Remote content management and resource sharing on a gaming machine and method of implementing same

• US 20070243934A1
• Filed: 11/10/2006
• Published: 10/18/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Inventors: LeMay, Steven G., Beaulieu, Nicole M., Manfredi, Vincent S., Iddings, Cara L., Schneider, Richard J., Bullard, Bryan, Little, William C., Gipp, David A., de Waal, Daniel
• Granted Patent: US 8,784,196 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/40
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3213 Details of moving display elements, e.g. spinning reels, tumbling members
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3223 Architectural aspects of a gaming system, e.g. internal configuration, master/slave, wireless communication
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3225 Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3239 Tracking of individual players
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3244 Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/329 Regular and instant lottery, e.g. electronic scratch cards
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/34 depending on the stopping of moving members in a mechanical slot machine, e.g. "fruit" machines

Abstract

A gaming system including a number of host devices each coupled to one or more gaming machines, wherein content provided by the host device is output on the gaming machine. To output the content provided by the remote host, a host-controlled process that is authenticated by the gaming machine and executed in a secure memory location such that it is isolated from other processes executing on the gaming machine may be utilized. The host-controlled processes may be decoupled from the process used to execute the game of chance played on the gaming machine such that the content output by the host-controlled process doesn'"'"'t alter the play of game of chance.

Claims

28. A gaming system comprising:

a remote host comprising;

a processor designed or configured a) to communicate with a gaming device;

b) to send information to the gaming device that allows the remote host to utilize a portion of the gaming machine interface via an interface process executed on the gaming device;

the gaming device comprising;

a gaming interface comprising a plurality of input devices and at least one output device for displaying an outcome to a wager-based game played on the gaming device;

a master gaming controller designed or configured a) to provide a first resource partition associated with first gaming resources wherein the first gaming resources include a processor, a memory and the portion of the gaming machine interface and a second resource partition associated with second gaming resources, b) to allow execution of the interface process in the first resource partition wherein the interface process is only allowed to utilize the first gaming resources, c) to receive the information from the remote host that allows the remote host to utilize the portion of the gaming interface via the interface process to provide an enhanced function, d) to allow execution in the second resource partition of one or more gaming processes for generating the wager-based game on the gaming device;

e) to prevent the interface process from using more than an allocated amount of the first gaming resources;

f) to establish a communication session with the remote host that enables the remote host to send the information that allows the remote host to utilize the portion of the gaming interface via the interface process.

29. The gaming system of claim 28, wherein the master gaming controller is designed or configured to prevent the interface process from using more than the allocated amount of CPU cycles, memory, graphics processor cycles, network bandwidth, sound card usage, video card usage, power usage, peripheral device usage or combinations thereof.

30. The gaming system of claim 28, wherein the master gaming controller is further designed or configured to arbitrate control of a device associated with the portion of the gaming interface, when it is determined that the interface process and a first gaming process of the one or more gaming processes are requesting control of the device.

31. The gaming system of claim 28, wherein the interface process is operable to output video content, audio content or combinations, thereof via the portion of the gaming interface in accordance with information received from the remote host wherein the information includes commands, instructions, data or combinations thereof for use by the interface process.

32. The gaming system of claim 31, wherein the interface process is operable to vary the video content, audio content or combinations thereof, output to the gaming interface as of function of time in response to the information received from the remote host.

33. The gaming system of claim 28, wherein the enhanced function is one or more of the following:

(1) displaying information relating to one or more aspects of a player'"'"'s gaming experience;

(2) providing personalized audio or video content at the gaming machine;

(3) enabling the player to pick the wager-based game to play from a plurality of available wager-based games;

(4) enabling the player to place one or more side-bets;

(5) enabling the player to play for one or more progressive awards;

(6) enabling the player to participate in a gaming tournament;

(7) providing a virtual ATM at the gaming device;

(8) providing a virtual entertainment center at the gaming device;

(9) providing a virtual lottery machine at the gaming device;

(10) providing a virtual change machine at the gaming device;

(11) providing a virtual sports book at the gaming device;

(12) providing a virtual communication center at the gaming device;

(13) providing a virtual concierge at the gaming device;

(14) providing a virtual vending machine at the gaming device;

(15) providing a virtual kiosk at the gaming device;

(16) enabling the player to customize one or more aspects of the content displayed on the display device;

(17) enabling the player to customize one or more aspects of gaming machine interface;

(18) enabling the player to enroll in a player tracking system;

(19) enabling the player to play a plurality of wager-based games simultaneously or substantially simultaneously at the gaming device;

(20) enabling the player to access personal settings at the gaming device;

(21) enabling the player to access a score card of accomplished events;

(22) enabling the player to access a tournament leader board;

(23) enabling the player to select a favorite type of award to play for, or (24) combinations thereof.

