United States Patent (19)
`Walker et al.
`
`54 METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADAPTING
`GAMING DEVICES TO PLAYING
`PREFERENCES
`
`75 Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Ridgefield; James A.
`Jorasch, Stamford; Thomas M.
`Sparico, Riverside, all of Conn.
`73 Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC, Stamford, Conn.
`
`Appl. No.: 08/775,388
`21
`22
`Filed:
`Dec. 30, 1996
`(51) Int. Cl." ..................................................... A63B 71/00
`52 U.S. Cl. ............
`... 463/20: 463/42; 273/139
`58 Field of Search .................................. 463/16, 20, 30,
`463/40, 41, 42, 29, 25, 26, 27, 28; 34.5/112,
`127, 133: 235/786, 886; 273/143 R, 292,
`293, 139,138.2; 700/91, 92,93
`
`56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`
`
`4,764,666 8/1988 Bergeron ................................... 463/17
`4,880,237 11/1989 Kishishita ................................. 463/20
`5,132,900 7/1992 Gilchrist et al..
`5,459,825 10/1995 Anderson et al..
`5,546.523 8/1996 Gatto.
`5,561,811 10/1996 Bier.
`5,741,183 4/1998 Acres et al. .............................. 463/16
`5,770,533 6/1998 Franchi ..................................... 463/16
`5,779,549 7/1998 Walker et al. ............................ 463/42
`5,816,917 10/1998 Kelmer et al. ............................ 463/16
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Microsoft Windows “Solitaire' screen images, 1981.
`D. Sherman, “Company Launches New Player Tracking
`System.” The Reuter Asia-Pacific Business Report, Oct. 20,
`1995.
`K. Berry, “Anchor Gaming, Inc.'', Investor's Business Daily,
`The New America section, p. A6, May 2, 1996.
`S. Franklin, “Pinball Power Puts Money Into the Slots,”
`Chicago Tribune, Business Section, p. 1, May 9, 1994.
`J. Salmon-Heyneman, “Gaming Propels Fastest Growing
`Publicly Traded Firms in Valley,” Las Vegas Business Press,
`vol. II, No. 27, Sec. 1, p. 11, Jul. 11, 1994.
`J. Mattox, “Huntington Press: Publishing the Books on Las
`Vegas,” Las Vegas Business Press, vol. 13, No. 51, p.3, Sep.
`16, 1996.
`T. Troy, “Flexibility a Key for Vendors Betting on Casinos;
`Micros Systems Inc.'s 8700 Point-of-Sale System.” Hotel
`& Motel Management, vol. 209, No. 16, p. 27, Sep. 19,
`1994.
`
`USOO6110041A
`Patent Number:
`11
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`6,110,041
`Aug. 29, 2000
`
`J. Grochowski, “Casino Insider Offers a Guide to Freebies,”
`Chicago Sun-Times, Weekend Plus section, p. 31, Aug. 12,
`1994.
`J. Grochowski, “Riverboat Comp Systems: Cracking a Case
`in Point,” Chicago Sun-Times, Weekend Plus section, p. 13,
`Mar. 17, 1995.
`T. Troy, “High Stakes Technology; Technology for Guest
`Retention Management,” Hotel & Motel Management, vol.
`209, No. 16, p. 27, Sep. 19, 1994.
`R. Murray, “Casinos Gamble on Direct Mail; Atlantic City
`Casinos; Retail; Industry Overview,” Direct Marketing
`Magazine, vol. 54, No. 10, p. 32, Feb. 1992.
`J. Grochowski, “Comp Points Add Up Faster Playing Slots,”
`Chicao Sun-Times, Weekend Plus Section, p. 23, Nov. 8,
`1996.
`D. Freedman, “Odds Man In.” Forbes, Quick Studies sec
`tion, p. 33, Oct. 25, 1993.
`B. Kent, “New Boardwalk Barter; Atlantis Introduces a
`Token as Enticement,” The Record, Lifestyle section, p. 32,
`Jul. 22, 1988.
`H. Fisher, “Casino Law Ends Cash Rebates for Big Time
`Losers.” The Record, News section, p. AO5, Jan .15, 1988.
`“Casino's Computers Keep Tabs on Losers.” The Chicago
`Tribune, Business section, p. 14, Oct. 2, 1988.
