JP2010509999A - Apparatus and method for determining a gaming machine in communication with a game server - Google Patents

Abstract

The system can include a verification server, a game server, and a game machine. The gaming machine, along with the game server, can provide at least one gaming action and possibly at least one service to a player using the gaming machine. The system can further include a verification device in communication with the verification server. In one aspect, the verification server can pass the sign between the verification device and the game console via the game server. In this method, verification can be performed by the game machine communicating with the game server. In another aspect, the verification server can store an indication received from the verification device. Thereafter, in response to a request from the game machine, the verification server can read the stored sign and can send the sign to the game machine via the game server. In this method, verification can be performed by the game machine communicating with the game server. In another aspect, the verification server may store indicia received from the gaming machine, possibly via the game server. Thereafter, in response to a request from the verification device, the verification server can retrieve the stored sign and send the sign to the verification device. In this method, verification can be performed by the game machine communicating with the game server. In another aspect, an indicator based on one or more movements involving a player via a gaming machine can be maintained. Thereafter, in response to a request from the verification device, the verification server can send an indicator to the verification device. In this method, verification can be performed by the game machine communicating with the game server. In another aspect, in response to a request from the gaming machine, the verification server can determine a sign known to the player and send the sign to the gaming machine via the game server. In this method, verification can be performed by the game machine communicating with the game server. In a further aspect, the verification server can send a sign to the gaming machine via the game server and can also send the sign to the verification device. Alternatively, the verification server can, for example, send a sign to the gaming machine via the game server, and then the sign can be sent back from the verification device to the verification server. The server can then determine whether the sent sign matches the received sign. In this method, verification can be performed by the game machine communicating with the game server. In a further aspect, the verification server can determine a sign that can be verified by the player and that can be sent to the gaming machine via the game server. The verification server can send an indicator in response to receiving a request / command from the verification device and can determine an indicator that is using other indicators received from the verification device. In this method, verification can be performed by the game machine communicating with the game server.
[Selection figure] None

Description

  The present invention relates to a distributed gaming system for providing one or more gaming actions and possibly other convenient services to one or more players, such as players.

  This application is related to the following US patent applications, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for the purposes of rights and documented description: Serial of 2/3/2004 application No. 10/771221, 2/3/2004 application 10/771076, 1/15/2004 application 10/759693, 10/14/2003 application 10/687302, 9/22/2003 application 10/667923, 9 / 22/2003 application 10/667755, 9/3/2003 application 10/654280, 8/29/2003 application 10/651537, 7/12/2002 application 10/194186, 7/12/2002 application 10/194019, 7/12/2002 application 10/194018, 7/12/2002 application 10/1939 0, 7/12/2002 application 10/193978, 7/12/2002 application 10/193777, 7/12/2002 application 10/193971, 7/12/2002 application 10/193817, 4/30 / 2001 application 09 / 846,025, 8/20/1999 application 09/378327, 3/12/1999 application 9/267865, 4/18/06 application 11/4066783, 12/22/2004 application 11 / 022394, 11/22/2004 application 11/021848, 12/21/2004 application 11/018978, 11/5/2004 application 10/983279, 10/12/2004 application 10/963399, 6/28 / 2004 application 10/879972, 4/29/2004 application 10/83699 4/29/2004 application 10/839755, 4/29/2004 application 10/83958, 4/29/2004 application 10/836077, 4/29/2004 application 10/883595, 6/29/2005 11/171809, 3/9/2005 application 11/076561, 2/21/2005 application 11/063311, 1/10/2005 application 11/032724, 4/12/2004 application 10/822484, 4/1/2004 application 10/816238, 3/10/2004 application 10/798106, 2/23/2004 application 10/784353, 4/12/2006 application 11/403722, 4/3/2006 application 11/379596, 1/18/2006, 11/335253, 1/18 / 11/335210 of the 2006 application, 11/335484 of the 1/18/2006 application, 11/256568 of the 10/21/2005 application, 11/210482 of the 8/24/2005 application, 11/201830 of the 8/10/2005 application. , 8/10/2005 application 11/201812, 8/9/2005 application 11/199964, 8/9/2005 application 11/199835, 8/9/2005 application 11/199831, 7/26/2005 Application 11/190613, 6/29/2005 application 11/172018, 7/10/2003 application 10/61679, 6/3/2003 application 10/453769, 6/3/2003 application 10/453761, 4/10/2003 application 10/410, 197, 4/2/2003 application 1 / 404,043,11 / 1/2002 filed 10 / 287,332, and, 7/12/2002, filed 10/194358.

  Distributed game systems have been proposed in the past to provide one or more gaming actions and possibly other convenient services to one or more players, such as players.

Guide terms for interpreting the present invention

  The term “here” means “in this application, including anything that can be incorporated by reference”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

  The term “product” means a machine, product, and / or material composition, unless expressly specified otherwise.

  The term “process” means a process, algorithm, method, or the like, unless expressly specified otherwise.

  Each process (whether referred to as method, algorithm or otherwise) inherently includes one or more steps, and thus all references to “steps” or “multiple steps” of a process are referred to as “processes”. It has a description that essentially precedes the description of the term or such term. Thus, any reference to a “step” or “steps” of a process in the claims has a sufficient preceding description.

  The terms “including”, “comprising”, and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

  The term “plurality” means “two or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

  The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

  The expression "at least one of any" means that if such phrases qualify more than one item (such as a list of items), one or more of those items, unless expressly specified otherwise. Means a combination of For example, the expression “at least one of a small device, a car, and a wheel” can be expressed as (i) a small device, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a small device and a car, and (v) a small device. Or (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a car and a wheel. "At least one of any" does not mean "one of each" of the plurality of things if such expression modifies the plurality.

  Numerical terms such as “one”, “two”, etc., when used as a radix to indicate some quantity (eg, one small device, two small devices, etc.) Is not intended to mean an amount indicated by at least that number of terms. For example, the expression “one small device” does not mean “at least one small device”, and therefore the expression “one small device” does not include, for example, two small devices. .

  The term “represent” and such terms are not exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the term “represents” does not mean “represents only”, unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the expression “data represents a credit card number” is both “data represents only a credit card number” and “data represents a credit card number and the data represents other things” Means.

  The expression “based on” does not mean “based only on,” unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words, the expression “based on” means both “based only on” and “based at least on it”. The expression “at least based on it” is the same as the expression “at least partly based on it”.

  The expression “by it” is used here only to precede the intended result, the purpose, the clause that expresses only the result of what has been explicitly stated earlier, or another set of words. Thus, when the term “by” is used in a claim, a clause or other word that the term “by” modifies may specifically limit the claim, even if the claim It does not limit the meaning or scope of any other.

  The term “i.e.” and such terms mean “i.e.” and therefore limit the terms and expressions they describe. For example, the sentence “a computer sends data (ie, instructions) to the Internet” means that the term “ie” explains that “instructions” are “data” that the computer sent to the Internet. Yes.

  The term “for example” and such terms mean “for example” and therefore do not limit the term or expression it describes. For example, in the sentence “the computer has sent data (eg, instructions, data structure) to the Internet”, the term “for example” means that “command” is one of the “data” that the computer can send to the Internet. It is described as an example, and “data structure” describes one example of “data” that a computer can send to the Internet. However, both “instructions” and “data structures” are merely examples of “data”, and anything other than “instructions” and “data structures” can be “data”.

  The term “respectively” and such terms mean “take up individually”. Thus, if two or more things have “respective” characteristics, each such thing has its own characteristics, and these characteristics may differ from each other. Yes, but not necessary. For example, the expression “each of the two has a respective function” means that the first such machine has one function and the second such machine also has one function. It means having a function. The function of the first machine may or may not be the same as the function of the second machine.

  A given numerical range includes all and parts of numbers within that range. For example, the range “1 to 10” specifically includes integers between 1 and 10 (eg, 1, 2, 3, 4,... 9) and non-integers (eg, 1.1, 1 and 1). .2, 1.9)).

  Where two or more terms or expressions are synonymous (eg, there is an explicit statement that the terms or expressions are synonymous), examples of such terms / expressions are It does not mean that the examples must have different meanings. For example, if there is a statement that the meaning of "includes" is synonymous with "includes but is not limited to it", the expression "includes but is not limited to it" is used and "includes" The term does not mean to mean anything other than "including but not limited to".

  The term “invention”, and the like, means “the one or more inventions” disclosed herein, unless expressly specified otherwise.

  “One embodiment”, “embodiments”, “plural embodiments”, “its embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “1 An embodiment "," another embodiment ", etc., means one or more (but not all) embodiments of the disclosed invention, unless expressly specified otherwise.

  The term “variation” of an invention means one embodiment of the invention, unless expressly specified otherwise.

Reference to “another embodiment” when describing an embodiment refers to another embodiment (eg, described before the referenced embodiment, unless expressly specified otherwise). It is not meant to be mutually exclusive with the embodiment.
To decide

  The term “determining” and its grammatical changes (eg, determining price, determining value, determining objects that meet certain criteria) are used in an extremely broad sense. The term “determining” encompasses a wide range of behaviors, so “determining” means computing, computing, processing, inferring, examining, examining (eg, examining a table, database or another Check data structure), verify, etc. Also, “determining” can include receiving (eg, receiving information), accessing (eg, accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” can include resolving, selecting, selecting, confirming, etc.

  The term “determining” does not imply certainty or absolute accuracy, so “determining” can include estimating, inferring, predicting, inferring, and the like.

  The term "determining" does not imply that you have to do mathematical processing, nor does it mean that you must use a numerical method, nor does it mean that you use an algorithm or processing. .

The term “determining” does not mean that a particular device must be used. For example, a computer does not necessarily have to make a decision.
Sentence format

  Where the limitation of the first claim covers one property as well as one or more properties (eg, the limitation of at least one small device covers one small device together with one or more small devices) And in a second claim subordinate to the first claim, when the second claim uses the definite article “its” to refer to a certain limitation (eg, its miniature device), This does not mean that the first claim covers only one property, but this means that the second claim covers only one property. (For example, “the small device” covers both one small device and one or more small devices).

  When an ordinal number (eg, “first”, “second”, “third”, etc.) is used as an adjective before a term, the ordinal number (unless otherwise explicitly specified) is simply a specific The ordinal number is used to indicate a property, for example, to distinguish that particular property from another property described in the same or similar terms. For example, a “first miniature device” can be named so simply to distinguish it from, for example, a “second miniature device”. Therefore, simply using the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “small device” does not indicate any other relationship between the two small devices. Similarly, it does not indicate other characteristics of either one or both of the small devices. For example, the mere use of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” in front of the term “small device” is that (1) either “small device” is in front or behind (2) rather than indicate that either small device will happen first or later in time or act (3) either small device However, it does not indicate whether it is higher or lower in importance or quality. In addition, the mere use of ordinal numbers does not prescribe numerical limitations on the properties identified by the ordinal numbers. For example, the mere use of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “small device” does not indicate that two or more small devices should not exist.

  Where one device or article is listed here, one or more devices / articles (whether or not they are cooperating) will be used in place of the listed device / article be able to. Thus, functionality described as being owned by one device can be alternately owned by one or more devices / articles (apart from whether they are cooperating).

  Similarly, where one or more devices or articles are described herein (apart from whether they are cooperating), one device / article is one or more described devices or articles Can be used alternately instead of For example, multiple computer-based devices can be replaced with a single computer-based device. Thus, various functionalities that are described as being owned by one or more devices or articles can be alternately owned by one device / article.

The functionality and / or nature of one device being described is described by one or more other devices that have been described but not explicitly described as having such functionality / properties. It can be embodied alternately. Thus, other embodiments need not include the described device itself, but rather may include one or more other devices having such functionality / properties in other embodiments. it can.
display

  The term “indication” is used in an extremely broad sense. The term “indication” includes, among other things, signs, signs, or other evidence.

  The term “indication” can be used to refer to any evidence and / or other information that represents a subject, item, essence and / or other purpose and / or concept.

  As used herein, the terms “information representing” and “evidence” are used to represent, describe, and / or refer to information related to the essence, subject matter, or purpose involved. Can be used.

  Evidence of information includes, for example, codes, references, links, signals, identifiers, and / or combinations thereof, and / or other informational indications associated with the information.

In some embodiments, the evidence of the information (or displaying that information) is the information itself, or includes and / or is part of the information component. be able to. In certain embodiments, certain indications may include requests, solicitations, broadcasts and / or other forms of information gathering and / or distribution.
The disclosed embodiments and terminology are not limiting.

  Neither the title of the invention (set at the beginning of the first page of the application) nor the abstract (set at the end of the application) is limited in any way as the scope of the disclosed invention . A summary of 150 words or less is simply 37C. F. The abstract is only included in this application as required by R§1.72 (b).

  The title of the invention of this application and the section headings provided in this application are provided for convenience only and are not to be treated as limiting this disclosure in any way. .

  Many embodiments are described in this application but are provided for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are in no way limiting and are not intended to be limiting. The presently disclosed invention is broadly applicable to many embodiments, as will be apparent from this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed invention can be practiced with various changes and modifications, such as structural, logical, software, and electrical changes. Although specific features of the disclosed invention may be described by one or more specific embodiments and / or drawings, such properties may be described by one or more specific items, unless expressly specified otherwise. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to use in the embodiments or drawings to which it is referenced to describe.

  Any of the embodiments of the method steps or product elements described in this application are expressly expressed as such in this specification, or unless explicitly stated in the claims. It does not establish the claimed invention, is not essential to the claimed invention, or does not have the same spread as the claimed invention.

  All words in all claims have the broad meaning given by those skilled in the art as of the priority date. No language in the claims is specifically defined or limited by this specification unless explicitly stated otherwise in this specification or the claims.

  The following preambles in the claims describe the purpose, benefits and possible uses of the claimed invention and are not intended to limit the claimed invention.

  This disclosure is not a literal description of all embodiments of the invention. Moreover, this disclosure is not a list of the nature of the invention that must be present in all embodiments.

  Devices that are described as communicating with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In contrast, such devices may transmit to each other as needed or desired, and in fact may refrain from exchanging data for most of the time. For example, a machine communicating with another machine via the Internet may not send data to the other machine for a long period of time (eg, several weeks at a time). In addition, devices that are communicating with each other can communicate with each other directly or via one or more intermediaries.

  The description of an embodiment having several components or features does not imply that all or some of such components / features are required. In contrast, various optional components are described to illustrate a wide range of possible embodiments of the invention. Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no component or feature is essential or required.

  Although the process steps, algorithms or the like are described in a particular sequential order, such processes can also be configured to operate in a different order. In other words, a sequence or order of steps that can be explicitly described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps must be performed in that order. The process steps described herein can be performed in any practical order. Further, some steps are described as occurring asynchronously (eg, because one step is described after the other) or are performed simultaneously, even though they are meant be able to. Furthermore, describing the process by drawing representation does not mean that the described process is exclusive to other variations or modifications, but any of the described process or its steps. Neither does it mean that it is necessary for the invention, nor does it mean that the described process is preferred.

  When a process is described as including multiple steps, it does not mean that all or any of the steps are suitable, essential or necessary. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention (s) include other processes that omit some or all of the described steps. Unless otherwise explicitly specified, no step is required or required.

  Although a process can be described alone or without reference to other products or methods, in one embodiment, the process can interact with other products or methods. For example, such interactions can include linking one business model to another business model. Such interactions can be provided to emphasize the flexibility and desirability of the process.

  A product can be described as having multiple components, aspects, quantities, attributes and / or properties, but it is preferred that some or all of its parts are preferred, essential or necessary. Not shown. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention encompass other products that omit some or all of the described plurality.