34. The gaming system of claim 28, wherein the master gaming controller is further operable to allow transfer of credits available on the gaming device to enable an activity provided by via the interface process and to notify the remote host of the transfer of credits.

35. The gaming system of claim 28, wherein the activity is a play of game provided separately from the wager-based game.

36. A gaming system comprising:

a remote host operable to communicate with the gaming device;

the gaming device;

a primary game operable upon a wager by a player;

at least one display device;

at least one input device;

at least one memory device;

at least one local processor programmed to operate with the display device, the input device and the memory device and to communicate with the remote host to;

(a) enable the player to wager on a play of the primary game;

(b) generate a primary game outcome for said play of the primary game;

(c) provide the generated primary game outcome to the player;

(d) cause part of said display device to display the play of the primary game;

(e) receive at least one request from the remote host to provide at least one remote controlled process on a portion the display device;

(f) if said request to provide said remote controlled process is received, determine an availability of at least one gaming device resource;

(g) if said gaming device resource is available;

(i) accept the request to provide said remote controlled process, and

(ii) enable the remote host to cause said portion of the display device to display said remote controlled process, wherein said remote controlled process is displayed simultaneously with the play of the primary game; and

(h) if said gaming device resource is not available, reject the request to provide said remote controlled process.

1. A gaming system comprising:

a remote host comprising;

a first communication interface for communicating with a gaming device;

a processor designed or configured to;

a) establish a communication session with the gaming device;

b) to receive information regarding a state of the gaming device wherein the state of the gaming device is variable with time;

c) in response information regarding a first state of the gaming device, to send commands, instructions, data or combinations, thereof to the gaming device that enable a first process generated on the gaming device to at least output first video images including first content;

d) in response information regarding a second state of the gaming device, to send commands, instructions, data or combinations, thereof, to the gaming device that enable the first process generated on the gaming device to at least output first video images including second content;

the gaming device comprising;

a video display;

a second communication interface for communicating with the remote host;

a master gaming controller designed or configured a) to control a wager-based game played on the gaming device;

b) to establish the communication session with the remote host, c) to generate the first process operable to output the first video images to the video display wherein content of the first video images over time is controlled by the remote host, d) to receive from the remote host, the commands, the instructions, the data or combinations thereof, that enable the first process to at least output the first video images including the first content;

e) to receive from the remote host, the commands, the instructions, the data or combinations thereof, that enable the first process to at least output the first video images including the second content;

f) to generate a second process operable to generate an outcome to the wager-based game and to output second video images to the video display related to the play of the wager-based game; and

g) to generate a third process operable to control access of the first process and the second process to the video display wherein the third process is operable to allow the first process to utilize a first portion of the video display while the wager-based game is being played on a second portion of the video display;

an input mechanism for receiving cash or an indicia of credit for making wagers on the wager-based game;

an output mechanism for outputting cash or an indicia of credit; and

a network for allowing the communications between the remote host and the gaming device.

2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the first content or the second content comprises information related to one or more of a) an input button associated with an active area of a touch screen sensor coupled to the gaming device, b) ordering food, drinks or coffee from the gaming device;

c) a communication with a person at another gaming device;

d) a communication with a gaming concierge, e) a hotel. f) a gaming establishment, g) a restaurant, h) an entertainment product, i) a travel service;

j) a reservation, k) a transfer of funds to or from the gaming device;

l) management of an account accessible to the player including a monetary account or a player tracking account;

m) a purchase of a lottery ticket at the gaming device;

n) obtaining change at a gaming machine;

o) a wager on an event including a sporting event;

p) an electronic message including an e-mail or a text message;

q) to a purchase a vending items at the gaming device;

r) to accessing Internet enabled services;

s) a redemption of player tracking points, credits or a combinations thereof for merchandise, entertainment or services;

t) an upcoming tournament, u) a gaming establishment promotion;

v) television programming or a movie;

w) music programming;

x) player tracking or y) combinations thereof.

3. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the processor is further designed or configured to select the first content or the content based upon one or more of 1) an identity of a player, 2) a location of the gaming device within a gaming establishment, 3) a status of the player, 4) an amount wagered, 5) an amount of an award, 6) a theme of the wager-based game, 7) a theme of the gaming establishment where the gaming device is located, 8) a preference of the player, 9) a preference of an operator of the gaming device, 10) an event related to the play of the wager-based game or combinations thereof.

4. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the remote host is operable to communicate with one or more gaming system hardware elements coupled to the gaming system and to control the one or more gaming system hardware elements in conjunction with the first process on the gaming device.

5. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the one or more gaming system hardware elements are selected from the group consisting of an overhead display, a secondary game display, a kiosk and a bonus device.

6. The gaming system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of gaming devices wherein the processor is further designed or configured to a) establish a communication session with each of the plurality of gaming devices;

b) to receive information regarding a state of each of the plurality of gaming device;

c) to send commands, instructions, data or combinations, thereof to each of the gaming devices that enable a process generated on each of the plurality of gaming devices to output video images including specified content.

7. The gaming system of claim 6, wherein the processor is further designed or configured to coordinate the specified content generated on two or more of the plurality of gaming devices.

8. The gaming system of claim 7, wherein the specified content is coordinated to provide each of a group of players a related activity.

9. The gaming system of claim 8, wherein the related activity is one or more of a tournament or a group participation game.

10. The gaming system of claim 6, wherein the specified content is coordinated to provide one or more of the group of players a related outcome.

11. The gaming system of claim 10, wherein the related outcome is one or more of (1) a value;

(2) a modifier;

(3) an entry in an award drawing;

(4) an entry in a tournament;

(5) an additional player tracking point;

(6) a session surprise award;

(7) a modifier of a game award for a set amount of time;

(8) a number of free or discounted spins or activations;

(9) a prize;

(10) a progressive award;

(11) a retrigger to be utilized in a game;

(12) a wild symbol to be utilized in a game;

(13) an anti-terminator to be utilized in a game;

(14) a bonus or a secondary game;

(15) a nudge of one or more reels in a reel game;

(16) a hold of one or more reels in a reel game;

(17) a scatter type pay;

(18) one or more additional paylines in a reel game;

(19) one or more additional ways to win in a reel game;

(20) one or more additional ways to trigger the secondary game;

(21) one or more available promotions;

(22) one or more surveys;

(23) one or more non-redeemable credits or (24) combinations thereof.

12. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the remote host is operable to receive information from the master gaming controller indicating an amount of one or more gaming device resources that the first process is allowed to utilize while it is generated on the gaming device.

13. The gaming system of claim 12, wherein the gaming device resource are one or more of CPU usage, memory usage, graphics processing usage, network bandwidth usage, sound card usage, video card usage, power usage, peripheral device usage or combinations thereof.

14. The gaming system of claim 12, wherein the processor is further designed or figured to select a) the commands, the instructions, the data or the combinations, thereof to send to the gaming device that enable the first process to at least output the first video images including the first content;

or b) the commands, the instructions, the data or the combinations, thereof, to send to the gaming device that enable the first process to at least output the first video images including the second content;

based upon the amount of the one or more gaming device resources the first process is allowed to utilize while it is generated on the gaming device.

15. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the remote host is operable to receive information regarding commands, instructions, data or the combinations thereof, related to the first process currently stored on the gaming device.

16. The gaming system of claim 15, wherein the processor is further designed or configured, to reduce an amount of data transmitted from the remote host to the gaming device, to select a) the commands, the instructions, the data or the combinations, thereof that enable the first process to at least output the first video images including the first content;

or b) the commands, the instructions, the data or the combinations, thereof, that enable the first process to at least output the first video images including the second content;

based upon the commands, instructions, data or the combinations related to the first process currently stored on the gaming device.

17. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the remote host is further operable to store information relating to the a) the commands, the instructions, the data or the combinations, thereof sent to the gaming device that enable the first process to at least output the first video images including the first content;

or b) the commands, the instructions, the data or the combinations, thereof, sent to the gaming device that enable the first process generated on the gaming device to at least output the first video images including the second content.

18. The gaming system of claim 17, wherein the remote host is further operable to receive from the gaming device a request for information relating to the first content or the second content after it is displayed on the gaming device and to send the information to the gaming device.

19. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the first process is further operable to communicate with one or more peripheral devices coupled to the gaming device.

20. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the first process is further operable to send a command or instructions to activate a feature of a peripheral device coupled to the gaming device under control of the remote host.

21. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the master gaming controller is operable to allow the first process, the remote host or combinations thereof to receive information related to an activation of a feature on a peripheral device.

