JP6553149B2 - Apparatus and method for determining a gaming machine in communication with a gaming server - Google Patents

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 10/759963, 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, 12/02/2004 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 gaming systems have been proposed to provide one or more gaming activities and possibly other convenient services to one or more players, such as players.

Guide terms for interpreting the invention

  The term "herein", unless expressly stated otherwise, means "in the present application, including anything which can be incorporated by reference."

  The term “product” means a construction of a machine, product, and / or material, 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 any reference to a “step” or “steps” of a process is referred to as a “process”. 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" means that, if such a phrase modifies a plurality of things (such as a list of things listed), one or more of those things, unless expressly specified otherwise Means a combination of For example, the expression "at least one of a small device, a car, and a wheel" means (i) a small device, (ii) a vehicle, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a small device and a vehicle, (v) a small device And either (vi) car and wheel or (vii) car and wheel. "At least one of" does not mean "one of each" of the plurality if such expression modifies a plurality of things.

  Numerical terms such as "one" and "two," when used as a cardinality to indicate some quantity (for example, one small device, two small devices, etc.) But in at least the number of the terms. For example, the expression "one small device" does not mean "at least one small device", hence the expression "one small device" does not, for example, include two small devices .

  The term "representing" and such terms are not exclusive unless explicitly stated 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" means both "data represents a credit card number only" and "data represents a credit card number, and the data represents other things" Means.

  The phrase "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 term "by" is used herein only to precede a set of intended results, objectives, clauses representing only the consequences of what has been explicitly stated, or a set of other words. Thus, if the term "by" is used in the claims, the clause or other words that the term "by" modifies may further restrict the claim, but the claims There is no limitation on the meaning or scope of

  The term "i.e." or such terms, means "i.e." and thus limits the terms or expressions it describes. 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" or such terms mean "for example", and thus does not limit the terms or expressions it describes. For example, in the sentence "a computer has sent data (e.g., an instruction, data structure) to the Internet", the term "e.g. It is described as an example, and "data structure" is described as an example of "data" that a computer can transmit to the Internet. However, both "instructions" and "data structures" are merely examples of "data", and anything other than "instructions" and "data structures" may be "data".

  The term “respectively” and such terms mean “take up individually”. Thus, if two or more things have the "each" property, then each such thing has its own property, and these properties may be different from one another. Yes, but not necessary. For example, the expression "each of the two has its own function" means that the first such machine has one function and the second such machine also has one. 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 of “1 to 10” is, in particular, an integer between 1 and 10 (eg, 1, 2, 3, 4... 9) and a non-integer (eg, 1.1, 1) .2, 1.9)).

  Where two or more terms or expressions are synonymous (e.g., where there is a clear statement that the terms or expressions are synonymous), an example of such a term / expression is another such term / expression. It does not mean that the examples must have different meanings. For example, when there is a statement that the meaning of "including" is synonymous with "including but not limited to it", when using the expression "including but not limited to it", "including" 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”, “multiple 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). Embodiments) and mutually exclusive.
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 "determine" does not include the meaning of having to do mathematical processing, nor does it mean that it has to use numerical methods, nor does it mean to use an algorithm or processing. .

The term "determine" does not mean that a particular device must be used. For example, a computer need not necessarily make decisions.
Sentence format

  Where the limitation of the first claim covers one property as well as one or more properties (for example the limitation of at least one small device covers one small device with one or more small devices) And, in the second claim dependent on the first claim, if the second claim uses the definite article "that" to refer to a limitation (for example, its small device), This does not mean that the first claim covers only one property, which means that the second claim covers only one property. Not (e.g. "the small device" covers both one small device and one or more small devices).

  When an ordinal number (e.g., "first", "second", "third", etc.) is used as an adjective in front of a term, that ordinal number (unless explicitly stated otherwise) is simply specified To indicate a property, for example, the ordinal number is used 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" is not an indication of the other relationships between the two small devices Similarly, it does not indicate the other features of either one or both of the small device. For example, the mere use of the "first" and "second" ordinal numbers before the term "small device" means (1) either "small device" comes back in order or position comes It does not indicate that it will come or go; (2) it does not indicate that either small device will happen first or later in time, but (3) either small device However, in terms of importance and quality, it does not indicate whether it is superior or inferior. 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 "first" and "second" ordinals before the term "small device" does not indicate that two or more small devices should not be present.

  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 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, the various functionalities described as being possessed by one or more devices or articles can be alternately possessed 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" may be used to refer to any evidence and / or other information representing the subject matter, item, substance and / or other purpose and / or concept.

  As used herein, the terms "information representing anything" and "evidence" are used to describe, describe, and / or refer to information pertaining to the subject matter, 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 treated in any way as limiting the scope of the disclosed invention . A summary of 150 words or less is simply 37C. F. The abstract is only included in the present application as required by R 1.7 1.72 (b).

  The title of the invention of the present application and the headings of the parts provided in the present application are provided for convenience only and are not treated as a limitation of this disclosure in any way. .

  Many embodiments are described in the present application, but are submitted for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not in any sense limiting and are not intended to be limiting. The presently disclosed invention is broadly applicable to many embodiments, as is 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 the embodiments or the use in the drawings to which it is referred to to describe.

  Any of the method steps or the embodiments of the product elements described in this application are so expressly stated in this specification or except where explicitly stated in the claims. It does not constitute the invention claimed here, and is not essential to the invention claimed here, or does not have the same scope as the invention claimed here.

  All words in all claims have a 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 in the claims.

  The preambles of the following claims describe the claimed purpose, benefits, and possible uses of the claimed invention and do not limit the claimed invention.

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

  Devices described as communicating with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. On the other hand, such devices may send to each other as needed or desired, and indeed, most of the time may refrain from exchanging data. For example, a machine communicating with another machine via the Internet may not send data to another machine for an extended period of time (e.g., several weeks at a time). In addition, devices in communication with each other may communicate with each other, directly or through one or more vehicles.

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

  Although the process steps, algorithms or the like are described in a specific sequential order, such processes may be configured to operate in different orders. In other words, the sequence or order of steps that can be explicitly described does not necessarily have to indicate the requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The process steps described herein can be performed in any practical order. Furthermore, some steps are described as occurring non-simultaneously (for example, because one step is described after another step) or are performed simultaneously despite being meant be able to. Furthermore, describing the process by means of a drawing representation does not imply that the described process is exclusive to other variations or modifications, but any of the described processes or their steps. Neither does it mean that it is necessary for the invention, nor does it mean that the described process is suitable.

  Where a process is described as including multiple steps, it does not mean that all or all of the steps are preferred, required or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention encompass other processes that omit some or all of the described steps. Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no steps are required or required.

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

  Although it may be stated that the product has multiple components, aspects, amounts, features and / or properties, it is preferred that some or all of the components are preferred, required 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. It 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.

  The enumerated item list (which may or may not be numbered) means that some or all of the items are equivalent to one another or readily interchangeable with one another It's not.

  All embodiments are examples, and the invention or any embodiments thereof, as the case may be, do not mean that they have been made or achieved.

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

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

  Thus, the description of a process is like the description of an apparatus for performing that process. The apparatus that performs the process includes, for example, a processor and input devices and output devices that are appropriate to perform the process.

  Additionally, programs implementing such methods (as well as other data types) may be stored and transmitted using various media (eg, computer readable media) in many ways Is possible. In one embodiment, hardwired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of or in combination with some or all of the software instructions capable of implementing 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 a computer, processor, or any medium, media or media that participates in providing data (eg, instructions, data structures) readable by such a 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 include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. 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 forms 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, patterns of holes 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 (e.g., sequences of instructions) to a processor. For example, data can be (i) transported from RAM to a processor, (ii) transmitted over a wireless transmission medium, (iii) Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth (trademark) ), And formatted and / or transmitted according to many formats, standards, or protocols such as TCP / IP, TDMA, CDMA and 3G, and / or (iv) ensure privacy or may be in this technical field It can be encrypted to prevent fraud by one of the various methods known.

  Thus, the description of a process is similar to the description of a computer readable medium storing a program for performing the process. The computer readable medium may store (in an appropriate 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 required, the implementation of the device is within the described process. Includes computers / computing devices that operate to do some (but not necessarily all).

  Similarly, an 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 expressed as requiring all the steps described. Aspects include computer readable media having stored thereon a program, which when executed can cause a processor to execute some (but not necessarily all) of the described processes.

  When a database is described, it is 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 easily be used. All descriptions or descriptions of the sample database presented here are exemplary configurations for stored information representations. For example, apart from the configuration proposed in the drawings and the tables described in the other, the other configurations can be used without being limited to a number. 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 databases are described as tables, other formats (relational databases, object-based models and / or distributed databases) can be used to store and manipulate the data types described herein. Likewise, the intended method or operation of the database can be used to perform various processes, such as those described herein. In addition, databases can be stored locally or indirectly from devices that access data of such databases in a known manner.

