WO2013019684A1

WO2013019684A1 - Ticket directed slot play incentive system

Info

Publication number: WO2013019684A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/048738
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric Meyerhofer
Original assignee: Futurelogic, Inc.
Priority date: 2011-08-02
Filing date: 2012-07-27
Publication date: 2013-02-07

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for a system which effectively acts like a slot safari, directing players from game to game on a casino floor where they will receive match play credits if they complete the safari stops and the requirements at each stop, namely a certain amount or type of play on the stop. The system is operatively connected to a game installed voucher printer, a game installed bill acceptor and a game installed system card which connects to an SAS port (or other type of game meter monitoring port) on the game. The system can be programmed to issue seed tickets to players to start the safari, and then validate their stops along the way in the safari, culminating in a reward ticket of match play or free play credits at the pre-determined point in the safari.

Description

TICKET DIRECTED SLOT PLAY INCENTIVE SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/514,375, filed August 2, 2011, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully stated herein.

BACKGROUND

Field

Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate generally to gaming machines having cash-less voucher processing capabilities and more specifically to gaming machines having embedded cash-less voucher printers and currency bill acceptors.

Background

The gaming machine manufacturing industry provides a variety of gaming machines for the amusement of gambling players. An exemplary gaming machine is a slot machine. A slot machine is an electro -mechanical game wherein chance or the skill of a player determines the outcome of the game. Slot machines are usually found in casinos or other more informal gaming establishments.

The gaming machine manufacturers have provided cash-less enabled games to the market for the last ten years, and there now exists a broad population of such games in the casino industry. Cash-less enabled games are so named due to the fact that they can conduct their player' s financial exchange with a mixture of traditional paper and coin currency and vouchers redeemable for cash or game credits.

Two pieces of equipment used for a cash-less enabled game are a printer to produce the vouchers, and a currency bill acceptor that supports automatic reading of the vouchers. In a cash-less enabled gaming system, when a player cashes out, the game is signaled and depending on the size of the pay out, it can either present coins in the tradition method of a slot machine, or it can cause the printers which are installed in such machines to produce a voucher containing the value of the pay out. The voucher may then either be redeemed for cash at the cashier's cage for currency, or it may be inserted into one of the casino's games' bill acceptor, at which point the network and server to which the game is connected will recognize the voucher as valid, redeem it and place the appropriate amount of playing credits on the game.

Over the last several years, cash-less enabled games have found an increasing acceptance and use in the gaming industry with both the players, who enjoy the speed of play and ease of transporting their winnings around the casino, and the casinos who have realized significant labor savings in the form of reduced coin hopper reloads in the games, and an increase in revenue due to speed of play. The broad installation base of cash-less enabled games guarantees a wide installed base of networked games and their installed printers which may be used to print targeted steering incentive coupons for the captive player audiences.

In typical casino operations, the games are typically networked to a main server which monitors various metrics of activity on the games for regulatory, accounting and promotional activities related to frequent player club cards which participating patrons insert into the games when they play. The server related to promotions for player club cards is referred to as the player tracking sever. Games share real-time play metrics with the player tracking server in order to support frequent player incentives.

SUMMARY

Terminology

For the purposes of this document, the following terminology applies:

"GVP" - Acronym for gaming voucher printer, a device, installed in a gaming machine, whose primary responsibility is the printing of cash-out vouchers.

"BV" - Acronym for a bill validator or other device, installed in a gaming machine, for accepting currency and vouchers and optionally stacking them in a storage cassette.

"GID" - An acronym for game installed device, such as a GVP or BV.

"Gaming Machine", "Game Machine", "Game", "Slot" - A slot machine, gaming machine or table game in a casino.

"PTS" - An acronym for a patron tracking or patron management system, the system installed in a casino used to monitor game play activity by club participating players. A PTS is a rudimentary part of the existing casino industry architecture. In certain installation, the PTS may also be capable of exporting play session metrics such as information on betting, time in play and other metrics associated with a player's actions taken on a slot machine. "TITO" - Acronym for ticket-in ticket-out system installed in a casino used to create cash-out voucher records and issued data packets to gaming machines which will cause it to print a cash-out voucher. A cashout voucher system is a rudimentary part of the existing casino industry architecture for casinos supporting cash-less gaming.

"SAS" - An acronym for slot accounting system used to identify a communications protocol which most modern slot machines support for the exchange of game play and status information with a variety of connected hosts. Most modern slot machines contain at least 2 SAS ports for system connectivity flexibility. Other protocols for exchanging SAS type data exist, so where SAS is used in this document, it is not intended to be limited strictly to just the SAS protocol proper.

A steering coupon system (SCS) in which a plurality of gaming voucher printers (GVPs) and bill validator (BV) devices are connected specifically for the purpose of providing incentives to player at the slot machine for directing players to other slot machines or locations on the gaming floor is provided.

In some embodiments, an SCS includes a server, the server operatively connected to a plurality of gaming machines containing various equipment related to the SCS server, namely SCS controllers (optional), GVPs and BVs, the SCS server operatively connected either directly or indirectly to the GVPs and BVs, the SCS controller where it exists, further operatively connected to a SAS port on the gaming machine for receiving of game play and/or player metrics and optionally for the purpose of putting free play and match play credits on the gaming machine, each GVP and BV operatively connected through a primary communication port to the controller of the gaming machine into which it is installed, each GVP and BV further operatively connected directly or indirectly to the SCS through an auxiliary port supporting that purpose, the GVP receives signaling for cash-out vouchers through the primary communication port and signaling to create SCS tickets and award coupons through the auxiliary port, the BV signals the game as to acceptance of cash and cash-less vouchers through its primary port, and signals the SCS server through an auxiliary port as to inserted cash and SCS ticket data.