  An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that some or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless explicitly specified otherwise. Similarly, an enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) is comprehensive for any category, some or all of which items, unless explicitly specified otherwise. Does not mean that. For example, an enumerated list of “computer, laptop, PDA” does not mean that some or all of the three of the list are mutually exclusive, Nor does it mean that some or all of the three items are inclusive in all categories.

  An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) means that some or all of the items are equivalent to each other or can be easily replaced with each other Not.

  All embodiments are examples, and the invention or any embodiment thereof, in such cases, does not imply that it was made or achieved.

  It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various processes described herein can be implemented, for example, by appropriately programmed general purpose computers, special purpose computers, and computing devices. Typically, a processor (eg, one or more microprocessors, one or more digital signal processors) receives instructions (eg, from a memory or other device), executes those instructions, and Perform one or more processes specified by the instructions.

  "Processor" means one or more microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, etc., or combinations thereof.

  Therefore, a process description is like a description of an apparatus for performing the process. Devices that perform the process include, for example, a processor and input and output devices suitable to perform the process.

  In addition, programs that implement such methods (as with other data types) can be stored and transmitted using a variety of media (eg, computer readable media) in many ways. Is possible. In some embodiments, wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of or in combination with some or all of the software instructions capable of performing the processes of the various embodiments. it can. Thus, various combinations of hardware and software can be used instead of software alone.

  The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium, multiple media, or different that participates in providing data (eg, instructions, data structures) that can be read by a computer, processor, or such device. It is a combination of media. Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, transmission media, and the like. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memories. Volatile media typically includes dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which constitutes main memory. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and optical fibers, including the wires that make up the system bus connected to the processor. Transmission media can include or carry sound waves, light waves, and electromagnetic waves, such as radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common formats of computer readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, other optical media, punch cards, paper tape, hole patterns Other physical media, RAM, PROM, EPROM, flash EEPROM, other memory chips, cartridges, carrier waves described below, or other media formats that can be read by a computer.

  Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying data (eg, a series of instructions) to a processor. For example, data can be (i) transported from RAM to a processor, (ii) transmitted over wireless transmission media, (iii) Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth ™, and TCP Formatted and / or transmitted according to many formats, standards, or protocols such as / IP, TDMA, CDMA and 3G, and / or (iv) ensure privacy or are well known in the art It can be encrypted to prevent fraud by one of various methods.

  Therefore, the description of the process is similar to the description of the computer-readable medium that stores a program for executing the process. The computer readable medium can store (in a suitable format) program elements suitable for performing the method.

  Just as a description of the various steps within a process does not indicate that all the steps described are necessary, the implementation of the device is within the described process. Includes computers / computing devices that operate to do some (but not necessarily all).

  Similarly, implementation of a computer-readable medium storing a program or data structure just as a description of the various steps in the process is not asserted that all the steps described are required. Aspects include a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program that, when executed, causes a processor to execute some (but not necessarily all) of the described processes.

  When a database is described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that (i) a database structure alternative to the described database can be easily used, and (ii) a memory structure other than the database can be easily used. All descriptions or descriptions of the sample database presented here are exemplary configurations for stored information representations. For example, apart from the configurations proposed in the drawings and the tables described elsewhere, other configurations can be used without being limited to numbers. Similarly, any described entry in the database represents exemplary information only. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number and content of inputs may differ from those described herein. Furthermore, although the database is described as a table, other formats (relational database, object-based model and / or distributed database) are used to store and manipulate the data types described herein. Similarly, the intended method or operation of the database can be used to implement various processes, such as those described herein. In addition, the database can be stored locally or indirectly from devices that access data in such a database in a known manner.

  Various embodiments may be configured to operate in a network environment including a computer that communicates with one or more devices (eg, via a communication network). Computers can be wired or wireless media (eg, Internet, LAN, WAN, Ethernet, token ring, telephone line, cable line, radio channel, optical communication line, commercial online service provider, bulletin board system, satellite communication link, It is possible to communicate with the device directly or indirectly via a combination of the above. Each device itself consists of a computer or other computing device such as an Intel (registered) Pentium (registered) or Centrino ™ processor adapted to communicate with the computer. Any number of devices or any type of device can communicate with a computer.

  In some embodiments, a server computer or central authority is not necessary or desirable. For example, in certain embodiments, the present invention can be implemented on one or more devices without the need for a central authority. In such an embodiment, any function described herein performed by a server computer, data described to be stored on the server computer is instead executed by one or more such devices. And can be stored.

When a process is described, according to one embodiment, the process can operate without any user intervention. According to another embodiment, the process includes some human intervention (eg, certain steps are performed with or with human assistance).
35U. S. C§112, paragraph 6

  In certain claims, a limitation of a claim that includes the expression “means for what” or the expression “step for what” is 35U. S. C§112, paragraph 6 means that the limitation applies.

  In a claim, a claim limitation that does not include the expression "means for anything" or the expression "step for anything" means that the limitation is a structure, material, or act for performing its function. Without enumeration, the 35U. S. C§112, paragraph 6 means that the limitation does not apply. For example, in a claim, when referring to one or more steps of that claim or another claim, the expression “steps” or “several steps” is simply used, 35U. S. C§112, paragraph 6 does not imply that the step applies.

  35U. S. With respect to means or steps for performing a particular function in accordance with C § 112, paragraph 6, the corresponding structure, material or action described in this specification, and equivalents thereof, are similar to the identified function. Additional functions can be performed.

  Computers, processors, computing devices and such products are structures that can perform a wide variety of functions. Such a product may achieve a specific function by executing one or more programs, such as a program stored in the memory device of the product or a memory device accessed by the product. Can be operated to. Unless expressly specified otherwise, such a program need not be based on a particular algorithm, such as the particular algorithm disclosed in this application. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a particular function can be implemented through different algorithms, and one of many different algorithms is merely a design choice for performing that particular function. Is well known.

Therefore, 35U. S. C. With respect to means or steps for performing a particular function in accordance with § 112, paragraph 6, the structure corresponding to the particular function includes any product programmed to achieve that particular function. Such a structure allows such a product to (i) a disclosed algorithm to achieve its function, (ii) an algorithm similar to the disclosed algorithm, or (iii) to achieve its function. It includes a programmed product that achieves its function regardless of whether it is programmed with different algorithms.
Discremer

Many references to a particular embodiment do not indicate additional, disclaimers or denials of different embodiments; similarly, references to an embodiment that includes a particular feature include that particular feature. It does not indicate a denial or denial of an embodiment that is not. An obvious denial or denial in this application shall be initiated by the expression “does not include” or the expression “cannot be done”.
Continuation application

The present disclosure provides those skilled in the art with a description that empowers several embodiments and / or inventions. Some of these embodiments and / or inventions cannot be claimed in this application, however, they can be claimed in one or more continuation applications claiming the benefit of priority of this application. Applicants intend to file additional applications in order to pursue patents on subject matter that is disclosed and authorized but cannot be claimed in this application.
Import by reference

  Any patents, patent applications or other documents mentioned herein are incorporated by reference into this patent application as part of this disclosure, in which case 35 U.S. Pat. S. C. § 112, description according to paragraph 1, and 35U. S. For reasons of feasibility only in accordance with C § 112, paragraph 1, and in the absence of such incorporation as a reference, this application will not fail to provide clarifiable meaning, rather It should not be used to limit, establish, or understand the terms of this application, provided that they provide the clarifiable meaning of such terms. Thus, one skilled in the art need not be limited to any embodiment provided for reference.

Incorporation by reference is an admission regarding any statement, opinion, discussion, or characterization contained in the incorporated patent, patent application, or other document, unless expressly specified otherwise in this patent application. Does not mean approval, or acquiescence.
Review progress

  When interpreting this application (including claims), one of ordinary skill in the art shall refer to the examination process of this application, regardless of whether there are other patent applications that may be relevant to this application. Does not refer to the examination process of any patent or patent application.

FIG. 1 shows a game system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an example of a communication network according to an embodiment of the present invention that can be used in the game system of FIG. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a process according to an embodiment of the present invention for engaging gaming activities and / or convenient services using the gaming system of FIG. FIG. 4 is a verification system according to an embodiment of the present invention combined with the game system of FIG. 1 and can be used to verify whether the game machine is communicating with a licensed game server. Indicates. FIG. 5 illustrates a verification service provided by the verification system of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates another verification service provided by the verification system of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 illustrates another verification service provided by the verification system of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 illustrates another verification service provided by the verification system of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9 illustrates another verification service provided by the verification system of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, one or more players, such as players 102, 104, are provided with one or more gaming actions and possibly other convenient services. A distributed game system is shown for. In particular, the game system 100 provides a game server 110 that provides game actions and convenient services, and provides the player 102/104 with access to the game machine 100 and operates in conjunction with the game server 110 for the player. One or more game machines 130 that provide gaming behavior and convenient services, possibly one or more databases 180, and a communication network 150 as a means for the game server 110 and game machine 130 to communicate can be included. As such, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the use of the gaming machine 130 allows the gaming system 100 to allow the players 102, 104 to play gaming activities and possibly other conveniences, as the game server 110 provides. It is possible to get involved in various services.

  More specifically, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the game server 110 provides one or more game actions and information related to the game actions (“game information”) through the communication network 150 having the game machine 130. Any computing device that operates to replace The game information may include any information that is necessary and / or preferred for the operation of a game act in which a player participates or is involved. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the game act provided by the game server 110 may include a gambling act as provided at a casino. Examples of gambling acts include casino machines such as slot machines, video poker, table games (eg craps, roulette, blackjack, paigao poker, caribbean stud poker, baccarat, etc.), lucky game wheels, kino. Can include sports lotteries, horse racing, dog racing, hirai and other gambling activities. The gaming actions provided by the game server 110 can include wagering on any type of event. Events can include, for example, sporting events such as horse racing and auto racing, and athletic competitions such as football, basketball, baseball, and golf. Events can also include events that usually do not involve gambling, such as elections, entertainment industry awards, and film performances. The game action provided by the game server 110 may further include a lottery type action such as lottery (lottery) or state-level or inter-state lottery. These lotteries can include all forms of number selection lottery, "scratch-off" lottery, and other lottery contests. The game actions provided by the game server 110 may include non-gambling / non-gambling actions including games and events. A person skilled in the art recognizes that the game server 110 is not limited to the above-described game actions and that other game actions are possible.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the game server 110 also provides one or more convenient services via the communication network 150 having the game machine 130, and these convenient services ("convenient service information"). )) Can be operated to exchange information. Useful service information may include any information that is necessary and / or desirable in the operation of a convenient service involving the player. Exemplary convenient services may include restaurant services, entertainment services, hotel services, money management services, news services, financial exchange services or other suitable services and combinations thereof that may be provided to game console players, etc. it can. Restaurant services may include, for example, services that allow players to order drinks, order food, make reservations, or perform other restaurant-related activities. Entertainment services, for example, allow players to purchase show tickets, arrange appointments or services, shop in virtual reality, arrange transportation, or perform other entertainment-related activities Includes services to make. Hotel services can be used, for example, by a player to check out, check in, make a jacuzzi appointment, check a message, leave a message, investigate hotel rates, or other guests. It is a service that makes it possible to conduct relationships. A money management service is, for example, a service that allows a player to move funds, pay bills, or perform other money management activities. A news service is, for example, a service that allows a player to select and browse news sources and / or news articles. A financial exchange service is, for example, a service that allows a player to place a buy and / or sell order for a financial exchange. Those skilled in the art recognize that the game server 110 is not limited to the convenient services described above.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the game server 110 provides game actions and convenient services similar to the actions described herein. One or more processors, such as processor 112, memory 114, and one or more applications 116, which can be operative to exchange various service information with game console 130. Application 116 may be embodied as one or more software modules in memory 114 that execute on processor 112. Alternatively or additionally, application 116 may be embodied as one or more firmware and / or hardware modules. The game server 110 also interfaces with and communicates with the communication network 150 (and possibly other communication networks not shown) to send and / or receive convenient service information with the game having the game console 130. One or more communication modules 118 may be included. Game server 110 may also include a computer readable medium 115 (eg, a disk drive) for storing application 116. As shown in FIG. 1, the game server 110 can also operate to access one or more databases, such as the database 180. The database 180 may store, for example, a game record or player profile information for each player in the gaming system 100, as further described herein. Although game server 110 is shown as a single server, those skilled in the art will recognize that game server 110 can include multiple servers, including redundant servers. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the game server 110 may be at least partially a web server such as an http (hypertext transfer protocol) web server.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, game server 110 and associated application 116 may be provided by game service provider 172. Actual control of gaming actions and convenient services may be provided by gaming facility 174. (Game facilities may include, for example, casinos, casino hotels, or other types of entities in Las Vegas, Nevada, Atlantic City, New Jersey or other states, and within the scope of international jurisdictions such as cruise ships May include entities, indigenous American gaming facilities, and / or may include “racino”, a stadium that provides slot machines, video lottery terminals, etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a gaming facility can include other types of entities.) Alternatively, the gaming facility 174 can not only control gaming activities and convenient services, but also the game server 110 and associated applications. 116, in which case the game service provider Da 172 does not exist. Alternatively, game service provider 172 can provide game server 110 and associated application 116 and can control gaming activities and convenient services, in which case there is no gaming facility 174. . Those skilled in the art will recognize that other combinations of these configurations are possible. As shown in FIG. 1, assuming that there is a game service provider 172 and a game facility 174, the game server 110 can be within the geographical boundaries of the game service provider 172, and the game service provider Can be located away from However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations are possible. For example, the game server 110 can exist remotely from the game service provider 172. As another example, game service provider 172 and game server 110 may be within the geographic boundaries of a gaming facility.

  Referring to the gaming machine 130, these devices provide the player 102/104 with access to the gaming system 100, such that the player can provide one or more gaming actions and possibly other, as the game server 110 provides. Make it possible to get involved with convenient services. Accordingly, the gaming machine 130, in combination with the game server 110, provides the player with one or more gaming actions and possibly convenient services using the device, and the player in the relationship between gaming actions and convenient services. It may be a device that operates to receive input from and provide information to the player and exchange games and convenient service information via a communication network 150 having a game server 110. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gaming machine 130 may be a mobile / mobile phone, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a pocket PC (personal computer), a personal computing device (eg, a laptop), a pager, or a slot machine. It may be a special or general purpose computing device (eg, a kiosk) configured to provide one or more gaming activities, such as video poker machines, and possibly convenient services. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the game system 100 may include different types of game machines 130. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of gaming machines are possible.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the game machine 130 is a fixed device or a device that is fixed to a fixed object, and can be located in the game area of the game facility 174 or in a player room. It can be located in a remote location such as inside, poolside or in a restaurant. Alternatively, the gaming machine can be a mobile device so that a player can move while participating in one or more gaming actions or convenient services. For example, a mobile gaming machine may allow a player to engage in actions and / or services in or away from a gaming facility game area. When the gaming machine is a mobile device, the device can be provided to the player by game facility 174 and / or game service provider 172. For example, a player can obtain such a device at check-in at a hotel and / or from a central location within a gaming facility, and the device is temporarily assigned to the player. Alternatively, the mobile game machine may be a device owned by a player such as a mobile phone or a PDA.