  Various embodiments can be configured to operate in a networked environment including a computer (eg, via a communications network) in communication with one or more devices. 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 is comprised 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 certain embodiments, server computers and central offices are 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 embodiments, whatever functions described herein are performed by the server computer, data described as being stored on the server computer will instead be performed by one or more such devices. 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 human intervention (e.g., certain steps are performed with human assistance or with assistance).
35U. S. C 112 112, paragraph 6

  In certain claims, the limitation of claims including the expression "means for what" or "step for what" is 35 U.S. 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. The corresponding structures, materials or acts described herein and their equivalents as to means or steps for performing a specified function, in accordance with C§ 112, paragraph 6, are similar to the specified 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 particular 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 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 authorizes some 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 subjects that are disclosed and entitled but not claimed in the present 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.記述 112, description according to paragraph 1, 35 U.S. 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 a clarifiable meaning for such terms. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art need not be limited to any of the embodiments 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, endorsement, or acquiescence.
Review progress

  In interpreting the present application (including the claims), the person skilled in the art shall refer to the prosecution history of the present application, whether or not there are other patent applications that may be relevant to the present application, etc. 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 usable 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, which verification system can be used to verify whether a gaming machine is in communication with a licensed game server Indicates. FIG. 5 illustrates a verification service provided by the verification system of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows another verification service provided by the verification system of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present 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 present invention. FIG. 9 illustrates another verification service provided by the verification system of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, according to 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 gaming system is shown. 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, through the use of the gaming machine 130, the gaming system 100 allows the players 102, 104 to play gaming activities and possibly other conveniences, as the game server 110 provides. Make it possible to engage in

  More specifically, according to one embodiment of the present invention, game server 110 provides one or more game actions, and information related to game actions ("game information") through communication network 150 having game console 130. Any computing device that operates to replace The gaming information may include any information necessary and / or desirable for the operation of gaming activities in which players participate or participate. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the gaming activity provided by the gaming server 110 may include gambling activity as provided at a casino. Examples of gambling activities include casino type gambling activities such as slot machines, video poker, table games (eg, craps, roulette, blackjack, Pai Gow Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, Baccarat etc.), wheels of good luck games, kino Can include sports betting, horse racing, dog racing, hi-arai and other gambling activities. The gaming activities provided by the gaming server 110 can include betting on any type of event. Events may include, for example, sporting events such as horse racing and auto racing, and athletics such as football, basketball, baseball, golf, and the like. Events can also include events that do not normally include gambling, such as elections, entertainment industry awards, and movie boxing results. The game action provided by the game server 110 may further include a draw (lottery), or a state-by-state or interstate-like draw-like action. These lottery tickets may include all types of lottery tickets, "scratch off" lotterys, and other lottery contests. Game actions provided by the game server 110 may include non-gaming / non-gambling actions, including games and events. Those skilled in the art recognize that the game server 110 is not limited to the above-described game action, 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 consoles 130, and these convenient services ("Convenient service information Can be operated to exchange information related to Useful service information may include any information necessary and / or desirable in the operation of a convenient service involving a 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 Including services to Hotel services, for example, allow players to check out, check in, make Jacuzzi appointments, check messages, leave messages, investigate hotel rates, or other guests It is a service that makes it possible to make an act of relationship. Money management service is, for example, a service that enables a player to move money, pay bills, or perform other money management activities. A news service is, for example, a service that allows a player to select and view news sources and / or news articles. A financial exchange service is, for example, a service that enables a player to place a buy and / or sell order of 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. (The gaming facilities may include, for example, casinos, casino hotels, or other types of entities such as Las Vegas, Nebata, Atlantic City, New Jersey or other states, and are within the scope of an international jurisdiction such as a cruise ship. Include "racino", which is a stadium that can include entities, can include Native American gaming facilities, and / or provides slot machines, video lottery terminals, etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the gaming establishment may include other types of entities.) Or, the gaming establishment 174 can not only control the gaming activities and convenient services, but also the gaming server 110 and related applications 116, in which case the game service provider Da 172 does not exist. Alternatively, the gaming service provider 172 may provide the gaming server 110 and associated applications 116 and may control gaming activities and convenient services, in which case the gaming facility 174 does not exist. . Those skilled in the art will recognize that other combinations of these configurations are possible. As shown in FIG. 1, assuming that the game service provider 172 and the game facility 174 exist, the game server 110 may exist within the geographical boundaries of the game service provider 172, and the game service provider may 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 game console 130, these devices provide player 102/104 with access to game system 100, such that the player provides one or more gaming actions and possibly other as game server 110 provides. It makes 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. , And may provide information to the player, and may be operative to exchange games and useful service information via the communication network 150 with the 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 a video poker machine, and possibly a convenient service. According to one embodiment of the present invention, gaming system 100 can include different types of gaming devices 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 gaming 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 at a distant place such as inside, poolside, inside a restaurant, etc. Alternatively, the gaming machine can be a mobile device, whereby the player can move while participating in one or more gaming activities or convenient services. For example, the mobile gaming machine may allow the player to engage in activities and / or services in or away from the gaming area of the gaming establishment. When the gaming machine is a mobile device, the device may be provided to the player by gaming facility 174 and / or gaming service provider 172. For example, a player may 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 again to FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, game console 130 interfaces with communication network 150 to communicate for transmitting and / or receiving games and convenient services with game server 110. A module 131 can be included. The gaming machine may 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. Display Device) can 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 gaming 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 1 Can have one or more applications 140. Application 140 resides in memory 138 and may be embodied as one or more software modules executing on processor 137. Alternatively or additionally, application 140 may 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 may be initially incorporated into the game console, for example, stored on the computer readable medium 139, and thus many times Can also be used. Alternatively or additionally, each time a player selects a game action or convenient service, for example, the corresponding application 140 can be incorporated from the game server 110 (e.g., a web application). Those skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations are possible. The gaming machine may also operate to access one or more databases, such as database 180, directly or through, for example, game server 110. Those skilled in the art will also recognize, for example, that different gaming devices can provide different gaming activities and convenient services, depending on the gaming device and / or the player. According to one embodiment of the present invention, gaming device 130 may operate at least in part as a web client (e.g., including a web browser).

  As mentioned above, gaming activities and convenient services may be provided to the player through the combination of the application running on the game server 110 and the application 140 running on the game console. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any portion of the gaming activity or convenient services may be performed by the game server 110 and the gaming machine 130. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, gaming activities or convenient services can be performed on the game server, and the gaming machine simply provides information to the player and receives input from the player. According to another embodiment of the invention, the gaming activity or convenient service can be performed on a gaming machine, the gaming machine providing results to the gaming server. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations are possible.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, in addition to providing the player with one or more gaming activities and convenient services, the gaming machine 130 can be a mobile phone, POTS, as known in the art. Providing one or more communication services such as telephone and / or data communication services such as (Planned old telephone services) and / or IP (Internet Protocol) telephone services, Internet based services, email services, text messaging services, etc. Can be operated as. 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 also 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 / convenient services together or separately. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the gaming device can provide telephone and / or data communication services, even if the gaming device 130 is not owned by the player.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the common hardware and / or software modules of gaming machine 130 may be used 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 may 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 gaming machine may include one or more communication modules in addition to the communication module 131.

  Now referring to communication network 150, according to one embodiment of the present invention, this network provides a mechanism for gaming machine 130 and game server 110 to exchange games and useful service information. . For example, gaming and useful service information may include capturing application 140 into gaming console 130, security information such as logins and passwords, and information, gaming server 110 and gaming console in image, text and / or audio. An indication of the selection exchanged between 130 may be included. The person skilled in the art recognizes that other information is possible. Thus, the communication network 150 may transmit, in whole or in part, image, text and / or audio information, and any other form of information transmission, including digital and / or analog formats. It can be done.

  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 may be a private and / or public network, and is at least partially implemented by the security needs of the 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. Example wireless technologies may include, for example, licensed or license exempt technologies, in particular, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) (registered trademark) ), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), WiFi (802.11x), WiMax (802.16x) and / or satellite based technologies. Exemplary wired technologies are public switched telephone network (PSTN), digital subscriber line (DSL), integrated services digital network (ISDN), cable modem technology, and / or technology based on LAN (local area network) Can be included. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other transmission techniques and combinations of transmission techniques can be used.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, 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 individually and / or input / output with one or more networks via a common access point. Different game machines can perform 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 gaming 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. Because communication network 150 includes multiple networks, one or more gaming devices can use a wireless network to access game server 110, and thus can be used as a mobile gaming device. Similarly, one or more gaming machines can use a wired network to access the game server 110, and thus can be used as a fixed gaming machine.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a communication network 250 is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Communication network 250 is a cellular network and includes a plurality of base stations 252, each having a corresponding coverage area 253. Base station technology is known in the art, and base station 252 may be any type found in a typical cellular network. Base stations have overlapping coverage areas. The game machine 130 receives and transmits a radio signal with the base station 252 to access the network 250. For example, game console 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 connects to the voice / data switch 254 via, for example, a dedicated and secure landline 256. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, communication network 250 may provide gaming device 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, database 180 may be accessible to game server 110 and may be accessible to one or more game consoles 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. . Those skilled in the art will also recognize that database 180 may be part of 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 retained using any combination of these and other implementations.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, database 180 may store player profile information for one or more players 102/104 of 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 actions and / or convenient services (the player may be responsible for such actions / services). When the player gets a game console (e.g., when checking in at a hotel and / or from a central location in a 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 may include 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. And other types of information may be used. Player profile information may be created, maintained, and modified by an attendant of the gaming system 100 and / or by the gaming server 110. Although those skilled in the art have disclosed 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, player profile information stored in 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 It may include one or more account numbers, such as license numbers, banks, ATMs, debit cards, and / or credit card numbers, and credit / credit performance information and the like. Those skilled in the art will recognize that profile information may include other types of player identification information.

  The player profile information may also include, for example, security information of the player that the player needs to enter into the gaming machine 130 in order to access the gaming system 100 / gaming server 110. The player's security information may include the player's identification value, such as login, player's password, electronic file of fingerprints, voice, pictures, retina scan, and / or other biometric information. In the case of logins and passwords, one or both of these values may be designated / assigned by the player, the gaming facility and / or the attendants of the gaming service provider, 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 the player security information may include other types of personal information related to the player. Personal information related to a player can be stored in the database 180 in a different format, 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 (eg, “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 may also include one or more values, such as a random value specified by the player. The values may include, for example, alphanumeric text values, multiple alphanumeric text values, audible signals, audible tones, audible text values, and / or multiple audible text values, or a combination 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 profile information may include other types of player security information than those disclosed herein. According to different embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, a player may play a game act and / or convenient before the game act begins and / or prior to a convenient service and / or before the game act. During service, some or all of the player's security information may 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, an inventory number, or other alphanumeric value. For example, the tracking number assigned to the gaming machine may be the game server 110, the gaming machine manufacturer, the game service provider, and / or the game authority 176 (for example, the Nevada Game Commission, Nevada Game Administration Committee , New Jersey Game Performing Department (DGE), New Jersey Casino Management Committee (CCC), or 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 tracking values 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 perhaps other types of names can be assigned to the 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 can be created, maintained, and modified in a database by players, game system personnel, and / or game servers 110. For example, the game server may determine the name of the gaming machine through communication with the gaming machine, and may store this information in the database 180. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that player profile information can 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 activities. 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.