In many embodiments, the SCS server is further operatively connected to a patron tracking or management system (PTS) for receiving player data information. In numerous embodiments, the SCS server is further optionally operatively connected to a TITO system for the purposes of putting free play and match play credits on the gaming machine.

In various embodiments, the SCS server, upon determining that a safari stop has been completed, prints one or a plurality of additional safari tickets for the purposes of creating a monument for the player and the redeeming entity of the successful completion of a safari stop.

In numerous embodiments, the SCS server, upon determining that a safari stop has been completed, prints one or a plurality of additional safari tickets for the purposes of creating a sub-safari.

In various embodiments, the plurality of SCS controllers, and GVPs and BVs are operatively connected directly or indirectly, and are signaled by the SCS by means of a unique address.

In some embodiments, the SCS server, is operatively connected to the GVP and/or the BV (a term for either of the two devices being game installed devices (GIDs), creating a logical link between the GID's unique network address and the gaming machine into which the GID is installed for the purposes of correlating the GID's gaming machine identifier, the link created by the GID reading operator configurable game machine identifier address switches operatively connected to the GID's processor, the GID signaling the SCS with both its unique address and the configured game machine identifier address, and the SCS storing the link in its memory.

In numerous embodiments, the SCS server, is operatively connected to the GID and, creates a logical link between the GID's unique network address and the gaming machine into which the GID is installed for the purposes of correlating the GID's gaming machine identifier, the link created by the GID extracting the gaming machine number from voucher data signaling from the gaming machine controller on its primary communication port, the GID signaling the SCS with both its unique address and the extracted game machine number, and the SCS storing the link in its memory.

In various embodiments, the SCS server, is operatively connected to the GID, creates a logical link between the GID's unique network address and the gaming machine into which the GID is installed for the purposes of correlating the GID's gaming machine identifier, the link created by the GID being signaled as to its game machine identifier address by an operator controlled external device temporarily operatively connected to the GID at the time the GID is installed in a gaming machine, the GID signaling the SCS with both its unique address and the operator controlled external device supplied gaming machine address, and the SCS storing the link in its memory.

In some embodiments, the GID is temporarily operatively connected to an operator controlled external device at the time the GID is installed in a gaming machine, the GID receives signaling as to the gaming machine identifier address of the gaming machine into which it is being installed, and the GID stores the game machine identifier address into memory operatively connected to its processor.

In numerous embodiments, the GID signals the SCS as to the game machine identifier address in which it is installed upon boot-up or when requested by the SCS.

In various embodiments, the GID's unique network address is configured by operator configurable address switches operatively connected to the GID's processor.

In some embodiments, the GID's unique network address is assigned by the SCS server, the GID storing its address in memory for permanent use until a new address is assigned by the SCS.

In numerous embodiments, the GID stores the identification of the gaming machine identification into which it is installed into memory operatively connected to the GID's processor.

In various embodiments, the GID's unique network address is a fixed value as a function of its hardware.

In some embodiments, the GVP is operatively connected either directly or indirectly to both the SCS and the ΤΠΌ system, the SCS and TITO system is operatively connected to each other, the TITO system sends a data packet to the GVP via its link to the gaming machine, the GVP forwards information from the data packet along with its unique network address to the SCS server, the TITO system sends information from the same the data packet to the SCS server, the SCS creates a logical link between the GVP's unique network address and the gaming machine into which the GVP is installed for the purposes of correlating the GVP's gaming machine identifier, and the SCS stores the link in its memory.

In numerous embodiments, the GID, after boot-up, determines if a previously recorded gaming machine identifier exists in its memory, the identifier serving the purpose of signaling the GID into which gaming machine it is installed, and then signaling the SCS with the identifier.

In various embodiments, the GVP, after boot-up, first receives cash-out voucher signaling from the gaming machine over its primary port, and the GVP then verifies that the gaming machine identifier is the same as the gaming machine identifier previously recorded in its memory as to which game the GVP is installed.

In some embodiments, the SCS broadcasts the time and date on a periodic basis to a GID to which it is operatively connected, and the GID uses the time and date data to synchronize its own internal clock.

In numerous embodiments, the GVP upon receiving cash-out voucher signaling from the gaming machine over its primary port, extracts the time and date from the data and uses the time and date information to synchronize its internal clock.

In various embodiments, the SCS is operatively connected to the patron management system, the SCS receives game machine activity data from the patron management system which is monitoring the game, the SCS utilizes its link table in memory to determine the unique network address of the GVP installed in the game, and the SCS sends information extracted from the activity data to the GVP installed in the game.

In some embodiments, the SCS receives the signaling from the GVP as to the completion or failure of a promotional award print job, and the SCS creates a record in its memory as to the issuance of the promotional award coupon.

In numerous embodiments, the SCS requests the GID to send status as to the identifier of the promotional campaign static data file which resides in the GID's memory, the SCS determines if the campaign identifier in the GID is the version matches the identifier of the promotional campaign that the SCS is currently operating, and if not, the SCS sends new promotional campaign static data to the GID which matches the promotional campaign which the SCS is operating.

In various embodiments, the communications between the SCS and the gaming machine installed components (SCS controller, GVP, BV) are encrypted by a methodology known to the SCS and the components, and the SCS and components processing incoming and outgoing communications according to the encryption method.

In some embodiments, the communications between the SCS and the patron management system are encrypted by a methodology known to the SCS and patron management system, and the SCS and patron management system processing incoming and outgoing communications according to the encryption method.

