Gaming system allowing location determination of a gaming unit in a casino

• US 20030199321A1
• Filed: 04/22/2002
• Published: 10/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/22/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Inventors: Williams, Richard C.
• Granted Patent: US 6,923,724 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/47
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3223 Architectural aspects of a gaming system, e.g. internal configuration, master/slave, wireless communication
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3234 about the performance of a gaming system, e.g. revenue, diagnosis of the gaming system

Abstract

A gaming system is provided allowing determination of a location of a gaming unit in a casino having a plurality of gaming unit locations and gaming units with each gaming unit including a transmitter that transmits a gaming unit location determination signal. The gaming system further includes a plurality of receivers in communication with the transmitter, with each receiver receiving the gaming unit location determination signal and generating a corresponding reception signal. The gaming system further includes a central controller operatively coupled to the receivers and programmed to determine a location of the gaming unit using a first reception signal, a second reception signal and the locations of the receivers.

Claims

1. A gaming system allowing determination of a location of a gaming unit in a casino having a plurality of gaming unit locations, comprising:

a gaming unit located in one of the locations in the casino, comprising;

a display apparatus that is capable of generating video images,

a value-input device,

a transmitter that transmits a gaming unit location determination signal, and

a gaming unit controller operatively coupled to the display apparatus and the value-input device, the gaming unit controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor,

the gaming unit controller being programmed to allow the player to make a wager,

the gaming unit controller being programmed to cause a sequence of video images to be generated on the display apparatus after the value-input device detects deposit of value by the player, the sequence of video images representing a game, and

the gaming unit controller being programmed to determine a value payout for the game;

a plurality of receivers in communication with the transmitter, each receiver being in a different location, and each receiver receiving the gaming unit location determination signal and generating a corresponding reception signal; and

a central controller operatively coupled to the receivers, the central controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor of the central controller,

the central controller being programmed to receive a first reception signal from one of the receivers,

the central controller being programmed to receive a second reception signal from another of the receivers, and

the central controller being programmed to determine a location of the gaming unit using the first reception signal, the second reception signal and the locations of the receivers.

2. The gaming system as defined in claim 1, wherein the transmitter includes a modulator that modulates the gaming unit location signal to identify the gaming unit.

3. The gaming system as defined in claim 2, wherein the modulator utilizes at least one of amplitude modulation, frequency modulation and phase modulation to identify the gaming unit.

4. The gaming system as defined in claim 1,

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine a location of the gaming unit using the first reception signal and, the second reception signal by determining a first distance between the transmitter and the one receiver using the first reception signal, and determining a second distance between the transmitter and the another receiver using the second reception signal, and

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine the location of the gaming unit using the first distance and the second distance.

5. The gaming system as defined in claim 4,

wherein the central controller is operatively coupled to the transmitter,

wherein the central controller is programmed to cause the transmitter to transmit the gaming unit location determination signal,

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine the first distance by determining a first time of arrival of the transmitted gaming unit location determination signal to the one receiver using the first reception signal, and

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine the second distance by determining a second time of arrival of the transmitted gaming unit location determination signal to the another receiver using the second reception signal.

6. The gaming system as defined in claim 1,

wherein each of the receivers includes a bearing determination component for determining the bearing of the transmitted gaming unit location signal,

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine a location of the gaming unit by determining a first bearing of the transmitter with respect to the one receiver using the first reception signal, and determining a second bearing of the transmitter with respect to the another receiver using the second reception signal, and

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine the location of the gaming unit using the first bearing and the second bearing.

7. The gaming system as defined in claim 6, wherein the bearing determination component comprises a directional antenna.

8. The gaming system as defined in claim 6, wherein the transmitted gaming unit location determination signal includes transmitter identification information.

9. The gaming system as defined in claim 8, wherein the transmitter transmits the gaming unit location determination signal for a predetermined amount of time at power-up of the gaming unit.

10. The gaming system as defined in claim 6, wherein the transmitter is further coupled to the central controller, and further comprising the central controller being programmed to cause the transmitter to transmit the gaming unit location determination signal.

11. The gaming system of claim 1, further comprising the central controller being programmed to receive a third reception signal from a third of the plurality of receivers, wherein the central controller being programmed to determine a location of the gaming unit further includes using the third reception signal in the location determination.

12. The gaming system of claim 1, further comprising the central controller being programmed to update a map of the casino with the location of the gaming unit.

13. The gaming system of claim 1, further comprising the central controller being programmed utilize the location of the gaming unit to provide location-dependent statistics regarding use of the gaming unit.

