AU2023201980A1

AU2023201980A1 - A computer-enabled method, system and computer program for monitoring a plurality of gaming machines and other games of chance, and providing a booking and monitoring service for gaming enthusiasts and gaming venues

Info

Publication number: AU2023201980A1
Application number: AU2023201980A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Peter Petroulas
Original assignee: Grand Performance Online Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Grand Performance Online Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-29
Filing date: 2023-03-31
Publication date: 2023-05-04
Also published as: AU2021201204A1; AU2020200610A1; WO2020220069A1

Abstract

AND PROVIDING A BOOKING AND MONITORING SERVICE FOR GAMING ENTHUSIASTS AND GAMING VENUES Abstract An embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-enabled method for controlling access to at least one of a plurality of gaming machines and electronic games including providing a booking and monitoring service for a gaming enthusiast, comprising the steps of, receiving, at a user interface arranged to interact with the gaming enthusiast, a booking request for a gaming machine from the gaming enthusiast, identifying the gaming enthusiast and accessing gaming enthusiast information associated with the gaming enthusiast, the information including one or more constraints, and upon identification, invoking an allocation module arranged to generate a customised user interface including selectable options regarding the available games, the available time and dates for booking the game, the selectable options being selected by the utilisation of the constraints associated with the gaming enthusiast and spatial and qualitative attributes associated with the available games within a volumetric space/time framework, whereby, upon selection of at least one of the selectable options by the gaming enthusiast, the system utilises a booking algorithm to assign the gaming enthusiast to an appropriate game and/or machine within the volumetric space/time framework.

Description

A COMPUTER-ENABLED METHOD, SYSTEM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR MONITORING A PLURALITY OF GAMING MACHINES AND OTHER GAMES OF CHANCE, AND PROVIDING A BOOKING AND MONITORING SERVICE FOR GAMING ENTHUSIASTS AND GAMING VENUES

Cross Related Applications

This application is a divisional application of Australian Patent Application No. 2021201204, filed on 24 February 2021, which in turn is a divisional application of Australian Patent Application No 2020200610, filed on 29 January 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-enabled system, method and computer program for monitoring a plurality of gaming machines and other games of chance and providing a booking and monitoring service for gaming enthusiasts and gaming venues.

[0002] In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a computer-enabled method including a user interface arranged to allow an operator to control the booking of a series of gaming machines and allow gaming enthusiasts to interact with a central authority or operator of the gaming machines in booking a gaming machine or a space in a gaming venue.

[0003] In one specific embodiment, the invention is directed to an online reservation system utilising allocation methodologies, or one or more configurable allocation algorithms for gaming sessions and spaces within a gaming environment, such as a casino.

[0004] It will be understood that in the context of the present specification, the term "gaming environment" is intended to encompass both physical spaces (e.g. a casino) and virtual spaces (e.g. a virtual casino).

Background

[0005] To better understand the inventive concepts and embodiments of the invention described herein, an abridged history of the restaurant industry and known booking systems may be found in an earlier filed PCT application PCT/AU2018/051168 (and co-pending PCT application PCT/ AU2018/051169, PCT/AU2018/051170 and PCT/AU2018/051171), as well as in Australian provisional application AU2019/900128.

[0006] Casinos and other gaming venues generally have a large number of games, from so called "table games" (such as Blackjack, 21 and other card-based games) to traditional

[0007] Another major source of revenues for casinos and other gaming venues are electronic gaming machines (sometimes colloquially referred to as "poker machines"). Such games are essentially autonomous and are largely "self-serve", in the sense that a gaming enthusiast simply sits at a gaming machine and begin to play, without requiring any assistance or intervention by casino or gaming venue staff.

[0008] Many superstitions abound regarding games of chance, and many gaming enthusiasts develop habits where they prefer to sit at a particular table, specific seats at a particular table, or at a particular gaming machine. Gaming enthusiasts may go to great lengths to secure a favourite or "lucky" machine or table, such as arriving early at a gaming venue, placing items on seats to signal to others that the particular machine is "taken", etc. It is not uncommon for confrontations to occur between gaming enthusiasts when one gamer believes another gamer has "unfairly" occupied a seat at a table, or at a gaming machine.

[0009] Moreover, gaming machines and tables have traditionally been grouped not only by game type, but also by specific minimum bets. As different gaming enthusiasts have different amounts of money they are willing to risk and different appetites for risk, different tables and/or machines with different minimum bets allow each enthusiast to find a machine and/or table that suits their particular requirements. However, in more recent times, electronic technology allows enthusiasts to select a desired level of risk (e.g. vary the minimum bet size) on any machine, thereby removing the strict requirement to group machines. However, casinos and gaming venues still group machines, primarily for marketing and customer satisfaction reasons. For example, a casino may wish to create a "VIP" area, where only selected gaming enthusiasts may enter.

[0010] As casinos and other gaming venues have marketed themselves as entertainment venues, it follows that casinos and other gaming venues invest resources into ensuring that gaming enthusiasts develop a loyalty to the casino or gaming venue. The casinos and other gaming venues foster loyalty by providing incentives, "comps" (i.e. complimentary products and services) and by keeping track of and catering to the desires and needs of gaming enthusiasts. Many casinos and other gaming venues have loyalty schemes, usually implemented via the use of electronic or magnetic cards which identify the gaming enthusiast when they sit at a table or gaming machine, and can therefore monitor the total spend of the gaming enthusiast when they are in the casino or gaming venue. There are also less sophisticated mechanisms, such as assigning personal assistants to selected gaming enthusiasts to provide an extra level of personalised service. There are in fact many mechanisms, largely copied from other service industries (such as restaurants, clubs, theatres, etc.) that are used to build and foster loyalty amongst gaming enthusiasts.

[0011] It is also important that operators of gaming machines and/or gaming tables remain aware of the money being spent by each gaming enthusiast, and often casinos and gaming venues have legal obligations imposed by state or federal regulatory bodies and governments to ensure gaming enthusiasts do not "overspend" or engage in financially risky behaviour.

[0012] In other words, casinos and gaming venues, in addition to all other requirements imposed by state and federal laws, have an increasing burden with regard to providing personalised service to gaming enthusiasts by providing ancillary services that provide for a pleasant environment, while ensuring that such personalised service does not encourage destructive behaviour from gaming enthusiasts (such as wagering too much money, spending too much time in the gaming venue, combining over consumption of alcohol or other drug use with gaming, etc.)

[0013] It is with these issues in mind that the present invention has been developed.

Summary

[0013a] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more disadvantages of existing arrangements.

[0013b] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of autonomous allocation of representations of gaming machines within representations of spaces and time periods method for the placement of representations of gaming machines within one or more representations of spaces including at least one quantitative or qualitative criteria when a request signal for allocation is received and to generate a gaming user specific interface on a remote device, wherein one or more allocation processes result in the assignment of gaming machines, further comprising a visual display of a multi-dimension image comprising a representation of a floor plan showing gaming machines, comprising the steps of: receiving a request signal for allocation of one or more gaming machines having a location, the request signal comprising request constraints; retrieving data from a volumetric floorplan and time database to determine whether other requests for allocation have been stored and to retrieve data from the volumetric floorplan and time database regarding the other requests; wherein, an allocation process is customised for a specific gaming user and combines the at least one request with the other requests to form a pool

3a

of requests, whereby the pool of requests is allocated to representations of gaming machines within the space and wherein a request is allocated to a representation of gaming machines when a request signal for allocation is received; wherein, for each request, the next request is selected, and for the selected request, there is retrieved from a volumetric floorplan and time database constraint information including information regarding one or more of the representations of gaming machines within those one or more spaces, including any associated attributes between each one or more of the representations of gaming machines comprising quantitative and qualitative relationships between each of the one or more representations of gaming machines to each other and within the one or more representations of spaces, and other space constraints regarding the one or more representations of gaming machines, and regarding allocation constraints by which an allocation process assigns a gaming comprising other quantitative and qualitative constraint information, wherein, the allocation process utilises gaming machine and gaming user constraint information, once the one or more representations of gaming machines are placed within the one or more spaces, the request is allocated to the one or more representations of t gaming machines within the one or more spaces, in accordance with the allocation process, wherein, allocation processing of requests is iterated until the one or more representations of gaming machines have been placed in one or more representations of spaces and all requests in the pool have been allocated to the one or more representations of gaming machines within the one or more representations of spaces, wherein, if the one or more requests cannot be placed within the one or more representations of spaces to accommodate the request to form an unallocated request, then the request for the one or more representations of gaming machines that are in conflict is released and the iteration process continues until the allocation process determines that it is not possible to allocate one or more representations of gaming machines within the representations of space to accommodate all the requests received, wherein, when the allocation process has completed such that the all requests within the pool have been allocated except the unallocated request, an alternate request has been allocated or the request is cancelled or the request expires, the allocated pool of requests is utilised to produce an allocation instruction set wherein the allocation instruction set is utilised to create the dynamic representations of floorplan representative of the allocated one or more representations of gaming machines in the representations of space and the

3b

allocation of the requests to each of the allocated one or more representations of gaming machines wherein the allocation instruction set is saved in the database and transformed to provide instructions for the real-time or future-time visual display for the graphical representation of the placement of the one or more gaming machines.