`
`Primary Examiner Valencia Martin-Wallace
`ASSistant Examiner John Paradiso
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Steven M. Santisi; Dean
`Alderucci
`57
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A slot machine networked to a central Server receives
`preference data corresponding to a player from the central
`Server and configures the game to match the received
`preference data. The player inserts his player tracking card
`into the Slot machine, which transmits player identification
`data to the central Server. The central Server transmits player
`preference data and casino preference data for that player to
`the slot machine for configuration. While the player playS
`the slot machine, the slot machine transmits data about the
`player's performance to the central Server. The central Server
`determines appropriate casino preference values based upon
`the player's performance and transmits those values to the
`Slot machine for configuration.
`
`43 Claims, 13 Drawing Sheets
`
`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 1 of 13
`
`6,110,041
`
`100 y
`
`
`
`
`
`SLOT
`NETWORK
`SERVER
`
`PREFERENCES
`SELECTIONS
`
`AUTHENTICATED
`PLAYER
`IDENTIFICATION
`
`PLAYERNAME
`AND ID#,
`OUTCOMES
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PREFERENCES
`DATA
`
`SLOT
`MACHINE
`
`FIG. 1
`
`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 2
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 2 of 13
`
`6,110,041
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`110
`
`SLOT MACHINE
`INTERFACE
`260
`
`TRANSACTION
`PROCESSOR
`
`PLAYER
`DATABASE
`
`12
`
`14
`
`PLAYER PREFERENCES
`DATABASE
`
`CASINO PREFERENCES
`DATABASE
`
`21 216 O
`218 O
`
`FIG. 2
`
`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 3
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 3 of 13
`
`6,110,041
`
`120
`
`360
`
`
`
`
`
`DISPLAY
`362
`
`CARD
`READER
`364
`
`PREFERENCES
`SELECTION
`BUTTON
`370
`
`STARTING
`CONTROLLER
`374
`
`SLOT
`NETWORK
`SERVER
`INTERFACE
`380
`
`FIRST
`REE
`332
`
`SECOND
`REEL
`334
`
`THIRD
`REEL
`336
`
`RANDOM
`NUMBER
`GENERATOR
`372
`
`OPERATING
`SYSTEM
`350
`
`HOPPER
`CONTROLLER
`352
`
`HOPPER
`354
`
`
`
`REEL
`CONTROLLER
`330
`
`ROM
`340
`
`
`
`CLOCK
`348
`
`RAM
`342
`o
`
`VIDEO
`DISPLAY
`AREA
`346
`
`CPU
`
`310
`
`320
`
`PROBABILITY
`TABLE
`
`322
`
`PAYOU
`
`YOUT TABLE
`
`324 ()
`
`GAME PARAMETER
`TABLE
`
`326
`
`CASINO PARAMETER
`TABLE
`328
`
`FIG 3
`
`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 4
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2000
`Aug. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 4 0f 13
`Sheet 4 of 13
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`6,110,041
`6,110,041
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`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 5
`
`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 5
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`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 5 of 13
`
`6,110,041
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`ONVOTOA
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`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 6 of 13
`
`6,110,041
`
`218
`1.
`
`
`
`PLAYERD
`NO.
`
`HOLD
`PERCENTAGE
`
`COMP.
`AWARD
`LIMITS
`
`GAME
`ELGIBILITY
`(LOCKOUT)
`
`OTHER
`
`PLAYER
`D NO.
`12345
`
`PLAYER
`D NO.
`23456
`
`PLAYER
`ID NO.