14. The gaming system of claim 1, further comprising the central controller being programmed to utilize the location of a malfunctioning gaming unit in facilitating the repair of the malfunctioning gaming unit.

15. A gaming system allowing determination of a location of a gaming unit in a casino having a plurality of gaming unit locations, comprising:

a plurality of transmitters, each transmitter in a different location and each transmitter transmitting a gaming unit location determination signal;

a gaming unit located in one of the locations in the casino, comprising;

a display apparatus that is capable of generating video images,

a value-input device,

a receiver that receives the gaming unit location determination signal from each transmitter and generates a corresponding reception signal, and

a gaming unit controller and operatively coupled to the display apparatus and the value-input device, the gaming unit controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor,

the gaming unit controller being programmed to allow the player to make a wager,

the gaming unit controller being programmed to cause a sequence of video images to be generated on the display apparatus after the value-input device detects deposit of value by the player, the sequence of video images representing a game, and

the gaming unit controller being programmed to determine a value payout for the game; and

a central controller operatively coupled to the receiver, the central controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor of the central controller,

the central controller being programmed to receive a first reception signal from the receiver indicating reception of the gaming unit location determination signal transmitted by one of the transmitters,

the central controller being programmed to receive a second reception signal from the receiver indicating reception of the gaming unit location determination signal transmitted by another of the transmitters,

the central controller being programmed to determine a location of the gaming unit using the first reception signal, the second reception signal, and the locations of the of transmitters.

16. The gaming system as defined in claim 15, wherein the gaming unit location determination signal from each transmitter includes a transmitter identification, and further comprising:

a bearing determination component associated with the receiver that identifies the bearing of a received signal,

wherein the receiver generates the corresponding reception signal by receiving the gaming unit location determination signals from the transmitters, determining the identification of the transmitter which transmitted the gaming unit location determination signal using the transmitter identification, determining the bearing of the identified transmitter using the bearing determination component, and including the transmitter identification and bearing information in the corresponding reception signal, and

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine a location of the gaming unit using the transmitter identification and bearing information from the first reception signal and the second reception signal, and the locations of the transmitters.

17. The gaming system of claim 16, further comprising:

the central controller being programmed to translate the bearings of the transmitters with respect to the receiver to a bearing of the receiver with respect to the transmitters,

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine the location of the gaming unit using the bearing of the receiver with respect to the transmitters, the transmitter identification information from the first reception signal and the second reception signal, and the locations of the transmitters.

18. The gaming system as defined in claim 15,

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine a location of the gaming unit using the first reception signal and the second reception signal by determining a first distance between one of the transmitters and the receiver using the first reception signal, and determining a second distance between another of the transmitters and the receiver using the second reception signal, and

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine the location of the gaming unit using the first distance and the second distance.

19. The gaming system as defined in claim 18, wherein the plurality of transmitters are operatively coupled to the central controller, and further comprising:

the central controller being programmed to cause one of the transmitters to transmit the gaming unit location determination signal, and

the central controller being programmed to cause another of the transmitters to transmit the gaming unit location determination signal,

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine the first distance using a first time of arrival of the transmitted gaming unit location determination signal from the one transmitter to the receiver using the first reception signal, and

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine the second distance using a second time of arrival of the transmitted gaming unit location determination signal from the another transmitter to the receiver using the second reception signal.

20. A gaming system allowing determination of a location of a gaming unit in a casino having a plurality of gaming unit locations, comprising:

a gaming unit located in one of the locations in the casino, comprising;

a display apparatus that is capable of generating video images,

a value-input device,

a gaming unit locator device, and

a gaming unit controller operatively coupled to the display apparatus and the value-input device, the gaming unit controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor,

the gaming unit controller being programmed to allow the player to make a wager,

the gaming unit controller being programmed to cause a sequence of video images to be generated on the display apparatus after the value-input device detects deposit of value by the player, the sequence of video images representing a game, and

the gaming unit controller being programmed to determine a value payout for the game;

a casino locator device in communication with the gaming unit locator device and being located in a different location in the casino; and

a central controller operatively coupled to at least one of the casino locator device and the gaming unit locator device, the central controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor of the central controller,

the central controller being programmed to receive a first reception signal from one of the casino locator device and the gaming unit locator device used in indicating a bearing of the one of the casino locator device and the gaming unit locator device with respect to the other of the casino locator device and the gaming unit locator device,

the central controller being programed to receive a second reception signal from the one of the casino locator device and the gaming unit locator device used in determining a distance between the casino locator device and the gaming unit locator device, and

the central controller being programmed to determine a location of the gaming unit using the bearing of the one of the casino locator device and the gaming unit locator device with respect to the other of the casino locator device and the gaming unit locator device and the distance between the casino locator device and the gaming unit locator device.