  The information regarding gaming may also include information related to one or more gaming activities with which the player is involved. As an example, game server 110 may monitor, track, and / or store the player's activity to obtain such information. Such information may, for example, be maintained for the entire period of time that a player is involved in various gaming activities, and / or for a fixed period of time that is moving. Information related to one or more game activities in which a player is engaged may be the name of the game activity in which the player is currently engaged, the name of the game activity in which the player was previously engaged, the player is engaged Any game action that is present may include its name and a series of names of one or more game actions that the player is involved with. Information related to one or more gaming activities with which the player is involved may also be located where the player is currently engaged in the gaming activity, where the player was previously engaged in the gaming activity, what gaming activity the player is in Even if it were, it could include where it was involved and one or more series of locations where the player was involved in multiple gaming activities. Location type information may be based, for example, on the stationary gaming machine location or, in the case of a portable gaming machine, network based technology such as distributed positioning angular positioning or geofencing, and / or For example, positioning techniques such as satellite based techniques such as Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology may be used. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other localization techniques can be used.

  The information associated with the one or more gaming activities in which the player is engaged may also be the acquired skill (or success) level of the gaming activity in which the player is currently engaged, and the game in which the player was previously engaged. The acquired skill / success level of the action, and whatever game action the player is engaged with, the acquired skill / success level and the series of one or more of the game actions associated with the player. It can include the acquired skills / success levels.

  Information related to the one or more gaming activities in which the player is engaged may also be an amount bet on the gaming activity the player is currently engaged in, an amount bet on the gaming activity in which the player was engaged in the past, the player The amount bet on any game action involved, the amount of bet on a series of one or more game actions in which the player is involved, and bet by the player associated with the one or more game actions Can include an average amount of money.

  Information relating to one or more gaming activities in which the player is engaged may also result in the monetary outcome (ie, winning or losing amount) in the game activity in which the player is currently engaged, the player has previously engaged in It may include the monetary consequences of the game action being performed, a series of monetary consequences of one or more game actions that the player is engaged with, and a total monetary outcome of one or more game actions with which the player is engaged.

  Information related to the one or more gaming activities in which the player is engaged may be the result of a win-loss in the gaming activity that the player is currently engaged in, as a result of the winning in the gaming activity in which the player was previously engaged in-loss. Any game action that the player involves may include the result of the win-loss and the result of a series of win-loss in one or more game actions that the player is involved.

  Information related to one or more gaming activities in which the player is engaged may also be events in the gaming activity in which the player is currently engaged (eg, a card traded with a blackjack bill), the player has previously been engaged. , A series of events in a game action involved, a series of events in any game action in which a player is involved, and a series of events in one or more game actions in which a player is involved Can. 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.

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

  The credit information may also include one or more credit limits, including betting / betting limits assigned to the player in connection with gaming activities. For example, a single betting / wagering limit can be assigned to one or more gaming actions involving a player. Alternatively, one or more gaming activities 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 the player is engaged in one or more gaming activities and / or convenient services, the game server can dynamically change the player's wagering / betting 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 a player is engaged may include, for example, reservations and / or appointments made by a player, items purchased by a player, and reservations made / purchased by a player, An appointment may be included and a purchase cost and / or deposit amount associated with the item. 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 may be created, maintained, and modified in addition to those disclosed herein.

  One of ordinary skill in the art accesses the database 180 to obtain profile information of one or more players, in addition to the profile information of other players, of the one or more player profile information disclosed herein, 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 exemplary process 300 for engaging in gaming activities and / or convenient services of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. One 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 being activated, the game console 130 can automatically connect to the communication network 150, and the player 102 can connect the game console 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. Thus, the game server 110 can capture one or more applications 140 into the gaming 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 the player's security information including. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the gaming machine may already be in operation and communicate with the gaming server 110 when first used by a player. Here, process 300 may begin, for example, at step 304.

  Assuming that the player enters the correct player security information, game server 110 and / or gaming machine 130 then provides player 102 an option to continue the gaming activity or perhaps 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 the lobby of a casino, where the player is provided with a broad category of gaming activities, including, for example, gambling activities, betting at events, 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 activity, such as a particular casino table game. At step 310, the gaming server and / or gaming machine may then provide the player with one or more options related to the selected gaming activity. At step 312, the player then selects an option. For example, a player can place a bet or draw a card. At step 314, gaming machine 130 may accept the selected option and may transmit the selected option to game server 110. At step 316, the game server runs on the selected option.

  For example, the game server may determine the outcome, such as winning or losing, and / or winning or losing amount, based on, for example, the bet and the applicable bet 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 may use the game server to confirm the response. 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 console.

  According to embodiments of the present invention, the gaming server 110 trusts in the sense that the gaming service provider 172, the gaming establishment 174, and / or the gaming authority 176 have a mechanism to verify that the server has not been tampered with. Server (eg, "licensed server" / "licensed game server"). For example, the gaming service provider 172, the gaming facility 174, and / or the gaming authority 176 physically secure the gaming server 110 (e.g., restrict access thereto) and / or provide gaming services and convenient services. Can have a mechanism to check the certainty of the application 116. According to embodiments of the present invention, game server 110 may, for example, have a mechanism to verify that gaming device 130 has not been tampered with. For example, as is known in the art, the game server 110 can have a mechanism to check 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 gaming server 110 can confirm that the gaming machine has not been tampered with, for example, when it finds a problem May interrupt the act or service.

  In particular, when viewed from the perspective of the player 102/104 using the gaming machine 130, a gaming machine whose player is not known to the player is provided by the gaming service provider 172 and / or the gaming facility 174. It would be desirable to have a mechanism that can verify that the gaming device has not been tampered with, so as to contact the malicious game server on a fake basis, rather than the licensed game server 110. In other words, if a player uses a gaming machine to engage with one or more gaming activities or convenient services by means of a gaming server, the gaming machine is actually "licensed gaming 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 in accordance with 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 that the verification server 410 and the verification device 430a / 430b can communicate with. 450 is included. According to embodiments of the present invention, verification server 410 provides one or more "verification servers" to one or more players 102/104 of gaming system 100, and in particular, the player may be a verification device. Use 430a / 430b / 430c to verify that the gaming machine 130 that the player is using is communicating with a licensed game server, not a 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 separate from the game server 110. Here, verification server 410 includes processor 412, one or more processors such as memory 414, and an application 416 each of which can operate to provide a verification service as disclosed herein. As such, it can have one or more applications. 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. Verification server 410 may interface with communication network 450 (perhaps other communication networks) and / or one or more communication modules for transmitting and / or receiving verification information with verification device 430a / 430b. 418 can be included. Verification information may include necessary and / or preferred information in the operation of the verification service as further disclosed herein, and in particular, information exchanged between verification server 410 and verification device 430 and And / or may include information exchanged between verification server 410 and gaming device 130. Verification server 410 may also have one or more interactive voice response (IVR) systems, such as system 419, and the player may automatically, for example, as further disclosed herein. , And can interact with the verification server 410. Verification server 410 may also include, for example, a computer readable medium 415 for storing one or more applications 416. Although the validation server 410 is shown as a single server, those skilled in the art will recognize that the validation server 410 can 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, verification server 410 is also interconnected to licensed game server 110, as manifested in communication 452. . According to embodiments of the present invention, communication 542 is a communication network, such as a data communication network, and may be or be part of a network separate from communication network 150 and / or communication network 450. Thus, verification server 410 and game server 110 may also include one or more communication modules (not shown) for communicating via communication network 452. Those skilled in the art will recognize that mechanisms other than communication network 452 can be used to interconnect the verification server 410 and the game server.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, as further disclosed herein, the verification server 410 verifies, for the player using the gaming machine, that the device is in communication with the gaming server 110. Verification information may be exchanged with the game console 130 via the game server 110. In other words, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server 410 can transfer the verification information to the gaming machine 130 and / or receive the verification information from the gaming machine 130, which information may be transmitted to the communication network 150 and the like. It is possible to pass via communication 452, and in particular via the licensed game server 110. Passing the verification information through the licensed game server 110 confirms that the game console is communicating with the licensed game server 110 instead of other malicious servers do. According to embodiments of the present invention, game server 110 may include mechanisms known in the art to enable communication of verification information between verification server 410 and gaming machine 130.

  In FIG. 4, the verification server 410 is shown as 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 to the gaming server 110, each being provided and / or controlled by different gaming service providers and / or gaming establishments. Here, verification server 410 may provide a verification service for a player using game console 130 on any of these gaming systems.

  Although verification server 410 is shown in FIG. 4 as a computing device separate from game server 110, one skilled in the art could implement another verification server 410, such as game server 110 including verification server 410. Recognize that there is. In other words, according to embodiments of the present invention, game server 110 and 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, which processor / memory / application is representative of verification server 410. According to another embodiment of the present invention, verification server 410 may be a logical entity within game server 110 such that game server 110 includes verification server 410. For example, game server 110 may include one or more applications, such as application 416 executing as one or more processors on game server 110, which is representative of verification server 410.

  According to these various alternative embodiments, game server 110 may interface with communications 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 a “validation server” 410 automatically, for example. . Further, 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, verification information may be considered to pass between the verification server 410 and the game console 130 via the game server 110. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other implementations of verification server 410 and / or game server 110 are possible.

  Referring again to FIG. 4, verification server 410 may also operate to access one or more databases, such as database 180. The implementation of the database 180 as disclosed herein and / or the implementation of the validation server as disclosed herein allows the validation server to directly access the database 180 (at communication 454). It is possible to access the database 180 via the game server 110 and / or as shown).

  According to embodiments of the present invention, verification server 410 and its associated applications 416 may be provided and / or controlled by gaming service provider 172, gaming facility 174 and / or gaming authority 176, and these entities It can be within the geographical boundaries of one or more things. In addition, when the verification server 410 and the game server 110 are separate entities, the servers can be located together and / or remotely.