[0013c] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a system of autonomous allocation of representations of gaming machines within representations of spaces and time periods method for the placement of representations of gaming machines within one or more representations of spaces including at least one quantitative or qualitative criteria when a request signal for allocation is received and to generate a gaming user specific interface on a remote device, wherein one or more allocation processes result in the assignment of gaming machines, further comprising a visual display of a multi-dimension image comprising a representation of a floor plan showing gaming machines, comprising: a receiver for receiving a request signal for allocation of one or more gaming machines having a location, the request signal comprising request constraints; a processor for retrieving data from a volumetric floorplan and time database to determine whether other requests for allocation have been stored and to retrieve data from the volumetric floorplan and time database regarding the other requests; wherein, an allocation process is customised for a specific gaming user and combines the at least one request with the other requests to form a pool of requests, whereby the pool of requests is allocated to representations of gaming machines within the space and wherein a request is allocated to a representation of gaming machines when a request signal for allocation is received; wherein, for each request, the next request is selected, and for the selected request, there is retrieved from a volumetric floorplan and time database constraint information including information regarding one or more of the representations of gaming machines within those one or more spaces, including any associated attributes between each one or more of the representations of gaming machines comprising quantitative and qualitative relationships between each of the one or more representations of gaming machines to each other and within the one or more representations of spaces, and other space constraints regarding the one or more representations of gaming machines , and regarding allocation constraints by which an allocation process assigns a gaming comprising other quantitative and qualitative constraint information, wherein, the allocation process utilises gaming

3c

machine and gaming user constraint information, once the one or more representations of gaming machines are placed within the one or more spaces, the request is allocated to the one or more representations of t gaming machines within the one or more spaces, in accordance with the allocation process, wherein, allocation processing of requests is iterated until the one or more representations of gaming machines have been placed in one or more representations of spaces and all requests in the pool have been allocated to the one or more representations of gaming machines within the one or more representations of spaces, wherein, if the one or more requests cannot be placed within the one or more representations of spaces to accommodate the request to form an unallocated request, then the request for the one or more representations of gaming machines that are in conflict is released and the iteration process continues until the allocation process determines that it is not possible to allocate one or more representations of gaming machines within the representations of space to accommodate all the requests received, wherein, when the allocation process has completed such that the all requests within the pool have been allocated except the unallocated request, an alternate request has been allocated or the request is cancelled or the request expires, the allocated pool of requests is utilised to produce an allocation instruction set wherein the allocation instruction set is utilised to create the dynamic representations of floorplan representative of the allocated one or more representations of gaming machines in the representations of space and the allocation of the requests to each of the allocated one or more representations of gaming machines wherein the allocation instruction set is saved in the database and transformed to provide instructions for the real-time or future-time visual display for the graphical representation of the placement of the one or more gaming machines.

[0014] In a first aspect, the invention provides a computer-enabled method for controlling access to at least one of a plurality of gaming machines and electronic games including providing a booking and monitoring service for a gaming enthusiast, comprising the steps of, receiving, at a user interface arranged to interact with the gaming enthusiast, a booking request for a gaming machine from the gaming enthusiast, identifying the gaming enthusiast and accessing a gaming enthusiast information associated with the gaming enthusiast, the information including one or more constraints, and upon identification, invoking an allocation

3d

module arranged to receive generate a customised user interface including selectable options regarding the available games, the available timeand dates for booking the game, the selectable options being selected by the utilisation of the constraints associated with the gaming enthusiast and spatial and qualitative attributes associated with the available games within a volumetric space/time framework, whereby, upon selection of at least one of the selectable options by the gaming enthusiast, the system utilises a booking algorithm to assign the gaming enthusiast to an appropriate game and/or machine within the volumetric space/time framework.

[0015] In one embodiment, the step of assigning the gaming enthusiast to an appropriate game includes the step of allocating a gaming space in a venue to the gaming enthusiast.

[0016] In one embodiment, the gaming enthusiast information includes responsible service of gaming information as related to the gaming enthusiast, including a rank of the gaming enthusiast, a maximum spend amount per bet on a game, a total spend for a predefined time period, preferences with regard to one or more of games, machines and tables, and preferred ancillary products consumed by the gaming enthusiast whilst gaming.

[0017] In one embodiment, the booking algorithm, on not being capable of providing a booking based on the booking request information, is arranged to provide at least one alternative booking option, utilising information from the enthusiast database.

[0018] In one embodiment, the constraints regarding the enthusiast includes one of personally requested and legally mandated limits of at least one of a maximum spend per bet on a game, a total spend for a predefined period, a maximum allocation of time per gaming session, and a legally mandated exclusion from gaming for a defined period of time.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method includes the further step of providing a recording module arranged to record the behaviour of the gaming enthusiast, including at least one of, total spend across all gaming machines, total spend at individual gaming machines, total number of transactions performed in a defined period of time, total time spent gaming and frequency of attendance at a gaming venue.

[0020] In one embodiment, the gaming space is one of a seat associated with a gaming machine, a seat associated with a gaming table, or a seat associated with a lottery game table.

[0021] In one embodiment, the gaming space is a virtual gaming space wherein the user selects one or more of a virtual space, a virtual game, a series of virtual spaces and a series of virtual games.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer enabled method for controlling a plurality of gaming machines and providing a booking and monitoring service for gaming enthusiasts, comprising the steps of, receiving, at an interface, a request for a booking of a gaming machine, wherein upon the gaming enthusiast being identified, an allocation module generates a customised interface including options regarding the available games, the times available, and any constraints placed on the gaming enthusiast, whereby, upon selection of options by the gaming enthusiast on the user interface, the system utilises a booking algorithm to assign the user to an appropriate space in the gaming venue.

[0023] In one embodiment, the step of identification includes the step of accessing a database, the database containing information and constraints regarding the gaming enthusiast, whereby the allocation module utilises the enthusiast information in order to assign the user to an appropriate gaming space.

[0024] In one embodiment the gaming enthusiast information includes a rank of the gaming enthusiast, a maximum spend, a total spend for a predefined time period, preferences with regard to one or more of games, machines and tables, and other ancillary products consumed.

[0025] In one embodiment the booking algorithm, on not being capable of providing a requested booking, is arranged to provide at least one possible alternative, utilising information from the enthusiast database.

[0026] In one embodiment the constraints regarding the enthusiast include legally mandated limits of at least one of a maximum spend, a total spend for a predefined period, or a legally mandated exclusion for a defined period of time.

[0027] In one embodiment the method includes the further step of tracking behaviour patterns of the gaming enthusiast, including at least one of, total spend, spend at a gaming machine, total time and frequency of attendance.

[0028] In one embodiment the gaming space is one of a seat at a gaming machine, a seat at a gaming table, or a seat at a lottery game.

[0029] In one embodiment the gaming space is a virtual gaming space wherein the user selects a virtual space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0031] FIG. la is an example computing system on which a method and/or a computer program may be operated, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0032] FIG. lb is an example of a flowchart illustrating a computer system upon which a computer enabled method may be operated, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0033] FIG. 1c-f are representations of a volumetric (cartesian) framework utilised by the system and method in accordance with an embodiment of the invention to allocate according to a series of constraints over time;

[0034] FIGs. 2a-2f are flowcharts illustrating a method and system components in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0035] FIG. 3a is a diagrammatic representation of an electronic gaming machine allocation system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0036] The present invention relates generally to a computing system, method and computer program and data signal for a computer-enabled method for controlling a plurality of gaming machines and providing a booking and monitoring service for gaming enthusiasts, comprising the steps of, receiving, at an interface, a request for a booking of a gaming machine, wherein upon the gaming enthusiast being identified, an allocation module generates a customised interface including options regarding the available games, the times available, and any constraints placed on the gaming enthusiast, whereby, upon selection of options by the gaming enthusiast, the system utilises a booking algorithm to assign the user to an appropriate space in the gaming venue.

The Computing System

[0037] One embodiment of the computing system is shown at FIG. la.

[0038] In FIG. la there is shown a schematic diagram of a computing system, which in this embodiment is a computing system 100 suitable for use with an embodiment of the present invention. The computing system 100 may be used to execute application and/or system services such as a computer program and an interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] With reference to FIG. la, the computing system 100 may comprise suitable components necessary to receive, store and execute appropriate computer instructions. The components may include a processor 102, read only memory (ROM) 104, random access memory (RAM) 106, an input/output devices such as disc drives 108, remote or connected mobile devices 110 (such as computers, smartphones or tablets and the like), and one or more communications link(s) 114 including internet links to other applications, websites and system services including Internet cloud services 120.