21. The gaming system of claim 20,

wherein the casino locator device is a transmitter that transmits a gaming unit location determination signal, and the gaming unit locator device is a receiver, at a different location than the transmitter, including a bearing determination component and that is capable of receiving the gaming unit location determination signal,

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine the bearing of the transmitter with respect to the receiver using the first reception signal and the bearing determination component,

wherein the central controller is programed to determine the distance between the receiver and the transmitter using the location of the receiver and the second reception signal, and

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine the location of the gaming unit using the bearing of the transmitter with respect to the receiver, and the distance between the receiver and the transmitter.

22. The gaming system of claim 21, further comprising

the central controller being programmed to translate the bearing of the transmitter with respect to the receiver to a bearing of the receiver with respect to the transmitter,

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine the location of the gaming unit using the bearing of the receiver with respect to the transmitter and the distance between the receiver and the transmitter.

23. The gaming system of claim 20,

wherein the gaming unit locator device is a transmitter that transmits a gaming unit location determination signal, and the casino locator device is a receiver, at a different location than the transmitter, including a bearing determination component and that is capable of receiving the gaming unit location determination signal,

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine the bearing of the transmitter with respect to the receiver using the first reception signal and the bearing determination component,

wherein the central controller is programed to determine the distance between the receiver and the transmitter using the location of the receiver and the second reception signal, and

wherein the central controller is programmed to determine the location of the gaming unit using the bearing of the transmitter with respect to the receiver, and the distance between the receiver and the transmitter.

24. The gaming system of claim 20, wherein the first reception signal is the same as the second reception signal.

25. A central controller allowing determination of a location of a gaming unit, the gaming unit associated with a receiver and for use in a casino having a plurality of gaming unit locations and including a plurality of transmitters at different locations capable of transmitting a gaming unit location determination signal, the central controller comprising:

a control unit comprising a processor, a memory, and a computer program portion stored in the memory,

the control unit being programmed to receive a first reception signal from the receiver indicating reception of the gaming unit location determination signal transmitted by one of the transmitters;

the control unit being programmed to receive a second reception signal from the receiver indicating reception of the gaming unit location determination signal transmitted by another of the transmitters; and

the control unit being programmed to determine a location of the gaming unit in the casino using the first reception signal, the second reception signal, and the locations of the transmitters.

26. The central controller as defined in claim 25,

wherein the gaming unit location determination signal from each transmitter includes a transmitter identification, and

wherein the control unit is programmed to determine a location of the gaming unit using the transmitter identification, the first reception signal, the second reception signal, and the locations of the transmitters.

27. The central controller as defined in claim 25,

wherein the receiver includes a bearing determination component used in identifying the bearings of the transmitters, and

wherein the control unit is programmed to determine the bearings of the transmitters with respect to the receiver using the first and second reception signals and the bearing determination component, and to determine the location of the gaming unit using the bearings of the transmitters with respect to the receiver and the locations of the transmitters.

28. The central controller as defined in claim 25,

wherein the control unit is programmed to determine a location of the gaming unit using the first reception signal and the second reception signal by determining a first distance between one of the transmitters and the receiver using the first reception signal, and determining a second distance between another of the transmitters and the receiver using the second reception signal, and

wherein the control unit is programmed to determine the location of the gaming unit using the first distance and the second distance.

29. A central controller allowing determination of a location of a gaming unit, the gaming unit associated with a transmitter capable of transmitting a gaming unit location determination signal, and being located in a casino having a plurality of gaming unit locations and including a plurality of receivers at different locations capable of receiving the transmitted gaming unit location determination signal, the central controller comprising:

a control unit comprising a processor, a memory, and a computer program portion stored in the memory,

the control unit being programmed to receive a first reception signal from one of the receivers indicating reception of the gaming unit location determination signal by the one receiver;

the control unit being programmed to receive a second reception signal from another of the receivers indicating reception of the gaming unit location determination signal received by the another receiver; and

the control unit being programmed to determine a location of the gaming unit in the casino using the first reception signal, the second reception signal, and the locations of the receivers.

30. The central controller as defined in claim 29,

wherein the control unit is programmed to determine a location of the gaming unit using the first reception signal and the second reception signal by determining a first distance between the transmitter and the one receiver using the first reception signal, and determining a second distance between the transmitter and the another receiver using the second reception signal, and

wherein the control unit is programmed to determine the location of the gaming unit using the first distance and the second distance.

