may be operating, (ix) sources of funds that may be used to wager (e.g., a player may only play with a stored value or debit card; some players may only play with "won" money after a threshold amount of cash has been wagered), (x) types of games that may be allowed (e.g., slot games only; all games except video poker); (xi) The identity or type of gaming machine that may or may not be allowed (e.g., only on machine number "1234651"; only on slot machines with a denomination of twenty-five cents ($ 0.25)), (xii) any other gaming attributes; and/or (xiii) any combination thereof.
[0130] For example, as shown in the exemplary provisioning database 1200 of FIG. 12, a user identification (e.g., "136845"; "918566"; "PT-17364") may be stored in the user identification field 1201 to indicate the player and/or user (uniquely) associated with a particular provisioning code. Although only one ready code is depicted in fig. 12 as being associated with one player or user, it should be understood that the relationship may be of any practicable variety, including one-to-many and many-to-one. In some embodiments, the player identification may include any type of player identification that is or becomes known or practical. The player identification may include a simple randomly generated alphanumeric code or string, a biological identification (e.g., a fingerprint, retinal image, and/or facial scan). The preparation database 1200 may also include game rules and/or limit preparation data. For example, in the allowed game type field 1218, a first user (e.g., identified by user identification "136845") may be restricted to playing video poker and slot games, while a third user (e.g., identified by user identification "PT-17364") may be restricted to casino center games (e.g., non-wagering games). Other restrictions and/or rules may also or alternatively be stored. For example, as shown in the maximum net loss per month field 1220, the third user may be limited to generating only fifty dollars ($50) per month (and/or every any time period). Similarly, the first user may be limited to five (5) hours of play per month, as shown in the maximum game amount allowed per month field 1222. It should be appreciated that other and/or additional time ranges and/or limits or rules may also or alternatively be stored and/or indicated by provisioning database 1200.
E. Product database
[0131] Turning to fig. 13, a tabular representation of an embodiment of a product database 1300 (e.g., product database 608 in fig. 6) is illustrated, according to some embodiments. The particular tabular representation of the product database 1300 includes sample records or entries, each of which includes information about a particular product that may be used in a marketing promotion. In some embodiments, the product database 1300 is used by marketers to determine what products to offer to users in different offers. One skilled in the art will appreciate that such a product database 1300 may include any number of entries or additional fields.
[0132] The particular table representation of the product database 1300 depicted in fig. 13 includes five (5) fields for each entry or record. The fields may include: (i) a product identification field 1301 that stores a representation that uniquely identifies the product; (ii) a description field 1302 that stores a representation of a description of the product; (iii) a manufacturer field 1304 that stores a representation of the name of the manufacturer or supplier of the product; (iv) a retail price field 1306 storing an indication of the retail price of the product; and (v) an excess inventory field 1308 storing an indication of the number of product units available for use with the marketing offer.
[0133] The exemplary product database 1300 depicted in fig. 13 provides exemplary data to illustrate the meaning of information stored in the database embodiment. Product identification 1301 (e.g., "PR 888"; "PR 999"; "PR 222"; "PR 333") may be used to identify and index products listed in product database 608. Four (4) exemplary product information entries are provided: (i) a "45 (stand)" manufactured by "Anycorp Inc. (any company)" at a retail price of "$ 80" and "eight speed blender" may be used with the marketing offer; (ii) a "0 (counter)" washing machine "at a retail price of" $800 "and manufactured by" Somecorp Inc. (some company) "may be used for use with marketing offers; and (iii) 90 (stands) "colour tv" at a retail price of "$ 200" and manufactured by "Bigcorp" company is available for use with marketing offers; and (iv) a "non-limiting" number of "six month cable services" having a retail price of "$ 180" and offered by "XYZ BROADCAST" company are available for use with marketing offers.
F. Casino database
[0134] Although not illustrated, some embodiments may include a casino database that may reside on the casino server 112 and/or the central controller 102 of both fig. 1A and/or fig. 1B. The casino database may be used to store unique configurable features for a particular casino where there are a variety of different option types, such as a variety of different types of gaming devices 120, 122, 124, 126. For example, such a database may list different configurable characteristics for each game indexed by machine identification at a particular casino, and then the possible values for each characteristic. The casino data may be used as a data source for a web page that the component looks like the screen image 800 of FIG. 8. Alternatively, where there are many different options available, the use of a casino database may reduce or simplify the resources required to produce a screen image similar to that shown in FIG. 8.
Treatment of
[0135] The systems and devices described herein, including hardware components and databases, are useful for performing various methods according to some embodiments. It should be understood, however, that not all of the above-described components and databases are required to perform any particular method. Indeed, in some embodiments, any of the above-described systems and/or apparatuses may not be required to practice one or more of the methods described herein. The systems and/or apparatus described herein are examples of what may be useful in practicing some or all of the embodiments described herein. For example, the user database 210 described herein may be useful for tracking users and information about them, but it may not be absolutely necessary to have such a database to perform the methods described herein. In other words, the methods described herein may be practiced using conventional player tracking lists in conjunction with conventional billing systems for casinos.
[0136] Referring to fig. 14, a flow diagram illustrating a method 1400 according to some embodiments is shown. In some embodiments, method 1400 may be performed by, and/or otherwise associated with, a gaming device or gaming machine, a central controller, an external third party, and/or a third party entity/device such as a third party service provider server. It should be understood that the particular arrangement of elements in the method 1400 of FIG. 14, and the order of exemplary steps of the various methods described herein, is not meant to imply a fixed order, and/or timing of the steps; embodiments may generally be practiced in any order, sequence, and/or timing that is practicable or becomes practicable.
[0137] In general, and with reference to FIG. 14, the method 1400 may begin at 1402 where, for example, a device such as a central controller receives configuration and/or provisioning data from a player or third party during and/or after use of a user terminal by the player or third party. The player and/or third party may remotely indicate configuration and/or provisioning data (e.g., may include and/or define one or more game rules or restrictions) using an interface such as the exemplary display screens shown in fig. 7A, 7B, and/or 8. At 1404, method 1400 may continue where a ready code associated with the configuration data is determined. In some embodiments, the preparation code may simply include a stored indication of the preparation data, such as a stored indication of the rules or restrictions of the game. According to some embodiments, method 1400 may continue at 1406, where the configuration data and associated preparation code are transmitted (from the central controller) to a casino server and/or other device or computer, such as a gaming machine or device. Method 1400 may continue at 1408, where the central controller and/or another device (e.g., a gaming machine or a user computer) provides feedback to the user.
[0138] In some embodiments, the feedback may include the casino server configuring and/or operating the gaming device or other casino device. In some embodiments, a casino server may configure and/or operate a gaming device or other casino device in response to receiving a preparation code (e.g., a player tracking card identifier; a biometric identifier) from a user via the gaming device or other casino device. In such embodiments, the gaming device or other casino device is configured according to configuration data associated with the received preparation code.
[0139] Each of these processes is discussed in detail in the subsections that follow. Note that not all of these steps are required to perform the method 1400, and additional and/or alternative steps are contemplated. It is also noted that the above-described general processes represent features of only some embodiments, and that they may be combined and/or subdivided in any number of different ways, such that the method 1400 includes more or less actual processes and/or elements. For example, in some embodiments, many additional processes and/or elements may be added to upgrade or maintain the databases described herein, but as indicated, the described databases need not be used in all embodiments. In other words, the method 1400 may include any number of processes and/or elements that may be, or become, practiced to implement the embodiments described herein.
A. Receiving configuration data-1402
[0140] In some embodiments, the user and/or third party may initially submit provisioning data (or configuration data) to a system (e.g., systems 100A, 100B of fig. 1A and/or 1B). In some embodiments, the user and/or third party may log into the central controller with the user's terminal (e.g., using a personal computer). As indicated, other suitable user terminals may include PDA devices, telephones (including cellular telephones), autonomous service machines, ATMs, slot machines, and/or vending machines and point-of-sale terminals that include devices such as fuel pumps.
[0141] The user and/or third party may interact with a website hosted by the central controller. To log in, the user and/or third party may enter a name, password, code, and/or other identification. The user may then enter the preparation data in various ways. In some embodiments, the user selects the preparation data from a plurality of menus, each menu covering a different theme (examples of which are illustrated in fig. 7A, 7B, and/or 8 and described in the relevant text). For example, in the "look and feel" category, a first menu may allow the user to select the game of the gaming device, the font size, reel speed, language, volume, and other attributes regarding the look and feel of the device. The second menu may allow the user to provide information about himself to receive adjusted (tailored) marketing offers at the gaming device. The menu may take the form of a drop down menu, check box, or the like. The menu may list the subject for which the data is to be prepared and allow the user to enter the data. For example, the title may be "font size" and in response the user may enter "12" for "12 dots". Many other menu systems are possible, including menu systems associated with limiting or preventing gaming activity for one or more specific players. In some embodiments, the user may enter the preparation in text form. The text is then interpreted by a human operator and/or interpreted by a computer program.
[0142] In some embodiments, the user may create or modify a graphic as a means of inputting preference preparation data. For example, the controller's website may render a graphical depiction on the screen of the gaming device. Using their mouse, the user may draw a portion of the screen where marketing offers are received and another portion of the screen where games are played. The user can use his mouse to draw a screen area to serve as a new button to the gaming device. For example, the user may designate a small square area on the slot game screen as the "I'm Accept" button for use in accepting marketing offers.
[0143] The following subsections describe several different categories of preparation data that a user may specify. The list is not intended to be an exhaustive enumeration of every possible category of data to prepare, but rather to prepare an illustration of a set of embodiments of the data type. Further, while some of the provisioning data is presented as "preference" provisioning data and some data is presented as "game rules" or "game limits" provisioning data, it should be understood that some data may be appropriate for either or both categories, depending on the use and/or implementation, and that other embodiments including both categories of data are contemplated herein, although not explicitly presented.
1. Information about users and marketing offers desired by users
[0144] Many companies are continually trying to acquire new consumers to promote growth. One effective way to obtain consumers is for companies to pay the user for the user's business. For example, if the user agrees to have the telephone company as his long distance provider, the telephone company may pay the user twenty-five dollars ($ 25.00). Such a transaction may be advantageous to a telephone company because the consumer's life expectancy value for the company may well exceed the acquisition cost of twenty-five dollars ($ 25.00).
[0145] Casinos are high-yield environments where consumers are acquired. The gaming device can immediately dispense money to the consumer. Thus, the user at the gaming device may agree to a business with a company and then may understand that his payment was received, rather than waiting a week for a check to be mailed. Further, casino sponsors are often incentivized to trade money, among other things. For example, the user may be frustrating from a continuing loss, and may wish to cover the loss by accepting marketing offers. The casino itself may be willing to facilitate such a transaction between the user and the marketer because the transaction brings more potential wagering funds available to the user's hands. This is also pleasant for the user.
[0146] Thus, the portion of the user's preparation data may relate to the user's interaction with the marketer. The user may submit information that the marketer may use to adjust offers to consumers. Examples of such information include the user's age, place of residence, income, type of work, education level, marital status, number of children, and other demographic information. The user purchase history may be valuable to the marketer. For example, a marketer who sells cars will want to know whether the user buys a new car every three years. Other such questions may include "do the user want to re-create the room of his house? "or" what type of food the user likes? "the user's property may be related to the marketer. For example, is the user currently in a car? Is there a washing machine? Or does there is a wide screen television? The budget of the user is significant. For example, the marketer will want to know how much money the user has to spend on the new item. It may be relevant whether the user is accompanied in his vacation. For example, if the user's spouse is with him on vacation, the marketer may locate the goods that are gifts for the user's spouse.
[0147] Other provisioning data may include circumstances under which the user would like to receive marketing offers. Possible environments include: the user has just won a payout that exceeds a certain threshold; the user has accumulated a profit that exceeds a certain threshold; the user has sustained loss beyond a certain threshold; the user has just inserted a bill (e.g., one hundred dollars ($100)) into the gaming device; a particular moment of day occurs, e.g., the clock points to noon and the user wants a lunch offer from a local restaurant; is a particular day; a particular climate condition has occurred; and the user has just pressed a button or otherwise indicated that he desires a marketing offer. In this last case, the provisioning data may include a description of how the user will indicate his desire for a marketing offer. For example, the user may be instructed to pull down the handle of the gaming device twice in rapid succession. The user may also request that a particular area of the touch screen of the gaming device be displayed as a "marketing button" that the user may touch in order to receive a marketing advertisement or offer. An additional context of relevance may be that a principal or occurrence (occurrent) has not happened. For example, the user may be willing to receive an offer at any time except when he has just won the last three drops or a jackpot.
[0148]Still other provisioning data may include the type of offer the user wishes to receive. The offer types may include: offers for certain product categories, for example, a user wants to receive offers for a new refrigerator, a new blender, or a used lawn mower; at a certain positionOffers within a range of prices, such as a user wanting a marketer offer to sell to a user item at a price between one hundred dollars ($100) and two hundred dollars ($ 200); an offer for a product versus a service, e.g., a user may prefer an offer to sell only a product, or an offer to sell only a service; and offers to provide certain benefits. The user may like to offer him a commitment to earnings of at least twenty dollars ($ 20). For example, the user may be directed to forwarding long distance telephone service to the AT&TBut is offered a promise for a revenue of thirty dollars ($ 30).
[0149] The user may have a prior commitment to accept marketing offers provided certain conditions are met. For example, if the user loses thirty dollars ($30) during the course of the gaming device or at the end of a trip, the user will convert the phone service to receive thirty dollars ($30) on the available credit. Otherwise, the user does not need to convert the telephone service. In some embodiments, the user may also complete the paperwork associated with the marketing offer before arriving at the casino, thereby not wasting time at the casino. Similarly, during its journey, the user may initiate acceptance of the offer at his hotel room or at a restaurant, for example, when the user has free time available. For example, a user may read a cross-grant offer, wherein if he (1) agrees to provide information and/or evaluate a competitive car insurance offer and (2) agrees to accept a phone call from a car insurance representative, he will receive twenty dollars ($20) from the XYZ insurance company to add to the available credit meter of the gaming device. The offer may ask the user to provide information such as his vehicle type, number of drivers, miles driven per week, etc. The user can provide his information online without providing an accepted final signature authorization. Such an embodiment facilitates the ultimate ready acceptance of the offer during the gaming phase if the user decides to accept the offer at that time. Casino personnel may be alerted to bring the document that was ultimately signed to complete the agreement to the user's gaming device. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the final acceptance of the protocol may be made with an electronic signature or confirmed by the casino device or other device.
[0150] The user may indicate where the proceeds from the offer are placed. The proceeds may be placed directly into the available credit balance of the user at the gaming device. The benefit may also be deposited directly into the user's financial account. The benefit may be sent directly to the user's home or work address in the form of a cash, check or non-monetary award. The proceeds may be placed directly into the user's account at the casino or central controller.
[0151] The preparation data may further include a desire of the user at the gaming device how he will indicate his receipt of the marketing offer. A special area of the gaming device touch screen may be designated for marketing offers. When the user touches the area, he receives a marketing offer. Alternatively, existing buttons on the gaming device that are not used by the user may have their functions reassigned to those of the marketing buttons. For example, the "bet max available limit" button may be referred to as a marketing button for a particular user.
[0152] The marketer may communicate offers to the user in a number of ways. The marketer may leave the offer to the central controller for later transmission to the user with sufficient quality. The marketer can then compensate the central controller for each offer made, for each offer accepted, and so on. In some embodiments, the marketer may communicate with the user in real time through the central controller. The marketer may have real-time access to data about the user currently at the gaming device or user terminal and may then make its own determination as to when to make the offer. The marketer may refer to the product database when offering a product to the user. The marketer may select products from the database that are priced as appropriate for the user, meet other user criteria, and/or have excess inventory.
2. Information of psychological or disorienting nature
[0153] There is a lot of confusion associated with gaming devices. For example, a gaming device may be referred to as "hot" when it has recently paid more than it has revenue. Similarly, gaming devices that have not recently paid for may be referred to as "cold". The user may want to know which gaming devices are hot so that they can play on the hot devices. The user also wants to know what type of person has good luck on a particular device so that the user can find the gaming device that best suits him. For example, if the user is a fifty-six (56) year old woman born in february, she may want to find a gaming device that had previously paid the jackpot for a fifty-six (56) year old woman born in february. In addition, the user may want to know the previous winner on a gaming device. For example, they may want to know the name of the previous winner; age; the birthday; the time of birth; a radix rehmanniae; constellation labels (e.g., Scorpio, Aries); a place of residence; international; sex; the nationality; the number of children; the day and time they won, etc.
