Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
GAMING TABLE DEVICE REMOVEABLY ATTACHED TO A GAMING TABLE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
100021 This invention relates to cashless gaming, more specifically to
cashless gaming at
game tables.
Backaround
100031 The gaming machine manufacturing industry provides a variety of
gaming
machines for the amusement of gaming machine 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.
[0004] Gaming machine manufacturers have introduced cashless enabled games
such as a
slot machine to the market and these have begun to find wide acceptance in the
gaming
industry. Cashless enabled games are so named because they can conduct
financial exchanges
using a mixture of traditional currencies and vouchers. Typically, a cashless
enabled game has
a gaming printer to produce vouchers and a voucher reader that supports
automatic reading of
vouchers. To coordinate the activities of multiple cashless enabled games, one
or more
cashless enabled games can be electronically coupled to a cashless enabled
game system that
controls the cashless operations of a cashless enabled game.
100051 Over the last several years, cashless enabled games have found an
increasing
acceptance and use in the gaming industry with both the players, who enjoy the
speed of play
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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. Practical field experience with the
application has
illustrated that there are areas for improvement in current printer designs
and implementation
within the game and gaming establishments.
[0006] One such area for improvement is how to use and exchange vouchers
generated by
cashless enabled game at a gaming table such as a poker table. Additionally,
there exists a
need to provide cashless payout from a gaming table.
[0007] The embodiments of the present invention seeks to address these
needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention provides a gaming table device that connects a
gaming table
to one or more host systems such as a Player Tracking System to allow multiple
player
tracking in a single location. A card reader/writer such as a scanning device
allows the use of
a player's card for tracking. A user interface provides a visual
representation of the gaming
table and seat locations that a dealer uses to set up a table layout and/or
assign a player to a
seat. The player data and seating data allows for player tracking for the
issuance and
redemption of player incentives based on game play activity.
[0009] In one aspect of the invention, there is described a gaming table
device removably
attached to a gaming table for associating a player seated at the gaming table
with the gaming
table, the gaming table device comprising: an outer housing extending over a
playing surface
of the gaming table; a scanning device located in an interior portion of the
outer housing for
scanning a player card inserted into the gaming table device to track a player
play time on the
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gaming table; a player tracking system for monitoring a game play activity by
participating
patrons; a voucher reader in communication with the player tracking system and
configured to
receive and read a value of a first cashless game voucher inserted into the
gaming table device
by the player; a voucher printer in communication with the player tracking
system and
configured to print a second cashless game voucher based, at least in part, on
the gameplay
activity in response to receiving an instruction from a dealer or other
authorized personnel to
initiate a cash-out of the player; a user interface for displaying seat
locations and each player
location of the gaming table connected to the gaming table device to provide a
visual
representation that the dealer or other authorized personnel uses to assign
the player to a seat;
and a sensing device connected to the gaming table device and to a seat at the
gaming table for
sending a signal to the gaming table device when the player vacates the seat;
wherein the user
interface comprises a keypad or touchscreen to allow the dealer or other
authorized personnel
to select an available seat and associate the player with the seat location;
the user interface
displays at least one of key players and player tracking levels to allow the
dealer or other
authorized personnel to grant coupons to the player depending on rules set for
a particular player
tracking level; the gaming table device uses data from the player tracking
system to personalize
a promotional coupon; the voucher printer prints the promotional coupon of
interest to the
patrons; the user interface displays the vacated seat associated for the
player to notify the dealer
or other authorized personnel; and the user interface allows the dealer or
other authorized
personnel to disassociate the player with the seat
[0010] The gaming table device may include a printer, barcode reader or
scanner, bill
validator, user interface, one or more controllers, an interface to one or
more host systems,
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keypad, card reader/writer such as a scanning device, RFID sensing and/or
reading device,
and an entry point, among others.