  Referring back to FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the gaming machine 130 interfaces with the communication network 150 to communicate with the game server 110 and / or receive games and convenient services. A module 131 can be included. The gaming machine can also include at least one output device. An exemplary output device is a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) for displaying text and / or image information and options that a player can select in connection with one or more gaming activities or convenient services. A display device) may include at least one display 132, such as a monitor. Other example output devices include one or more LEDs (light emitting diodes) and at least one audio output device (eg, a speaker) for carrying information related to one or more gaming activities or convenient services. Can be included. The gaming machine may also include a mouse, touch sensitive pad, pointer, stylus, trackball, hard button, keypad and / or keyboard having one or more keys that display alphanumeric characters, wheels, touch sensitive monitors, and / or audio. At least one or more input devices 134, such as an input device (eg, a microphone), can be included so that the player can enter commands and / or information regarding one or more gaming activities or convenient services. Can do. The gaming machine may also include at least one biometric input device 136 for entering biometric information such as a fingerprint for accessing the game system 100.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gaming machine also operates in conjunction with one or more processors, such as processor 137, memory 138, and application 116 to provide one or more gaming activities and convenient services. One or more applications 140. Application 140 may be embodied as one or more software modules that reside in memory 138 and execute on processor 137. Alternatively or additionally, application 140 can be embodied as one or more firmware and / or hardware modules. If the application 140 is embodied as one or more software modules, these software modules can be initially incorporated into a gaming machine, for example, stored on a computer readable medium 139 and thus many times. Can also be used. Alternatively, or in addition, each time a player selects a game act or convenient service, a corresponding application 140 can be incorporated from, for example, the game server 110 (eg, a web application). Those skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations are possible. The gaming machine may also be operative to access one or more databases, such as database 180, either directly or via game server 110, for example. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that different gaming machines can provide different gaming actions and convenient services, for example, for gaming machines and / or players. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gaming device 130 can operate at least in part as a web client (eg, including a web browser).

  As described above, game actions and convenient services can be provided to the player through a combination of an application executed on the game server 110 and an application 140 executed on the game machine. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any portion of a game act or convenient service can be performed by the game server 110 and the game console 130. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a gaming act or convenient service can be performed on a game server, and the gaming machine simply provides information to the player and receives input from the player. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the game act or convenient service can be executed on the gaming machine, which provides the result to the game server. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations are possible.

  In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to providing a player with one or more gaming actions and convenient services, the gaming machine 130 may be a mobile phone, POTS, as is known in the art. Providing one or more communication services such as telephone and / or data communication services (planned old telephone service) and / or IP (Internet Protocol) telephone service, Internet-based service, email service, text message service, etc. Can be operated as follows. As such, for example, in the case of a gaming machine owned by a player, the gaming machine may provide telephone and / or data communication services and may be provided by gaming system 100. In addition, one or more game acts and convenient services can be provided. Players can purchase these various telephone / data communication services and gaming acts / convenient services together or separately. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that even if the gaming device 130 is not owned by a player, the gaming device can provide telephone and / or data communication services.

  Those skilled in the art will use the common hardware and / or software modules of the gaming machine 130 to provide telephone and / or data communication services and one or more gaming activities and / or convenient services. Recognize that you can. For example, hardware and / or software modules used to provide data communication services can also be used to communicate with game server 110. According to other embodiments of the present invention, telephone and / or data communication services may or may not use communication network 150. In other words, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the game machine can include one or more communication modules in addition to the communication module 131.

  Referring now to communication network 150, according to one embodiment of the present invention, this network provides a mechanism for game console 130 and game server 110 to exchange games and convenient service information. . For example, the game and useful service information includes application 140 loading into game console 130, security information such as login and password, and image, text and / or audio information and game server 110 and game console. An indication of a selection exchanged with 130 may be included. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other information is possible. Thus, the communication network 150 can transmit image, text and / or audio information, in whole or in part, in any form including digital and / or analog formats. It can be.

  In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the communication network 150 can be a wired and / or wireless network including a telephone and / or data communication network. Communication network 150 can be a private and / or public network, at least in part due to the security needs of games and convenient service information exchanged between game server 110 and game console 130. Can include public internet. Network 150 may be based on any known and / or future transmission technology. Exemplary radio technologies can include, for example, licensed or license-exempt technologies, in particular, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet It may include Wireless Services (GPRS), WiFi (802.11x), WiMax (802.16x) and / or satellite based technologies. Exemplary wireline technologies are those based on public switched telephone network (PSTN), digital subscriber line (DSL), integrated services digital communication network (ISDN), cable modem technology, and / or LAN (local area network). Can be included. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other transmission technologies and combinations of transmission technologies can be used.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the communication network 150 may include a plurality of different networks, which may or may not be interconnected, and It may or may not be based on a different transmission technique. The game server 110 can perform input / output with each network and / or perform input / output with one or more networks via a common access point. Different game machines can input and output with different networks. These multiple networks can each provide or cover different game areas / locations. Alternatively, one or more networks can cover the same game area / location and can be based on different transmission technologies, so that different types of gaming machines have different technologies for accessing the game server 110. It becomes possible to use. Since the communication network 150 includes multiple networks, one or more gaming machines can use the wireless network to access the game server 110 and can thus be used as a mobile gaming machine. Similarly, one or more gaming machines can use a wired network to access the game server 110 and can thus be used as a fixed gaming machine.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a communication network 250 is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. The communication network 250 is a mobile phone network and includes a plurality of base stations 252 each having a corresponding cover area 253. Base station technology is well known in the art and base station 252 may be of any type found in a typical cellular network. The base station has an overlapping cover area. The game machine 130 accesses the network 250 by receiving and transmitting radio signals with the base station 252. For example, the game machine 130 may be a mobile phone. Network 250 also includes at least one voice / data switch 254 that is connectable to base station 252 via a mobile switching center (MSC) (not shown). The game server 110 is connected to the voice / data switch 254 via, for example, a dedicated and reliable ground communication line 256. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the communication network 250 can provide the gaming machine 130 with telephone and / or data communication services. For example, the data communication service can be used for transferring games and convenient service information between the game machine 130 and the game server 110 via the voice / data switch 254. Similarly, the voice / data switch 254 can route telephone calls between the game console 130 and a public and / or private voice network (not shown).

  Referring again to FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention, gaming system 100 may also include one or more databases, such as database 180, possibly including one or more redundant and / or backup databases. it can. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the database 180 may be accessible to the game server 110 and may be accessible to one or more game machines 130. One or more databases may be provided and / or controlled by game service provider 172 and / or game facility 174 and may be located with game server 110 and / or remote from game server 110. . One skilled in the art will recognize that the database 180 may be part of the game server 110.

  It should be noted that the term “database” as used herein is not intended to limit how the information held therein is stored and / or accessed. For example, the database 180 may be a database management system. Alternatively, the database 180 may be a computer readable medium in the game server 110 and the information may be held by the game server, for example, as a single layer file. In another example, the database 180 may be one or more dynamic data structures (eg, arrays) in the memory 114 of the game server 110 and may be maintained by the game server. Alternatively, the information can be maintained using any combination of these and other implementations.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the database 180 may store player profile information for one or more players 102/104 of the gaming system 100. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the database 180 can store other information. The player profile information may be accessible to the game server 110 when providing gaming actions and / or convenient services, and may be accessible to one or more gaming machines 130. Player profile information can be created, maintained, and modified. In particular, when a player first enters a gaming facility 174 (eg, registration at a hotel), the player may enter one or more gaming activities and / or convenient services (such as a When the player gets a game console (eg, at check-in at a hotel and / or from a central location within the gaming facility) Player profile information may be created, maintained, and modified when engaged in one or more gaming activities and / or when a player is engaged in one or more convenient services. Those skilled in the art will recognize that player profile information may be created, maintained, and modified at other times. Player profile information includes information provided and / or directed by the player, information assigned to the player, information regarding player monitoring, and / or information related to the gaming machine 130 used by the player, etc. Other types of information may be used. Player profile information may be created, maintained, and modified by personnel of game system 100 and / or by game server 110. Although those skilled in the art disclose that player profile information is maintained in database 180 herein, player profile information may be maintained in a plurality of different databases, each of which can be implemented in any manner. Recognize that you can.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the player profile information stored in the beta base 180 may include information about each player himself. For example, player profile information may include player name, player identification information such as home and / or work address, hotel room number, one or more phone numbers including mobile phones, social security numbers, driving One or more account numbers, such as a license number, bank, ATM, debit card, and / or credit card number, and credit / credit performance information may be included. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the profile information can include other types of player identification information.

  The player profile information may also include, for example, player security information that the player needs to enter into the gaming machine 130 to access the game system 100 / game server 110. The player security information may include a player identification value such as login, player password, fingerprint electronic file, voice, photo, retinal scan, and / or other biometric information. In the case of a login and password, one or both of these values can be specified / assigned by a player, game facility and / or game service provider staff, or a combination thereof.

  The player security information also includes one or more personal information related to the player, such as the player's maiden name, the player's pet name, the town where the player was born, and / or the hospital where the player was born. be able to. Those skilled in the art will recognize that player security information may include other types of personal information related to the player. Personal information related to the player can be stored in the database 180 in a different format, but for example, the personal information itself (eg, “Smith”) and the answer is personal information (eg, “What is your maiden name?” Is a common question and answer to that question and / or a statement that has not yet been made and a statement that has not been made yet is personal information (for example, “Your maiden name is Smith”) ) Take the means of completion against an unsettled statement. Those skilled in the art will recognize that personal information can be stored in other formats. Regardless of the format, the personal information can be stored as text values and / or audible values.

  The player security information can also include one or more values, such as a random value specified by the player. The value can include, for example, an alphanumeric text value, a plurality of alphanumeric text values, an audible signal, an audible tone, an audible text value, and / or a plurality of audible text values, or combinations thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that player security information may include other types of values.

  Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the profile information can include other types of player security information than disclosed herein. In accordance with different embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, a player may receive a game act and / or convenient service prior to the beginning of the game act and / or prior to a convenient registration period and / or game act and / or convenient service. During that time, some or all of the player's security information can be identified.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the player profile information may also include information related to the gaming machine 130 that the player is using to access the game system 100. The gaming machine information may include a tracking number assigned to the gaming machine, such as a serial number, inventory number, or other alphanumeric value. For example, the tracking number assigned to a gaming machine may be a game server 110, a gaming machine manufacturer, a game service provider, and / or a gaming authority 176 (for example, a gaming authority such as the Nevata Game Commission, the Nevada Game Administration Committee). , The New Jersey Game Implementation Department (DGE), the New Jersey Casino Management Committee (CCC), or the National Indian Game Committee, etc.). Those skilled in the art will recognize that game authorities may include other local, state, federal, and / or non-federal games / gambling / casino committees / conferences, or combinations thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the game server 110 can use the tracking value to internally reference the gaming machine.

  The gaming machine information may also include, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), IP address, MAC (Media Access Control) address, host name (fully qualified domain name and / or fully qualified domain name subname ), A phone number, an electronic serial number (ESN), and / or a mobile identification number (MIN), etc., and the name (eg, address) assigned to the gaming machine. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of names could possibly be assigned to a gaming machine. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the game server 110 may use a single name internally to associate and / or communicate with the gaming machine.

  Those skilled in the art will recognize that gaming machine information may be created, maintained and modified in a database by players, game system 100 personnel, and / or game server 110. For example, the game server can determine the name of the game machine through communication with the game machine and store this information in the database 180. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that player profile information may include other types of gaming machine information than those disclosed herein.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the player's profile information may also include information related to gaming behavior. Information about game actions includes, for example, favorite game actions, game action preference configurations, game action preference screen configurations, and gambling / gaming preferences for general and / or special game actions, etc. It may include player preferences regarding gaming actions. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the player's preferences for other game actions can be retained.

  Information regarding game actions may also include information related to one or more game actions involving the player. By way of example, the game server 110 can monitor, track, and / or store player behavior to obtain such information. Such information can be retained, for example, for an entire period of time that the player is involved in various gaming activities, and / or can be retained for some fixed period of movement. Information related to one or more game actions that a player is involved in is currently related to the name of the game action that the player is engaged in, the name of the game action that the player was previously engaged in, and the player Any given game action can include its name and a series of names of one or more game actions that the player is involved in. Information related to one or more game actions involving a player may also include information about where the player is currently engaged in the game action, where the player was previously engaged in the game action, and what game action the player is in Even so, it may include the location that was involved in it and a series of one or more locations where the player was involved in multiple gaming actions. The location type information may be based on the location of a stationary gaming machine, for example, or in the case of a portable gaming machine, a network-based technology such as distributed positioning angle positioning, or geofencing, and / or For example, using location-based techniques such as satellite-based technologies such as Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other location verification techniques can be used.

  Information related to one or more game actions in which the player is engaged may also include the skill (or success) level at which the player is currently engaged and the game in which the player was previously engaged. The acquired skill / success level and any game action that the player is involved in, any series of one or more of the acquired skill / success level and the game action that the player is involved in The acquired skill / success level can be included.

  Information related to one or more gaming activities with which the player is engaged may also include the amount bet on the gaming activity that the player is currently engaged with, the amount bet on the gaming activity with which the player was previously engaged, Bet by any player who is involved in one or more gaming activities, a series of bets in one or more gaming activities that involve the player, and any gaming activities involving The average amount can be included.

  Information related to one or more game actions with which the player is engaged may also include monetary results (ie, won or lost) for the game action that the player is currently engaged with, It may include a monetary result in a previously played game action, a series of monetary results in one or more game actions that involve the player, and a total monetary result in one or more game actions that involve the player.

  Information related to one or more game actions in which a player is engaged is the result of winning or losing in a game action in which the player is currently engaged, and the result of winning or losing in a game action in which the player was previously engaged. Any game action involving a player can include a win-loss result and a series of win-loss results in one or more game actions involving the player.

  Information related to one or more game actions in which the player is engaged can also be found in the events in the game action in which the player is currently engaged (eg, a card traded on a blackjack sticky note), , Including a series of events in a game action involved, any game action involving a player, a series of events in it, and a series of events in one or more game actions involving a player Can do. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other information related to one or more gaming actions involving the player can also be maintained.

  According to embodiments of the present invention, player profile information may also include player credit information. The credit information may include a player's credit amount reflected by the credit account. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the amount of credit reflected by the credit account can vary. For example, prior to engaging in a gaming act, a player may deposit a credit amount in a credit account, for example, first using a cashier to exchange for a credit card type deposit or other type of deposit. it can. Therefore, the credit amount fluctuates as the player is involved in one or more gaming actions, and the game server 110 adds and subtracts the player's wins and / or losses to the credit account. Similarly, the player can deposit additional funds in the credit account and / or raise the funds via the cashier. According to embodiments of the present invention, when a player is engaged in one or more convenient services, the game server 110 may also subtract purchase costs and / or profits associated with these services from the credit account. And / or can be added. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the credit account may vary in other ways.

  The credit information may also include a transaction history of the credit amount such that the credit amount varies with deposits, withdrawals, wins, losses, purchase costs, and profits.

  The credit information may also include one or more credit limits, including betting / wager limits assigned to the player in the context of gaming activities. For example, a single betting / wager limit can be assigned to one or more gaming actions involving a player. Alternatively, one or more gaming actions may have an assigned betting / wager limit. The credit limit can also have one or more spending limits assigned to the player in connection with convenient services. When a player is engaged in one or more gaming activities and / or convenient services, the game server can dynamically change the player's betting / wager limits and spending limits. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a player's profile information may include other types of player credit information.

  In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, player profile information may include information related to one or more convenient services with which the player is involved, which can be monitored and maintained by the information game server 110, for example. Information related to one or more convenient services with which the player is engaged may include, for example, reservations and / or appointments made by the player, items purchased by the player, and reservations made / purchased by the player, Appointments and purchase costs and / or deposit amounts associated with the items can be included. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a player's profile information may include other types of information related to one or more convenient services with which the player is involved. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of player profile information can be created, maintained and modified in addition to those disclosed herein.

  One of ordinary skill in the art may access one or more player profile information disclosed herein to database 180 to obtain one or more player profile information in addition to other player profile information, For example, it will be appreciated that the database 180 can be implemented in a manner that can be used to index.