[0154] The user may know certain statistics when looking for a gaming device. For example, if a gaming device has paid well for at least five scorpions in the last week, it is likely that the gaming device will also be profitable for another scorpion. The user can then enter the statistics he finds desirable into the website of the central controller. To enter statistics, the user may form a table on the web page of the central controller. One row on the table may be "find me machine that paid the jackpot for this date". The user may then fill in the desired date.
[0155] The central controller may search the gaming device statistics database to find any gaming devices that meet the user criteria. If any such gaming devices are present, the central controller may display information about them to the user. For example, the central controller may display the gaming device location, appearance, and any reference numbers. The central controller may also display one or more maps to guide the user to the gaming devices. For example, a map may show a casino floor distribution highlighting the associated gaming devices. The user may select a map showing all machines that have not had a thousand dollar ($1000) or more jackpot over the last 24 hours. Another map may show the location of the casino in a city. Of course, the central controller may be configured to display only machines located in the city that the user intends to visit, even if other machines meet the user criteria.
[0156] At this time, there may be a large number of game devices that meet the user's criteria. The central controller may encourage the user to enter additional criteria or narrow existing criteria to reduce the number of machines. Other times, the user's criteria may not be met, and the central controller may encourage the user to broaden his criteria. The central controller may also display to the user the gaming devices it believes are close to the user's criteria. It is possible that these gaming devices meet item (9) of the (10) user criteria.
[0157] In displaying the gaming devices to the user, the central controller may give priority to devices at the casino that have paid more money for the central controller. For example, if a first casino has paid two cents per list ($0.02) to the controller, and a second casino has not paid money to the controller, the user may see that the gaming devices from the first casino are listed before the machines from the second casino.
[0158] The user is more willing to play the game than entering the standard for the gaming device, the user can enter relevant information about himself and allow the central controller to find a potentially suitable gaming device. For example, the user may enter his own name, birthday, wedding day, university graduation day, gender, constellation mark, child's birthday, license plate number, and so forth. The central controller may then search for devices that have good payment for people with similar characteristics to the user. For example, the central controller may search for devices that have paid more than one thousand dollars ($1000) for a single pull-down within the last week for people with the same wedding day. The central controller also searches for devices having similar characteristics to the user. For example, the central controller may look for a device that has a manufacturing date or serial number that is the same as the user's birthday.
[0159] In some embodiments, the execution controller receives user information, but does not provide the user with information about the appropriate gaming device until after it is meaningful to do so. For example, if a user is planning a trip to an Atlantic City three months in advance, it may not associate the user with a gaming device that is paid for at that time. Thus, the central controller may only inform the user which gaming devices have good payment when the user is about to go to the atlantic city or is about to arrive, so that the user may have current information when he is going.
[0160] If the user is targeted to win money to purchase a particular item, the central controller may allow the user to pay directly for the item he desires. For example, when a user plays a game at a game device, a payment may be made in the form of a commodity desired by the user, rather than in the form of an available amount. Alternatively, while playing the game at the gaming device, the user may be informed that he can own the merchandise he desires by accumulating a certain number of available credits. The amount of credit available that the user needs may be less than the retail price of the desired item. Even if the casino where the user plays games does not typically distribute the user's desired goods, the user can obtain the user's desired goods using the bonus points.
3. Theme music and pictures that are emotionally valuable to the user
[0161] The user can remotely input pictures or music. For example, the user may scan a picture of himself, his grandson, and/or his pet lion dog. The user may use a scanner attached to the user terminal. The user may then select the previously scanned picture to be displayed on the gaming device while the user is at the gaming device. For example, the user may select a picture of his lion dog to be displayed over the spinning slot machine reel. The user may even have his lion dog incorporate a symbol on the slot machine reel. To facilitate user selection of pictures, the gaming device may display a smaller "thumbnail" version of each picture that the user has scanned. The user then only needs to touch the picture to make it larger and more visually clear. Alternatively, the user may provide a name for the picture he scans, such as "poodle. The user may then select the name from a list of names displayed on the gaming device, or he may simply type the name in using a keyboard or other input device.
[0162] Other means may be used to transmit the user selected image to the central controller. Many film developers (film developers) pass copies of pictures to web sites. The user can take a copy of the picture he has taken from the film developer's website and send it to the central controller. In some cases, a central controller may be used as a film developer. The user may then be motivated to develop all of his pictures with the central controller, and then be able to view them on the screen of the gaming device while playing the game.
[0163] In some embodiments, the user submits a printed photograph to the central controller by mail. The central controller may then scan these pictures and make them available for display on the user's gaming device. The user may also take the photograph or negative of the photograph to the casino. The casino may then scan or develop the pictures and digitize them and prepare them for display on the gaming device. While at the gaming device, the user may desire to view a different picture than he has taken. Thus, he can scan pictures from a book or magazine or obtain pictures from the web. He can then transmit these pictures to the central controller.
[0164] To remotely input music, the user has a number of choices. The user may obtain a sound file, such as MP3 from a website (e.g., "MP 3. com"). The user may then transmit the sound file to the central controller. The controller may then store the sound file in a preliminary database. The user may also record his own music using a microphone attached to his user terminal. He can then transmit the digitized music to the central controller.
[0165] The central controller, casino server, casino or gaming device may filter out picture or sound files that are deemed inappropriate. The computer program may examine the picture or sound files and compare them to pre-established criteria to decide whether or not to allow their use at the gaming device. Alternatively, the person may act as an inspector. Certain pictures or sound files may only be allowable under certain conditions. For example, a sound file may only be allowable if the user is using headphones, or if there are no other people nearby.
4. Reserve to make up for lost money of the user
[0166] A common fear among users is losing too much money in the casino. When the user spends all the money for the light game, the user may be bored. The user may also be regret, embarrassed or may even experience financial difficulties. Thus, in some embodiments of the invention, the user may take steps to reduce the likelihood of suffering from transient losses at the casino.
[0167] In some embodiments, the user does work prior to visiting the casino. The user may receive insurance against the loss as compensation for his work. For example, in exchange for doing a job that costs five hours, the user may be told "if you lose $100, we will refund you $100 to come back to balance again". The insurance may be capped by some amount. Insurance may cover the percentage of loss. Insurance may also cover losses incurred only during a certain period of time. Other benefits of work may include: cash; available quota; a gaming token; increased odds of winning; an increased prize table; the ability to play a one dollar gaming machine in twenty-five cents; free use of excess coins in a multi-coin slot machine; the ability to play free of charge; enabling additional winning symbols on the slot machine; enabling additional paylines on the slot machine; and collateral benefits such as free or subsidized meals or hotel rooms.
[0168] The user can work through the internet. For example, a user may monitor the output of a security camera and send an email alert when he sees any suspicious activity. The user thus acts as a remote security. The user can answer survey questions important to the marketer. The user may participate in the online focal group. The user can make a visual comparison of the product and provide an output with a better package. The user can use the website hosted by the central controller to perform his work. The central controller can thereby monitor the user's work and provide benefits to the user accordingly. In some embodiments, the user does work on a separate website. The website may be hosted by a merchant associated with the central controller. After the job is performed, the user may receive a code from the website and submit the code to the central controller to receive the available credit for his job. Alternatively, the merchant may contact the central controller directly and inform the central controller of the user's job.
[0169] The user can also work off-line. For example, the user may work to assist the customer of a department store. The user then receives the code from the department store, submits it to the central controller and thus receives the available credit for his work to be done.
[0170]Instead of doing work, the user may receive insurance or other benefits against the loss by agreeing to trade with the merchant. For example, the user may agree to go to long distance service or agree to purchase a new car insurance policy. In exchange, the user may receive money that may be used to make up for losses at the casino. In some embodiments, the user receives the automated revenue simply by doing business with the merchant. For example, for the userFor each dollar spent, the user may receive insurance against the three cents worth of loss.
[0171] In many cases, the user makes earned money in an account that can only be used to compensate for the user's losses. However, the user may visit the casino and win. It is then possible that the user can use the money in the account for other use. For example, the user may have the ability to collect a percentage of the money in the account. The user may have the ability to apply the money in the account to the purchase of merchandise, food, hotel rooms, gambling availability, or other goods.
5. User available line (credit line)
[0172] Typically, the user goes to the casino without having sufficient cash to pay for his intended chips. One option for the user is to go to an ATM or cash prepay machine. However, for some users, the available limit or daily withdrawal limit does not allow them to withdraw as much money they want. Therefore, the user can establish an available credit line in the casino and acquire a (marker) with respect to the available credit line. To obtain the target, the user may call the casino in advance and request the available credit line from the casino. The user will typically have to submit some information about himself, including the player tracking card number and checking account information. When the user arrives at the casino, he may then present a blank check and several identification forms. Once the casino grants the user the credit line available, the user may request the credit line. Subject is a legal constraint document (binding document) that the user signs, i.e., the user will repay the casino with any chips the user plays. If the user is not paying, the casino may cash the object at the bank if the object is a check.
[0173] In some embodiments of the invention, the user may use the website of the central controller to remotely set up the available credit line. The user may enter information relating to the casino granting the available credit line. Such information may include name, home address, telephone number, email address, bank name, checking account number, amount in checking account, citizenship, desired amount of available credit, and the like. In some embodiments, the player may also input an amount owed to other casinos.
[0174]This information may then be sent to the casino's available line executive, who may begin to decide whether to grant the available line. Alternatively, the user information may be reviewed by an automated program. The program may then help decide whether the available credit line should be granted. In some embodiments, the casino executive or the controller may check CentralTo determine the credit history of the user to other casinos. If the user is listed as CentralPoor credit risk may not grant the user the available credit line.
[0175] In some embodiments, the central controller may act as an entity that provides the available credit. The central controller may grant the available credit line to the user. The user may then obtain a line marker at the casino that is relative to the available credit line. The casino can then be compensated for the amount of the target immediately by the central controller. Subsequently, the casino may reimburse the central controller when the user reimburses the amount of the target. The casino can pay a fee to the central controller for the risk.
[0176] Another way for a user to secure sufficient funds for play at a casino is to wire money to the casino in advance. The user may use the central controller's website to wire money by providing the central controller with financial account information, destination information, and the amount to be transferred.
[0177] In some embodiments, the user may be allowed to play a game with only money designated, reserved, deposited, or "allocated" before the user visits the casino. For example, a user may be required to fund an online account so that once at the casino, a player may only play with funds in that account (or in a certain "pool" of that account, such as a pool set aside for a particular day). Such an embodiment may be particularly useful for problems or compulsive gamblers that have difficulty adhering to a self-setting budget once at the casino floor.
6. Appearance and feel of gaming devices
[0178] Prior to visiting the casino, the user may enter data describing the desired machine interface. Aspects of the machine interface may include font size, reel speed, language, screen resolution, length of the bonus round, amount of time between pull-down initiation and outcome, type of symbol, and so forth. Each aspect of the machine interface may be selected from a menu or may be entered by the player in a text box on the central controller's website. A variety of gaming devices are common in that the game being played and the interface to the game being played on the gaming device are encoded in software. Thus, many gaming devices have the flexibility of providing the user with the interface he desires. This can be generally described as a kind of preference preparation data, as it is always related to aspects and/or interface appearance and/or functionality of the player's preferred game play.
7. Which game devices the user wants to play
[0179] Using the central controller's website, the user may have the opportunity to test different gaming device configurations and different gaming devices themselves. In some embodiments, the user selects a gaming device configuration and the central controller then displays a graphical representation of the gaming device in the selected configuration. For example, if the user selects a gaming device configuration with five reels and three pay lines, the user may view a graphical representation of a five reel gaming device with three pay lines on the user terminal. The user can simulate spinning on his user terminal by simulating the available credit meter based on the result of the simulation. By pre-testing various gaming device configurations, the user has the opportunity to see which configurations are pleasing. The user can also determine which configurations are fortunate to him. Once the user has found the desired configuration, the central controller may instruct the user where it can find the actual gaming device that can support the desired configuration. For example, the central controller may show the user a map of a country, state, city, or casino floor, highlighting the relevant gaming device or location. The central controller may also provide written instructions to the user of the gaming device.
[0180] On the controller's website, the user may also get the opportunity to test new games he has never played. For example, a conventional mechanical reel player may test a video slot machine. Or the reel player may test a video poker or blackjack machine. In fact, the central controller may encourage and reward users for attempting infrequent play. For example, if a user plays an hour of a new word bonus game on the central controller's website, the central controller may provide the user with free meals for a particular restaurant. Familiarizing a user with a new game is beneficial to a casino because the user is comfortable playing multiple games at the casino, reducing the chance that a game will leave if it is no longer appropriate for him. Thus, the casino can compensate the central controller for any revenue given to the user for testing a new game.
[0181] After testing the gaming device configuration or a new game on the controller's website, the user may order the gaming device for use at the casino. By making a reservation, the user can be assured that he is near the particular gaming device at the appropriate time and find that other users are not using it. Thus, the reserved gaming device may be frozen (remain unplayable) and unlocked only to users who have inserted player tracking cards with user identifiers that match the user identifier of the user making the reservation. However, if a user does not unlock the gaming device within a certain period of time, the device may become available to other users. The user can pay money to reserve the game apparatus. This money may be paid on the spot or may be part of the balance available to the user when the user is present at the gaming device. The user may be confiscated by the portion of the money if it is not present at the reserved time. The reservations can also be linked to hotel reservations. For example, the portion of the user's reservation packaging plan at the casino may be three evening rooms, and three days of a particular gaming device from 3:00P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
[0182] The user may also test for new games that have not yet been set up on the casino floor. The user may provide feedback on these games. The user's feedback may allow the gaming device manufacturer to make a decision as to whether to continue developing the gaming product. The feedback may also help the casino decide whether to purchase certain gaming devices. The user may be compensated for his feedback on the new game. For example, when a new gaming device is introduced to a casino floor, the user may gain the first privilege to play the new gaming device.
8. Financial rewards for gaming devices
[0183] Prior to visiting the casino, the user may enter provisioning data describing the manner in which money is paid from the gaming device. The user may specify these parameters as the frequency of device payments, percentage of hold, size of jackpot, size of lesser payments, frequency of occurrence of particular payments, and the like. However, the user does not have to get all the content he requests. For example, a user may not be allowed to have a gaming device configured to pay back more than one hundred percent (100%). The central controller may adjust certain parameters based on other parameters selected by the user. For example, if the user desires a higher frequency of payments, the central controller may decrease the chance of hitting a jackpot while increasing the chance of hitting a lower payment. Thus, the retention percentage of the machine can be kept constant. The user may be prevented from doing so if the user attempts to enter a parameter that forces the machine to pay more than one hundred percent (100%) of the inserted coin. For example, a checkbox on the central controller's website may be grayed out or disabled.
[0184] In some embodiments, the user may submit provisioning data to configure the gaming device to pay more than one hundred percent (100%) of the inserted coin. In these cases, the user may have to pay or accept the marketing offer. Under a given configuration, the user may also be time limited in using the gaming device.
[0185] The user may also remotely indicate the type of bet he wishes to place at the gaming device. The type of bet may not be the type of gaming device that is currently enabled. For example, the user may wish to place a bet on the occurrence of an unpaid outcome (i.e., an outcome of the outcome). Then the user may receive a smaller payment if a normal outcome occurs. The user may wish to place a bet on the appearance of five cherries in three consecutive spins, the winning outcome for three spins in a row, the winning of a bar on an intermediate spindle, etc. In fact, there are an infinite number of statistics describing the outcome of a gaming device for which there is no wager.
[0186] When a user creates a non-standard bet, the central controller may calculate a record of the bet that the user wins and may then determine an appropriate payout for winning the bet. For example, the gaming device may determine that the chance of five (5) cherries occurring within three (3) particular consecutive revolutions is one (1) to twenty-one (21). To provide benefits to the casino, the controller may determine that a payment of twenty (20) to one (1) is appropriate for a bet where five (5) cherries are present in three (3) particular consecutive revolutions.