100111 In another aspect of the invention, the scanning device of a gaming
table device
scans an inserted player card to allow player tracking such as player play
time on a gaming
table.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention, the user interface of the gaming
table device
displays a visual representation of the gaming table to which the device is
connected to allow
a dealer or other authorized personnel of a gaming table to select the layout
of the gaming
table and/or associate an available seat with a player.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention, a keypad or touchscreen user
interface of a
gaming table device allows a dealer or other authorized personnel of a gaming
table to
associate a player with a seat location.
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[0014] In another aspect of the invention, a gaming table device uses a
user interface and
a visual representation of the gaming table to which the device is connected
to display and
identify on the user interface key players and/or various levels of player
tracking thereby
allowing a dealer or other authorized personnel to grant bonuses, coupons,
and/or points, among
others to a player depending on rules set for a particular player tracking
level.
[0015] In another aspect of the invention, a gaming table device uses
programming
instructions and/or algorithms to associate a player with a seat location at a
game, to remove a
player's association with a seat location at a game, to provide a visual
representation of the
gaming table layout, to identify key players, to identify various levels of
player tracking, to
process player tracking data, to grant bonuses, coupons and/or points, and to
signal and transmit
data to one or more host systems, among others.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
100161 These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will
become better understood with regard to the following description,
accompanying drawings and
appendix where:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a gaming table device in
accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
00181 FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of a gaming table device in
accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a gaming table device connected to
various host
systems in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4a is a front plan view of a touchscreen user interface and
keypad of a
gaming table device for game table setup in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 41) is a front plan view of a touchscreen user interface and
keypad of a
gaming table device for player identification in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0022] APPENDIX A is a list of definitions of terms as used herein.
[0023] Identically labeled elements appearing in different ones of the
figures refer to the
same elements but may not be referenced in the description for all figures.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present invention identifies a gaming table device that connects
a gaming
table to one or more host systems such as a Player Tracking System to allow
multiple player
tracking in a single location, such as at a gaming table. A user interface
provides a visual
representation of the gaming table and seat locations that a dealer uses to
set up a table layout
and assign a player to a seat. A card reader/writer such as a scanning device
allows the use of a
player's card for tracking. The player data and seating data allows for player
tracking for the
issuance and redemption of player incentives based on game play activity.
Table and seating
layout and configuration allow for the use of the device at any table.
[0025] The Inventors have observed that practical field experience with
cashless enabled
gaming and components thereof has illustrated that there are areas for
improvement in the design
and implementation.
[0026] For example, currently there are no means by which to transfer
credits or
winnings from a gaming table into cashless form such as a game voucher for use
in other games
such as another gaming table or a slot machine. There arc no means by which to
issue a game
voucher from gaming table winnings to replace or compliment issuing
traditional currency or
gaming chips.
[0027] Additionally, gaming tables are not connected with other systems
(such as
accounting, POS) in use at a gaming establishment.
[0028] Another problem with the current situation is that game vouchers
issued from
cashless enabled games cannot be redeemed at a gaming table. Customers with
winnings in the
form of game vouchers must redeem the game vouchers for cash in order to use
play those
winnings at a gaming table. Gaming establishments run the risk that these
customers will leave
the gaming establishment instead of continuing to play. This in turn leads to
reduced and lost
revenue for the gaming establishment.
[0029] Additionally, the Inventors have observed that there is not an
automated or
computerized means at a gaming table to connect to a player tracking system to
track a player's
progress. Additionally, there are no means to track multiple players at a
gaming table.
[0030] This invention provides a solution to these problems by enabling
cashless gaming
in gaming tables, the transfer of credits for the redemption of game vouchers
issued from
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cashless enabled games, the issuance of a game voucher from winnings at a
gaming table and the
connection of gaming tables with other systems in use (such as accounting,
POS).
[00311 One benefit in using this invention is that gaming machine game
vouchers can be
used on a gaming table thereby allowing players to transfer and use winnings
from a slot
machine on a gaming table and vise versa as well as from gaming table to
another gaming table.
[0032] Another benefit in using this invention is that the present
invention allows for an
easy and reliable method of tracking multiple players at a single location,
such as a gaming table
by a dealer, attendant, or other authorized personnel or system. This is
accomplished using a user
interface displaying a visual representation of the gaming table and seat
layout, and a keypad for
data entry such as associating a player with an available seat at the gaming
table.