[0040] The computing system 100 includes instructions that may be installed in ROM 104, RAM 106 or disc drives 112 and may be executed by the processor 102. There may be provided a plurality of communication links 114 which may variously connect to one or more user devices 110, such as computers, smartphones or tablets, wherein the one or more user devices have a user interface for interacting with user by collecting and displaying data or information using the conventional means provided by such devices. At least one of a plurality of communications link 114 may be connected to an external computing network through a telecommunications network, including Internet cloud services 120.

[0041] In one particular embodiment the device may include a database 116 which may reside on the storage device 112. It will be understood that the database may reside on any suitable storage device, which may encompass solid state drives, hard disc drives, optical drives or magnetic tape drives. The database 116 may reside on a single physical storage device or may be spread across multiple storage devices, either locally or remotely.

[0042] The computing system 100 includes a suitable operating system 118 which may also reside on a storage device or in the ROM of the server 100. The operating system is arranged to interact with the database 116 and with one or more computer programs to cause the server to carry out the steps, functions and/or procedures in accordance with the embodiments of the invention described herein.

[0043] The user interface 110 of one or more mobile devices facilitates the collection and display of user data for the computing system 100. The user interface 110 may be a program or website accessed on a computer or mobile device via a communication network, such as the Internet. Alternatively, the user interface 110 may be a widget arranged on a website that may be accessed by a user using a computer or mobile device via a communication network such as the Internet. The user interface 110 may also be provided as a mobile application or "app" present on the user device, such as a tablet or smart phone.

[0044] The at least one user interacts with the user interface 110 and may be a first user (also referred to as the "gaming enthusiast") requesting to use a space in a venue. The at least one user may also include a second user (referred to as the "operator" or "venue operator"), who is associated with the venue and utilizes the optimised space allocation instruction set provided by the allocation module to enable the use of the space by the gaming enthusiast.

[0045] The enthusiast interacts with the computing system to make a request. The enthusiast may make a request for one or more patrons of the venue to use the space in a venue, where the enthusiast may also be one of the patrons of the venue. That is, a user that interacts with the system is referred to as a gaming enthusiast.

[0046] An embodiment includes the computer system 100 processing the request and undertaking all subsequent steps in an autonomous manner. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the user or operator may use one of the user interfaces 110 provided to one or more devices to receive, input, or modify information in order to provide further input to the computer system 100, so that the computing system may process the request and provide instructions to the entity.

[0047] In processing the request, the computer system 100 may allocate bookings in the gaming venue in accordance with a set of constraints and a booking algorithm which are described in more detail below. That is, the gaming enthusiast acts as a customer making a request which is to be provided with a service and one or more products by the operator in accordance with the set of constraints and the booking algorithm. As may be appreciated by a skilled addressee, there may be any number of remote users and operators who are able to interact with the computing system via the user interface 110 via any number of different computing devices.

[0048] Referring to Figure lb there is shown a schematic diagram of the ResButler project. The ResButler application 126 is hosted in a cloud computing environment. The ResButler project 128 includes a web server 130 a venue login and security database 132, an allocation module or system 134 comprising one or more modules or algorithms 136, which connect to a venue database 138 and a venue web server 140. The ResButler project 128 connects with multiple devices 142, 148 and 152. The device 142 is a third party desktop forward/laptop that is capable of displaying a website rendered by venue web server 140. The venue web server 144 incorporates a venue booking widget 146. Similarly, device 148 is a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet computing system. The device 148 includes an instance of the menu app 150. Analogously, device 152 is a kiosk including a computing system capable of executing a venue kiosk app 154. The ResButler project 128 also interfaces with a device 120 which is located within the venue. The devices 120 may include a Point Of Sale device (POS) 124 and or a device capable of displaying a dashboard 122 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0049] Referring now to FIGs. 1c-f, there is shown a conceptual illustration (with reference to a cartesian framework) for the underlying geometric and mathematical concept embodied in the embodiment of the invention described in more detail hereinbelow. As previously described, the embodiment described and defined herein is broadly directed to a system capable of developing, managing and utilising a floor plan for a space to allocate bookings and provide personalised service to customers, in addition to assisting in the operation of the space.

[0050] Broadly, referring to FIG. 1c, the operation of the method and system described herein is based on a cartesian three-dimensional framework, which acts as a frame of reference to allow for the visualisation of the elements required to operate a space, including the physical movement of items within the space. The volumetric framework 158 operates across three axes, generically labelled the x axis 162, the y-axis 156 and the z-axis 160. Each of the axes allow a constraint to be physically mapped relative to the two other constraints that constitute the framework. This provides an additional dimension with which to provide a complete visualisation and operation of the management of a space, as can be seen with reference to FIG. 1d.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1d, there is shown the three-dimensional framework 170 with dimension x 178, dimension y 164 and dimension z 166, compared to a prior art framework 168 which illustrates a Gantt chart 176 including a first dimension 172 and a second dimension 174.

[0052] Referring to FIG. le there is described a practical application of the concept of FIG. 1d where the framework 180 with dimensions x 188, y 182 and z 184 are located within the context of a posting calendar, which is arranged to interact with a user-defined reporting calendar 190. This reduction to practice is further described with reference to FIG. 1f, where a gaming venue floor plan is overlaid on the three-dimensional framework. In more detail, a floor plan creation module 194 is utilised to create a floor plan for a gaming venue, including the size and shape of the gaming space, the creation of sub-areas and sections, the division of the areas and/or sub areas into classes, the addition of gaming machines, gaming tables and chairs (including dimensions), etc. The floor plan is placed in the volumetric framework 109 within the calendar 197, where the x and y axes represent the length and width of the space, and the z axis represents time. As such, each area, sub area, class, machine, table, chair, etc. can be tracked over time. The z axis is controlled by a time constraint module 196 which includes time constraints 195 such as opening hours, seating periods, etc.

[0053] In other words, the volumetric framework, in addition to the calendar and the floor creation module and time constraint module create a real time simulation of the gaming venue, allowing the operator to track all aspects of the venue/space over time. This framework is derived from the realisation that the pivotal structure (both physical and conceptual) in the operation of a space such as a gaming venue, is the booking and how the booking is allocated and managed. The placement of gaming machines, gaming tables and chairs, the opening hours, the ancillary services offered (e.g. food and drink), the staff employed, etc., are ultimately all connected to the booking. As such, the volumetric model is a completely different manner in which to conceptualise the operation of a space (and in particular a gaming venue or any other space where a gaming service is provided and there are multiple constraints, including a "virtual" gaming venue).

[0054] Referring to Figure 2a there is shown a modular diagram of an online reservations system for gaming sessions in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, where input fields and constraint selections are displayed or hidden based on a user's unique data and user history as saved in the CRM. There is shown a booking channel 200 which interacts with a gaming registry database 204 via a booking widget 202 which requests user (gaming enthusiast) information 218. The booking widget 202 allows an enthusiast to input an identifier 212, and the booking widget fields 214 are constrained by information in a Customer Relationship Management system (CRM) 210 which is in database 206 and are determined by CRM information sent to the widget (222) and by information provided by a user personalisation facility 220. The CRM database 206 includes information on enthusiasts, held in a file format such as files 210 and 208, wherein each individual file such as 208 includes a registration ID 224, gaming history information 226, transaction history information 228, spending limit information 230, session limit information 232, gaming preference information 234 and user behaviour information 236. Once the fields 214 are displayed on the user interface, the enthusiast can enter information, or update information if the fields are pre-filled, and subsequently submits the booking request at 216.

[0055] Referring to Figures 2b and 2c there is shown a user (gaming enthusiast) booking process in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. At step 250, an enthusiast inputs their unique identifier to access the booking widget. At step 252, the customised booking widget for the enthusiast is displayed on a user interface, the display information being determined by the constraints and information retrieved from the CRM. At step 254 date options for booking are displayed and at step 256 the user selects a date. Thereafter, gaming options (i.e. the machines available for booking on the selected date) are displayed at step 258 and the user may select from a poker machine game (gaming machine), at 260, a table game at 262 and a lottery game at 264. It will be understood that the gaming machines and other games referred to above may be a physical game (i.e. the gaming enthusiast visits a venue such as a Casino and seats themselves at a physical machine or gaming table) or the games referred to above may be a virtual game (i.e. the gaming enthusiast plays the game using a device such as a computing system, a tablet computing device, a smartphone, etc. at any location)

[0056] If the user selects a poker machine at step 260, machine options and floor plan options are displayed at step 266, the user selects a machine at step 268, session times are displayed at step 270, a user selects a session time at step 272, duration options are selected at step 274, a user selects a duration time at step 276, and then the process continues to Figure 2c along arrow 1.

[0057] If the user selects a table game at step 262, table game options and floor plan options are displayed at step 278, the user selects a machine at step 280, session times including duration times are displayed at step 282, a user selects a session time and a duration at step 282 and then the process continues to Figure 2c along arrow 1.