In numerous embodiments, the communications between the SCS and the TITO system are encrypted by a methodology known to the SCS and ΤΠΌ system, and the SCS and TITO system processes incoming and outgoing communications according to the encryption method. In various embodiments, the SCS is operatively connected to an accounting system, and the SCS transmits data related to outstanding and redeemed promotional award coupons from its database in memory.

In some embodiments, the SCS is operatively connected to the patron management system, and the SCS transmits data related to outstanding and redeemed promotional award coupons from its database in memory.

In numerous embodiments, the SCS is capable of opening, monitoring and closing a plurality of safari tours in parallel.

In various embodiments, the SCS supports: (a) An optional seed ticket to start the tour with, and how/when/where the ticket is issued to a player to entice them to join the safari, (b) a set of stops on the tour (the list of games or stopping points), (c) a method to specify whether a tour stop offers free play credits, match play credits (or some other type of award), and the amount of credits (or award) offered the player, (d) SCS tickets designs for one or more stops on the tour in the case where a player is given status tickets at the various safari stops, the tickets containing information instructing the player as to the set of required stops or the next stop on the tour, (e) triggers thresholds, in terms of the game play and player metrics, causing SCS tickets to be issued, (f) consolation message tickets in the event the safari tour is severed by the player in order to thank the player for participating in the tour up to that point.

In some embodiments, the SCS server, is operatively connected to the TITO system, and further operatively connected, directly or indirectly to a BV of a gaming machine, that signals the TITO system to put free play credits on the gaming machine in response to a player inserting a safari tour ticket into the BV of the gaming machine.

In numerous embodiments, the SCS server, is operatively connected to a SCS controller, which in turn is operatively connected to a gaming machine SAS port and a BV, puts free play credits on the gaming machine in response to a player inserting a safari tour ticket into the BV of the gaming machine.

In various embodiments, the SCS server, is operatively connected to the TITO system, and further operatively connected, directly or indirectly to a BV of a gaming machine, that signals the ΤΓΓΟ system to put match play credits on the gaming machine in response to a player inserting a safari tour ticket into the BV of the gaming machine, and the player further inserting the required amount of cash to receive the match award on the same gaming machine. In some embodiments, the SCS server, is operatively connected to a SCS controller, which in turn is operatively connected to a gaming machine SAS port and a BV, puts match play credits on the gaming machine in response to a player inserting a safari tour ticket into the BV of the gaming machine, and the player further inserting the required amount of cash to receive the match award on the same gaming machine.

In numerous embodiments, the SCS server, is operatively connected to a SCS controller, which in turn is operatively connected to a gaming machine SAS port, that puts free play credits on the gaming machine in response to a player inserting a safari tour ticket into the BV of the gaming machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of various embodiments will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the an exemplary system and network setup in accordance with an exemplary embodiment

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary rules engine for creating SCS tickets and promotional award coupons in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exemplary SCS ticket in accordance with an exemplary embodiment

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary flow diagram of the SCS which includes a live attendant for award redemption in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an exemplary flow diagram of the SCS which is mostly or completely automated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of exemplary game installed device addressing processes in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an exemplary steering coupon process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary data processing apparatus for a bill validator in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary data processing apparatus for a server host in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary data processing apparatus for a steering coupon controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an exemplary data processing apparatus for a printer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An SCS provides the capability to take a player on a target tour of slot machines on a gaming floor. An SCS is advantageous for casino operators because various games have more desirable earnings ratios than others, or stops on the tour could be enticing to a player who has demonstrated a historical game preference as recorded by a PTS for the player club for instance. In order to perform an automated tour of the floor, driven by messaging tickets, each game on the stop is able to read the tickets developed for the application, and in some cases, be able to issue additional or updated tickets and award coupons.

An exemplary SCS 100 is shown in FIG. 1. The overall concept can be thought of a tour or a safari, with various stops along the way where a player checks in and potentially play the game for a period of time or other specified minimum requirement. In order to prepare the safari tour, the SCS administrator or users program the following data into the system in order to design the safari. The SCS provides the functions in order to program the data in the following list, and to originate and track a plurality of independent safaris (for the population of participating players):

• An optional seed ticket with to start the tour, and how/when/where the ticket is issued to a player to entice them to join the safari

• The set of stops on the tour (the list of games or stopping points)

• A method to specify whether a tour stop offers free play credits, match play credits (or some other type of award), and the amount of credits (or award) offered the player.

• SCS tickets designs for one or more stops on the tour in the case where a player is given status tickets at the various safari stops. Such tickets would typically include Region A information (of FIG. 3) instructing the player as to the set of required stops or the next stop on the tour.

• Triggers thresholds, in terms of the game play and player metrics such as illustrated in

FIG. 2, in order for the SCS tickets to be issued and the safari to be continued.

• Consolation message tickets in the event the safari tour is severed by the player in order to thank the player for participating in the tour up to that point. An example case of this would be the player running out of credits on the game before the trigger criteria to proceed to the next step are met.