[0033] Additionally, the Inventors have observed that there are different
layouts and
configurations to gaming tables. For example, a poker table layout can be
circular or rectangular,
among others. The seating for a poker table can include seating for four or
more players. One
benefit in using this invention is that the invention can be configured to
match the layout of the
gaming table to which it is attached or associated. A user such as the table
dealer or pit boss can
select and configure a gaming table layout using, for example, the user
interface. This allows the
invention to be easily configured and used at different gaming tables.
100341 FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a gaming table device in
accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] The gaming table device 100 is shown mounted to a gaming table 102.
The
gaming table device has an outer housing 104 having an upper portion 106 that
extends over an
upper or playing surface 108 of the gaming table, a lower portion 110 that
extends below a lower
surface 112 of the gaming table, and a middle portion 114 adjacent to an edge
surface 116 of the
gaming table and located between the upper portion and the lower portion. The
housing has an
interior portion 118 and an exterior surface 120 with a first opening 122 and
a second opening
124 extending through the exterior surface into the interior portion. The
openings are located on
the upper portion with the first opening accessible to a dealer at the gaming
table and the second
opening accessible to a player at the gaming table. The upper portion of the
gaming table device
further includes a keypad 125 or keyboard proximate to the first opening for
use by the dealer
and a dealer display 126 viewable by the dealer. The upper portion also
includes a player display
128 proximate the second opening and viewable by the player.
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00361 As illustrated, the gaming table device 100 is removably connected
to the gaming
table 102 by being mounted at an edge surface 116 of the gaming table. In this
embodiment, the
gaming table device is secured by a screw clamp 130 extending upwardly from
the bottom
portion 110 of the housing toward the upper portion 106 with the gaming table
clamped
therebetween. The clamping system allows for an adjustable, flexible, and
repositionable mount,
thereby allowing the gaming table device to be moved to another location on
the same gaming
table or moved to another gaming table. This mounting arrangement does not
require
modification to the gaming table in order to accommodate the gaming table
device.
00371 In another embodiment, the gaming table device 100 is mounted in an
opening
(not shown) in the gaming table 102 used for an existing drop box of the
gaming table. In this
embodiment, the gaming table device may replace the use of existing drop
boxes.
[0038] The gaming table device 100 also includes an RFID reader 132 located
in the
interior portion 118 of the housing and proximate to the second opening 124.
The RFID reader is
used to perform a RFID scan on, for example, a rewritable card with RFID or
RFID gaming
chips.
[0039] The gaming table device 100 further includes one or more printed
circuit boards
134 in the interior portion 118. The printed circuit boards are for the
mounting of a controller and
other electronic components such as one or more interfaces (not shown) used to
send and receive
signaling to and from one or more host systems to generate game vouchers
and/or promotional
coupons as previously described as well as transaction receipts.
[00401 A bill validator/voucher scanner 136 is mounted in the interior
portion 118 of the
housing. The bill validator receives printed items such as paper currency,
vouchers, coupons and
the like 138 via the first opening 122 and transports the items out of the
housing via the second
opening 124. The bill validator may further receive printed items via a bulk
note feeder (not
shown). The bulk note feeder is used to process a plurality of notes or
currency in one feed or run
instead of processing one note or currency at a time. In operation, a stack of
notes or currency is
placed in the bulk note feeder after which the gaming table device may pull
each note or
currency for processing.
[0041] The gaming table device 100 further includes a voucher or coupon
printer 140
mounted in the interior portion 118 of the housing. The printer receives print
media 142 from a
media supply storage area 144 located in the bottom portion 110 of the
housing. Once the printer
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prints a coupon, voucher, or transaction receipt, the coupon, voucher, or
transaction receipt is
transportcd via pinch rollers 146 to the second opening 124 where the coupon,
voucher, or
transaction receipt is presented to the player.