31. The central controller as defined in claim 29,

wherein the plurality of receivers each further include a bearing determination component used in determining bearings of the transmitted gaming unit location signal with respect to the receivers,

wherein the control unit is programmed to determine a location of the gaming unit using a first bearing of the transmitter with respect to the one receiver and a second bearing of the transmitter with respect to the another receiver.

32. A memory having a computer program stored therein, the computer program being capable of being used in connection with a gaming system for a casino, the gaming system including at least one gaming unit at a location in the casino and a plurality of receivers at different locations, the memory comprising:

a first memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming unit to allow a person to make a wager;

a second memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming unit to cause a video image to be generated on a display unit, the video image representing a game provided on the gaming system,

a third memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming unit to determine a value payout associated with the outcome of the game,

a fourth memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming unit to transmit a gaming unit location determination signal,

a fifth memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming system to receive a first reception signal from one of the receivers indicating reception of the gaming unit location determination signal at the one receiver,

a sixth memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming system to receive a second reception signal from another of the receivers indicating reception of the gaming unit location determination signal at the another receiver, and

a seventh memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming system to determine a location of a gaming unit using the first reception signal, the second reception signal and the locations of the receivers.

33. A memory having a computer program stored therein, the computer program being capable of being used in connection with a gaming system for a casino, the gaming system including at least one gaming unit at a location in the casino and a plurality of transmitters at different locations and for transmitting a gaming unit location determination signal, the memory comprising:

a first memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming unit to allow a person to make a wager;

a second memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming unit to cause a video image to be generated on a display unit, the video image representing a game provided on the gaming system,

a third memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming unit to determine a value payout associated with the outcome of the game,

a fourth memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming system to receive a first reception signal from a receiver in the gaming unit, the first reception signal indicating reception of the gaming unit location determination signal transmitted by one of the transmitters,

a fifth memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming system to receive a second reception signal from the receiver indicating reception of the gaming unit location determination signal transmitted by another of the transmitters, and

a sixth memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming system to determine a location of the gaming unit using the first reception signal, the second reception signal, and the locations of the transmitters.

34. A gaming method for locating a gaming unit occupying a particular location in a casino, comprising:

allowing a player to make a wager;

causing a sequence of video images to be generated on a display apparatus, the sequence of video images representing a game;

determining a value payout for the game;

transmitting a gaming unit location determination signal from the gaming unit;

receiving the gaming unit location determination signal at a plurality of receivers at different locations;

receiving a first reception signal from one of the plurality of receivers;

receiving a second reception signal from another of the plurality of receivers; and

determining the particular location of the gaming unit using the first reception signal, the second reception signal and the locations of the plurality of receivers.

35. The gaming method as defined in claim 34, comprising:

determining a first distance between the transmitter and the one receiver using the first reception signal,

determining a second distance between the transmitter and the another receiver using the second reception signal, and

determining the particular location of the gaming unit using the first distance and the second distance.

36. The gaming method as defined in claim 34, comprising:

determining a first bearing of the transmitter with respect to the one receiver using a first bearing determination component of the one receiver,

determining a second bearing of the transmitter with respect to the another receiver using a second bearing determination component of the another receiver, and

determining the particular location using the first and second bearings.

37. A gaming method for locating a gaming unit occupying a particular location in a casino, comprising:

allowing a player to make a wager;

causing a sequence of video images to be generated on a display apparatus, the sequence of video images representing a game;

determining a value payout for the game;

transmitting a gaming unit location determination signal from a plurality of transmitters at different locations;

receiving the gaming unit location determination signal at the gaming unit;

receiving a first reception signal from the receiver indicating reception of the gaming unit location determination signal transmitted by one of the transmitters;

receiving a second reception signal from the receiver indicating reception of the gaming unit location determination signal transmitted by another of the transmitters; and

determining the particular location of the gaming unit using the first reception signal, the second reception signal and the locations of the plurality of transmitters.

38. The gaming method as defined in claim 37, comprising:

determining a first bearing of the one transmitter with respect to the receiver using a bearing determination component of the receiver,

determining a second bearing of the another transmitter with respect to the receiver using a second bearing determination component of the another receiver, and

determining the particular location using the first and second bearings.

39. The gaming method of claim 38, further comprising:

translating the first bearing of the one transmitter with respect to the receiver to a bearing of the receiver with respect to the one transmitter, and

translating the second bearing of the another transmitter with respect to the receiver to a bearing of the receiver with respect to the another transmitter.

40. The gaming method as defined in claim 37, comprising:

determining a first distance between the receiver and the one transmitter using the first reception signal,

determining a second distance between the receiver and the another transmitter using the second reception signal, and

determining the particular location of the gaming unit using the first distance and the second distance.