Note that safaris could either be about collecting tickets, hitting required tour stops, performing certain actions, the granting of free play and match play credits along the way, and hybrid designs thereof. Now, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the operation mode of the system includes the steps as listed here:

a. An optional start seed ticket is presented to a player by either a game from a previous play series, a floor host, kiosk or other method. The seed ticket (or tickets), via text messages on its face, would direct the player to a bank of games, games of particular title or denomination to cite just a few possibilities for game segmentation.

b. A participating player would insert the seed ticket into a game. The BV, upon reading Region B on the ticket (of FIG. 3), would signal the SCS server as to the presence of the ticket on the game. The BV, under control of the system, would either stack the ticket in the device or return it to the player.

c. The SCS would determine if game credits were authorized for the player bearing the ticket. If so, then the system would interface with the TITO system to put free play playable credits on the game, or would verify with the BV that a certain amount of credits were added to the game as a result of cash being inserted, and if so, request the ΤΓΓΟ system to put credits onto the game. d. The player would then be required to perform certain actions, as per the

instructions on the ticket. In an alternate form, a game auxiliary video pop up service window could assist the player in performing the required actions at the particular safari tour stop. A non-exhaustive list of examples of required actions at the safari tour stop include:

- Put a certain amount of cash into a game to obtain match play credits

- Place a certain number of bets on the game

- Play for a certain duration on the game

- Make a certain amount of maximum bets on the game

- Hit a jackpot in excess of a specified amount

e. The system of FIG. 1 would be capable of determining whether the player performed the various actions as cited in the items above, as well as other actions, or if certain thresholds of player metrics were reached or triggered. Once the trigger threshold for a particular action was satisfied, the system could either electronically record the completion of the tour stop, or a new or additive SCS ticket would be printed upon satisfaction of the trigger threshold or upon cash-out from the game.

f. The player would take the SCS ticket(s) and proceed to the next stop on the safari, which would effectively be looping to step b above.

g. When all the stops had been completed, the player could receive a

congratulatory ticket, or in the event an award was to be granted for completing the safari, an award coupon with instructions regarding redemption of the coupon.

h. The player would take their ticket(s) to a redemption location to redeem the award.

Note that the SCS need not be constrained to just slot machines. Although not shown, it should be understood that other types of safari tour stops, each with its own unique set of required actions, could be supported by the system. In this event, the system is informed that the player, with their ticket in tow, had reached the tour stop (such as a scanning device for Region B on the ticket), and optionally by other methods for determining required actions, if any, had been performed at that location, further, optionally a printer is provided for creating additional SCS tickets or award coupons. A non-exhaustive list of examples of one or more of these types of alternate stops on the safari could be:

- a dealer attended or electronic game table (such as for blackjack, roulette, craps, etc.). In this event, the dealer or electronic game would have to register the stop on the route as described above, and potentially issue another ticket for the safari.

- a restaurant or POS location off the casino floor.

- a services kiosk

- a casino show ticket sale location

- a place to register for a drawing for a casino give-away.

In most respects, the alternate safari stops, and actions performed there, would be recorded and processed by the system as if it was a slot machine tour stop described in the bulk of this section.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a block diagram of the SCS showing a SCS server 100, operatively connected to one or a plurality of system controller cards (such as SCS controller 102 in the diagram) installed in or more respective slot machines (such as slot machine 104). The SCS server is also optionally operatively connected to a patron management or tracking system (PTS) 106 for obtaining information about a player who may be playing one of the connected games, and in certain installations, to obtain the play session metrics such as those of FIG. 2 directly from the PTS. Additionally, the SCS server is optionally operatively connected to a TITO system 108 for the purpose of requesting credits being added to a SCS connected game. In FIG. 1, the SCS controller is operatively connected to the SCS server 100, a game controller 110, a GVP 112 and a BV114. The connection between the SCS controller and the game controller is to facilitate collection of play session metrics from the game (typically from a SAS port) and optionally to collect carded player information from the player's club card. The connection to the GVP is to allow the SCS to send system tickets to the printer and the connection to the BV 114 allows the system to read system tickets when they are inserted into the game. The SCS controller in the figure is optional, in that if: (a) play session metrics are not in use in the particular solution, or are available from the PTS, and (b) if it is not necessary to read player club card information at the game itself, and (c) none of the logic and algorithms to process various metrics the system uses exists in the SCS controller 102, then the SCS controller is optional in the system. The SCS controller also provides communications functions necessary to connect to the SCS server 100, so in the event that it didn't exist as a discreet component, the GVP and the BV 114 would include the structures used to connect with the SCS Sever directly. In FIG. 1, the GVP and the BV 114 also connect to the game controller. These connections are for the purposes of performing cash and cash-less transactions in a standard slot machine configuration.

In many embodiments, an SCS is comprised of a SCS server 100 operatively connected to a plurality of gaming machines, such as slot machines 104 and 120. The slot machines include various equipment related to the SCS, namely optional SCS controllers, such as SCS controller 102, and GVPs and BVs (such as GVP 112 and BV 114). The SCS server is operatively connected either directly or indirectly to the GVPs and BVs and the SCS controller where it exists. Each GVP and BV is operatively connected through a primary communication port to the controller of the gaming machine (such as game controller 110) into which it is installed and each GVP and BV is further operatively connected directly or indirectly to the SCS through an auxiliary port supporting that purpose. A GVP receives signaling for cash-out vouchers through the primary communication port and signaling to create SCS tickets and award coupons through the auxiliary port. The BV 114 signals the game as to acceptance of cash and cash-less vouchers through its primary port, and signals the SCS through an auxiliary port as to inserted cash and SCS ticket data. In various embodiments, the SCS server is further operatively connected to a SAS port on the gaming machine for receiving of game play and/or player metrics and optionally for the purpose of putting free play and match play credits on the gaming machine.

In some embodiments, the SCS server is further optionally operatively connected to a PTS 106 for receiving player data information.

In numerous embodiments, the SCS server is further optionally operatively connected to a TITO system 108 for the purposes of putting free play and match play credits on the gaming machine.

In some embodiments, the SCS server 100 broadcasts the time and date on a periodic basis to a GID (such as GVP 112 and BV 114) to which it is operatively connected, the GID using the time and date data to synchronize its own internal clock.

In numerous embodiments, the GVP 112 upon receiving cash-out voucher signaling from the gaming machine over its primary port, extracts the time and date from the data and using the time and date information to synchronize its internal clock.

