BIOMETRIC FOR PURCHASES

DONNEES BIOMETRIQUES DE CONTROLE DES ACHATS

English Abstract

ABSTRACT
In a method of facilitating the playing of a game via a gaming apparatus, a
wager
may be received via a value input device. Biometric data associated with a
purchase
selection may be received, and whether to permit the purchase selection may be

determined based on the received biometric data. A video image relating to the
game may
be displayed on a display unit, and a value payout associated with an outcome
of the game
may be determined.
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

Claims

In the Claims:
1. A method performed by an apparatus that comprises a controller, in which
the controller
comprises at least one processor and a memory operatively coupled to the at
least one processor, in
which the controller is programmed to perform the method, and in which the
method comprises:
during a point in a game, offering to a user at least a first play and a
second different
play that the user can make in the game, wherein the first and second plays
are ranked
according to expected winnings that may result from the plays if selected by
the user, wherein
the first play has a lower expecting winning and thus a lower ranking than the
second play;
receiving an indication that the user selects the first play;
requesting, in response to receiving the indication that the user selects the
first play,
that the user input biometric data;
determining that the received biometric data matches a biometric associated
with the
user that was previously obtained and stored; and
based at least in part on the received biometric data matching the biometric
associated with the
user that was previously obtained and stored, executing the selected first
play, wherein if the user
selects the second play, the second play is executed without requesting the
user input biometric data.
2. An apparatus, comprising:
a controller that comprises at least one processor and a memory operatively
coupled to the at
least one processor, in which the controller is programmed to:
during a point in a game, offer to a user at least a first play and a second
different play
that the user can make in the game, wherein the first and second plays are
ranked according to
expected winnings that may result from the plays if selected by the user,
wherein the first play
has a lower expecting winning and thus a lower ranking than the second play;
receive an indication that the user selects the first play;
request, in response to receiving the indication that the user selects the
first play, that
the user input biometric data;
determine that the received biometric data matches a biometric associated with
the
user that was previously obtained and stored; and
based at least in part on the received biometric data matching the biometric
associated
with the user that was previously obtained and stored, execute the selected
first play, wherein if the
user selects the second play, the second play is executed without requesting
the user input biometric
data.
78
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

Description

BIOMETRIC FOR PURCHASES
This application is a division of co-pending Canadian Patent Application
Number
2,623,038 filed on February 29, 2008.
BACKGROUND
[0001] This disclosure is generally related to gaming systems, and
more
particularly to gaming systems that employ biometric data to limit access to
games.
[0002] U. S . Pat. No. 5,265,864 to Dickinson et al. describes a cashless
gaming
system suitable for casinos. A player hands over money and an ID card to a
clerk at a
validation terminal. The clerk stores the ID number and the amount of money in
the
memory of the validation terminal. Then the clerk returns the ID card to the
player for
operating any one of a number of game terminals. The player then selects a
game
terminal which reads the player's ID card, whereupon the cash amount from the
validation terminal is downloaded to the selected game terminal and the game
terminal
can then be played. When the player wishes to stop play of the game terminal
completely,
the player actuates a cashout switch of the game terminal. Then, the player
presents the
ID card to the clerk at the validation terminal and the validation terminal
reads the ID
card. A ticket showing the card number and the cash amount is printed and the
player is
paid the cash amount on the spot. The printed ticket may be used for
reconciliation.
100031 Various network gaming systems have been previously described.
For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,325 to Fisk discloses a computer network which
manages
multiple simultaneous bingo games having a potentially large number of bingo
cards. The
computers simultaneously and in parallel compare called bingo numbers to bingo
cards stored
in each respective computer and also double-verify winning cards. Called
numbers may be
applicable to one, many, or all of the simultaneous bingo games, and the games
may have
different times or different rules. Bingo cards are distributed in the network
in accordance
with number of hits needed by the cards: "one-away" computers handle bingo
cards needing
one more hit; "two-away" computers handle cards needing two hits. The
computers in the
1
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

network also generate statistics on the progress of bingo cards toward winning

patterns. The winning pattern for any game can be changed in real-time, as
desired
to continue interest in the game.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,264,560 to Goldberg, et al. discloses a game
playing
method and apparatus for automating games such as blackjack, poker, craps,
roulette, baccarat and pat gow, wherein players may play continuously and
asynchronously, and information related to advertised items can be exchanged
between players and advertisers. In one embodiment, each instance of a game is

likely unique from all other current game instances. The games do not require
a
manual dealer and in one embodiment, played in a gaming establishment using
low
cost gaming stations. The system may also be used to play such games on the
Internet or an interactive cable television network wherein a game controller
communicates with players at network nodes in their homes and at their
leisure.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,366 to Goldberg, et al. discloses an
information
service and advertising providing system for presenting interactive
information
services together with interactive advertising on a communications network
such
as the Internet and LANs. The information service may be a game played
interactively on the network while advertising is communicated between users
and
an advertising network node. Users may also be provided with various games
and/or game tournaments via interactive network communications. Users may
respond to advertising while being entertained (e.g., via games), or while
interacting with another network service.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] In one embodiment, a gaming apparatus is provided. The gaming
apparatus may comprise a display unit, and an input device to allow a player
to
make an input selection. The gaming apparatus may also comprise a controller
operatively coupled to the display unit, the input device, and a biometric
device,
the controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the
processor. The controller may be programmed to allow the player to play a
game,
and to permit the player to make a wager. The controller also may be
programmed
2
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

to receive biometric data associated with a game play selection of the player,
and
to determine whether to permit the game play selection based on the received
biometric data. The controller additionally be programmed to cause a video
image
relating to the game to be generated on the display unit, and to determine a
value
payout associated with an outcome of the game.
[0007] In another embodiment, a method of facilitating the playing
of a
game via a gaming apparatus is provided. The method may include receiving a
wager via a value input device. The method also may include receiving
biometric
data associated with a game play selection of a game, and determining whether
to
permit the game play selection based on the received biometric data. The
method
additionally may include displaying a video image relating to the game on a
display unit, and determining a value payout associated with an outcome of the

game.
[0008] In yet another embodiment, a tangible medium storing machine
readable instructions is provided. The tangible medium may comprise first code
for
receiving a wager via a value input device. The tangible medium additionally
may
comprise second code for receiving biometric data associated with a game play
selection of a game, and third code for determining whether to permit the game

play selection based on the received biometric data. The tangible medium also
may
comprise fourth code four displaying a video image relating to the game on a
display unit, and fifth code for determining a value payout associated with an

outcome of the game.
[0009] Additional aspects of the invention are defined by the claims
at the
end of this patent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Various embodiments of the invention are described in
connection
with the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example gaming system;
3
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[0012] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of an example routine for registering a
person
to play games via the gaming system;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example routine for logging on to
the
gaming system;
[0014] FIGS. 4A-4D are block diagrams of example registration units;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one example of a gaming unit;
[0016] FIG. 5A is an illustration of one example of a control panel
for the
example gaming unit illustrated in FIG. 5;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example gaming unit;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example authentication server;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an example website server;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example gaming server;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example network controller;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example routine for obtaining
user data
for registering with a gaming system;
[0023] FIG. 12 is an illustration of an example registration display
that may
be displayed on one of the registration units;
[0024] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an example routine for obtaining
biometric
data for registration;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an example routine for operating a gaming
unit;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an example routine for obtaining
user data
for authenticating a user;
[0027] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an example routine for obtaining
location
data;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of an example routine for registering
a user
with a gaming system;
4
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[0029] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an example routine for checking the

location of a gaming unit;
[0030] FIG. 19 is an illustration of an example routine for checking

biometric data of a user;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a flowchart of an example routine for operating a website
server;
[0032] FIG. 21 is an illustration of an example logon display that
may be
displayed on one of the gaming units;
[0033] FIG. 22 is an illustration of an example game selection
display that
may be displayed on one of the gaming units;
[0034] FIG. 23 is an illustration of an example of a visual display
that may
be displayed during performance of a poker routine;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a flowchart of an example poker routine;
[0036] FIG. 25 is an illustration of an example of a visual display
that may
be displayed during performance of a blackjack routine;
[0037] FIG. 26 is a flowchart of an example blackjack routine;
[0038] FIG. 27 is an illustration of an example of a visual display
that may
be displayed during performance of a slots routine;
[0039] FIG. 28 is a flowchart of an example slots routine;
[0040] FIG. 29 is an illustration of an example of a visual display that
may
be displayed during performance of a keno routine;
[0041] FIG. 30 is a flowchart of an example keno routine;
[0042] FIG. 31 is an illustration of an example of a visual display
that may
be displayed during performance of a bingo routine; and
[0043] FIG. 32 is a flowchart of an example bingo routine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
5
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[0044] Although the following text sets forth a detailed
description of
numerous different embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that
the
legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth
at the
end of this patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary
only
and does not describe every possible embodiment of the invention since
describing
every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous
alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology
or
technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still
fall
within the scope of the claims defining the invention.
[0045] It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly
defined
in this patent using the sentence "As used herein, the term ' ' is hereby
defined to mean .. . " or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the
meaning
of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary

meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based
on
any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of
the
claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this
patent is
referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that
is done
for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not
intended that
such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single
meaning.
Gaming System
[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates one possible embodiment of a gaming
system 10
in accordance with the invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the gaming system 10
may
include a group or network 12 of gaming units 20a, 20b, 20c operatively
coupled
to a network computer 22 via a network data link or bus 24. Network 12 may
also
include a registration unit 26a operatively coupled to the network computer 22
and
to the gaming units 20a, 20b, 20c via network the data link 24. Network 12 may
be
operatively coupled to a network 40 via a network link 42. The network 12 may
comprise, for example, a area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a
wireless LAN (e.g., the IEEE 802.11x standards), links according to the
6
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

BLUETOOTH.TM. standard, cellular links, two-way paging links, etc. The
network 40 may comprise, for example, the Internet, a WAN, an intranet, an
extranet, a LAN, a wireless LAN (e.g., the IEEE 802.11x standards), links
according to the BLUETOOTH.TM. standard, cellular links, two-way paging
links, etc.
[0047] The gaming system 10 may also include a website server 50 and

one or more gaming servers 52 operatively coupled to the network 40 via the
data
links 54 and 56, respectively. The gaming system 10 additionally includes an
authentication server 58 operatively coupled to the network 40 via the data
link 60.
The gaming system 10 may further include gaming units 20d and 20e operatively
coupled to the network 40 via the data links 64 and 66, and to a registration
unit
26b via the data link 70. The network 40 may include a plurality of network
computers or server computers (not shown), each of which may be operatively
interconnected. Where the network 40 comprises the Internet, data
communication
may take place over any of the data links 42, 54, 56, 60, 64, 66, and 70 via
an
Internet communication protocol.
[0048] The network computer 22, the gaming units 20, the
registration
units 26, the gaming server 52, the website server 50, and the authentication
server
58 may be located in a same physical location, or in different, remote
locations,
such as different buildings, cities, or states. For example, network 12 may be
located in a casino or hotel, and the website server may be located at a web
hosting
company. Continuing with this example, the gaming server 52 and the
authentication server 58 may be located at a gaming company, and the gaming
units 20d and 20e may be located in different households. Further, the
registration
unit 26b may be located at a notary public's office.
[0049] Although FIG. 1 illustrates that the gaming system 10
comprises
particular numbers of gaming units 20, registration units 26, gaming servers
52,
etc., for sake of simplicity, it should be understood that different numbers
of these
components could be used. For instance, although FIG. 1 illustrates five
gaming
units 20, the gaming system 10 may include many more gaming units 20, such as
7
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

hundreds or thousands. As another example, although FIG. 1 illustrates one
gaming server 52, the gaming system 10 may include a plurality of gaming
servers.
[0050] Each of the registration units 26 may include, or be
operatively
coupled with, a device for obtaining biometric data from a person, where the
biometric data may be used to uniquely identify that person. For instance, the
registration units 26 may include a finger print scanning device, an eye
scanning
device, a facial recognition system, a voice analyzer, etc. In some
embodiments,
the registration units 26 are located in controlled environments such that it
can be
assured (with some level of certainty) that the persons from whom biometric
data
are obtained are actually the persons they claim to be. For example, a
registration
unit 26 or 28 could be located in a casino and be operable only by an employee
of
the casino.
[0051] Each of the gaming units 20 may also include, or be
operatively
coupled with, a device for obtaining biometric data from a person. This device
should correspond to the biometric devices used by the registration units 26.
For
example, if the registration units 26 include, or are operatively coupled
with, finger
print scanning devices, at least some of the gaming units 20 should include,
or be
operatively coupled with, finger print scanning devices.
[0052] Further, each of the gaming units 20 may also include, or be
operatively coupled with, a position sensor for obtaining a geographic
position of
the gaming unit. For example, the gaming units 20 may include a wide area
location system such as a global positioning system (GPS) device, a Loran-C
device, etc. The gaming units 20 also may include a local area positioning
system
such as an in-building location system.
[0053] The network computer 22 may be a server computer and may be
used to accumulate and analyze data relating to the operation of the gaming
units
20. For example, the network computer 22 may continuously receive data from
each of the gaming units 20 indicative of the dollar amount and number of
wagers
being made on each of the gaming units 20, data indicative of how much each of
the gaming units 20 is paying out in winnings, data regarding the identity and
gaming habits of players playing each of the gaming units 20, etc.
8
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[0054] Although network 12 is shown to include one network computer
22
and four gaming units 20, it should be understood that different numbers of
computers and gaming units may be utilized. For example, the network 12 may
include a plurality of network computers 22 and tens or hundreds of gaming
units
20, all of which may be interconnected via the data link 24.
[0055] Each of the data links 24, 42, 54, 56, 60, 64, 66, and 70 may

comprise a dedicated hardwired link, a wireless link, intermediate computers
(e.g.,
servers, gateways, network bridges, wireless access points, cellular/pager
base
stations, etc.), etc.
[0056] It is to be understood that the gaming system 10 need not include
all
the components illustrated in FIG. 1. Examples of gaming systems 10 that
include
subsets of the components illustrated in FIG. 1 are described below.
In-Room Gaming
[0057] In one scenario, the gaming system 10 may include the network 12
(e.g., the network computer 22, the gaming units 20a, 20b, and 20c, and the
registration unit 26a, coupled with the network data link 24). As an example,
the
gaming units 20a, 20b, and 20c may be located in different hotel rooms of a
casino,
the registration unit 26a located at the hotel's reception, and the network
computer
22 located in a secure location of the hotel. In another scenario, the gaming
system
10 may also include the authentication server 58 coupled to the network 12 via
the
network 40 and the data link 42. These particular gaming systems can be used
for
"in-room gaming" in which a user can play wagering games via a gaming unit in
the privacy of his or her own hotel room. Internet Gaming In yet another
scenario,
the gaming system 10 may include the website server 50, the gaming server 52,
the
gaming units 20d and 20e, and the registration unit 26b, coupled together via
the
network 40. As an example, the gaming units 20d and 20e could be personal
computers located in different residences, and the registration unit 26b may
be
located in a casino. Additionally, the website server 50 may be located at a
company that operates a website, and the gaming server 52 may be located at a
casino. These components may be operatively coupled together via the network
40,
9
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

which includes the Internet. In another example, the gaming system may
additionally include the authentication server 58 operatively coupled to the
network 40. These particular gaming system can be used for "internet gaming"
in
which a user can play wagering games via a personal computer in the privacy of
his or her own residence.
Overall Operation
[0058] During operation, a user could utilize one of the
registration units
26 to register with a gaming service. The gaming service could facilitate
playing
various wagering games such as poker, blackjack, slots, bingo, keno, etc., via
the
gaming units 20. FIG. 2 is a simplified flow diagram of one possible
embodiment
of a method of registering with a gaming service. At block 78, a user may
submit
personal information such as name, date of birth, etc. At block 80, at least
some of
the personal information may be verified. For example, if the registration
unit 26 is
located in a casino, an employee of the casino could verify the personal
information by examining a driver's license, identity card, passport, etc. of
the user.
[0059] At block 82, the user may submit biometric data via the
registration
unit 26. For example, if the registration unit 26 is coupled with a finger
print
scanning device, the finger print scanning device may scan the user's
fingerprint
and generate digital data representing the fingerprint. At block 84, the
personal
information submitted at block 78 and the biometric data submitted at block 82
are
stored. This information may be stored, for example, in a smart card, a
memory, a
database, etc. In gaming systems that include an authentication server 58, the

authentication server 58 may be configured to receive and store personal
information and biometric data received from the registration units 26.
[0060] Once registered with the gaming service, a user could "log
on" via
the gaming unit 20 and play a wagering game. FIG. 3 is a simplified flow
diagram
of one possible embodiment of a method of logging on to a gaming service
operated on the gaming system 10. At block 86, the location of the gaming unit
20
to which a user is attempting to "log on" may be determined. For instance, if
the
gaming unit 20 includes a position sensing device, the location of the gaming
unit
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

