Room key based in-room player tracking

• US 20030176218A1
• Filed: 03/15/2002
• Published: 09/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Inventors: LeMay, Steven G., Benbrahim, Jamal
• Granted Patent: US 7,198,571 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/25
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3241 Security aspects of a gaming system, e.g. detecting cheating, device integrity, surveillance computer security G06F21/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3251 involving media of variable value, e.g. programmable cards, programmable tokens

Abstract

A disclosed authentication instrument is used to authorize various services at a hotel-casino complex, such as but not limited to in-room gaming, in-room sports wagering, room access, safe access, mini-bar access, Electronic Fund Transfers (EFT), player tracking services and in-room entertainment services (e.g., video games and movie channels). A smart card, an electronic token and a magnetic striped card are examples of hardware that may be used as authentication instruments. For in-room gaming, the authentication instrument may be used to authorize, in a secure and legal manner, in-room game play sessions on an entertainment terminal connected to a remote gaming machine.

Claims

1. A method of providing a game of chance, the method comprising:

in response to reading authentication instrument information from an authentication instrument in a door access device, granting access to a room;

in response to reading authentication instrument information from the authentication instrument in an entertainment terminal, initiating a game play session on the entertainment terminal wherein the game play session comprises playing at least one game of chance using the entertainment terminal;

establishing communications between the entertainment terminal and the gaming machine wherein the gaming machine is located outside of the room;

initiating the game of chance using an input device connected to the entertainment terminal;

generating a game outcome on the gaming machine; and

displaying the game outcome for the game of chance generated on the gaming machine on the entertainment terminal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the game of chance is selected from the group consisting of slot games, poker, pachinko, multiple hand poker games, pai-gow poker, black jack, keno, bingo, roulette, craps and card game.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the authentication instrument is selected from the group consisting of a smart card, a magnetic striped card, an electronic token, a cell phone and a personal digital assistant.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the authentication instrument information is a combination selected from the group consisting of 1) an authorization number that is used to approve the game play on the entertainment terminal, 2) a transaction number that is used for all games of chance initiated using the authentication instrument, 3) a betting limit, 4) a Personal Identification Number, 5) patron identification information, 6) player tracking information, 7) an expiration date, 8) a magnetic combination that is used to gain access to an entertainment terminal, 9) credits of indicia, 10) promotional credits used only for wagers in the game of chance, 11) one or more player preferences used to configure a gaming machine, 12) one or more encryption keys, 13) an authentication instrument identification number, 14) one or more gaming machine serial numbers, 15) biometric information, 16) an authorization number that is used to authorize sports wagering on the entertainment terminal, 18) an authorization number that is used to configure the authentication instrument to authorize a movie to be displayed on the entertainment terminal, 19) an authorization number that is used to configure the authentication instrument to authorize a video game of skill to be played on the entertainment terminal, 20) a magnetic combination that is used by a door access device to unlock a door, 21) a time and a date when the authentication instrument was issued and 22) a location where the authorization instrument was issued.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the authentication instrument information is read in the door access device from the authentication instrument using a magnetic striped card reader, a smart card reader, an electronic token acceptor and a wireless interface.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the authentication instrument information is read in the entertainment terminal from the authentication instrument using a magnetic striped card reader, a smart card reader, an electronic token acceptor and a wireless interface.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

sending a message requesting an approval for the game play session to an authentication server; and

receiving the approval for the game play session from the authorization server.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

sending a message requesting an authorization for the game play session to an authentication server;

receiving a rejection for the game play session from the authorization server; and

terminating the game play session.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

storing game play session information to a non-volatile memory device located on the entertainment terminal.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a wager for the game of chance.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

displaying a bonus game on the entertainment terminal.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

detecting the authentication instrument being removed from an authentication port in the entertainment terminal; and

terminating the game play session.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving an input signal indicating a player dispute; and

contacting a remote attendant station.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

displaying game play history information to the entertainment terminal wherein the game play history information is used to resolve the dispute.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

initiating a player tracking session for the games of chance played on the entertainment terminal.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

configuring the entertainment terminal using commands transmitted from a remote device.