  Referring now to FIG. 3, an example process 300 for involving gaming actions and / or convenient services of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many other scenarios are possible. Beginning at step 302, the player 102 can initially activate the gaming machine 130, for example, by switching on the device. As a result of the operation, the game machine 130 automatically connects to the communication network 150, and the player 102 can cause the game machine to connect to the communication network. Accordingly, the gaming machine 130 can automatically establish communications with the game server 110, or the player 102 may select these options and / or enter commands to the gaming machine. Can be established. Accordingly, the game server 110 can capture one or more applications 140 in the game machine. Referring to step 304, the game server 110 and / or gaming machine 130 then causes the player 102 to enter player identification information and may cause the player 102 to enter, for example, a login and password, and possibly biometric information. It is also possible to input player security information including According to another embodiment of the present invention, the gaming machine may already be in operation and communicate with the game server 110 when first used by a player. Here, the process 300 may begin at step 304, for example.

  Assuming that the player enters the correct player security information, the game server 110 and / or gaming machine 130 then provides the player 102 with an option to continue the game act or possibly a convenient service (step 306). be able to. Assuming that the player chooses to proceed with the game action, the gaming environment can be provided to the player. For example, the gaming environment may include a casino lobby, where players are provided with a broad category of gaming activities including, for example, gambling activities, event betting, lottery activities, and the like. Assuming that the player selects a particular category, the player can then be offered a specific type of gaming action from which to select.

  Proceeding to step 308, the player 102 can select a particular gaming action, such as a particular casino table game. At step 310, the game server and / or gaming machine may then provide the player with one or more options related to the selected game action. At step 312, the player next selects an option. For example, a player can place a wager or draw a card. At step 314, the gaming machine 130 can accept the selected option and send the selected option to the game server 110. At step 316, the game server runs on the selected option.

  For example, the game server can determine the outcome, such as winning or losing, and / or the amount won or lost based on, for example, the wager and the applicable wager rate. For certain gambling activities such as table games and slot machines, a random number generator can be incorporated to determine the outcome.

  After step 318, the game server can prepare a response for the player based on the determined result, and transmit the response to the game machine / player. At step 320, the player can confirm the response using the game server. For example, the player can confirm that the blackjack holder has won and can confirm the designated payout. At step 322, the player can log out of the game server / game machine.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, game server 110 is trusted in the sense that game service provider 172, game facility 174, and / or game authority 176 has a mechanism for verifying that the server has not been tampered with. Server (eg, “licensed server” / “licensed game server”). For example, game service provider 172, game facility 174, and / or game authority 176 may physically secure game server 110 (eg, restrict access thereto) and / or provide gaming activities and convenient services. It is possible to have a mechanism for checking the certainty of the application 116 that performs. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the game server 110 may have a mechanism for confirming that the game machine 130 has not been tampered with, for example. For example, as is known in the art, the game server 110 may have a mechanism for checking the reliability of the application 140 on the gaming machine. Thus, when a player uses the gaming machine 130 to engage in one or more gaming activities or convenient services, the game server 110 can confirm that the gaming machine has not been tampered with, for example, when a problem is discovered. Can interrupt an act or service.

  In particular, from the perspective of the player 102/104 using the game machine 130, a game machine in which the player is not known to the player is provided by the game service provider 172 and / or the game facility 174. It would be desirable to have a mechanism that can verify that the gaming machine has not been tampered with so that it interacts with a malicious game server instead of the licensed game server 110. In other words, if a player uses a gaming machine to engage one or more gaming acts or convenient services with a game server, the gaming machine is in fact given to the player as “a licensed game server. It is desirable to provide a mechanism that can confirm that the user is communicating with (eg, game server 110).

  Referring now to FIG. 4, a verification system 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The verification system 400 includes a verification server 410, a verification device 430a / 430b / 430c that provides the player 102/104 with access to the verification system 400, and a communication network with which the verification server 410 and the verification device 430a / 430b can communicate. 450 is included. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server 410 provides one or more “validation servers” to one or more players 102/104 of the gaming system 100, and in particular, the player may possibly have a verification device. Use 430a / 430b / 430c to confirm that the gaming machine 130 that the player is using is communicating with the licensed game server, not the malicious game server Enable.

  In particular, according to embodiments of the present invention, verification server 410 may be a computing device that operates to provide one or more verification services, as disclosed herein. As shown in FIG. 4, the verification server 410 may be a computing device separated from the game server 110. Here, the verification server 410 is one or more processors, such as a processor 412, memory 414, and an application 416 that can each run to provide a verification service as disclosed herein. You can have more than one application. Each application 416 can reside in memory 414 and be embedded as one or more software modules executing on processor 412. Alternatively or additionally, application 416 can be embedded in one or more firmware and / or hardware modules. The verification server 410 has one or more communication modules for interfacing with the communication network 450 (probably other communication networks) and for transmitting and / or receiving verification information with the verification devices 430a / 430b. 418 may be included. The verification information may include information necessary and / or preferred in the operation of the verification service as further disclosed herein, in particular, information exchanged between the verification server 410 and the verification device 430 and Information that is exchanged between the verification server 410 and the game machine 130 may be included. The validation server 410 can also have one or more interactive voice response (IVR) systems, such as system 419, so that the player can automatically, for example, as further disclosed herein. It becomes possible to interact with the verification server 410. Verification server 410 can also include, for example, a computer readable medium 415 for storing one or more applications 416. Although validation server 410 is shown as a single server, those skilled in the art will recognize that validation server 410 may include multiple servers, including redundant servers. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server 410 can be at least partially a web server such as an http web server.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, as further shown in FIG. 4, the verification server 410 is also interconnected to the licensed game server 110, as represented by communication 452. . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, communication 542 is a communication network, such as a data communication network, and may be a network separate from or a part of communication network 150 and / or communication network 450. Accordingly, the verification server 410 and the game server 110 may also include one or more communication modules (not shown) for communicating via the communication network 452. Those skilled in the art will recognize that mechanisms other than the communication network 452 can be used to interconnect the verification server 410 and the game server.

  In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, as further disclosed herein, the verification server 410, for a player using a gaming machine, to verify that the device is in communication with the game server 110, The verification information can be exchanged with the game machine 130 via the game server 110. In other words, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server 410 can forward the verification information to the game machine 130 and / or receive the verification information from the game machine 130, which information is communicated with the communication network 150. It is possible to pass through the communication 452, and particularly through the game server 110 to which a license is given. Confirming that the game machine is communicating with the licensed game server 110 instead of other malicious servers by passing the verification information through the licensed game server 110 do. According to embodiments of the present invention, game server 110 may include mechanisms known in the art to enable verification information to be communicated between verification server 410 and game console 130.

  In FIG. 4, the verification server 410 is shown as being connected to a single game server 110 / game system 100, but according to other embodiments of the present invention, the verification server 410 includes a plurality of verification servers 410. Interconnected with game server 110, each is provided and / or controlled by a different game service provider and / or game facility. Here, the verification server 410 can provide a verification service for a player using the gaming machine 130 on any of these game systems.

  Although the verification server 410 is shown in FIG. 4 as a computing device separate from the game server 110, those skilled in the art can have other implementations of the verification server 410, such as the game server 110 that includes the verification server 410. Recognize that there is. In other words, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the game server 110 and the verification server 410 may be the same system. For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server 410 may be a physical entity / physical part of the game server 110. Here, game server 110 may include one or more processors, such as processor 412, and one or more applications, such as application 416, where the processor / memory / application is representative of verification server 410. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification server 410 may be a logical entity within the game server 110 such that the game server 110 includes the verification server 410. For example, the game server 110 may include one or more applications, such as an application 416 that executes as one or more processors on the game server 110, which represents the verification server 410.

  According to these various alternative embodiments, game server 110 may interface with communication network 450 to send verification information to verification devices 430a / 430b and / or receive verification information therefrom. One or more communication modules 418 for the “validation server” 410 may be included. In addition, game server 110 may include one or more IVR systems, such as system 419, to allow players to interact with “validation server” 410 automatically, for example. . In addition, game server 110 may also include mechanisms known in the art for “verification server” 410 for transferring verification information to gaming machine 130 and / or for receiving verification information. As such, the verification information can be considered to pass between the verification server 410 and the game machine 130 via the game server 110. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other implementations of the validation server 410 and / or the game server 110 are possible.

  Referring back to FIG. 4, the verification server 410 can also operate to access one or more databases, such as the database 180. The implementation of database 180 as disclosed herein and / or the implementation of a validation server as disclosed herein allows the validation server to access database 180 directly (at communication 454). And / or the database 180 can be accessed via the game server 110.

  In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server 410 and its associated application 416 can be provided and / or controlled by the game service provider 172, the game facility 174, and / or the game authority 176, and these entities Can be within the geographic boundaries of one or more of the following. In addition, when the verification server 410 and the game server 110 are separate entities, the servers can be located together and / or remote from each other.

  According to embodiments of the present invention, game service provider 172, game facility 174, and / or game authority 176 physically secures a verification server (eg, restricts access thereto) and / or, for example, , The verification server 410 is a trusted server (“licensed server” / “licensed verification server”) in that it can have a mechanism for checking the reliability of the application 416. It may be. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, as further disclosed herein, a player 102/104 using a verification device 430 to access the verification server 410 may be a verification server that is a secure server. Instead, a different mechanism may also be provided so that it can be verified that it is a “licensed verification server”.

  Referring now to verification devices 430a, 430b, and 430c, according to embodiments of the present invention, these devices provide player 102/104 with access to verification system 100 and, in particular, use by the player. In order to verify that the gaming console 130 is in contact with the licensed game server 110, the player can use the verification service as provided by the verification server 410. Become. As disclosed herein, according to different embodiments of the present invention, verification system 100 can include only verification devices 430a, 430b or 430c, or can include a combination of these devices. Is possible. In addition, for each verification device 430a, 430b, and 430c, the verification system 400 can further include many types of one or each device, as disclosed herein.

  Referring to verification devices 430a, according to embodiments of the present invention, these devices operate to interface with communication network 450, transfer verification information to verification server 410, and / or receive verification information. Any device that operates to provide and provide verification information to the player and / or receives verification information can be included. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification device 430a is a POTS phone, mobile / cellular phone, IP phone, PDA, pocket PC, personal computing device, pager, terminal, or kiosk. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification system 400 can include different types of verification devices 430a. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of verification devices 430a are possible.

  According to embodiments of the present invention, perhaps a verification device 430a other than a kiosk or terminal can be owned by a player 102/104. Alternatively, game facility 174, game service provider 172, and / or game authority 176 may provide one or more verification devices 430 that can be used by a player. In the latter case, the verification device is a stationary device (eg, kiosk) or a device that is anchored and / or installed on a stationary object (eg, a wall) and is a game facility 174 or other location game. Can be located within an area / location. According to embodiments of the present invention, when a gaming facility, game service provider, and / or game authority provides a verification device 430a, the device is placed in a prominent location, thereby using the verification device. A player can be trusted to access the “licensed verification server” 410 when the verification device has not been tampered with and is being used.

  Referring again to FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification device 430a interfaces with the communication network 450 to send verification information to the verification server 410 and / or receive verification information. A communication module 431 can be included. The verification device 430a may also include at least one output device for communicating verification information to the player, such as at least one display 432, one or more LEDs and / or at least one audio output device. . Verification device 430a may also include a mouse, touch sensitive pad, pointer, stylus, trackball, button, keypad and / or keyboard having one or more keys to display alphanumeric characters, wheels, touch sensitive monitors, and / or acoustics. At least one or more input devices 434, such as an input device (e.g., a microphone), may be included, thereby allowing the player to enter verification information. Verification device 430a may also include one or more processors, such as processor 436, memory 438, and computer readable media 439.

  According to embodiments of the present invention, the verification device 430a may not include applications (eg, software, firmware, and / or hardware modules) that are specific to the verification system 400. According to another embodiment of the present invention, verification device 430a may include one or more applications that work in conjunction with application 416 to provide one or more verification services, such as application 440. . Each application 440 can reside in memory 438 and be embedded as one or more software modules executing on processor 436 and / or one or more firmware and / or hardware modules. Can be embedded as If application 440 is embodied as one or more software modules, these software modules can be initially incorporated into a verification device, eg, stored on computer-readable medium 439 and / or verified. When the service is used (eg, as a web application), it can be incorporated from, for example, the verification server 410. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations are possible. According to embodiments of the present invention, the verification device 430a can operate at least in part as a web client (eg, including a web browser).

  Referring to verification device 430b, according to embodiments of the present invention, these devices include devices operable to function as verification device 430a and game console 130, as disclosed herein. Therefore, the verification device 430b can be a verification device integrated with the game machine 130. Examples of such devices include one or more gaming activities, possibly convenient services, and one or more communications, such as telephone and / or data communication services, as disclosed herein. A game console 130 that operates to provide a service may be included. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification device 430b can be a stationary device, a device tied to a stationary object, or a portable device. In addition, the device may be provided to the player by the gaming facility 174 and / or game service provider 172 or owned by the player.

  Referring to verification devices 430c, according to embodiments of the present invention, these devices operate to interface directly with verification server 410 to send verification information and / or receive verification information, Also, for example, it has a mechanism that operates to provide verification information to the player and / or to receive verification information from the player. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification device 430c is one or more output devices that interface to the verification server 410, such as a display, one or more LEDs, and / or an audio output device. Can be. Alternatively, or in addition, the verification device 430c may also include a mouse, touch sensitive pad, pointer, stylus, trackball, button, keypad and / or keyboard having one or more keys that display alphanumeric characters, wheels, touch sensitive It may be an input device that interfaces with at least one or more verification servers 410, such as a monitor and / or an audio input device. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification system 400 can include different combinations of verification devices 430c. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of verification devices 430c are possible.

  According to embodiments of the present invention, game facility 174, game service provider 172, and / or game authority 176 may control access to verification devices 430a and / or 430c and / or the player may play the game. Each player's gaming machine 130 can operate such a device on behalf of the player to confirm that it is communicating with the licensed game server 110. More specifically, according to embodiments of the present invention as disclosed herein, personnel of gaming facilities, game service providers and / or game authorities can be located in gaming facilities such as booths. And can access one or more verification devices 430a / 430c. The player can make a request for the attendant to confirm the game machine 130 used by the player on behalf of the player. Further, as disclosed herein, a player can provide verification information to an attendant for the attendant to place in the verification device and / or the attendant has obtained from the verification device, Information can be received from the attendant. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, such clerk is placed in a prominent place, thereby giving the player a "licensed" to confirm the player's gaming machine that the clerk is legitimate. Trust that the “verification server” 410 is being accessed can be given.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein, game facility, game service provider and / or game official personnel may be located, for example, in a call center or data center. Access the verification device 430a / 430c. A player may contact such an attendant, for example, via a telephone or data connection, and the attendant may request that the player use the gaming machine 130 used on behalf of the player. it can. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, for example, a telephone number or data address used by a player to contact an attendant is posted, for example, in a prominent place in a gaming facility so that the attendant is legitimate. The player can be trusted to access the “licensed verification server” 410 to verify the player's gaming machine.

  Referring now to communication network 450, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the network provides a mechanism for verification device 430a / 430b and verification server 410 to exchange verification information. As further disclosed herein, the verification information can be transmitted in whole or in combination as image, textual and / or audio information, including digital and / or analog formats Can be sent. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication network 450 can be a wired and / or wireless network including a telephone and / or data communication network and is based on currently known and / or future communication technologies. Is possible. The communication network 450 can be a private and / or public network, and at least a portion can include the public Internet.