20 can be determined by examining position data generated by the position
sensing
device. At block 87, it may be determined whether the location of the gaming
unit
20 is in a location in which games to be played are permitted. For instance,
wagering games are legal in only certain jurisdictions. Thus, if the gaming
unit (for
example, a lap top computer) is located in a jurisdiction in which wagering
games
are not legal, the user may not be permitted access to the games. As another
example, it may be desired to permit a user to gamble with a mobile gaming
unit
20 (e.g., a personal digital assistant with wireless connectivity) only within
a
building or set of buildings (e.g., a casino and hotel). Thus, if the gaming
unit is
brought outside the building (e.g., the parking lot), the user may not be
permitted
access to the games. Blocks 86 and 87 may be omitted if limiting access base
on
location is not desired.
[0061] At block 88, a user may be prompted, by a gaming unit 20, to
submit biometric data. For example, in embodiments in which the gaming unit 20
is coupled with a finger print scanning device, the gaming unit 20 could
display a
screen or window that prompts the user to have their finger print scanned. At
block
90, the user may submit biometric data using the gaming unit 20. In
embodiments
in which the gaming unit 20 is coupled with a finger print scanning device,
the
user's finger print may be scanned.
[0062] Then, at block 92, the biometric data obtained at block 90 may be
compared with biometric data, obtained previously (e.g., via a registration
unit 26),
of registered users of the gaming service. In embodiments in which the gaming
unit 20 is coupled with a finger print scanning device, the finger print data
obtained
at block 90 may be compared with finger print data of registered users. If the
biometric data does not match, the user may not be permitted to play a game.
If the
biometric data does match a registered user, it may be determined, at block
94,
whether the user is permitted to play a game. For example, if the personal
data,
obtained previously (e.g., via a registration unit 26), indicates that the
user is too
young to play a wagering game, the user may not be permitted to play.
Similarly, if
the user is on a "black list" of persons not permitted to play games of the
gaming
service, the user may not be permitted to play. At block 96, the user may be
permitted to play a game via the gaming unit 20. Block 94 may be omitted if it
is
11
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

not desired to limit access in this way. For example, underage persons could
be
prevented from registering in the first place.
Registration Units
[0063] Each registration unit 26 may be disposed in a different location,
such as a casino, a hotel, a notary public's office, etc. Typically, the
registration
units 26 are located in a controlled environment, such that there may be some
level
of assurance that data obtained via the registration unit 26 is accurate. As
one
example, a registration unit 26 may be located in a casino, and not operable
by the
general public. Rather, a casino employee can operate the registration unit
26. If a
person wishes to register with the gaming service, the casino employee can
input
personal information of the person using the registration unit 26 after
verifying the
information by, for example, examining a driver's license, identification
card,
passport, etc. Further, the casino employee can operate the registration unit
26 to
obtain biometric data from the person. For example, if the registration unit
includes
a finger print scanning device, the casino employee can operate the
registration
unit 26 and instruct the person so as to obtain data representing the person's

fingerprint.
[0064] In other embodiments, a user may submit personal information
without supervision. The information may be verified by, for example,
requesting
the user mail a copy of a driver's license, passport, etc. In some
embodiments, the
personal information need not be verified.
[00651 Each registration unit may be either a smart terminal, such
as a
personal computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA),
etc., or a
dumb terminal that does not include a controller. FIG. 4A is a block diagram
of
one possible embodiment of one of the registration units 26. Although one of
the
registration units 26 is described below in connection with FIG. 4A, it should
be
understood that the structure of the registration units 26 may be different,
and each
of the registration units 26 may have a different design or structure than
other
registration units 26.
12
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[0066] FIG. 4A is a simplified block diagram illustrating a number
of
components that may be incorporated in one embodiment of a registration unit.
The registration unit 100A may include a controller 101 that may comprise a
program memory 102, a microcontroller or microprocessor (MP) 104, a random-
access memory (RAM) 106 and an input/output (I/O) circuit 108, all of which
may
be interconnected via an address/data bus 110. It should be appreciated that
although only one microprocessor 104 is shown, the controller 101 may include
multiple microprocessors 104. Similarly, the memory of the controller 101 may
include multiple RAMs 106 and multiple program memories 102. Although the 1/0
circuit 108 is shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that the 1/0
circuit
108 may include a number of different types of 1/0 circuits. RAM(s) 104 and
program memories 102 may be implemented as semiconductor memories,
magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readable memories, for
example.
[0067] Program memory 102 may be a read-only memory (ROM), or a
read/write or alterable memory, such as a hard disk. In the event a hard disk
is used
as a program memory, the address/data bus 110 shown schematically in FIG. 4A
may comprise multiple address/data buses, which may be of different types, and

there may be an I/O circuit disposed between the address/data buses. The
network
data link 24, 70 may be operatively coupled to the 1/0 circuit 108.
[0068] The registration unit 100A may include a display unit 112, which
may be any type of display unit such as a cathode-ray tube (CRT), a flat panel

display, etc. Additionally, the registration unit 100A may include one or more

input devices 114 such as a keyboard, mouse, bar code scanner, smart card
reader,
a touch sensitive device associated with the display unit 112, etc. Further,
the
registration unit 100A may include a fingerprint scanning device 116 which may
be any device capable of detecting the fingerprint of a person and generating
digital data representing the fingerprint. The registration unit 100A and the
fingerprint scanning device 116 may be configured so that the fingerprint
scanning
device 116 may removable couple with the registration unit. Additionally, the
fingerprint scanning device 116 may be integrated with the registration unit
100A.
In one specific embodiment, the fingerprint scanning device 116 may be
integrated
13
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

with a touch screen of the registration unit 100A. Additionally, the
registration unit
100A may include a smart card reader/writer 117.
[0069] Components 112, 114, 116, and 117 may be operatively coupled
to
the I/O circuit 108, and can be so coupled by either a unidirectional or
bidirectional, single-line or multiple-line data link, which may depend on the
design of the component that is used. Additionally, components 112, 114, 116,
and
117 may be connected to the I/O circuit 108 via a respective direct line or
conductor, or different connection schemes could be used. For example, one or
more of the components shown in FIG. 4A may be connected to the I/O circuit
108
via a common bus or other data link that is shared by a number of components.
Furthermore, some of the components may be directly connected to the
microprocessor 104 without passing through the I/O circuit 108.
[0070] FIG. 4B is a block diagram of a second possible embodiment
100B
of a registration unit 26 (FIG. 1). Referring to FIG. 4B, the registration
unit 100B
may be identical to the registration unit 100A described above in connection
with
FIG. 4A, except that an eye scanning device 118 may be utilized instead of the

fingerprint scanning device 116. The eye scanner 118 may be any type of device

that is capable of detecting a portion of the eye of a person, such as the
iris or
retina of a person's eye, and generating digital data representing an image of
the
eye or digital data representing physical characteristics of the eye.
[0071] FIG. 4C is a block diagram of a third possible embodiment
100C of
one of the registration unit 26 (FIG. 1). Referring to FIG. 4C, the
registration unit
100C may be identical to the registration unit 100A described above in
connection
with FIG. 4A, except that a camera 120 may be utilized instead of the
fingerprint
scanner 116. The camera 120, which may be any type of camera or a combination
of a camera and data-processing circuitry, may be used to generate a digital
image
of a portion of a person, such as a person's face.
[0072] FIG. 4D is a block diagram of a fourth possible embodiment
100D
of one of the registration unit 26 (FIG. 1). Referring to FIG. 4D, the
registration
unit 100D may be identical to the registration unit 100A described above in
connection with FIG. 4A, except that a voice analyzer 122 and a microphone 124
14
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

may be utilized instead of the fingerprint scanner 116. The microphone 124 may
be
used to generate a voice signal in response to detecting sound corresponding
to one
or more words spoken by a person. The voice signal could be provided to the
voice
analyzer 122, which could be any type of device or circuit, such as the
combination
of a sampling and analog-to-digital converter circuit or a portion of a voice-
recognition circuit, which may generate a digital voice signature or digital
data
representing the unique frequency characteristics of a person's voice. In some

embodiments, the voice signal may be provided to an analog-to-digital
converter,
and the controller 101 may generate the digital voice signature or digital
data
representing the unique frequency characteristics of the person's voice.
[0073] Referring again to FIG. 1, it is to be understood that if the
gaming
system 10 includes a plurality of the registration units 26, the registration
units 26
may all be of the same type, or each registration unit 26 may be of a
different type.
For example, some registration units 26 may be of a type similar to those
described
with reference to FIGS. 4A-4D, while others may be of a different type.
Gaming Units
[0074] Each gaming unit 20 may be disposed in a different location,
such
as a hotel room, a restaurant, an airport, a person's home, etc. Each gaming
unit 20
may be either a smart terminal, such as casino gaming unit, a video gambling
machine, a computer-based kiosk, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a
PDA,
etc., or a dumb terminal that does not include a controller.
[0075] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of
one or
more of the gaming units 20. It should be understood that the design of one or
more of the gaming units 20 may be different than the design of other gaming
units
20. Some of the gaming units 20 may be any type of casino gaming unit and may
have various different structures and methods of operation. For purposes of
setting
forth examples, various designs of the gaming units 20 are described below,
but it
should be understood that numerous other designs may be utilized.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, the casino gaming unit 20 may include a
housing or cabinet 150 and one or more input devices, which may include a coin
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

slot or acceptor 152, a paper currency acceptor 154, a ticket reader/printer
156 and
a card reader and/or writer (hereinafter "card reader/writer") 158, which may
be
used to input value to the gaming unit 20. A value input device may include
any
device that can accept value from a customer. As used herein, the term
"value''
may encompass gaming tokens, coins, paper currency, ticket vouchers, credit or
debit cards, smart cards, and any other object representative of value.
[0077] If provided on the gaming unit 20, the ticket reader/printer
156 may
be used to read and/or print or otherwise encode ticket vouchers 160. The
ticket
vouchers 160 may be composed of paper or another printable or encodable
material and may have one or more of the following informational items printed
or
encoded thereon: the casino name, the type of ticket voucher, a validation
number,
a bar code with control and/or security data, the date and time of issuance of
the
ticket voucher, redemption instructions and restrictions, a description of an
award,
and any other information that may be necessary or desirable. Different types
of
ticket vouchers 160 could be used, such as bonus ticket vouchers, cash-
redemption
ticket vouchers, casino chip ticket vouchers, extra game play ticket vouchers,

merchandise ticket vouchers, restaurant ticket vouchers, show ticket vouchers,
etc.
The ticket vouchers 160 could be printed with an optically readable material
such
as ink, or data on the ticket vouchers 160 could be magnetically encoded. The
ticket reader/printer 156 may be provided with the ability to both read and
print
ticket vouchers 160, or it may be provided with the ability to only read or
only
print or encode ticket vouchers 610. In the latter case, for example, some of
the
gaming units 20 may have ticket printers 156 that may be used to print ticket
vouchers 160, which could then be used by a player in other gaming units 20
that
have ticket readers 156.
[0078] If provided, the card reader/writer 158 may include any type
of card
reading/writing device, such as a magnetic card reader/writer or an optical
card
reader/writer, and may be used to read data from and/or write data to a card
offered
by a player, such as a credit card, a smart card, a player tracking card, etc.
If
provided for player tracking purposes, the card reader/writer 158 may be used
to
read data from, and/or write data to, player tracking cards that are capable
of
16
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

storing data representing the identity of a player, the identity of a casino,
the
player's gaming habits, etc.
[0079] The gaming unit 20 may include one or more audio speakers
162, a
coin payout tray 164, an input control panel 166, and a color video display
unit 170
for displaying images relating to the game or games provided by the gaming
unit
20. The audio speakers 162 may generate audio representing sounds such as the
noise of spinning slot machine reels, a dealer's voice, music, announcements
or any
other audio related to a casino game. The input control panel 166 may be
provided
with a plurality of pushbuttons or touch-sensitive areas that may be pressed
by a
player to select games, make wagers, make gaming decisions, etc.
[0080] FIG. 5A illustrates one possible embodiment of the control
panel
166, which may be used where the gaming unit 20 may be a slot machine having a

plurality of mechanical or "virtual" reels. Referring to FIG. SA, the control
panel
166 may include a "See Pays" button 172 that, when activated, causes the
display
unit 170 to generate one or more display screens showing the odds or payout
information for the game or games provided by the gaming unit 20. As used
herein, the term "button" is intended to encompass any device that allows a
player
to make an input, such as an input device that must be depressed to make an
input
selection or a display area that a player may simply touch. The control panel
166
may include a "Cash Out" button 174 that may be activated when a player
decides
to terminate play on the gaming unit 20, in which case the gaming unit 20 may
return value to the player, such as by returning a number of coins to the
player via
the payout tray 164.
[0081] If the gaming unit 20 provides a slots game having a
plurality of
reels and a plurality of paylines which define winning combinations of reel
symbols, the control panel 166 may be provided with a plurality of selection
buttons 176, each of which allows the player to select a different number of
paylines prior to spinning the reels. For example, five buttons 176 may be
provided, each of which may allow a player to select one, three, five, seven
or nine
paylines.
17
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[0082] If the gaming unit 20 provides a slots game having a
plurality of
reels, the control panel 166 may be provided with a plurality of selection
buttons
178 each of which allows a player to specify a wager amount for each payline
selected. For example, if the smallest wager accepted by the gaming unit 20 is
a
quarter ($0.25), the gaming unit 20 may be provided with five selection
buttons
178, each of which may allow a player to select one, two, three, four or five
quarters to wager for each payline selected. In that case, if a player were to
activate
the "5" button 176 (meaning that five paylines were to be played on the next
spin
of the reels) and then activate the "3" button 178 (meaning that three coins
per
payline were to be wagered), the total wager would be $3.75 (assuming the
minimum bet was $0.25).
[0083] The control panel 166 may include a "Max Bet" button 180 to
allow
a player to make the maximum wager allowable for a game. In the above example,

where up to nine paylines were provided and up to five quarters could be
wagered
for each payline selected, the maximum wager would be 45 quarters, or $11.25.
The control panel 166 may include a spin button 182 to allow the player to
initiate
spinning of the reels of a slots game after a wager has been made.
[0084] In FIG. 5A, a rectangle is shown around the buttons 172, 174,
176,
178, 180, 182. It should be understood that that rectangle simply designates,
for
ease of reference, an area in which the buttons 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, 182
may
be located. Consequently, the term "control panel" should not be construed to
imply that a panel or plate separate from the housing 150 of the gaming unit
20 is
required, and the term "control panel" may encompass a plurality or grouping
of
player activatable buttons.
[0085] Although one possible control panel 166 is described above, it
should be understood that different buttons could be utilized in the control
panel
166, and that the particular buttons used may depend on the game or games that

could be played on the gaming unit 20. Although the control panel 166 is shown
to
be separate from the display unit 170, it should be understood that the
control panel
166 could be generated by the display unit 170. In that case, each of the
buttons of
the control panel 166 could be a colored area generated by the display unit
170,
18
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

and some type of mechanism may be associated with the display unit 170 to
detect
when each of the buttons was touched, such as a touch-sensitive screen.
[0086] The gaming unit 20 may also include, or be operatively
coupled
with, a biometric device (not shown in FIG. 5) for submitting biometric data.
The
biometric device may be, for example, a fingerprint scanning device, an eye
scanning device, a facial recognition device, a voice recognition device, etc.
The
biometric device may include a mechanism for providing feedback to a user. For

example, a fingerprint scanning device may include a light that goes on while
a
scan is taking place. As another example, a fingerprint scanning device may
include a speaker that generates a "beep" when a scan is completed. In other
embodiments, display unit 170 and/or audio speakers 162 may be used to provide

feedback to a user regarding the biometric device. For example, when a
fingerprint
scan is completed, a message may be displayed on display 170, or a sound
generated by audio speakers 162, indicating to the user that the scan has been
completed.
[0087] In some embodiments, the gaming unit 20 may include a slot,
port,
connector, etc., (not shown in FIG. 5) configured to accept a biometric
device. In
these embodiments, a biometric device can be removably coupled to the gaming
unit 20 via the slot, port, connector, etc. For instance, a biometric device
configured to removably couple with a gaming unit 20 can be given to,
registered
to, sold to, rented to, etc., a user. Then, when a user desires to play a game
on a
gaming unit 20, the user could "plug in" the biometric device to the gaming
unit 20
and submit biometric data to gain access to games.
[0088] In one embodiment, a smart card may include a biometric
device
(e.g., a fingerprint scanner) for obtaining biometric data from a person, and
the
card reader/writer 158 could be configured to accept the smart card with the
biometric device.
[0089] In other embodiments, the biometric device 116 may be
integrated
with the gaming unit 20. For example, a fingerprint scanning device may be
integrated with a touch screen, a keyboard, a button, a handle, etc., of the
gaming
unit 20. In one embodiment, a fingerprint scanning device may be integrated
with a
19
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