  According to embodiments of the present invention, game service provider 172, game facility 174, and / or game authority 176 may physically secure a verification server (eg, restrict 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 embodiments 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 Instead, different mechanisms 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. And any device that operates to provide verification information to the player and / or receive verification information. 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, a kiosk) or a device that is anchored and / or placed 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 the gaming facility, gaming service provider, and / or gaming authority provides the verification device 430a, the device is placed in a prominent place, thereby using the verification device. It is possible to give a trusted player that the verification device has not been tampered with, and is accessing the "licensed verification server" 410 when in use.

  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. . The verification device 430a may also be a mouse, a touch sensitive pad, a pointer, a stylus, a trackball, a button, a keypad, and / or a keyboard with one or more keys displaying alphanumeric characters, a wheel, a touch sensitive monitor, and / or an acoustic There may be at least one or more input devices 434, such as input devices (e.g., microphones), by which the player can 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 a service is used (e.g., as a web application), it can be incorporated, for example, from the verification server 410. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations are possible. According to embodiments of the present invention, verification device 430a may operate at least in part as a web client (e.g., 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. Thus, the verification device 430 b can be a verification device integral to the gaming 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 can be included that operates to provide services. According to embodiments of the present invention, verification device 430b may be a stationary device or a device anchored to a stationary object or may be a portable device. In addition, the device may be provided to the player by gaming facility 174 and / or gaming service provider 172 or may be 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 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. One skilled in the art will recognize that other types of verification device 430c are possible.

  According to embodiments of the present invention, gaming facility 174, gaming service provider 172 and / or gaming authority 176 may control access to verification device 430a and / or 430c, and / or the player may Such devices may be operated on behalf of the player to ensure that each player's gaming device 130 is in communication with the licensed game server 110. More specifically, according to embodiments of the present invention as disclosed herein, game facility, game service provider and / or game official personnel may be located in a game facility, such as a booth. And one or more verification devices 430a / 430c can be accessed. The player can request that the clerk check the gaming 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 can be provided that is accessing a verification server 410.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention as disclosed herein, gaming establishments, gaming service providers and / or personnel of a gaming authority can be located, for example, in a call center or data center, and one or more The verification device 430a / 430c is accessed. The player may, for example, contact such an attendant via a telephone or data connection, requesting that the attendant identify the gaming machine 130 that the player is using instead of the player. it can. According to 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, at a prominent location within the gaming facility, whereby the attendant is valid. 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, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the network provides a mechanism for verification device 430a / 430b and verification server 410 to exchange verification information. Further, as disclosed herein, the verification information may be transmitted in whole, or in combination, as an image, text and / or audio information, including digital and / or analog format Can be sent. According to embodiments of the present invention, communication network 450 may be a wired and / or wireless network including telephone and / or data communication networks, and 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.

  According to embodiments of the present invention, communication network 450 may include a plurality of different networks that are interconnected or not interconnected, and are based 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.

  According to 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 are provided via a combination of verification server 410, verification device and game console. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the verification service 500 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.

  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. According to this embodiment of the present invention, game console 130 is coupled to one or more applications (exemplified by application 417 in FIG. 4) operating in conjunction with application 416 on the verification server to provide verification service 500. It should be appreciated that (for example, it may be initially installed and / or dynamically installed).

  According to this embodiment of the invention, the player has just begun to use the gaming machine (e.g. just turned on the device and / or entered the player's identification / security information), now one. 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 It is a state. Similarly, players may have used other devices prior to the current use of the present invention. According to this embodiment of the present invention, the player now wants to confirm that the gaming machine 130 is in fact communicating with the licensed gaming server 110 and not with the cheating / malicious gaming server It may be.

  According to this embodiment of the invention, the verification device 430a / 430b / 430c used to verify the gaming machine receives at least verification information from the player / agent and sends this information to the verification server 410 To operate. However, the verification device is also preferably operable to receive verification information from verification server 410 and transmit this information to the player / agent. For descriptive purposes only, the player has a verification device 430a or 430b (e.g., the gaming device 130 to be verified is integral with the verification device) and identifies the gaming device used by the player The verification service 500 will be described assuming that you are using this device directly (ie, not via an attendant).

  Beginning at step 502, verification server 110 may initially establish communication with verification device 430 a / 430 b via 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 telephone or personal computing device, the player can enter the address of the verification server, such as a telephone number, or a data address, such as a URL. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the player can obtain this address from a prominent display displayed in the gaming establishment and / or, for example, from an audible announcement. As indicated above, by making the address available in such a manner, the player accesses the "licensed verification server" 410 by using the address. Can be trusted. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the address may for example be printed on the gaming machine 130 or may be made available to the gaming machine via, for example, a display. If the verification device is provided by a gaming authority, gaming facility and / or gaming service provider, the address may be printed on the verification device or be made available by the verification device via, for example, the 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, a game Is not required to establish communication with the verification server 410. According to another embodiment of the invention, if a verification device is provided by such an entity, the device can be configured to automatically establish communication with the verification server 410. For example, if the verification device is a phone, a call may 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 verification server 410.

  Referring to step 504, the verification server 410 can then receive a request for a verification service from the player via the verification device. The player can select an audible command, an audible tone (eg, select an alphanumeric button on the phone, for example, by pressing a hard button or selecting a display option available via soft button and / or display 432). As can be requested. This request may be made in response to receipt of a prompt (eg, an audible, textual and / or graphical prompt) from the verification server and / or verification device. According to another embodiment of the present invention, verification server 410 may consider establishing communication with the verification device as a verification service request, in which case step 504 is not necessary. According to embodiments of the present invention, a request for verification service from a player may include a request for a particular type of verification service, as disclosed herein.

  Referring to step 506, 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, verification server 410 may determine a gaming machine by determining identification information associated with the player and / or gaming 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 will recognize that the verification server 410 may otherwise determine identification information.

  According to embodiments of the present invention, the identification information may, for example, be player identification information (e.g. player's name), player security information (e.g. 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. One skilled in the art recognizes that the identification information can include other types of information. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the identification information itself enables the verification server to determine the game console, so that through the game server 110, it interacts with the game console in whatever 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, in particular, via the gaming server 110 It can be used, for example, as an index to determine the information needed to communicate with the aircraft. (For example, the identification may include the player's name, which may be used to access the database 180 to determine the name / address of the gaming machine assigned to the player. As another example, the identification information may include the gaming machine's tracking value, which may be used to access the database 180 and thereby determine the gaming machine's address.)

  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 gaming machine 130, the player may print information on the gaming machine and / or information from the gaming machine, such as, for example, information made available by the gaming machine via display 132. 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 that 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, the identification information may be used as an index to the database 180, for example. It 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. Thus, 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 cause the verification device to 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. Tell According to this embodiment of the invention, the indicia specified by the player at the verification device and received by the verification server are alphanumeric text values, a plurality of alphanumeric text values, an audible signal, an audible tone, an audible text It can be a value, multiple 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 as disclosed herein relating to the player. One skilled in the art will recognize that the label 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 and enter the sign into an audio input device (e.g. a telephone handset), the key pad or the keyboard Etc. or using other of the many input devices as disclosed herein. The verification server can, in turn, send the indication to the gaming machine in the same form as it 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 when it was entered. The format can inform the player. 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 a game It can be sent to the machine and its 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, which in turn 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 verify that the gaming machine is in communication with a licensed gaming server, not a fake / malicious gaming 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. It can be concluded that they should not seek help and should seek assistance.

  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, the player may interact with the gaming establishment 174, the gaming service provider 172, and / or the attendants of the gaming authority 172, who may take over the gaming machine 130 on behalf of the gaming person. The verification device 430a and / or 430c may be used to verify the 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, the player verifies, apart from the player using the verification device to contact the verification server 410 to verify the gaming machine the player is using It is possible to communicate with the verification server through an agent communicating 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), and informs the player of the information to the game machine.

  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 present invention, with respect to the type of information obtained from the player's profile information, rather than using the first indicator as its selection mechanism, the verification server can generate the first indicator as the verification device / It can be treated as a command from the player, automatically select information (ie, the second indicator) from the player's profile information, and then transmit this information to the gaming machine through the gaming server . According to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification server selects the second indicator before receiving the first indicator, and then the second indicator in response to the reception of the first indicator. Can be sent. According to a similar embodiment of the invention, the verification server does not require a first sign / command from the verification device, but rather automatically information from the player's profile information (e.g. a second sign) This information can then be transmitted to the gaming machine via the game server. For example, in response to receiving a request for verification service from a verification device / player, the verification server may automatically select information (i.e., a second indicator) and send it to the gaming machine. According to embodiments of the present invention, the information that the verification server selects from the player's profile information may be predetermined (e.g. pre-formed by the verification server) and / or randomly, e.g. by the verification server It can be selected. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations are possible.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that according to these embodiments of the present invention, the player may use the verification device 430a / 430b / 430c to verify the gaming machine or, as noted above, the player may Recognize that the gaming machine can be verified through an agent 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, A sign can be made to inform 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. It can confirm that it is communicating with 110. Alternatively, if the player does not receive the sign at the game machine or receives a sign 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 by 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. One skilled in the art will recognize that the label can take other forms. Regardless of the type of sign, the verification server may send the sign to the verification device and the gaming machine in the same format (eg, both audible text values) or in a different format.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that according to these embodiments of the present invention, the player may use the verification device 430a / 430b / 430c to verify the gaming machine or, as noted above, the player may Recognize that the gaming machine can be verified through an agent 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 such as a random value that is not known to the player, transmits the sign to the game machine via the game server 110, and sends the sign to the game machine. (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 prompted to identify / display / send). 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 the 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 machine 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 will send the first sign to the verification device, and then give the player the first sign via the gaming machine. Prompt for identification / display, the gaming machine can send a sign (ie, a second sign) via the game server to the verification 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. According to this embodiment of the invention, the verification service may, for example, be similar to the verification service 500 of steps 502-508. The clerk may then determine a sign that the player does not know (such as a random value), identify the mark for the player, and enter the sign into the verification device. As a result, the verification server can transmit a sign to the gaming machine via the game server 110 and notify the gaming machine of the sign. 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. It can confirm that it is communicating with 110. Alternatively, if the player does not receive a sign at the gaming machine, or receives a sign different from that obtained by the clerk, the gaming machine must 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 (e.g., a random value), inputs the sign into the verification device, and sends the mark to the verification server 110 to the verification server. Can be sent to the gaming machine to cause the gaming machine to inform the player of the sign (the sign sent to the gaming machine will be called the first sign in the context of this embodiment) be able to). After that, the clerk requests the player to identify / display the sign received on the game machine, and when the sign is received from the player (the sign sent by the player to the clerk 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 notification to the player). Assuming that the player is a gaming machine and receives the first sign, and that the sign matches the value sent by the attendant, the player is told that the gaming machine is licensed. You can confirm that you are communicating with

  Referring now to FIG. 6, the steps of a verification service 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention are illustrated, which service is provided via a combination of verification server 410, verification device and game console . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the verification service 600 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, 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 through 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, verification server 110 first establishes communication with the verification device, and then from the player via the verification device, as described similarly with respect to steps 502, 504 of verification service 500. You can receive a request for a verification service. Referring now to step 606, the verification server 410 can then determine identification information associated with the player and / or gaming machine. According to this aspect of the invention, the verification server can use the identification information to store the indicia, as disclosed further 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 verify. One skilled in the art recognizes 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 as described with respect to step 508 of the verification service 500 as well. It can confirm that it is communicating with 410.