[0042] The dealer and player displays 126 and 128 constitute a dual display
interface or
user interface for interfacing with one or more host systems for example, for
the issuance,
redemption, validation, and verification of game vouchers and/or promotional
coupons at a
gaming table. Additionally, the plurality of displays or user interfaces can
indicate to a player
and/or dealer the amount of an inserted voucher. Additionally, the value of
the game voucher or
promotional coupon may also be indicated on a display. Additionally, a user
may use a display to
verify an amount. Additionally, a display is used to show when an error occurs
with the gaming
table device 100 and/or any component thereof. Additionally, a display shows a
visual
representation of the gaming table in use. Additionally, a display shows a
visual representation of
key players.
[0043] In another embodiment, the user interface such as a display is a
single display
interface.
100441 In another embodiment, the user interface such as a display is used
to set up and
configure a gaming table layout. Additional detail is disclosed in FIG. 4a and
FIG. 4b.
100451 The keypad 125 is used to receive input such as a cash-in amount,
cash-out
amount, a verification number, or a validation number, among others. The
keypad may be used
for secured validation and/or verification of game vouchers and/or promotional
coupons inserted
for redemption at a gaming table 102. Additionally, the keypad is used to
enter a security code or
authentication code. Additionally, the keypad may include extra keys, which
can be used to
customize the keypad. For example, one button on the keypad may be programmed
to contact a
pit boss; another button may be programmed to contact the bar; and another
button may be
programmed to contact security.
[0046] In another embodiment, the keypad 125 and functionality thereof is a
component
of a user interface, such as a touchscreen user interface.
[0047] Entry points or lit rings (not shown) proximate to the first 122 and
second
openings 124 may be used to provide signaling to the dealer or others, for
instance, flashing
when chips are pushed in. In another example, vouchers and/or promotional
coupons are inserted
into the entry point. In another example, currency and/or notes are inserted
into the entry point.
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[0048] In another embodiment, the gaming table device 100 may include
multiple entry
points, for example, one entry point for vouchers, coupons, and currency and
another entry point
for media such as rewritable cards and player tracking cards, among others.
[0049] The scanning device 136 may further include a mechanism to accept or
reject
game vouchers and/or promotional coupons. In another embodiment, the scanning
device may
include an optical scanning device and/or other means to scan rewritable
media, such as
rewritable cards and/or player tracking cards.
[0050] In another embodiment, the gaming table device 100 does not include
a media
intake storage area. In this embodiment, media such as vouchers and/or
promotional coupons
may be returned to the dealer or player after being scanned. For example, the
media can be
reprinted with a void pattern over the existing indicia.
[0051] The media supply storage area 144 is used to store blank media that
the gaming
table device uses to generate additional vouchers and/or promotional coupons.
[0052] FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of a gaming table device in
accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The gaming table device 100 is
shown mounted
to a gaming table 102. The gaming table device has an outer housing 104 having
an upper
portion 106 that extends over a playing surface 108 of the gaming table, a
lower portion 110 that
extends below a lower surface 112 of the gaming table, and a middle portion
114 adjacent to an
edge surface 116 of the gaming table between the upper portion and the lower
portion. The upper
portion of the gaming table device has a first opening 122 accessible to a
dealer at the gaming
table and a second opening 124 accessible to a player at the gaming table. The
upper portion of
the gaming table device further includes a keypad 125 or keyboard proximate to
the first opening
for use by the dealer and a dealer display 126 viewable by the dealer. The
upper portion also
includes a player display 128 proximate the second opening and viewable by the
player.
00531 In operation, the player presents paper currency, vouchers, RFID
chips or RFID
cards to the dealer for cashing in to a game played at the gaming table. In
the case of cash and
vouchers, the dealer inserts the paper currency or vouchers into the first
opening 122 for
validation by the gaming table device 100. In the case of chips or cards, the
player inserts the
RFID chips or RFID card into the second opening 124 for verification or
validation by the
gaming table device. Upon verification or validation by the gaming table
device, an appropriate
amount of credit is made available for play at the gaming table. Upon
completion of the game,
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the dealer uses the keypad 125 to initiate a cashout of the player. In
response to the dealer's
input, the gaming table device prints a voucher for presentation to the player
via the second
opening 124.