  In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, communication network 450 may include a plurality of different networks that are connected or not connected to each other and that are based on or not based on different transmission technologies. The verification server 410 can be coupled to each network individually and / or can be coupled to one or more networks via a common access point. Different verification devices 430a / 430b can be coupled to different networks and different technologies can be used to access the verification server 410.

  In accordance with different embodiments of the present invention, communication network 450 and communication network 150 may or may not share common resources and are interconnected or not interconnected. According to an embodiment of the present invention, communication network 450 and communication network 150 are the same network.

  Those skilled in the art may vary the coverage of the verification network 450, and in particular provide the verification devices 450a / 450b with access to the verification server 410 from within the game facility and / or from game areas / locations beyond the game facility. Recognize that it can be provided.

  Referring now to FIG. 5, the steps of a verification service 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown, which service is provided via a combination of a verification server 410, a verification device, and a gaming machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the verification service 500 is described as a series of ordered steps, the unique order of these steps can be varied, one or more steps can be combined, and not necessarily all Recognize that a step is not necessary.

  According to this embodiment, it is assumed that the player is already using a gaming machine 130 that is in communication with a game server, possibly a licensed game server 110. If necessary, it is assumed that the player has already entered the required player identification information and / or player security information. In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, game console 130 is represented by one or more applications (represented by application 417 in FIG. 4) that operate in conjunction with application 416 on the verification server to provide verification service 500. It should be appreciated that (for example, initially and / or dynamically incorporated) may be required.

  In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the player has just begun using the gaming machine (eg, has just turned on the device and / or entered the player's identification / security information), You have been involved in the above gaming activities and / or convenient services and / or have just terminated one or more gaming activities and / or convenient services. In addition, whether the player has used the gaming machine 130 before, and as a result, whether the device was turned off and / or logged out of the device prior to the current use of the device State. Similarly, players may have used other devices prior to the current use of the present invention. In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, the player currently wants to verify that the gaming device 130 is in fact communicating with the licensed game server 110 and not the inch / malicious game server. May have.

  According to this embodiment of the present invention, the verification device 430a / 430b / 430c used to verify the gaming machine receives at least verification information from the player / person and sends this information to the verification server 410. To operate. However, the verification device is also preferably operable to receive verification information from the verification server 410 and send this information to the player / valet. For descriptive purposes only, the player has a verification device 430a or 430b (eg, the gaming machine 130 to be verified is integral with the verification device) and identifies the gaming machine that the player is using. For this reason, the verification service 500 will be described assuming that the device is used directly (ie, without going through an attendant).

  Beginning at step 502, the verification server 110 may initially establish communication with the verification devices 430a / 430b via the communication network 450. The player first causes the verification device to establish communication with the verification server 410. By way of example, if the verification device is a phone or personal computing device, the player can enter a verification server address, such as a telephone number, or a data address, such as a URL. According to embodiments of the present invention, the player may obtain this address from a prominent display displayed in the gaming facility and / or from an audible announcement, for example. As indicated above, by making an address available in such a way, a player can access the “licensed verification server” 410 by using that address. You can get the confidence that According to another embodiment of the present invention, the address may be printed on the gaming machine 130, for example, or made available to the gaming machine via, for example, a display. If the verification device is provided by a game authority, gaming facility and / or game service provider, the address is printed on the verification device or made available by the verification device via, for example, display 432 can do. Those skilled in the art recognize that the player can obtain the address in other ways.

  According to embodiments of the present invention, when a game authority, game facility, and / or game service provider provides a verification device, the device can have consistent communication with the verification server 410, for example, gaming The person is not required to establish communication with the verification server 410. According to another embodiment of the present invention, if a verification device is provided by such an entity, the apparatus can be configured to automatically establish communication with the verification server 410. For example, if the verification device is a phone, the phone can be configured to establish communication with the verification server 410 when making a call. Similarly, if the verification device is, for example, a kiosk, the kiosk can include, for example, hard buttons, or soft buttons and / or display options available via the display 432 so that the player can They can be pushed / selected to establish communication with the validation server 410.

  Referring to step 504, the verification server 410 can then receive a verification service request from the player via the verification device. The player presses a hard button or selects a display option that is made available via a soft button and / or display 432 to audible commands, audible tones (eg, selecting alphanumeric buttons on the phone) As can be requested. This request can be made in response to receiving a prompt (eg, an audible, textual and / or image prompt) from the verification server and / or verification device. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification server 410 can consider establishing communication with the verification device as a verification service request, in which case step 504 is not necessary. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a request for a verification service from a player may include a request for a particular type of verification service, as disclosed herein.

  Referring to step 506, the verification server 410 then determines the gaming machine 130 that the player wishes to verify and, in particular, the verification server is a game server as disclosed herein. Via 110, the game machine can be determined so that it can communicate with the game machine in any form. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server 410 can determine the game machine by determining identification information associated with the player and / or game machine (step 507). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server can determine such identification information by receiving identification information from the verification device / player. Those skilled in the art recognize that the verification server 410 can determine the identification information in other ways.

  According to embodiments of the present invention, the identification information may be, for example, player identification information (eg, player name), player security information (eg, player login to game server 110), and / or , Information about a gaming machine 130 (eg, a tracking value or name of the gaming machine) as disclosed herein may be included. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the identification information can include other types of information. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the identification information itself enables the verification server to determine the game machine, and as a result, the game server 110 can communicate with the game machine in any form. Can be possible. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification server accesses the identification information, for example, the database 180 and the player's profile information, thereby determining the gaming machine and, in particular, the game via the game server 110. For example, it can be used as an index to determine the information necessary to communicate with the machine. (For example, the identification information can include the player's name, which can be used to access the database 180 and thereby determine the name / address of the gaming machine assigned to the player. As another example, the identification information can include a tracking value of the gaming machine, which can be used to access the database 180 and thereby determine the address of the gaming machine.)

  When the verification server receives the identification information from the verification device, the player may verify the response, possibly in response to a confirmation request, or possibly in response to receiving a prompt from the verification server and / or verification device. Identification information can be entered on the device. For information regarding the gaming machine 130, the player may receive information from the gaming machine, such as information printed on the gaming machine and / or made available by the gaming machine via the display 132, for example. Can be obtained. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification device may have a mechanism for obtaining identification information from the gaming machine and then transmitting the information to the verification server. For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification device includes a reader (eg, an optical scanner, a magnetic card reader, an RFID transceiver) for reading information printed on the gaming machine and / or encrypted information. Can be a kiosk. As another example, the verification device and the gaming machine may have a communication interface that allows the verification device to obtain identification information from the gaming machine.

  Referring now to step 508, the verification server 410 can optionally verify that the player / verification device is in contact with the licensed verification server 410 for the player. . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server accesses the player's profile information as disclosed herein, thereby providing personal information related to the player (e.g., player's profile information). In order to obtain player security information about the player, such as a maiden name, a player's pet name, etc.) and / or a random value specified by the player, for example, the identification information may be Can be used. Alternatively, the verification server and / or verification device prompts the player to obtain additional identification information and uses such information to access the database 180 to obtain player security information about the player. be able to. Accordingly, the verification server sends player security information to the verification device, which provides the player with the information as audible and / or displayed information. In this way, the player can confirm that the verification device is communicating with the licensed verification server 410.

  Referring now to step 510, the verification server can then prompt the player to the verification device and have the verification device input the indicator selected by the player. Upon receiving this sign from the verification device (step 512), the verification server can send the sign to the gaming machine via the game server 110 (step 514), whereby the gaming machine sends the sign to the player. To inform. In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, the indicator identified by the player at the verification device and received by the verification server is an alphanumeric text value, a plurality of alphanumeric text values, an audible signal, an audible tone, an audible text. Value, multiple audible text values, or a combination thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the sign may include player security information regarding the player, such as personal information as disclosed herein relating to the player. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the sign can take other forms. Regardless of the type of sign, the player can enter the sign into the verification device, but the method is to speak the sign into an audio input device (eg, a telephone handset) and enter the sign using a keypad or keyboard. For example, or using other of many input devices as disclosed herein. The verification server can now transmit the sign to the gaming machine in the same format as it was received from the verification device. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification server can change the format of the sign before sending the sign to the gaming machine, so that the gaming machine is different from the time it was entered. You can inform the player in the form. For example, the verification server receives the indicator from the verification device / player as an audible text value, converts the audible text value to an equivalent alphanumeric text value, and converts the equivalent alphanumeric text value to the game. The alphanumeric text value can be displayed to the player.

  Rather than a sign moving from the verification device to the gaming machine, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification server may cause the verification device to prompt the player to enter the sign into the gaming machine. it can. Upon receiving this sign from the gaming machine via the game server 110, the verification server sends the sign to the verification device, and the verification device informs the player of the sign.

  As such, according to an embodiment of the present invention, between a verification device 430a / 430b and a gaming machine 130 via a licensed verification server 410 and a licensed game server 110. The sign is moved, and in this embodiment, the sign is generated and received by the player (ie known to the player), but when the transmitted and received sign matches, the player Can confirm that the gaming machine is communicating with the licensed game server, not the inch / malicious game server. In particular, if the player does not receive the sign at the gaming machine / validation device or receives a sign that is different from what was sent / expected, the player will contact the gaming server 110 that is licensed. Can't, and can conclude that they should seek help.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification device can have a mechanism for obtaining information from the gaming machine, as disclosed above in relation to step 507 of the verification service 500 for identification information. . Here, the verification device holds the sign transmitted to the verification server, obtains the sign received by the game machine, and can match the two signs on behalf of the player.

  As disclosed herein, verification service 500 has been described with respect to verification device 430a or 430b. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the verification service 500 is also provided using the verification device 430c. In particular, the player can use the verification device 430c to verify the gaming machine 130 as described above with respect to the verification device 430a or 430b as well.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, a player can interact with an attendant at game facility 174, game service provider 172, and / or game authority 172, who is responsible for gaming machine 130 on behalf of the player. Verification devices 430a and / or 430c can be used to verify As shown, this agent may be located at a booth, for example, or accessed via a call or data center, for example. According to this embodiment of the invention, apart from the player using the verification device to communicate with the verification server 410 to verify the gaming machine that the player is using, the player It is possible to communicate with the verification server via an agent who communicates with the server.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification service can be similar to the verification service 500 of steps 502-508, for example. The verification server and / or verification device then prompts the player to enter a sign at the verification device (the sign is generally referred to as the first sign in the context of this embodiment). be able to. Upon receipt of this first indicator from the verification device, the first indicator can probably be used to determine other information known to the player and / or verifiable by the player. In the context of this embodiment, referred to as the second label). The verification server transmits this information to the game machine via the game server (that is, transmits a sign) so that the game machine is notified of the information.

  In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the identification information obtained in step 507 can be used, for example, as an index to the database 180, for example, to access player profile information. Alternatively, the verification server and / or the verification device can prompt the player to provide additional identification information that the verification server can use to access the player's profile information. can do. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the player's profile information can be accessed in other ways. The verification server can use the first indicator obtained from the verification device / player as a selection mechanism, which is a single input from among a plurality of information forming the player's profile information. And the value of this input becomes the second indicator. For example, as disclosed herein, a player's profile information may include one or more information relating to the player's security information, one or more information relating to one or more game actions involving the player. May include, in addition to other types of information, one or more information related to one or more convenient services with which the player is involved, and / or one or more information regarding a player's credit information It is. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server selects / accesses one or more of this information (ie, the second indicator) and then transmits this information to the gaming machine via the game server. Therefore, the first indicator can be used to be received / identified from the verification device / player. For example, the first sign from the verification device may be "What is my mother's maiden name" or the second sign sent from the gaming machine, determined from the player's profile information, may be "Smith It may be. As another example, the first indicator from the verification device may be “what is the name of the game action the player is engaged in” or transmitted from the gaming machine as determined from the player's profile information The second indicator made may be the name of a game action. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other player profile information is determined from the first sign. As such, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server and / or verification device inputs to the player the type of information that the player wants to access from the player's profile information. (And / or provide the player with one or more selection options) so that the player responds by selecting one (ie, with the first indicator). Thereafter, the validation server can receive the player's selection and based on this selection can determine corresponding information from the player's profile information (ie, the second indicator). Similar to the above, by receiving information known to the player or information that can be confirmed / verified by the player (for example, the name of the game action with which the player is involved) The player can confirm that the game machine is communicating with the game server. One skilled in the art will recognize that the first sign can be sent from the gaming machine and the second sign can be sent from the verification device.

  According to another embodiment of the invention, rather than using the first indicator as its selection mechanism for the type of information obtained from the player's profile information, the verification server uses the first indicator as the verification device / It can be treated as a command from the player, automatically selecting information (ie, a second indicator) from the player's profile information, and then sending this information to the gaming machine via the game server. . According to another embodiment of the present invention, the validation server selects the second indicator before receiving the first indicator, and then selects the second indicator in response to receiving the first indicator. Can be sent. In accordance with a similar embodiment of the present invention, the verification server does not require a first indicator / command from the verification device, but rather automatically information from the player's profile information (eg, a second indicator). This information can then be transmitted to the gaming machine via the game server. For example, in response to receiving a request for a verification service from a verification device / player, the verification server can automatically select information (ie, a second indicator) and send it to the gaming machine. According to embodiments of the present invention, the information that the validation server selects from the player's profile information can be determined in advance (eg, pre-formed at the validation server) and / or randomly, eg, by the validation server. You can choose. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations are possible.

  One skilled in the art will recognize that, according to these embodiments of the present invention, a player may use a verification device 430a / 430b / 430c to verify a gaming machine, or as described above, , Recognize that the game machine can be confirmed through an attendant who can use any of the verification devices 430a / 430c.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification service can be similar to the verification service 500 of steps 502-508, for example. Rather than having the player enter a sign into either the verification device or the gaming machine and send the sign to another, then according to this embodiment of the present invention, the verification server is a random value, etc. Signs that are not known to the player can be determined. Thereafter, the verification server can send a sign to the game machine via the game server 110 to inform the player of the sign to the game machine, and similarly send the sign to the verification device to the verification device, The sign can be informed to the player. If a player receives a sign at the gaming machine and assumes that the two signs match, the player will be notified that the gaming machine is licensed, not an inch / malicious game server. 110 can be confirmed. Alternatively, if the player does not receive the sign at the game machine or receives a sign that is different from that received at the verification device, the player may contact the game server 110 to which the license is granted. I can't, and I can conclude that I should seek help. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification device can have a mechanism for obtaining information from the gaming machine, as disclosed above in relation to step 507 of the verification service 500 for identification information. . Here, the verification device can obtain the sign received at the gaming machine and make a match for the player.

  According to these embodiments of the invention, the indicator identified by the verification device is an alphanumeric text value, a plurality of alphanumeric text values, an audible signal, an audible tone, an audible text value, a plurality of audible text values, or It can be a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the sign can take other forms. Regardless of the type of sign, the verification server can send the sign to the verification device and game console in the same format (eg, both audible text values) or in different formats.

  One skilled in the art will recognize that, according to these embodiments of the present invention, a player may use a verification device 430a / 430b / 430c to verify a gaming machine, or as described above, , Recognize that the game machine can be confirmed through an attendant who can use any of the verification devices 430a / 430c.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification service can again resemble the verification service 500 of steps 502-508, for example. Thereafter, the verification server determines a sign that is not known to the player, such as a random value, and transmits the sign to the game machine via the game server 110 to the game machine and the sign to the player. (The sign sent to the gaming machine can be referred to as the first sign in the context of this embodiment). The verification server sends to the player (via a verification device or a gaming machine), via the verification device, the sign received at the gaming machine (the sign sent from the verification device to the verification server is the second sign in the context of this embodiment). Can be identified / displayed / transmitted. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification device has a mechanism for obtaining information from the gaming machine, as disclosed above, and obtains a sign received by the gaming machine to automatically Can be sent to the verification server. The verification server matches the first sign transmitted to the player via the gaming device with the second sign received from the player via the verification device, and the first and The player can be notified (eg, providing notification to the player) whether the second sign matches. Assuming that the player receives the first sign at the gaming machine and the verification server confirms that the received sign matches the transmitted value, the player is given the license for the gaming machine. It can be confirmed that the game server 110 is in communication. Rather than a verification server that sends the first sign to the gaming machine, the person skilled in the art sends the first sign to the verification device, and then gives the player the first sign via the gaming machine. Prompt for identification / display, the gaming machine can send a sign (ie, a second sign) to the verification server via the game server.