9. In response to reading authentication instrument information from the authentication instrument in the entertainment terminal, using the authentication information to determine a list of services available on the entertainment terminal;

displaying a menu of the determined services on the entertainment terminal.

18. A method of issuing an authentication instrument used for at least granting room access privileges and granting gaming privileges, the method comprising:

validating an identity of a patron to receive the authentication instrument;

determining the room access privileges wherein the room access privileges comprise at least granting access to a room with an entertainment terminal that is configured to receive inputs used to play a game of chance and that is configured to display the outcome of the game of chance;

configuring the authentication instrument to grant the determined room access privileges;

determining gaming privileges wherein the gaming privileges comprise at least;

i) allowing the entertainment terminal to be used to play the game of chance or ii) preventing the entertainment terminal from being used to play the game of chance;

configuring the authentication instrument to grant the determined gaming privileges;

storing a configuration of the authentication instrument to an authentication server wherein the configuration of the authentication instrument is a combination of authentication instrument information; and

issuing the authentication instrument to the patron.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the game of chance is selected from the group consisting of slot games, poker, pachinko, multiple hand poker games, pai-gow poker, black jack, keno, bingo, roulette, craps and card game.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the authentication instrument is selected from the group consisting of a smart card, a magnetic striped card, an electronic token, a cell phone and a personal digital assistant.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein the combination of authentication instrument information is selected from the group consisting of 1) an authorization number that is used to approve the game play on the entertainment terminal, 2) a transaction number that is used for all games of chance initiated using the authentication instrument, 3) a betting limit, 4) a Personal Identification Number, 5) patron identification information, 6) player tracking information, 7) an expiration date, 8) a magnetic combination that is used to gain access to an entertainment terminal, 9) credits of indicia, 10) promotional credits used only for wagers in the game of chance, 11) one or more player preferences used to configure a gaming machine, 12) one or more encryption keys, 13) an authentication instrument identification number, 14) one or more gaming machine serial numbers, 15) biometric information, 16) an authorization number that is used to authorize sports wagering on the entertainment terminal, 18) an authorization number that is used to configure the authentication instrument to authorize a movie to be displayed on the entertainment terminal, 19) an authorization number that is used to configure the authentication instrument to authorize a video game of skill to be played on the entertainment terminal, 20) a magnetic combination that is used by a door access device to unlock a door, 21) a time and a date when the authentication instrument was issued and 22) a location where the authorization instrument was issued.

22. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

determining entertainment privileges wherein the entertainment privileges comprise at least;

i) allowing the entertainment terminal to be used to play video games, ii) allowing the entertainment terminal to be used to display one or more premium movie channels and iii) allowing the entertainment terminal to be use for Internet access; and

configuring the authentication instrument to grant the determined entertainment privileges.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the entertainment privileges are granted based upon a fee, a room price, a customer history and combinations thereof.

24. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

receiving the authentication instrument from the patron; and

configuring the authentication instrument provided by the patron.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising:

reading information from the authentication instrument provided by the patron.

26. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

determining player tracking privileges for the authentication instrument wherein the player tracking privileges allow the authentication instrument to be used as a player tracking card;

communicating with a player tracking server; and

configuring the authentication instrument to grant the player tracking privileges.

27. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

determining cashless system privileges for the authentication instrument wherein the cashless system privileges allow the authentication instrument to be used to store credits used as a wager for the game of chance;

communicating with a cashless system server; and

configuring the authentication instrument to store the credits.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising:

receiving a payment for the credits stored on the authentication instrument.

29. The method of claim 18, wherein the room access privileges to the room are granted based upon a fee, a room price, a customer history and combinations thereof.