[0054] In the operation of another embodiment, when a player with credit
and/or
winnings in a gaming machine cashes out of the gaming machine, the player
receives media such
as a game voucher containing the appropriate cashout value such as in dollars.
If the player
decides to play at a gaming table 102, the player can insert the same game
voucher into the bill
validator or voucher scanning device (136 of FIG. 1) of the gaming table
device 100. The
voucher scanning device scans the inserted game voucher. Additionally, the
keypad 125, user
interface such as 126 and 128, and security code is used with one or more of
host systems to
verify and/or validate an inserted game voucher. If accepted, any or all the
amount from the
value of the inserted game voucher may be played at the gaming table by the
player.
[0055] When the player with credit and/or winnings at the gaming table 102
cashes out of
the gaming table, a keypad 125, user interface such as 126 and 128, and
security code is used
with one or more of host systems to verify and/or validate a game voucher
generated at the
gaming table. In turn, the player may take the game voucher generated at the
gaming table and
play the game voucher in a gaming machine, another gaming machine, the same
gaming table, or
another gaming table. Additionally, the player may cashout the game voucher at
a point of
redemption.
[0056] In another embodiment, the media is a promotional coupon.
[0057] In another embodiment, the security code is entered by the player or
any
authorized personnel at a gaming table 102.
[0058] In another embodiment, the means for a keypad 125 and user interface
such as
126 and 128 is a touchscreen display.
[0059] In the operation of another embodiment, when a player wants to
cashout the
gaming table 102, the player may press a cashout button which functions
similar to that of a slot
machine after which a printer (140 of FIG. 1) coupled to the gaming table
device 100 generates a
game voucher containing the appropriate cashout value such as in dollars.
[0060] In the operation of another embodiment, the gaming table device 100
connects to
a gaming table 102 for the transfer of credits in the form of game vouchers,
to generate game
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vouchers and or promotional coupons other items of interest to patrons of a
gaming
establishment and or associated gaming establishments.
[0061] In the operation of another embodiment, a gaming table device 100
connects to a
point-of-sale system to generate promotional coupons and other items of
interest to patrons of a
gaming establishment and or associated gaming establishments.
[0062] The gaming table device 100 sends and receives signaling from one or
more host
systems to generate game vouchers, promotional coupons, and/or transaction
receipts.
Additionally, the signaling may include the completion of a print job such as
a game voucher or
promotional coupon and printer status such as paper low, among other types of
operational or
status signals.
[0063] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a gaming table device connected to
various host
systems in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0064] As illustrated, a gaming table device 100 connects to any one or
combination of
the following host systems for data processing, data verification, and or data
validation, among
others: an accounting system 312, a TITO system 304, a Slot Machine Interface
Board (SMIB)
306, a Player Tracking System (PTS) 308, a gaming chip issuance/redemption
and/or tracking
system 310, a promotional couponing system 300, a cash-out vouchering system
302, a point-of-
sale system (POS) 314, a Gaming Table System 316, and other(s) 318, among
others not shown.
[0065] An accounting system 312 processes data related to any or all
financial
transaction that occurs within a gaming establishment and or associated gaming
establishments.
[0066] A TITO system 304 controls the issuance and redemption of game
vouchers
within a gaming establishment and or associated gaming establishments.
[0067] A Slot Machine Interface Board (SMIB) 306 processes data related to
issuance
and redemption of game vouchers and or promotional coupons. The SMIB manages
transactions
of a slot machine, such as money in, money out, bills and tickets inserted,
jackpots paid, etc.
[0068] A Player Tracking System (PTS) 308 monitors game play activity by
participating
patrons. Additionally, a gaming table device 100 uses data from the PTS to
personalize a
promotional coupon and/or issue awards to the player's card.
[0069] A gaming chip issuance/redemption and/or tracking system 310
monitors play
activity at a gaming table. Additionally, gaming chips containing RFID are
electronically tracked
by the system and read by the gaming table device 100.
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[0070] A promotional couponing system 300 creates and manages promotional
coupons.