  In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a player can interact with an attendant at game facility 174, game service provider 172, and / or game authority 176, who uses gaming machine 130 on behalf of the player. Verification devices 430a and / or 430c can be used to verify. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the verification service can be similar to the verification service 500 of steps 502-508, for example. The attendant can then determine a sign that the player does not know (such as a random value), identify the sign for the player, and enter the sign into the verification device. As a result, the verification server can transmit a sign to the game machine via the game server 110 and notify the player of the sign to the game machine. If a player receives a sign at the gaming machine and assumes that the two signs match, the player will be notified that the gaming machine is licensed, not an inch / malicious game server. 110 can be confirmed. Alternatively, if the player does not receive the sign at the game machine or receives a sign that is different from the one determined by the attendant, the player may communicate with the licensed game server 110. Can't, and can conclude that they should seek help.

  According to a similar embodiment of the present invention, the clerk again determines a sign that the player does not know (eg, a random value), enters the sign into the verification device, and sends the sign to the verification server for game server 110. Through which the game machine can be made to inform the player of the sign (the sign sent to the game machine is referred to as the first sign in the context of this embodiment). be able to). The attendant then asks the player to identify / display the sign received at the gaming machine, and when the sign is received from that player (the sign sent to the attendant by the player is in the context of this embodiment) Which can be referred to as a second indicator), which can identify to the player whether it matches (eg, provide a notification to the player). Assuming that the player has received a first sign at the gaming machine and that this sign matches the value sent by the attendant, the player will have the gaming server 110 to which the gaming machine is licensed. You can confirm that you are communicating with.

  Referring now to FIG. 6, there are illustrated steps of a verification service 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention, which service is provided via a combination of a verification server 410, a verification device, and a gaming machine. . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the verification service 600 is described as a series of ordered steps, the unique order of these steps can be varied, one or more steps can be combined, and not necessarily all Recognize that a step is not necessary.

  As described similarly with respect to the verification service 500, according to this embodiment, the player is already using a gaming machine 130 that is in contact with a game server, perhaps a licensed game server 110. Suppose, if necessary, that player has already entered the required player identification information and / or player security information. Similar to the above, the player is placed in one of a variety of states with respect to the player using the gaming machine. In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, gaming device 130 is represented by one or more applications (represented by application 417 in FIG. 4) that operate in conjunction with application 416 on the verification server to provide verification service 600. Should be recognized as need).

  According to this embodiment of the invention, the player can use the verification device 430a / 430b / 430c to verify the gaming machine. Alternatively, as described above, the player can check the game machine via a staff member using any verification device 430a / 430c. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the verification device 430a / 430b / 430c needs to be operational to receive verification information from at least the player and / or attendant and send this information to the verification server 410. Preferably, however, it operates to receive verification information from the verification server 410 and send this information to the player and / or attendant. For descriptive purposes only, the player has a verification device 430a or 430b, which can be used directly (ie, without going through an attendant) to identify the gaming machine that the player is using. The verification service 600 is described assuming that it is used.

  Beginning with steps 602 and 604, the verification server 110 first establishes communication with the verification device, and then from the player via the verification device as described with respect to steps 502, 504 of the verification service 500 as well. A request for a verification service can be received. Referring now to step 606, the verification server 410 can then determine identification information associated with the player and / or gaming machine. In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, the verification server can use the identification information for storing the sign, as further disclosed herein. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server can determine the identification information by receiving the identification information from the verification device / player. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the verification server 410 can determine the identification information in other forms. Similar to the verification service 500, the identification information may include, for example, player identification information, player security information, and / or information regarding the gaming machine 130 that the player wishes to confirm. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the identification information can include other types of information. When the verification server receives the identification information from the verification device, the player can enter the identification information at the verification device and / or the verification device can obtain the identification information from the gaming machine and then The information can be sent to the verification server as described in the same manner with respect to step 506 of the verification service 500.

  Referring now to step 608, the verification server 410 is optional, and for the player, the player / verification device is licensed to the verification server as described with respect to step 508 of the verification service 500 as well. It can be confirmed that the communication with 410 is performed.

  Referring now to step 610, the verification server can then prompt the verification device to input the player's selected sign to the verification device. In step 612, the verification server receives the indicator from the verification device / player, and in any form, the indicator is directly or indirectly associated with the identification information determined in step 606, and As a result, the label can be saved so that it can be retrieved as disclosed herein (step 614). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server can store, for example, a sign in the database 180, associate the sign with the identification information, and in particular store the identification information to the database 180 to store the sign. Can be used as an index. For example, the verification server can store a sign with player profile information.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification server stores the sign in a database specific to the verification server and stores the sign in the identification information or other information obtained from, for example, the database 180 and the player's profile information. It can be associated with identification information. Again, the term “database” as used herein for the validation server does not limit how the sign is stored and / or accessed. For example, the database may be a database management system and may be a computer readable medium within the verification server 410, for example, the indicators stored therein as a single layer file may be stored in the verification server 410 memory and there. One or more dynamic data structures within the stored labels and / or a combination of these and other implementations.

  In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, the indicator identified by the player at the verification device and received by the verification server is an alphanumeric text value, a plurality of alphanumeric text values, an audible signal, an audible tone, an audible text. Value, multiple audible text values, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, or in addition, as disclosed herein, the sign may include player security information about the player, such as personal information related to the player. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the sign may take other forms. Regardless of the type of sign, the player can enter the sign into the verification device, but the method is to speak the sign into an audio input device (eg, a telephone handset) and enter the sign using a keypad or keyboard. Or using other of many input devices as disclosed herein. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server may store the sign in the same format as received from the verification device / player, or change the sign format before saving the sign. it can. For example, the verification server receives the indicator from the verification device / player as an audible text value, converts the audible text value to an equivalent alphanumeric text value, and stores the equivalent alphanumeric text value. To do.

  Referring now to step 616, the verification server then prompts the verification device to prompt the player to enter a request for verification service via the gaming machine, and in particular to the player, the verification device. A request to retrieve a sign previously received from the player via can be prompted to enter via the gaming machine. A player presses a hard button or selects a display option that is made available via a soft button and / or display 132 to select an audible command, an audible tone (eg, an alphanumeric button on the phone) As can be requested on game consoles. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the player can make other requests. The game machine can send the request directly to the verification server or via the game server 110.

  Referring now to step 618, the verification server can receive the request from the gaming machine and, in response to the request, can determine the sign previously received from the player via the verification device (step 622). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server 410 can determine the sign by determining identification information from the gaming machine (step 620), and the verification server accesses a database that previously stored the sign. The sign can be determined by using the identification information to do. For example, the verification server can use the identification information as an index for accessing the database.

  Similar to the above, the identification information may include, for example, player identification information, player security information, and / or information regarding the gaming machine 130. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the identification information includes other types of information. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the verification server can determine the identification information by receiving the identification information from the game machine / player. For example, a player may enter identification information at a gaming machine, possibly in conjunction with entering a request for a validation service and / or in response to receiving a prompt from a validation server and / or gaming machine. (A player can obtain identification information from the gaming machine itself, as also disclosed in the context of step 506 of the verification service 500). Alternatively, the gaming machine can automatically include identification information in a request for a verification service (eg, the gaming machine can send a player's login or gaming machine name / address). Alternatively, the verification server can determine the identification information based on a notification that a request from the game machine has been received (eg, the verification server can determine a name / address associated with the game machine). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the verification server can determine the identification information in other ways. Those skilled in the art also recognize that the identification information received from the gaming machine is the same and / or different from the identification information received from the verification device at step 606.

  As shown here, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server uses the determined identification information from the gaming machine to now determine the sign previously received from the player via the verification device. (Step 622), in particular, identification information for accessing a database where the verification server previously stored the sign may be used. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the identification information used to store the database signature is now different from the identification information used to access the database, depending on the database format. Assuming that the verification server cannot use the format of the identification information received from the gaming device to access the database, the verification server can convert the identification information to another format, for example, via the database.

  Referring now to step 624, once the sign is determined, the verification server can then transmit the sign to the gaming machine via the licensed game server 110, resulting in the gaming machine. Will inform the player of the sign. The verification server sends the sign to the gaming machine in the same format as it was received from the verification device, or transforms the format of the sign sent to the gaming machine so that the gaming machine The player will be notified in a format different from the one entered.

  As such, according to this embodiment of the present invention, the licensed verification server 410 stores the sign received from the verification device / player, and then requests the game console / player. Upon receipt, the sign is sent to the gaming machine / player via the licensed game server 110 so that the gaming machine is licensed, not an inch / malicious game server. The player can confirm that the game server 110 is in communication. In particular, if the player does not receive the sign at the gaming machine or receives a sign that is different from the one originally entered at the verification device, the player will have the gaming machine 110 with the licensed game server 110. Can't communicate and conclude that you should seek help.

  Those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments of the validation server 600 are possible, as are other embodiments of the validation server 500 where the player interacts with the attendant and the attendant identifies the sign.

  Referring now to FIG. 7, the steps of a verification service 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown, which service is provided via a combination of a verification server 410, a verification device, and a gaming machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the verification service 700 is described as a series of ordered steps, the unique order of these steps can be varied, one or more steps can be combined, and not necessarily all Recognize that a step is not necessary.

  As described similarly with respect to the verification service 500, according to this embodiment, the player is already using a gaming machine 130 that is in contact with a game server, perhaps a licensed game server 110. Suppose, if necessary, that player has already entered the required player identification information and / or player security information. As noted above, the player is placed in one of a variety of states with respect to the player using the gaming machine. In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, game machine 130 recognizes that one or more applications that work in cooperation with application 416 may be required on the verification server to provide verification service 700. Should.

  According to this embodiment of the invention, the player can use the verification device 430a / 430b / 430c to verify the gaming machine. Alternatively, as described above, the player can check the game machine via a staff member using any verification device 430a / 430c. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the verification device 430a / 430b / 430c needs to operate at least to receive verification information from the verification server 410 and send this information to the player and / or attendant. Preferably, however, it is necessary to operate to receive verification information from the player and / or attendant and convey this information to the verification server 410. For descriptive purposes only, the player has a verification device 430a or 430b, which can be used directly (ie, without going through an attendant) to identify the gaming machine that the player is using. The verification service 700 is described assuming that it is used.

  Beginning at step 702, the verification server 410 may initially receive a request for a verification service from a player via a gaming device. The player selects an audible command, an audible tone (eg, an alphanumeric button on the phone, for example, by pressing a hard button or selecting a soft button and / or a display option made available via the display 132, for example. Can be requested). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the player can make other requests. The game machine can send the request directly to the verification server or via the game server 110.

  Referring now to step 704, the verification server 410 can then determine information related to the player and / or gaming machine from the gaming machine / player. According to this embodiment of the invention, the verification server can use identification information for storing the sign received from the gaming machine, as further described herein. Similar to the above, other types of identification information can also be used, but the identification information may include, for example, player identification information, player security information, and / or information about the gaming machine 130. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server is identified by receiving identification information from the gaming machine / player, as disclosed in the context of step 620 of the verification service 600 as well. Information can be determined. For example, a player may enter identification information at a gaming machine, perhaps in conjunction with entering a request for a validation service and / or in response to receiving a prompt from a validation server and / or gaming machine. be able to. Alternatively, the gaming machine can automatically include identification information in a request for a verification service. Alternatively, the verification server can determine the identification information based on a notification that a request for the verification service from the game machine has been received. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the verification server can determine the identification information in other ways.

  Referring now to step 706, the verification server can then prompt the game machine for the player to cause the game machine to input the sign selected by the player. At step 708, the verification server can then receive the sign from the gaming machine / player, and preferably the sign can be received via the game server 110. Upon receipt of this indicator from the verification device / player, the verification server associates the indicator directly or indirectly with the identification information obtained in step 704 so that the indicator is as further disclosed herein. The indicator (step 710) can be stored in a way that can be retrieved. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server, for example, associates the sign with identification information, and particularly stores the sign, as described similarly with respect to step 614 of the confirmation process. The indicator can be stored in the database 180 using the identification information as an index to. Alternatively, the verification server can store the sign in a database specific to the verification server and associate the sign with identification information or other identification information obtained, for example, from the database 180 and player profile information. it can.

  According to this embodiment of the invention, the indicator as identified by the player at the gaming machine and received by the verification server is an alphanumeric text value, a plurality of alphanumeric text values, an audible signal, an audible tone. , An audible text value, a plurality of audible text values, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, or in addition, the sign may include player security information regarding the player, such as personal information related to the player as disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the sign may take other forms. Regardless of the type of sign, the player can enter the sign into the gaming machine, but the method can be done by speaking the sign into an audio input device, entering the sign via a keypad or keyboard, or Such as using other of the many input devices as disclosed herein. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server stores the sign in the same format as received from the gaming machine / player, or is similarly described in connection with step 614 of the verification process 600. As such, the label format can be changed prior to storing the label.

  Referring now to step 712, the verification server 410 then uses the verification device 430a / 430b by the player to establish communication with the verification server 410 to the gaming machine, from which a verification service request is received. In particular, it may be prompted to make a request to retrieve signs previously received from the player via the gaming machine. The player can perform these actions as described in relation to steps 502 and 504 of the verification service 500 as well. Accordingly, at steps 713 and 714, the verification server 110 can establish contact with the player's verification device and receive a request from the verification device.

  Referring now to steps 716 and 718, in response to receiving the request from the verification device, the verification server can then determine the indication previously received from the player via the gaming machine / game server 110 ( Step 718). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server 410 can determine the sign by determining identification information from the verification device / player (step 716), and the verification server previously stored the sign. The indicator can be determined by using the identification information for accessing the database (step 718).

  According to the embodiment of the present invention, the verification server can determine the identification information by receiving the identification information from the game machine / player. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the verification server 410 can determine the identification information in other ways. Similarly, as described above, the identification information may include other types of information, but may include, for example, player identification information, player security information, and / or information related to gaming machine 130. When the verification server receives the identification information from the verification device, the player can enter the identification information at the verification device and / or the verification device can obtain the identification information from the gaming machine and then The information can be sent to the verification server as described in the same manner with respect to step 506 of the verification service 500. Those skilled in the art also recognize that the identification information received from the verification device is the same and / or different from the identification information received from the game console at step 704.

  As an aside, those skilled in the art will also recognize that at least, for example, step 712 may occur prior to step 702. Those skilled in the art also describe the verification server 410 for the player as well, as described with respect to step 508 of the verification service 500, for example, the player / verification device obtains player security information related to the player, for example. Therefore, the identification information from the verification device can be used and then transmitted to the player to confirm that the licensed server 410 is being contacted.

  Referring again to step 718, as shown here, the verification server uses the determined identification information from the verification device to determine the sign that was previously received from the player via the gaming machine, In particular, identification information for accessing a database in which the verification server previously stored the sign can be used. Referring now to step 720, once the sign is determined, the verification server can then send the sign to the verification device, which in turn will inform the player of the sign. Similar to step 624 of the verification service 600, the verification server sends the sign to the verification device in the same format as it was received from the gaming device or modified the format of the sign sent to the verification device. As a result, the verification device informs the player in a different format than when the sign was entered.