[0058] If the user selects a lottery game at step 264, lottery game options and floor plan options are displayed at step 286, the user selects a lottery game and table position at step 288, session times including durations are displayed at step 290, a user selects a session and duration time at step 292, and then the process continues to Figure 2c along arrow 1.

[0059] It will be understood that in the context of a virtual gaming environment, there is still a requirement for a gaming enthusiast to select a "seat". This is due to the fact that table games, in particular, require a defined number of people to play, and in the case of some games, such as Blackjack, the position of a player at a table (real or virtual) can potentially have an effect on the probability of being dealt specific cards. In other words, some gaming enthusiasts wish to retain the ability to decide where they sit, even if the game is a virtual game rather than a real game.

[0060] Referring to Figure 2c, at step 294, and following on from Figure 2b and arrow 1, a booking for the session is placed on hold for a set time until the user takes the final step of submitting the form. If the user's booking limit is not exhausted at step 296, at step 298 the user may book another session. If the user opts to book another session at step 300, the user is returned to step 252 in Figure 2b.

[0061] Referring to Figure 2d there is shown a general process flow for a user (gaming enthusiast) check-in and payment process for electronic gaming machines in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In Figure 2d there is shown a gaming venue monitoring system 350 in communication with an electronic gaming machine 352 and a kiosk 354. The gaming monitoring system 350 includes live session data 360 which is accessible by staff, the live data being provided to a plurality of devices such as device 362 and 366. Each device may be arranged to receive different notifications, such as example notifications 364 and 368.

[0062] The monitoring system 350 is in communication with an electronic gaming machine 352, which has a facility which allows a user to submit an identifier as shown at step 370. The user subsequently inputs a monetary amount 372 and starts a gaming session 374. At a given time before the gaming session 376, the user is notified, as shown at 378, that the gaming session will end at a predetermined time. Thereafter, when the session end time is reached at step 380, the user is locked out at step 382.

[0063] The gaming machine 352 is also capable of interacting with third party systems 388, which may include food and beverage ordering systems. A user may reserve a seat and/or a gaming machine by utilising kiosk 354, into which the user submits an identifier to gain access to the booking process (384). As previously described, the identifier may be an alphanumeric code, or a physical device such as a RFID device or a NFC device.

[0064] Moreover, there is provided a CRM 356 which communicates with the gaming machine 352. The CRM 356 tracks session data 386, which in turn includes transaction details 388 and customer behaviour 390.

[0065] It will also be understood that the gaming machine 352 may include an additional facility to allow the machine to indicate whether a booking is allowed, finished, etc. For example, the machine may "lock out" a user once their allotted time has finished by making the machine unresponsive to their input. Where the enthusiast is located at a physical machine and/or table (i.e. they are not in a virtual environment) there may also be provided other hardware devices integrated into or physically proximate the gaming machine and/or tables, such as flashing lights, audio speakers arranged to output warning tones, or other audio or visual cues to indicate that the machine may no longer be used by the gaming enthusiast. In one embodiment, there may be provided a "chatbot" or other Artificial Intelligence agent arranged to engage the enthusiast in dialogue and attempt to convince the enthusiast to leave the machine and/or table. This may be necessary in situations where an equivalent to human intervention is required, but the situation has not escalated to the point that requires actual human intervention.

[0066] However, if the enthusiast continues to attempt to engage with the machine and/or attempts to cajole or threaten fellow gaming enthusiasts, the audible or visual alarms, or the Artificial Intelligence agent may draw attention to the situation and cause staff to investigate.

[0067] It will also be understood that the machine may communicate with staff directly via the live data feed 360, to notify staff if a gaming enthusiast is not willing to leave the gaming machine or another circumstance arises that requires intervention by staff. This additional step may be performed in lieu of the use of audible or visual signals, and/or use of an Artificial Intelligence agent, or in addition to the use of the aforementioned signals and agent. Such variations are within the purview of a person skilled in the art.

[0068] Referring to Figure 2e there is shown a general process flow for a user (gaming enthusiast) check-in and payment process for tables games (including electronic table games) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Referring to Figure 2e there is shown a general process flow for a user (gaming enthusiast) check-in and payment process for table games (including electronic table games accessed via a user interface) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment, there is provided a self-seating kiosk 400 for playing a table game, which is in communication with a CRM database 402. The kiosk 400 allows an enthusiast to input an identifier to verify their identity. This may include the use of a hardware identifier (such as a magnetic strip card, a RFID or NFC device, or other similar hardware device) and/or a soft identifier (such as a password). It is also envisaged that biometric identifiers such as fingerprints, retinal scans, etc., may also be utilised as a means for identification and/or for obtaining other relevant behaviour, such as the movement of people within the venue, the behaviour of people within the venue, etc. At step 406, a determination is made as to whether prepayment is a necessary condition for reservation of a seat. If not, the kiosk takes the user to step 412, which is described later. If prepayment is required, the system checks to determine whether the user has prepaid for the session at step 408. If so, the process proceeds to step 412, described later. If not, the user is required to provide prepayment at step 410, which may be provided in any suitable manner, including credit cards, cash, or other payment method, as desired or required by local laws, regulations and/or customs.

[0069] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 412, where the user is provided with an interactive floor plan and the user is provided with a map to direct them to their seat. It will be understood that instructions may be provided in any suitable way, including via the use of an Artificial Intelligence agent, which may use spoken voice (audio) instructions to direct the enthusiast to their seat. This may be combined with image recognition to track the progress of the enthusiast through the venue. Once the user is at their seat, at step 414, which may be verified by use of a sensor in the seat, a camera, or by the enthusiast confirming that they are in the seat by inputting a code or using their RFID or NFC device, the user may bet an amount at step 416, as set by the CRM 452, wherein each transaction is recorded at step 418 in the session data of the user 420, which includes transaction details 422 and customer behaviour details 424.

[0070] It will also be understood that where the user sits at a table game which is manned by a human operator, the operator may have access to an electronic device which communicates with the operator by providing a live data feed 360, to notify the operator of the identity of the user, and also alert the operator to any specific conditions, such as if the gaming enthusiast is a VIP, or conversely, when the enthusiast has reached a limit, or another circumstance that may arise that requires intervention by the operator. Such variations are within the purview of a person skilled in the art.

[0071] Referring to Figure 2f there is shown a general process flow for a user (gaming enthusiast) check-in and payment process for lottery games (including electronic lottery games accessed via a user interface) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment, there is provided a self-seating kiosk 450 for playing a lottery game, which is in communication with a CRM database 452. The kiosk 450 allows an enthusiast to input an identifier to verify their identity. This may include the use of a hardware identifier (such as a magnetic strip card, a RFID or NFC device, or other similar hardware device capable of holding information regarding the identity of the user) and/or a soft identifier (such as a password). It is also envisaged that biometric identifiers such as fingerprints, retinal scans, facial recognition, etc., may also be utilised. It will also be understood that external devices such as wall mounted cameras, etc., may also be utilised to identify the enthusiast. In other words, while identification of the enthusiast is integral to the method described herein, the general method utilised to identify the enthusiast may vary depending on the specific requirements of a gaming venue, the technologies available or otherwise integrated into the gaming venue or gaming venue network, and local laws and regulations. Such variations are within the purview of a person skilled in the art.

[0072] At step 456, a determination is made as to whether prepayment is a necessary condition for reservation of a seat. If not, the kiosk takes the user to step 462, which is described later. If so, the system checks to determine whether the user has prepaid for the session at step 458. If so, the process proceeds to step 462, described later. If not, the user is required to provide funds at step 460, which may be provided in any suitable manner, including credit cards, cash, or other payment method.

[0073] Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 462, where the user is provided with an interactive floor plan which directs the enthusiast to their seat. Once the enthusiast is at their seat, at step 464, which may be verified by use of a sensor (as described previously), the enthusiast may bet an amount at step 466, as set by the CRM 452, wherein each transaction is recorded at step 468 in the session data of the enthusiast 470, which includes transaction details 472 and customer behaviour details 474.

[0074] In this manner, a enthusiast's total spend, total time at a table or machine, total time in the gaming venue or spent at the enthusiast's device (in the case where the enthusiast is engaging in game play in a virtual gaming environment such as an online casino), and other information about the enthusiast, can be collected and utilised to ensure that the venue is engaging in responsible behaviour towards gaming enthusiasts.

[0075] Moreover, an enthusiast is provided with a more personalised service and in turn, is more likely to build a loyalty to the gaming venue, which in turn may allow the venue to ensure that the enthusiast is engaging in more responsible behaviour.

[0076] Referring to Figure 3a, there is shown a diagrammatic representation of the process for allocation of gaming machines. A gaming machine allocation system 610 provides information about the allocation of a machine (614) to customer 616 subsequent to the customer interacting with a self-seating kiosk (612). Each machine, such as machine 618, may include sensors (624) and communication devices 620 and 622, which may include a light, a computing system, a clock, or any other devices capable of communicating with a customer. The machines may also be monitored by a camera system (625), which can be used to determine whether a customer is seated at the correct machine.