9. User interface
[0187] A typical gaming device may have only a few limited mechanisms for user input. The device may have physical buttons with indicia such as "bet one available credit (1 credit)", "bet up to available credits", "swap", "stop", and "spin". Physical buttons may be repeated on the touch screen so that a user may touch the physical buttons or touch screen of the gaming device to perform a particular function. However, to practice some embodiments of the present invention, or for other reasons, users may require a richer interface to the gaming device. For example, a user may prefer to bet seven available credits each time the gaming device is pulled down. The user may desire to read a special button "bet 7 available credits" for seven times as opposed to pressing the "bet 1 available credits" button. Thus, using the website of the central controller, the user can create a desired user interface for the gaming device. The following is a partial list of other buttons that the user may create for interaction with the gaming device.
[0188] Marketing buttons, such as "offer me" or "accept offer". These allow the user to receive and accept marketing offers to receive more gaming funds, insurance against loss, goods transactions, and the like.
[0189]Buttons to make a specific type of bet, or to bet on a specific number of available credits. For example, the buttons may be for a Monopoly falling on a particular propertyTMThe specific characters in the bonus round of the game are wagered. The button may place a bet on the outcome of the losing.
[0190] Only cash pays a specific number or percentage of the available credit. For example, the user may wish to pay only cash enough available to pay a tip to the waiter.
[0191] A button to undo any previous action. It is possible that the user mistakenly hit the "bet max available credits" button, but has not yet made a drop down. The user may wish to reverse his previous action and bet only two (2) available credits.
[0192] Redo (redo) the button of the previous bet, game or action. It is possible that the user has filled the last bet to cover five (5) paylines with two (2) coins per line. The outcome of the bet is that the user is a winner. Thus, the user may press the "redo" button to repeat the bet. The user may be at the video poker machine and wish to draw a second try of the same (previously unsuccessful hand drawn cards). By pressing the "redo" button, the user is given the opportunity to draw a second time to have a flush. However, at a second time, the user may have to make a larger bet. The user may wish to redo the bet in a particular manner. The precise time at which the bet may be made is fortunate. For example, three and a half seconds after the minute mark. It may be the exact manner in which it is pulled down. In the second bet, the gaming device may automatically repeat the manner in which the user pulls down on the first bet.
[0193] A button for betting the available amount of decimal. For example, the user may bet one third of the available credit on the pull-down by pressing a special button.
[0194] The new buttons created by the user may be displayed as areas on the touch screen of the gaming device. Alternatively, instead of creating a new button, the gaming device may understand the input from the old button when having the new meaning. For example, a button labeled "bet max available credits" on a gaming device may be understood as "offer me" when pressed by a particular user. Thus, the central controller may inform the user that "when you want to get a marketing offer, please press the" bet maximum available amount "button and ignore the meaning written on this button". In some embodiments, the gaming device is manufactured with physical buttons labeled "marketing button" or "let me get promise" or with some similar indicia. These buttons may be dedicated only to the purpose of allowing the player to request marketing offers.
10. Form of presentation to be received by the user
[0195] The comp system is an important promotional incentive feature at most casinos. The gifting system allows a user to receive revenue based on the amount of play of the user. For example, at a casino for three thousand dollars ($3,000) per game, a user may be eligible for a free meal at a casino restaurant. One aspect of the disclosed invention is to allow the user to select the type of complimentary benefits he wants to receive. For example, the user may choose to receive free meals, reduced hotel fees, free performance tickets, line passes, cash, available credits, or merchandise. In the case where the user selects an item, the casino typically does not send the item out and the casino or central controller may order the item for the user. In fact, a significant advantage of the user remotely selecting the item as a complimentary item is that the casino or central controller has time to obtain the item before the user accesses the casino. The user may also disclose his intent to play a particular amount so that the casino or controller may better ensure that the user will actually earn enough comp points to receive the merchandise that the user has indicated.
[0196] In addition to specifying the form of the bonus items, the user can also specify the amount and type of games that need to be played to earn the bonus items. For example, a user may say that he wishes to earn some bonus material in six (6) hours of playing a twenty-five cent slot ($0.25) slot machine. The following is a partial list of activities that a user may designate as activities to earn gifted items:
1. the user playing the game for a particular amount of time;
2. the user makes a specific number of pulls down;
3. the user wins a particular net or total amount;
4. user input of a specified net or total amount;
5. the user inserts a specific amount of money; and/or
6. The user makes a total bet of a specific amount;
[0197] in addition to designating gifts for themselves, users may designate gifts for friends, relatives, third parties, and/or others.
11. Rules of game play
[0198] As stated, in one or more embodiments, a user and/or third party may set one or more restrictions or rules that govern: (i) the type of wagers that may be allowed (e.g., which paylines may be activated on a slot machine; the maximum wager amount per pull down), (ii) the maximum net wager amount per time period, (iii) the maximum net loss amount per time period, (iv) the maximum net profit amount per time period, (v) the maximum rate of pull down that may be allowed, (vi) the maximum time period that one or more gaming machines will be operational (e.g., from triggering a pull down), (vii) the maximum number of pull downs allowed per time period, (viii) the days and/or hours that one or more gaming machines may be operational, (ix) the source of funds that may be used to wager (e.g., a player may only play with a stored value or debit card; after a threshold amount of cash has been placed, a certain player may only play with "won"), (x) the type of games that may be allowed (e.g., only slot games; all games other than video); (xi) The identity or type of gaming machine that may or may not be allowed (e.g., only on machine number "1234651"; only on slot machines with a denomination of twenty-five cents ($ 0.25)), and/or (xii) any other gaming attributes.
[0199] With respect to the types of wagers that the restrictions may be allowed, the user and/or third party may specify, for example:
1. the types of outcomes on which the user may place a bet include, but are not limited to:
(i) which pay lines/how many pay lines on the slot machine can be activated; and/or
(ii) Odds of winning a certain outcome (e.g., preventing a player from placing a "big shot" bet);
2. maximum or minimum economic (e.g., dollar) value for one or more wagers; and/or
3. The time certain wagers may be allowed (e.g., only between 7-10 PM; only on saturday and sunday).
[0200] With respect to limiting the maximum period of time that one or more gaming machines will be operable for a particular player, the user and/or third party may indicate, for example:
1. how to define or determine the time period, for example by:
(i) determining a condition indicating the start of a time period (e.g., a first pull down of a particular player on a particular day may indicate the start of a period on that day);
(ii) determining a condition indicating an end of a time period; and/or
(iii) Conditions are determined that will trigger a time period "delay" or "pause" and/or any delay period or duration of the pause (e.g., if a player presents his player tracking at a casino-owned restaurant, the player's cumulative time may be extended by half (1/2) hours to allow him to have a meal).
[0201] With respect to limiting the sources of funds that a particular player may use to wager, the user and/or third party may specify, for example:
1. the type of payment or currency that may be used (e.g., cash only, twenty-five cents only, non-credit card, stored value card only, debit card only); and/or
2. The nature of the funds used to wager (e.g., a player may only play with "won" money after a threshold amount of cash has been wagered).
[0202] Applicants have also recognized that users and/or third parties (e.g., sponsors, creditors, tax authorities such as the U.S. national tax authority) may want to specify how any resulting game benefits (to whom, what amount, when) will be paid specifically prior to the user's gaming experience. Often, the user has had prior thought on how to govern his profit at the casino or what to do when he wins or loses. Also typically, the user leaves the casino and wishes to give up when he rises to one hundred dollars ($100), or wishes to have not gone to the ATM a second time, and so on. Thus, the user can enter rules that will govern his actions at the casino. Agitation or stress remotely from the casino, the user will be better able to decide how to handle his money.
[0203] The user and/or third party may enter a set of rules describing how the user will distribute the profit among the various factors. For example, the user and/or third party may wish to allocate two percent (2%) of the profit to pay his hotel bill, three percent (3%) to pay his credit card bill, ten percent (10%) to be credited with the gift funds to his wife, and three percent (3%) to be credited with his girl's college charges. With these rules, the controller may set up multiple accounts for the user and cause the casino server to automatically offload the winnings of the user to a designated account. For example, after a user wins one hundred dollars ($100) at a pull down, the casino server may transmit this information to the central controller. The central controller may then increment the user's hotel billing account by two dollars ($2), credit card payment account by three dollars ($3), wife gift account by ten dollars ($10), and child schooling account by three dollars ($ 3). At predetermined intervals, the user may be asked (e.g., by a central controller, casino server, or gaming device) whether the money in his designated account should actually be used for a designated purpose, such as paying out items on the user's hotel bill. Once the user agrees, the money in his hotel bill account may be cleared and the corresponding amount subtracted from his hotel bill. Similarly, the money in his wife's gift account may actually be used to purchase the gift (as part of his rules, the user may also have designated the gift). According to some embodiments, some or all of the distributions that follow player assignments may be tax free, and/or tax delayed. The IRS may allow for pre-assignment, for example, where the child schooling account is a tax-changing and/or tax-free account.
[0204] The following are exemplary or regular segments (fragments) that may govern the allocation of a user's winnings:
1. a fixed percentage of each payment that the user wins is credited to one or more accounts.
Thus, if a user wins two dollars ($2) for a pull down, two cents ($0.02) may be assigned to a particular account;
2. a variable percentage of each payment that the user wins is credited to one or more accounts. The percentage may depend on how much was paid, the time of day, the net profit to which the user has been charged, the amount that has been placed into one or more accounts, etc.;
3. only when some random events are implemented, part of the payment is credited to an account. For example, the rules may be governed by generating a random number between one (1) and one hundred (100) for each available credit won by the user. If the number is five (5) or less, the available credit is credited to the first account. If the number is between six (6) and ten (10), then a credit pair such as a second account, etc. may be available; and/or
4. At regular intervals, one or more available credits are won from the user. For example, after a user wins nineteen (99) available credits, no matter how long it takes, the first hundred (100) credits are taken for the userth) The available credit is put into the user's specific account. In another embodiment, assuming that the user has available credits in the gaming device, one or more of the available credits may be removed from the user device and placed into a particular account at regular intervals.
[0205] More generally, the user and/or third party may set rules for determining and/or triggering actions that may be performed by the central controller, casino server, gaming device, user terminal, third party service provider server. For example, the user and/or third party may set the following rules for determining and/or triggering an action:
1. encouraging the user to give up after certain conditions have been met;
(i) the condition may be that the user has lost a certain amount; the user has lost in a certain number of consecutive pulls; the user has won a certain amount; the user has finished a certain amount of time, etc.;
(ii) once a condition is triggered, the gaming device may strictly enforce the user-defined rules by, for example, forcibly rendering the user and stopping the operation whenever the user's player tracking card is inserted. Alternatively or additionally, a player may be restricted from playing on one or more gaming machines for a predetermined period of time, such as an hour or a day;
(iii) In some embodiments, the gaming device may simply encourage the user to give up once the condition is triggered. For example, the device may alert the player of his intent after placing a certain amount, and so on. The gaming device may also suggest alternative activities to the user. For example, a user may visit a restaurant, bar, or show at a casino. An exemplary user input to the website of the central controller is "if I won $100 or if I runs $100 less, get me to come up". In another embodiment, the user may indicate "if i lose more than $100.00 in one hour, freeze access to my casino stored funds for twenty-four hours"; and/or
(iv) In some embodiments, once a condition is triggered, the gaming device may pop up an output (e.g., a message or question) to the player that may require a particular input (e.g., a confirmation or answer) in order for the player to continue wagering. For example, the gaming device may pop up a message to the player illustrating the danger of the problem gambling for which the user must enter a confirmation (e.g., "I confirm the danger") in order to proceed. In another embodiment, the user must successfully answer trivia questions associated with the question game in order to continue. Such actions may increase awareness and education regarding problem gambling.
2. After the condition has been met, the gaming device, casino server or another computer may be configured to trigger a notification message to a third party. For example, if a player bets or loses more than a certain dollar amount over a certain time period, the casino server may email the problem gambling advisor and/or the player's spouse. Alternatively, if the player bets more than a certain dollar amount in a certain time period, the casino server may trigger an automatic outbound interactive voice response unit to call the player's spouse, whose spouse's cellular telephone number may be registered in the database. Additionally, if a player bets more than a certain dollar amount in a certain time period, a casino representative may be notified by the system so that a person can talk to the player in person (hands-on).
3. After the condition has been met, the gaming device, casino server, or another computer may be configured to open a communication link between the player and a third party. For example, in one embodiment, if a player bets or loses more than a certain dollar amount within a certain time period, the casino server may instruct the gaming device on which the player is sitting to open a timely messaging program so that a problem gambling advisor may be online and available to the player. Alternatively, a call can be initiated to a phone associated with the player so that the player can be wired to the problem gambling advisor;
4. Once the trigger condition occurs, the gaming device, casino server or another computer may be configured to slow down the rate at which play is allowed on one or more gaming devices, reduce the amount that may be wagered on one or more gaming devices, etc.;
5. once the trigger condition occurs, the gaming device, casino server or another computer may be configured to allow the player to:
(i) only "free" play (i.e., where no wagers may be placed and no money may be won); and/or
(ii) Play with very few "micro-bets" (e.g., one percent (1%) of the face value of the gaming machine);
6. once the trigger condition occurs, the gaming device, casino server or another computer may be configured to ask the player to:
(i) sacrifice any "give away" points so far; and/or
(ii) Obtaining a forensics of the third party prior to recovery (e.g., a problem gambling advisor or spouse may have to enter a code into the website reflecting the permissions for the player's game);
7. once the trigger condition occurs, the gaming device may be configured to output audio or video material to the player. The record may provide a reminder to the player that he should stop the game. The audio or video material may be a recording of the player's friends or family members, the player's game advisors, celebrities, the player himself, or others with whom a player finds close. For example, a player's game advisor may use a video camera to record recorded material that a player's friends or family members encourage the player to stop the game. These video materials can then be provided to the casino so that they can be output to the player at the appropriate time;
8. Once the trigger condition occurs, the gaming device, casino server or another computer may be configured to revoke the benefit that has been or has otherwise been provided to the player. For example, a player may be prevented from earning any "added" points for the remainder of their gaming session, the player may lose access to one or more features on the gaming machine (e.g., automatic gaming mode, free movies and calls while gaming), or the player may be prevented from receiving free drinks while gaming; and/or
9. The gaming device, casino server or central controller manages the wagers of the user so that the user does not lose all of his money by some time. For example, a user may say "i do not want to lose my total $100 purchases over a three hour period. The gaming device may then steadily decrease the size of the user's wager as he inputs to ensure that he does not spend the three (3) hour period. If the user begins to win, the gaming device may increase the size of the user's wager.
[0206] In some embodiments, the gambling rules and/or restrictions for a particular player may not be altered or eliminated for a period of time after registration of such gaming rules or restrictions. Thus, a player who voluntarily enrolls a limit on his gaming ability may not be allowed to remove or otherwise modify these limits, for example, prior to visiting the casino, as long as his planned visit is within the period. While the validity period of the various restrictions and rules may be fixed or predetermined (e.g., days or hours after registration), such a period may alternatively have a variable length, e.g., based on one or more factors such as: (1) a win or loss of the player during the period, (2) a deposit or payout pattern of the player during the period, (3) input from a third party during the period (e.g., a validity period during which the rules may be modified by a problem gambling advisor), and so forth. For example, if a player loses more than two hundred dollars ($200) during the period, the period may extend ten (10) days. Alternatively, if the player has demonstrated to the computer system that he has deposited fifty dollars ($50) into a savings account during the time period, the time period may be shortened by five (5) days. Further, the period may be shortened if the player has proven that he has paid various financial obligations (e.g., loans, taxes, child fosters, etc.) during the period. In addition, if the problem gambling advisor senses that the player has (or has not) progressed on addiction control, the advisor can shorten (or lengthen) the time period.