  As such, in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, the licensed verification server 410 stores the sign received from the gaming machine / player via the licensed game server 110. The next time a request is received from the verification device, the indicator is transmitted to the verification device / player, so that the player is communicating with the licensed game server 110. Can be confirmed. In particular, if the player does not receive the sign at the verification device or receives a sign that is different from the one originally entered at the game machine, the player will have the game machine 110 and the licensed game server 110. Can't communicate and conclude that you should seek help.

  Referring now to FIG. 8, there are shown steps of a verification service 800 according to another embodiment of the present invention, which service is provided through a combination of a verification server 410, a verification device, and a gaming machine. . According to this embodiment of the present invention, unlike the verification services 500, 600, 700, the verification server 410 cannot exchange verification information with a gaming machine to be confirmed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the verification service 800 is described as a series of ordered steps, the unique order of these steps can be varied, one or more steps can be combined, and not necessarily all Recognize that a step is not necessary.

  According to this embodiment of the invention, a player is using a gaming machine 130 that is in communication with a game server, possibly a licensed game server 110, and the player currently has one or more players. Suppose that you are engaged in and / or have terminated one or more gaming activities and / or convenient services. Alternatively, it is assumed that the player has terminated one or more gaming activities and / or convenient services and turned off and / or logged out of the gaming machine. In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, a player is now a gaming server that the player is currently using or has used up, in fact a licensed game server rather than a game / malicious game server. You may want to make sure you are communicating with 110.

  As disclosed herein, for example, the licensed game server 110 monitors / tracks the player's behavior, eg, in the database 180 as part of the player's profile information, eg, Can hold information related to one or more gaming activities with which the player is engaged, information related to one or more convenient services with which the player is engaged, and / or player credit information ( Those skilled in the art will recognize that such information can be monitored / tracked by devices other than the game server 110, such as the verification server 410 or other devices.) According to this embodiment of the invention, the player is Use the verification devices 430a / 430b / 430c, directly and through attendants, to access such player profile information , By doing so, the information can be confirmed that the player is consistent with those whose information is felt that it should be so. If the information appears to be accurate, then the player has said that the player is currently using, or that the previously used gaming machine has / has communicated with the licensed gaming machine 110. You can conclude. Alternatively, if the information does not appear correctly, the player can conclude that the gaming machine should / be not seeking contact with the licensed game server 110 and should seek assistance.

  According to this embodiment of the present invention, the verification device 430a / 430b / 430c needs to operate at least to receive verification information from the verification server 410 and send this information to the player and / or attendant. Preferably, however, it operates to receive verification information from the player and / or attendant and convey this information to the verification server 410. For descriptive purposes only, assume that the player has a verification device 430a or 430b and is using this device directly to verify the gaming machine (ie, without going through an attendant). The verification service 800 will be described.

  Beginning with steps 802 and 804, the verification server 410 can initially establish communication with the verification device via the communication network 450, and then similarly describe with respect to steps 502 and 504 of the verification service 500. In addition, a request for a verification service can be received from the player via the verification device. Referring now to step 806, the validation server 410 can determine other types of information, which in turn will be disclosed to the player's identification information, the player's security information, and / or as disclosed herein. Identification information related to the player and / or game machine, such as information relating to a new game machine 130, can be determined. In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, the verification server may use, for example, identification information to access the database 180, and in particular to obtain player profile information, as disclosed further herein. Information can be used. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the identification information can be determined by obtaining identification information from the verification device / player, for example, as described with respect to step 506 of the verification service 500 as well. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the verification server 410 can determine the identification information in other ways.

  Referring to step 808, the verification server 410 then has the licensed verification server 410 and the player / verification device for the player as described with respect to step 508 of the verification service 500 as well. You can confirm that you are communicating.

  Referring now to step 810, the validation server 410 uses the identification information to determine one or more signs, and in particular accesses the player's profile information, thereby determining one or more signs. Therefore, for example, the identification information can be used as an index for the database 180. Specifically, as shown here, a player's profile information includes, for example, information related to one or more game actions with which the player is engaged (for example, the game action with which the player is currently engaged). Name), information related to one or more convenient services with which the player is engaged (eg, items purchased by the player), and / or player credit information (eg, player credit amount) Can be included. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server can use the identification information as an index into the database 180 to access the player's profile information, and then automatically one or more of the above information (or Other types of information) can be selected, but that information is generally referred to as one or more labels in the context of this embodiment. The verification server can decide in advance which information to select, or it can be done randomly, for example. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification server and / or verification device prompts the player (eg, audible, textual and / or image prompts) and / or the player One or more options may be provided to the player regarding the type of information he wishes to access from the player's profile information within. The verification server can then receive player selections and select one or more profile information (ie, indicators) for the player based on these selections.

  Referring now to step 812, the verification server 410 can send information (ie, a sign) that has accessed the verification device so that the verification device informs the player of the information as an audible value, a text value, etc. become. As noted above, if the information appears to be accurate, the player may have contacted the gaming machine 110 that the player is currently using or the gaming machine that was previously in use is licensed. You can conclude that you were / was. Alternatively, if the information does not appear correctly, the player can conclude that the gaming machine should / be not seeking contact with the licensed game server 110 and should seek assistance.

  Referring now to FIG. 9, the steps of a verification service 900 according to another embodiment of the present invention are shown, which service is provided via a verification server 410, a game console and device combination. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the verification server 410 can exchange verification information with a verification device, unlike the verification services 500, 600, 700, 800. In other words, in this embodiment of the invention, a verification device is not required to verify the gaming machine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the verification service 900 is described as a series of ordered steps, the specific order of these steps can be varied, one or more steps can be combined, and not necessarily all Recognize that a step is not necessary.

  As described similarly with respect to the verification service 500, according to this embodiment, the player is already using a gaming machine 130 that is in contact with a game server, perhaps a licensed game server 110. Suppose, if necessary, that player has already entered the required player identification information and / or player security information. Similar to the above, the player is placed in one of a variety of states with respect to the player using the gaming machine. In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, it should be appreciated that gaming device 130 requires one or more applications that operate in conjunction with application 416 on the verification server to provide verification service 600. is there.

  Beginning at step 902 of the verification service 900, the verification server 410 may initially receive a request for verification service from a player via a gaming device. A player presses a hard button or selects a display option that is made available via a soft button and / or display 132 to select an audible command, an audible tone (eg, an alphanumeric button on the phone) As can be requested on game consoles. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the player can make other requests. The game machine can send the request directly to the verification server or via the game server 110.

  Referring now to step 904, the verification server 410 can determine other types of information, which in turn will be disclosed to the player's identification information, the player's security information, and / or as disclosed herein. Identification information related to the player and / or game machine, such as information relating to a new game machine 130, can be determined. In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, the verification server may use, for example, identification information to access the database 180, and in particular to obtain player profile information, as disclosed further herein. Information can be used. According to an embodiment of the present invention, identification information can be determined by receiving identification information from a gaming machine / player, for example, as similarly described with respect to step 620 of verification service 600. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the verification server 410 can determine the identification information in other ways.

  Referring now to step 906, the validation server 410 uses the identification information to determine one or more signs, and in particular accesses the player's profile information, thereby determining one or more signs. Therefore, for example, the identification information can be used as an index for the database 180. As disclosed herein, a player's profile information may include personal information related to the player (eg, the player's maiden name, the player's pet name, etc.) and / or a random value specified by the player, etc. The player's security information regarding the player can be included. According to embodiments of the present invention, as disclosed herein, a player may initiate some or all of the player security information during a prior registration period for initiating a game act and / or for convenient services. Can be specified.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server can use the identification information as an index to the database 180 to access the player's profile information and then automatically one or more of the above information (or , Other types of information), but that information is generally referred to in the context of this embodiment as one or more indicators. The verification server can decide in advance which information to select, or it can be done randomly, for example. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification server and / or gaming machine prompts the player and / or one of the types of information that the player wants to access from the player's profile information in the database 180. The above options can be provided to the player. The verification server can then receive player selections and select one or more profile information (ie, indicators) for the player based on these selections.

  Referring now to step 908, the validation server can send information (ie, a sign) that has accessed the gaming machine, which causes the gaming machine to inform the player of the information as an audible value, text value, etc. Become. As an example, if the verification server automatically accesses the information and provides the information to the player, the information is provided in the form, for example, “Your maiden name is Smith”. Alternatively, if the player can select the type of information to access, eg, in response to selecting “What is your maiden name”, the verification server can respond “Smith”.

  In accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, during the registration period prior to initiating a game act and / or convenient service, the player is identified with the player's security information, and then the player is By allowing the game machine to access the information, the player can communicate with the licensed game server 110 when the information accessed is correct and the game machine that the player is currently using. It can be concluded that Alternatively, if the information is incorrect, the player can conclude that the gaming machine should not contact the licensed game server 110 and seek assistance.

  While the invention will be described in the context of particular embodiments, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention is preferably not limited by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.

Claims (171)