Advantages

[0077] The use of the computer-enabled method, system and computer program disclosed herein has provided examples within the restaurant industry, however, they are equally applicable within other industries and businesses such as airlines, accommodation, hotels, travel, cruise ships, car rentals, clubs, pubs, gyms, hairdressers, workspaces, and the provision of advice and consulting services.

[0078] The embodiment and broader invention described herein provides a number of advantages.

[0079] Firstly, the system is able to interact with any type of game, from table games and wheel games, through to gaming machines and lotteries, including so called "virtual" games - that is, games that are accessed via a computing system.

[0080] Secondly, by allowing a gaming enthusiast to select their preferred seat, the embodiment allows an enthusiast to derive maximum utility from their gaming experience and cater to the requirements imposed by the gaming enthusiast, as well as ensuring that all applicable laws, regulations, laws and policies are enforced.

[0081] Moreover, as the system learns the preferences of a gaming enthusiast, the gaming machine and/or table can be automatically set up for the gaming enthusiast, including bet sizes, etc. which improves the experience of the gaming enthusiast.

[0082] Importantly, providing a personalised service fosters loyalty to the casino or gaming venue. The booking system can be integrated with incentives,

"comps" (i.e. complimentary products and services) and also keeps track of and catering to the desires and needs to gaming enthusiasts.

[0083] As a corollary, the system can also be used to police undesirable behaviour and autonomously prevent enthusiasts from engaging in destructive behaviour, including alerting staff should any human intervention be required.

[0084] More importantly, operators of gaming machines and/or gaming tables remain aware of the money and time being spent by gaming enthusiasts and are better able to meet legal obligations imposed by state or federal regulatory bodies and governments to ensure gaming enthusiasts do not "overspend" or engage in financially risky or other types of destructive behaviour, including socially undesirable behaviour. Analogously, lottery games benefit from being able to positively identify winners, to prevent fraudulent activity or theft.

[0085] The use of the computer-enabled method, system and computer program disclosed herein has provided examples within the restaurant industry, however, they are equally applicable within other industries and businesses such as airlines, accommodation, hotels, travel, cruise ships, car rentals, clubs, pubs, gyms, hairdressers, workspaces, and the provision of advice and consulting services.

Disclaimers

[0086] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or group of features but not the explicit exclusion of any other feature or group of features.

[0087] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described herein are susceptible to obvious variations and modifications other than those specifically described and it is intended that the broadest claims cover all such variations and modifications. Those skilled in the art will also understand that the inventive concept that underpins the broadest claims may include any number of the steps, features, and concepts referred to or indicated in the specification, either individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of the steps or features may constitute an invention.

[0088] Where definitions for selected terms used herein are found within the detailed description of the invention, it is intended that such definitions apply to the claimed invention. However, if not explicitly defined, all scientific and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs.

[0089] Although not required, the embodiments described with reference to the method, computer program, computer interface and aspects of the system can be implemented via an Application Programming Interface (API), an Application

Development Kit (ADK) or as a series of program libraries, for use by a developer, for the creation of software applications which are to be used on any one or more computing platforms or devices, such as a terminal or personal computer operating system or a portable computing device, a smartphone or a tablet computing system operating system, or within a larger server structure, such as a'data farm' or within a larger computing transaction processing system.

[0090] Generally, as program modules include routines, programs, objects, components and data files that perform or assist in the performance of particular functions, it will be understood that the functionality of the method, computer program and computer interface defined herein may be distributed across a number of routines, programs, objects or components to achieve the same functionality as the embodiment and the broader invention claimed herein. Such variations and modifications are contemplated by the inventor and are within the purview of those skilled in the art.

[0091] It will also be appreciated that where methods and systems of the present invention and/or embodiments are implemented by computing systems or implemented across multiple computing systems then any appropriate computing system architecture may be utilised without departing from the inventive concept. This includes standalone computers, networked computers and dedicated computing devices that do not utilise software as it is colloquially understood (such as field-programmable gate arrays).

[0092] Where the terms "computer", "computing system", "computing device" and "mobile device" are used in the specification, these terms are intended to cover any appropriate arrangement of computer hardware for implementing the inventive concept and/or embodiments described herein.

[0093] Where the terms "software application", "application", "app", "computer program", "program" and "widget" are used in the specification when referring to an embodiment of the invention, these terms are intended to cover any appropriate software which is capable of performing the functions and/or achieving the outcomes as broadly described herein.

[0094] Where reference is made to communication standards, methods and/or systems, it will be understood that the devices, computing systems, servers, etc., that constitute the embodiments and/or invention or interact with the embodiments and/or invention may transmit and receive data via any suitable hardware mechanism and software protocol, including wired and wireless communications protocols, such as but not limited to second, third, fourth and fifth generation (2G, 3G, 4G and 5G) telecommunications protocols (in accordance with the International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specification), Wi Fi (in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standards), Bluetooth (in accordance with the IEEE 802.15.1 standard and/or standards set by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group), or any other radio frequency, optical, acoustic, magnetic, or any other form or method of communication that may become available from time to time.

Annexure 1 1. Prior Art - Performance Measures and Metrics

The following is an extensive list of the current theoretical revenue measures applied to restaurants. There are no prior art systems that can provide measures related to space, classes of tables, extended durations, by differentiated products etc., as such information is beyond the capture of existing systems and hence calculations and performance monitoring and adjustment is also beyond current systems. • RevPASH (Revenue Per Available Seat Hour) • CMPASH (Contribution Margin Per Available Seat Hour) • RevPASM (Revenue per Available Square Meter) • ProPASH (Profit per Available Seat Hour) • ProPASM (Profit per Available Square Meter) • RRM (Restaurant Revenue Management) Time Per Table Turn Times Table Turn Cancelled/No Show/Covers as a % of Reserved Covers Average revenue per person * Average revenue per table * Average revenue per chair

Notes: 1. To date the restaurant performance measures and metrics of the only known and placed reliance on a few single dimensional applied metrics such as table turns, average spend per customer and theoretical but not applied metrics such as revenue per available seat hour. These applied and theoretical measurements and metrics by themselves, do not offer any proper or significant guidance as to what decisions a restaurant should take. This has resulted in restaurants being limited to and merely focusing on discounting prices during low demand periods and systems that cannot be automated and for artificial intelligence to be applied.

2. The prior art use of single measures as shown above and applied to PASH and PASM do not offer information as to what inputs need to be changed, how they need to be changed or other information that would assist a person in their decision-making process or provide the necessary information that could be used within an artificially intelligent system for the autonomous changing of constraints. The reason that the prior art fails is that all prior art cannot distinguish between the inputs and variables that impact the simple measures such as PASH and PASM that have been measures identified by the prior art.

Annexure 2 2. Floor Plan Guidelines, Benchmarks, Rankings and Space Efficiency Measures for the Claimed Invention

1. Spatial Guidelines and Measures Floor Space Allocation " Total Floor Plan Area (100%) " Kitchen Floor Plan Area (30%) " Wash Up Store Room, Locker Room, Admin Floor Plan (10%) Area e Dining Room and Bar Plan Area (includes toilets and (60%) waiters' stations)

Dining, Bar and Customer Spaces (required to scale) • Dining Room Area 1 Floor Plan * Dining Room Area 2 Floor Plan (etc) • Private Dining Room Area 3 Floor Plan (etc) • Dining Room Subarea 1 Floor Plan (etc) • Dining Room Section 1 Floor Plan (etc) • Bar Area Floor Plan

Table Top Size Guide e Minimum recommended table top size 0.18 square meters per person " Minimum table top size (for two) 600mm by 600mm " Table Top Fine Dining (minimum) 750mm by 750mm " Table Top Full-Service Restaurant 700mm by 750mm Dining " Casual Restaurant Full-Service Dining 600mm by 700mm " Bar Area dining top 300mm by 500mm " Round Top 1 to 2 people diameter 600mm " Round Top 2 to 4 people diameter 800mm " Round Top 4 to 5 people diameter 1000mm " Round Top 5 to 6 people diameter 1200mm " Round Top 6 to 7 people diameter 1350mm " Round Top 7 to 8 people diameter 1500mm

Fixed and Flexible Seating Areas to scale including walkways * Number of Fixed tables within the floor plan * Number of Flexible Tables within the floor plan * Number of Fixed Tables to total tables * Percentage of Flexible Tables to total tables

Chair Size Guide e Minimum chair footprint 450mm by 450mm

Spacing between Tables (allowing for chairs and movement) e Space between rectangular tables 1250mm to 1550mm including chairs e Space between table to table with chair 1050mm only on one side e Space between back to back chairs for 460mm movement " Space between diagonal chairs 460mm " Space between tables in row seating 150mm to 700mm " Space between round tables 1350mm " Space allowed for chairs along a table 600mm " Walk way between table with no chairs 600 mm " Walk way fire egress depends on 1000mm regulations