12. Information about the contract that the player wants to sign
[0207] Game play is a way for a user to buy (or sell) a large drop-down piece at a time. Some statistics become evident during a large number of pulldowns. For example, while the user may or may not come out in advance (see out) after a small number of pulldowns, the user is basically guaranteed to come out after a large number of pulldowns. This is because the win ratio remains small for each pull-grip where the field is located. Thus, the casino can afford to offer discounts or other benefits when selling large drop-down blocks to the user. An attractive benefit is to ensure that the user is confronted with the loss. Thus, the user may pay to make twenty thousand (20,000) drops with such a specification that he retains any profit but is not responsible for any loss. In addition to being able to appeal to contract purchases, casinos also benefit from locking users to a large number of pull downs.
[0208] The user also benefits from the contracted game. As mentioned, the user can ensure himself against the loss. The user can also be assured that he can be burdened with a large number of pulls by a one-time total purchase. Subsequently, he does not need to worry about the money being spent before he plans to end his stay at the casino. Another benefit is that a user does not have to be present when a pull-down is performed, having purchased a large number of pull-downs at a time. Thus, the user may leave to have lunch or may even leave the state when the drop down is made on his behalf. The user then enjoys an experience similar to remote gaming.
[0209] In some embodiments of the invention, the user may construct or purchase a contract on the central controller's website. In constructing the contract, the user may specify any of the following:
1. a pull-down number in the contract;
2. the amount wagered per pull down;
3. games to be played (e.g. game play)Triple ofOr Double Bonus) (ii) a And/or
4. The price of the contract.
[0210] The user may also or alternatively provide gaming instructions so that the gaming device can automatically generate an outcome for the user. Such instructions may be related to the outcome of the contract or may be related to the outcome of an unrelated contract. Exemplary instructions may include:
1. frequency of outcome generation (e.g., ten (10) drops per minute);
2. the total number of outcomes produced (e.g., one thousand (1,000) pulls); and/or
3. Independent of the old outcome, the new outcome yields or the manner in which the new bet is made (e.g., "double my bet every time i lose," and "double the pull-down rate when i have won back to twenty-five cents per pull-down". or "double the pull-down rate when i have lost more than one row of five loses," but "halve the pull-down rate when i have won more than $10 of the payout". or "stop after i have won or lost $ 100").
[0211] Once the user has submitted the provisioning data describing the contract and/or gaming instructions, the user may specify a name or identity for the contract. For example, a user may call a contract "super lucky system". Then, when the user personally appears at the gaming device, he need only select the super lucky system to start the contracted game.
13. Travel arrangement information
[0212] Using the central controller's website, the user can make travel and accommodation arrangements. For example, the user may select the hotel he wants to stay in, the number of days he wants to stay in, the room class, the mode of transportation he wants to take from the airport, the airline he wants to board, and so on. In some embodiments, the user may provide a date of travel and allow the central controller to find the appropriate hotel for the user. For example, the central controller may find a hotel with an empty room, a hotel with the cheapest house fee, or a hotel offering an advantage for staying there (e.g., free meals).
[0213] The user may receive various game-related benefits as a result of the travel arrangements using the central controller. For example, he may accept a five dollar ($5) free gaming chip for a travel arrangement of $100 ($100) per value he uses the central controller.
14. Friend's email address
[0214]At the central controller's website, the user can input friends, relatives or the user can input the informationThe email address of the other person the user wants to contact during the gaming phase (session). For example, if a user has just had a chain of good fortune and wants to share his excitement with others, the user may want to contact a person. The user may also want to contact others to seek encouragement if he is not just playing that well. The user may also simply want to chat while playing the slot game. By entering the email address remotely, the user has access to an address book and does not need to remember the addresses of all his friends, for example. The remotely entered address is then available to the user at the gaming device. For example, the names of friends of the user may be listed on the touch screen of the user's gaming device. The user then simply touches the friend's name, composes the message, and touches the "send" button on the touch screen to send an email message to his friend. In addition to the email address of a friend or relative, the user may enter the AOL Instant of the friend Name, phone number, or other contact information.
[0215] In some embodiments, the user gives the central controller or one or more casino servers permission to contact one or more of their friends. The central controller may then market the friends of the user by, for example, prompting the friends of the user to visit a casino associated with the central controller. The user may gain revenue by allowing contact with his friends. In some embodiments, friends are contacted on behalf of the user. For example, a user says to send an email to my friend "Joe Smith" whenever I win a couple more than $40 ($ 40). The user may even compose a message in advance. The message may be "i just won $ x, do you want you to follow me together? "
15. Game ring of user (gaming circle)
[0216] The user may register one or more other people to benefit from their game and/or bet. As applicable, these registered beneficiaries are referred to as "playcircles" and/or "playcircles" of the user. For example, a user registers several friends, each of which accepts ten percent (10%) of any jackpot (jackpot) accepted by the user. Alternatively, the user may designate one or more friends in the playcircle that are registered to accept various game benefits associated with the user's game play, such as points, credits, demos, cheat codes, and/or unlocking of game levels. There are several advantages to creating a circle of friends. The user may leave the casino with the psychological support of friends, relatives or colleagues. When he wins, he feels good not only by getting money, but also by winning money for his betting circle. In addition, when the user returns from his trip, his playpen may be more interested in how the trip was and any interesting stories the user has to mention. Describing their trip to their playpen adds fun to the user's experience.
[0217] The user may register their playcircle members by entering their name, email address, and/or home address when logging into the central controller's website. These can be stored, for example, in playcircle database 1100 of fig. 11. When a user registers his game and/or playcircle member, he can indicate what proceeds the member receives. The following is a partial listing of possible benefits:
1. the percentage of any jackpot prize won by the user;
2. percentage of users' hair profit;
3. the percentage of net profit for the user (dollars, available credit, points, etc.);
4. the user's jackpot, net profit, or gross profit percentage, capped in some amount (e.g., five percent (5%) of net profit, up to fifty dollars ($ 50));
6. depending on the user winningA non-monetary reward of benefit (e.g., Amazon of fifty dollars ($50) if the user wins a jackpot of over one thousand dollars ($1,000).Gift certificates); and/or
7. One or more game play revenues, such as points, experience levels, free presentations, prize levels, characters, and/or capabilities, and/or unlocking of game features such as levels.
[0218] The benefit given to the user of the game and/or playring members may or may not be subtracted from the winnings won by the user. For example, if a user wins a thousand dollar ($1,000) jackpot and has signed five percent (5%) of a member accepting any such jackpot, the user may accept as much as nine hundred fifty dollars ($950) of the jackpot. Alternatively, the user may accept a total of one thousand dollars ($1,000), and the casino or other party (e.g., marketer) may provide an additional fifty dollars ($50) to members of the playcircle. If it is the casino that will provide additional money to compensate a gambling zone member, the casino may require some action by the user or the gambling zone member before providing the money. For example, a casino may require that the playpen member go to the casino to collect the fifty dollar ($ 50). The casino may then benefit from having potential customers visit the casino. A marketer who provides the extra fifty dollars ($50) may require the playpen member to try a product of the marketer. For example, a car dealer may require that the playcircle member try the dealer's car before accepting the fifty dollar ($ 50).
[0219] In some embodiments, the benefit given to a player's playring member has little bearing on the profit of that user. For example, a betting circle member may only accept revenue when a user loses more than a certain amount. As another example, a member may benefit when a user receives the "lemon-cherry-bar" outcome, which is typically a non-winning outcome.
[0220] The betting circle members can receive any proceeds attributed to them in several ways. Casinos may send cash, checks, money orders, casino chips, or rewards in the form of mail. The casino may wire transfer, send digital cash, or deposit money directly into the financial accounts of the playpen members. The casino can simply inform the user gambling deck member what the user has won and the assumptions that the member will collect from the user. Many other ways may be used by a casino or marketer to provide revenue.
16. Intention (intent) information
[0221] An activity that knows the intent of the user may be valuable to the casino or other marketer. The intended activity may include such things as when the user intends to visit Las Vegas; how long the user intends to stay in las vegas; how much the user intends to play; where the user intends to play; where the user intends to have a meal and how much he intends to spend; where the user intends to stay, what his shopping budget is; and so on. Knowing the user's intent, the marketer can attempt to locate a product or service that is appropriate for the user's intent. For example, if a user is planning to stay for four days in Las Vegas, the hotel may offer the user a special rate based on a four night stay. Also, casinos may be willing to sell products to a user when the user is last day in las vegas. Casinos generally do not want the user's money to divert from gaming. However, until the user is the last day, the casino may infer that selling the product to the user will receive more profit than if the user were gaming for a small amount of the user's remaining time.
[0222] The user may submit his or her intent to the central controller through the central controller's website. The user may respond to, for example, "do you go with several people? "is used herein. The user may also provide a more free form answer by typing or speaking into a microphone. The freeform answer may be to a question such as "what do you plan during your vacation? "is the answer to the question. The free-form answer may then be interpreted by a person or computer program.
[0223] The user may be compensated for submitting his intentions. For example, the user may receive compensation for each question he answers. The compensation may depend on the value of the user's answer to the casino or marketer. For example, the user may be directed to the answer "what are your gaming budgets? "and accept the answer" where do you intend to have lunch on weekdays? "more compensation.
[0224] When the user answers the question, he may be presented with a new question based on his answer to the old question. For example, if the user says that his trip to Las Vegas lasts for four (4) days, he may then be asked where he plans to stay. However, a user who implies that his trip is simply a daily trip may not be asked where he intends to stay.
[0225]Casinos or marketers may attempt to influence a user's intent to alter his expression in terms of offering a particular offer (deal). For example, if a user intends to play at a first casino, the second casino may offer the user twenty dollars ($20) free casino chips or gaming chips if the user goes to the second casino. If the user only plans to wait three (3) nights, the hotel may offer it a fourth (4)th) Or fifth (5)th) Late house fee discounts.
[0226] The casino or marketer may also or alternatively encourage the user to commit to his intent. For example, a user may say that he intends to spend about one hundred dollars ($100) shopping at a particular casino. A casino that knows that the user always changes ideas may request that the user commit to their purchases worth one hundred dollars ($ 100). The user may receive revenue for a commitment, such as a twenty dollar ($20) gift certificate for a store of the casino. There may be various ways to enhance the user's commitments. For example, the user may have to deposit a certain amount of money into the central controller. The user may lose the money if he is unable to honor his commitments.
[0227] The user may submit information about the intent of his friends. It is possible that the user knows how long their friends are waiting, where they want to play, where they want to have meals, etc. The user may provide contact information of his friends along with the intention data of his friends so that the casino or marketer may contact the user's friends.
[0228]Along with information about their intent, the user can submit information about their obligation (authorization). Obligations can be viewed as a stronger form of intent in which there is some psychological stress on the user to perform an action. For example, the user is obligated to leave after four (4) days because he has to be in the fifth (5) dayth) The work is carried out every day. The user may similarly receive compensation for submitting obligations. The marketer can attempt to commit its obligations to the user without that effort and without convincing the user not to fulfill his obligations.
[0229] The central controller may infer the intent or obligation of the user. For example, if a user has booked a casino hotel, the central controller may receive such booking information from the casino hotel. The central controller then knows how long the user intends to vacate. The central controller also references existing data about the user. For example, if the central controller had a hotel stay record of the user in Las Vegas before, and the user had been waiting five (5) days in Las Vegas on average each year over the last six (6) years, the central controller may infer that the user intended to be waiting five (5) days in Las Vegas during the upcoming vacation.
[0230] Knowing the user's intentions and obligations, the central controller may employ revenue management principles in providing offers to the user. For example, if the central controller knows that the user has a food budget of one hundred fifty dollars ($150), the central controller may offer the user a meal of twenty dollars ($20) at a restaurant. A "Sam" with a food budget of five hundred dollars ($500) might receive the same meal at thirty dollars ($ 30). The central controller may also offer the user perishable food or products at a price that may be reduced.
17. Entertainment and convenience information
[0231] Gaming devices may have the ability to provide entertainment or convenience features beyond just game play. For example, a gaming device may allow a user to watch television or movies, access the internet, make telephone calls, perform word processing, listen to music, and so forth. Thus, the user can submit formulation (preparation) data detailing the entertainment and convenience features he wants. The following are some examples of user requests:
1. the user requests to play the slot pair at any timeContinuous access of (2);
2. the user requesting a phone call equivalent to twenty (20) minutes to be placed anywhere in the united states for three hours per game;
3. The user requests to watch a first run of the movie while playing the slot machine;
4. the user requests access to the internet and to the word processor during the slot game;
5. the user requesting access to the instant message tool at the time of the slot machine game;
6. the user requests access to a two-fold pay site (two pay web site) while playing the slot game; and/or
7. The user requests to listen to the first fifty (50) songs on the country music table while playing the slot game.
[0232] The user may also or alternatively request specific entertainment features for his hotel room, including movies and TV shows.
18. Information about user preferred environmental conditions
[0233] The user can submit preparation data (preparation data) as to what environmental conditions are most suitable for him. The user may provide prepared data regarding ambient temperature, ambient lighting, the proximity of the gaming machines to each other, the level of congestion at the casino floor, the noise level at the casino, and the smoke level and ventilation at the casino. In addition, the provisioning data may relate to the number of casino employees available to service the user. For example, a user may desire a casino employee to assist in carrying luggage. The user may desire the frequency with which a particular wait person provides a drink. The user may indicate preparation data regarding one or more beverages preferred by the user. Knowing this, the waitress can have the ability to provide the user with a drink without asking the user what he wants to drink. The user may also submit preparation data as to when he wants to get a drink. The waitress can then provide the beverage to the user without the user requesting it. The user may indicate provisioning data for a particular configuration of casino equipment. For example, a user may prefer gaming machines at the end of a row, isolated gaming machines, or gaming machines in an arc configuration.
19. Scrapbook information
[0234] A game-centric trip may constitute a major vacation for the user. Typical visitors to las vegas here take more than four (4) days. Visitors typically take an airplane. In addition, visitors to Las Vegas seek a variety of forms of entertainment other than gaming.
[0235] For any vacation, the user wants to be enjoyable and wants to retain the memory of their best experience. Casinos can help preserve memory by profiling the user's experience in various ways. Casinos may use security cameras to take pictures of users. The casino may keep a picture of the user at each particular moment, for example, just after the user has won the available payment. The user's gaming device may communicate with the casino server or central controller alerting them that payment has been won. The casino server may then send a signal to a casino security camera monitoring the user. The camera may be instructed to capture and/or save one or more still images during the player winning time period. The security camera may also record video from the user during the period of low morality to serve as a point of contrast with the user's later winning photographs.
[0236] The gaming device may also record and store the outcomes reached by the user. The gaming device may provide the user with a printed record of his outcome. The gaming device may also transmit the outcome records to a central controller. The central controller may then send a record of the outcome to the user's terminal. Using software that graphically represents the gaming device, the user may have the ability to rewarming their gaming experience on their user terminal.
[0237] When the gaming device reaches an end that results in a user's facial expression, a photograph of the user's facial expression may even be overlaid onto the graphical representation of the gaming device. For example, a user with a happy expression is displayed on a photograph with three bars lined up on a slot machine. Such photographs may be provided to the user digitally, printed, or otherwise output to the user's T-shirt or other merchandise.
[0238] When a user reaches certain outcomes, casino employees may congregate around the user to play a group. It is possible that they lift the user on their shoulder directly in front of the security camera.
[0239] Casinos can record and record images from users. For example, a microphone on the gaming device may record a shouting of his sadness or happiness when the user is transporting.
[0240] Because the filing of a vacation may be so important for the user, the user may submit preparation data describing how to record his vacation. The user may describe when the casino should take pictures or record video for the user. For example, a user may request to save a photograph each time the user wins a payment that exceeds one hundred dollars ($ 100). The user may request that the best five outcomes won by the user be saved so that the user can then reproduce the outcomes on their computer.
[0241] The user may wish to make a good reflecting the user's vacation. For example, a user may request a cup that displays the user's best ending dollar number on top of the user's photograph.
[0242] The portion of the user's provisioning data may also be payment instructions for his vacation documentation. For example, a user may pay ten dollars ($10) and be eligible to accept one hundred (100) prints of the user's selected photograph. The user may pay twenty dollars ($20) to accept two T-shirts with the user's photos on them. The user's payment may or may not be prepaid. The user may or may not commit to paying for any of the elements of the filing.