In various embodiments, the SCS server 100 is operatively connected to the patron management or tracking system 106, the SCS server receives game machine activity data from the patron management system which is monitoring the game, the SCS server utilizes a link table in memory to determine the unique network address of the GVP 112 installed in the game, and the SCS server sends information extracted from the activity data to the GVP installed in the game.

In some embodiments, the SCS server 100, having received the signaling from the GVP 112 as to the completion or failure of a promotional award print job, creates a record in its memory as to the issuance of the promotional award coupon.

In numerous embodiments, the SCS server 100 requests the GID (such as GVP 112 or BV 114) to send status as to the identifier of the promotional campaign static data file which resides in the GID's memory, the SCS server determines if the campaign identifier in the GID is the version matches the identifier of the promotional campaign that the SCS server is currently operating, and if not, the SCS server sends new promotional campaign static data to the GID which matches the promotional campaign which the SCS server is operating.

In various embodiments, the communications between the SCS server 100 and the gaming machine installed components (SCS controller 102, GVP 112 , BV 114, etc.) are encrypted by a methodology known to the SCS server and the components, and the SCS server and components process incoming and outgoing communications according to the encryption method. In some embodiments, the communications between the SCS server 100 and the patron management system 106 are encrypted by a methodology known to the SCS server and patron management system, and the SCS server and patron management system processing incoming and outgoing communications according to the encryption method.

In numerous embodiments, the communications between the SCS sever 100 and the

ΤΠΌ system 108 are encrypted by a methodology known to the SCS server and TITO system, and the SCS serve and the TITO system process incoming and outgoing

communications according to the encryption method.

In various embodiments, the SCS server 100 is operatively connected to an accounting system (not shown), and the SCS serve transmits data related to outstanding and redeemed promotional award coupons from its database in memory to the accounting system.

In some embodiments, the SCS server is operatively connected to the patron management system 106, and the SCS server transmits data related to outstanding and redeemed promotional award coupons from its database in memory to the patron

management system.

In numerous embodiments, the SCS server 100 is capable of opening, monitoring and closing a plurality of safari tours in parallel.

In various embodiments, the SCS server 100, is operatively connected to the TITO system 108, and further operatively connected, directly or indirectly to a BV 114 of a gaming machine, and contains the structures to signal the ΤΓΓΟ system to put free play credits on the gaming machine in response to a player inserting a safari tour ticket into the BV 114 of the gaming machine.

In some embodiments, the SCS server 100, is operatively connected to a SCS controller 102, which in turn is operatively connected to a gaming machine SAS port and a BV 114, and contains the structures used to put free play credits on the gaming machine in response to a player inserting a safari tour ticket into the BV 114 of the gaming machine.

In numerous embodiments, the SCS server 100, is operatively connected to the TITO system 108, and is further operatively connected, directly or indirectly to a BV 114 of a gaming machine, contains the structures to signal the TITO system to put match play credits on the gaming machine in response to a player inserting a safari tour ticket into the BV 114 of the gaming machine, and the player further inserts the required amount of cash to receive the match award on the same gaming machine.

In various embodiments, the SCS server 100, is operatively connected to a SCS controller 102, which in turn is operatively connected to a gaming machine SAS port and a BV 114, contains the structures to put match play credits on the gaming machine in response to a player inserting a safari tour ticket into the BV 114 of the gaming machine, and the player further inserting the required amount of cash to receive the match award on the same gaming machine.

In some embodiments, the SCS server 100, is operatively connected to a SCS controller 102, which in turn is operatively connected to a gaming machine SAS port, and contains the structures to put free play credits on the gaming machine in response to a player inserting a safari tour ticket into the BV 114 of the gaming machine.

FIG. 2 illustrates logic and algorithms within an SCS server, portions or all of which may reside in a combination of the SCS server, an SCS controller and an GVP and BV. At the top of the diagram is an example of five different sets of metrics utilized by the system for determining if a player is eligible for an SCS steering coupon or promotional award. The five example categories given are: date 200, time 202, frequency of issuance 204, play session parameters 206, and a set of player parameters 208. In the lower part of the diagram, a selector rules engine 210 exists along with a database 212 containing SCS tickets and award coupons. The selector rules engine is tasked with analyzing the various metrics shown and determining which SCS tickets and award coupons (such as SCS ticket 214) should be printed in response to the information. The database contains various static and dynamic data describing SCS tickets and coupons designed by the system administrator and users, which would be available for printing from a GVP on the game.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary SCS ticket 300. In the diagram, Region A 302 would contain information which would communicate to the player concerning the potential awards which the ticket represented. A non-exhaustive list of information in Region A would be: (a) instructions about what a player is to do in order to be eligible for an award being offered, (b) which games are participating in the offer being extended the player, (c) the potential value of the award being offered, (d) the date and time range in which the offer is valid, (e) the player's status along the required game play route that the offer entails, and (f) a property, club or awards program identifier and/or logo. Region B 304 in the figure would contain a barcode, marks or other symbology which would allow machine reading of SCS ticket by the BV. Note that the information of Region A and Region B may all be contained on a single ticket as illustrated in the figure, or may be distributed across a plurality of tickets.

FIG. 4 illustrates one mode of operation of many SCS embodiments. In the figure, a seed ticket, coupon or voucher 400 is illustrated which could be an initial ticket offered to the player by a game issued ticket from a prior play series, a perk ticket offered by the floor host or issued from a kiosk or other automated device. There are several slot machines pictured, 402a, 402b and 402c, each slot machine in the sequence capable of reading an SCS ticket by use of a respective BV, such as BVs 404a, 404b and 404c, and in some embodiments, printing an additional SCS ticket, such as SCS tickets 406a and 406b, using a respective GVP, such as GVPs 408a, 408b and 408c. At the end of the series of games, an optional award coupon 410 is shown as issued from the last game, which can be redeemed by a live attendant (or kiosk) at a cash cage or other casino designated location 412 for the value of the award.