The promotional eouponing system controls and performs the printing of
promotional coupons
and other items of interest to patrons of a gaming establishment and or
associated gaming
establishments.
[0071] A cash-out vouchering system 302 creates cash-out voucher records
and issues
data packets that are used by a printer in a game such as a slot machine or
gaming table device
100 to print a cash-out game voucher.
[00721 A point-of-sale system (POS) 314 is installed in a gaming
establishment in
various locations where business is transacted, such as a retail shop,
restaurant, ticket sales
counter, front desk, etc. The POS monitors and controls transaction activity,
typically through a
cash register and other peripherals.
[0073] The Gaming Table System 316 manages and controls the gaming tables
in use at a
gaming establishment.
[00741 Other(s) 318 systems include a lodging management system that
monitors and
tracks a patron's lodging as well as one or more links to financial
institutions for verification and
processing of credit cards and/or debit cards, among others.
100751 In one embodiment, a gaming table device 100 connects to one or more
host
systems such as a Promotional Couponing System 300 in any one or more means
such as a direct
connection, indirectly connected through another connected system such as a
PTS 308, or
connected through a slot machine interface board (SMIB) 306.
100761 In another embodiment, the connection uses a standard game protocol.
In another,
the connection uses a nonstandard game protocol.
[00771 In another embodiment, a gaming table device 100 connects to one or
more host
systems using one or more connections such as a serial connection, a network
connection, or a
wireless connection.
[00781 In an embodiment of a cash-in, when a customer presents a game
voucher or
promotional coupon to the entry point of the gaming table device 100, a cash-
in signal is
processed. Using the barcode reader/scanner, the gaming table device reads the
unique ID or
serial number from the game voucher. The unique ID is transmitted to a host
system such as the
TITO host system 304 for validation. The host validates the unique ID and
signals the gaming
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table device as to the value of the game voucher or promotional coupon for
exchange of chips at
the table or for good and or services at any other associated point of sale.
[00791 Additionally, the value of the game voucher or promotional coupon is
indicated
on the user interface such as 126 and 128 (of FIG. 1).
100801 In another embodiment, the actual value or a determined value of the
game
voucher or promotional coupon is indicated by the user interface such as 126
and 128 (of FIG. 1)
and/or entry point. For example, a gaming establishment deteilitines that any
game voucher or
promotional coupon with a value of $200 is eligible for a certain promotion.
When a customer
having a game voucher meeting this requirement inserts the game voucher into
the gaming table
device 100, the user interface and/or entry point provides flashing lights or
some other visual
indicator for eligibility for one or more promotions.
[0081] In the operation of a cash-out embodiment similar to when a customer
presses the
cashout button on a slot machine or other gaming machine, at the end of a game
when chips are
cashed or at the end of a transaction for goods and or services that require
change to be paid to
the customer, a cash-out signal is processed. A unique ID and possibly
additional data then is
transmitted to the requesting gaming table device 100 where the requesting
gaming table device
generates a game voucher or promotional coupon using the unique ID.
[00821 Additionally, a user such as a gaming table dealer enters an amount
to be returned
to the customer using a keypad (125 of FIG. 1) or touchscreen user interface.
Using a user
interface such as 126 and 128 (of FIG. 1), a user visually can verify the
entered amount. In this
embodiment, if the value exceeds the approved limit for a dealer, a gaming
table supervisor uses
the keypad or touchscreen user interface to authorize the transaction. Once
the value is entered,
the gaming table device 100 requests a unique ID from one or more host systems
for the value of
the transaction.
100831 FIG. 4a is a front plan view of a touchscreen user interface and
keypad of a
gaming table device for game table setup in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the
present invention.
[0084] As illustrated, the user interface 400 provides a visual
representation of the
gaming table 402 to which the device 100 is connected and/or with seat
identification for each
player location such as seat 1 404, seat 2 406, seat 3 408, seat 4410, seat 5
412, seat 6 414, and
seat 7 416. The visual representation allows a dealer or other authorized
personnel of the gaming
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table to select the layout of the gaming table. The layout of the gaming table
and/or the number
of scats for the gaming table can be modified.