30. The method of claim 18, wherein the gaming privileges are granted based upon a room price, a customer history, ages of patrons that have access to the room and combinations thereof.

31. In a gaming machine, a method of providing a game play session on an entertainment terminal in communication with the gaming machine via a network, said method comprising:

establishing communications with the entertainment terminal;

receiving from the entertainment terminal authentication instrument information read from an authentication instrument;

requesting approval for the game play session from an authentication server using the authentication information received from the entertainment terminal;

receiving an input signal to initiate a game of chance from the entertainment terminal;

generating the game outcome for the game of chance; and

displaying the game outcome for the game of chance on the entertainment terminal.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the game of chance is selected from the group consisting of slot games, poker, pachinko, multiple hand poker games, pai-gow poker, black jack, keno, bingo, roulette, craps and card game.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the authentication instrument is selected from the group consisting of a smart card, a magnetic striped card, an electronic token, a cell phone and a personal digital assistant.

34. The method of claim 31, wherein the authentication instrument information received from the entertainment terminal is a combination selected from the group consisting of 1) an authorization number that is used to grant or deny access to the game of chance on the entertainment terminal, 2) a transaction number that is used for all games of chance initiated using the authentication instrument, 3) a betting limit, 4) a Personal Identification Number, 5) patron identification information, 6) player tracking information, 7) an expiration date, 8) a magnetic combination that is used to gain access to an entertainment terminal, 9) credits of indicia, 10) promotional credits used only for wagers in the game of chance, 11) one or more player preferences used to configure the gaming machine, 12) one or more encryption keys, 13) an authentication instrument identification number, 14) one or more gaming machine serial numbers, 15) biometric information, 16) a time and a date when the authentication instrument was issued and 17) a location where the authentication instrument was issued.

35. The method of claim 31, wherein the authentication instrument information is read from the authentication instrument using a magnetic striped card reader, a smart card reader, an electronic token acceptor and a wireless interface.

36. The method of claim 31, further comprising:

receiving credit information from the entertainment terminal; and

establishing credits on the gaming machine.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising:

contacting a cashless system server to validate the credit information.

38. The method of claim 31, further comprising:

receiving player tracking information from the entertainment terminal;

contacting a player tracking system server; and

establishing a player tracking session on the gaming machine.

39. The method of claim 31, further comprising:

receiving a message approving the game play session from the authentication server.

40. The method of claim 31, further comprising:

receiving a message disapproving the game play session from the authentication server; and

terminating the game play session.

41. The method of claim 31, further comprising:

receiving a request for game history information from a remote attendant station; and

displaying game play history information to a remote display.

42. The method of claim 31, further comprising:

configuring the entertainment terminal to enable the game play session.

43. The method of claim 31, further comprising:

storing game play history information.

44. The method of claim 31, further comprising:

when a betting limit is exceeded, stopping the game play session.

45. In an authentication server that stores configuration information for a plurality of authentication instruments, a method of authorizing authentication instrument transactions on an entertainment terminal in communication with a gaming machine, the method comprising:

receiving a transaction request message for an authentication instrument transaction from at least one of the gaming machine and the entertainment terminal wherein the request message contains authentication instrument information read from an authentication instrument;

identifying the authentication instrument using information stored in an authentication database;

comparing authentication instrument information read from the authentication instrument with information stored in the authentication database;

approving or rejecting the authentication instrument transaction; and

sending a reply message at least one of the gaming machine and the entertainment terminal indicating the authentication instrument transaction has been approved or rejected

wherein at least one of the authentication instrument transactions is for a game play session on the entertainment terminal.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the game play session comprises the play of one or more games of chance selected from the group consisting of slot games, poker, pachinko, multiple hand poker games, pai-gow poker, black jack, keno, bingo, roulette, craps and card game.

47. The method of claim 45, wherein the authentication instrument is selected from the group consisting of a smart card, a magnetic striped card, an electronic token, a cell phone and a personal digital assistant.