  Referring next to step 610, the verification server may then prompt the verification device to enter into the verification device the player's selected indicia. At step 612, the verification server receives the indicia from the verification device / player and, in whatever form, the indicia are directly or indirectly related to the identification determined at step 606 As a result, the label can store the label so that it can be searched as disclosed herein (step 614). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server may, for example, store the indicia of the database 180, associate the indicia with the identification information, and in particular, store the identification information against the database 180 to preserve the indicia. It 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 memory of the verification server 410 and there. It may be one or more dynamic data structures within the stored label, and / or a combination of these implementations with other implementations.

  According to this embodiment of the invention, the indicia specified by the player at the verification device and received by the verification server are alphanumeric text values, a plurality of alphanumeric text values, an audible signal, an audible tone, an audible text It can be a value, multiple audible text values, or a combination thereof. Alternatively or additionally, as disclosed herein, the indicia may include player security information regarding the player, such as personal information related to the player. One skilled in the art will recognize that the label 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. Through, or using other of the many input devices as disclosed herein. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server stores the marker in the same format as received from the verification device / player, or changes the format of the marker before storing the marker. 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. Do.

  Referring now to step 616, the verification server then prompts the verification device to prompt the player to enter a request for the verification service via the gaming machine, and in particular to the player, the verification device. The user may be prompted to enter via the gaming machine a request to retrieve a previously received sign from the player via the. 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) Can be requested by the game console. 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 next to step 618, the verification server may receive the request from the gaming machine and, in response to the request, determine the indicia 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 may 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 may automatically include identification information at the request for the verification service (eg, the gaming machine may transmit the 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 herein, 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 may be used by the verification server to access the database where the label was previously stored. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the identification information used to store the database's labels is now different from the identification information used to access the database, depending on the format of the database. Assuming that the verification server can not use the form of the identification information received from the gaming machine to access the database, the verification server may convert the identification information to another form, for example via the database.

  Now referring to step 624, once the sign has been determined, the verification server may 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 received from the verification device, or transforms the form of the sign sent to the gaming machine so that the gaming machine can 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 indicia received from the verification device / player and then requests from the gaming machine / player. Once received, it sends the sign to the gaming machine / player via the licensed game server 110, so that the gaming machine is licensed rather than a cheating / malicious game server. The player can confirm that the game server 110 is in communication. In particular, if the player does not receive a sign on the gaming machine, or receives a sign different from the one originally entered on the verification device, the gaming machine may be licensed with the gaming server 110 It can be concluded that it can not communicate and seek support.

  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 specific order of these steps can be varied, one or more steps can be combined, and not necessarily all. Recognize that no steps are 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 it may require one or more applications operating in cooperation with application 416 on the verification server to provide verification service 700. It 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 through a staff member using any verification device 430a / 430c. In accordance with 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 directly (i.e., not via a valet) may use this device to identify the game console that the player is using. The verification service 700 is described assuming it is in use.

  Beginning at step 702, verification server 410 may initially receive a request for verification service from a player via a gaming device. The player selects an audible command, an audible tone (e.g., 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, for example, via display 132) 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 next to step 704, verification server 410 may then determine from the gaming machine / player the information related to the player and / or gaming machine. According to this embodiment of the invention, as further described herein, the verification server may use the identification information for storing the indicia received from the gaming machine. Similar to the above, identification information may include, for example, player identification information, player security information, and / or information regarding the gaming machine 130, although other types of identification information may be used. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the verification server identifies, as disclosed in the context of step 620 of the verification service 600, the verification server by receiving identification information from the gaming machine / player. Information can be determined. For example, the player may enter identification information at the gaming machine, possibly in conjunction with entering a request for verification service, and / or in response to receiving a prompt from the verification server and / or the gaming machine be able to. Alternatively, the gaming machine can automatically include the identification information at the request for the verification service. Alternatively, the verification server can determine the identification information based on the notification that the 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.

  Next, referring to step 706, the verification server may then prompt the gaming machine for the player to cause the gaming machine to enter a sign selected by the player. At step 708, the verification server may then receive the indicia from the gaming machine / player and preferably receive the indicia via the gaming server 110. Upon receipt of this indicia from the verification device / player, the verification server relates the indicia directly or indirectly to the identification information obtained in step 704, such that the indicia is as disclosed further herein. The indicator (step 710) can be stored in a way that can be retrieved. According to an embodiment of the present invention, as described similarly with respect to step 614 of the verification process, the verification server may, for example, associate the indicia with the identification information, in particular the database 180, for storing the indicia. The indicator can be stored in the database 180 using the identification information as an index to. Alternatively, the verification server may store the indicia in a database specific to the verification server, and associate the indicia with the identification information or other identification information obtained, for example, from the database 180 and player profile information. it can.

  In accordance with 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 additionally, the indicia may include player security information regarding the player, such as personal information related to the player as disclosed herein. One skilled in the art will recognize that the label can take other forms. Regardless of the type of sign, the player can enter the sign into the gaming machine, but the method can be accomplished by speaking the sign to 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 connection with 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 sign 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. Indicators may be determined by using identification information to access 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, one skilled in the art will recognize that the verification server 410 may otherwise determine the identification information. Similarly, as noted above, the identification information may include, for example, player identification information, player security information, and / or information regarding the gaming machine 130, although other types of information may be used. 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 as, and / or different from, the identification information received from the gaming machine 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 will also write verification information for the player / verification device, eg, player related to the player, for the verification server 410 as well, as described similarly with respect to step 508 of the verification service 500. Therefore, the identification information from the verification device can be used, and then the information can be sent to the player to confirm that it is communicating with the licensed server 410.

  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 may be used for the verification server to access a database in which the sign was previously stored. 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 will inform the player in a different format than when entering the sign.

  As such, according to 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 sent to the verification device / player, so that the player is communicating with the licensed game server 110. You can check 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, the steps of a verification service 800 according to another embodiment of the present invention are illustrated, which service is provided via a combination of verification server 410, verification device and game console . According to this embodiment of the invention, verification server 410, unlike verification service 500, 600, 700, can not exchange verification information with the gaming machine to be verified. 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.

  In accordance with this embodiment of the present 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. It is assumed that the player is engaged in a game action and / or a convenient service, and / or that the player has ended one or more game actions and / or a convenient service. Alternatively, assume that the player has finished one or more gaming activities and / or convenient services and has 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 confirm that 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 device 430a / 430b / 430c, also directly and via the 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 invention, the verification device 430a / 430b / 430c needs to operate at least to receive verification information from the verification server 410 and to transmit this information to the player and / or attendant. Preferably, however, it operates to receive verification information from a player and / or attendant and convey this information to the verification server 410. For descriptive purposes only, it is assumed that the player has a verification device 430a or 430b and is using this device directly (ie, not via an attendant) to verify the gaming machine. The verification service 800 will be described.

  Beginning with steps 802 and 804, verification server 410 may initially establish communication with the verification device via communication network 450, and then similarly describe as to steps 502 and 504 of verification service 500. A request for verification service can be received from the player via the verification device. Referring next to step 806, the verification server 410 may determine other types of information, such as the player's identification information, the player's security information, and / or the disclosure herein. Identification information associated with the player and / or the gaming machine, such as information regarding the gaming machine 130 may be determined. According to this embodiment of the invention, the verification server uses, for example, the identification information to access the database 180, in particular to obtain the player's profile information as disclosed further herein. Information can be used. According to embodiments of the present invention, identification information may be determined, for example, by obtaining identification information from the verification device / player, as described similarly with respect to step 506 of the verification service 500. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the verification server 410 may otherwise determine the identification information.

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

  Referring next to step 810, verification server 410 uses the identification information to determine one or more indicia, and in particular accesses the player's profile information, thereby determining one or more indicia. For example, identification information may be used as an index to database 180. Specifically, as shown herein, the player's profile information may be, for example, information related to one or more game activities in which the player is engaged (eg, in the game activity in which the player is currently engaged) Name), information pertaining to one or more convenient services with which the player is engaged (eg, items purchased by the player), and / or credit information of the player (eg, the credit amount of the player) Can be included. 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 Although other types of information can be selected, that information is generally referred to as one or more labels within the context of this embodiment. The verification server can decide in advance which information to select, or it can, for example, be done randomly. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the verification server and / or verification device prompts the player (eg, audible, textual and / or visual prompts), and / or the player can The player may be provided with one or more options regarding the type of information they wish to access from the player's profile information. The verification server may then receive the player's preferences and select one or more player profile information (ie, indicators) based on these preferences.