In numerous embodiments, an SCS server, upon determining that a safari stop has been completed, prints one or a plurality of additional safari tickets for the purposes of creating a monument for the player and the redeeming entity of the successful completion of a safari stop.

In various embodiments, an SCS server, upon determining that a safari stop has been completed, prints one or a plurality of additional safari tickets for the purposes of creating a sub-safari.

In some embodiments, an SCS server contains the structures to support: (a) An optional seed ticket to start the tour with, and how/when/where the ticket is issued to a player to entice them to join the safari, (b) a set of stops on the tour (the list of games or stopping points), (c) a method to specify whether a tour stop offers free play credits, match play credits (or some other type of award), and the amount of credits (or award) offered the player, (d) SCS tickets designs for one or more stops on the tour in the case where a player is given status tickets at the various safari stops, the tickets containing information instructing the player as to the set of required stops or the next stop on the tour, (e) triggers thresholds, in terms of the game play and player metrics, causing SCS tickets to be issued, (f) consolation message tickets in the event the safari tour is severed by the player in order to thank the player for participating in the tour up to that point.

FIG. 5 illustrates another mode of operation of some embodiments of an SCS. In the figure, a seed ticket, coupon or voucher 500 is illustrated which could be an initial ticket offered to the player by a game issued ticket from a prior play series, a perk ticket offered by the floor host or issued from a kiosk or other automated device. There are several slot machines pictured, 502a, 502b and 502c, each slot machine in the sequence capable of reading an SCS ticket by use of a respective BV, such as BVs 504a, 504b and 504c, and in some embodiments, printing an additional SCS ticket, such as SCS tickets 506a and 506b, using a respective GVP, such as GVPs 508a, 508b and 508c. At the end of the series of games, an optional award coupon 510 is shown as issued from the last game.

The mode in this figure is similar in a number of aspects as described in FIG. 4, with the primary difference being that no attendant or kiosk is used at the end of the chain, unless the optional award coupon shown is issued. The FIG. 5 mode accomplishes awards on the fly, throughout the game series, by either putting free play game credits on the game in response to insertion of the SCS ticket, or match play in response to insertion of the SCS ticket and the adding of credits to the game by player purchase (via inserting currency into the BV).

FIG. 6 is an illustration of exemplary game installed device configuration processes in accordance with exemplary embodiments. In various embodiments, a plurality of SCS controllers, and GVPs and BVs are operatively connected directly or indirectly, being signaled by an SCS server by means of a unique address. The unique address may be configured in these devices in a variety of ways.

In many embodiments, a determination (1104) is made of an initial configuration of a GID 1100, such as a GVP, BV, SCS controller or the like. An SCS server 1102 transmits a request 1106 to the GID for the initial configuration information. In response, the GID transmits the initial configuration information 1108 to the SCS server. The SCS server then stores (1110) the initial configuration information for later use in addressing the GID.

In numerous embodiments, the GID 1100 sends a request 1112 for assigned configuration information to the SCS server 1102. In response, the SCS server determines and stores (1114) assigned configuration for the GID. The SCS server sends the assigned configuration 1116 to the GID. In response, the GID uses the assigned configuration information to configure itself for later communications with the SCS server.

In many embodiments, the SCS server 1102 determines and stores (1118) assigned configuration information for the GID 1100. The SCS server then sends a command and the assigned configuration information 1120 to the GID. In response to the command, the GID configures itself using the configuration information.

In some embodiments, the SCS server 1102 includes (1122) configuration

information in operational data 1124, such as data used to print an SCS ticket, coupon or voucher, that is sent to the GID 1100. The GID receives the operational data and extracts the configuration information from the operational data and uses the configuration information to configure itself.

In various embodiments, the GID 1100 is a BV or GVP, and the configuration creates a logical link between the GID's unique network address and the gaming machine (not shown) into which the GID is installed for the purposes of correlating the GID's gaming machine identifier, the link created by the GID reads operator configurable game machine identifier address switches operatively connected to the GID's processor, the GID signals the SCS server 1102 with both its unique address and the configured game machine identifier address, and the SCS server stores the link in the SCS server's memory.

In numerous embodiments, the SCS server 1102 is operatively connected to the GID 1100 and, creates a logical link between the GID's unique network address and the gaming machine (not shown) into which the GID is installed for the purposes of correlating the GID's gaming machine identifier, the link created by the GID extracts the gaming machine number from voucher data signaling from a gaming machine controller (not shown) on its primary communication port, the GID signals the SCS with both its unique address and the extracted game machine number, and the SCS server stores the link in its memory.

In various embodiments, the SCS server 1102 is operatively connected to the GID 1100, creates a logical link between the GID's unique network address and the gaming machine (not shown) into which the GID is installed for the purposes of correlating the GID's gaming machine identifier, the link created by the GID being signaled as to its game machine identifier address by an operator controlled external device (not shown) temporarily operatively connected to the GID at the time the GID is installed in a gaming machine, the GID signals the SCS server with both its unique address and the operator controlled external device supplied gaming machine address, and the SCS server stores the link in its memory.

In some embodiments, the GID 1100 is temporarily operatively connected to an operator controlled external device (not shown) at the time the GID is installed in a gaming machine (not shown), the GID receives signaling as to the gaming machine identifier address of the gaming machine into which it is being installed, and the GID stores the game machine identifier address into memory operatively connected to the GID's processor.