48. The method of claim 45, wherein the authentication instrument information read from the authentication instrument is a combination selected from the group consisting of 1) an authorization number that is used to approve the game play on the entertainment terminal, 2) a transaction number that is used for all games of chance initiated using the authentication instrument, 3) a betting limit, 4) a Personal Identification Number, 5) patron identification information, 6) player tracking information, 7) an expiration date, 8) a magnetic combination that is used to gain access to an entertainment terminal, 9) credits of indicia, 10) promotional credits used only for wagers in the game of chance, 11) one or more player preferences used to configure a gaming machine, 12) one or more encryption keys, 13) an authentication instrument identification number, 14) one or more gaming machine serial numbers, 15) biometric information, 16) an authorization number that is used to authorize sports wagering on the entertainment terminal, 18) an authorization number that is used to configure the authentication instrument to authorize a movie to be displayed on the entertainment terminal, 19) an authorization number that is used to configure the authentication instrument to authorize a video game of skill to be played on the entertainment terminal, 20) a magnetic combination that is used by a door access device to unlock a door, 21) a time and a date when the authentication instrument was issued and 22) a location where the authorization instrument was issued.

49. The method of claim 45, wherein the authentication instrument information is read from the authentication instrument using a magnetic striped card reader, a smart card reader, an electronic token acceptor and a wireless interface.

50. The method of claim 45, further comprising:

when the game play session is approved, remotely configuring the entertainment terminal to provide the game play session.

51. The method of claim 45, further comprising:

when the game play session is approved, remotely configuring the gaming machine to provide the game play session.

52. The method of claim 45, further comprising:

prior to receiving the transaction request message, receiving a request to issue the authentication instrument;

generating authentication instrument information that is stored on the authentication instrument;

sending the authentication instrument to a device used to store information to authentication instruments; and

storing the generated authentication instrument information to the authentication database.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the authentication instrument information is at least a magnetic combination used with a door access device and gaming privilege information used to approve a game play session on the entertainment terminal.

54. The method of claim 45, further comprising:

wherein the authentication instrument transaction is for a sports wagering session on the entertainment terminal.

55. The method of claim 45, further comprising:

generating a record of the authentication instrument transaction and storing a record of the authentication instrument transaction.

56. An entertainment terminal for playing a game of chance, the entertainment terminal comprising;

a communication interface;

a display screen;

one or more input mechanisms

a device designed to read authentication instrument information from an authentication instrument; and

a microprocessor configured i) to present the game of chance on the display screen using instructions received via the communication interface from a master gaming controller located on a gaming machine, ii) to send information from input signals generated from the one or more input mechanisms used to play the game of chance to the master gaming controller via the communication interface and iii) to grant or deny access to the game of chance using the authentication instrument information read from the authentication instrument.

57. The entertainment terminal of claim 56, wherein the game of chance is selected from the group consisting of slot games, poker, pachinko, multiple hand poker games, pai-gow poker, black jack, keno, bingo, roulette, craps and card game.

58. The entertainment terminal of claim 56, wherein the authentication instrument is selected from the group consisting of a smart card, a magnetic striped card, an electronic token, a cell phone and a personal digital assistant.

59. The entertainment terminal of claim 56, wherein the authentication instrument information read from the authentication instrument is a combination selected from the group consisting of 1) an authorization number that is used to grant or deny access to the game of chance on the entertainment terminal, 2) a transaction number that is used for all games of chance initiated using the authentication instrument, 3) a betting limit, 4) a Personal Identification Number, 5) patron identification information, 6) player tracking information, 7) an expiration date, 8) a magnetic combination that is used to gain access to an entertainment terminal, 9) credits of indicia, 10) promotional credits used only for wagers in the game of chance, 11) one or more player preferences used to configure the gaming machine, 12) one or more encryption keys, 13) an authentication instrument identification number, 14) one or more gaming machine serial numbers, 15) biometric information, 16) a time and a date when the authentication instrument was issued and 17) a location where the authorization instrument was issued.