  Referring next to step 812, verification server 410 may transmit the information (ie, the indicia) that accessed the verification device, such that the verification device informs the player as an audible value, text value, etc. become. As noted above, if the information appears to be correct, then the player may be communicating with the licensed gaming machine 110 that the gaming machine is currently using or has been used by the player. 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 are provided via a verification server 410, and a combination of game console and storage. 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. Although one skilled in the art describes the verification service 900 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 no steps are 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 the gaming device 130 requires one or more applications to work in conjunction with the application 416 on the verification server to provide the 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) Can be requested by the game console. 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 next to step 904, the verification server 410 may determine other types of information, such as the player's identification information, the player's security information, and / or the disclosure herein. Identification information related to the player and / or game machine, such as information relating to a new game machine 130, can be determined. According to this embodiment of the invention, the verification server uses, for example, the identification information to access the database 180, in particular to obtain the player's profile information as disclosed further herein. Information can be used. According to embodiments of the present invention, identification information may be determined, for example, by receiving identification information from the gaming machine / player, as described similarly with respect to step 620 of verification service 600. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the verification server 410 may otherwise determine the identification information.

  Referring next to step 906, verification 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, the player's profile information may include personal information related to the player (e.g., the player's last name, the player's pet's 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, the player may initiate some gaming activity and / or some or all of the player security information during the registration period prior to engaging in a convenient service. Can be specified.

  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), 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, for example, be done randomly. 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 may then receive the player's preferences and select one or more player profile information (ie, indicators) based on these preferences.

  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”.

  According to this embodiment of the invention, the player is made to identify the player's security information during the registration period prior to initiating a gaming activity and / or engaging in a convenient service, and then the player. By allowing the gaming machine to access the information, when the accessed information is correct, the gaming machine currently being used by the player communicates with the licensed game server 110. It can be concluded that Alternatively, if the information is not correct, the player can conclude that the gaming machine should not contact the licensed game server 110 and seek assistance.