[0243] In some embodiments, the user's gaming device is configured to display a "take this" button or a "save this" button. When the user presses the button (e.g., by touching an area of the touch screen), a camera in the casino may take a picture of the user, or the gaming device may save the current outcome for later reproduction.
[0244] It may be desirable for a casino to provide free documentation of his vacation to the user. For example, after taking multiple photos for a user, the casino will be able to present the photos in a logical, organized, or attractive format, such as in a scrapbook format. However, if the user goes to a plurality of different casinos during a vacation and he receives files from the plurality of casinos, the files from the different casinos will not necessarily fit each other conveniently. Thus, the casino can more effectively retain the user by providing a filing because the user will want to stay at the casino and have their entire vacation filed in a uniform format.
[0245] In some embodiments, multiple casinos, restaurants, and/or other merchants may coordinate with one another in the profiling of user journeys. For example, two different casinos may take pictures of the user separately and send the pictures to a central database maintained by a central controller. The central controller can then integrate all the photos into one album and present them to the user in a uniform format.
[0246] According to some embodiments, data of photographs, outcomes, and other documented user trips may be stored in a trip profiling database.
20. The user wishes to purchase something
[0247] Many visitors to a casino enjoy shopping at the casino's shopping mall. However, the shopping mall does not necessarily have anything the user wishes to purchase. Thus, the user's provisioning data may include a listing and description of the items that the user wishes to purchase. The user may desire a valued item, such as a T-shirt with his name on it. When a user indicates in advance what he wants to buy, the store has the opportunity to obtain or make what the user wants. The user may prepay, or may simply commit to purchase. The items requested by the user may be stored at a particular store, may be sent directly to the user's home address, or may be given to the user while the user is at the gaming device or in his hotel room. In some embodiments, the store obtains the goods requested by the user and offers the user free or at a large discount in the store. It is hoped that the user will buy more items in the shop. The user may be required to purchase more items to obtain the requested product for free or at a discount.
[0248] Items requested for purchase by the user may also be offered as a reward offer to the user. For example, if a user wins a prize of two hundred dollars ($200) on a slot machine, the slot machine may offer to the user her requested women's clothing to replace her prize.
[0249] Obviously, a large and varied amount of provisioning data is possible, and the user does not have to provide some of the provisioning data that may be provided. For example, the user does not have to provide any user data to the marketer, nor even indicate whether he wants to accept marketing offers. Thus, the controller may associate default preparation data with each user. In the above-described example, where the user has not indicated whether he would like to accept the marketing offer, the default may be that the user does accept the marketing offer. The default data may not be the same for every user. Instead, the default provisioning data may depend on information about the user, or it may depend on the central controller, casino server, or the marketer's business environment. For example, if the marketer is experiencing a particular pressure to process inventory, the marketing offer may be presented to the user, otherwise the marketing offer may not be presented.
B. Determine associated preparation code-1404
[0250] In some embodiments, the central controller may assign a ready code to the ready data for each user. The code may be any sequence of letters, numbers, punctuation, and other symbols. Sample codes are "123456", "C123456", "ABCDEF", and "$% # @ Q%". The code may be of any length. In some embodiments, the codes may be limited in length and symbol usage so that they may be more easily remembered by a person. Also, the symbols in the code may be constrained to those that are easily entered into the gaming device. For example, a player tracking card reader on a slot machine may include a keypad having only numbers. Thus, the code may be strictly composed of numbers.
[0251] In some implementations, each unique ready data group is assigned a unique code. Since there may be more possible prepared data sets than codes of a given length, some codes may expire after a time so that they can be reused for a new prepared data set. That is, code "123456" may correspond to the first prepared data set only for three weeks, after which it may be assigned to a new prepared data set. The code may correspond to different sets of preparation data depending on different circumstances. The time of day, the geographic location, and the type of gaming device receiving the code may all determine the corresponding set of preparation data. Advantageously, this may allow fewer codes to represent more unique sets of preparation data, as each code may now represent multiple sets of preparation data. For example, "123456" may represent a five reel (5 reels) gaming device configuration with one dollar per bet ($1) in atlantic city, and a three reel (3 reels) configuration with two quarters and five dollars per bet ($0.25) in las vegas.
[0252] When codes are assigned to the prepared data groups, the codes may simply be assigned sequentially in the order in which the data groups are prepared as defined by the user. For example, a ready data group may be assigned the code "000129" and a ready data group received immediately thereafter may be assigned the code "000130".
[0253] When a code is assigned to a set of preparation data, a record may be created in a database (e.g., preparation data database 1200 of FIG. 12) for the code and the preparation data. When the gaming device, casino server, or central controller later receives the code, it may simply look at the record in the database to determine the corresponding preparation data.
[0254] In an alternative embodiment, the code actually contains the provisioning data. For example, each digit of the code may correspond to a different feature of the gaming device configuration. The first digit may indicate the game type, the second digit indicates the size, the third digit indicates the wager size, and so on. Subsequently, when the gaming device receives the code, it need only use a predefined table to interpret each segment of the code in order to configure itself appropriately. Such a table may be stored in the gaming device, casino server, or central controller.
[0255] In some implementations, the first code is created such that the first code includes preparation data. However, the code can be very long, especially if there are many features that can be customized. Thus, the second code is created by compressing the first code in some way. Digital compression algorithms for bits or sequences of numbers are known in the art. When the gaming device later receives the second code, it may reverse implement the compression algorithm to recover the first code and derive the preparation data from the first code. Of course, the casino server or central controller may also reverse the compression.
[0256] The provisioning data may be associated with a particular user. Therefore, the information about the user may be sufficient for the game device to obtain the preparation data. For example, the user's name may be stored in a database corresponding to a prepared data set. When the user later enters his name into the gaming device (possibly through his tracking card), the gaming device may find the user's name in the database and thereby obtain the corresponding preparation data. The user's player tracking card number may serve a similar function, and thus may serve as a ready code. Other user characteristics may be associated with the configuration in the database. Biological data of the user, such as voice data, retinal data, or fingerprint data, may be associated with a particular configuration.
[0257] The preparation code may be in the form of a barcode or may be any other machine readable code. The user then prints the bar code from his user terminal. When the user later inserts the barcode into the gaming device, the gaming device may obtain the user's provisioning data.
[0258] The user may specify himself the code to be associated with a particular configuration. It is possible that he marks the configuration as "203-.
[0259] The preparation code may describe only the specific features that the user has selected. Other characteristics may then assume default values. For example, if the user has only selected the number of reels, the code may be "NR 5", where "NR" represents "number of reels" and "5" indicates the desired number. The code does not describe other features and therefore these may take default values.
C. Transmitting the preparation data and code to a casino server (or other device or computer) -1406
[0260] Once the code has been associated with a particular set of preparation data, the code and preparation data may be transmitted to the casino server and/or gaming device. The transmission may occur via the internet, email, telephone, fax, or other modes of communication.
[0261] In some embodiments, the code and preparation data are transmitted immediately after they have been generated. In other embodiments, the gaming device may receive the preparation data only after the user has entered the code and the gaming device has sent the code to the casino server and/or central controller.
[0262] In embodiments where the provisioning data contains information about the gaming device configuration, the controller need not necessarily transmit both the configuration data and the provisioning code, as the gaming device or casino server may be able to derive one from the other according to predefined rules.
[0263] When a user is seated at the gaming device, he may enter his ready code in order for the gaming device to determine user preferred characteristics (e.g., preferences and/or gaming rules or restrictions). He may enter the code in a number of ways including, but not limited to:
1. inputting the code through a keyboard or a touch screen;
2. speaking the code into a microphone, whereby the code is interpreted using speech recognition software;
3. inserting a barcode into the gaming device, and/or otherwise scanning or reading the barcode or other index;
4. inserting his player tracking card into the device;
5. Inserting any magnetic strip containing the code into a device;
6. inserting a floppy disk, CD, DVD, or other storage medium containing the code into a gaming device;
7. wirelessly transmitting the code to a gaming device using a cellular telephone, PDA, or other communication device; and/or
8. The biometric data (e.g., fingerprint, retinal, and/or facial recognition data) is provided to an input device of the gaming device.
[0264] If the gaming device is unable to interpret the code, the gaming device may transmit the code to a casino server and/or controller. The casino server or controller may then look up the code in a database, such as the preparation data database 1200 of fig. 12, and may retrieve the corresponding configuration information. The configuration may then be sent back to the gaming device so that the gaming device may configure itself accordingly.
D. Providing feedback to the user-1408
[0265] Generally, the central controller may respond to the user after the user has entered the preparation data into the central controller's website. The following is a partial listing of possible information contained in the central controller's response:
1. a credit to the user for submission of the preparation data and/or a request confirmation for the submitted preparation data;
2. Maps and/or guides of any gaming devices or other points of interest to the user;
3. vouchers (vouchers) or coupons (coupon) for users at casinos, restaurants or other commercial establishments. In particular, the voucher may be used in a commercial establishment near the user's intended destination;
4. information about one or more individual gaming devices. For example, the date of manufacture of the gaming device, the percentage paid for a fifty-three (53) year old male, etc. The user can, for example, print out the information and take it to his astrist for consultation;
5. the game device is updated from the time the user inputs the preparation data. If new gaming devices have recently performed well, the central controller may request the user's attention to the new gaming devices. Such updating may be done periodically;
6. configuring the gaming device in accordance with configuration data associated with preparation data received at the gaming device from the player; and/or
7. Marketing offers for the user. The marketing offer may offer the user a benefit for trading with or agreeing to trade with any merchant near the user's destination or anywhere else. In some embodiments, the central controller honors the user's readiness data only if the user agrees to a marketing offer. For example, the controller might say to the user "we will mention you a pay table you request, but we want you to fly to las vegas in return using XYZ airline. The central controller may request the user to prepay for some products or services in order to achieve the user's consent. Thus, a user may prepay for a three night stay at a hotel after agreeing to spend their vacation at that hotel.
[0266] It should be noted that in some embodiments, one or more steps may additionally and/or alternatively be performed by one or more computers or devices as mentioned herein. Such one or more additional steps may be performed when a user attempts to use the gaming device or machine at a casino building. Following such one or more steps, the gaming device and/or machine, and/or a computer associated therewith (casino server, central controller, third party service providing server, user device or terminal) may (a) identify the user, (b) identify any applicable gaming rules, constraints or limitations (such as those described herein), and/or (c) perform appropriate actions (e.g., as described herein).
[0267] In such an additional step or steps, once the user presents the custom code or preparation code (e.g., a player tracking card number or a biometric identifier), the user may be identified. For example, a user may insert their player tracking card into a player tracking card reader (e.g., player tracking card reader 510 of FIG. 5) of the gaming machine. To identify any applicable gaming rules, constraints, or limitations, the gaming machine and/or computer associated therewith may query a local or remote database based on the custom code or the preparation code. For example, the gaming machine and/or a computer associated therewith may determine whether the rendered code is present in a record of a database (e.g., the illustrative provisioning data database 1200 of fig. 12) to determine whether a corresponding rule has been registered (by itself or a third party) to limit the user's gaming behavior. If a rule has been registered as being associated with a user, and if any applicable conditions have been met (e.g., a threshold number of bets have been placed in a given time period), the gaming machine and/or computer associated therewith may perform appropriate actions, for example, by:
1. Restricting a user's ability to use the gaming machine;
2. the ability to restrict a user's funds or wagers;
3. the ability to constrain a user's use, acquisition, or liquidation of a profit;
4. signaling (via an output device) to the player a message encouraging the user to stop or limit the wagering activity;
5. signaling the third party (via an output device) with a message informing the third party about the user's wagering activity;
6. opening a communication session between two or more devices; and/or
7. Perform any other actions described herein.
[0268] Some embodiments may involve operating the gaming device and/or playing the gaming session in accordance with predefined (e.g., third party predefined) gaming rules and/or restrictions. For example, turning to fig. 15, a flow diagram illustrating a method 1500 according to some embodiments is shown. According to some embodiments, method 1500 may be performed by any practicable device, system, and/or entity as described herein. In some embodiments, method 1500 may be performed by a casino server or a gaming device.
[0269] The method 1500 may generally be initiated at 1502 to receive an indication of a game rule. For example, the indication may be received from the user and/or a third party device, and/or may be determined based on the identity of the player. The indication may include the rule or constraint itself and/or may include a pointer to a location where the rule and/or constraint is stored. The method 1500 may continue at 1504 with receiving an indication of a request to execute a game stage. Because the order of processes and elements of the methods described herein is not fixed or limited by the order in which such processes and/or elements are described and/or illustrated herein, according to some embodiments, processing at 1504 may occur before and/or substantially concurrently with processing at 1502. For example, in some embodiments, the indication of the game rule may be determined based on an indication of a request to execute the game stage and/or information associated therewith (e.g., an identity of the player). According to some embodiments, the indication of the request may be received by the gaming device and/or received by the gaming device, and/or may be received by a casino (and/or other) server and/or received by the casino (and/or other) server. For example, a player may insert a player tracking card into a gaming device, which constitutes receipt of an indication that execution of a gaming session is requested. Alternatively, selection by the player and/or pressing "spin" and/or other executable buttons and/or devices (e.g., soft keys) may provide such an indication.
[0270] At 1506, it may be determined whether the game stage is consistent with the game rules. Any game rules determined and/or received at 1502, for example, can be evaluated and/or compared to stage parameters to determine whether the requested stage is allowable. If the game stage is consistent with and/or satisfies the game rules, and/or if no game rules are applicable, method 1500 may proceed to 1508 to perform the stage (e.g., as requested).
[0271] In the event that the game stage is determined to be not consistent with the game rules, a non-consistent notification can be provided at 1510. For example, a player attempting to perform the phase may be notified that the player is not allowed to perform the phase, and/or a third party (e.g., a spouse, parent, employer, and/or regulatory agency) may be notified that the player has attempted to perform a prohibited phase (e.g., a game phase defined by parameters that have been constrained for the player). In some embodiments, the notification may also or alternatively include instructions, such as instructions that guide the player what type of game is allowed and/or that guide how the player may adjust and/or change the current stage to fall within the acceptable criteria established by the game rules.
[272] In some embodiments, as noted with respect to method 1500, the game rules (and/or the definitions defined thereby) may be determined, for example, based on a particular player and/or a particular game stage. For example, referring to fig. 16, a flow diagram illustrating a method 1600 according to some embodiments is shown. Method 1600 may generally begin at 1602 to receive an indication of a request to execute a game stage. In some embodiments, this may be similar to the indication of the request received at 1504 in method 1500.
[0273] According to some embodiments, method 1600 may generally continue with determining game rules 1604. Although this may be similar to and/or include the receipt of game rules at 1502 in method 1500, this may also or alternatively include various other methods for determining game rules. For example, a biometric identification may be received and/or identified as part of the receipt of the request at 1602. In some embodiments, for example, a facial scan of a player may be performed at a casino gaming machine and/or a slot machine to determine the identity of the player. Such FACE scanning techniques AND related methods are described in WO 03/060846 entitled "COMBINATION CASINO TABLE game AND imaging system FOR automatically identifying FACEs OF PLAYERS AND terrorists AND OTHER undesirable persons AND FOR identifying wagered gaming chips" entitled COMBINATION CASINO TABLE game AND imaging system, filed on 20.12.2002 AND published on 24.7.2003 on 24.7 in THE name OF CIAS, inc. Based on the player's identity, the gaming device may access and/or query a database for any gaming rules and/or restrictions that may be associated with the player. The gaming limits and/or rules may also or alternatively be determined and/or defined in a dynamic manner (e.g., randomly) and/or based on various recorded and/or known player characteristics. For example, one or more game limits may be automatically defined and/or imposed based on the amount that a player has played and/or spent over the past week. In some embodiments, such limits may be determined based on criteria established in an attempt to track, identify, and/or issue problem gambling behavior.
[0274] Method 1600 may generally continue at 1606 to determine if this stage is consistent with any applicable rules. This may be done in a similar manner as the consistency determination at 1506 in method 1500. For example, any game limits (e.g., wager amount) established by the applicable game rules may be compared to one or more parameters associated with the requested game stage (e.g., amount wagered) to determine consistency. For example, the phase may be determined to be non-uniform where the requested wager amount is greater than the allowed wager limit. Although consistency is generally described herein as being associated with a game stage, it should also be understood that the player may be considered consistent and/or non-consistent based on a request for the game stage and/or other actions taken by the player. Players requesting non-conforming game stages may be non-conforming players, for example.