Waiter Stations Size Guide e Waiter Stations small up to 20 0.50 to 1.00 square chairs/diners meters •Waiter Stations up to 60 chairs/diners 2.25 to 3.75 square meters

Bars Space and Bar stools Size Guide " Bar Area Floor Plan " Bar Stool seating Distances 510mm to 600mm

Area per Person Size Guide " Square meters per patron Fine Dining 1.70 to 1.90 square meters " Square meters per patron Full-Service 1.10 to 1.40 square Restaurant Dining meters e Square meters per patron Counter 1.70 to 1.90 square Service meters e Square meters per patron Fast Food 1.00 to 1.30 square Medium meters e Square meters per patron Table Service, 1.40 to 1.70 square Hotel/Club meters e Square meters per patron Banquet, 0.90 to 1.10 square Minimum meters

2. Area, Sub Area, Class, Section and Table and Stool rankings * Ranking of areas * Ranking of subareas within areas * Ranking of sections within areas * Ranking of classes * Ranking of sections * Ranking of all individual tables within the venue * Ranking of all chairs within each table and location * Ranking by table characteristics; view, privacy, etc., by groups or classes

3. Table Analysis * Table size by day by time, seating, service, by area, by subarea, by section * Table size by occasion * Table size by product * Table size by duration * Table size by class * Quantity of tables (and chairs) by class and by area * Quantity of tables (and chairs) by utility * Requested tables (by all permutations) • Usage and Occupancy of Requested tables (by all permutations) • Rates of Requested tables versus other tables (by all permutations) • Revenue of Requested tables versus other tables (by all permutations) • Preferred Tables (by all permutations) • Usage and Occupancy of Preferred Tables (by all permutations) • Rates of Requested Tables versus other tables (by all permutations) • Usage of the fixed Tables versus total tables (by all permutations) • Usage of the Flexible Table versus total tables (by all permutations) • Usage of Alternate Floor Plans and Layouts (by all permutations) • Usage of additional Furniture by the optimisation algorithm (by all permutations) • Removal of Furniture shown on the Floor Plan by the optimisation algorithm (by all permutations) • Number of bookings that could not be accommodated by booking size and timing (by all permutations) • Revenue analysis of all tables by distribution channel (by all permutations)

4. Tables for Sale, Tables for Auction, Tables Dedicated to Specific Partners for distribution and or Channels * Tables for sale by partner (by all permutations) • Tables for sale by distribution channel (by all permutations) • Tables for auction (by all permutations) • Tables dedicated to specific channels (by all permutations) • Usage and occupancy of requested tables versus available capacity * Revenue comparisons of all table combinations (by all permutations) • Chair analysis similar to table analysis (by all permutations)

5. Location Analysis * Revenue by location by floor space (by all permutations) • Revenue by total floor space

6. Floor Space Efficiency * Revenue per square meter by total productive floor space * Revenue per square meter by total floor space including non productive floor space * Revenue by per square meter by different floor space sub-sets, classes, etc. (by all permutations)

Annexure 3 3. Capacity, Utilisation and Revenue Efficiency Measures for the Claimed Invention

The below measures and metrics must include additional tables and chairs added for a service and deduct the tables and chairs removed for a service. That is the use of one embodiment of the claimed invention and dynamic allocation process which permits which the addition and removal of tables from the capacity and inventory made available for the allocation of a booking. The concept of adding or removing tables and chairs from the available capacity during the booking allocation process is outside the scope (and beyond the prior art). Also refer to Annexure 7 for further details of this embodiment. 1. Revenue Yield

" AR (Actual Revenue) - Used by prior art to calculate RevPASH

" PR (Potential Full Revenue - all items sold and free items provided at RRP) " RY (Revenue Yield)

2. Seat Capacity (Production) and Utilisation Capacity

•ASH (Available Seat Hours) - Capacity - Used by prior art to calculate RevPASH

Revenue

• RSH (Revenue Seat Hours) - Equivalent to the prior art of RevPASH

Utilisation

e SUF (Seat Utilisation Factor)

Efficiency

* SEF (Efficiency Factor - Revenue Yield (RY) multiplied by (SUF))

Costs * Cost levels can be calculated by available seat capacity or revenue seat capacity

3. Table Capacity (Production) and Utilisation Capacity

e ATH (Available Table Hours)

Revenue

e RTH (Revenue Table Hours)

Utilisation

e TUF (Table Utilisation Factor)

Efficiency

e TEF (Table Efficiency Factor)

Costs * Costs levels can be calculated by available table capacity or revenue table capacity

4. Units of Measure of Capacity Physical Constraints • NOR (Number of Restaurants) • NOT (Number of Tables) • NOS (Number of Seats)

Hours Open • HRO (Hours Restaurant Open) • HKO (Hours Kitchen Open)

Service Periods Open • SPO (Service Periods Open) • BPO (Breakfast Periods Open) • LPO (Lunch Periods Open) • DPO (Dinner periods Open) • SPO (Supper Periods Open)

Service Hours Open • BSHO (Breakfast Service Hours Open)

• LSHO (Lunch Service Hours Open) • DSHO (Dinner Service Hours Open) • SSHO (Supper Service Hours Open)

Back of House (Kitchen) Hours * HKP (Hours Kitchen Preparation) • HKS (Hours Kitchen in Service) • HKC (Hours Kitchen Clean-up)

Front of House (Dining Room) Hours * HDRP (Hours Dining Room Preparation) • HDRO (Hours Dining Room Open) • HDRC (Hours Dining Room Clean-up)

Annexure 4 4. Booking Analysis for the Claimed Invention

1. Booking Requests Allocated Analysis * Booking requests by time, date, etc, made that could be accommodated by booking size by occasion, by service, by area, subarea, section, class, specific table

2. Booking Profile Analysis * Booking lead time profile * Booking group size * Booking occasion * Booking composition by adults, by children, by high chairs, by etc., * By duration * By menu * By time * By Butler Service • By table size * By table requested * By table preferred * By postcode/address

3. Booking Requests Rejected Analysis * Booking requests by time, date, etc, made that could not be accommodated by booking size by occasion, by service, by area, subarea, section, class, specific table * Booking requests by time, date, etc, made where a person took an alternate booking without an incentive by booking size by occasion, by service, by area, subarea, section, class, specific table * Booking requests by time, date, etc, made where a person took an alternate booking with an incentive by booking size by occasion, by service, by area, subarea, section, class, specific table • Booking Requests by time, date, etc, made that went on a waitlist by service by time by booking size by occasion, by service, by area, subarea, section, class, specific table • Booking Requests by time, date, etc, that went on a wait list that could be accommodated by service by time by booking size by occasion, by service, by area, subarea, section, class, specific table • Booking requests by time, date, etc, made that went on a wait list that could not be accommodated by service by time by booking size by occasion, by service, by area, subarea, section, class, specific table * Booking lead time profile * Booking source, by website, by third party, by app, by referral

4. Source of Booking Analysis

* Booking source (Source of Revenue), by website, by third party, by app, by referral * Cost of booking source and cost of referrals

Annexure 5 5. Duration Time Analysis for the Claimed Invention

1. Duration Time Analysis * Duration time by booking size compared to standard booking time * Duration time by booking size by menu compared to standard booking time * Duration time by booking size by menu by number of courses compared to standard booking time * Duration time by booking size by customer type compared to standard booking time * Duration time by booking size by day compared to standard booking time * Duration time by booking time interval by day compared to standard booking time * Duration times by booking size by menu, by time taken for each activity, being seated, taking food order, taking drink order, time taken for the first course to be prepared, time taken for the first course to be consumed, time taken for the second course to be delivered from time of seating and from time to being called away, time to consume the second course, time third course order taken, time before third course delivered, time to consume third course, other items ordered, time other items delivered, time bill given, time bill paid compared to standard booking times. • Duration times by occasion using the same metrics as booking size compared to standard booking time. • Table reset times by table type by day of the week by time compared to standard booking time

2. Extended Duration Time Analysis for the Claimed Invention

* Extended duration time by table, class of table, section, class, subarea, area, channel, booking partner * Increase in revenue comparing normal duration bookings with extended duration bookings

Annexure 6 6. Product Mix Analysis for the Claimed Invention

1. Food (by, time, by service, by day, by server or channel) A la Carte One Course Two Courses Three Courses Degustation Menu * Pre-Theatre Menu • Post Theatre Menu * Promotional Menus • Take away revenue * Home Delivery revenue

2. Beverage (by time, by service, by day, by server or channel) • Alcoholic Beverage Revenue * Non-Alcoholic Beverage Revenue * Soft Drink Revenue • Tea & Coffee revenue

3. Supplementary (by time, by service, by day, by server or channel)

• Window seat surcharge * Preferred booking time surcharge * Extended Time Surcharge * Booking Fee * Gift box * Chocolates * Roses • Other retail items, books, oil, * Room Hire Charges

The above analysis, similar to all other embodiments detailed within the submissions and within this annexure can be undertaken by area, subarea, class, table, distribution channel or any other definable input, constraint, or item within the scope of the claimed invention.