button, area of a touch screen, area of a control panel, handle, etc.,
corresponding
to a "spin," "deal," "hit," "play," etc., selection on the gaming unit 20.
[0090] In some embodiments, submission of biometric data may
correspond to a player's choice to play a game. For example, if a fingerprint
scanner is integrated with a button, area of a touch screen, area of a control
panel, a
handle, etc. corresponding to a spin selection for a reel-type game,
submission to a
fingerprint scan may indicate the user's choice to spin
[0091] Further, the gaming unit 20 may include, or be operatively
coupled
with, a location device (not shown in FIG. 5) that generates data indicating
its
location. The location device could be, for example, a GPS device, a Loran-C
device, etc. In some embodiments, the gaming unit 20 may include a slot, port,

connector, etc., (not shown in FIG. 5) configured to accept a location device.
In
these embodiments, a location device can be removably coupled to the gaming
unit
via the slot, port, connector, etc. For instance, a location device configured
to
15 removably couple with a gaming unit 20 can be given to, registered to,
sold to,
rented to, etc., a user. Then, when a user desires to play a game on a gaming
unit
20, the user could "plug in" the location device to the gaming unit 20 to gain
access
to games.
20 Gaming Unit Electronics
[0092] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a number of components that may
be
incorporated in the gaming unit 20. Referring to FIG. 6, the gaming unit 20
may
include a controller 200 that may comprise a program memory 202, a
microcontroller or microprocessor (MP) 204, a random-access memory (RAM)
206 and an input/output (1./0) circuit 208, all of which may be interconnected
via
an address/data bus 210. It should be appreciated that although only one
microprocessor 204 is shown, the controller 200 may include multiple
microprocessors 204. Similarly, the memory of the controller 200 may include
multiple RAMs 206 and multiple program memories 202. Although the I/0 circuit
208 is shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that the I/0 circuit
208
may include a number of different types of I/0 circuits. The RAM(s) 204 and
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

program memories 202 may be implemented as semiconductor memories,
magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readable memories, for
example.
[0093] Program memory 202 may be a read-only memory (ROM), or a
read/write or alterable memory, such as a hard disk. In the event a hard disk
is used
as a program memory, the address/data bus 210 shown schematically in FIG. 6
may comprise multiple address/data buses, which may be of different types, and

there may be an I/0 circuit disposed between the address/data buses. The
network
data link 24, 64, 66 may be operatively coupled to the I/0 circuit 208.
[00941 FIG. 6 illustrates that the control panel 166, the coin
acceptor 152,
the bill acceptor 154, the card reader/writer 158 the ticket reader/printer
156, and
the display device 170 may be operatively coupled to the I/0 circuit 208, each
of
those components being so coupled by either a unidirectional or bidirectional,

single-line or multiple-line data link, which may depend on the design of the
component that is used. The speaker(s) 162 may be operatively coupled to a
sound
circuit 212, that may comprise a voice- and sound-synthesis circuit or that
may
comprise a driver circuit. The sound-generating circuit 212 may be coupled to
the
I/0 circuit 208. Additionally, a biometric device 214 and a position sensing
device
216 each may be operatively coupled to the I/0 circuit 208, each of those
components being so coupled by either a unidirectional or bidirectional,
single-line
or multiple-line data link, which may depend on the design of the component
that
is used.
[0095] As shown in FIG. 6, the components 152, 154, 156, 158, 166,
170,
212, 214, and 216 may be connected to the I/0 circuit 208 via a respective
direct
line or conductor. Different connection schemes could be used. For example,
one
or more of the components shown in FIG. 6 may be connected to the I/0 circuit
208 via a common bus or other data link that may be shared by a number of
components. Furthermore, some of the components may be directly connected to
the microprocessor 204 without passing through the I/0 circuit 208.
Other Types of Gaming Units
21
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[0096] It is to be understood that the gaming units 20 may be of
the same
type or each may be of different types. Generally, the location at which the
gaming
unit 20 may be used may be a factor in selecting the type of gaming unit. For
example, a gaming unit 20 of a type similar to that described with reference
to FIG.
5 may be desirable for some locations (e.g., a casino, an airport, an off-
track
betting facility, etc.) but may not be desirable for others (e.g., a private
residence, a
hotel room, a restaurant, etc.). Some types may include many components, such
as
components 152, 154, 156, 158, 162, 166, 170, 212, 214, and 216, while other
types may include a lesser number of components. For instance, some gaining
units 20 may be designed to be free-standing and include many components,
while
others may be designed for a desk top or counter top and include only a few
components. In one specific example, a gaming unit 20 may be a personal
computer.
[0097] Some gaining units 20 may be of a type similar to the
registration
units 26 described with reference to FIGS. 4A-4D. Further, some gaming units
20
may be identical, or substantially identical, to the registration units 26.
Moreover,
some gaming units 20 may also serve as registration units 26.
Authentication Server
[0098] FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a number of
components that may be incorporated in one embodiment of an authentication
server. The authentication server 58 may include a controller 301 that may
comprise a program memory 302, a microcontroller or microprocessor (MP) 304, a

random-access memory (RAM) 306 and an input/output (I/0) circuit 308, all of
which may be interconnected via an address/data bus 310. It should be
appreciated
that although only one microprocessor 304 is shown, the controller 301 may
include multiple microprocessors 304. Similarly, the memory of the controller
301
may include multiple RAMs 306 and multiple program memories 302. Although
the I/O circuit 308 is shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that
the I/O
circuit 308 may include a number of different types of I/O circuits. RAM(s)
304
and program memories 302 may be implemented as semiconductor memories,
magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readable memories, for
example.
22
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[0099] Program memory 302 may be a read-only memory (ROM), or a
read/write or alterable memory, such as a hard disk. In the event a hard disk
is used
as a program memory, the address/data bus 310 shown schematically in FIG. 7
may comprise multiple address/data buses, which may be of different types, and
there may be an I/0 circuit disposed between the address/data buses. The
network
data link 60 may be operatively coupled to the I/O circuit 308. Although only
one
network data link 60 is shown, it is to be understood the authentication
server 58
may be coupled to multiple network data links.
[00100] The authentication server 58 may include a display unit 312,
which
may be any type of display unit such as a cathode-ray tube (CRT), a flat panel
display, etc. Additionally, the authentication server 58 may include one or
more
input devices 314 such as a keyboard, mouse, etc. Also, the authentication
server
58 may include a server operating system.
[00101] Components 312, 314, may be operatively coupled to the I/0
circuit
308, and can be so coupled by either a unidirectional or bidirectional, single-
line or
multiple-line data link, which may depend on the design of the component that
is
used. Additionally, components 312, 314, may be connected to the IJO circuit
308
via a respective direct line or conductor, or different connection schemes
could be
used. For example, one or more of the components shown in FIG. 7 may be
connected to the I/0 circuit 308 via a common bus or other data link that may
be
shared by a number of components. Furthermore, some of the components may be
directly connected to the microprocessor 304 without passing through the I/O
circuit 308.
[00102] Additionally, the authentication server 58 may be operatively
coupled to a registration database (not shown) via a data link 316. Data link
316
may be operatively coupled with the I/O circuit 308 via a dedicated link 316,
or
different connection schemes could be used. For example, the data link 316 may
be
a common bus or other data link that shared by a number of components, and/or
shared with data link 60. Furthermore, the data link 316 may be directly
connected
to the microprocessor 304 without passing through the 1/0 circuit 308.
23
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

Website Server
[00103] FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a number of

components that may be incorporated in one embodiment of an authentication
server. The website server 50 may include a controller 351 that may comprise a
program memory 352, a microcontroller or microprocessor (MP) 354, a random-
access memory (RAM) 356 and an input/output (I/O) circuit 358, all of which
may
be interconnected via an address/data bus 360. It should be appreciated that
although only one microprocessor 354 is shown, the controller 351 may include
multiple microprocessors 354. Similarly, the memory of the controller 351 may
include multiple RAMs 356 and multiple program memories 352. Although the I/O
circuit 358 is shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that the I/O
circuit
358 may include a number of different types of I/O circuits. RAM(s) 354 and
program memories 352 may be implemented as semiconductor memories,
magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readable memories, for
example.
[00104] Program memory 352 may be a ROM, or a read/write or alterable

memory, such as a hard disk. In the event a hard disk is used as a program
memory, the address/data bus 360 shown schematically in FIG. 8 may comprise
multiple address/data buses, which may be of different types, and there may be
an
110 circuit disposed between the address/data buses. The network data link 56
is
operatively coupled to the I/0 circuit 358. Although only one network data
link 56
is shown, it is to be understood the website server 50 may be coupled to
multiple
network data links.
[00105] The website server 50 may include a display unit 362, which
may
be any type of display unit such as a CRT, a flat panel display, etc.
Additionally,
the website server 50 may include one or more input devices 364 such as a
keyboard, mouse, etc. Also, the website server 50 may include a server
operating
system.
[00106] Components 362, 364, may be operatively coupled to the I/0
circuit
358, and can be so coupled by either a unidirectional or bidirectional, single-
line or
multiple-line data link, which may depend on the design of the component that
is
24
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

used. Additionally, components 362, 364, may be connected to the I/0 circuit
358
via a respective direct line or conductor, or different connection schemes
could be
used. For example, one or more of the components shown in FIG. 8 may be
connected to the I/O circuit 358 via a common bus or other data link that may
be
shared by a number of components. Furthermore, some of the components may be
directly connected to the microprocessor 354 without passing through the I/0
circuit 358.
Gaming Servers
= [00107] Although one possible embodiment of one of the gaming server 52

is described below in connection with FIG. 9, it should be understood that, if

multiple gaming servers 52 are employed, the structure of the gaming servers
52
could be different than that described and that each gaming server 52 could
have a
different structure.
[00108] FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a number of
components that may be incorporated in one embodiment of a gaming server. The
gaming server 52 may include a controller 401 that may comprise a program
memory 402, a microcontroller or microprocessor (MP) 404, a random-access
memory (RAM) 406 and an input/output (I/0) circuit 408, all of which may be
interconnected via an address/data bus 410. It should be appreciated that
although
only one microprocessor 404 is shown, the controller 401 may include multiple
microprocessors 404. Similarly, the memory of the controller 401 may include
multiple RAMs 406 and multiple program memories 402. Although the 1/0 circuit
408 is shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that the I/0 circuit
408
may include a number of different types of I/0 circuits. RAM(s) 404 and
program
memories 402 may be implemented as semiconductor memories, magnetically
readable memories, and/or optically readable memories, for example.
[00109] Program memory 402 may be a read-only memory (ROM), or a
read/write or alterable memory, such as a hard disk. In the event a hard disk
is used
as a program memory, the address/data bus 410 shown schematically in FIG. 9
may comprise multiple address/data buses, which may be of different types, and
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

there may be an I/O circuit disposed between the address/data buses. The
network
data link 54 may be operatively coupled to the I/O circuit 408. Although only
one
network data link 54 is shown, it is to be understood that the gaming server
52 may
be coupled to multiple network data links.
[00110] The gaming server 52 may include a display unit 412, which may be
any type of display unit such as a CRT, a flat panel display, etc.
Additionally, the
gaming server 52 may include one or more input devices 414 such as a keyboard,

mouse, etc. Also, the gaming server 52 may include a server operating system.
[00111] Components 412, 414, may be operatively coupled to the 1/0
circuit
408, and can be so coupled by either a unidirectional or bidirectional, single-
line or
multiple-line data link, which may depend on the design of the component that
is
used. Additionally, components 412, 414, may be connected to the 1/0 circuit
408
via a respective direct line or conductor, or different connection schemes
could be
used. For example, one or more of the components shown in FIG. 9 may be
connected to the I/O circuit 408 via a common bus or other data link that is
shared
by a number of components. Furthermore, some of the components may be directly

connected to the microprocessor 404 without passing through the I/O circuit
408.
Network Computer
[00112] FIG. 10 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a number of
components that may be incorporated in one embodiment of a network computer.
The network computer 22 may include a controller 451 that may comprise a
program memory 452, a microcontroller or microprocessor (MP) 454, a random-
access memory (RAM) 456 and an input/output (I/0) circuit 458, all of which
may
be interconnected via an address/data bus 460. It should be appreciated that
although only one microprocessor 454 is shown, the controller 451 may include
multiple microprocessors 454. Similarly, the memory of the controller 451 may
include multiple RAMs 456 and multiple program memories 452. Although the I/O
circuit 458 is shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that the I/0
circuit
458 may include a number of different types of 1/0 circuits. RAM(s) 454 and
26
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

program memories 452 may be implemented as semiconductor memories,
magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readable memories, for
example.
[00113] Program memory 452 may be a ROM, or a read/write or alterable
memory, such as a hard disk. In the event a hard disk is used as a program
memory, the address/data bus 460 shown schematically in FIG. 10 may comprise
multiple address/data buses, which may be of different types, and there may be
an
I/O circuit disposed between the address/data buses. The network data link 24
may
be operatively coupled to the I/0 circuit 458. Although only one network data
link
24 is shown, it is to be understood the network computer 22 may be coupled to
multiple network data links.
[00114] The network computer 22 may include a display unit 462, which

may be any type of display unit such as a CRT, a flat panel display, etc.
Additionally, the network computer 22 may include one or more input devices
464
such as a keyboard, mouse, etc.
[00115] Components 462, 464, may be operatively coupled to the I/0 circuit
458, and can be so coupled by either a unidirectional or bidirectional, single-
line or
multiple-line data link, which may depend on the design of the component that
is
used. Additionally, components 462, 464, may be connected to the 1/0 circuit
458
via a respective direct line or conductor, or different connection schemes
could be
used. For example, one or more of the components shown in FIG. 10 may be
connected to the I/0 circuit 458 via a common bus or other data link that may
be
shared by a number of components. Furthermore, some of the components may be
directly connected to the microprocessor 454 without passing through the I/O
circuit 458.
Registration Unit Operation
[00116] One manner in which a registration unit 26 may operate is
described
below in connection with a number of flowcharts which represent a number of
portions or routines of one or more computer programs, which may be stored in
one or more of the memories 102, 106 of the registration unit 100A, 100B,
100C,
or 100D (FIGS. 4A-4D). The computer program portions may be written in any
27
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

high level language such as C, C+, C++ or the like or any low-level, assembly
or
machine language. By storing the computer program portions therein, various
portions of the memories 102, 106 are physically and/or structurally
configured in
accordance with computer program instructions. Additionally, it is to be
understood that the computer program portions or routines may be implemented
via display data (e.g., web pages, etc.) supplied to a registration unit 26,
for
example, by the network computer 22, the website server 50, or the
authentication
server 58 (FIG. 1).
[00117] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of one possible embodiment of an
operation
software routine 500 that may be performed by a registration unit 26. The
flowchart will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4A, and 12. At block
502, a
user may be prompted to enter personal data. As one example, a registration
display could be displayed on display unit 112. One example of a registration
display 520 that could be displayed on display unit 112 is shown in FIG. 12.
Registration display 520 could include a data entry box 522 for entry of the
first
name of a person wishing to register, a data entry box 524 for entry of the
last
name of the person, a data entry box 526 for entry of the date of birth of the

person, a data entry box 528 for entry of a credit card number of the person,
and a
data entry box 530 for entry of the credit card's expiration date. The
registration
display 520 could also include a submit button 532 which can be used by the
user
to submit the data. The registration display 520 could be generated by
software
running on the registration unit 100A. Also, the registration display 520
could be
received as display data (e.g., as a web page) from, for example, the network
computer 22, the website server 50, or the authentication server 58 (FIG. 1).
[00118] Other personal data that may be obtained via a registration display
such as registration display 520 could include a desired login id, a password,
a
mailing address, an email address, a phone number, etc.
[00119] In other embodiments, some or all of the information asked
for in
the example registration display 520 could be read from a smart card of the
person
provided any of this information is stored on the smart card.
28
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[00120] At block 504, it may be determined whether the personal data
has
been received. If no, the routine may branch back to block 502 to await, or
prompt
the user, for further personal data. At block 508, the user may be prompted to