`34567
`
`a
`
`ONLY
`DRINKS
`
`ONLY
`DRINKS OR
`MEALS
`
`ONE EVERY
`THREE
`HOURS
`
`ONE EVERY
`HOUR
`
`ONE EVERY
`DAY
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 7 of 13
`
`6,110,041
`
`
`
`XX | x |
`
`XXX
`
`XXXX
`
`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 8
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 8 of 13
`
`6,110,041
`
`
`
`COO-. ESBNÍHO
`
`EX||T || ON SEOC]ENON
`
`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 9
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 9 of 13
`
`6,110,041
`
`
`
`PLAYER INSERTSPLAYER TRACKING CARD
`
`PLAYER SELECTS "NEW PREFERENCES"
`FROMPREFERENCESSELECTION BUTTONS
`
`PREFERENCES MENUAPPEARS ON
`VIDEO DISPLAY AREA OF SLOT MACHINE
`
`PLAYER SELECTS PREFERENCES
`
`SELECTED PREFERENCES ARE TRANSMITTED TO
`THE SLOT NETWORKSERVERALONG WITH PLAYER
`DNUMBER FROMPLAYER TRACKING CARD
`
`SLOT NETWORKSERVER STORES THE
`PLAYERS PREFERENCES IN THE PLAYER
`PREFERENCES DATABASE
`
`FIG. 9
`
`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 10
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 10 Of 13
`
`6,110,041
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PLAYER INSERTSPLAYER TRACKING CARD
`1005
`
`PLAYER DENTIFICATION NUMBER AND NAME
`TRANSMITTED TO SLOT NETWORK SERVER, 10
`
`SLOT NETWORKSERVER
`ACCESSES PLAYER DATABASE
`
`
`
`101
`
`
`
`DOES PLAYER
`HAVE ESTABLISHED
`PREFERENCES
`1020
`
`SLOT NETWORKSERVER ACCESSESPLAYER
`PREFERENCE DATABASE AND TRANSMTS
`PREFERENCESDATA TOSLOT MACHINE 103
`
`SLOT MACHINE
`USES GAME
`DEFAULT VALUE
`STORED IN GAME
`PARAMETER
`DATABASE
`1025
`
`
`
`
`
`DOES PLAYER
`WANT TO USE
`PREFERENCES2
`
`
`
`1035
`
`YES
`
`TO FIG 10B
`
`FIG 10A
`
`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 11 of 13
`
`6,110,041
`
`
`
`FROM FIG 10A
`
`SLOT MACHINE OVERRIDES GAME DEFAULT
`VALUES AND CONFIGURES GAME TO
`MATCHPLAYER PREFERENCES
`
`PLAYER PLAY'S SLOT MACHINE
`
`PLAYER REMOVES
`PLAYER TRACKING CARD
`
`SLOT MACHINEACCESSES DEFAULT GAME
`VALUES FROM GAME PARAMETER
`DATABASE AND CONFIGURES MACHINE
`TOMATCH GAME DEFAULT VALUES
`
`loss
`
`FIG 10B
`
`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 12
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 12 of 13
`
`6,110,041
`
`
`
`
`
`PLAYER INSERTS PLAYER TRACKING CARD
`1105
`
`PLAYER DENTIFICATION NUMBER
`TRANSMITTED TO SLOT
`NETWORKSERVER
`
`SLOT NETWORKSERVER ACCESSES
`CASINO PREFERENCES DATABASE
`
`
`
`
`
`DOES PLAYER
`HAVE ESTABLISHED
`PREFERENCES
`1120
`
`
`
`YES
`
`SLOT NETWORKSERVER
`TRANSMITS CASINO PREFERENCES
`TOSLOT MACHINE
`
`SLOT MACHINE CONFIGURES GAME
`TOMATCH CASINO PREFERENCES
`
`
`
`NO
`
`SLOT MACHINE
`USES CASNO
`DEFAULT VALUE
`STORED IN CASINO
`PARAMETER
`DATABASE
`112
`
`TO FIG. 11B
`
`FIG. 11A
`
`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 13
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Aug. 29, 2000
`
`Sheet 13 of 13
`
`6,110,041
`
`
`
`FROM FIG. 11A
`
`PLAYER PLAY'S SLOT MACHINE
`
`SLOT MACHINE SENDS RESULTS
`OF GAMBLING ACTIVITY TO SLOT
`NETWORK SERVER
`
`SLOT NETWORKSERVER ANALYZESPLAY
`RESULTS, UPDATES CASINO PREFERENCES
`DATABASE, ANDTRANSMITS CASINO
`PREFERENCESTO SLOT MACHINES
`
`SLOT MACHINE CONFIGURES GAME TO
`MATCH CASINO PREFERENCES
`
`HAS
`PLAYER REMOVED
`CARD?
`1160
`
`SLOT MACHINE CONFIGURES GAME TO
`MATCH CASINO DEFAULT VALUES
`
`FIG 11B
`
`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 14
`
`

`

`6,110,041
`
`1
`METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADAPTING
`GAMING DEVICES TO PLAYING
`PREFERENCES
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`This invention claims priority to U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,549
`filed Apr. 22, 1996 and issued Jul 14, 1998 to Walker et al.