[0275] Where the phases are determined to be consistent, the phases may be performed at 1608. In some embodiments, it may only be required that the stages be substantially uniform. For example, where the wager amount and/or other parameters violate the applicable rules by a small and/or minor amount, the phase may still be determined to be consistent. For example, if the maximum loss limit is ten dollars ($10), and the requested phase may allow a player to lose an amount that would result in the player incurring a loss of ten dollars and five cents ($10.05), the excess amount of the five cents ($0.05) may be determined to be insignificant and/or insignificant, and the phase may be performed (e.g., at 1608). In some embodiments, such "margin amounts" may be defined (e.g., by a player, by a third party, and/or by a gaming device), and/or may be based on underlying limits (some small percentage of deviation may be allowed for each limit and/or certain limits).
[0276] Where the stage is determined to be inconsistent, method 1600 may continue at 1610 to provide a non-consistent notification. This may be similar to the notification provided at 1510 of method 1500. The game stage may also or alternatively be altered, cancelled, and/or otherwise prevented from being executed as a result of violations of any applicable rules. According to some embodiments, the gaming session and/or gaming device may be reconfigured to proactively and/or reactively ensure game rule compliance.
[0277] Turning to fig. 17, for example, a flow diagram is shown illustrating a method 1700 according to some embodiments. Method 1700 may generally begin at 1702 to receive an indication of a request to execute a game stage (e.g., at 1602 of method 1600). In some embodiments, method 1700 may continue at 1704 to determine game rules (e.g., at 1604 of method 1600). At 1706, it may be determined whether the requested game stage is consistent with the determined rule (as at 1606 of method 1600). Where consistency is determined, method 1700 may simply continue with the stage at 1708 (e.g., at 1608 of method 1600).
[0278] In some embodiments, for example where the phase is determined to be non-consistent (e.g., at 1706), method 1700 may continue at 1712 to adjust the phase to be consistent. For example, any or all of the parameters for which the phase is determined to violate game limits established by any applicable game rules may be adjusted according to these limits. For example, where a player has requested that the phase be performed at the current time of 4:58PM and the player's parent has set a game limit that defines a game time between 5:00PM and 9:00PM, the player may be forced to wait the remaining two (2) minutes to bring the phase into agreement (e.g., so that the phase is performed during an acceptable limited time window). According to some embodiments, the player's wait may be supplemented with entertainment and/or advertising material to help spend the time and/or to prevent the player from simply leaving. For example, the waiting period may also or alternatively be hidden from the player so that the player is unaware that an "intentional" wait has begun. During such withheld waiting, the gaming device may allow the player to play one or more non-wagering games (e.g., where the restrictions are for wagering games and/or wagers), ask the player one or more trivia and/or demographic questions, play one or more entertainment media files, and/or otherwise take up the player time to delay game play to an acceptable period of time.
[0279] Other parameters of game play may similarly be adjusted to force and/or result in a consensus. In some embodiments, such adjustments may be made automatically (e.g., without the player's approval and/or knowledge) or may be presented to the player as an option to allow the requested game. It may be particularly advantageous to provide the player with a choice where the parameters may be varied in a number of ways to achieve compliance, so that the player may be allowed to choose to implement one or more of these ways.
[0280] In any case, once the phase has been adjusted for consistency, method 1700 may continue to 1708 to perform the adjusted phase. For example, in this manner, even non-conforming stages may be performed, and/or non-conforming players (e.g., problem gamblers) may be forced and/or directed to perform game stages that conform to pre-established game rules. Particularly where such rules are established, defined, and/or managed by a third party, the player's gaming habits may be influenced and/or shaped by such rules, which in turn may facilitate reducing and/or preventing problem gambling activities.
VII. examples
[281] The following specific examples are provided to illustrate particular embodiments described herein, particularly from the perspective of potential users (including players and/or potential controller operators such as casinos) of the systems 100A, 100B of fig. 1A and/or 1B.
A. Example A
[0282] Sarah wants to stay in contact with her brother during her upcoming las vegas trip. Therefore, she logs into the web site vegasvacationplane.com and provides her player tracking card number. She then provides instructions that all outcomes she has achieved will be emailed to her brother once an hour. She provides her brother email address.
[0283] Sarah arrives on the day of Las Vegas, she sits at a slot machine. She inserts her player tracking card. The slot machine communicates the player tracking card number to a central controller. The central controller looks up the number in the database and finds the instruction that Sarah has provided, along with her brother email address. The central controller then commands the slot machine to transmit the outcome to the central controller when the outcome is generated. When Sarah makes a pull operation, the slot machine transmits the outcome to the central controller. The central controller stores the outcome. Every hour, the central controller emails the newly stored outcome to Sarah's brother.
B. Example B
[0284] Sam plans a one-week Las Vegas trip. Sam does not have much time to leave his home in Florida due to work and family obligations. Therefore, this would be his big fake for the year. He wants it to be memorable and he wants it to progress smoothly.
[0285]Sam by logging into URLhttp://www.Vegasvacationplanner.comThe defined web site to start his program. He sees many aspects of his vacation that he can plan. He sets up an account with the web site by entering his name, age, email address and home address.
[0286] First, Sam decides to find a slot machine game that he feels comfortable with. He selects from a list of possible slot games, a game named Crazy gems. A new window appears on his monitor containing a graphical rendition of a mechanical three-reel slot game. Sam clicks on the "spin" icon and causes the graphical slot machine to spin and display an outcome. Sam makes several more rotations and then finds that crazy gems are boring and tries a new game. Sam tries several different games and then finds one he likes to play. The game name is camel quarts (camel twenty-five cents). He likes it partly because he seems most of the time to win. Sam checks a check box on the website next to Camel quarts.
[0287] One concern of Sam is to quickly lose too much money in his vacation. He knows he will try to limit his gaming budget, but if he quickly loses the entire budget he will be bored in the rest of the vacation. Thus, Sam browses some marketing offers on websites. Many merchants offer to compensate for game losses or give Sam money on the spot for buying and selling with them. Sam agrees to a promise in which he tries to drive an off-road ride with a return of thirty dollars ($30) that he can only receive when Sam loses at least thirty dollar ($30) plays at the casino. Sam also consents to several other offers.
[0288] Sam decides that he is open to receive more marketing offers while playing the slot game in case the marketing offers received by Sam are not sufficient to cover the potential loss at the end. He enters some information about himself, including that he has a property, has two small children, has a three year car, and he likes golf. The marketing button will then appear on the touch screen of any slot machine played by Sam. Whenever Sam wishes to accept more money, he can press the button and accept another marketing offer. Acceptance of the offer gives Sam more money for the game.
[0289]On this web site, Sam has the opportunity to select the bonus he plays on the slot machine. Sam has long wanted PorscheTMSo he chooses his favorite model to play. If Sam then wins the maximum jackpot on any gaming machine with a jackpot that exceeds thirty thousand dollars ($30,000), he will receive Porsche @TMInstead of money.
[0290] Sam notes that the web site allows him to scan in photos that are then displayed on his slot machine. By which Sam will excellently display his dog woovie on the reels of the slot machine. Sam may even be arranged so that three Woofie lines up would make a large payment. Sam scans in a photo of Woofie using his home scanner and sends the photo as an attachment in an email to pics @ vegasvactionplane. The photograph is then stored in a database for later access at the slot machine by Sam.
[0291] Sam sees that he can actually be photographed while playing a slot machine and spend twenty dollars ($20), which can be made into a photo album for him and distributed to him. Since this is a big vacation for Sam, he would very well want to file the vacation. Thus, Sam enters his credit card number and agrees to pay the twenty dollar ($ 20). He asks him to take a picture each time he wins a payment of more than one hundred dollars ($ 100). He also requires that for any payout over five hundred dollars ($500), his photograph be superimposed over the image of the reels of the slot game.
[0292] When Sam has completed his selection on the website, he is asked to enter his mother's maiden name, and the name of the street where he grows. This answer will then be used to confirm the identity of Sam at the slot machine. Sam inputs as required.
[0293] The website then gives Sam a link to two maps. Sam clicks on a link and displays a map of Las Vegas on its screen. The (New Age) New century casino was highlighted on the map. Another link to the casino floor map of the New Age casino described by Sam. Two rows of slot machines are highlighted. These are gaming machines that play camel quarters. Sam prints out both maps so that he can find a way to a Camel quarts gaming machine.
[0294] When Sam goes to Las Vegas, he takes a taxi to a New Age casino. Using his casino floor map, he easily finds the Camel quarts slot machine. He sits at one place. The touch screen displays a question asking Sam if any advance customizations were made. Sam touches the "YES" button and is asked for its name. Sam enters his name using the keys of the touch screen. He is then asked the maiden name of his mother and the name of the street where he is older. He successfully answers these questions and is then welcomed. To his pleasure, a photograph of his dog woovie was displayed on the touch screen. Woofield is then displayed on the reels of the Camel quarts game.
[0295] One hour of play, Sam lost thirty dollars ($ 30). A message is displayed on his touch screen. "Bob's SUV dealer is willing to account for your loss. This is another $30 ". The credit (credit) meter available on the Sam gaming machine then increases by thirty dollars ($ 30). Unfortunately, in the next few hours, Sam depleted all of the money he had reserved from the marketer. He presses the button "increase your offer" on his touch screen. Your sponsor! ". Sam is then offered twenty-five dollars ($25) for a round of free golf trial played by the Golden Days Country Club in his hometown. Sam agrees to sign a region on the touch screen and see his available credit meter increment by twenty-five dollars ($ 25).
[0296] On the next day, Sam gets three Woofie lines and wins two hundred and fifty dollars ($ 250). He is told to look up at the ceiling where the security camera captured his smile. His face is superimposed over the three Woofie images and the photograph is the most brilliant part of the photo album that he receives after.
C. Example C
[297] Player a self-realizes the tendency to play in the local casino in a manner beyond what he can assume, and therefore he logs on to the casino's website using his personal computer to register various self-imposed restrictions (e.g., defining and/or selecting one or more game rules or restrictions). Once at the website, Player A enters his player tracking card number and then populates various check boxes corresponding to games that it does not want to be allowed to play: video poker and video blackjack. Player A also enters a budget of one hundred dollars per month ($ 100). Because the player does not want to play without earning a comp point, he often presents his player tracking card at each wager opportunity, and the submission of his player tracking card will thereby allow the casino's computer system to ensure that he will not (a) play video poker or video blackjack, or (b) bet more than one hundred dollars per month ($ 100). When player a subsequently presents his player tracking card at the video poker gaming machine, the video poker gaming machine outputs a message "apology, player a, you are not allowed to play video poker at this time" on its screen.
D. Example D
[0298] Smith couples want to visit local casinos together, but sometimes Mr. Smith wants to visit casinos while Smith is working. Because they agree that mr. Smith alone may be somewhat more aggressive playing, they register mr. Smith's player tracking card with the casino's website and register a rule that allows a Smith husband to receive a phone call (from an automated outbound IVR unit of the casino) from her cell phone once mr. Smith plays more than fifty dollars ($50) in any one (1) hour on weekdays. Upon receiving a phone from mr. Smith gambled for seventy-five dollars ($75) twenty (20) minutes on wednesday, Smith ladies called mr. Smith's cell phone to discuss this.
Additional and/or alternative embodiments
[0299] The following are alternative variations that illustrate additional and/or alternative embodiments. It is to be understood that the specific variations described in this section may be combined with or part of different embodiments described above, in either a present or future practical manner. These examples are not intended to be a definition or recitation of all possible embodiments. In addition, while the following examples are briefly described for clarity, those skilled in the art will understand how to make any changes, if possible, to the above-described devices and methods to accommodate these and other embodiments and applications.
[0300] The submission of provisioning data has been described in the context of a gaming experience. However, the user may also submit preparation data to customize the video game experience. For example, prior to visiting a video game center, the user may select a game, a volume level, a sensitivity level for character movement relative to controller movement, and so forth. The user may submit provisioning data to customize his experience on the ATM. Subsequently, the user receives the designated amount of cash immediately after entering his password. Having submitted the provisioning data, the user need not select a language, select deposit or withdrawal, select check or depositor, type in quantity, etc. The provisioning data may also be applied to a point-of-sale terminal. The POS terminal may respond to forecast data stored by the customer when the customer identifies himself using a frequent customer card or credit card. The POS terminal may then format the customer's receipt in some manner, print some coupon behind the customer's receipt, offer a discount, or present some marketing offer to the customer. In some embodiments, the preparation data includes a description of the ordered product or service. For example, the user may indicate that he wants to buy milk once a week for twelve (12) weeks at a discount of ten cents per gallon ($ 0.10). The user is then given a discount of ten cents ($0.10) when the user pays for the milk at the point of sale terminal.
[0301] Many alternative systems are possible. For example, the central controller can communicate directly with the gaming device without the intervention of a slot server. The central controller may additionally function as a slot server. No marketer device may be present. For example, in some embodiments, a central controller only markets items sold in the casino where the controller is located.
[0302] The central controller may inform the user that a benefit (e.g., a free available credit) is waiting at a particular gaming device. The user then merely needs to insert his player tracking card or provide some other indication to request the benefit. Advantageously, the user is encouraged to appear where he is likely to play a game. Accordingly, casinos have the ability to afford this free revenue as an attraction to play.
[0303] The user can arrange to have a custom coin rack with his name available to him at the casino. The user may also request other customized products such as a T-shirt or a cup containing a name, phrase or photograph of his choice.
[0304] The central controller may communicate with a plurality of casino servers. Knowing that the user intends to visit Las Vegas, several casinos may want to attract the user to their hotel. Thus, the casino can compete commercially for the user. For example, a first casino may offer attractive packaging to users, including discounted house fees, free performance tickets, free meals, game credits, and the like. The second casino may offer its own attractive packaging. The user or central controller can then decide which package is best.
[0305] The profiling of the user's gaming experience may be sufficiently entertaining to authorize broadcast on television. On the central controller's website, the user may agree to use his voice and/or image for public broadcasting. If the user's selection of the trip is broadcast, the user then receives a reward.
[0306] The user may submit a request for a particular meal. The central controller may inform the restaurant so that the cook knows how to prepare the user's meal. The restaurant may also have the opportunity to obtain special ingredients before the user arrives, or to ensure that certain ingredients are avoided for users with food allergies.
[0307] The preparation data may include a desired arrangement or placement of hotel rooms. The user may want the window to face in a certain direction, silk linen, certain types of food in the room mini-bar, certain types of shampoo, etc.
[0308] The provisioning data may include what movies or television shows a person wants to watch at the slot machine. For example, a user may want to follow up all missed segments in a season of his favorite situational comedy. The central controller or casino can then obtain the performances and play them on the user's slot machine.
[0309] The preparation data may include user specific medical needs. The user may need a wheelchair, a walking aid, an oxygen supply, or an assistant while at the casino. The user may request that the medication be made available to the user if the user so desires. For example, if the user is diabetic, the user may request that insulin be present on hand in the casino should the user need it. The user can request that he be monitored particularly closely by the casino security camera so that he can be quickly obtained if he needs medical assistance.
[0310] The provisioning data may be associated with a credit card account. When a user makes a purchase using a credit card, the user may receive certain benefits described in the user's provisioning data. For example, a user may request to receive two cents ($0.02) for each dollar purchase using the credit card for purchasing a new boat. The money accumulated by the user to purchase a new boat may be held in a special account by the credit card company and dispensed to the user when the user has sufficient money to purchase the boat. As another example, if the credit card order totals more than fifty dollars ($50), the user's purchase may receive a special discount.
[0311] On the central controller's website, the user may want to find the worst performing and best performing slot machine in the casino or elsewhere. Many users believe that poor performing gaming machines are the cause of performance improvement.
[0312] The user may configure his gaming device to allow him to order drinks or other services or products. For example, he may then simply press the "go drink" button on his touch screen to get the waiter to beer him.
[0313] The user may arrange a speed dial button in his hotel room. For example, on the central controller's website, the user places a first button call to pizza, a second button call to company, a third button call to home, and so on.