[00851 In one embodiment, to modify the gaming table layout and/or number
of seats for
the gaming table, a dealer, attendant or other authorized personnel selects
the Table button 418
after which the user interface 400 updates to reflect one or more additional
gaming table layouts
402. Once the desired gaming table layout is selected, the number of seats for
the gaming table is
selected. Data regarding the gaming table layout and/or number of seats is
transmitted to and
from a host system such as a Gaming Table System (316 of FIG. 3).
[0086] In another embodiment, the keypad 125 is used to modify and select
the desired
gaming table layout.
[0087] In another embodiment, a security card such as a personnel card is
swiped through
the card reader/writer such as a scanning device (136 of FIG. 1) to permit
secured access to
modify the gaming table layout and/or number of seats.
[0088] In another embodiment, a security code is entered using the keypad
125 to permit
secured access to modify the gaming table layout and/or number of seats.
[0089] In another aspect of the invention, a gaming table device uses
programming
instructions and/or algorithms to provide a visual representation of the
gaming table 402, to
modify the gaming table layout, and/or to modify the number of seats at the
gaming table, among
others.
[0090] FIG. 4b is a front plan view of a touchscreen user interface and
keypad of a
gaming table device for player identification in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of
the present invention.
[0091] A gaming table allows multiple players to play a game at a single
location. A seat
association with a player permits individual player tracking at a gaming table
by the gaming
establishment for the issuance and redemption of player incentives based on
game play activity.
The association also permits the player to receive, for example the bonuses,
points, coupons due
to the player.
[0092] As illustrated, the user interface 400 provides a visual
representation of the
gaming table 402 to which the device 100 is connected and/or with seat
identification for each
player location such as seat 1 404, seat 2 406, seat 3 408, seat 4410, seat 5
412, seat 6 414, and
seat 7 416. The visual representation allows a dealer or other authorized
personnel of the gaming
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table to associate an available scat with a player. The layout of the gaming
table and/or the
number of scats for the gaming table can be modified.
[0093] In one embodiment, when a player tracking card is swiped through the
card
reader/writer such as a scanning device (136 of FIG. 1) of the gaming table
device 100, the
dealer, attendant, or other authorized personnel using the touchscreen user
interface 400 and the
PTS button 420 or a combination of a user interface and keypad 125, selects an
available seat
such as seat 6 414 to associate and assign to the player. Data regarding the
player and seat
association is transmitted to one or more host systems such as a Gaming Table
System 316, PTS
308, and/or Promotional Couponing System 300 (all of FIG. 3). Once the player
and seat
association is made, information such as points and bonuses for example, from
the PTS is linked
to the individual player.
[0094] In another embodiment, when a player leaves the gaming table such as
by cashing
out, the dealer, attendant, or other authorized personnel using the
touchscreen user interface 400
and the PTS button 420 or a combination of a user interface and keypad 125,
selects the seat
such as seat 6 414 that was associated and assigned to the player thereby
releasing the seat
associated to the player for use for another player.
[0095] In another embodiment, the player and seat association is set prior
to the swiping
of a player tracking card.
[0096] In another aspect of the invention, a gaming table device 100 uses a
user interface
400 and a visual representation of the gaming table 402 to which the device is
connected to
display and identify on the user interface key players and/or various levels
of player tracking
thereby allowing a dealer or other authorized personnel to grant bonuses,
coupons, and/or points,
among others to a player depending on rules set for a particular player
tracking level.
[0097] For example, once a player at a gaming table is identified by a
player and seat
association, the user interface 400 using a visual representation of the
gaming table 402 to which
the device is connected updates, for example, by using colors, flashing or
changing the size of a
visual identifier such as an icon, among others to provide notification to the
dealer or other
authorized personnel of the gaming table.
[0098] In an example, the PTS (308 of FIG. 3) signals the gaming table
device 100 that
the player associated with seat 6 414 is a key player. The gaming table device
using program
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instructions and algorithms, among others updatcs the visual representation
402 of the user
interface 400 by changing the color of scat 6 as well as flashing the scat 6
icon.