Annexure 7 7. Revenue and Customer Performance Analysis for the Claimed Invention

1. Revenue Analysis • RRSH (Revenue per Revenue Seat Hour) • RASH (Revenue per Available Seat Hour) • RRTH (Revenue per Revenue Table Hour) • RATH (Revenue per Available Table Hour)

• Revenue per Chair • Revenue per Table • Revenue Per Person * Revenue per person by courses, by class, by menu, by time booked, by booking duration * Revenue by area, subarea, section, class and by their respective square meters (also prorata over the whole restaurant) • Revenue by additional restaurant items, by area, subarea, section, class, table * Revenue by supplementary items, by area, subarea, section, class, table • Revenue by table type * Revenue by Table number * Revenue per Total Hours including prep and closing up * Revenue per Kitchen Hour (Kitchen Hours - Open Hours) • Revenue by Front of House Hours (Front of House Hours Open Hours) • Customer Retention rate (Total Customers - Total New Customers) divided by total Customers * By time of Booking • By seating • By repeat versus new customers • By type of Customer * Revenue During peak Times * Revenue During Non-Peak times * Revenue During Shoulder Periods * Average spend per customer by all metrics * Times Tables Turn (total duration times divided by the number of people) • Function Revenue (also as a 5 of total revenue) • Home delivery as a % of total Revenue • Take Away as a % of total Revenue

2. Customer Analysis • Customers per Service * Customers by booking time, by service, by day * Customers by menu, by course, by class, by area, by subarea, by section, by day

• Customers by occasion * Customers by group size * Customers with Supplementary Items and by Supplementary items • Customers without Supplementary Items * Customers by duration booked prior to the service requested * Customers by booking source * Customers by promotion * Customers by Average Spend • Loyalty Members Average Spend * Average Spend by member type * Repeat Customers by average spend * New Customers by Average Spend * Average spend by individual type, adult, child, high chair * Total customers versus repeat customers versus new customers

3. Customer Ranking * Ranking by venue membership * Ranking by number of visits * Ranking by Spend total and per visit * Ranking by social media profile and social influence * Ranking by relationship (agent, reseller, friend, family, supplier, etc,)

4. Channel Analysis • Revenue by channel * Ranking by channel

Annexure 8 8. Staff Analysis and Roster Parameters for the Claimed Invention

1. Staff Analysis and Ratios (based on customer numbers, menu complexity and menu diversity) • Kitchen staff per customer (ratio) • Kitchen Staff Hours per customer * Kitchen Hand per customer (ratio) • Kitchen Hand Hours per customer • Wait staff per customer (ratio) • Wait staff hours per customer • Food Runner per customer (ratio) • Food Runner hours per customer • Bar Staff per customer (ratio) * Bar Staff hours per customer * Food Runner per customer (ratio) • Food Runner Hours per customer * Reception staff per customer * Reception Hours per customer • Kitchen preparation times to tables and customer ratios • Set-up times to tables and customer ratios

Annexure 9 9. Restaurant Profit and Loss Layout (a la carte) - Example, for the Claimed Invention

Different Areas Main Private Bar Total 0/0 of Dining Dining Restaurant Revenue Room Room

Revenue Food Revenue Breakfast Menu A la Carte Menu: One Course Two Courses Three Courses Tapas menu Cafe menu Bar Menu Degustation Menu Pre-Theatre Menu Post Theatre Menu Promotional Menus Supper Menu Take away Menu Home Delivery Menu TotalFood Revenue

Beverage Revenue Alcoholic Beverage Revenue Non-Alcoholic Beverage Revenue Soft Drink Revenue Tea & Coffee revenue Total Beverage Revenue

Supplementary Revenue Window seat surcharge Preferred booking time surcharge Booking Fee Gift box Chocolates Roses Other retail items, books, oil, Room Hire Charges Total Supplementary Revenue

Less: Credit Card Fees Less: Commissions Less: Variable Booking Fees

Less: Loyalty program allowance ("hard currency")

Net Revenue

Cost of Goods Sold Variable Costs 1 Food Costs Beverage Costs Alcoholic Beverage Costs Non-Alcoholic Beverage Costs Tea and Coffee Costs Total Cost of Goods Sold

Contribution 1

BH (Back of House) Wages Variable Costs 2 Gross Back of House Wages (including overtime and temp workers)

On-Cost Back of House Wages (super, workers comp, payroll tax) Back of House additional Costs (staff meals, uniforms, etc,) Total Back of House Wage Costs

Contribution 2

Front of House Wages Variable Costs 3 Gross Front of House Wages (including overtime and temp workers) On-Cost Front of House Wages (super, workers comp, payroll tax, staff meals) Front of House additional Costs (staff meals, uniforms, etc,) Total Front of House Wage Costs

Contribution 3

Operational Variable Costs 4 Packaging Repairs and maintenance Breakages Delivery Costs Laundry Chemicals Linen Tea towels Kitchen Duct Cleaning Restaurant Cleaning Garbage and Sanitation Printing and Menus Decoration Expenses (flowers) Equipment Hire

Transport Security Variable Booking Fees Total Operational Variable Costs 4

Contribution 4

Entertainment Variable Costs 5 Entertainment (Bands, Djs) Events Total Entertainment Variable Costs 5

Contribution 5

Marketing Variable Costs 6 Social Media Advertising Total Marketing variable Costs 6

Contribution 6

Utility Variable Costs 7 Water Electricity Rates and Taxes Utility Variable Costs 7

Contribution 7

Premises Overhead Costs 1 Rental Costs Lease marketing levy Lease Outgoing expenses Council Rates and Fees

Contribution 8

Ownership Overhead Costs 2 Depreciation Interest Insurance Health Inspections and Compliance Ownership Overhead Costs 2

Contribution 9

Head Office Overhead Costs 3

Administration Wages Accounts Marketing (Memberships and registration) Telephone & Communications Consultants Computer Head Office Overhead Costs 3

Net Profit/Loss (Contribution 10)

Other Items (Extra Ordinary items)

Annexure 10 10. Break Even and Cost Analysis for the Claimed Invention

1. Break-Even Analysis * BESUF (Breakeven Seat Utilisation factor) • BERSH (Breakeven Revenue Seat Hours) • BERPH (Breakeven Revenue per Hour) • BERPP (Breakeven revenue per Person) • BERPT (Breakeven Revenue per Table) • BEASH (Break Even per Available Seat Hour) • BERY (Break Even Revenue Yield)

2. Profit and Loss Statement, Cost Analysis Ratios and Percentages

To model the business and the performance of the business the profit and loss statement needs to be restructured so that all costs parameters can be identified independently and within homogeneous groups. All prior art systems do not detail items in the detail listed below and with our minimum 10 level contribution and analysis system.

a) Level 1 Analysis - Cost of Goods Sold • Menu Costings * Mark-up per menu item as a percentage * Mark-up per menu item as a dollar value * Food COGS (Split by venues and courses) • Alcohol Beverage COGS * Non- Alcoholic Beverage COGS e Tea and Coffee Beverage COGS * Contribution Margin after COGS

b) Level 2 Analysis - Back of House Wages • BH Wages Gross (Wages split by preparation, by service and by clean-up) • BH Wages On-Costs • BH Wages Total Costs * Contribution Margin after COGS and BH Wages

c) Level 3 Analysis - Front of House Wages • FH Wages Gross (Wages split by preparation, by service and by clean-up) • FH Wages On-Costs • FH Wages Total Costs • Contribution Margin after COGS and BH Wages and FH Wages

d) Level 4 Analysis - Operational Variable Costs • Operational Variable Costs 4

* Contribution Margin after COGS, BH Wages, FH Wages and Operational Costs 4

e) Level 5 Analysis - Entertainment Costs * Entertainment Variable Costs 5 * Contribution Margin after COGS, BH Wages, FH Wages, Operational Costs 4 and Entertainment Variable Costs 5

f) Level 6 Analysis - Marketing Variable Costs * Marketing Variable Costs 6 * Contribution Margin after COGS, BH Wages, FH Wages, Operational Costs 4, Entertainment Variable Costs 5 and Marketing Variable Costs 6

g) Level 7 Analysis - Utility Variable Costs * Utility Variable Costs 7 * Contribution Margin after COGS, BH Wages, FH Wages, Operational Costs 4, Entertainment Variable Costs 5, Marketing Variable Costs 6 and Utility Variable Costs 7

h) Level 8 Analysis - Premises Fixed Overhead Costs * Premises Overhead Costs • Contribution Margin after all Variable Costs and Premises Overhead Costs

i) Level 9 Analysis - Ownership Fixed Overhead Costs • Ownership Overhead Costs • Contribution Margin after all Previous Costs and Ownership Overhead Costs

j)Level 10 Analysis - Head Office Administration Overhead Costs * Head Office Overhead Costs * Net Profit Margin after Head Office Overhead Costs