[0314] The user may arrange to dial-through his long distance service provider. This may save the user the time to have to dial an "800 number," enter a Pin number, and enter a credit card number to use his long distance service provider.
[0315] The user can remotely view the game being played. Watching others play the game may allow the user to play the game more easily than himself. For example, a user may see a video feed from a security camera above a blackjack table. He can then watch others play blackjack. For privacy reasons, the user can only see the cards and dealer, but not the faces of other players on the table.
[0316] The user may arrange to borrow various items including rental cars, digital cameras, cell phones, suits, etc.
[0317] The user may reduce or eliminate the charges billed to his hotel prior to initiating the vacation. To do so, the user may accept marketing offers. For example, a user may make a purchase at an online retailer affiliated with a hotel. The retailer then pays the user for the first night in the hotel. The user may also enter a pre-commitment. For example, the user may commit to stay in the hotel in the future and thereby get a lower price bill for the room than he wants to stay in.
[0318] The user may find the gaming machine that his friend has played. The player may discover the identity of the gaming machine, or even the outcome that his friend has reached on the gaming machine. The user may then play on a gaming device that his friend has played well, or may even attempt to win over a friend on some gaming machine. The user's friends may have registered as part of the user's circle of friends. Thus, the user looking for their results does not violate their privacy.
[0319] The user can schedule a continuous update of the travel schedule to be sent to his friends or colleagues. Subsequently, if the user changes plans during the vacation, his colleagues will also know how to contact him.
[0320] The present invention may include the additional step of verifying that the player is legitimately permitted to play. For example, if the user cannot prove that he is over twenty-one years old, he may not be allowed access to the customized web site. Thus, the central controller may for example consult a publicly available birthday record database. Alternatively, the player may be asked to provide a scanning element or photograph of the ID, such as a driver's license or passport belonging to the player. Further, if a player owns an item, such as a credit card, that is known to be issued only on a strict basis, the central controller may infer the player's qualifications from the player's ownership of the item.
[0321] In some embodiments, the remote controller may be equipped to print general documentation or customized documentation describing player customized configurations and/or custom codes to log into the gaming device. The document may include a cashless gaming receipt or coupon with a barcode, for example, to provide a player with an incentive to carry the document to a casino. The consumer may insert the document or a copy thereof into the gaming device to activate customization of the gaming device and/or redeem the coupon.
[0322]In some embodiments, a player device, such as a wireless PDA, may be used to activate customization of a gaming device, and it may use, for example, a wireless protocol (e.g., as inhttp://www.bluetooth.com/dev/specifications.aspAs described above) The gaming device is modified in the vicinity of the player. Once identified, the consumer's customized configuration information may be automatically transferred to the gaming device. Alternatively, the device may be programmed to be able to transfer an ID (e.g., player tracking information), a custom code, and/or the entire configuration to a casino's gaming device, kiosk, or slot server. For example, a player may load a slot machine customization program into his combination cellular phone/PDA (e.g., model 6035)). After the configuration has been created for the slot machine, the player can walk around at the casino, "play (beam)" at the slot machine (via infrared transmission) his configuration. Game devices compatible with the system of the present invention may welcome the player's audio by lighting up and/or by playing back in nameAnd invites the player to respond by playing his personal customized game. As noted above, the use support is such asThe wireless protocol of (1) would eliminate the need for active player configuration. The player's device may trigger the gaming device to configure itself to a player-customized configuration simply by approaching the enabled gaming device. The cellular phone/PDA can track and record player performance and win information for a given configuration and allow him to adjust the configuration or the entire new configuration.
[0323] In some embodiments, the player may log directly into the casino server, bypassing the central controller. Alternatively, the player may log directly into the gaming device, bypassing the casino server.
[0324] Although the system has been described as one or more gaming devices networked to a casino server, embodiments are applicable to other gaming and gaming environments. For example, some embodiments may be applied to table games, such as table poker and blackjack. In such embodiments, a player may insert their player tracking card into a card reader corresponding to, for example, a seat around a poker table. The casino server may access player preference data and casino preference data for the player and transmit the data to a data terminal located at the dealer. The dealer can then modify the game or bonus payout according to the preference.
[0325] Some embodiments may also be applied to other environments or systems that include one or more data terminals networked to a central server to configure terminals that can identify a user or operator. For example, the present invention may be readily adapted for application to networked video game systems, systems with point-of-sale terminals, and ATMs. This eliminates the need for the user or operator to manually enter configuration information to configure the terminal at and during each phase.
[0326] In some embodiments, the preparation data received by the central controller may be forwarded to one or more slot machine manufacturers for incorporation into newly manufactured gaming devices. For example, if a larger font is preferred by most players, the new gaming machine may be designed with the larger font as a default.
[0327] The central controller's website may serve as a test site for new games. The device manufacturer or casino may present the game or configuration for which they are considering the introduction for which they desire player feedback. The player may test the configurations and score them. The player may be paid for doing so or may receive other special offers.
[0328] Once the player has selected a configuration, the central controller may provide guidance to the player on how to find a gaming device capable of supporting the configuration. The central controller may present a path through the casino's location and/or display a map that visually shows where the player may go to find the gaming device. The map may be of large scale, displaying, for example, the world, the united states, or a particular state. The map may display a smaller area, such as the Las Vegas city, or even a floor plan for a particular casino location. The map may contain other information such as how many desired gaming devices are in each area, how many are currently available, how many are likely to be available, how much they have been paid for, etc.
[0329] In an alternative embodiment, information about a player's gaming experience at a customized gaming device may be transmitted up to a casino server or central server, and the player may be given a code that the player can then use to access the information from his user terminal. For example, if a video recording of a player winning blackjack is captured by a camera and video recorder in or near the gaming device, the gaming device may provide the player with code that allows him to view the video at home by accessing the casino server through his user terminal. Other types of information that may be transmitted include gambling performance statistics, records of outcomes generated by the gaming device during use of the gaming device by a player, account information, custom configuration performance data, records of decisions made by a player during game play (e.g., at a video poker device), analysis of a player's gambling performance, competition data from other players, and so forth. In some embodiments, where targeted marketing information is presented to the player at the gaming device, there may be feedback or survey responses from the player that may be stored in or transmitted back to the gaming device, casino server, central controller, and/or third party service provider server. This type of information may also be made accessible through a code provided to the player, casino and/or third party.
[0330] Additional or alternative embodiments of the methods are detailed in the following subsections.
A. Receiving configuration data from a user terminal
The player logs in to the central controller 102 with the user terminal 106 and transmits his configuration data. The user terminals 106 may include personal computers, personal digital assistants, telephones, kiosks, ATMs, slot machines, vending machines, and the like. The central controller 102 may include a website accessible through the user terminal 106 where the user may select a plurality of customization options for the gaming device 102. By customizing the gaming device 120, the user has the opportunity to select a game that he likes. He also has the opportunity to pre-configure the gaming device to operate in a manner that is convenient and pleasing from his point of view. For example, the user may pre-configure the gaming device 120 to print text in his native language. The user can set the decibel level of the sound effects of the gaming device so that they are neither too loud nor too soft. Some other possible customizations include configurable features such as: the type of game played (card game, poker, video reel, etc.), the speed at which the reel rotates, the number of coins played (game denomination) as a default, the game rules, game variables, game volume, the type of sound generated by the game, game color, game lighting, the amount of help provided by the game, the frequency with which the prize level is reached, the duration of the prize level, whether two jackpots are paid in one payout or in installments, whether a team member receives a prize when the player pays out, the form of bonus received (e.g., cash, merchandise, frequent airline riders, etc.), the payout structure (e.g., six (6) coins for the same flower and nine (9) coins for full house, rather than five (5) coins for the same flower and ten (10) coins for full house), additional payout options (e.g., fewer same-run for four cards), and the like, Language or currency selection, game starting point (e.g., always starting with two or three deck cards), automatic player decision (e.g., draw one card to a match unless there is a pair of jacks or better, in which case jack is retained). In addition to the player-selected features, the casino may also set a number of parameters for the player such as: the percentage of revenue for the gaming machine (threshold percentage), the proportion of bonus accumulations (e.g., two percent (2%) instead of one percent (1%) of coins wagered), gaming qualifications (e.g., locking out games played by anyone other than the earth-swinging player), and bonus rules (e.g., getting a bottle of wine sent to his room if one player loses more than one thousand dollars in one (1) hour ($1,000), while another player gets a free spin on any casino gaming machine each time he misses a card to a flower.
[0331] There are many possible ways in which a player may choose to customize. The website on the central controller 102 may display a plurality of menus, each providing for selection of an embodiment of a particular feature as depicted in fig. 4. For example, the language menu may have a selection of english, spanish, chinese, or japanese. The font size menu may have a large, medium or small selection. The menu may also have "other" selections that allow the user to choose from less common choices (Swahili) or based on keywords of their own choice, such as for a particular point size of the glyph.
[0332] In some embodiments, rather than making selections on a website resident on the central controller 102, the player may download software that allows customization to the user terminal 106 (or player device 512). The software may guide the player through a series of feature menus and store and/or upload player selections.
[0333] In some embodiments, the player may select a feature on the phone by, for example, listening to a pre-recorded menu of feature selections and then pressing a number on the phone's keypad corresponding to the desired selection. For example, when a player is required to select a preferred number of reels, the player may press "5" to select a five-reel slot game. When the player is asked to select how little of the preferred jackpot is, the player may select a million dollar jackpot at "0". The player may also be able to override any pre-recorded menu feature by typing in the relevant number sequence. For example, a player may type in "175000" to select a maximum jackpot for a seventeen and fifty thousand dollars ($175,000), even when there is no pre-recorded selection of a jackpot for a seventeen and fifty thousand dollars ($175,000).
[0334] In some embodiments, the player may select from a plurality of previously customized configurations. For example, one configuration may describe a five-reel video slot machine with a twenty-five cent denomination, with standard symbols, three pay lines, and a maximum wager of four coins (4-coins). The player can select the configuration as a whole without individually selecting coin denomination, number of reels, and the like. In fact, whenever a player customizes a gaming device 120 configuration, the configuration may be listed on the central controller's website for another player to select. Of course, once the player has selected the configuration, he is free to change the various features.
[0335] Configurations listed on the central controller website or anywhere else may have associated performance indicators. For example, the player may report that he won two thousand dollars ($2,000) using "configuration # 329". Seeing the high performance of "configuration # 329", another player can choose to choose it for himself. Dollar numbers, varying numbers of stars, colors, number of votes, etc. may be used to indicate performance. For example, five stars, gold, and ten thousand (10,000) tickets may all indicate that a particular configuration performed well. Performance may be reported by the player himself or may be reported automatically by the gaming device 120 as soon as the player completes the gaming phase using a particular configuration. The player may also report with the gaming device 106 itself, providing occasional verification of the accuracy of the player's report. Each player may obtain a reputation that is an expert on the configuration gaming device 106. Their advice and their configuration may be sought after. Players may thus have their own score, indicated in dollar numbers, stars, colors, number of votes, etc.
[0336] The use of a certain configuration may be intentionally constrained. This may be done to limit the number of players attempting to play on a limited number of gaming devices 106 within the casino. Furthermore, the use of certain configurations may be intentionally constrained, as only a certain number of gaming devices 106 may have the ability to support these configurations at a given casino location. For example, a mechanical slot machine would not be able to support video features. If too many players are to select a particular configuration, or even a particular feature, some may have difficulty locating available gaming machines to support their configuration. The configuration may be made more widely available by allowing players to select a time, date, and geographic area for their gaming activities. Subsequently, players who play at different times or places need not be in support of the same game and competition in a similar configuration.
[0337] Another reason that the use of configurations is intentionally constrained is that a player that "owns" a particular configuration as the only or one of a small number may be psychologically pleasing to the player. Thus, other players may be constrained from viewing or using his configuration. It is possible that the first player will pay another player for access to the other player's profile. The player may also pay the central controller for access to a configuration or information about a high performance configuration. A particular casino or particular equipment manufacturer may enjoy exclusive rights to a certain configuration even when other casinos or manufacturers are technically able to support the configuration. A player desiring to use a certain configuration may then be eligible to play at one casino and not at another.
[0338] In some embodiments, the player may have the opportunity to use the user terminal 106 to test the configuration when selecting various features or configurations. For example, when a user selects a symbol size, he may view the symbol on his user terminal 106 at the size that the symbol would actually appear on the gaming device. When the player selects the reel speed, he can view the graphical reel rotation at the same speed that the reel would have on the actual gaming device.
[0339] In some embodiments, user terminal 106 may display a comprehensive or complete graphical representation of gaming device 120 to assist in selecting feature values. When the simulated outcome occurs, the player may use the graphical interface control to change various features by clicking, dragging, or otherwise selecting an area of the graphical representation of the gaming device. For example, assume that the reel is rotating on the display of the user terminal. The player can drag his mouse down the surface of the spinning reel as if a person were able to drag along the bicycle wheel to spin it. The effect would be to increase the rotational speed of the reel. The player may change the symbol size by clicking on a corner of, for example, a lemon symbol and dragging that corner away from the center of the symbol, causing the entire symbol to expand. The player may create additional reels by clicking on one reel and dragging it to the right, creating another reel. Alternatively, the player may click on a scroll bar and use a copy and paste function, as in many word processing programs. Of course, there are many ways for a player to interact with a graphical representation of a gaming device to customize feature values.
[0340] The graphical representation of the gaming device 120 also allows the player to participate in the simulated betting phase using the configuration he chooses. If one configuration does not win the player in the simulation phase, the player may select another configuration. He can continue to select different configurations until he has found one he thinks is lucky.
[0341] In some embodiments, the player at gaming device 120 may be an attractive marketing goal for a variety of reasons. First, players are typically confused spectators, with eyes staring at nearby games. Second, the marketer may have a priori knowledge about the player from the player tracking card of the player. This allows marketers to better target advertisements and to offer players. Third, the gaming device gives the marketer the opportunity to provide immediate benefit in exchange for his attention or business to the player. These benefits may be in the form of cash, gaming tokens, bonus symbols, and the like. Fourth, the player may be highly motivated to accept the offered benefits and their associated conditions from the marketer. The player may have suffered a large gambling loss, for example, and would like to make up for the loss by accepting marketing offers. Fifth, the player may make a payout at gaming device 120.
[0342] Because the gaming device is the best place for marketers to promote to players, players can provide high-level directions to potential marketers. The player may answer questions about his age, marital status, financial status, number of children, family ownership, car ownership, medical conditions, and so forth. He may indicate the type of product he is interested in. For example, he may mention that he is looking to recap his roof, or that he is looking to a new life insurance policy. The information provided by the player is a way for the player to customize the advertisements and offers he will receive. Once the player has received the various promotions and has the opportunity to respond or ignore them, the central controller 102 may update the user profile based on his response. Analysis of the player's response may allow the player to be better targeted for promotions in the future.
B. Determining an associated preparation code
[0343] The central controller 102 may generally assign a ready code to each gaming device configuration. The code may be in the form of a sequence of letters, numbers, punctuation, and other symbols. Embodiments of codes according to the present invention include "123456", "C123456", "ABCDEF", and "$% # @ Q%". The code may be of any length. In some embodiments, the codes may be limited in length and symbol usage so that they may be more easily remembered by a person. For example, a player's phone number or social security number may be used. Also, the symbols in the code may be constrained to those that are easily entered into the gaming device 120. For example, a player tracking card reader on a slot machine may include a keypad having only numbers. Thus, the code for the gaming machine may be limited to numeric.
[0344] In some implementations, each unique configuration is assigned a unique code. Because there may be more possible unique configurations than codes of a given length, some codes may expire after a time so that they may be reused for a new configuration. That is, code "123456" may correspond to the first configuration only for three weeks, after which it may be assigned to a new configuration. The code may correspond to different configurations depending on different circumstances. For example, the time of day, the geographic location, and the type of gaming device receiving the code may all determine the corresponding configuration. Advantageously, this may allow fewer codes to represent more unique gaming device configurations, as each code may now represent several device configurations. For example, "123456" may represent a five reel (5 reels) configuration with one dollar per bet ($1) in atlantic city, and a three reel (3 reels) configuration with two five dollars per bet ($0.25) in las vegas.