60. The entertainment terminal of claim 56, wherein the device designed to read authentication instrument information from an authentication instrument is selected from the group consisting of a magnetic striped card reader, a smart card reader, an electronic token acceptor and a wireless interface.

61. The entertainment terminal of claim 56, further comprising:

a non-volatile memory used to store a game play history for games of chance played on the entertainment terminal.

62. The entertainment terminal of claim 56, wherein the microprocessor is configured to provide one of more of video games, movie channels, Internet access and sports wagering on the entertainment terminals.

63. The entertainment terminal of claim 56, wherein the microprocessor is designed to receive commands from a remote device used to configure the entertainment terminal.

64. A gaming machine for providing remote game play, the gaming machine comprising:

a master gaming controller designed or configured

     1) to generate game outcomes for one or more games of chance and

     2) to present remotely the game outcomes for the one or more games of chance on an entertainment terminal

a first cabinet enclosing the master gaming controller; and

the entertainment terminal comprising;

a communication interface;

a display screen;

one or more input mechanisms;

a device designed to read authentication instrument information from an authentication instrument;

a microprocessor configured i) to present the game of chance on the display screen using instructions received via the communication interface from the master gaming controller, ii) to send information from input signals generated from the one or more input mechanisms used to play the game of chance to the master gaming controller via the communication interface; and

a second cabinet enclosing at least the communication interface, the microprocessor and the device designed to read information from the authentication instrument;

wherein the master gaming controller is designed or configured to approve or reject access to the game of chance on the entertainment terminal using the information read from the authentication instrument.

65. The gaming machine of claim 64, wherein the game of chance is selected from the group consisting of slot games, poker, pachinko, multiple hand poker games, pai-gow poker, black jack, keno, bingo, roulette, craps and card game.

66. The gaming machine of claim 64, wherein the authentication instrument is selected from the group consisting of a smart card, a magnetic striped card, an electronic token, a cell phone and a personal digital assistant.

67. The gaming machine of claim 64, wherein the authentication instrument information read from the authentication instrument is a combination selected from the group consisting of 1) an authorization number that is used to grant or deny access to the game of chance on the entertainment terminal, 2) a transaction number that is used for all games of chance initiated using the authentication instrument, 3) a betting limit, 4) a Personal Identification Number, 5) patron identification information, 6) player tracking information, 7) an expiration date, 8) a magnetic combination that is used to gain access to an entertainment terminal, 9) credits of indicia, 10) promotional credits used only for wagers in the game of chance, 11) one or more player preferences used to configure the gaming machine, 12) one or more encryption keys, 13) an authentication instrument identification number, 14) one or more gaming machine serial numbers, 15) biometric information, 16) a time and a date when the authentication instrument was issued and 17) a location where the authorization instrument was issued.

68. The gaming machine of claim 64, wherein the device designed to read authentication instrument information from an authentication instrument is selected from the group consisting of a magnetic striped card reader, a smart card reader, an electronic token acceptor and a wireless interface.

69. The gaming machine of claim 64, further comprising:

a non-volatile memory in the first cabinet used to store a game play history for games of chance played on the entertainment terminal.

70. An authentication server used to validate authentication instruments, the authentication server comprising:

a communication interface allowing the authorization server to communicate with (a) one or more configuration devices used to configure at least room access privileges and in-room gaming privileges on authentication instruments and (b) one or more devices with interfaces designed to read information stored on the authentication instruments;

an authentication database storing authentication instrument information for each authentication instrument configured using the configuration devices; and

;

a processor configured or designed to (i) receive an authentication transaction requests including authentication instrument information via the communication interface from the one or more devices with interfaces designed to read information stored on the authentication instruments (ii) validate the authentication instrument information by at least comparing the authentication instrument information received in the authentication transaction request with the authentication instrument information stored in the authentication database, and (iii) approve or reject the authentication transaction requests wherein at least one of the authentication transaction requests is a request to approve a game play session on an entertainment terminal.