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

[Supplementary Note 1]
Methods that include:
Verification to ensure that the gaming machine is in communication with the gaming server and that the gaming machine and the gaming server are operable to provide at least one gaming activity to the player using the gaming machine Receiving a confirmation request from the device;
Receiving a sign from the verification device; and
Sending the sign to the gaming machine via the game server to notify the player of the sign from the gaming machine.
[Supplementary Note 2]
The method according to appendix 1, wherein the verification device comprises a device operable to receive the indicia from a user of the verification device and to communicate the indicia to a computing device.
[Supplementary Note 3]
The method according to appendix 2, wherein the verification device comprises at least one of the following:
POTS phone,
mobile phone,
IP phone,
Personal computing device,
Pocket personal computer,
PDA,
kiosk,
Terminal, and
An input device for the computing device.
[Supplementary Note 4]
The method according to appendix 1, wherein the verification device is provided by at least one of the following:
Game facility,
Game authorities, and
Game service provider.
[Supplementary Note 5]
The method according to appendix 1, wherein the at least one game action comprises at least one of the following:
Gambling acts,
Betting on an event,
Lottery act, and
Non-gambling activity.
[Supplementary Note 6]
The method according to appendix 1, wherein the gaming machine and the gaming server are also operable to provide the player with at least one convenient service.
[Supplementary Note 7]
7. The method of appendix 6, wherein the at least one convenient service comprises at least one of the following:
Restaurant service,
Entertainment services,
Hotel service,
Money management service,
News service, and
Financial exchange service.
[Supplementary Note 8]
The method according to claim 1, wherein the verification device and the game machine are integrated.
[Supplementary Note 9]
The method of claim 1, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
Alphanumeric text values,
Multiple alphanumeric text values,
Audible signal,
Audible tone,
Audible text values, and
Multiple audible text values.
[Supplementary Note 10]
The method according to appendix 1, wherein the form of the sign received from the verification device is different from the form of the sign sent to the gaming machine.
[Supplementary Note 11]
The method according to appendix 1, wherein the gaming device is one of a plurality of gaming devices, the method being for identifying which of the plurality of gaming devices is to be identified The method further includes determining the game machine from a plurality of game machines.
[Appendix 12]
11. The method according to appendix 11, wherein determining the gaming machine comprises determining the gaming machine based at least in part on identification information.
[Appendix 13]
The method according to attachment 12, wherein the identification information represents the game machine.
[Supplementary Note 14]
The method according to appendix 13, wherein the identification information comprises at least one of the following:
Tracking values assigned to the gaming machine, and
Name assigned to the game console.
[Supplementary Note 15]
12. The method according to appendix 12, wherein determining the gaming machine comprises accessing a database for determining information representative of the gaming machine based at least in part on the identification information.
[Supplementary Note 16]
The method according to appendix 15, wherein the identification information comprises 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.
[Appendix 17]
The method according to appendix 12, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.
[Appendix 18]
12. The method according to appendix 12, wherein sending the indicator to the gaming machine comprises sending the indicator to the gaming machine via the game server based at least in part on the identification information.
[Appendix 19]
A method according to appendix 1, wherein information is sent to the player via the verification device such that the player can verify that the verification device is in communication with a licensed server. Further include.
[Supplementary Note 20]
An apparatus comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method of claim 1.
[Appendix 21]
The apparatus according to attachment 20, wherein the calculation apparatus includes the game server.
[Supplementary Note 22]
A method that includes:
Verification to ensure that the gaming machine is in communication with the gaming server and that the gaming machine and the gaming server are operable to provide at least one gaming activity to the player using the gaming 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.
[Supplementary Note 23]
A method that includes:
Verification to ensure that the gaming machine is in communication with the gaming server and that the gaming machine and the gaming server are operable to provide at least one gaming activity to the player using the gaming machine Receiving a confirmation request from the device;
Receiving a sign from the verification device;
Storing the sign;
Receiving a search request for the sign from the gaming machine; and
Sending the indicia to the gaming device via the gaming server based at least in part on receiving the request from the gaming device to cause the gaming device to perform indicia known to the player.
[Appendix 24]
24. The method according to appendix 23, wherein the verification device comprises a device operable to receive the indicia from a user of the verification device and to communicate the indicia to a computing device.
[Supplementary Note 25]
24. The method according to appendix 23, wherein the gaming machine and the gaming server are operable to provide the player with at least one convenient service.
[Supplementary Note 26]
The method according to claim 23, wherein the verification device and the game machine are integrated.
[Supplementary Note 27]
The method of claim 23, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
Alphanumeric text values,
Multiple alphanumeric text values,
Audible signal,
Audible tone,
Audible text values, and
Multiple audible text values.
[Appendix 28]
24. The method according to appendix 23, wherein the sign comprises personal information associated with the player using the gaming machine.
[Supplementary Note 29]
24. The method according to appendix 23, wherein storing the label comprises storing the label based at least in part on identification information.
[Appendix 30]
The method according to appendix 29, wherein the identification information comprises at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the gaming machine,
Security information associated with the player using the game machine;
Tracking values assigned to the gaming machine, and
Name assigned to the game console.
[Supplementary Note 31]
29. The method according to appendix 29, wherein storing the label comprises storing the label in a database based at least in part on the identification information.
[Appendix 32]
30. The method of appendix 31, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.
[Appendix 33]
29. The method according to appendix 29, wherein storing the label comprises associating the label with the identification.
[Supplementary Note 34]
24. The method according to appendix 23, wherein receiving the request from the gaming machine comprises receiving the request via the game server.
[Appendix 35]
The method of claim 23, further comprising:
Determining the indicator based at least in part on receiving the request from the gaming machine.
[Supplementary Note 36]
35. The method according to appendix 35, wherein determining the label comprises using identification information (at least in part) to determine the label.
[Supplementary Note 37]
36. A method according to appendix 36,
Storing the label comprises storing the label in a database, and
Using the identification information to determine the sign includes accessing the database to determine the sign based on at least a portion of the identification information.
[Appendix 38]
40. The method according to appendix 37, further comprising receiving the identification information from the gaming machine.
[Appendix 39]
37. The method according to appendix 37, further comprising: determining the identification information based on communication with the gaming machine.
[Appendix 40]
24. A method according to appendix 23, transmitting information to the player via the verification device such that the player can confirm that the verification device is in communication with a licensed server. Further include.
[Appendix 41]
24. An apparatus comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method according to appendix 23.
[Supplementary Note 42]
A device according to statement 41, wherein the computing device comprises the game server.
[Appendix 43]
A method that includes:
To verify that the gaming machine is in communication with the gaming server and that the gaming machine and the gaming server are operable to provide at least one gaming activity to the player using the gaming machine Receiving a confirmation request from the game console;
Receiving a sign from the gaming machine;
Storing the sign;
Receiving a search request for the sign from a verification device; and
Based on at least part of receiving the request from the verification device, sending the indicator to the verification device to inform the user of the verification device from the verification device.
[Appendix 44]
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.
[Appendix 45]
44. The method of claim 43, wherein the game machine and the game server are also operable to provide at least one convenient service to the player.
[Supplementary Note 46]
Clause 43. The method according to appendix 43, wherein the verification device and the gaming device are integrated.
[Appendix 47]
Clause 43. The method according to appendix 43, further comprising receiving the indicator from the gaming machine via the gaming server.
[Supplementary Note 48]
The method according to appendix 43, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
Alphanumeric text values,
Multiple alphanumeric text values,
Audible signal,
Audible tone,
Audible text values, and
Multiple audible text values.
[Supplementary Note 49]
43. The method according to appendix 43, wherein the sign comprises personal information associated with the player using the gaming machine.
[Appendix 50]
Clause 43. The method according to appendix 43, wherein storing the label comprises storing the label based at least in part on identification information.
[Supplementary Note 51]
50. The method according to appendix 50, wherein the identification information comprises at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the gaming machine,
Security information associated with the player using the game machine;
Tracking values assigned to the gaming machine, and
Name assigned to the game console.
[Appendix 52]
52. The method of appendix 50, wherein storing the label includes storing the label in a database based on at least a portion of the identification information.
[Appendix 53]
Clause 52. The method according to clause 52, further comprising receiving the identification information from the gaming machine.
[Supplementary Note 54]
The method according to claim 52, further comprising determining the identification information based on communication with the game machine.
[Supplementary Note 55]
50. The method according to appendix 50, wherein storing the label comprises associating the label with the identification information.
[Supplementary Note 56]
The method of claim 50, further comprising:
Determining the indicator based at least in part on receiving the request from the verification device.
[Supplementary Note 57]
57. The method of appendix 56, wherein determining the label includes using identification information (at least in part) to determine the label.
[Appendix 58]
The method according to appendix 57, wherein
Storing the label comprises storing the label in a database, and
Using the identification information to determine the sign includes accessing the database to determine the sign based on at least a portion of the identification information.
[Appendix 59]
Clause 58. The method according to clause 58, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.
[Appendix 60]
43. A method according to appendix 43, wherein information is sent to the player via the verification device such that the player can confirm that the verification device is in communication with a licensed server. Further include.
[Supplementary Note 61]
Clause 43. A device comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method of clause 43.
[Appendix 62]
76. The apparatus according to appendix 61, wherein the computing device comprises the game server.
[Supplementary Note 63]
A method that includes:
Verification to ensure that the gaming machine is in communication with the gaming server and that the gaming machine and the gaming server are operable to provide at least one gaming activity to the player using the gaming 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
Sending the indicator to the verification device to inform the user of the verification device of the indicator from the verification device.
[Supplementary Note 64]
67. The method of clause 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.
[Supplementary Note 65]
The method of claim 63, wherein the game machine and the game server are also operable to provide at least one convenient service to the player.
[Supplementary Note 66]
76. The method according to appendix 63, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
Alphanumeric text values,
Multiple alphanumeric text values,
Audible text values, and
Multiple audible text values.
[Appendix 67]
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.
[Supplementary Note 68]
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 winning / losing result of a game action that the player is currently engaged with via the game machine; and
A series of game action events in which the player is currently engaged via the game machine.
[Supplementary Note 69]
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,
The outcome of any game activity previously engaged by the player via the gaming machine; and
A series of events of any game activity that the player has previously engaged through the game machine.
[Supplementary Note 70]
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 game actions involving the player via the gaming machine;
A series of winning and losing results associated with one or more game actions involving the player via the gaming machine; and
A series of financial results in which the player is associated with one or more gaming actions via the gaming machine.
[Supplementary Note 71]
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.
[Supplementary Note 72]
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
Deposit amount associated with a reservation made by the player via the gaming machine.
[Supplementary Note 73]
64. The method of claim 63, wherein the indicator includes credit information associated with the player.
[Supplementary Note 74]
The method of claim 63, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
Amount of credit of the player, and
Transaction history of the player's accounts receivable.
[Appendix 75]
A method according to statement 63, wherein the sign comprises information obtained by the gaming server as a result of the player engaging in at least one gaming activity via the gaming device.
[Supplementary Note 76]
Clause 63. The method of clause 63, further comprising storing the indicator as the player involved in at least one gaming activity through the gaming device.
[Appendix 77]
64. The method of clause 63, wherein determining the label includes using identification information (at least in part) to determine the label.
[Appendix 78]
The method according to appendix 77, wherein the identification information comprises at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the gaming machine,
Security information associated with the player using the game machine;
Tracking values assigned to the gaming machine, and
Name assigned to the game console.
[Supplementary Note 79]
The method according to appendix 77, comprising:
The label is stored in a database; and
Using the identification information to determine the sign includes accessing the database to determine the sign based on at least a portion of the identification information.
[Appendix 80]
The method of claim 79, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.
[Appendix 81]
64. The method of claim 63, wherein determining the label includes:
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 indicator.
[Supplementary Note 82]
The method according to appendix 81, wherein
The indicator is stored in a database; and
Using the identification information and the selection to determine the indicator includes:
Indexing the database based on at least a portion of the identification information; and
Accessing the indexed database to determine the indicator based at least in part on the selection.
[Appendix 83]
The method of claim 82, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.
[Appendix 84]
The method of claim 63, comprising sending information to the player via the verification device so that the player can confirm that the verification device is communicating with a licensed server. In addition.
[Appendix 85]
64. A device comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method of claim 63.
[Supplementary Note 86]
The device according to attachment 85, wherein the computing device includes the game server.
[Supplementary Note 87]
A method that includes:
To verify that the gaming machine is in communication with the gaming server and that the gaming machine and the gaming server are operable to provide at least one gaming activity to the player using the gaming machine Receiving a confirmation request from the game console;
Determining an indication of the player to know based on at least a portion of receiving the request; and
Sending the sign to the gaming machine via the game server to notify the player of the sign from the gaming machine.
[Supplementary Note 88]
83. The method according to appendix 87, wherein the gaming machine and the gaming server are also operable to provide the player with at least one convenient service.
[Supplementary Note 89]
90. The method of claim 87, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
Alphanumeric text values,
Multiple alphanumeric text values,
Audible signal,
Audible tone,
Audible text values, and
Multiple audible text values.
[Supplementary Note 90]
90. The method of claim 87, wherein the indicator includes personal information associated with the player.
[Appendix 91]
84. A method according to appendix 87, wherein the sign comprises a common question and an answer to the question, the answer comprising personal information associated with the player.
[Supplementary Note 92]
90. The method of appendix 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.
[Appendix 93]
90. The method of claim 87, wherein the indicator includes a value specified by the player.
[Appendix 94]
94. The method of claim 93, wherein the value is specified by the player during a registration period.
[Supplementary Note 95]
87. A method according to clause 87, wherein the sign is known to the player before receiving the request.
[Supplementary Note 96]
84. The method according to appendix 87, wherein determining the label comprises using the identification information (at least in part) to determine the label.
[Appendix 97]
97. The method of appendix 96, wherein the identification information includes at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the gaming machine,
Security information associated with the player using the game machine;
Tracking values assigned to the gaming machine, and
Name assigned to the game console.
[Appendix 98]
A method according to appendix 96, wherein
The label is stored in a database; and
Using the identification information to determine the sign includes accessing the database to determine the sign based on at least a portion of the identification information.
[Supplementary Note 99]
The method of claim 98, wherein the database is populated with the indicator during a registration period.
[Appendix 100]
The method according to claim 98, further comprising receiving the identification information from the game machine.
[Supplementary Note 101]
99. The method of claim 98, further comprising determining the identification information based on communication with the game machine.
[Supplementary Note 102]
90. The method of claim 87, wherein determining the label includes:
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 indicator.
[Supplementary Note 103]
A method according to appendix 102, wherein
The label is stored in a database; and
Using the identification information and the selection to determine the indicator includes:
Indexing the database based on at least a portion of the identification information; and
Accessing the indexed database to determine the indicator based at least in part on the selection.
[Appendix 104]
The method of appendix 103, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.
[Appendix 105]
The method according to appendix 103, further comprising determining the identification information based on communication with the gaming machine.
[Appendix 106]
90. A device comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method of claim 87.
[Appendix 107]
The device according to attachment 105, wherein the computing device includes the game server.
[Appendix 108]
A method that includes:
Verification to ensure that the gaming machine is in communication with the gaming server and that the gaming machine and the gaming server are operable to provide at least one gaming activity to the player using the gaming 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, causing the game machine to make a sign known to the player; and
Sending the sign to the verification device to inform the player of the sign from the verification device.
[Appendix 109]
Clause 108. The method according to appendix 108, wherein the verification device comprises a device operable to receive the indicia from a computing device and to communicate the indicia to a user of the verification device.
[Appendix 110]
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 the player.
[Appendix 111]
109. The method of clause 108, wherein determining the indicator includes determining a value unknown to the player.
[Appendix 112]
90. The method of claim 87, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
Alphanumeric text values,
Multiple alphanumeric text values,
Audible signal,
Audible tone,
Audible text values, and
Multiple audible text values.
[Appendix 113]
Clause 108. The method according to appendix 108, wherein the gaming device is one of a plurality of gaming devices, wherein the method is for identifying which of the plurality of gaming devices is to be identified. The method further includes determining the game machine from a plurality of game machines.
[Appendix 114]
114. The method according to attachment 113, wherein determining the game machine includes determining the game machine based on at least a part of the identification information.
[Appendix 115]
The method according to attachment 114, wherein the identification information represents the game machine.
[Appendix 116]
The method according to appendix 115, wherein the identification information comprises at least one of the following:
Tracking values assigned to the gaming machine, and
Name assigned to the game console.
[Supplementary Note 117]
The method of claim 114, 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.
[Supplementary Note 118]
The method according to appendix 117, wherein the identification information comprises 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.
[Supplementary Note 119]
114. The method of appendix 114, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.
[Appendix 120]
114. 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.
[Appendix 121]
108. A device comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method according to appendix 108.
[Appendix 122]
A method that includes:
Verification to ensure that the gaming machine is in communication with the gaming server and that the gaming machine and the gaming server are operable to provide at least one gaming activity to the player using the gaming 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 gaming machine through the gaming server;
Receiving a second indicator from the verification device;
Determining that said first label matches said second label; and
Sending a notification that the first sign matches the second sign to the verification device to inform the player of the notice from the verification device;
[Supplementary Note 123]
The method of clause 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.
[Appendix 124]
The method of claim 122, wherein the gaming machine and the game server are also operable to provide at least one convenient service to the player.
[Appendix 125]
The method of claim 122, wherein the game machine is one of a plurality of game machines, and the method is used to identify which of the plurality of game machines is confirmed. The method further includes determining the gaming machine from a plurality of gaming machines.
[Appendix 126]
The method of claim 125, wherein determining the game machine includes determining the game machine based on at least part of the identification information.
[Supplementary Note 127]
124. The method according to appendix 126, wherein the identification information represents the gaming machine.
[Appendix 128]
The method according to appendix 127, wherein the identification information comprises at least one of the following:
Tracking values assigned to the gaming machine, and
Name assigned to the game console.
[Supplementary Note 129]
The method of claim 126, 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.
[Supplementary Note 130]
The method according to appendix 129, wherein the identification information comprises 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.
[Appendix 131]
124. The method as in appendix 126, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.
[Appendix 132]
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.
[Appendix 133]
The method of claim 122, wherein determining the indicator includes determining a value unknown to the player.
[Appendix 134]
The method according to appendix 122, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
Alphanumeric text values,
Multiple alphanumeric text values,
Audible signal,
Audible tone,
Audible text values, and
Multiple audible text values.
[Appendix 135]
The method according to attachment 122, wherein
Sending the first sign to the gaming machine is notifying the player of the first sign by the gaming machine; and
The method may further include causing the player to prompt the gaming device, which has notified the player of the first sign, the second sign from the verification device. .
[Supplementary Note 136]
The method according to appendix 135, wherein the second label comprises the first label.
[Supplementary Note 137]
124. An apparatus comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method of appendix 122.
[Appendix 138]
A method that includes:
Verification to ensure that the gaming machine is in communication with the gaming server and that the gaming machine and the gaming server are operable to provide at least one gaming activity to the player using the gaming machine Receiving a confirmation request from the device;
Receiving a first indicator from the verification device;
Using (at least in part) the first indicator to determine a second indicator that includes a value ascertainable by the player; and
Sending the second sign to the game machine via the game server and informing the player of the sign from the game machine.
[Supplementary Note 139]
119. The method according to appendix 138, wherein the verification device comprises a device operable to receive the first indicia from a user of the verification device and to communicate the first indicia to a computing device.
[Appendix 140]
139. The method of claim 138, wherein the gaming machine and the game server are also operable to provide at least one convenient service to the player.
[Appendix 141]
139. The method of clause 138, wherein using the first label to determine the second label includes selecting the first label from a plurality of information to select the second label. Including the use of a label (at least in part).
[Appendix 142]
142. The method of clause 141, wherein using the first label to determine the second label uses identification information (at least in part) to determine the plurality of information. Further include doing.
[Appendix 143]
The method of claim 142,
The plurality of pieces of information are stored in a database;
Using the identification information to determine the plurality of information includes accessing the database to determine the plurality of information based on at least a portion of the identification information.
[Appendix 144]
143. The method as in appendix 143 further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.
[Supplementary Note 145]
The method according to appendix 142, wherein the identification information comprises at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the gaming machine,
Security information associated with the player using the game machine;
Tracking values assigned to the gaming machine, and
Name assigned to the game console.
[Supplementary Note 146]
The method according to appendix 141, wherein the plurality of information comprises at least one of the following:
Player security information,
Information related to one or more gaming activities with which the player is engaged via the gaming machine;
Information related to one or more convenient services that the player is involved through the gaming machine, and
Credit information associated with the player.
[Appendix 147]
The method according to appendix 138, wherein the second label comprises at least one of the following:
Player security information,
Information related to one or more gaming activities with which the player is engaged via the gaming machine;
Information related to one or more convenient services that the player is involved through the gaming machine, and
Credit information associated with the player.
[Supplementary Note 148]
The method according to appendix 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.
[Supplementary Note 149]
The method according to appendix 138, wherein the second label comprises at least one of the following:
One or more names of one or more game activities with which the player is engaged via the gaming machine,
One or more places where the player is involved in one or more gaming activities through 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 consequences of one or more gaming activities with which the player is engaged via the gaming machine,
One or more outcomes of one or more game actions involving the player via the game machine; and
A sequence of one or more game actions involving the player through the gaming machine.
[Appendix 150]
The method according to appendix 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
Deposit amount associated with a reservation made by the player via the gaming machine.
[Appendix 151]
The method according to appendix 138, wherein the second label comprises at least one of the following:
Amount of credit of the player, and
Transaction history of the player's accounts receivable.
[Appendix 152]
138. Apparatus comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method as set forth in appendix 138.
[Appendix 153]
A method that includes:
Verification to ensure that the gaming machine is in communication with the gaming server and that the gaming machine and the gaming server are operable to provide at least one gaming activity to the player using the gaming machine Receiving a confirmation request from the device;
Determining an indicator that includes a value that can be verified by the player; and
Sending the sign to the gaming machine via the game server to notify the player of the sign from the gaming machine.
[Appendix 154]
153. The method of claim 153, wherein the gaming machine and the game server are also operable to provide at least one convenient service to the player.
[Supplementary Note 155]
The method of claim 153, wherein determining the indicator and sending the indicator comprises determining the indicator and sending the indicator based at least in part on receiving the request. Including.
[Appendix 156]
The method of claim 153, wherein the label includes a second label, and the method further includes:
Receiving a first indicator from the verification device; and
Sending the second sign to the gaming machine via the game server based at least in part on receiving the first sign.
[Appendix 157]
156. The method according to attachment 156, wherein the first sign includes a command for sending the second sign to the game machine via the game server.
[Supplementary Note 158]
153. The method of claim 153, wherein determining the label includes determining the label from a plurality of information.
[Appendix 159]
158. The method of appendix 158, wherein determining the indicator further includes using identification information (at least in part) to determine the plurality of information.
[Appendix 160]
The method according to appendix 159, wherein
The plurality of pieces of information are stored in a database;
Using the identification information to determine the plurality of information includes accessing the database to determine the plurality of information based on at least a portion of the identification information.
[Supplementary Note 161]
166. The method of clause 160, further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device.
[Appendix 162]
The method of appendix 159, wherein the identification information includes at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the gaming machine,
Security information associated with the player using the game machine;
Tracking values assigned to the gaming machine, and
Name assigned to the game console.
[Appendix 163]
The method according to appendix 158, wherein determining the label from the plurality of pieces of information comprises randomly selecting the label from the plurality of pieces of information.
[Appendix 164]
The method of appendix 158, wherein determining the indicator from the plurality of pieces of information includes selecting from a predetermined one or more of the plurality of pieces of information.
[Appendix 165]
158. The method of appendix 158, wherein the plurality of information includes at least one of the following:
Player security information,
Information related to one or more gaming activities with which the player is engaged via the gaming machine;
Information related to one or more convenient services that the player is involved through the gaming machine, and
Credit information associated with the player.
[Appendix 166]
The method of claim 153, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
Player security information,
Information related to one or more gaming activities with which the player is engaged via the gaming machine;
Information related to one or more convenient services that the player is involved through the gaming machine, and
Credit information associated with the player.
[Appendix 167]
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.
[Appendix 168]
The method of claim 153, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
One or more names of one or more game activities with which the player is engaged via the gaming machine,
One or more places where the player is involved in one or more gaming activities through 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 consequences of one or more gaming activities with which the player is engaged via the gaming machine,
One or more outcomes of one or more game actions involving the player via the game machine; and
A sequence of one or more game actions involving the player through the gaming machine.
[Appendix 169]
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
Deposit amount associated with a reservation made by the player via the gaming machine.
[Appendix 170]
The method of claim 153, wherein the label comprises at least one of the following:
Amount of credit of the player, and
Transaction history of the player's accounts receivable.
[Supplementary Note 171]
158. An apparatus comprising a computing device programmed to perform the method of clause 153.

