Network gaming system management

• US 20050170892A1
• Filed: 01/12/2005
• Published: 08/04/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/14/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Inventors: Atkinson, Keith W.
• Granted Patent: US 7,951,005 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/42
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3232 wherein the operator is informed
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3239 Tracking of individual players

Abstract

A data presentation system that allows a user to view information from a game network in real-time is disclosed. Information is collected from a game network and stored in a data repository. Data is gathered from the data repository, filtered, formatted, and displayed on a viewer of a user machine connected to the data presentation system. A user can select from a number of data views and customize the views, thus ensuring that the desired information is available to the user. Information is updated at a pre-selected rate, or as the network allows. Information may be retained for a period of time, for example, for a shift period. Pre-filtering of data can provide notice to a user when predetermined network events occur.

Claims

1. A data presentation system of a gaming network, comprising:

a communications interface to the gaming network to allow information about the gaming network to be accessed; and

a user machine to access the information data in response to queries from a user and to present responses in real-time.

2. The data presentation system of claim 1, the communications interface residing on at least one gaming machine.

3. The data presentation system of claim 1, the communications interface residing on a bank controller, the bank controller being in communication with at least two gaming machines organized into a bank.

4. The data presentation system of claim 1, the user machine further comprising at least one wireless device.

5. The data presentation system of claim 1, the system further comprising a firewall to filter information from the wireless devices.

6. The data presentation system of claim 1, the responses further comprising information about a player at a particular gaming machine.

7. The data presentation system of claim 1, the responses further comprising information about a particular gaming machine.

8. The data presentation system of claim 1, the responses further comprising a number of total players utilizing a particular gaming network.

9. The data presentation system of claim 1, the responses further comprising graphs of parameters of operation of the gaming network.

10. A method of monitoring a gaming network, comprising:

presenting a selection of views of operating parameters in a gaming network at a wireless device across a wireless link;

receiving user input selecting a view; and

providing information to the user device for the view selected across the wireless link

11. The method of claim 10, presenting a selection of view further comprising presenting a selection including at least one view from the group consisting of:

player location, hot players, player history, machine events, head count, and host hot player report.

12. The method of claim 10, presenting a selection of view further comprising presenting a selection including at least one view from the group consisting of:

total occupancy, occupancy by denomination, and occupancy by sections.

13. The method of claim 10, presenting a selection of view further comprising presenting a selection including at least one view from the group consisting of:

metered coin activity, staff coverage, current staff and shift performance.

14. A method of operating a gaming network, comprising:

gathering information about parameters of operation of a gaming network;

presenting the information at a user machine in real-time;

receiving inputs from the user machine;

transmitting the inputs to other points in the gaming network; and

altering operation of the network based upon the inputs.

15. The method of claim 14, receiving inputs further comprising receiving inputs about a hot uncarded player, and altering operation of the network further comprises approaching the player with special membership offers.

16. The method of claim 14, receiving inputs further comprising receiving inputs about a hot player, and altering operation of the network further comprises offering prizes to the player.

17. The method of claim 14, receiving input further comprising receiving inputs about an employee due for a break, and altering operation of the network further comprises directing the employee to take a break.

18. The method of claim 14, receiving input further comprising receiving inputs about a machine that requires service, and altering operation of the network further comprises directing personnel to service the machine.