submit biometric data. For the registration units 26 that include a
fingerprint
scanner, such as registration unit 100A of FIG. 4A, a display could be
displayed on
display unit 112 that asks user to put a finger on the fingerprint scanner.
Such a
display could be generated by software running on the registration unit 100A.
Also, the registration display 520 could be received as display data (e.g., as
a web
page) from, for example, the network computer 22 (FIG. 1), or the website
server
50 (FIG. 1).
[001211 At block 510 it may be determined whether the biometric data
has
been received. For registration units 26 that include a fingerprint scanner,
such as
registration unit 100A of FIG. 4A, controller 101 could determine whether data

representative of a fingerprint had been received from fingerprint scanner
116. If
the biometric has not been received, the routine may branch back to wait for
the
data.
[001221 The personal data and/or biometric data can be encrypted, or
a
digital signature can be applied to the data, at block 512. This would help to
ensure
that the data came from a reliable source, and thus help to increase the
security of
the overall system. This block may be omitted if desired. The biometric data
could
be encrypted, or a digital signature could be applied to it, by the controller
101, the
biometric device (e.g., fingerprint scanning device 116 (FIG. 4A), eye
scanning
device 118 (FIG. 4B), etc.), or some other device, and can be implemented via
software, firmware, hardware, or some combination thereof.
[00123] At block 514, the biometric data and the personal data are stored.
The data can be stored, for example, in memory (e.g., a hard disk) of the
registration unit 26. In embodiments that include a smart card reader/writer
117,
the data can be stored on a smart card. In embodiments that include a network
computer 22, the data can be transmitted to the network computer 22 for
storage.
The data may be transmitted, for example, via the network data link 24. In
embodiments that include an authentication server 58, the data can be
transmitted
29
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

to the authentication server 58 for storage. The data may be transmitted, for
example, via the network data links 24 or 70, the network 40, and the network
data
link 60. It is to be understood that the data need not be stored in one
location. For
example, in embodiments that include a network computer 22, the data could be
stored at the registration unit 26 and transmitted to the network 22 for
storage.
Also, the biometric data and some of the personal data could be stored at the
registration unit 26, and some or all of the personal data could be
transmitted to the
network computer 22 for storage.
[00124] It is to be understood that the operations represented by the
blocks
of FIG. 11 need not be performed at one time, or by one registration unit 26.
For
example, a user could submit personal data (blocks 502 and 504) at a first
time.
Then, at a later time, the user could submit the biometric data (blocks 508
and
510). In this example, steps 512 and 514 could be performed twice: once for
the
personal data and once for the biometric data.
[00125] As another example, a user could submit personal data (blocks 502
and 504) from a personal computer (registration unit) at the user's residence,
via a
website served by the website server 50 or the authentication server 58 (FIG.
1).
Then, the website could instruct the user to go to a specific location (e.g.,
a casino)
to submit biometric data. At a later time, the user could visit the specified
location
to submit the biometric data. If at a casino, a casino employee could verify
the
identity of the person, verify the personal data previously submitted by the
person,
and then operate a registration unit 26 to obtain the person's biometric data
(blocks
508 and 510) and transmit it to the authentication server 58 (block 514).
[00126] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of one possible embodiment of an
operation
software routine 550 that may be performed by a registration unit 100A (FIG.
4A)
to obtain a fingerprint scan of a user. The routine 550 may be part of a
computer
program, which may be stored in the program memory 102 (FIG. 4A) of any of the

registration units 26 (FIG. 1), that controls the operation of the
registration units 26
to generate biometric data related to a person. The routine 550 may be used by
the
registration units 100A (FIG. 4A) having, or configured to operatively couple
with,
fingerprint scanning devices 116 described above in connection with FIG. 4A.
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

Similar routines may be used with the registration units 100B-100D (FIGS. 4B-
4D). The routine 550 may attempt to generate digital data that uniquely
represents
the physical characteristics of a person, such as a person's fingerprint, and
thus
uniquely identifies the person.
[00127] At block 552, the controller 101 of the registration unit 100A may
cause the display unit 112 to display a visual message that prompts the user
to
place his or her finger on a scanner of fingerprint scanning device 116, for
example. At block 554, the fingerprint scanning device 116 may scan the
person's
fingerprint and generate digital data representing the person's fingerprint,
as
described above. At block 556, the digital data representing the person's
fingerprint
may be stored, for example, in the memory 106 of the registration unit 100A.
[00128] Blocks 552-556 may be repeated a number of times, if desired,
to
generate digital data representing a composite fingerprint scan, which may be
generated by averaging each set of digital fingerprint data, for example.
Performing multiple scans may increase the reliability and/or accuracy of the
scan
data. If multiple scans are not used, the operation represented by blocks 558
and
560 may be omitted.
[00129] If multiple scans are used to generate data representing a
composite
scan, at block 558 the controller 101 may determine whether all of the scans
have
been made. That determination may be made, for example, simply by determining
whether a predetermined number of scans has been made, such as five scans. If
all
of the scans have not been made, the program may branch back to block 552 so
that another scan may be performed. If all the scans have been made, the
controller
101 may determine a composite scan based on all the scans made, such as by
averaging the digital data for each scan. Such an average could be made, for
example, by averaging the pixel intensity of each set of scan data on a pixel-
by-
pixel basis.
[00130] Although the enrollment routine 550 has been described above
in
connection with the fingerprint scanning device 116 of FIG. 4A, it should be
understood that the same or a similar routine could be used to "train" the
system to
31
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

recognize other unique physical characteristics of a person, such as a
person's eye,
face or voice as described above.
[00131] For example, if the routine 550 is used in connection with
the
registration unit 100A having the voice analyzer 122 and the microphone 124
(FIG. 4D), at block 554, instead of performing a scan of a person's
fingerprint, the
person may speak into the microphone 124, and the voice analyzer 122 may
generate a set of digital data represented the spoken word or words. That
digital
voice data may be treated and processed by the routine 550 in the same (or a
similar) manner as the digital fingerprint data as described above.
[00132] In other embodiments, a person may be prompted to scan multiple
fingers, and/or to provide different types of biometric data. For example, a
person
may be prompted to submit one or more fingerprint scans and a retinal scan.
One
of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many possible variations.
Gaming Unit Operation
[00133] One manner in which a gaming unit 20 may operate is described

below in connection with a number of flowcharts which represent a number of
portions or routines of one or more computer programs, which may be stored in
one or more of the memories 202, 206 of the gaming unit 20. The computer
program portions may be written in any high level language such as C, C+, C++
or
the like or any low-level, assembly or machine language. By storing the
computer
program portions therein, various portions of the memories 202, 206 are
physically
and/or structurally configured in accordance with computer program
instructions.
Additionally, it is to be understood that the computer program portions or
routines
may be implemented via web pages supplied to a gaming unit 20 by, for example,
the network computer 22, the website server 50, the gaming server 52, or the
authentication server 58 (FIG. 1).
Main Routine
[00134] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of one possible embodiment of an operation
software routine 600 that may be performed by a gaming unit 20, and will be
32
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

described with reference to FIG. 1. At block 602, data may be obtained
including
personal data of the user. This data may include, for example, a name, a login
id,
etc. The data may be obtained, for example, by prompting the user to submit
the
data via a keyboard or touch screen. In embodiments of gaming units 20 that
include a smart card reader/writer, the data may be obtained from a smart card
inserted by the user. The data obtained at block 602 may be used, for example,
to
locate, in a database, the biometric data that the user submitted while
registering
for the gaming service. Block 602 is optional and may be omitted if desired.
100135] At block 604, data may be obtained from the user including
biometric data. Examples of techniques for obtaining biometric data, personal
data,
and location data will be described below. At block 606, data related to the
location of the gaming unit 20 may be obtained. Block 606 is optional and may
be
omitted if desired.
[00136] In embodiments that employ positioning data, at block 608, it
may
be determined whether the position data obtained at block 606 indicates that
the
gaming unit 20 is in a location in which playing games via the gaming system
10 is
permitted. If no, the routine may branch back to block 602. If the location is

permitted, the routine may proceed to block 610; In some embodiments, block
608
may be implemented at the gaming unit 20. In other embodiments, block 608 may
be implemented in conjunction with the authentication server 58. For example,
the
gaming unit 20 may transmit the position data to the authentication server 58.

Then, the authentication server 58 may determine whether the location of the
gaming unit is a permitted location. Next, the authentication server 58 may
transmit a message to the gaming unit 20 that indicates whether the position
is
permitted. Similarly, block 608 may be implemented in conjunction with the
network computer 22, the gaming server 52, the website server 50, etc.
[00137] At block 610, the biometric data obtained at block 604 may be

compared with biometric data previously obtained during registration to
determine
if it matches. In some embodiments, block 610 may be implemented at the gaming
unit 20. For example, the gaming unit 20 could be operatively coupled with a
smart
card reader/writer. In this example, the user could insert into the smart card
33
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

reader/writer a smart card that included a registered user's biometric data.
Then, the
gaming unit 20 could compare the biometric data obtained at block 604 with the

biometric data of the registered user stored on the smart card.
[00138] Additionally, block 610 could be implemented in conjunction
with
the authentication server 58. For example, the gaming unit 20 may transmit the
biometric data obtained at block 604 to the authentication server 58. Then,
the
authentication server 58 can determine whether the received biometric data
matches biometric data of a registered user. Next, the authentication server
58 may
transmit a message to the gaming unit 20 that indicates whether the user is
permitted to play a game. Similarly, block 610 may be implemented in
conjunction
with the network computer 22, the gaming server 52, the website server 50,
etc.
[00139] If at block 610 it may be determined that the biometric data
obtained at block 604 matches that of a registered user, control may pass to
block
612. Otherwise, control may pass to block 602. At block 612, the user may be
provided access to play a game on the gaming system 10.
[00140] At block 606, the authentication server 58 may or may not
grant the
user access to the gaming service in response to the data transmitted at block
604.
If the authentication server 58 does not grant access, the routine may return
to
block 602 to await new data.
Obtain Biometric Data
[00141] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of one possible embodiment of an
operation
software routine 620 that may be performed by a gaming unit 20. The routine
620
can be used to obtain data from a user in order to authenticate the user, and
will be
described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6. At block 622, a user may be
prompted
to enter personal data. As one example, the user could be prompted, via
display
unit 170, to enter personal data (e.g., a logon id, a last name, etc.) that
can be used
to identify a record of a registered user. Such a display could be generated
by
software running on the gaming unit 20. Also, the registration display 520
could be
received as display data (e.g., as a web page) from, for example, the network
computer 22, the website server 50, the authentication server 58 (FIG. 1),
etc.
34
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[00142] At block 624, it may be determined whether the personal data
has
been received. If no, the routine may branch back to block 622 to await, or
prompt
the user, for further personal data. At block 626, the user may be prompted to

submit biometric data. For gaming units that include a fingerprint scanner,
such as
the gaming unit 20 of FIG. 6, a display could be displayed on display unit 170
that
asks user to put a finger on the fingerprint scanner. Such a display could be
generated by software running on the gaming unit 20. Also, the display could
be
received as display data (e.g., as a web page) from, for example, the network
computer 22, the website server 50, the authentication server 58 (FIG. 1),
etc.
[00143] At block 628 it may be determined whether the biometric data has
been received. For gaming units that include a fingerprint scanner, such as
the
gaming unit 20 of FIG. 6, controller 200 could determine whether data
representative of a fingerprint had been received from the fingerprint
scanner. If
the biometric data has not been received, the routine may branch back to wait
for
the data.
[00144] The personal data and/or biometric data can be encrypted, or
a
digital signature can be applied to the data, at block 630. This would help to
ensure
that the data came from a reliable source, and thus help to increase the
security of
the overall system. This block may be omitted if desired. The biometric data
could
be encrypted, or a digital signature could be applied to it, by the controller
200, the
biometric device 214, or some other device, and can be implemented via
software,
firmware, hardware, or some combination thereof.
[00145] It is to be understood that, in some embodiments, personal
data
obtained at block 622 may not be needed for authentication. For example,
authentication can be accomplished using only biometric data. Thus, blocks 622
and 624 can be omitted, and at block 612, only biometric data may be
transmitted
to the authentication server 58. Also, as will be described below, a user may
be
required to authenticate him or herself several times while playing a game. In
these
examples, the personal data obtained at blocks 622 and 624 need only be
obtained
once. Thus, in operation, blocks 622 and 624 may be performed once during the
playing of a game, and omitted in subsequent authentications during the game.
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

Obtain Location Data
[00146] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of one possible embodiment of an
operation
software routine 650 that may be performed by a gaming unit 20. The routine
650
can be used to obtain information regarding the location of the gaming unit
20, and
will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6. It is to be understood
that, in
some embodiments, the routine 650, or a similar routine, need not be
implemented.
For instance, in some embodiments, authentication of the location of the
gaming
unit 20 may not be needed. In other embodiments, location of the gaming unit
20
can be obtained by means that do not employ a location system operatively
coupled with the gaming unit 20, an example of which will be described below.
[00147] At block 652, the gaming unit 20 obtains location data from
the
location sensing device 216. At block 654, the location data may be encrypted,
or a
digital signature may be applied to it. This would help to ensure that the
location
data came from a reliable source, and thus help to increase the security of
the
overall system. This block may be omitted if desired. Block 654 can be
implemented, for example, by the controller 200, the location sensing device
216,
or some other device, and can be implemented via software, firmware, hardware,

or some combination thereof.
Authentication Server Operation
[00148] One manner in which the authentication server 58 may operate
is
describe below in connection with flowcharts that represent a number of
portions
or routines of one or more computer programs, which may be stored in one or
more of the memories 302, 306 of the authentication server controller 301. The
computer program portions may be written in any high level language such as C,

C+, C++ or the like or any low-level, assembly or machine language. By storing

the computer program portions therein, various portions of the memories 302,
306
are physically and/or structurally configured in accordance with computer
program
instructions.
36
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

Register User
[00149] The manner of operation described below will be described
with
reference to FIGS. 1 and 7. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of one possible embodiment
of
an operation software routine 700 that may be performed by the authentication
server 58. The routine 700 can be used to register a user who desires to play
games
via a gaming system.
[00150] At block 702, the authentication server 58 receives the
personal data
and biometric data transmitted by a registration unit 26. It is to be
understood that
the personal data and biometric data need not be received at the same time, or
from
only one registration unit 26. Rather, as described previously, the
authentication
server 58 can receive the data at multiple points in time, and can receive the
data
from multiple registration units 26.
[00151] In embodiments in which the personal data and/or biometric
data
has been encrypted, and/or a digital signature applied to it, the
authentication
server 58, at block 704, can decrypt the data and/or examine the digital
signature to
help determine if the data was received from a reliable source or sources.
Block
704 can be implemented, for example, by the controller 301 or some other
device,
and can be implemented via software, firmware, hardware, or some combination
thereof.
[00152] If at block 704, it may be determined that the received data
is not
authentic, the authentication server 58 may, at block 706, transmit a failure
message to the registration unit or units 26 from which the data was received.
The
failure message may indicate that the authentication server 58 was unable to
register the user, and may also indicate that it could not authenticate the
data.
[00153] If, at block 704, it may be determined that the personal data
and/or
biometric data is authentic, then the flow may proceed to block 708. In other
embodiments, blocks 704 and 706 can be omitted. For example, blocks 704 and
706 can be omitted if the personal data and biometric data are not encrypted,
or a
digital signature is not applied to the data, prior to its receipt by the
authentication
server 58.
37
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[00154] At block 708, the received personal data and biometric data
are
stored in the registration database. The registration database can be any type
of
suitable database such as a commercially available database from Oracle,
Sybase,
Microsoft, IBM, etc. It is to be understood that the personal data and
biometric data
need not be received and stored at the same time. For example, the personal
data
may be received at one time and the biometric data may be received at a later
time.
In this example, the personal data can be stored first, and the biometric data
can be
stored later, after it is received.
Check Location
[00155] The manner of operation described below will be described with

reference to FIGS. 1 and 7. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of one possible embodiment
of
an operation software routine 750 that may be performed by the authentication
server 58. The routine 750 can be used to determine whether the location of
the
gaming unit is a location at which playing games via the gaming system is
permitted.
[00156] At block 752, the authentication server 58 receives data
indicative
of the location of a gaming unit. The location data can be, for example, an
intemet
protocol (IP) address, location data from a positioning device coupled with
the
gaming unit, etc.
[00157] In embodiments in which location data has been encrypted,
and/or a
digital signature applied to it, the authentication server 58, at block 754,
can
decrypt the data and/or examine the digital signature to help determine if the
data
was received from a reliable source or sources. Block 754 can be implemented,
for
example, by the controller 301 or some other device, and can be implemented
via
software, firmware, hardware, or some combination thereof.
[00158] If at block 754, it may be determined that the received data
is not
authentic, the authentication server 58 may, at block 756, transmit a denial
message to the gaming unit. The denial message may indicate, for example, that
the authentication server 58 determined that the location data was not
authentic.
38
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[00159] If, at block 754, it may be determined that the location data
is
authentic, then control may pass to block 758. In other embodiments, block 754

can be omitted, if, for example, the location data are not encrypted, or a
digital
signature is not applied to the data, prior to its receipt by the
authentication server
58.
[00160] At block 758, it may be determined whether the location data
indicates the gaming unit is at a permitted location. In embodiments in which
the
location data includes an IF address of the gaming unit, the gaming unit IP
address,
for example, can be compared to a list of permitted IP addresses. Also, the IP
address, for example, can be mapped to a geographic area, and the geographic
area
compared with permitted geographic areas.
[00161] In embodiments in which the location data includes geographic

position information, the geographic position information, for example, can be

compared with permitted geographic areas. In embodiments in which the location
data includes in-building position information, the in-building position
information
can be compared with permitted in-building areas. For instance, the in-
building
position information may indicate that the gaming unit is outside the
building,
whereas playing games may only be permitted within the building.
[00162] If it is determined that the location data indicates the
gaming unit is
not in a permitted location, control may pass to block 756. At block 756, the
authentication server 58 denies the user access to the gaming system. In some
embodiments, the authentication server 58 may transmit a denial message to the

gaming unit. The denial message may indicate that the authentication server 58

determined that the location data indicated the location of the gaming unit
was not
permitted.
[00163] If at block 758 it is determined that the gaming unit is in a
permitted
location, control may pass to block 760. At block 760, the authentication
server 58
grants the user further access to the gaming system 10. For example, in some
embodiments, the authentication server 58 may transmit a message to the gaming
unit indicating that the gaming unit is at a permitted location. In other
embodiments, the authentication server 58 may pass control to the website
server
39
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