[0345] When codes are assigned to configurations, the codes may simply be assigned sequentially in the order in which the configurations are defined by the player. For example, a configuration may be assigned code "000129" and a configuration may be assigned code "000130" that is received immediately thereafter.
[0346] When code is assigned to a configuration, a record may be created in a database (e.g., preparation database 214) for the code and configuration. When the gaming device 120, casino server 112, or central controller 102 later receives the code, it may simply look at the record in the database to determine the corresponding configuration.
[0347] In alternative embodiments, the code may actually contain configuration information. For example, each digit of the code may correspond to a different feature of the configuration. The first digit may indicate the game type, the second digit indicates the size, the third digit indicates the wager size, and so on. Subsequently, when gaming device 120 receives the code, it need only use a predefined table to interpret each segment of the code in order to configure itself appropriately. Such a table may be stored in the gaming device 120, the casino server 112, or the central controller 103.
[0348] In some implementations, the first code is created such that the first code includes configuration information. However, the code can be very long, especially if there are many features that can be customized. Thus, the second code is created by compressing the first code according to a compression algorithm. Digital compression algorithms for bits or sequences of numbers are known in the art. When gaming device 120 later receives the second code, it may reverse the compression algorithm to recover the first code and derive configuration information from the first code. Of course, the casino server 112 or the central controller 103 may also reverse the compression.
[0349] A particular configuration may be associated with a particular player. Thus, information about the player may be sufficient for gaming device 120 to obtain configuration information. For example, the name of the player may be stored in a database corresponding to a particular configuration. When the player later enters his name into the gaming device 120 (perhaps through his tracking card), the gaming device 120 may find the player's name in the database and thereby obtain the corresponding configuration. Other player characteristics may be associated with the configuration in the database. Biometric data of the player, such as voice data, retinal scan data, or fingerprint data, may be associated with a particular configuration. When the player subsequently provides the biological data to gaming device 120, gaming device 120 may look up the data in the configuration database to determine the player's preferred configuration.
[0350] The preparation code may be in the form of a barcode or may be any other machine readable code. The player then prints the bar code from his user terminal 106. When the player later inserts the barcode into gaming device 120, the gaming device may obtain a configuration customized by the player.
[0351] In some embodiments, a player may specify his own code to be associated with a particular configuration. For example, a player may use the easy-to-remember term "samurai", or "Big Jackpot", or "xyz" to mark a configuration. In some embodiments, the ready code may only describe specific features that the player has selected. Other characteristics may then assume default values. For example, if the player has only selected the number of reels, the code may be "NR 5", where "NR" represents "the number of reels" and "5" indicates the desired number. These may take default values as the code does not describe other features.
C. Transmitting configuration data and provisioning codes to a casino server
[0352] Once the code has been associated with a particular configuration, the code and configuration data may be transmitted to casino server 112 and/or gaming device 120. The transmission may occur via the internet, email, telephone, fax, or any other mode of communication. In some embodiments, the code and preparation data are transmitted immediately after they have been generated. In other embodiments, the gaming device 120 may receive the configuration only after the user has entered the code and the gaming device 120 has transmitted the code to the casino server 112 and/or the central controller 102.
[0353] In embodiments where the preparation code contains information about the gaming device configuration, the central controller 102 need not necessarily transmit both the configuration data and the preparation code, as the gaming device 120 or casino server 112 may be able to derive one from the other according to predefined rules.
D. Receiving a preparation code from a gaming device at a casino server
[0354] Next, the system waits for a configuration request from the player. When a player is seated at gaming device 120, he may enter his ready code to cause the gaming device to take on the user's preferred features. The player may enter the code in a number of ways, including: inputting the code through a keyboard or a touch screen; speaking the code into a microphone, whereby the code is interpreted using speech recognition software; inserting the barcode into the gaming device 120; inserting a magnetic stripe containing the code into gaming device 120; inserting a floppy disk, CD, DVD, or other storage medium containing the code into gaming device 120; and/or wirelessly transmit the code to gaming device 120 using a player device 512, such as a cellular telephone, PDA, two-way pager, or other communication device.
[0355] If gaming device 120 is unable to interpret the code, gaming device 120 may transmit the code to casino server 112 and/or central controller 102. The casino server 112 or the central controller 103 may then look up the code in a ready code database 1200 such as depicted in fig. 12, and may retrieve the corresponding configuration information.
E. Configuring a gaming device based on configuration data corresponding to a preparation code
[0356] Configuration data received from the casino server 112 and/or the central controller 102 is transmitted to the gaming device so that the gaming device may configure itself accordingly. In some of the above-described embodiments, once the ready code is initially received from the player, the gaming device 120 already has all the information it needs to configure itself. Thus, in some embodiments, these final steps are not necessary to complete the methods described herein.
[0357] The following are still additional embodiments generally directed to solving the problems associated with compulsive gambling:
[0358] operating the gaming machine can be a course of treatment for problem gamblers. For example, a third party, such as a player's gambling advisor, may determine a script of outcomes that are particularly attractive to the player (e.g., a series of near wins), and may register the script as being associated with a particular player. The script may then be retrievable by the gaming machine or downloadable to the gaming machine so that it may be used to govern operation of the gaming machine in a training mode. When a player operates a gaming machine in a training mode, the outcome script may entice the player to make poor decisions (e.g., to unsupervised wager large amounts of money for losing outcomes). By recognizing the circumstances in which he makes poor decisions, the player may be able to avoid gambling problems in the future. Providing this kind of course of treatment to players in a real casino proves to be particularly effective because it accurately simulates the environment and attractions that players experience while playing. A player signing up for such a gaming session may know that session scripts are running on the gaming machine, or the player may not know which outcomes on the gaming machine are part of the scripts (e.g., a "test" from his gambling advisor to verify that he did make a good decision) and which are true outcomes.
[0359] Players may be encouraged to talk to the gaming machine while gaming and provide an explanation of their gaming behavior in a verbal manner. For example, a player may say "I want to save $20 again because I think the gaming machine must pay". Forcing a player to linguise his game decisions can help make the player more aware of the decisions he is making and thus avoid addictive behaviors. In addition, the linguistics of the player may be recorded by the gaming machine for later transmission to and review by a third party, such as a gaming advisor, casino operator, manager, or the like. It is expected that such recordings from the casino floor may provide better insight into the mind of problem gamblers than meeting players in the focal group or therapist's office. In one embodiment, the player's recording of talking about the game may be played back to the player himself as a reminder (e.g., "this is what you said an hour ago," or "this is what you are now").
[0360] To continue the game, the player is required to perform a therapeutic activity at the casino floor. For example, a player may be required to participate in a phone call of a third party, such as a consultant, friend or lover, watch a self-service video, or briefly stop the game to have a meal or bath break. Players who ignore or refuse to play these therapeutic activities may be prohibited from further play.
IX. interpretation rules
[0361] Various embodiments are described in this patent application and are presented for purposes of illustration only. The described embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any sense. As is apparent from the disclosure, the present invention is widely applicable to a variety of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed invention may be implemented with various modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical, software, and electrical modifications. Although a particular feature of the invention may be described with reference to one or more particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understood that the feature is not limited to use in describing one or more particular embodiments or drawings to which it refers unless otherwise specified.
[0362] This disclosure is neither a literal description of all embodiments of the invention nor a listing of features of the invention that must be present in all embodiments.
[0363] Neither the title (given at the beginning of the first page of this patent application) nor the abstract (given at the end of this patent application) is to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed invention(s) in any way.
[0364] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "product" means any machine, article of manufacture, and/or composition of matter, as intended by 35 u.s.c § 101.
[0365] The terms "an embodiment," "embodiments," "the embodiment," "the embodiments," "one or more embodiments," "some embodiments," and "one embodiment" and the like mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the disclosed invention" unless explicitly stated otherwise.
[0366] Reference to "another embodiment" in describing an embodiment does not mean that the embodiment referred to is mutually exclusive from another embodiment, unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., an embodiment is described before the embodiment referred to).
[0367] The terms "comprises," "comprising," and variations thereof mean "including, but not limited to," unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0368] The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more" unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0369] The term "plurality" means "two or more" unless explicitly stated otherwise.
[0370] The term "herein" means "in the present invention, including any that may be included by reference" unless explicitly stated otherwise.
[0371] The phrase "at least one of, when such a phrase modifies a plurality of things (such as an enumeration of things), means any combination of one or more of those things, unless explicitly stated otherwise. For example, the phrase at least one of a member, a vehicle, and a wheel means any of (i) a member, (ii) a vehicle, (iii) a wheel, (iii) a member and a vehicle, (v) a member and a wheel, (vi) a vehicle and a wheel, or (vii) a member, a vehicle, and a wheel.
[0372] The phrase "based on" means not "based only on," unless explicitly stated otherwise. In other words, the phrase "based on" describes that "is based only on" and "is based at least on" both.
[0373] The term "such" is used herein only to precede a clause or other phrase that merely expresses the intended result, object, or conclusion of something explicitly stated previously. Thus, when the term "whereby" is used in a claim, the clause or other words modified by the term "whereby" does not further specifically define or otherwise limit the meaning or scope of the claim.
[0374] Where a definition in a first claim may cover one feature as well as more than one feature (e.g., a definition such as "at least one member" covers one member as well as more than one member), and in a second claim that is dependent on the first claim, the second claim uses the definite article "the" to mean a definition (such as "the member"), which does not mean that the first claim only covers one feature, and which does not mean that the second claim only covers one feature (e.g., "the member" may cover both one member and more than one member).
[0375] Each process (whether referred to as a method, algorithm, or otherwise) inherently includes one or more steps, and thus all references to "a step" or "steps" of a process have an inherent basis for teaching when referring purely to the term "process" or similar terms. Accordingly, any reference in the claims to a process "step" or "steps" has a sufficient antecedent basis.
[0376] When ordinal terms (such as "first," "second," "third," etc.) are used as adjectives before a term, the ordinal terms are used (unless otherwise expressly specified) to indicate a particular feature, such as to distinguish a particular feature from another feature described by the same or similar term. For example, a "first component" may be named to distinguish it only from, for example, a "second component". Thus, the mere use of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "elements" does not indicate any other relationship between the two elements, and likewise does not indicate any other characteristic of either or both elements. For example, the mere use of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "element" (1) does not indicate that any element is in a sequential or positional relationship before or after another element; (2) does not indicate that any one component appears or acts before or after another component in time; (3) it does not indicate that any one component is higher or lower in importance or quality than another component. In addition, the mere use of ordinal words does not limit the number of features identified with ordinal words. For example, the mere use of the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "elements" does not indicate that there must be no more than two elements.
[0377] When a single device or article is described herein, more than one device or article (whether or not they cooperate) may alternatively be used in place of the single device or article described. Accordingly, functionality described as being possessed by a device may alternatively be possessed by more than one device or article (whether or not they cooperate).
[0378] Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein (whether or not they cooperate), a single device or article may alternatively be used in place of the more than one device or article described. For example, multiple computer-based devices may be replaced with a single computer-based device. Accordingly, various functionalities described as being possessed by more than one device or article may alternatively be possessed by a single device or article.
[0379] The functionality and/or the features of a single device may alternatively be carried out by one or more other devices which are described, but which are not explicitly described as having such functionality and/or features. Thus, other embodiments need not include the described device itself, but may include the one or more other devices that would have such functionality/features in those other embodiments.
[0380] Devices that are in communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Rather, such devices need only transmit to each other, as necessary or desired, and may not actually exchange data most of the time. For example, a machine communicating with another machine via the internet may not transmit data to the other machine for weeks at a time. For example, devices that are in communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate media.
[0381] A description of an embodiment with several components or features does not imply that all or even any such components and/or features are required. Rather, various optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention. No component and/or feature is critical or essential unless explicitly described as such otherwise.
[0382] Additionally, although process steps, algorithms or the like may be described sequentially, the processes may be configured to work in different orders. In other words, any order (sequence) or sequence (order) of steps that may be explicitly described does not imply that the steps are required to be performed in that order. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in any practical order. Additionally, some steps may be performed concurrently, although described or illustrated as occurring non-concurrently (e.g., because one step is described as being subsequent to another step). Furthermore, the illustration of a process by depiction in the figures does not indicate that the illustrated process excludes other variations or modifications thereto, does not indicate that the illustrated process or any of its steps is essential to the invention, and does not indicate that the illustrated process is preferred.
[0383] Although a process may be described as including a number of steps, this does not indicate that all, or even any, of the steps are critical or required. Various other embodiments that fall within the scope of the described invention include other processes that omit some or all of the described steps. No step is critical or essential unless explicitly stated otherwise.
[0384] Although an article of manufacture may be described as comprising a plurality of components, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features, it is not intended that all of these plurality be critical or essential. Various other embodiments falling within the scope of the described invention include other products that omit some or all of the plurality described.
[0385] The enumeration of items (items), which may or may not be numbered, does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Similarly, the enumeration of items does not imply that any or all of the items are exhaustive of any kind, unless explicitly stated otherwise. For example, the enumeration of "computer, laptop, PDA" does not mean that any or all three of the listed items are mutually exclusive and does not mean that any or all three of the listed items are exhaustive of any kind.
[0386] The title of the section provided in this patent application and the title of this patent application are for convenience only and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.
[0387] "determining" something can be performed in a variety of ways and thus the term "determining" (and similar terms) includes calculating, computing, deriving, looking up (e.g., in a table, database, or data structure), ascertaining, and the like.
[0388] It will be apparent that the various methods and algorithms described herein may be implemented, for example, by means of a suitably programmed general purpose computer or computing device. Typically, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) will receive instructions from a memory or similar device and execute those instructions, thereby performing the processes defined by those instructions. In addition, programs that implement the methods and algorithms may be stored and transmitted using a variety of media (e.g., computer readable media). In some embodiments, hardwired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions of a program to implement various embodiments. Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.
[0389] "processor" means any one or more microprocessors, CPU devices, computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, or the like.
[0390] The term "computer-readable medium" refers to any medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that may be read by a computer, processor or similar device. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media includes DRAM, which typically constitutes main memory. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor. Transmission media can include or convey acoustic waves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during Radio Frequency (RF) and Infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes (patterns), a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other form of medium from which a computer can read.
[0391]Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying a sequence of instructions to a processor. For example, the sequences of instructions may be (i) delivered to the processor from RAM, (ii) carried on a wireless transmission medium, and/or (iii) according to various formats, standards, or protocols, such as bluetoothTMTDMA, CDMA, and 3G).
[0392] Where databases are described, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that (i) alternative database structures to those described herein can be readily employed and (ii) other memory structures can be readily employed. Any schematic illustration and associated description of any sample (sample) database presented herein is an exemplary arrangement of stored information representations. Any number of other arrangements may be employed than suggested by the illustrated table. Similarly, any illustrated entries of a database represent only exemplary information; those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number and content of the items may vary from that illustrated herein. Additionally, although any of the databases are depicted as tables, other formats (including relational databases, object-oriented models, and/or distributed databases) may be used to store and manipulate the data types described herein. Likewise, the object methods or behaviors of the database may be used to implement the processes of the present invention. In addition, the databases may be stored locally or remotely in a known manner with respect to the devices accessing data from such databases.
[0393]Some embodiments may be configured to operate in a network environment including a computer in communication with one or more devices via a communication network. The computer may communicate with the apparatus directly or indirectly via a wired or wireless medium, such as the internet, a LAN, WAN or ethernet, token ring, or via any suitable communication means or combination of communication means. Each device may include a computer, such as those based on Intel adapted to communicate with the computerPentiumOr CentrinoTM(flashed) computer. The communication over the internet may be through a website maintained by a computer on a remote server, or over an online data network including a commercial online service provider, bulletin board system, or the like. In yet another embodiment, the devices may communicate with each other and/or with a computer over radio frequency, cable television, satellite link, etc.
[0394] The present disclosure provides those of ordinary skill in the art with an enabling description for numerous embodiments and/or inventions. Some of these embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in this application but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more further applications which claim the benefit of this priority. Applicants intend to submit additional applications to seek patent rights to subject matter that has been disclosed and suggested in this disclosure, but not claimed.