In numerous embodiments, the GID 1100 signals the SCS server 1102 as to the game machine identifier address in which the GID is installed upon boot-up or when requested by the SCS server.

In various embodiments, the GID's 1100 unique network address is configured by operator configurable address switches operatively connected to the GID's processor.

In some embodiments, the GID's 1100 unique network address is assigned by the SCS server 1102, and the GID stores its address in memory for permanent use until a new address is assigned by the SCS server. In numerous embodiments, the GID 1100 stores the identification of the gaming machine identification into which it is installed into memory operatively connected to the GID's processor.

In various embodiments, the GID's 1100 unique network address is a fixed value as a function of the GID's hardware.

In some embodiments, a GVP (as GID 1100) is operatively connected either directly or indirectly to both the SCS server 1102 and a TITO system (not shown), and the SCS server and TITO system are operatively connected to each other. The TITO system sends a data packet to the GVP via its link to the gaming machine (not shown), the GVP forwards information from the data packet along with the GVP's unique network address to the SCS server 100, the TITO system sends information from the same the data packet to the SCS server 100, the SCS creates a logical link between the GVP's unique network address and the gaming machine into which the GVP is installed for the purposes of correlating the GVP's gaming machine identifier, and the SCS server stores the link in its memory.

In numerous embodiments, the GID 1100, after boot-up, determines if a previously recorded gaming machine identifier exists in its memory, the identifier serving the purpose of signaling the GID into which gaming machine it is installed, and then signaling the SCS server 1102 with the identifier.

In various embodiments, a GVP (as GID 1100), after boot-up, first receives cash-out voucher signaling from the gaming machine over its primary port, and the GVP then verifies that the gaming machine identifier is the same as the gaming machine identifier previously recorded in its memory as to which game the GVP is installed.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an exemplary steering coupon process in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The process 1200 begins (1202) when a participating game receives (1204) a player inserted ticket. The ticket may be an optional start seed ticket that is presented to the player by either a game from a previous play series, a floor host, kiosk or other method. The seed ticket (or tickets), via text messages on its face, or the game reading the seed ticket, would direct (1206) the player to undertake certain actions or achieve certain goals, as described herein. The BV, upon reading Region B on the ticket (of FIG. 3), would signal the SCS server as to the presence of the ticket on the game. The BV, under control of the SCS, would either stack the ticket in the device or return it to the player.

The SCS, via the game, would then monitor (1208) the player as the player performs the required actions, as per the instructions on the ticket. In some embodiments, a game auxiliary video pop up service window could assist the player in performing the required actions at the particular safari tour stop. A non-exhaustive list of examples of required actions at the safari tour stop could be: put a certain amount of cash into a game to obtain match play credits; place a certain number of bets on the game; play for a certain duration on the game; make a certain amount of maximum bets on the game; or hit a jackpot in excess of a specified amount. The SCS would determine whether the various actions as cited in the items above, as well as other actions have been completed. Once the trigger threshold for a particular action was satisfied, the SCS could either electronically record the completion of the tour stop, or a new or additive SCS ticket would be generated (1212) upon satisfaction of the trigger threshold or upon cash-out from the game. The player would take the SCS ticket(s) and proceed to the next stop on the safari, which would effectively be looping to step

1204above. When all the stops had been completed, the player could receive a printed (1214) congratulatory ticket, or in the event an award was to be granted for completing the safari, an award coupon with instructions regarding redemption of the coupon and the process would end (1216). The player would take their ticket(s) to a redemption location to redeem the award.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary data processing apparatus for a bill validator in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. A data processing device 600, such as a general purpose computing device or a controller, may be used to implement the features, functions and aspects of a bill validator as described herein. In the data processing device 600, a processor 602 is operatively connected to a memory 604 by a bus 608. The processor 602 is also operatively connected to non-transitory processor-readable storage media, such as a storage device 610, that stores processor-executable instructions 613 and processor- readable data 612. The processor 602 is also operatively connected to one or more communication interfaces 614 that may be used to operatively connect the data processing device 600 to other devices as well as networks as described herein.

The processor 602 is also further operatively connected to one or more validating devices 616 that scan input tickets, coupons, vouchers, bills, etc. so that they may be validated by the processor 602.

In operation, the processor 602 loads the processor-executable instructions 613 and processor-readable data 612 into the memory 604 and executes the instructions 613 and operates on the data 612 to implement the various aspects and features of a bill validator as described herein.

The processor 602 may be implemented as either a single processor or as a plurality of processors. In addition, the storage device 610 may be implemented using either non- removable media, such as a programmable memory, hard drive, etc. or by removable media, such as a DVD, diskette, tape, flash drive, etc. In addition, the data processing device 600 may be implemented as a processor having associated memory and stored instructions, may also be implemented using fixed circuitry, or may be implemented using a combination of fixed circuitry and a processor having associated memory and stored instructions.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary data processing apparatus for an SCS server host in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. A data processing device 700, such as a general purpose computing device or a controller, may be used to implement the features, functions and aspects of an SCS server as described herein. In the data processing device 700, a processor 706 is operatively connected to a memory 704 by a bus 708. The processor 706 is also operatively connected to non-transitory processor-readable storage media, such as a storage device 710, that stores processor-executable instructions 702 and processor- readable data 712. The processor 706 is also operatively connected to one or more communication interfaces 714 that may be used to operatively connect the data processing device 700 to other devices as well as networks as described herein. The processor 706 is also operatively connected via the bus 708 to one or more user input devices 716 and one or more user output devices 718.

In operation, the processor 706 loads the processor-executable instructions 702 and processor-readable data 712 into the memory 704 and executes the instructions 702 and operates on the data 712 to implement the various aspects and features of a NTS system control card as described herein. The processor 706 uses the one or more user input devices 716 and one or more user output devices 718 in accordance with the processor-executable instructions 702 and processor-readable data 712 in order to create and operate user interfaces for a gaming machine operator as described herein.