71. The authentication server of claim 70, wherein the game play session comprises the play of one or more games of chance selected from the group consisting of slot games, poker, pachinko, multiple hand poker games, pai-gow poker, black jack, keno, bingo, roulette, craps and card game.

72. The authentication server of claim 70, wherein the authentication instrument is selected from the group consisting of a smart card, a magnetic striped card, an electronic token, a cell phone and a personal digital assistant.

73. The authentication server of claim 70, wherein the authentication instrument stores a combination of authentication instrument information selected from the group consisting of 1) an authorization number that is used to approve the game play on the entertainment terminal, 2) a transaction number that is used for all games of chance initiated using the authentication instrument, 3) a betting limit, 4) a Personal Identification Number, 5) patron identification information, 6) player tracking information, 7) an expiration date, 8) a magnetic combination that is used to gain access to an entertainment terminal, 9) credits of indicia, 10) promotional credits used only for wagers in the game of chance, 11) one or more player preferences used to configure a gaming machine, 12) one or more encryption keys, 13) an authentication instrument identification number, 14) one or more gaming machine serial numbers, 15) biometric information, 16) an authorization number that is used to authorize sports wagering on the entertainment terminal, 18) an authorization number that is used to configure the authentication instrument to authorize a movie to be displayed on the entertainment terminal, 19) an authorization number that is used to configure the authentication instrument to authorize a video game of skill to be played on the entertainment terminal, 20) a magnetic combination that is used by a door access device to unlock a door, 21) a time and a date when the authentication instrument was issued and 22) a location where the authorization instrument was issued.

74. The authentication server of claim 70, wherein the authentication request is a request to provide a movie, to provide a video game, to provide a sports wagering session and to provide Internet access.

75. The authentication server of claim 70, wherein the processor is designed to remotely configure one or more of the devices with interfaces designed to read information stored on the authentication instruments.

76. An entertainment system for providing remote game play, the entertainment system comprising:

a plurality of gaming machines, each gaming machine comprising;

a master gaming controller designed or configured

     1) to generate game outcomes for one or more games of chance and

     2) to present remotely the game outcomes for the one or more games of chance on an entertainment terminal

a first cabinet enclosing the master gaming controller; and

the entertainment terminal comprising;

a communication interface;

a display screen;

one or more input mechanisms;

a device designed to read authentication instrument information from an authentication instrument;

a microprocessor configured i) to present the game of chance on the display screen using instructions received via the communication interface from the master gaming controller, ii) to send information from input signals generated from the one or more input mechanisms used to play the game of chance to the master gaming controller via the communication interface; and

a second cabinet enclosing at least the communication interface, the microprocessor and the device designed to read information from the authentication instrument;

wherein the master gaming controller is designed or configured to approve or reject access to the game of chance on the entertainment terminal using the information read from the authentication instrument and using information received from an authentication server; and

the authentication server, the authentication server comprising;

a communication interface allowing the authorization server to communicate with (a) one or more configuration devices used to configure at least room access privileges and in-room gaming privileges on authentication instruments, (b) one or more devices with interfaces designed to read information stored on the authentication instruments and (c) the plurality of gaming machines;

an authentication database storing authentication instrument information for each authentication instrument configured using the configuration devices; and

;

a processor configured or designed to (i) receive an authentication transaction requests including authentication instrument information via the communication interface from the one or more devices with interfaces designed to read information stored on the authentication instruments and from the plurality of gaming machines (ii) validate the authentication instrument information by at least comparing the authentication instrument information received in the authentication transaction request with the authentication instrument information stored in the authentication database, and (iii) approve or reject the authentication transaction requests wherein at least one of the authentication transaction requests is a request to approve a remote game play session on one of the plurality of gaming machines.