Claims (20)

A method of verifying that a portable game machine is in communication with a game server ,
Processor verification server, comprising: receiving personal information of the player who uses the portable game machine is connected to the game server from the verification device, the verification device is stationary game area of the gaming establishment a shall be disposed arranged in a kiosk, the kiosk sends the personal information acquired by the reader by itself provided in the verification device, and the step,
The processor of the verification server storing the personal information ;
Processor of the validation server, a request for verifying that the portable game machine is communicating with the game server, the steps of receiving from the portable game machine,
In response to the request, the processor of the verification server sends the personal information to the portable game machine via the game server;
Method including. The portable gaming device includes a device operable to provide at least one gaming activity to a player using the portable gaming device.
The method of claim 1. The personal information includes an audio signal that can be communicated via an audio communication network.
The method of claim 1. To store the personal information includes storing the personal information using the identification information,
The method of claim 1. The identification information includes at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the mobile gaming device,
Security information associated with the player using the portable gaming device;
A tracking value assigned to the mobile gaming device, and a name assigned to the mobile gaming device.
5. The method of claim 4. Further comprising receiving the identification information from the verification device;
5. The method of claim 4. Further comprising determining the identification information based on communication with the portable gaming device,
5. The method of claim 4. The method may further include sending information to a player using the verification device so that the player can verify that the verification device is in communication with a licensed server.
The method of claim 1. The reader includes an optical scanner, and optical data from the player is transmitted to the verification device.
The method of claim 1. The reader includes an RFID transceiver, and the RFID information disposed on the portable game machine, the RFID information including the personal information is transmitted to the verification device.
The method of claim 1. A network interface;
Including at least one processor,
The at least one processor comprises:
The method comprising: receiving personal information of the player using the portable game machine is connected to the game server from the verification device, the verification device is arranged in the gaming establishment game stationary to placed within the kiosk area The kiosk transmits the personal information acquired by a reader included in the kiosk to a verification device ; and
Storing the personal information ;
A request to verify that the portable game machine is communicating with the game server, the steps of receiving from the portable game machine,
Sending the personal information to the portable gaming device via the game server in response to the request;
Run the
apparatus. The portable gaming device includes a device operable to provide at least one gaming activity to a player using the portable gaming device.
An apparatus according to claim 11. The personal information includes an audio signal that can be communicated via an audio communication network.
An apparatus according to claim 11. To store the personal information includes storing the personal information using the identification information,
An apparatus according to claim 11. The identification information includes at least one of the following:
The name of the player using the mobile gaming device,
Security information associated with the player using the portable gaming device;
A tracking value assigned to the mobile gaming device, and a name assigned to the mobile gaming device.
An apparatus according to claim 14. Further comprising the at least one processor receiving the identification information from the verification device;
An apparatus according to claim 14. The at least one processor further comprises determining the identification information based on communication with the portable game console;
An apparatus according to claim 14. The at least one processor further includes sending information to a player using the verification device so that the player can verify that the verification device is in communication with a licensed server;
An apparatus according to claim 11. The reader includes an optical scanner, and optical data from the player is transmitted to the verification device.
An apparatus according to claim 11. The reader includes an RFID transceiver, and the RFID information disposed on the portable game machine, the RFID information including the personal information is transmitted to the verification device.
An apparatus according to claim 11.

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