22. The gaming system of claim 21, wherein the peripheral device is selected from the group consisting of a touch screen sensor, a card reader, a bill validator, a bonus device, a mechanical button, a wireless interface, a ticket reader, or a key pad and a coin acceptor.

23. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein first process is further operable to output sound via a device coupled to the gaming device.

24. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the master gaming controller is further designed or configured to monitor at least one gaming resource utilized by the first process and to prevent the first process from utilizing more than an amount of the at least one gaming resource.

25. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the information regarding the first state or the second state is related to one or more of a) a status of the gaming device, b) a state of the wager-based game;

c) a tilt state, d) an activation of a peripheral device coupled to the gaming device, e) an identity of a player, f) a cash-out request, g) an amount of credits on the gaming device, or h) combinations thereof.

26. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the master gaming controller is further operable to allow transfer of credits available on the gaming device to enable an activity provided by via the interface process and to notify the remote host of the transfer of credits.

27. The gaming system of claim 26, wherein the activity is a play of game provided separately from the wager-based game.

37. The gaming system of claim 36, wherein the primary game is stored on said memory device.

38. The gaming system of claim 36, wherein a plurality of primary games are stored on said memory device.

39. The gaming system of claim 38, wherein said remote host instructs the local processor to select one of said primary games.

40. The gaming system of claim 36, wherein the primary game is stored remotely from said gaming device.

41. The gaming system of claim 36, wherein the local processor is configured to communicate data representing the generated primary game outcome to the remote host and the remote host modifies the remote controlled process based on said generated primary game outcome.

42. The gaming system of claim 36, wherein the remote controlled process includes causing at least one service to become available to the player.

43. The gaming system of claim 36, wherein said remote controlled process is configured to not affect an integrity of the play of the primary game.

44. The gaming system of claim 36, wherein the remote controlled process includes causing at least one enhanced function of the gaming machine to become available to the player.

45. The gaming system of claim 44, wherein the enhanced function is one or more of the following:

(1) displaying information relating to one or more aspects of the player'"'"'s gaming experience;

(2) providing personalized audio or video content at the gaming machine;

(3) enabling the player to pick the primary game to play from a plurality of available primary games;

(4) enabling the player to place one or more side-bets;

(5) enabling the player to play for one or more progressive awards;

(6) enabling the player to participate in a gaming tournament;

(7) providing a virtual ATM at the gaming device;

(8) providing a virtual entertainment center at the gaming device;

(9) providing a virtual lottery machine at the gaming device;

(10) providing a virtual change machine at the gaming device;

(11) providing a virtual sports book at the gaming device;

(12) providing a virtual communication center at the gaming device;

(13) providing a virtual concierge at the gaming device;

(14) providing a virtual vending machine at the gaming device;

(15) providing a virtual internet kiosk at the gaming device;

(16) enabling the player to customize one or more aspects of the content displayed on the display device;

(17) enabling the player to customize one or more aspects of gaming device interface;

(18) enabling the player to enroll in a player tracking system;

(19) enabling the player to play a plurality of primary games simultaneously or substantially simultaneously at the gaming device;

(20) enabling the player to access personal settings at the gaming device;

(21) enabling the player to access a score card of accomplished events;

(22) enabling the player to access a tournament leader board;

(23) enabling the player to select a favorite type of award to play for, or (24) combinations thereof.

46. The gaming system of claim 45, wherein the at least one outcome is one or more of (1) a value;

(2) a modifier;

(3) an entry in an award drawing;

(4) an entry in a tournament;

(5) an additional player tracking point;

(6) a session surprise award;

(7) a modifier of any primary game awards for a set amount of time;

(8) a number of free or discounted spins or activations of a game;

(9) a prize;

(10) a progressive award;

(11) a retrigger to be utilized in the primary game;

(12) a wild symbol to be utilized in the primary game;

(13) an anti-terminator to be utilized in the primary game;

(14) a bonus or a secondary game;

(15) a nudge of one or more reels in a reel game;

(16) a hold of one or more reels in a reel game;

(17) a scatter type pay;

(18) one or more additional paylines in a reel game;

(19) one or more additional ways to win in a reel game;

(20) one or more additional ways to trigger the secondary game;

(21) one or more available promotions;

(22) one or more surveys;

(23) one or more non-redeemable credits or (24) combinations thereof.

45-1. The gaming system of claim 36, wherein the remote controlled process includes providing at least one outcome to the player.