50 or the gaining server 52, indicating that the gaming unit is at a permitted

location.
Check Biometric Data
[00164] The manner of operation described below will be described with
reference to FIGS. 1 and 7. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of one possible embodiment
of a
software routine 770 that may be performed by the authentication server 58.
The
routine 770 can be used to determine whether the biometric data submitted by
the
user matches biometric data submitted during registration.
[00165] At block 774, the authentication server 58 receives biometric data.
In embodiments in which biometric data has been encrypted, and/or a digital
signature applied to it, the authentication server 58, at block 778, can
decrypt the
data and/or examine the digital signature to help determine if the data was
received
from a reliable source or sources. Block 778 can be implemented, for example,
by
the controller 301 or some other device, and can be implemented via software,
firmware, hardware, or some combination thereof.
[00166] If at block 778, it may be determined that the received
biometric
data is not authentic, the authentication server 58 may, at block 782,
transmit a
denial message to the gaming unit 20. The denial message may indicate that the
authentication server 58 determined that the location data was not authentic
and/or
that the location data indicated the location of the gaming unit 20 was not
permitted.
[00167] If, at block 778, it is determined that the biometric data is
authentic,
then control may pass to block 786. In other embodiments, block 778 can be
omitted, if, for example, the biometric data are not encrypted, or a digital
signature
is not applied to the data, prior to its receipt by the authentication server
58.
[00168] At block 786, it may be determined whether the biometric data
matches biometric data previously submitted during registration. For example,
the
received biometric data may be compared with biometric data stored, for
example,
in a memory, database, etc., to determine if it matches any of the stored
data. Also,
if personal data associated with the received biometric data is available,
this
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

personal data may be used to retrieve stored biometric data from the memory,
database, etc., that corresponds to the personal data. Then, the biometric
data
received at block 774 can be compared with the biometric data retrieved from
the
memory, database, etc., that corresponds to the personal data. In another
embodiment, the biometric data received at block 774 may be compared with
biometric data stored on a smart card. This may include receiving the
biometric
data from the smart card via, for example, a gaming unit 20, and
authenticating the
smart card biometric data. If the smart card biometric data is authentic, the
biometric data received at block 774 may be compared with the smart card
biometric data.
[00169] If it is determined that the biometric data received at block
774 does
not match biometric data previously obtained during registration, control may
pass
to block 782. At block 782, the authentication server 58 denies the user
access to
the gaming system. In some embodiments, the authentication server 58 may
transmit a denial message to the gaming unit 20. The denial message may
indicate,
for example, that the authentication server 58 determined that the biometric
data
did not match biometric data of any registered users.
[00170] If at block 786 it is determined that the biometric data
received at
block 774 does match biometric data obtained during registration, control may
pass
to block 790. At block 790, the authentication server 58 grants the user
access to
the gaming system 10. In some embodiments, the authentication server 58 may
transmit a message to the gaming unit 20 indicating, for example, that the
user's
biometric data matches that of a registered user. In other embodiments, the
authentication server 58 may pass control to the website server 50 or the
gaming
server 52 indicating that, for example, that the user's biometric data matches
that of
a registered user.
Website Server Operation
[00171] FIG. 20 is a flowchart of one possible embodiment of an
operation
software routine 800 that may be performed by the website server 50. Referring
to
FIG. 20, at block 822 the website server 50 may determine whether a player has
41
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

indicated a desire to stop playing a particular game that the player has been
playing
via one of the gaming servers 52. During play of a particular game, the gaming

server 52 which provides the gaming software for that game controls the
operation
of the game. When the player indicates a desire to stop playing that game, the
gaming server 52 may transfer operational control back to the website server
50, in
which case the routine may branch to block 824 at which a game selection
display
may be generated on the display unit 170 (FIG. 6) of the gaming unit 20 being
used
by the player.
[00172] At block 826, the routine may determine whether a logon
request
has been received from a player, via one of the gaming units 20, indicating a
desire
to initiate a gaming session. The logon request could be, for example, the
entry by
the player of the Internet address of the website associated with the website
server
50. If a logon request is received, the routine may cause a logon display to
be
generated on the display unit 44 of the player who transmitted the logon
request.
To generate the logon display (block 828), the website server 50 may cause
display
data representing a logon display image to be transmitted to the gaming unit
20.
Various image data, including logon image data, may be stored in one of the
memories 352, 356 of the website server 50.
[00173] One example of a logon display 130 that could be generated on
the
player's display unit 44 is shown in FIG. 21. Referring to FIG. 21, the logon
display 900 may include a data entry box 902 for entry of the first name of
the
player. The logon display 900 may also include a button 916 that a user may
select
to submit the data entered in the data entry box 902 of logon display 900.
[00174] Other information could be additionally or alternatively
obtained
from the user such as a last name, a logon name, a password, a street address,
a
city, a state, a zip code, a credit card number, an expiration date of the
credit card,
etc.
[00175] In some embodiments, some or all of this information may be
obtained from a smart card of the player. In these embodiments, a logon
display
may additionally or alternatively prompt the player to insert his or her smart
card
into a smart card reader.
42
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[00176] Referring back to FIG. 20, if the website server 50 has
received
logon data from the player as determined at block 846, that data may be stored
in
one of the memories 352, 356 of the website server 50 at block 848. If the
website
server 50 has received all of the required logon data as determined at block
849,
the routine may branch to block 824. If not, the routine may branch back to
block
846 to await further logon data from the player.
[00177] At block 824, the routine may cause a game selection display
to be
generated on the display unit 170 of the gaming unit 20. To generate the game
selection display, the website server 50 may cause display data representing a
game selection display image to be transmitted to the gaming unit 20. The
display
data may be stored in one of memories 352, 356 of the website server 50. Block

824 may be performed in response to a player initially logging onto the
website
(i.e. after the completion of block 849) or in response to a player's desire
to end a
game that is being provided under the control of one of the gaming servers 52
as
described above (i.e. after the completion of block 822).
[00178] One example of a game selection display 920 that could be
generated on the player's display unit 170 is shown in FIG. 22. Referring to
FIG.
22, the game selection display 920 may include a plurality of player-
activatable
icons, or game images, each of which represents a respective game that the
player
may play via the website associated with the website server 50. The icons may
include, for example, an icon 922 associated with a draw poker game, an icon
924
associated with a bonus poker game, an icon 926 associated with a triple play
poker game, an icon 928 associated with a 10-play poker game, an icon 930
associated with a 50-play poker game, an icon 932 associated with a first
slots
game, an icon 934 associated with a second slots game, an icon 936 associated
with a blackjack game, an icon 938 associated with a bingo game, and an icon
940
associated with a keno game. Where the gaming unit 20 includes a mouse, the
icons may be player-activatable via the mouse. Alternatively, each of the game

icons may have a unique letter associated therewith and a game could be
selected
by inputting one of the unique letters via a keyboard.
43
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[00179] The games that are available to play via the website serviced
by the
website server 50 may be provided by the gaming servers 52 in various ways.
For
example, if twenty games were available via the website and if the website
server
50 were operatively coupled to four gaming servers 52, each of those four
gaming
servers 52 could be programmed to facilitate play of exactly five of the
games.
[00180] As another example, if the ten games represented by the ten
icons
shown in FIG. 22 were available for play and if four gaming servers 52 were
connected to the website server 50, a first of the gaming servers 52 could be
programmed with gaming software that facilitates play of each of the poker
games
represented by the icons 922, 924, 926, 928, 930, a second of the gaming
servers
52 could be programmed with gaming software that facilitates play of the two
slots
games represented by the icons 932, 934, a third gaming server 52 could be
programmed with gaming software that facilitates play of the blackjack game
represented by the icon 936, and the fourth gaming server 52 could be
programmed
with gaming software that facilitates play of the bingo and keno games
represented
by the icons 938, 940. Each game may be available for play via only one of the

gaming servers 52. In other words, only one of the four gaming servers 52
could
contain gaming software that facilitates play of the triple play poker game
represented by the icon 926, in which case that particular gaming server 52
would
have to be utilized if a player desired to play the triple play poker game.
[00181] Alternatively, each of the gaming servers 52 may provide a
plurality
of games that are available only from a respective gaming provider. In that
case,
each of the gaming servers 52 may be programmed with gaming software that
facilitates one or more poker games (and/or other games), but each of the
poker
games may be different, such as by having different visual displays, different
wagering options, different gaming options, etc.
[00182] Each of the games available for play via the website may have
one
gaming server 52 on which gaming software that facilitates play of that game
is
stored. One of the memories 352, 356 of the website server 50 could store data
that
identifies the particular gaming server 52 that provides gaming software that
implements each of the games available via the website. One example of such
data
44
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

is set forth below.
1 Game Gaming Server Draw Poker #1 Bonus Poker #1 Triple Play Poker #2 10-
Play Poker #2 50-Play Poker #2 Slots A #3 Slots B #3 Blackjack #4 Bingo #5
Keno #6
[00183] In some embodiments, one gaming server 52 may implement
multiple types of games.
[00184] Referring to FIG. 20, at block 874 if a player selected one
of the
games available via the website as described above, the routine may branch to
block 876. At block 876, the routine may obtain location data related to the
gaming
unit 20. For instance, the website server 50 may prompt the gaming unit 20 to
obtain location data and transmit the location data to the website server 50.
The
gaming unit 20 may utilize a routine such as routine 650 (FIG. 16) to obtain
location data. Also, the website server 50 may obtain location data as the IP
address of the gaming unit 20.
[00185] At block 878, the routine may determine whether the location data
obtained at block 876 indicates that the gaming unit 20 is at a permitted
location.
For instance, the website server 50 may transmit the location data obtained at
block
876 to the authentication server 58, and request that the authentication
server 58
determine whether the gaming unit 20 is at a permitted location. The
authentication
server 58 may utilize a routine such as routine 750 (FIG. 18) to determine
whether
the gaming unit 20 is at a permitted location. In embodiments that do not
include
an authentication server 58, the determination of whether the gaming unit 20
is at a
permitted location may be carried with another computing system, such as the
website server 50, the network computer 22, etc.
[00186] In another embodiment, at blocks 876 and 878, operational control
may pass from the website server 50 to the authentication server 58, or to
whatever
computing system that implements blocks 876 and 878. Then, operational control

may pass back to the website server 50 at block 880.
[00187] If it determined that the gaming unit 20 is at a permitted
location,
the routine may branch to block 882, at which the routine may obtain biometric
data of the user to authenticate the user. For instance, the website server 50
may
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

prompt the gaming unit 20 to obtain biometric data from the user and transmit
the
biometric data to the website server 50. The gaming unit 20 may utilize a
routine
such as routine 620 (FIG. 15) to obtain biometric data.
[00188] At block 884, the routine may determine whether the
biometric data
obtained at block 882 matches biometric data obtained previously For instance,
the
website server 50 may transmit the biometric data obtained at block 882 to the

authentication server 58, and request that the authentication server 58
determine
whether that biometric data matches biometric data of a registered user. The
authentication server 58 may utilize a routine such as routine 770 (FIG. 19).
In
embodiments that do not include an authentication server 58, the determination
of
whether the biometric data matches biometric data of a registered user may be
implemented with another computing device, such as the website server 50, the
network computer 22, the gaming unit 20 etc. For instance, the gaming unit 20
may
compare the biometric data obtained from the player and compare it to
biometric
data stored on a smart card.
[00189] In another embodiment, at blocks 882 and 884, operational
control
may pass from the website server 50 to the authentication server 58, or to
whatever
computing system that implements blocks 882 and 884. Then, operational control

may pass back to the website server 50 at block 886 If the biometric data does
match that of a registered user, and, optionally, the user identified by the
biometric
data is permitted to play, control may pass to block 888. At block 888,
operational
control may pass to the gaming server 52 that provides gaming software to play

that game. For example, if the above table was used and if the player selected

Triple Play Poker, the routine would transfer operational control to the
gaming
server #2.
[00190] If the biometric data does not match that of a registered
user
permitted to play, or, optionally, the user identified by the -biometric data
is not
permitted to play, control may pass to block 890. Similarly, if at block 870
it is
determined that the gaming unit 20 is not at a permitted location, control may
pass
to block 890. At block 890, a display may be generated which indicates to the
user
46
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

that he or she has been refused access to play the game. The display may
optionally indicate why access was denied.
[00191] If the player elected to end play at the website, such as by
activating
the "Sign Off icon 942 shown in FIG. 22, the routine may branch to block 894
at
which point a gaming session summary may be displayed on the display unit 170
of the gaming unit 20. The gaming session summary may provide, the player with

summary data, such as how much money was won and what games were played.
The player could then print out the summary display shown on the display unit
170
to save a physical record of the gaming session. At block 896, the routine may
terminate the Internet link between the website and the gaming unit 20.
[00192] In some embodiments, blocks 876, 878, 880 and/or blocks 882,
884,
886, and block 890 may be omitted if desired. For example, location data
and/or
biometric data could be checked during game play.
Gaming Server Operation
[00193] As described above, each game available via the website may be

played via one of the gaming servers 52 operatively coupled to the website
server
50. Examples of the draw poker, slots A, blackjack, bingo and keno games
represented by the game icons 152, 162, 166, 168, 170, respectively, shown in
FIG. 22 are described below. In view of the above description, it should be
understood that each of the following game routines may be performed by a
different one of the gaming servers 52, or that one of the gaming servers 52
may
perform more than one of the game routines.
[00194] One of the game routines described below may begin execution
upon the transfer of operational control from the website server 50 to one of
the
gaming servers 52 as described above in connection with block 888 of FIG. 20.
Upon the completion of one of the game routines (i.e. when a player desired to
stop
playing a particular game), the website server 50 would make that
determination at
block 822 of FIG. 20 as described above and would begin operation at block 824
as described above.
47
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