`entitled "Database Driven Online Distributed Tournament
`System”.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to gaming methods and
`Systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
`method and System for adapting gaming devices to playing
`preferences.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`Many casinoS offer electronic slot machines, each pro
`grammed to play a particular game of chance, Such as slots,
`Video poker, or Video blackjack. While these games award
`payouts based upon play results, they are designed to retain,
`on average, a certain percentage of all money received. This
`percentage is commonly referred to as the “hold percent
`age.” Despite the fact that the odds are Stacked in favor of
`Slot machines, playerS Still play Slot machines not only for
`their entertainment value, but also in hopes of winning a
`large jackpot.
`To provide an added incentive to play the Slot machines,
`many casinoS offer programs to reward those players who
`frequently play slot machines. In one Such program, a casino
`accumulates "player reward points' for a player as he spends
`money on Slot machines in that casino. This can be done by
`networking the slot machines to a central server that stores
`the points for that player. The casino issues a player tracking
`card containing a unique player identification number. The
`player inserts the card into a card reader of a slot machine,
`which transmits the identification number to the central
`Server. AS the player Spends money in the Slot machine, the
`Server accumulates reward points for that player. After the
`player accumulates enough points, he can redeem them for,
`for example, merchandise or apply them against room, food,
`and beverage charges at the casino hotel.
`In many cases, however, these incentives may not be
`enough to attract casino players to play slot machines. One
`reason is that playerS may find it difficult to locate slot
`machines configured to play the game they prefer. A slot
`machine is typically programmed to play a single game type
`(e.g., deuces-wild, Video poker). If a player is interested in
`playing a game other than the game that a particular slot
`machine is programmed to play, he is forced to wander
`around the casino until he is able to locate another available
`Slot machine programmed to play the preferred game. In
`addition, where a group of people visit a casino, members of
`the group may be forced to Split up So that each can find a
`Slot machine programmed to play the game he likes.
`Even after playerS have Successfully found slot machines
`programmed to play the games they like, those Slot machines
`may not be configured to operate in a manner that they like.
`For example, many slot machines do not permit players to
`Select which language is used, or choose which form of
`payout (i.e., money, prize, complimentary awards) the
`player prefers. Thus, locating slot machines configured to
`players preferences presents Such an imposing task that
`many players are simply discouraged from even trying and
`consequently do not play slot machines. Accordingly, con
`ventional Slot machines do not satisfy the needs of many
`players.
`
`2
`To address this shortcoming, Some slot machines prompt
`players at the beginning of every gaming Session to Select
`from a menu of games. This, however, requires players to
`spend Some time at the beginning of each and every gaming
`Session choosing their preferred game, which in most cases
`does not vary from Session to Session. Many players are
`unwilling to spend, or uninterested in spending, the time to
`repeatedly enter the same game Selection every time they
`play. Accordingly, Such slot machines are also unsatisfac
`tory.
`
`SUMMARY OF INVENTION
`Systems consistent with the present invention allow
`casino players to customize slot machines easily according
`to their playing preferences and tailor the play of the Slot
`machines for individual players. Such Systems also elimi
`nate the need for players to wander around a casino to locate
`a slot machine configured in the manner they prefer.
`Moreover, these Systems allow slot machines to adapt in
`order to maintain the interest of the player.
`To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance
`with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly
`described, a gaming System consistent with the present
`invention is adaptable to playing preferences and comprises
`a slot machine for allowing a player to bet on pseudo
`randomized events and a central Server. The slot machine
`includes a device for receiving preference data representing
`a preferred operation of the slot machine and a device for
`programming the Slot machine to operate according to the
`received preference data. The Server includes a device for
`Storing a collection of data representing various operations
`of the slot machine and a device for Selectively transmitting
`a portion of the Stored collection of data to the slot machine
`as preference data.
`A Server consistent with the present invention for config
`uring a slot machine to playing preferences comprises a
`device for Storing a collection of data representing various
`operations of the slot machine and a device for Selectively
`transmitting a portion of the Stored collection of data to the
`Slot machine as preference data.
`A game machine configured for use with the present
`invention and adaptable to playing preferences for allowing
`a player to bet on pseudo-randomized events controlled by
`the game machine comprises a device for receiving prefer
`ence data representing a preferred operation of the game
`machine from an electronic Storage medium and a device for
`configuring the game machine to operate according to the
`received preference data.
`Both the foregoing general description and the following
`detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are
`intended to provide further explanation of the invention as
`claimed.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`The accompanying drawings are included to provide a
`further understanding of the present invention and, together
`with the Detailed Description, Serve to explain the principles
`of the invention.