3. Other Cost Performance Measures and Analysis

• Total Payroll Costs as compared to revenue (all operational payroll costs)

• EBITDA

* Inventory Turnover

• Overhead Rate per metric

• Customer Acquisition Cost (Marketing Variable Costs divided by Total New Customers) • All cost categories by: (per Available Seat Hour) (per Revenue Seat Hour) (per Available Table Hour) (per Revenue Table Hour) (Opening Hours versus total kitchen Hours) (Open Hours versus total Front of House Hours)

Annexure 11 11. Supplier Pricing Comparisons and Monitoring for the Claimed Invention * Comparison of Pricing by suppliers for the same item * Reliability of Suppliers * System to select the best supplier to send the order to

Claims

1. A method of autonomous allocation of representations of gaming machines within representations of spaces and time periods method for the placement of representations of gaming machines within one or more representations of spaces including at least one quantitative or qualitative criteria when a request signal for allocation is received and to generate a gaming user specific interface on a remote device, wherein one or more allocation processes result in the assignment of gaming machines, further comprising a visual display of a multi-dimension image comprising a representation of a floor plan showing gaming machines, comprising the steps of:

receiving a request signal for allocation of one or more gaming machines having a location, the request signal comprising request constraints;

retrieving data from a volumetric floorplan and time database to determine whether other requests for allocation have been stored and to retrieve data from the volumetric floorplan and time database regarding the other requests;

wherein, an allocation process is customised for a specific gaming user and combines the at least one request with the other requests to form a pool of requests, whereby the pool of requests is allocated to representations of gaming machines within the space and wherein a request is allocated to a representation of gaming machines when a request signal for allocation is received;

wherein, for each request, the next request is selected, and for the selected request, there is retrieved from a volumetric floorplan and time database constraint information including information regarding one or more of the representations of gaming machines within those one or more spaces, including any associated attributes between each one or more of the representations of gaming machines comprising quantitative and qualitative relationships between each of the one or more representations of gaming machines to each other and within the one or more representations of spaces, and other space constraints regarding the one or more representations of gaming machines, and regarding allocation constraints by which an allocation process assigns a gaming comprising other quantitative and qualitative constraint information, wherein, the allocation process utilises gaming machine and gaming user constraint information, once the one or more representations of gaming machines are placed within the one or more spaces, the request is allocated to the one or more representations of t gaming machines within the one or more spaces, in accordance with the allocation process, wherein, allocation processing of requests is iterated until the one or more representations of gaming machines have been placed in one or more representations of spaces and all requests in the pool have been allocated to the one or more representations of gaming machines within the one or more representations of spaces, wherein, if the one or more requests cannot be placed within the one or more representations of spaces to accommodate the request to form an unallocated request, then the request for the one or more representations of gaming machines that are in conflict is released and the iteration process continues until the allocation process determines that it is not possible to allocate one or more representations of gaming machines within the representations of space to accommodate all the requests received, wherein, when the allocation process has completed such that the all requests within the pool have been allocated except the unallocated request, an alternate request has been allocated or the request is cancelled or the request expires, the allocated pool of requests is utilised to produce an allocation instruction set wherein the allocation instruction set is utilised to create the dynamic representations of floorplan representative of the allocated one or more representations of gaming machines in the representations of space and the allocation of the requests to each of the allocated one or more representations of gaming machines wherein the allocation instruction set is saved in the database and transformed to provide instructions for the real-time or future-time visual display for the graphical representation of the placement of the one or more gaming machines.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein a user set-ups the one or more representations of gaming machines within the representations of space and arranges them within the representations of a space.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein a user set-ups the quantitative and qualitative criteria of the allocation process.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein a request signal is transmitted by a requestor, the graphical display of the placement of the one or more representations of gaming machines within the one or more representations of spaces is transmitted to a requestor which shows the location within the one or more representations of spaces to which their request has been allocated.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the one physical space depicted as one or more floor plan windows comprises at least one of a sub-space and a section wherein a section comprises a subset of the space or the sub-space and wherein computing in accordance with the allocation process comprises allocation of a booking request being in at least one of a sub-space and a section depicted by one or more floor plan windows.

6. The method of claim 1, comprising the dynamic user interface depicting a time axis wherein a time icon is moveable between the first-time value and the future time value for changing the dynamic user interface from the display of the first time value floor plan window to display the future time value floor plan window.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the visual display comprises a Gantt chart.

8. The method of claim 1 comprising storing difficulty metrics and ordering booking requests comprising at least one ranking rule based upon difficulty comprising a party size constraint information and a peak time period metrics.

9. The method of claim 1 comprising at least one allocation rule for clustering one or more smaller party sizes around one or more larger party sizes.

10. The method of claim 1 comprising the method of a remote device transmitting the request signal, the remote device receiving an allocation response of a gaming machine allocation when the allocation process has completed such that all requests within the pool have been allocated except if the response is an unallocated request.

11. A system of autonomous allocation of representations of gaming machines within representations of spaces and time periods method for the placement of representations of gaming machines within one or more representations of spaces including at least one quantitative or qualitative criteria when a request signal for allocation is received and to generate a gaming user specific interface on a remote device, wherein one or more allocation processes result in the assignment of gaming machines, further comprising a visual display of a multi-dimension image comprising a representation of a floor plan showing gaming machines, comprising:

a receiver for receiving a request signal for allocation of one or more gaming machines having a location, the request signal comprising request constraints;

a processor for retrieving data from a volumetric floorplan and time database to determine whether other requests for allocation have been stored and to retrieve data from the volumetric floorplan and time database regarding the other requests;

wherein, for each request, the next request is selected, and for the selected request, there is retrieved from a volumetric floorplan and time database constraint information including information regarding one or more of the representations of gaming machines within those one or more spaces, including any associated attributes between each one or more of the representations of gaming machines comprising quantitative and qualitative relationships between each of the one or more representations of gaming machines to each other and within the one or more representations of spaces, and other space constraints regarding the one or more representations of gaming machines , and regarding allocation constraints by which an allocation process assigns a gaming comprising other quantitative and qualitative constraint information, wherein, the allocation process utilises gaming machine and gaming user constraint information, once the one or more representations of gaming machines are placed within the one or more spaces, the request is allocated to the one or more representations of t gaming machines within the one or more spaces, in accordance with the allocation process, wherein, allocation processing of requests is iterated until the one or more representations of gaming machines have been placed in one or more representations of spaces and all requests in the pool have been allocated to the one or more representations of gaming machines within the one or more representations of spaces, wherein, if the one or more requests cannot be placed within the one or more representations of spaces to accommodate the request to form an unallocated request, then the request for the one or more representations of gaming machines that are in conflict is released and the iteration process continues until the allocation process determines that it is not possible to allocate one or more representations of gaming machines within the representations of space to accommodate all the requests received, wherein, when the allocation process has completed such that the all requests within the pool have been allocated except the unallocated request, an alternate request has been allocated or the request is cancelled or the request expires, the allocated pool of requests is utilised to produce an allocation instruction set wherein the allocation instruction set is utilised to create the dynamic representations of floorplan representative of the allocated one or more representations of gaming machines in the representations of space and the allocation of the requests to each of the allocated one or more representations of gaming machines wherein the allocation instruction set is saved in the database and transformed to provide instructions for the real-time or future-time visual display for the graphical representation of the placement of the one or more gaming machines.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein a user set-ups the one or more representations of gaming machines within the representations of space and arranges them within the representations of a space.

13. The system of claim 11 wherein a user set-ups the quantitative and qualitative criteria of the allocation process.

14. The system of claim 11 wherein a request signal is transmitted by a requestor, the graphical display of the placement of the one or more representations of gaming machines within the one or more representations of spaces is transmitted to a requestor which shows the location within the one or more representations of spaces to which their request has been allocated.

15. The system of claim 11 wherein the one physical space depicted as one or more floor plan windows comprises at least one of a sub-space and a section wherein a section comprises a subset of the space or the sub-space and wherein computing in accordance with the allocation process comprises allocation of a booking request being in at least one of a sub-space and a section depicted by one or more floor plan windows.

16. The system of claim 11, comprising the dynamic user interface depicting a time axis wherein a time icon is moveable between the first -time value and the future time value for changing the dynamic user interface from the display of the first-time value floor plan window to display the future time value floor plan window.

17. The system of claim 11, wherein the visual display comprises a Gantt chart.

18. The system of claim 11 comprising storing difficulty metrics and ordering booking requests comprising at least one ranking rule based upon difficulty comprising a party size constraint information and a peak time period metrics.

19. The system of claim 11 comprising at least one allocation rule for clustering one or more smaller party sizes around one or more larger party sizes.

20. The system of claim 11 comprising the method of a remote device transmitting the request signal, the remote device receiving an allocation response of a gaming machine allocation when the allocation process has completed such that all requests within the pool have been allocated except if the response is an unallocated request.

Grand Performance Online Pty Ltd

Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person

SPRUSON&FERGUSON