Draw Poker
[00195] FIG. 23 is an exemplary display 950 that may be caused to be
displayed on the display unit 170 of one of the gaming units 20 (by a gaming
server 52 sending display data to the gaming unit 20) during performance of a
draw poker routine that may be performed by one of the gaming servers 52.
[00196] Referring to FIG. 23, the display 950 may include video
images 951
of a plurality of playing cards representing the player's hand, such as five
cards. To
allow the player to control the play of the poker game, a plurality of player-
selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may include a ''Hold" button
952
disposed directly below each of the playing card images 951, a "Cash Out"
button
954, a "See Pays" button 955, a "Bet One Credit" button 956, a "Bet Max
Credits"
button 957, and a "Deal/Draw" button 958. The display 950 may also include an
area 959 in which the number of remaining credits or value may be displayed.
The
buttons may be activated with the use of a mouse as described above.
[00197] Upon activation of each of the buttons, a corresponding data
message may be transmitted from the gaming unit 20 to the gaming server 52.
The
data message may have a source address that identifies the gaming unit 20
sending
the message, a destination address that identifies the gaming server 52 to
which the
message is to be sent, and a data field that contains data corresponding to
the
button, such as wager data, game instruction data (e.g. whether to "deal,"
"hold,"
etc.), etc.
[00198] In some embodiments one or more of the buttons 952, 954, 955,
956, 957, and 958 may be integrated with a biometric device. For example, the
"Deal/Draw" button may be integrated with a fingerprint scanner. In this
example,
the "Deal/Draw" button may be activated by providing placing a finger on the
fingerprint scanner and submitting one or more fingerprint scans. The
fingerprint
scanner may be integrated, for example, with a touch screen, keyboard, control

panel, lever, etc., such that the area on which a finger should be placed for
scanning corresponds to a "Deal/Draw" selection.
48
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[00199] In other embodiments, the player may be prompted to submit
biometric data if he or she desires to make a particular selection, such as
"Deal/Draw" selection. In still other embodiments, when, for example, the
"Deal/Draw" button is integrated with the biometric device, the gaming unit 20
may determine that the player has made a "Deal/Draw" selection (e.g., by
detecting
a button press, touch screen press, etc.) and may also retrieve biometric data
via the
biometric device such that the two appear to occur simultaneously, or nearly
simultaneously, to the player.
[00200] Thus, submitting biometric data may be a mechanism for
providing
a game play selection (e.g., a "Deal/Draw" selection). Or, biometric data may
be
submitted in conjunction with making the game play selection. When such a
selection is made, a corresponding data message may be transmitted from the
gaming unit 20 to the gaming server 52. The data message may have a source
address that identifies the gaming unit 20 sending the message, a destination
address that identifies the gaming server 52 to which the message is to be
sent, and
a data field that contains biometric data, etc. The message may also include
data
corresponding to the selection to which the biometric data submission
corresponds
(e.g. whether to "deal," etc.) If the corresponding selection can be
determined by
the context of the game, this data need not be provided (but may be provided).
[00201] In other embodiments, location information may be determined in
conjunction with the game play selection. In these embodiments, the data
message
transmitted from the gaming unit 20 to the gaming server 52 may include
location
information.
[00202] FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a poker routine 962. Referring to
FIG. 24,
at block 964, if the player has requested payout information, such as by
activating
the "See Pays" button 955, at block 966 the routine may cause one or more pay
tables to be displayed on the display unit 170 of the gaming unit 20 (by
transmitting to the gaming unit 20 display data representing the pay tables).
[00203] At block 968, the player may make a bet by, for example,
selecting
the "Bet One Credit" button 956 (FIG. 23). This may be detected by the gaming
server 52, for example, by receiving a "Bet One Credit" message from the
gaming
49
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

unit 20. If a "Bet One Credit" message is received, control may pass to block
976.
At block 976, bet data corresponding to the bet made by the player may be
stored
in a memory (for example, the memory of the gaming server controller 401).
[00204] At block 978, the routine may determine whether the player has
activated the "Bet Max Credits" button 957. For example, the gaming server 52
may receive a "Bet Max Credits" data message from the gaming unit 20. If yes,
then control may pass to block. At block 980, bet data corresponding to the
bet
made by the player may be stored in a memory (for example, the memory of the
gaming server controller 401).
[00205] At block 982, the routine may determine if the player desires a new
hand to be dealt, (for example, by receiving a "Deal/Draw" data message from
the
gaming unit 20 after a wager was made). If yes, then control may pass to block

970. At block 970, biometric data may be obtained from the player and checked
to
see whether it matches that of a registered user. For instance, the gaming
server 52
may prompt the gaming unit 20 to obtain biometric data from the user and
transmit
the biometric data to the gaming server 52. The gaming unit 20 may utilize a
routine such as routine 620 (FIG. 15) to obtain biometric data. Additionally,
the
gaming server 52 may transmit the obtained biometric data to the
authentication
server 58, and request that the authentication server 58 determine whether
that
biometric data matches biometric data of a registered user. The authentication
server 58 may utilize a routine such as routine 770 (FIG. 19). In embodiments
that
do not include an authentication server 58, the determination of whether the
biometric data matches biometric data of a registered user may be implemented
with another computing device, such as the gaming server 52, the network
computer 22, the gaming unit 20, etc. For instance, the gaming unit may
compare
the biometric data obtained from the player and compare it to 20 biometric
data
stored on a smart card.
[00206] In another embodiment, at block 970, operational control may
pass
from the gaming server 52 to the authentication server 58, or to whatever
computing system that implements block 970a. Then, operational control may
pass
back to the gaming server 52 at block 972 or block 984 (if access is granted).
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[00207] If at block 972 it is determined that access has not been
granted,
then the routine may end. If at block 972 it is determined that access has
been
granted, control may pass to block 984.
[00208] As discussed previously, submission of biometric data may be
integrated with the determination of whether the player desires a new hand to
be
dealt. For example, the player may submit biometric data in order to request,
or
when requesting, a new hand to be dealt. Thus, blocks 982, 970, and 972 may be

integrated, their order rearranged, etc.
[00209] At block 984, a video poker hand may be "dealt" by causing the
display unit 170 to generate the playing card images 951 (by transmitting one
or
more messages to the gaming unit 20 with suitable display data). After the
hand is
dealt, at block 986 the routine may determine if the player selected a "Hold"
button
952. For example, the gaming server 52 may determine whether a "Hold" data
message was received from the gaming unit 20. If yes, data regarding which of
the
playing card images 951 are to be "held" may be stored in a memory (for
example,
the memory of the gaming server controller 401) at block 388.
[00210] If the user selects the "Deal/Draw" button 958 (for example,
if the
gaming server 52 receives a "Deal/Draw" data message from the gaming unit 20)
as determined at block 990, each of the playing card images 951 that was not
"held" may be caused to disappear from the video display 950 and to be
replaced
by a new, randomly selected, playing card image 951 at block 992.
[00211] In some embodiments, the user may be required to submit
biometric
data in conjunction with block 990 in a manner similar that described above
with
respect to blocks 982, 970, and 972. For example, if a fingerprint scanner is
integrated with the "Deal/Draw" selection "button," submission of biometric
data
may be interpreted as a "Draw" request.
[00212] At block 994, the routine may determine whether the poker hand

represented by the playing card images 951 currently displayed is a winner.
That
determination may be made by comparing data representing the currently
displayed poker hand with data representing all possible winning hands, which
may be stored in a memory (for example, the memory of the gaming server
51
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

controller 401). If there is a winning hand, a payout value corresponding to
the
winning hand may be determined at block 996. At block 998, the player's
cumulative value or number of credits may be updated by subtracting the bet
made
by the player and adding, if the hand was a winner, the payout value
determined at
block 996. The cumulative value or number of credits may also be displayed in
the
display area 959 (FIG. 23).
[00213] If desired, one or more similar pairs of blocks 970 and 972
may be
added in other portions of the routine as well. For example, after blocks 968
and/or
978, or integrated therewith, biometric data could be accessed and
authenticated
before passing control to block 976 or block 980, respectively.
Blackjack
[00214] FIG. 25 is an exemplary display 1000 that may be caused to be

displayed on the display unit 170 of one of the gaming units 20 (by a gaming
server 52 sending display data to the gaming unit 20) during performance of a
blackjack routine. Referring to FIG. 25, the display 1000 may include video
images 1002 of a pair of playing cards representing a dealer's hand, with one
of the
cards shown face up and the other card being shown face down, and video images

1004 of a pair of playing cards representing a player's hand, with both the
cards
shown face up. The "dealer" may be the gaming server 52.
[00215] To allow the player to control the play of the blackjack
game, a
plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may
include a
"Cash Out" button 1006, a "See Pays" button 1008, a "Stay" button 1010, a
"Hit"
button 1012, a "Bet One Credit" button 1014, and a "Bet Max Credits" button
1016. The display 1000 may also include an area 1018 in which the number of
remaining credits or value is displayed. The buttons may be activated with the
use
of a mouse as described above.
[00216] Upon activation of each of the buttons, a corresponding data
message may be transmitted from the gaming unit 20 to the gaming server 52.
The
data message may have a source address that identifies the gaming unit 20
sending
the message, a destination address that identifies the gaming server 52 to
which the
52
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

message is to be sent, and a data field that contains data corresponding to
the
button, such as wager data, game instruction data (e.g. whether to "hit'' or
"stay"),
etc.
[00217] Similar to the buttons described with reference to FIG. 23, in
some
embodiments one or more of the buttons 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012, 1014, and 1016
may be integrated with a biometric device. For example, the "Hit" button may
be
integrated with a biometric device. For instance, the "Hit" button may be
integrated
with a biometric device in a similar manner as described with respect to the
"Deal/Draw" button of FIG. 23. Or, the player may make a "Hit" selection by
submitting biometric data via a biometric device. Thus, as described above,
submitting biometric data may be a mechanism for providing a game play
selection
(e.g., a "Hit" selection). Or, biometric data may be submitted in conjunction
with
making the game play selection.
[00218] FIG. 26 is a flowchart of the blackjack routine 1020.
Referring to
FIG. 26, the blackjack routine 1020 may begin at block 1022 where it may
determine whether a bet has been made by the player (e.g. by determining if a
"Bet
One Credit" data message or a "Bet Max Credits" data message has been received

by the gaming server 52 from the gaming unit 20).
[00219] If a bet has been made, control may pass to block 1028. At
block
1028, bet data corresponding to the bet made by the player may be stored in a
memory (for example, the memory of the gaming server controller 401). At block

1030, a dealer's hand and a player's hand may be "dealt" by making the playing

card images 1002, 1004 appear on the display unit 170 of the gaming unit 20.
[00220] At block 1032, the player may select to be "hit," in which
case
control may pass to block 1024. At block 1024a, biometric data may be obtained
from the player and checked to see whether it matches that of a registered
user. For
instance, the gaming server 52 may prompt the gaming unit 20 to obtain
biometric
data from the user and transmit the biometric data to the gaming server 52.
The
gaming unit 20 may utilize a routine such as routine 620 (FIG. 15) to obtain
biometric data.
53
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[00221] Additionally, the gaming server 52 may transmit the obtained
biometric data to the authentication server 58,. and request that the
authentication
server 58 determine whether that biometric data matches biometric data of a
registered user. The authentication server 58 may utilize a routine such as
routine
770 (FIG. 19). In embodiments that do not include an authentication server 58,
the
determination of whether the biometric data matches biometric data of a
registered
user may be implemented with another computing device, such as the gaming
server 52, the network computer 22, the gaming unit 20 etc. For instance, the
gaming unit 20 may compare the biometric data obtained from the player and
compare it to biometric data stored on a smart card.
[00222] In another embodiment, at block 1024, operational control may
pass
from the gaming server 52 to the authentication server 58, or to whatever
computing system that implements block 1024. Then, operational control may
pass
back to the gaming server 52 at block 1026 or at block 1034 (if access is
granted).
[00223] If the biometric data does match that of a registered user, and,
optionally, the user identified by the biometric data is permitted to play,
control
may pass to block 1034. At block 1034, another card will be dealt to the
player's
hand by making another playing card image 1004 appear in the display 1000. If
the
player is hit, block 1036 may determine if the player has "bust," or exceeded
21. If
the player has not bust, control may pass to block 1032
[00224] If at block 1026 it is determined that access has not been
granted,
the routine may end. Prior to ending, a display may be generated which
indicates to
the player that he or she has been refused access to play the game. The
display may
optionally indicate why access was denied. Additionally, instead of ending,
the
routine may branch back to block 1022.
[00225] As discussed previously, submission of biometric data may be
integrated with the determination of whether the player desires a "Hit." For
example, the player may submit biometric data in order to request, or when
requesting, a "Hit." Thus, blocks 1032, 1024, and 1026 may be integrated,
their
order rearranged, etc.
54
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[00226] If the player decides not to hit, at block 1038 the routine
may
determine is whether the dealer should be hit. Whether the dealer hits may be
determined in accordance with predetermined rules, such as the dealer always
hit if
the dealer's hand totals 15 or less. If the dealer hits, at block 1040 the
dealer's hand
may be dealt another card by making another playing card image 1002 appear in
the display 1000. At block 1042 the routine may determine whether the dealer
has
bust. If the dealer has not bust, blocks 1038 and 1040 may be performed again
to
allow the dealer to be hit again.
[00227] If the dealer does not hit, at block 1044 the outcome of the
blackjack game and a corresponding payout may be determined based on, for
example, whether the player or the dealer has the higher hand that does not
exceed
21. If the player has a winning hand, a payout value corresponding to the
winning
hand may be determined at block 1046. At block 1048, the player's cumulative
value or number of credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by the
player and adding, if the player won, the payout value determined at block
1046.
The cumulative value or number of credits may also be displayed in the display

area 1018 (FIG. 25).
[00228] If desired, one or more of the pair of blocks 1024 and 1026
may be
added in other portions of the routine as well.
Slots A
[00229] FIG. 27 is an exemplary display 1050 that may be caused to be

displayed on the display unit 170 of one of the gaming units 20 (by a gaming
server 52 sending display data to the gaming unit 20) during performance of a
slots
routine. Referring to FIG. 27, the display 1050 may include video images 1052
of a
plurality of slot machine reels, each of the reels having a plurality of reel
symbols
1054 associated therewith. Although the display 1050 shows five reel images
1052,
each of which may have three reel symbols 1054 that are visible at a time,
other
reel configurations could be utilized.
[00230] To allow the player to control the play of the slots game, a
plurality
of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may include a "Cash
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

Out" button 1056, a "See Pays" button 1058, a plurality of payline-selection
buttons 1060 each of which allows the player to select a different number of
paylines prior to "spinning" the reels, a plurality of bet-selection buttons
1062 each
of which allows a player to specify a wager amount for each payline selected,
a
"Spin" button 1064, and a "Max Bet" button 1066 to allow a player to make the
maximum wager allowable.
[00231] Upon activation of a button, a corresponding data message may
be
transmitted from the gaming unit 20 to the gaming server 52. The data message
may have a source address that identifies the gaming unit 20 sending the
message,
a destination address that identifies the gaming server 52 to which the
message is
to be sent, and a data field that contains data corresponding to the button,
such as
wager data, game instruction data (e.g. spin), etc.
[00232] Similar to the buttons described with reference to FIG. 23,
in some
embodiments one or more of the buttons 1056, 1058, 1060, 1062, 1064, and 1066
may be integrated with a biometric device. For example, the "Spin" button may
be
integrated with a biometric device. For instance, the "Spin" button may be
integrated with a biometric device in a similar manner as described with
respect to
the "Deal/Draw" button of FIG. 23. Or, the player may make a "Spin" selection
by
submitting biometric data via a biometric device. Thus, as described above,
submitting biometric data may be a mechanism for providing a game play
selection
(e.g., a "Spin" selection). Or, biometric data may be submitted in conjunction
with
making the game play selection.
[00233] FIG. 28 is a flowchart of a slots routine 1068. Referring to
FIG. 28,
at block 1070, it may be determined whether the player has requested payout
information (e.g., detecting receipt by the gaming server 52 of a "See Pays"
data
message). If yes, at block 1072 the routine may cause one or more pay tables
to be
displayed on the display unit 170. At block 1074, it may be determined whether
the
player selected a number of paylines (e.g., by selecting one of the payline
buttons
1060). For example, the routine may determine if a data message is received by
the
gaming server 52 as a result of the player pressing one of the payline-
selection
buttons 460. If yes, at block 1076 data corresponding to the number of
paylines
56
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

selected by the player may be stored in a memory (e.g., the memory 406 of the
gaming server controller 401). At block 1078, it may be determined if the
player
has selected one of the bet-selection buttons 1062.
[00234] If yes, control may pass to block 1084. At block 1084, data
corresponding to the amount bet per payline may be stored in a memory (for
example, the memory of the gaming server controller 401).
[00235] At block 1086, it may be determined whether the player
selected the
"Max Bet" button 1066. For example, the routine may determine if a "Max Bet''
data message has been received by the gaming server 52. If yes, control may
pass
to block 1088. At block 1088, bet data (which may include both payline data
and
bet-per-payline data) corresponding to the maximum allowable bet may be stored
in a memory (for example, the memory of the gaming server controller 401).
[00236] At block 1090, it is determined whether the user selected the
"Spin"
button 1064. For example, the routine may determine whether a "Spin" data
message has been received from the gaming unit 20. If yes, control may pass to
block 1080. At block 1080, biometric data may be obtained from the player and
checked to see whether it matches that of a registered user. For instance, the