A method that includes:
Verification to confirm that the game machine is in communication with the game server and that the game machine and the game server are operable to supply at least one game act to a player using the game machine Receiving a confirmation request from the device;
Receiving a sign from the verification device; and sending the sign to the game machine via the game server to inform the player of the sign from the game machine.   The method of claim 1, wherein the verification device comprises a device operable to receive the sign from a user of the verification device and communicate the sign to a computing device. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the verification device includes at least one of the following:
POTS phone,
mobile phone,
IP phone,
Personal computing devices,
Pocket personal computer,
PDA,
kiosk,
A terminal, and an input device for the computing device. The method of claim 1, wherein the verification device is provided by at least one of the following:
Game facilities,
Game authorities, and game service providers. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one game act includes at least one of the following:
Gambling,
Betting on events,
Lottery and non-gambling.   The method of claim 1, wherein the gaming machine and the game server are also operable to provide at least one convenient service to the player. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least one convenient service includes at least one of the following:
Restaurant service,
Entertainment services,
Hotel services,
Money management services,
News service and financial exchange service.   The method of claim 1, wherein the verification device and the game console are integrated. The method of claim 1, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
An alphanumeric text value,
Multiple alphanumeric text values,
Audible signal,
Audible tone,
Audible text values and multiple audible text values.   The method of claim 1, wherein the format of the sign received from the verification device is different from the format of the sign sent to the gaming machine.   The method of claim 1, wherein the game machine is one of a plurality of game machines, and the method is for identifying which of the plurality of game machines is to be confirmed. It further includes determining the game machine from the plurality of game machines.   12. The method according to claim 11, wherein determining the game machine includes determining the game machine based on at least a part of identification information.   13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the identification information represents the game machine. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the identification information includes at least one of the following:
A tracking value assigned to the gaming machine and a name assigned to the gaming machine.   13. The method of claim 12, wherein determining the game machine includes accessing a database for determining information representing the game machine based on at least a portion of the identification information. The method according to claim 15, wherein the identification information includes at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the game machine, and security information associated with the player using the game machine.   The method of claim 12 further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.   13. The method of claim 12, wherein sending the sign to the game machine includes sending the sign to the game machine via the game server based on at least a portion of the identification information. .   2. The method of claim 1, wherein information is sent to the player via the verification device so that the player can confirm that the verification device is communicating with a licensed server. Further included.   An apparatus comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method of claim 1.   21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the computing device includes the game server. A method that includes:
Verification to confirm that the game machine is in communication with the game server and that the game machine and the game server are operable to supply at least one game act to a player using the game machine Receiving a confirmation request from the device;
Receiving a sign from the gaming machine via a game server; and sending the sign to the verification device to inform the player of the sign from the verification device. A method that includes:
Verification to confirm that the game machine is in communication with the game server and that the game machine and the game server are operable to supply at least one game act to a player using the game machine Receiving a confirmation request from the device;
Receiving a sign from the verification device;
Storing the label;
Receiving the sign search request from the game machine; and sending the sign to the game machine via the game server based on at least a part of receiving the request from the game machine; To make a sign known to the player.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the verification device includes a device operable to receive the sign from a user of the verification device and communicate the sign to a computing device.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the gaming machine and the game server are also operable to provide a player with at least one convenient service.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the verification device and the gaming machine are integrated. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
An alphanumeric text value,
Multiple alphanumeric text values,
Audible signal,
Audible tone,
Audible text values and multiple audible text values.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the sign includes personal information associated with the player using the game machine.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein storing the label includes storing the label based at least in part on identification information. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the identification information includes at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the game machine;
Security information associated with the player using the game machine;
A tracking value assigned to the gaming machine and a name assigned to the gaming machine.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein storing the label includes storing the label in a database based on at least a portion of the identification information.   32. The method of claim 31, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.   30. The method of claim 29, wherein storing the label includes associating the label with the identification information.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein receiving the request from the gaming machine includes receiving the request via the game server. 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:
Determining the indicator based at least in part on receiving the request from the gaming machine;   36. The method of claim 35, wherein determining the label includes using identification information (at least in part) to determine the label. 37. The method of claim 36, comprising:
Saving the label includes storing the label in a database, and using the identification information to determine the label is based on at least a portion of the identification information. Accessing the database to determine.   38. The method of claim 37, further comprising receiving the identification information from the game machine.   38. The method of claim 37, further comprising determining the identification information based on communication with the game machine.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein information is sent to the player via the verification device so that the player can confirm that the verification device is communicating with a licensed server. Further includes.   24. An apparatus comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method of claim 23.   42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the computing device includes the game server. A method that includes:
The game machine communicates with a game server to confirm that the game machine and the game server are operable to supply at least one game act to a player using the game machine; Receiving a confirmation request from the game console;
Receiving a sign from the gaming machine;
Storing the label;
Receiving the search request for the sign from a verification device; and sending the sign to the verification device based on at least a portion of receiving the request from the verification device to the user of the verification device from the verification device Inform the sign.   44. The method of claim 43, wherein the verification device includes a device operable to receive the sign from a computing device and communicate the sign to a user of the verification device.   44. The method of claim 43, wherein the gaming machine and the game server are also operable to provide at least one convenient service to a player.   44. The method of claim 43, wherein the verification device and the gaming machine are integrated.   44. The method of claim 43, further comprising receiving the sign from the game machine via the game server. 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
An alphanumeric text value,
Multiple alphanumeric text values,
Audible signal,
Audible tone,
Audible text values and multiple audible text values.   44. The method of claim 43, wherein the sign includes personal information associated with the player using the game machine.   44. The method of claim 43, wherein storing the label includes storing the label based at least in part on identification information. 51. The method of claim 50, wherein the identification information includes at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the game machine;
Security information associated with the player using the game machine;
A tracking value assigned to the gaming machine and a name assigned to the gaming machine.   51. The method of claim 50, wherein storing the label includes storing the label in a database based on at least a portion of the identification information.   53. The method of claim 52, further comprising receiving the identification information from the gaming machine.   53. The method according to claim 52, further comprising determining the identification information based on communication with the game machine.   51. The method of claim 50, wherein storing the label includes associating the label with the identification information. 51. The method of claim 50, further comprising:
Determining the indicator based at least in part on receiving the request from the verification device.   57. The method of claim 56, wherein determining the label includes using identification information (at least in part) to determine the label. 58. The method of claim 57, comprising:
Saving the label includes storing the label in a database, and using the identification information to determine the label is based on at least a portion of the identification information. Accessing the database to determine.   59. The method of claim 58, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.   44. The method of claim 43, wherein information is sent to the player via the verification device so that the player can confirm that the verification device is communicating with a licensed server. Further included.   44. An apparatus comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method of claim 43.   62. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the computing device includes the game server. A method that includes:
Verification to confirm that the game machine is in communication with the game server and that the game machine and the game server are operable to supply at least one game act to a player using the game machine Receiving a confirmation request from the device;
Determining an indicator (at least in part) based on at least one action taken by the player via the gaming machine based at least in part on receiving the request; and Send and notify the user of the verification device from the verification device.   64. The method of claim 63, wherein the verification device includes a device operable to receive the sign from a computing device and communicate the sign to a user of the verification device.   64. The method of claim 63, wherein the gaming machine and the game server are also operable to provide a player with at least one convenient service. 64. The method of claim 63, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
An alphanumeric text value,
Multiple alphanumeric text values,
Audible text values and multiple audible text values.   64. The method of claim 63, wherein the sign includes information associated with at least one game act involving the player via the gaming machine. 64. The method of claim 63, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
The name of the game action that the player is currently engaged through the game machine;
A place where the player is currently engaged in a game act via the gaming machine;
The technical level at which the player is currently engaged in the game action through the game machine;
The amount bet on the gaming action that the player is currently engaged through the gaming machine;
A financial result of a game act currently engaged by the player via the game machine;
A result of a game action currently being engaged by the player via the game machine, and a series of events of the game action currently being played by the player via the game machine. 64. The method of claim 63, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
The name of any game activity that the player has previously engaged through the gaming machine,
The place where the player was previously engaged in any game act via the gaming machine,
The technical level at which any game activity previously engaged by the player via the gaming machine was obtained;
The amount bet on any game activity the player has previously engaged through the gaming machine,
The financial result of any game activity that the player has previously engaged through the gaming machine,
Results of winning or losing any game act that the player has previously engaged through the game machine, and a series of events of any game act that the player has previously engaged through the game machine. 64. The method of claim 63, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
A series of names of one or more gaming actions as the player is involved via the gaming machine;
A series of locations where the player is involved in one or more gaming actions via the gaming machine;
An average amount bet by the player in connection with one or more game actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
A series of bets totaled by a player in connection with one or more gaming actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
A series of winning and losing results related to one or more game actions involving the player via the game machine, and a series of financial results related to the player one or more game actions via the game machine.   64. The method of claim 63, wherein the sign includes information associated with at least one convenient service involved by the player via the gaming machine. 64. The method of claim 63, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
Reservations made by the player via the gaming machine,
To be done by the player via the game machine,
Items purchased by the player via the gaming machine;
The cost of items purchased by the player via the gaming machine, and the deposit amount associated with the reservation made by the player via the gaming machine.   64. The method of claim 63, wherein the sign includes credit information associated with the player. 64. The method of claim 63, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
Transaction history of the player's credit amount and the player's accounts receivable.   64. The method of claim 63, wherein the sign includes information obtained by the game server as a result of the player involved in at least one game action via the gaming machine.   64. The method of claim 63, further comprising storing the sign as the player involved in at least one game action via the gaming machine.   64. The method of claim 63, wherein determining the label includes using identification information (at least in part) to determine the label. 78. The method of claim 77, wherein the identification information includes at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the game machine;
Security information associated with the player using the game machine;
A tracking value assigned to the gaming machine and a name assigned to the gaming machine. 78. The method of claim 77, comprising:
The sign is stored in a database; and using the identification information to determine the sign accesses the database to determine the sign based on at least a portion of the identification information including.   80. The method of claim 79, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device. 64. The method of claim 63, wherein determining the label comprises:
Receiving a selection from the verification device regarding the type of sign; and using the identification information and the selection (at least in part) to determine the sign. 82. The method of claim 81, comprising:
The label is stored in a database; and using the identification information and the selection to determine the label includes:
Indexing the database based on at least a portion of the identification information; and accessing the indexed database to determine the indicator based on at least a portion of the selection.   83. The method of claim 82, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.   64. The method of claim 63, wherein information is sent to the player via the verification device so that the player can confirm that the verification device is communicating with a licensed server. Further included.   64. An apparatus comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method of claim 63.   86. The apparatus of claim 85, wherein the computing device includes the game server. A method that includes:
The game machine communicates with a game server to confirm that the game machine and the game server are operable to supply at least one game act to a player using the game machine; Receiving a confirmation request from the game console;
Determining a sign known to the player based on at least a portion of receiving the request; and sending the sign to the game machine via the game server, from the game machine to the player. Inform the sign.   90. The method of claim 87, wherein the gaming machine and the game server are also operable to provide at least one convenient service to a player. 90. The method of claim 87, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
An alphanumeric text value,
Multiple alphanumeric text values,
Audible signal,
Audible tone,
Audible text values and multiple audible text values.   90. The method of claim 87, wherein the sign includes personal information associated with the player.   90. The method of claim 87, wherein the indicator includes a common question and an answer to the question, and the answer includes personal information associated with the player.   90. The method of claim 87, wherein the indicator includes an incomplete description and a completion for the incomplete description, and the completion for the incomplete description includes personal information associated with the player.   90. The method of claim 87, wherein the indicator includes a value specified by the player.   94. The method of claim 93, wherein the value is specified by the player during a registration period.   90. The method of claim 87, wherein the indicator is known to the player prior to receiving the request.   90. The method of claim 87, wherein determining the label includes using the identification information (at least in part) to determine the label. 99. The method of claim 96, wherein the identification information includes at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the game machine;
Security information associated with the player using the game machine;
A tracking value assigned to the gaming machine and a name assigned to the gaming machine. 99. The method of claim 96, comprising:
The sign is stored in a database; and using the identification information to determine the sign accesses the database to determine the sign based on at least a portion of the identification information including.   99. The method of claim 98, wherein the database is populated with the indicator during a registration period.   99. The method of claim 98, further comprising receiving the identification information from the gaming machine.   99. The method of claim 98, further comprising determining the identification information based on communication with the game machine. 90. The method of claim 87, wherein determining the label comprises:
Receiving a selection from the gaming machine regarding the type of sign; and using the identification information and the selection (at least in part) to determine the sign. 103. The method of claim 102, comprising:
The label is stored in a database; and using the identification information and the selection to determine the label includes:
Indexing the database based on at least a portion of the identification information; and accessing the indexed database to determine the indicator based on at least a portion of the selection.   104. The method of claim 103, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.   104. The method of claim 103, further comprising determining the identification information based on communication with the game machine.   88. An apparatus comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method of claim 87.   106. The apparatus of claim 105, wherein the computing device includes the game server. A method that includes:
Verification to confirm that the game machine is in communication with the game server and that the game machine and the game server are operable to supply at least one game act to a player using the game machine Receiving a confirmation request from the device;
Determining an indicator based at least in part on receiving the request;
Sending the sign to the game machine via the game server to cause the game machine to make a sign known to the player; and sending the sign to the verification device from the verification device to the player Inform the relevant sign.   109. The method of claim 108, wherein the verification device comprises a device operable to receive the sign from a computing device and communicate the sign to a user of the verification device.   109. The method of claim 108, wherein the gaming machine and the game server are also operable to provide at least one convenient service to a player.   109. The method of claim 108, wherein determining the indicator includes determining a value unknown to the player. 90. The method of claim 87, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
An alphanumeric text value,
Multiple alphanumeric text values,
Audible signal,
Audible tone,
Audible text value and multiple audible text values.   109. The method of claim 108, wherein the gaming machine is one of a plurality of gaming machines and the method is for identifying which of the plurality of gaming machines is to be confirmed. The method further includes determining the game machine from the plurality of game machines.   114. The method of claim 113, wherein determining the game machine includes determining the game machine based on at least a portion of identification information.   115. The method of claim 114, wherein the identification information represents the game machine. 116. The method of claim 115, wherein the identification information includes at least one of the following:
A tracking value assigned to the gaming machine and a name assigned to the gaming machine.   115. The method of claim 114, wherein determining the gaming machine includes accessing a database for determining information representing the gaming machine based at least in part on the identification information. 118. The method of claim 117, wherein the identification information includes at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the game machine, and security information associated with the player using the game machine.   115. The method of claim 114, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.   115. The method of claim 114, wherein sending the sign to the game machine includes sending the sign to the game machine via the game server based on at least a portion of the identification information. .   109. An apparatus comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method of claim 108. A method that includes:
Verification to confirm that the game machine is in communication with the game server and that the game machine and the game server are operable to supply at least one game act to a player using the game machine Receiving a confirmation request from the device;
Determining a first indicator based at least in part on receiving the request;
Sending the first sign to the game machine via the game server;
Receiving a second indicator from the verification device;
Determining that the first sign matches the second sign; and sending a notification to the verification device that the first sign matches the second sign, from the verification device to the player Notify the notice.   123. The method of claim 122, wherein the verification device includes a device operable to receive the second indicator from a user of the verification device and communicate the second indicator to a computing device. .   122. The method of claim 122, wherein the gaming machine and the game server are also operable to provide at least one convenient service to a player.   123. The method of claim 122, wherein the gaming machine is one of a plurality of gaming machines, the method for identifying which of the plurality of gaming machines is confirmed. The method further includes determining the game machine from the plurality of game machines.   126. The method of claim 125, wherein determining the game machine includes determining the game machine based at least in part on identification information.   128. The method of claim 126, wherein the identification information represents the game machine. 128. The method of claim 127, wherein the identification information includes at least one of the following:
A tracking value assigned to the gaming machine and a name assigned to the gaming machine.   127. The method of claim 126, wherein determining the gaming machine includes accessing a database for determining information representing the gaming machine based at least in part on the identification information. 130. The method of claim 129, wherein the identification information includes at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the game machine, and security information associated with the player using the game machine.   127. The method of claim 126, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.   127. The method of claim 126, wherein sending the sign to the game machine includes sending the sign to the game machine via the game server based on at least a portion of the identification information. .   123. The method of claim 122, wherein determining the indicator includes determining a value unknown to the player. 123. The method of claim 122, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
An alphanumeric text value,
Multiple alphanumeric text values,
Audible signal,
Audible tone,
Audible text values and multiple audible text values. The method of claim 122, comprising:
Sending the first sign to the gaming machine is notifying the player of the first sign by the gaming machine; and the method provides the player with the first sign. The method further includes prompting the game machine informing the player to send the second sign from the verification device.   140. The method of claim 135, wherein the second label comprises the first label.   123. An apparatus comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method of claim 122. A method that includes:
Verification to confirm that the game machine is in communication with the game server and that the game machine and the game server are operable to supply at least one game act to a player using the game machine Receiving a confirmation request from the device;
Receiving a first indicator from the verification device;
Using (at least in part) the first sign to determine a second sign that includes a value that can be verified by the player; and the game machine via the game server, the second sign Send a sign and notify the player of the sign from the game machine.   138. The method of claim 138, wherein the verification device includes a device operable to receive the first indicator from a user of the verification device and communicate the first indicator to a computing device. .   138. The method of claim 138, wherein the gaming machine and the game server are also operable to provide at least one convenient service to a player.   138. The method of claim 138, wherein using the first indicator to determine the second indicator comprises selecting the first indicator to select the second indicator from a plurality of information. Using (at least part of) the label.   142. The method of claim 141, wherein using the first indicator to determine the second indicator uses identification information (at least in part) to determine the plurality of information. Further comprising using. The method of claim 142, wherein
The plurality of information is stored in a database; and using the identification information to determine the plurality of information is based on at least a portion of the identification information to determine the plurality of information. Includes accessing the database.   145. The method of claim 143, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device. 143. The method of claim 142, wherein the identification information includes at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the game machine;
Security information associated with the player using the game machine;
A tracking value assigned to the gaming machine and a name assigned to the gaming machine. 142. The method of claim 141, wherein the plurality of information includes at least one of the following:
Player security information,
Information related to one or more game actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
Information related to one or more convenient services related to the player via the game machine, and credit information related to the player. 138. The method of claim 138, wherein the second label comprises at least one of the following:
Player security information,
Information related to one or more game actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
Information related to one or more convenient services related to the player via the game machine, and credit information related to the player. 138. The method of claim 138, wherein the second label comprises at least one of the following:
Personal information associated with the player and a value specified by the player. 138. The method of claim 138, wherein the second label comprises at least one of the following:
One or more names of one or more game actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
One or more places where the player is involved in one or more game actions via the gaming machine;
One or more obtained skill levels of one or more gaming actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
One or more total amount bet on one or more game actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
An average amount bet by the player in connection with one or more game actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
One or more financial results of one or more game actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
One or more outcomes of one or more game actions involving the player via the game machine, and a series of events of one or more game actions involving the player via the game machine. 138. The method of claim 138, wherein the second label comprises at least one of the following:
Reservations made by the player via the gaming machine,
To be done by the player via the game machine,
Items purchased by the player via the gaming machine;
The cost of items purchased by the player via the gaming machine, and the deposit amount associated with a reservation made by the player via the gaming machine. 138. The method of claim 138, wherein the second label comprises at least one of the following:
Transaction history of the player's credit amount and the player's accounts receivable.   140. An apparatus comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method of claim 138. A method that includes:
Verification to confirm that the game machine is in communication with the game server and that the game machine and the game server are operable to supply at least one game act to a player using the game machine Receiving a confirmation request from the device;
Determining a sign that includes a value that can be confirmed by the player; and sending the sign to the game machine via the game server to inform the player of the sign from the game machine.   154. The method of claim 153, wherein the gaming machine and the game server are also operable to provide at least one convenient service to a player.   154. The method of claim 153, wherein determining the indicator and sending the indicator determines the indicator and sends the indicator based at least in part on receiving the request. including. 154. The method of claim 153, wherein the label comprises a second label, the method further comprising:
Receiving a first indicator from the verification device; and sending the second indicator to the gaming machine via the game server based on at least a portion of receiving the first indicator.   156. The method of claim 156, wherein the first indicator includes a command for sending the second indicator to the game machine via the game server.   154. The method of claim 153, wherein determining the label includes determining the label from a plurality of information.   159. The method of claim 158, wherein determining the indicator further comprises using identification information (at least in part) to determine the plurality of information. The method of claim 159, comprising:
The plurality of information is stored in a database; and using the identification information to determine the plurality of information is based on at least a portion of the identification information to determine the plurality of information. Includes accessing the database.   163. The method of claim 160, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device. 159. The method of claim 159, wherein the identification information includes at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the game machine;
Security information associated with the player using the game machine;
A tracking value assigned to the gaming machine and a name assigned to the gaming machine.   159. The method of claim 158, wherein determining the indicator from the plurality of information includes randomly selecting the indicator from the plurality of information.   159. The method of claim 158, wherein determining the indicator from the plurality of information includes selecting from a predetermined one or more of the plurality of information. 159. The method of claim 158, wherein the plurality of information includes at least one of the following:
Player security information,
Information related to one or more game actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
Information related to one or more convenient services related to the player via the game machine, and credit information related to the player. 154. The method of claim 153, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
Player security information,
Information related to one or more game actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
Information related to one or more convenient services related to the player via the game machine, and credit information related to the player. 154. The method of claim 153, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
Personal information associated with the player and a value specified by the player. 154. The method of claim 153, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
One or more names of one or more game actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
One or more places where the player is involved in one or more game actions via the gaming machine;
One or more obtained skill levels of one or more gaming actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
One or more total amount bet on one or more game actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
An average amount bet by the player in connection with one or more game actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
One or more financial results of one or more game actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
One or more outcomes of one or more game actions involving the player via the game machine, and a series of events of one or more game actions involving the player via the game machine. 154. The method of claim 153, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
Reservations made by the player via the gaming machine,
To be done by the player via the game machine,
Items purchased by the player via the gaming machine;
The cost of items purchased by the player via the gaming machine, and the deposit amount associated with the reservation made by the player via the gaming machine. 154. The method of claim 153, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
Transaction history of the player's credit amount and the player's accounts receivable.   154. An apparatus comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method of claim 153.

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