`In the drawings:
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the system consistent with the
`invention;
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram of slot network server 110
`shown in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram of slot machine 120 shown in
`FIG. 1;
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 15
`
`

`

`6,110,041
`
`3
`FIG. 4 illustrates a sample record from player database
`214 stored in data storage device 210 shown in FIG. 2;
`FIG. 5 illustrates a sample record from player preferences
`database 216 stored in data storage device 210 shown in
`FIG. 2;
`FIG. 6 illustrates a Sample record from casino preferences
`database 218 stored in data storage device 210 shown in
`FIG. 2;
`FIG. 7 illustrates a Sample table from game parameter
`database 326 stored in data storage device 320 shown in
`FIG. 3;
`FIG. 8 illustrates a sample table from casino parameter
`database 328 stored in data storage device 320 shown in
`FIG. 3;
`FIG. 9 is a flow diagram representing a method of
`establishing player preferences in a networked slot machine
`for later retrieval;
`FIGS. 10a–10b are flow diagrams representing a method
`of configuring a slot machine based upon player preferences
`consistent with the invention; and
`FIGS. 11a–1b are flow diagrams representing a method of
`configuring a slot machine based upon casino preferences
`consistent with the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Introduction
`Systems consistent with the present invention allow
`casino players to Set player parameters easily, Such as game
`type, language, and payout options, to preselected player
`preferences. In Such Systems, one or more slot machines are
`networked to a central Server that Stores information about
`player preferences. After a player inserts a player tracking
`card into a networked slot machine, that Slot machine reads
`and transmits the player's identification number to the
`central Server. The central Server accesses and transmits
`player preferences associated with the received identifica
`tion number to the slot machine. The slot machine receives
`the player preferences from the central Server and configures
`the game to operate according to the received player pref
`CCCS.
`The present invention also allows slot machines to modify
`casino parameters, Such as hold percentage, complimentary
`award rate, and game eligibility, to casino preferences
`according to the performance of casino players to enhance
`their play experience. The networked slot machine transmits
`to the central Server a player identification number and
`performance data for a casino player. The central Server
`receives the player identification number and performance
`data, determines appropriate casino preferences, and trans
`mits the casino preferences to the slot machine. The Slot
`machine receives the casino preferences from the central
`Server and configures the game to operate according to the
`received casino preferences.
`System
`FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system 100
`consistent with the present invention. System 100 includes
`slot network server 110 networked with slot machine 120.
`Although FIG. 1 shows only one slot machine 120, many
`slot machine are typically connected to network server 110.
`The term “slot machine” as used in this specification refers
`to any programmable gaming terminal controlling a random
`or pseudo-random event in which one or more players can
`bet on the outcome of the event.
`Slot network server 110 may comprise conventional
`server computer hardware, such as an RS 6000 manufac
`tured by IBM Corp. Server 110 executes Software instruct
`
`4
`ing the hardware to execute unique functions and operations
`in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
`Slot machine 120 may comprise a conventional Slot machine
`modified to carry out the functions and operations described
`below.
`Slot network server 110 and slot machine 120 transmit
`digitally encoded data and messages to one another. The
`transmitted data may represent player name and identifica
`tion number, play results, authenticated player identification,
`preferences Selections, and preferences data. The commu
`nications link between server 110 and slot machine 120
`preferably comprises a cable on which electronic Signals can
`propagate. Alternatively, however, the communications link
`may comprise other conventional communications links,
`Such as over-the-air broadcast transmission.
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the architecture of Slot
`network server 110. Like other conventional server
`computers, network Server 110 includes certain Standard
`hardware components, such as CPU 200, storage device
`210, ROM 220, RAM 230, clock 240, communications port
`250. CPU 200 is linked to each of the other listed elements.
`Communications port 250 connects network server 110 to
`slot machine interface 260, which links network server 110
`to slot machine 120.
`Unlike conventional servers, however, network server 110
`executes one or more programs to perform the functions and
`operations described below and Stores Several databases of
`data relating to those functions and operations. These data
`bases include player database 214, player preferences data
`base 216, and casino preferences database 218. The pro
`grams (not shown) are preferably stored in storage device
`210 and executed by CPU 200.
`Transaction processor 212 accesses information to and
`from the databases in data Storage device 210. Transaction
`processor 212 may comprise a separate, conventional CPU/
`microprocessor, as shown in FIG. 2, or alternatively com
`prise a portion of the operating function of CPU 200.