gaming server 52 may prompt the gaming unit 20 to obtain biometric data from
the
user and transmit the biometric data to the gaming server 52. The gaming unit
20
may utilize a routine such as routine 620 (FIG. 15) to obtain biometric data.
Additionally, the gaming server 52 may transmit the obtained biometric data to
the
authentication server 58, and request that the authentication server 58
determine
whether that biometric data matches biometric data of a registered user. The
authentication server 58 may utilize a routine such as routine 770 (FIG. 19).
In
embodiments that do not include an authentication server 58, the determination
of
whether the biometric data matches biometric data of a registered user may be
implemented with another computing device, such as the gaming server 52, the
network computer 22, the gaming unit 20 etc. For instance, the gaming unit 20
may
compare the biometric data obtained from the player and compare it to
biometric
data stored on a smart card.
57
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[00237] In another embodiment, at block 1080, operational control may
pass
from the gaming server 52 to the authentication server 58, or to whatever
computing system that implements block 1080. Then, operational control may
pass
back to the gaming server 52 at block 1082 or at block 1092 (if access is
granted).
[00238] If at block 1082 it is determined that access has not been granted,
then the routine may end. If at block 1082 it is determined that access has
been
granted, control may pass to block 1092.
[00239] As discussed previously, submission of biometric data may be
integrated with the determination of whether the player desires to "Spin." For
example, the player may submit biometric data in order to request, or when
requesting, to "Spin." Thus, blocks 1090, 1080, and 1082 may be integrated,
their
order rearranged, etc.
[00240] At block 1092, the routine may cause the slot machine reel
images
1052 to begin "spinning" so as to simulate the appearance of a plurality of
spinning
mechanical slot machine reels. At block 1094, the routine may determine the
positions at which the slot machine reel images will stop, or the particular
symbol
images 1054 that will be displayed when the reel images 1052 stop spinning. At

block 1096, the routine may stop the reel images 1052 from spinning by
displaying
stationary reel images 1052 and images of three symbols 1054 for each stopped
reel image 1052. The virtual reels may be stopped from left to right, from the
perspective of the player, or in any other manner or sequence.
[00241] The routine may provide for the possibility of a bonus game
or
round if certain conditions are met, such as the display in the stopped reel
images
1052 of a particular symbol 1054. If there is such a bonus condition as
determined
at block 1098, the routine may proceed to block 1100 where a bonus round may
be
played. The bonus round may be a different game than slots, and many other
types
of bonus games could be provided. If the player wins the bonus round, or
receives
additional credits or points in the bonus round, a bonus value may be
determined at
block 1102. A payout value corresponding to outcome of the slots game and/or
the
bonus round may be determined at block 1104. At block 1108, the player's
cumulative value or number of credits may be updated by subtracting the bet
made
58
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

by the player and adding, if the slot game and/or bonus round was a winner,
the
payout value determined at block 1104.
[00242] If desired, one or more of the pair of blocks 1080 and 1082
may be
added in other portions of the routine.
Keno
[00243] FIG. 29 is an exemplary display 1120 that may be caused to be
displayed on the display unit 170 of one of the gaming units 20 (by a gaming
server 52 sending display data to the gaming unit 20) during performance of a
keno
routine. Referring to FIG. 29, the display 1120 may include a video image 1122
of
a plurality of numbers that were selected by the player prior to the start of
a keno
game and a video image 1124 of a plurality of numbers randomly selected during

the keno game. The randomly selected numbers may be displayed in a grid
pattern.
[00244] To allow the player to control the play of the keno game, a
plurality
of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may include a "Cash

Out" button 1126, a "See Pays" button 1128, a "Bet One Credit" button 1130, a
"Bet Max Credits" button 1132, a "Select Ticket" button 1134, a "Select
Number"
button 1136, and a "Play" button 1138. The display 1120 may also include an
area
1140 in which the number of remaining credits or value is displayed.
[00245] Upon activation a button, a corresponding data message may be
transmitted from the gaming unit 20 to the gaming server 52. The data message
may have a source address that identifies the gaming unit 20 sending the
message,
a destination address that identifies the gaming server 52 to which the
message is
to be sent, and a data field that contains data corresponding to the button,
such as
wager data, game instruction data, etc.
[00246] Similar to the buttons described with reference to FIG. 23, in
some
embodiments one or more of the buttons 1126, 1128, 1132, 1134, 1136, and 1138
may be integrated with a biometric device. For example, the "Play" button may
be
integrated with a biometric device. For instance, the "Play" button may be
integrated with a biometric device in a similar manner as described with
respect to
the "DeaUDraw" button of FIG. 23. Or, the player may make a "Play" selection
by
59
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

submitting biometric data via a biometric device. Thus, as described above,
submitting biometric data may be a mechanism for providing a game play
selection
(e.g., a "Play" selection). Or, biometric data may be submitted in conjunction
with
making the game play selection.
[00247] FIG. 30 is a flowchart of the keno routine 1150. The keno routine
1150 maybe utilized in connection with a single gaming unit 20 where a single
player is playing a keno game, or the keno routine 1150 may be utilized in
connection with multiple gaming units 20 where multiple players are playing a
single keno game.
[00248] Referring to FIG. 30, at block 1152, the routine may determine
whether the "See Pays" button 1128 was selected. For example, the routine may
determine whether a "See Pays" data message has been received from the gaming
unit 20. If yes, at block 154 the routine may cause one or more pay tables to
be
displayed on the display unit 170. At block 1156, it may be determined whether
the
player has chosen to bet. For example, the routine may determine whether bet
data
has been received from the gaming unit 20, such as by receiving a "Bet One
Credit" data message or a "Bet Max Credits" data message. If yes, the routine
may
proceed to block 1162.
[00249] At block 1162, bet data corresponding to the bet made by the
player
may be stored in a memory (for example, the memory of the gaming server
controller 401).
[00250] After the player has made a wager, at block 1164 the player
may
select a keno ticket, and at block 1166 the ticket may be displayed on the
display
1120. At block 1168, the player may select one or more game numbers, which may
be within a range set by the casino. After being selected, the player's game
numbers may be stored in a memory (e.g., the memory of the gaming server
controller 401) at block 1170 and may be included in the image 1122 on the
display 1120 at block 1172. After a certain amount of time, the keno game may
be
closed to additional players (where a number of players are playing a single
keno
game using multiple gaming units 20).
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[00251] At block 1174, it may be determined whether play of the keno
game
is to begin. If yes, control may pass to block 1158. At block 1158, biometric
data
may be obtained from the player and checked to see whether it matches that of
a
registered user. For instance, the gaming server 52 may prompt the gaming unit
20
to obtain biometric data from the user and transmit the biometric data to the
gaming server 52. The gaming unit 20 may utilize a routine such as routine 620

(FIG. 15) to obtain biometric data. Additionally, the gaming server 52 may
transmit the obtained biometric data to the authentication server 58, and
request
that the authentication server 58 determine whether that biometric data
matches
biometric data of a registered user. The authentication server 58 may utilize
a
routine such as routine 770 (FIG. 19). In embodiments that do not include an
authentication server 58, the determination of whether the biometric data
matches
biometric data of a registered user may be implemented with another computing
device, such as the gaming server 52, the network computer 22, the gaming unit
20
etc. For instance, the gaming unit 20 may compare the biometric data obtained
from the player and compare it to biometric data stored on a smart card.
[00252] In another embodiment, at block 1158, operational control may
pass
from the gaming server 52 to the authentication server 58, or to whatever
computing system that implements block 1158. Then, operational control may
pass
back to the gaming server 52 at block 1160a.
[00253] If the biometric data does match that of a registered user,
and,
optionally, the user identified by the biometric data is permitted to play,
control
may pass to block 1176. If the biometric data does not match that of a
registered
user permitted to play, then the routine may end. Prior to ending, a display
may be
generated which indicates to the player that he or she has been refused access
to
play the game. The display may optionally indicate why access was denied.
Additionally, instead of ending, the routine may branch back to block 1152.
[00254] As discussed previously, submission of biometric data may be
integrated with the determination of whether the player desires to "Play." For
example, the player may submit biometric data in order to request, or when
61
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

requesting, to "Play." Thus, blocks 1174, 1158, and 1160 may be integrated,
their
order rearranged, etc.
[00255] At block 1176 a game number within a range set by the casino
may
be randomly selected (for example, by the gaming server controller 401). At
block
1178, the randomly selected game number may be displayed on the display unit
170 and the display units 170 of other gaming units 20 (if any) which are
involved
in the same keno game. At block 1180, a count which keeps track of how many
game numbers have been selected may be incremented at block 1180. For
example, the gaming server controller 401 may increment the count.
[00256] At block 1182, the routine may determine whether a maximum
number of game numbers within the range have been randomly selected. If not,
another game number may be randomly selected at block 1176. If the maximum
number of game numbers has been selected, at block 1184 the routine may
determine whether there are a sufficient number of matches between the game
numbers selected by the player and the game numbers selected at block 1176 to
cause the player to win. The number of matches may depend on how many
numbers the player selected and the particular keno rules being used.
[00257] If there are a sufficient number of matches a payout may be
determined at block 1186 to compensate the player for winning the game. The
payout may depend on the number of matches between the game numbers selected
by the player and the game numbers randomly selected at block 1176. At block
1188, the player's cumulative value or number of credits may be updated by
subtracting the bet made by the player and adding, if the keno game was won,
the
payout value determined at block 1186. The cumulative value or number of
credits
may also be displayed in the display area 1140 (FIG. 29).
[00258] If desired, one or more of the pair of blocks 1158 and 1160
may be
added in other portions of the routine as well. For example, a similar pair of
blocks
may be added between blocks 1156 and 1162.
Bingo
62
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[00259] FIG. 31 is an exemplary display 1200 that may be caused to be

displayed on the display unit 170 of one of the gaming units 20 (for example,
by a
gaming server 52 sending display data to the gaming unit 20) during
performance
of a bingo routine. Referring to FIG. 31, the display 1200 may include one or
more
video images 1202 of a bingo card and images of the bingo numbers selected
during the game. The bingo card images 1202 may have a grid pattern.
[00260] To allow the player to control the play of the bingo game, a
plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may
include a
"Cash Out button 1204, a "See Pays" button 1206, a "Bet One Credit" button
1208, a "Bet Max Credits" button 1210, a "Select Card" button 1212, and a
"Play"
button 1214. The display 1200 may also include an area 1216 in which the
number
of remaining credits or value is displayed.
[00261] Upon activation a button, a corresponding data message may be

transmitted from the gaming unit 20 to the gaming server 52. The data message
may have a source address that identifies the gaming unit 20 sending the
message,
a destination address that identifies the gaming server 52 to which the
message is
to be sent, and a data field that contains data corresponding to the button,
such as
wager data, game instruction data, etc.
[00262] Similar to the buttons described with reference to FIG. 23,
in some
embodiments one or more of the buttons 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212, and 1214
may be integrated with a biometric device. For example, the "Play" button may
be
integrated with a biometric device. For instance, the "Play" button may be
integrated with a biometric device in a similar manner as described with
respect to
the "Deal/Draw" button of FIG. 23. Or, the player may make a "Play" selection
by
submitting biometric data via a biometric device. Thus, as described above,
submitting biometric data may be a mechanism for providing a game play
selection
(e.g., a "Play" selection). Or, biometric data may be submitted in conjunction
with
making the game play selection.
[00263] FIG. 32 is a flowchart of a bingo routine 1220. The bingo
routine
1220 may be utilized in connection with a single gaming unit 20 where a single
player is playing a bingo game, or the bingo routine 1220 may be utilized in
63
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

connection with multiple gaming units 20 where multiple players are playing a
single bingo game Referring to FIG. 32, at block 1222, it may be determined
whether a player has requested payout information. This may be determined, for

example, by detecting receipt of a "See Pays" data message from the gaming
unit
20. If yes, at block 1224 the routine may cause one or more pay tables to be
displayed on the display unit 170 of the gaming unit 20. At block 1226, it may
be
determined whether a player has requested a bet. This may be determined, for
example, by detecting receipt of a "Bet One Credit" data message or a "Bet Max

Credits" data message. If yes, control may pass to block 1232.
[00264] At block 1232, bet data corresponding to the bet made by the player
may be stored in a memory (for example, the memory of the gaming server
controller 401).
[00265] After the player has made a wager, at block 1234 the player
may
select a bingo card, which may be generated randomly. The player may select
more
than one bingo card, and there may be a maximum number of bingo cards that a
player may select. At block 1236, the selected card or cards is caused to be
displayed on the display unit 170.
[00266] At block 1238, it may be determined whether play of the bingo

game is to begin. If yes, control may pass to block 1228. At block 1228,
biometric
data may be obtained from the player and checked to see whether it matches
that of
a registered user. For instance, the gaming server 52 may prompt the gaming
unit
20 to obtain biometric data from the user and transmit the biometric data to
the
gaming server 52. The gaming unit 20 may utilize a routine such as routine 620

(FIG. 15) to obtain biometric data. Additionally, the gaming server 52 may
transmit the obtained biometric data to the authentication server 58, and
request
that the authentication server 58 determine whether that biometric data
matches
biometric data of a registered user. The authentication server 58 may utilize
a
routine such as routine 770 (FIG. 19). In embodiments that do not include an
authentication server 58, the determination of whether the biometric data
matches
biometric data of a registered user may be implemented with another computing
device, such as the gaming server 52, the network computer 22, the gaming unit
20
64
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

etc. For instance, the gaming unit 20 may compare the biometric data obtained
from the player and compare it to biometric data stored on a smart card.
[00267] In another embodiment, at block 122a, operational control may
pass
from the gaming server 52 to the authentication server 58, or to whatever
computing system that implements block 1228. Then, operational control may
pass
back to the gaming server 52 at block 1230.
[00268] If the biometric data does match that of a registered user,
and,
optionally, the user identified by the biometric data is permitted to play,
control
may pass to block 1240. If the biometric data does not match that of a
registered
user permitted to play, then the routine may end. Prior to ending, a display
may be
generated which indicates to the player that he or she has been refused access
to
play the game. The display may optionally indicate why access was denied.
Additionally, instead of ending, the routine may branch back to block 1222.
[00269] As discussed previously, submission of biometric data may be
integrated with the determination of whether the player desires to "Play." For
example, the player may submit biometric data in order to request, or when
requesting, to ''Play." Thus, blocks 1238, 1228, and 1230 may be integrated,
their
order rearranged, etc.
[00270] At block 1240 a bingo number may be randomly generated by the
routine. At block 1242, the bingo number may be displayed on the display unit
170
of the gaming unit 20 and the display units 170 of any other gaming units 20
involved in the bingo game.
[00271] At block 1244, the routine may determine whether any player
has
won the bingo game. If no player has won, another bingo number may be
randomly selected at block 1240. If any player has bingo as determined at
block
1244, the routine may determine at block 1246 whether the player playing that
gaming unit 20 was the winner. If so, at block 1248 a payout for the player
may be
determined. The payout may depend on the number of random numbers that were
drawn before there was a winner, the total number of winners (if there was
more
than one player), and the amount of money that was wagered on the game. At
block 1250, the player's cumulative value or number of credits may be updated
by
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

subtracting the bet made by the player and adding, if the bingo game was won,
the
payout value determined at block 1248. The cumulative value or number of
credits
may also be displayed in the display area 1216 (FIG. 31).
[00272] If desired, one or more of the pair of blocks 1228 and 1230
may be
added in other portions of the routine as well. For example, a similar pair of
blocks
may be added between blocks 1226 and 1232.
[00273] In the examples described with reference to FIGS. 23-32, the
location of the gaming unit 20 may optionally be checked, for example using a
routine such as routine 750 (FIG. 18), when the biometric data is checked.
Game Routines Implemented on Gaming Units
[00274] Although the routines described above with reference to FIGS.
23-
32 were described in the context of being implemented via one or more gaming
servers 52, each of these routines may also be implemented on a gaming unit 20
without a gaming server. As an illustration, the poker routine 962 of FIG. 24
will
now be described in the context of being implemented on a gaming unit 20. One
skilled in the art will recognize that other gaming routines may be similarly
implemented on a gaming unit 20.
[00275] Referring now to FIGS. 23 the player selectable buttons 952,
954,
955, 956, 957, and 958 may be, for example, buttons, buttons displayed on the
display unit 170, etc. Depending on the type of button used, the buttons may
be
selected by, for example, pressing the button, pressing an area of a touch
screen
display, selecting with a mouse, or joystick, etc. Additionally, as described
above,
submitting biometric data may be a mechanism for providing a game play
selection
(e.g., a "Play" selection). Or, biometric data (and optionally location data)
may be
submitted in conjunction with making the game play selection.
[00276] Referring to FIG. 24, at block 964, if the player has
requested
payout information, such as by activating the "See Pays" button 955, at block
966
the routine may cause one or more pay tables to be displayed on the display
unit
170 of the gaming unit 20.
66
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