[00991 The previous example also functions when varying levels of player
tracking are
available with the PTS (308 of FIG. 3). This allows the dealer or other
authorized personnel to
grant bonuses, points, and/or coupons, among others to each player based on
the level that their
player tracking membership dictates per rules set by the PTS. In this case,
one or more seat icons
flash and display in varying colors and/or shapes depending on the player
tracking level. For
example, seat 3 408 flashes in one color such as yellow and/or a shape of a
first type to identify
player tracking at level 1 and seat 6 414 flashes in one color such as red
and/or a shape of a
second type to identify player tracking at the highest level set in the PTS.
[00100] In another embodiment, the key player and/or various levels of
player tracking is
identified using a separate indication system such as LEDS that, for example,
flash to provide
notification to the dealer or other authorized personnel of the gaming table.
[00101] In another aspect of the invention, a gaming table device 100 uses
programming
instructions and/or algorithms to associate a player with a seat location at a
game, to remove a
player's association with a seat location at a game, to provide a visual
representation of the
gaming table layout 402, to identify key players, to identify various levels
of player tracking, to
process player tracking data, to grant bonuses, coupons and/or points, and to
signal and transmit
data to one or more host systems, among others.
[00102] In one embodiment, the gaming table device 100 connects to a
sensing device (not
shown). In another embodiment, the sensing device is connected to a seat at a
gaming table (102
of FIG. 1). In another, the sensing device is connected to the gaming table.
[00103] In another embodiment, signaling from a sensing device is sent to
the gaming
table device 100 connected to the gaming table (102 of FIG. 1) to notify a
dealer when a player
vacates a seat. The user interface 400 of the gaming table device displays the
table layout of the
game to the dealer with the vacated seat associated for the player, for
example, flashing and
displaying the seat icon in a color or shape different than the other seat
icons. The dealer or other
authorized personnel can then disassociate the player with the seat, thereby
ending a player
tracking session.
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[00104] In another embodiment, the sensing device uses a separate indication
system such
as LEDS that, for example, flash to provide notification to the dealer or
other authorized
personnel of the gaming table.
[00105] Although the invention has been described in certain specific
embodiments, many
additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in
the art. It is
therefore to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than
as specifically
described. Thus, the present embodiments of the invention should be considered
in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention to be
determined by the
appended claims.
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APPENDIX A ¨ LIST OF TERMS
For the purposes of this document, the following definitions apply:
"Game Voucher" ¨ Media, such as paper or rewritable card, containing
sufficient information to
identify at a minimum, an amount of money and a validation number used to
authenticate the
transaction. A game voucher consists of thermal paper, thermal rewritable
media or smart cards
such as commonly used debit and/or credit cards for financial transactions.
Information storage
on the media includes magnetic encoding.
"Gaming Establishment" ¨ A gaming entity such as a casino or other place where
gambling takes
place.
"Game", "Gaming Machine", "Game Machine" ¨ A slot machine, gaming machine, or
game
table in a gaming establishment.
"Host System" ¨ A computer, back-end system, gaming system, network, or other
system that
sends and/or receives information to and/or from a printer or other component
in a cashless
enabled game or gaming table. Examples of a host system include a wagering
issuance and
redemption system, a player tracking system, and a promotional couponing
system, among
others.
"Promotional Coupon" ¨ Media such as paper or rewritable card, containing
sufficient
information to identify at a minimum, a promotional event or a promotional
reward to a player
and validation information. A promotional coupon consists of thermal paper,
thermal rewritable
media or smart cards such as commonly used debit and/or credit cards for
financial transactions.
Information storage on the media includes magnetic encoding.
"PTS" ¨ Acronym for Player Tracking System. The system installed at a gaming
establishment
that is used to monitor game play activity by participating patrons.
"Rewritable Card" ¨ Media such as a smart card, magnetic media, thermal media,
thermal
reversible media, RF fiber media, RFID tag media, or write once media which
may be used for
game vouchers and promotional coupons.
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