`Player database 214 provides a repository of information
`on players who received casino player tracking cards. Play
`erS preferably receive casino player tracking cards from a
`casino by registering with the casino's card issuing author
`ity. FIG. 4 shows a possible organization of database 214
`with the following information for each registered player:
`(1) player identification number, (2) Social Security number,
`(3) name, (4) address, (5) credit card number, (6) player
`rating, (7) complimentary (comp.) information, (8) player
`preference tracking number, and (9) casino preference track
`ing number. Player rating is preferably assigned by the
`casino and indicates the level of gambling activity of the
`player based upon, for example, the amount of money
`wagered per bet as well as the time played. Complimentary
`information for each player includes data indicating what
`free amenities, or “complimentaries, the casino has granted
`to the player as a reward for playing at the casino. Such
`amenities may include, for example, free drinks and meals
`at the casino, or a free room for the night in the casino hotel,
`or discounts for performances. Player preference tracking
`number and casino preference tracking number are unique
`identification numbers used to track the playing preferences
`of a player internally. In Some embodiments, use of these
`tracking numbers may not be necessary. Player database 214
`may, however, include fewer or more fields for player
`information.
`Player preferences database 216 provides a table of infor
`mation on player preferences indexed by player identifica
`tion number. As shown in FIG. 5, database 216 preferably
`includes the following information on each registered player
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`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 16
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`S
`who entered player preferences through a slot machine: (1)
`tracking number, (2) game type, (3) language, (4) Sound
`options, (5) Speed of reel spins, (6) number of coins played
`per handle pull, (7) payout structure, (8) payout options, (9)
`form of complimentaries (comp.), and (10) currency type.
`Playing preferences generally relates to the values of those
`parameters that playerS have Selected in establishing their
`preferred Slot machine configuration. The playing prefer
`ences contained in database 216 include information about
`the preferred game (game type), the preferred configuration
`of the slot machine (language, Sound options, speed of reel
`spins, number of coins played per handle pull), and preferred
`distribution of awards (payout structure, payout options,
`form of complimentaries, currency). In practice, fewer or
`more different types of player preferences can be Stored in
`database 216.
`Casino preferences database 218 contains a table of
`information on casino preferences indexed by player iden
`tification number. Casino preferences reflect certain param
`eters that casinos can adjust according to certain criteria,
`Such as skill level or playing frequency, to maintain the
`interest of its players. FIG. 6 shows a possible organization
`for database 218 with the following information on each
`registered player: (1) hold percentage, (2) complimentary
`award rate, (3) complimentary award limits, (4) game eli
`gibility (lockout), and (5) other. Hold percentage indicates a
`range of hold percentages, Such as high, medium, and low.
`Low hold percentages could, for example, be made available
`to “premium' customers (i.e., those with a high player
`rating) because those players may be courted by competing
`casinos.
`Complimentary rate indicates how often playerS should
`receive complimentary amenities. Complimentary award
`limit indicates the maximum number or Volume of compli
`mentary amenities each player should receive in a given
`time period (e.g., per night).
`Game eligibility indicates whether each player is qualified
`to play certain games. For example, a casino may reserve
`particular machines for its most frequent players. Casino
`preferences database 218 would indicate which players
`qualify for Such games.
`The last field labeled “other contains information repre
`Senting other variables that can be modified to uniquely
`customize a game So that the player maintains interest. For
`example, this field may indicate that the number of player
`award points accumulated during a certain period of time
`should be increased by a multiplier to Stimulate interest in
`the players continued play of the Slot machine.
`Alternatively, the “other field may contain a stored player
`gambling history to develop a customized casino prefer
`ences and complimentary award program. Such a program
`would typically be developed to maintain a player's interest
`in continuing to play a game at a time when the history
`indicates he may otherwise Stop. For example, where the
`player gambling history indicates that a player typically
`Stops after losing a certain dollar value, the preferences and
`award program may be designed to improve his odds of
`winning as he approaches his typical Stop value. In alterna
`tive embodiments, casino preferences database 218 may
`include more or fewer fields.