[00277] At block 968, the player may attempt to make a bet by, for
example,
selecting the "Bet One Credit" button 956. At block 976, bet data
corresponding to
the bet made by the player may be stored in a memory (for example, the memory
of the gaming unit controller 200).
[00278] At block 978, the routine may determine whether the player has
activated the "Bet Max Credits" button 957. If yes, control may pass to block
980.
At block 980, bet data corresponding to the bet made by the player may be
stored
in a memory (for example, the memory of the gaming unit controller 200).
[00279] At block 982, the routine may determine if the player desires
a new
hand to be dealt, (for example, by detecting a selection of the "Deal/Draw"
button
958). If yes, then control may pass to blocks 970. At block 970, biometric
data may
be obtained from the player and checked to see whether it matches that of a
registered user. For instance, the gaming unit 20 may obtain biometric data
from
the user and transmit the biometric data to the authentication server 58 and
request
that the authentication server 58 determine whether that biometric data
matches
biometric data of a registered user. The authentication server 58 may utilize
a
routine such as routine 770 (FIG. 19). In embodiments that do not include an
authentication server 58, the determination of whether the biometric data
matches
biometric data of a registered user may be implemented with another computing
device, such as the network computer 22 or the gaming unit 20. For instance,
the
gaming unit 20 may compare the biometric data obtained from the player and
compare it to biometric data stored on a smart card.
[00280] In another embodiment, at block 970, operational control may
pass
from the gaming unit 20 to the authentication server 58, or to whatever
computing
system that implements block 970. Then, operational control may pass back to
the
gaming unit 20 at block 972.
[00281] If the biometric data does match that of a registered user,
and,
optionally, the user identified by the biometric data is permitted to play,
control
may pass to block 984. If the biometric data does not match that of a
registered
user permitted to play, then the routine may end. Prior to ending, a display
may be
generated which indicates to the player that he or she has been refused access
to
67
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

play the game. The display may optionally indicate why access was denied.
Additionally, instead of ending, the routine may branch back to block 964.
[00282] As discussed previously, submission of biometric data may be
integrated with the determination of whether the player desires a new hand to
be
dealt. For example, the player may submit biometric data in order to request,
or
when requesting, a new hand to be dealt. Thus, blocks 982, 970, and 972 may be

integrated, their order rearranged, etc.
[00283] At block 984, a video poker hand may be "dealt" by causing
the
display unit 170 to generate the playing card images 951. After the hand is
dealt, at
block 986 the routine may determine if the player selected a "Hold" button
952. If
yes, data regarding which of the playing card images 951 are to be "held" may
be
stored in a memory (for example, the memory of the gaming unit controller 200)
at
block 388.
[00284] If the user selects the "Deal/Draw" button 958 as determined
at
block 990, each of the playing card images 951 -that was not "held" may be
caused
to disappear from the video display 950 and to be replaced by a new, randomly
selected, playing card image 951 at block 992.
[00285] At block 994, the routine may determine whether the poker
hand
represented by the playing card images 951 currently displayed is a winner.
That
determination may be made by comparing data representing the currently
displayed poker hand with data representing all possible winning hands, which
may be stored in a memory (for example, the memory of the gaming unit
controller
200). If there is a winning hand, a payout value corresponding to the winning
hand
may be determined at block 996. At block 998, the player's cumulative value or
number of credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and
adding, if the hand was a winner, the payout value determined at block 996.
The
cumulative value or number of credits may also be displayed in the display
area
959 (FIG. 23).
[00286] In the above description, various methods have been described
with
reference to flow diagrams. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in
the art
that each of these methods may be implemented, in whole or in part, by
software,
68
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

hardware, and/or firmware. If implemented, in whole or in part, by software,
the
software may be stored on a tangible medium such as a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a
hard drive, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a read-only memory (ROM), etc.
[00287] Further, although the examples described above were described
with reference to various flow diagrams, one of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that many other methods may alternatively be used. For instance,
various levels of authentication may alternatively be used. As one example,
for
small wagers may require submission of biometric data corresponding to one
fingerprint, whereas large wagers may require submitting finger prints from
multiple different fingers, submitting to an eye scan in addition to a finger
print
scan, etc. Also, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and/or
some
or all of the blocks may be changed, eliminated, or combined.
[00288] In various embodiments, a gaming apparatus may be used for
making purchases. In various embodiments, a mobile gaming unit may be used for
making purchases. The gaming apparatus may display and/or may store a balance
of casino credits, cash, comp points, or other valuable currency. The currency
may
be used to acquire products or services, such as jewelry, meals, entry into a
spa,
and any other products or services. In various embodiments, a user may bring a

mobile gaming unit to a store. The user may select an item to buy. Price
information about the item may then be communicated to the mobile gaming unit.
The price may be communicated in various ways. The mobile gaming unit may
detect an RFID tag on the product. The RFID tag may transmit a signal
indicative
of the price of the item. The mobile gaming unit may also receive price
information from a point-of-sale (PUS) terminal of the store. For example, the
mobile gaming unit and the PUS terminal may communicate via wireless
transmissions (e.g., via infrared transmissions). The mobile gaming unit may
also
receive pricing information through one or more networks or network devices.
The mobile gaming unit may receive pricing information through a casino
network, and from a gaming server, website server, or any other server. The
mobile gaming unit may also receive pricing information through another
network,
such as through a retail network. For example, the mobile gaming unit may
receive pricing information that has been transmitted from a PUS terminal to
69
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

another device in a retail network, then to a device in a casino network, then
to the
mobile gaming unit. Upon receiving pricing information, or even without having

received pricing information, the mobile gaming device may query the user to
see
whether he wishes to pay the price for the item. The user may then either
indicate
an acceptance or not. For example, a user may press a button on the mobile
gaming unit, with one button indicating acceptance and one button indicating
that
the user does not accept. If the user does accept, the user may be asked to
input a
biometric. For example, the user may be asked to put his thumb on a biometric
reader associated with the mobile gaming unit. The user's biometric may then
be
used to authenticate the user, e.g., by transmitting the biometric to the
authentication server. After the user has been authenticated, a deduction of
money, credits, or other currency may be authorized from an account associated

with the user. For example, gaming credits may be deducted from the user's
credit
balance. The gaming credits or other currency deducted from the user may be
added to a balance associated with the retailer or other party from whom the
user is
making a purchase. In various embodiments, an equivalent value may be added to

the balance associated with the merchant or other party. Thus, in various
embodiments, a user may use a biometric input to authorize a purchasing
transaction. The transaction may further take place using gaming credits, comp
points, or other casino related currency. In various embodiments, the
transaction
may take place using credits that a user has won while playing at a gaming
apparatus, such as at a mobile gaming unit. In various embodiments, a
purchasing
transaction may take place through any gaming apparatus. A user may authorize
a
purchase to be made through a slot machine, video poker machine, or through
any
other gaming device. To provide authorization, the user may provide a
biometric
input, such as a finger print. In various embodiments, a user may make a
purchase
from the Internet through a gaming apparatus. The user may be asked a price or

may be asked whether a certain price is acceptable for making a purchase. The
user may provide a biometric input to effect the authorization of the
purchase. A
number of gaming credits equivalent to the price may then be deducted from the
user's account. An equivalent amount of money may then be transmitted to the
merchant from whom the purchase is being made. In various embodiments, the
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

casino may keep a fee, such as 2% of the purchase price, for enabling the
transaction (e.g., for transmitting information between the user's gaming
device
and the merchant's server on the Internet).
[00289] In various embodiments, a user may make a purchase selection
when the user indicates an item to buy, indicates a price he is willing to pay
for an
item, indicates approval when asked if he wants to buy an item, indicates via
input
buttons or other input mechanisms to his gaming unit that he wishes to buy an
item, or in any other way indicates a desire to make a purchase.
[00290] In various embodiments, permitting a purchase selection may
include permitting a person to go through with a purchase. Permitting a
purchase
selection may include allowing a person to pay for a product or service using
some
account or balance, and allowing the person to receive the product or service.
[00291] In various embodiments, a user may supply a biometric input
in
order to authorize a credit card transaction. The user may supply the
biometric
input to a gaming unit, whereupon data about the biometric input may be
transmitted to one or more other devices in a network. If the biometric input
is
found to match a biometric already associated with the user's credit card,
then the
credit card transaction may be allowed to proceed. Various embodiments may
similarly apply to debit card, smart card, and charge card transactions made
through a gaming unit.
[00292] In various embodiments, a user may supply a biometric in
order to
authorize any payment made through a gaming unit, such as through mobile
gaming unit.
[00293] In various embodiments, a user may be asked to provide a
biometric
authentication if the user has indicated a play or decision that is considered
poor
strategy. In games such as video poker and blackjack, the user has the
opportunity
to make plays that may significantly impact his chances of winning or losing.
When there are a number of possible plays available, the plays may be ranked
according to some criteria. For example, plays may be ranked according to the
expected winnings that result from the play. A user who selects a play that
falls
low in the rankings of possible plays (e.g., low in the rankings according to
71
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

expected winnings) may be asked to provide a biometric input before the user's

decision takes effect. In various embodiments, a user who selects a play with
a
score or ranking that differs from an optimal score or from a top ranking by a

certain amount will be asked to enter a biometric input before the user's
decision
takes effect. For example, if a user can make a decision in a game that
results in
expected winnings of $5, the user may be asked for a biometric input if he
chooses
any play with expected winnings of less than $4. In various embodiments,
asking
a user to provide a biometric input prior to making a "bad" play may help to
ensure
that the user is truly the one making the decision and it is not some stranger
making the decision.
[00294] In various embodiments, a user may be asked to provide a
biometric
input when claiming a jackpot or other large payout or prize. In various
embodiments, the user may be provided with the jackpot only if the biometric
input provided when he is claiming the jackpot matches the biometric input
that
was provided to the gaming unit, before the jackpot game, that generated the
jackpot. In various embodiments, if a particular gaming unit is registered to
a
particular user with a biometric input on record, a jackpot won at that gaming

device may only be claimed by a user who supplies a matching biometric
[00295] In various embodiments, a biometric input may be asked of a
user in
order to initiate a sequence of automatically played games. For example, a
user
may request that a gaming device generate 100 games automatically for the user

without further input from the user. The gaming unit may require a biometric
input
from the user in order to initiate the sequence. Once an authentication of the

biometric input has taken place (e.g., once it has been determined that the
biometric input matches that provided by the user who had initially registered
his
biometric input in association with the gaming unit), the sequence of
automatic
games may commence. In various embodiments, a user must supply a biometric
input in order to bring a sequence of automatically generated games to a halt
before the sequence has been completed.
[00296] In various embodiments, a user may be asked to supply a biometric
input at a gaming unit in order to place a phone call through the unit. If the
72
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

biometric input is authenticated, the user may be allowed to make a phone
call. The unit may
allow a phone call, for example, by transmitting and receiving wireless
signals from a cellular
base station, and by transforming voice signals to and from electronic signals
using, e.g.,
microphones and speakers.
1002971 In various embodiments, a player may be permitted or prevented from
making
a purchase through a gaming unit based on the location of the gaming unit. For
example, if
the location of the gaming unit is a first location, a purchase may be
permitted, while if the
location of the gaming unit is a second location, the purchase may be denied.
For example, a
casino may wish to make some shops exclusive to premium players. Thus, players
trying to
pay through mobile gaming units at those premium shops may be denied the
ability. In
various embodiments, allowed purchases may require a valid biometric and a
valid location.
[00298] Embodiment 1. A gaming apparatus, comprising:
a display unit;
an input device to allow a player to input a selection; and
a controller that is in communication with the display unit, the input device,
a
network, and a biometric device, in which the controller comprises:
a processor; and
a memory, in which the memory stores instructions which, when executed by
the processor, direct the processor to perform the method of:
receiving a request to play a game from the player;
receiving a wager from the player;
receiving a request to make a purchase from the player;
receiving biometric data of the player via the biometric device, in which the
received biometric data is coupled with the purchase;
transmitting the received biometric data to an authentication server via the
network;
receiving an indication from the authentication server that the player is
permitted to
make the purchase based at least in part on the received biometric data;
generating on the display unit a video image relating to the game; and
determining a value payout that is associated with an outcome of the game.
[00299] Embodiment 2. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 1, in which
the
73
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

authentication server matches the received biometric data with biometric data
that is stored on
the authentication server.
[00300] Embodiment 3. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 1, in which
the game is
selected from a group consisting of:
video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video keno, and video bingo.
[00301] Embodiment 4. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 1 further
comprising:
a position sensing device that is in communication with the controller.
[00302] Embodiment 5. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 4, in which
the memory
further stores instruction which, when executed by the processor, direct the
processor to
perform the method of:
receiving location data from the position sensing device, in which the
location data
indicates a location of the gaming apparatus.
1003031 Embodiment 6. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 5, in which
the memory
further stores instruction which, when executed by the processor, direct the
processor to
perform the method of:
transmitting the received location data to the authentication server via the
network, in
which the authentication server determines whether the location data matches
with a plurality
of locations that is stored on the authentication server;
receiving an indication from the authentication server that the player is
permitted to
play a game based at least in part on the location data.
1003041 Embodiment 7. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 6, in which
the
authentication server determines that the location of the gaming apparatus is
a permitted
location.
[00305] Embodiment 8. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 1 further
comprising:
a smart card reader that is in communication with the controller.
1003061 Embodiment 9. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 8, in which
the memory
further stores instruction which, when executed by the processor, direct the
processor to
perform the method of:
comparing the received biometric data with biometric data that is stored on
the smart
card;
determining that the received biometric data matches the biometric data that
is stored
74
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

on the smart card; and
transmitting an indication that the player is permitted to make the purchase.
[00307] Embodiment 10. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 8, in which
the memory
further stores instruction which, when executed by the processor, direct the
processor to
perform the method of:
comparing the received biometric data with biometric data that is stored on
the smart
card;
determining that the received biometric data does not match the biometric data
that is
stored on the smart card; and
transmitting an indication that the player is not permitted to make the
purchase.
[00308] Embodiment 11. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 1, further
comprising:
a value input device for receiving a medium of value from the player.
1003091 Embodiment 12. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 1, in which
the
biometric device comprises a fingerprint scanner.
[00310] Embodiment 13. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 12, in which the
fingerprint scanner is integrated with a button.
1003111 Embodiment 14. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 13, in which
the
memory further stores instruction which, when executed by the processor,
direct the processor
to perform the method of:
determining that the player has made the purchase selection when the button is
activated.
1003121 Embodiment 15. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 12, in which
the
fingerprint scanner is integrated with a touch screen.
[00313] Embodiment 16. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 15, in which
the
memory further stores instruction which, when executed by the processor,
direct the processor
to perform the method of:
determining that the player has made the purchase selection when a touch on
the
fingerprint scanner is detected.
[00314] Embodiment 17. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 12, in which
the
fingerprint scanner is integrated with a lever.
[00315] Embodiment 18. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 17, in which
the
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

memory further stores instruction which, when executed by the processor,
direct the processor
to perform the method of:
determining that the player has made the purchase selection when the lever is
activated.
1003161 Embodiment 19. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 12, in which the
fingerprint scanner is integrated with a smart card.
[00317] Embodiment 20. The gaming apparatus of embodiment 1, in which
the memory
further stores instruction which, when executed by the processor, direct the
processor to
perform the method of:
applying a digital signature to the biometric data in order to encrypt the
biometric
data.
[00318] Embodiment 21. A method of facilitating the playing of a game
via a gaming
apparatus, the method comprising:
receiving a request to play a game from the player;
receiving a wager from the player;
receiving a request to make a purchase from the player;
receiving biometric data of the player via a biometric device, in which the
received
biometric data is coupled with the purchase;
transmitting the received biometric data to an authentication server via the
network;
receiving an indication from the authentication server that the player is
permitted to
make the purchase based at least in part on the received biometric data;
generating on a display unit a video image relating to the game; and
determining a value payout that is associated with an outcome of the game.
[00319] Embodiment 22. An article of manufacture comprising:
a storage medium, in which the storage medium stores instructions which, when
executed by a processor, direct the processor to perform the method of:
receiving a request to play a game from the player;
receiving a wager from the player;
receiving a request to make a purchase from the player;
receiving biometric data of the player via a biometric device, in which the
received
biometric data is coupled with the purchase;
76
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

transmitting the received biometric data to an authentication server via the
network;
receiving an indication from the authentication server that the player is
permitted to make the purchase based at least in part on the received
biometric data;
generating on a display unit a video image relating to the game; and
determining a value payout that is associated with an outcome of the game.
77
Date recue/Date Received 2021-02-03

Representative Drawing