Gaming device communications and service system
First Claim
1. A service and communication system in combination with an augmented gaming device comprising:
- a concierge station manned by a live concierge, said concierge station including;
a video camera;
a video monitor;
a microphone;
an audio receiver;
switching means controlled by a concierge at said station;
means for accessing a computer data bank storing at least one of the following;
player data;
gaming device data;
services available to the player;
an augmented gaming device including;
a signalling device for signalling to the concierge station;
a microphone;
audio receiver means;
a video monitor; and
memory means for storing augmented gaming device information;
said video monitor normally displaying augmented gaming device information from said memory means; and
a control station including;
computer means for storing at least one of the following;
player data received from said player recognition means;
services available to players;
gaming device identification;
gaming device status; and
concierge station status;
switching means for selective connecting said augmented gaming device to said concierge station;
a two way audio communications link between said control station and said augmented gaming device microphone and audio receiver;
a two way audio communications link between said control station and said concierge station microphone and audio receiver;
means for selectively connecting said two way audio communications link together for communication between said concierge station and said augmented gaming device;
a data communications link between said augmented gaming device and said control station for communicating augmented gaming device play data to said control station;
means for selectively connecting said concierge station video camera to the augmented gaming device video monitor to display the image of the live concierge at said concierge station on the monitor of the augmented gaming device in place of the normal gaming device information.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for expanding the operation and play of gaming devices such as slot machines is disclosed. It employs an enhanced gaming device including an audio and a video channel between the gaming device and a central location manned by one or more concierges who can communicate with the player, answer questions, make reservations and, in general, attend to the requests of the player. Selected video displays under the control of the concierge are substituted for the normal video display such as a pay table at the gaming device. Communication is initiated by the player by lifting a handset, operating a call button or by inserting a club card into a card slot. Any of these actions will place the call in a queue for answering. If a club card was inserted, player data is displayed before a concierge and the player views an image of the concierge. Player requests may then be addressed. Other calls are likewise addressed. Machine malfunction, jackpot win and coin in/coin out data also trigger concierge response. A variety of locally controlled video presentations may be provided. The system includes video, audio and data communication and storage. Optionally, video communication from the player to the concierge is provided. In the event of a machine malfunction, the concierge is alerted and may request technician attention. Non club card initiation of communication are prioritized with club card system operation.
539 Citations
25 Claims
-
1. A service and communication system in combination with an augmented gaming device comprising:
-
a concierge station manned by a live concierge, said concierge station including; a video camera; a video monitor; a microphone; an audio receiver; switching means controlled by a concierge at said station; means for accessing a computer data bank storing at least one of the following; player data; gaming device data; services available to the player; an augmented gaming device including; a signalling device for signalling to the concierge station; a microphone; audio receiver means; a video monitor; and memory means for storing augmented gaming device information; said video monitor normally displaying augmented gaming device information from said memory means; and a control station including; computer means for storing at least one of the following; player data received from said player recognition means; services available to players; gaming device identification; gaming device status; and concierge station status; switching means for selective connecting said augmented gaming device to said concierge station; a two way audio communications link between said control station and said augmented gaming device microphone and audio receiver; a two way audio communications link between said control station and said concierge station microphone and audio receiver; means for selectively connecting said two way audio communications link together for communication between said concierge station and said augmented gaming device; a data communications link between said augmented gaming device and said control station for communicating augmented gaming device play data to said control station; means for selectively connecting said concierge station video camera to the augmented gaming device video monitor to display the image of the live concierge at said concierge station on the monitor of the augmented gaming device in place of the normal gaming device information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A concierge system for communication with players of an augmented gaming devices having a player data encoded card reader comprising:
-
a plurality of augmented gaming devices each located at a remote location from said concierge station and including in addition to a gaming device; a video screen; an audio receiver; a microphone; and card controlled means for establishing communications with a concierge station; said card controlled means responding to coded information on the player'"'"'s card to identify the player actuating said card controlled means; a concierge station including; a video camera for viewing a live concierge; a microphone; a video monitor; an audio receiver; a communications link between said concierge station and each augmented gaming device; and control means operable by a concierge to initiate communications between the concierge station and the video monitor, the microphone and the audio receiver of the augmented gaming device while displaying the live concierge image at said augmented gaming device transmitted over said communication link. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
-
-
22. A communication system in combination with a slot machine including a pay table display, player actuated play controls, a game result display and winning payout means, said communications system comprises;
-
a card reader for reading a card encoded with player data; a video display; memory means for storing the pay table; said video display coupled to said memory means for selectively displaying the pay table; said video display additionally coupled to a communication link for receiving video displays received over the communications link; a concierge station including; a microphone; an audio receiver; a video camera; said microphone and audio receiver coupled to said communications link for two way audio communication with a remote station; player controlled signalling means for initiating contact with said over said audio communications link; and means for switching said video display from displaying the pay table to display live video from said concierge over said video communications link. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
-
Specification