`FIG.3 shows the architecture of slot machine 120 accord
`ing to the invention. Slot network server interface 380
`provides a connection for linking slot machine 120 to Slot
`network server 110. As shown in FIG. 3, slot machine 120
`includes CPU 310, which is connected to data storage device
`320, reel controller 330, ROM 340, RAM342, video display
`area 346, clock 348, operating system 350, hopper controller
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`6
`352, player card tracking device 360, preferences selection
`button 370, random number generator 372, starting control
`ler 374, and slot network server interface 380. These com
`ponents may be conventional. CPU 310 executes modules
`stored in storage device 320 to perform the functions
`described below. Controller 330 is connected to three reels
`332, 334, 336 for displaying symbols corresponding to
`payouts. Storage device 320 includes probability table 322,
`payout table 324, game parameters database 326, and casino
`parameter database 328.
`With respect to gaming operations, slot machine 120
`operates in a conventional manner. The player starts the
`machine by inserting a coin, or using electronic credit, and
`pressing Starting controller 374. Under control of a program
`stored, for example, in storage device 320 or ROM 340,
`CPU 310 initiates random number generator 372 to generate
`a number. CPU 310 looks up the generated random number
`in stored probability table 322 and finds the corresponding
`outcome. Based on the identified outcome, CPU 310 locates
`the appropriate payout in the stored payout table 324. CPU
`310 also directs reel controller 330 to spin reels 332, 334,
`336 and to stop them at a point when they display a
`combination of Symbols corresponding to the generated
`outcome. When the player wins, the machine Stores the
`credits in RAM342 and displays them in video display area
`346.
`Hopper controller 352 is connected to hopper 354 for
`managing the flow of coins. When the player requests to
`cash out by pushing a button on slot machine 120, CPU 310
`checks RAM 342 to see if the player has any credits and, if
`So, Signals hopper controller 352 to release an appropriate
`number of coins into a payout tray.
`In alternative embodiments, slot machine 120 does not
`include reel controller 330, and reels 332,334,336. Instead,
`Video display area 346 graphically displays Simulated rep
`resentations of objects contained in the Selected game, Such
`as graphical reels or playing cards. These representations are
`preferably animated or displayed to Simulate playing of the
`Selected game.
`Player card tracking device 360 includes display 362 and
`card reader 364. Players insert player tracking cards into
`card reader 364. Tracking cards can be plastic cards with
`magnetic Strips electronically Storing respective player iden
`tification numbers. Display 362 displays information con
`cerning the use of tracking device 360. Display 362 may be
`a touch Screen display for receiving Signals from the player
`concerning his Selection of the options.
`Alternatively, machine 120 or device 360 may include one
`or more separate input buttons (not shown) for the players to
`select the options and provide other input such as a PIN.
`Retrieved credits, like those credited during play, are Stored
`locally in the machine's RAM and displayed in the
`machine's Video display area. In other embodiments, Slot
`machine 120 recognizes the identity of players through
`player identification devices other than player card tracking
`device 360, thereby eliminating the need for players to carry
`player identification cards. For example, Slot machine 120
`could include a keypad, at which playerS enter either their
`player identification numbers or their names along with a
`secured password. Slot machine 120 could also include a
`device for measuring player biometrics (i.e., fingerprint,
`voice, or retinal detection) to identify players.
`Commercially available player card tracking devices
`include, for example, the Mastercom device available from
`Bally Manufacturing. (See, for example, U.S. Pat. No.
`5,429,361 to Raven et al.). Such player tracking devices
`include a magnetic card reader and a numeric keypad for
`entry of player information.
`
`Patent Owner, Bot M8 LLC - Ex. 2001, p. 17
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`

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`7
`Preferences selection button 370 allows a player to initiate
`Selection of player preferences and to Select player prefer
`ences displayed on video display area 346. Button 370 may
`comprise a conventional input device, Such as a keyboard or
`dedicated buttons marked with appropriate labels.
`Game parameter database 326 provides a table of infor
`mation on game parameters that can be set in slot machine
`120. Game parameters generally relate to those parameters
`that playerS may want to customize in their game playing.
`FIG. 7 shows a possible organization for database 326
`with the following information for slot machine 120:(1)
`game type, (2) language, (3) Sound, (4) Speed of reel spins,
`(5) currency, (6) payout type, (7) payout structure, (8)
`number of coins (default), and (9) form of complimentaries
`(comp.). Slot machine 120 selects values for each of the
`parameters from database 326 to configure operation of the
`game in slot machine 120. Slot machine 120 preferably
`cannot Select values for the parameters that are not contained
`in database 326. Certain game parameter values Stored in
`database 326 are designated as game default values and may
`be used when the player does not desire, or has not Selected,
`player preferences. In alternative embodiments, database
`326 includes different combinations of fewer or more player
`par