The processor 706 may be implemented as either a single processor or as a plurality of processors. In addition, the storage device 710 may be implemented using either nonremovable media, such as a programmable memory, hard drive, or the like, or by removable media, such as a DVD, diskette, tape, flash drive, or the like. In addition, the data processing device 700 may be implemented as a processor having associated memory and stored instructions, may also be implemented using fixed circuitry, or may be implemented using a combination of fixed circuitry and a processor having associated memory and stored instructions.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary data processing apparatus for a steering coupon controller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. A data processing device 800, such as a general purpose computing device or a controller, may be used to implement the features, functions and aspects of a printer as described herein. In the data processing device 800, a processor 802 is operatively connected to a memory 804 by a bus 808. The processor 802 is also operatively connected to non-transitory processor-readable storage media, such as a storage device 810, that stores processor-executable instructions 813 and processor-readable data 812. The processor 802 is also operatively connected to one or more communication interfaces 814 that may be used to operatively connect the data processing device 800 to other devices as well as networks as described herein.

In operation, the processor 802 loads the processor-executable instructions 813 and processor-readable data 812 into the memory 804 and executes the instructions 813 and operates on the data 812 to implement the various aspects and features of an NTS printer as described herein.

The processor 802 may be implemented as either a single processor or as a plurality of processors. In addition, the storage device 810 may be implemented using either non- removable media, such as a programmable memory, hard drive, etc. or by removable media, such as a DVD, diskette, tape, flash drive, etc. Furthermore, the data processing device 800 may be implemented as a processor having associated memory and stored instructions, may also be implemented using fixed circuitry, or may be implemented using a combination of fixed circuitry and a processor having associated memory and stored instructions.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an exemplary data processing apparatus for a printer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. A data processing device 900, such as a general purpose computing device or a controller, may be used to implement the features, functions and aspects of a printer as described herein. In the data processing device 900, a processor 902 is operatively connected to a memory 904 by a bus 908. The processor 902 is also operatively connected to non-transitory processor-readable storage media, such as a storage device 910, that stores processor-executable instructions 913 and processor-readable data 912. The processor 902 is also operatively connected to one or more communication interfaces 914 that may be used to operatively connect the data processing device 900 to other devices as well as networks as described herein.

In operation, the processor 902 loads the processor-executable instructions 913 and processor-readable data 912 into the memory 904 and executes the instructions 913 and operates on the data 912 to implement the various aspects and features of a printer as described herein. The processor 902 may be implemented as either a single processor or as a plurality of processors. In addition, the storage device 910 may be implemented using either nonremovable media, such as a programmable memory, hard drive, etc. or by removable media, such as a DVD, diskette, tape, flash drive, etc. In addition, the data processing device 900 may be implemented as a processor having associated memory and stored instructions, may also be implemented using fixed circuitry, or may be implemented using a combination of fixed circuitry and a processor having associated memory and stored instructions.

Although certain specific aspects of various embodiments of the invention have been described herein, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the foregoing description of embodiments of the invention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the embodiments of the invention to be determined by any claims supported by this application and the claims' equivalents, rather than the foregoing description.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of directing gaming patrons using tickets, comprising:

printing, at a first game machine, a first ticket including instructions directing a patron to a second game machine and instructions for the patron to perform certain actions at the second game machine;

receiving, at the second game machine from the patron, the first ticket;

monitoring the patron's actions at the second game machine; and

printing a third ticket at the second game machine when the player performs the certain actions at the second game machine, the third ticket indicating an award awarded to the patron.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving by the first game machine a seed ticket, wherein the first ticket is printed based on the seed ticket.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising placing free play credits on the second game machine in response to receiving the first ticket.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the certain actions include playing a specified amount of credits on the second game machine by the patron.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the certain actions include winning a specified amount of credits on the second machine.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the certain actions include playing the second game machine for a specified duration of time.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the certain actions include playing the second game machine for a specified number of times.

8. An apparatus for directing gaming patrons using tickets, comprising:

a processor;

a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having processor-executable instructions executed by the processor, the instructions comprising:

receiving, at the second game machine from the patron, the first ticket;

monitoring the patron's actions at the second game machine; and printing a third ticket at the second game machine when the player performs the certain actions at the second game machine, the third ticket indicating an award awarded to the patron.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, the instructions further comprising receiving at the first game machine a seed ticket, wherein the first ticket is printed based on the seed ticket.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, the instructions further comprising placing free play credits on the second game machine in response to receiving the first ticket.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the certain actions include playing a specified amount of credits on the second game machine by the patron.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the certain actions include winning a specified amount of credits on the second machine.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the certain actions include playing the second game machine for a specified duration of time.

14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the certain actions include playing the second game machine for a specified number of times.

15. A processor-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions for a method of directing gaming patrons using tickets, the instructions comprising:

a processor;

receiving, at the second game machine from the patron, the first ticket;

monitoring the patron's actions at the second game machine; and

16. The processor-readable storage medium of claim 15, the instructions further comprising receiving at the first game machine a seed ticket, wherein the first ticket is printed based on the seed ticket.

17. The processor-readable storage medium of claim 15, the instructions further comprising placing free play credits on the second game machine in response to receiving the first ticket.

18. The processor-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the certain actions include playing a specified amount of credits on the second game machine by the patron.

19. The processor-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the certain actions include winning a specified amount of credits on the second machine.

20. The processor-readable storage medium of claim 15, wherein the certain actions include playing the second game machine for a specified duration of time.