Abstract:
An integrated computing device (tool) and method for creating a floor layout, analyzing the layout from the simulated point of view of a patron within the floor, and assessing the performance of a layout in real time or with historical data.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to layout and performance analysis of a casino gaming floor and the devices therein. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A modern casino is a fully networked environment where the games and even the tables contain computing devices. Optimizing the performance of the equipment is essential to maximize return on very significant investment in hardware and real estate. Often times in a casino a person may have no idea that a game or other attraction of interest lies just around the corner. 
         [0003]    Additionally, as a game machine can now be reconfigured to play different games by configuring the machine over the network, many aspects of the gaming environment can be reconfigured. Efficiently laying out the gaming floor, and understanding the impact and consequences of various arrangements and configurations aids in maximization of both patron enjoyment and casino revenue. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Embodiments relate to an integrated computing device (tool) and method for creating a floor layout, analyzing the layout from the simulated point of view of a patron within the floor, and assessing the performance of a layout in real time or with historical data. 
         [0005]    One aspect relates to a casino management device that comprises a group of one or more computers configured to layout a floorplan of a casino gaming floor and to create a 3 dimensional model of at least two different types of casino gaming machines or tables. The device is further configured to create a 3 dimensional model of one or more types of casino game tables, allow a user to place the 3 dimensional models of the casino gaming machines and game tables within the floorplan of the casino gaming floor, and render a 3 dimensional model of the floorplan with the gaming machines and game tables in two dimensions for a two dimensional display. The user may also manipulate a point of view within the rendered 3 dimensional model such that the point of view is at a viewing height less than a height of at least one gaming machine or game table and the point of view allows for line of sight view between a simulated viewpoint of a patron and at least one gaming machine or game table. 
         [0006]    The device is further configured to access performance data of physical gaming machines and game tables on the casino floor, correlate the performance data of a physical gaming machine or game table with a model of the physical machine or table, correlate the performance data of the physical gaming machine or game table with the location of the machine or table within the floorplan of the casino gaming floor, and render a model of the casino gaming floor showing the performance of a selection of correlated gaming machines and game tables with a graphical representation of the performance, each graphical representation displayed at the location of the physical gaming machine within the casino gaming floor. 
         [0007]    Another aspect relates to a method for optimizing the placement and productivity of wager based games. The method comprises creating a three dimensional model of at least two different types of casino gaming machines or game tables, allowing a user to place the 3 dimensional models of the casino gaming machines and game tables within a layout of the casino gaming floor, and rendering a 3 dimensional model of the layout with the gaming machines and game tables in two dimensions for a two dimensional display. 
         [0008]    The method further comprises manipulating a point of view within the rendered 3 dimensional model such that the point of view is at a viewing height less than a height of at least one gaming machine or game table and the point of view allows for a line of sight view between rendered items within the casino gaming floor. 
         [0009]    In addition, the method allows for accessing performance data of physical gaming machines and game tables on the casino floor, correlating the performance data of a physical gaming machine or game table with a model of the physical machine or table, and correlating the performance data of the physical gaming machine or game table with the location of the machine or table within the created layout of the casino gaming floor. As such the a model of the casino gaming floor can then be rendered showing the performance of a selection of correlated gaming machines and game tables with a graphical representation of the performance, each graphical representation displayed at the location of the physical gaming machine within the casino gaming floor. 
         [0010]    This allows for a large amount of data to be easily absorbed by the operator, and for a user to select his criteria of choice to be displayed. The graphical nature of the data, and its display at the location of the gaming machine, especially when rendered in 3D allows for rapid tracking of the performance of various iterations of designs. 
         [0011]    These and other features and benefits of aspects of the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the associated drawings. In addition, other methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and process steps for the disclosed layout and management systems and methods. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the invention by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  depicts a simplified example of a gaming establishment and related devices that may be used for some implementations of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a gaming network that may be used for some implementations of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A  is a simplified example of a 3D rendering of some casino games. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3B  is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of casino layout and performance tracking. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4A  depicts three dimensional rendering of configurable performance metrics at gaming machine locations. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a graph of a performance metric over time. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a graphical performance marker for a particular machine. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  illustrates an interface for performance analysis. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate an example of graphical performance depiction. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a casino floor layout and  FIG. 7B  illustrates the layout with the assets indicating a level of performance for a selected metric. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    While the present invention will be described with reference to a few specific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Various modifications to the present invention can be made to the preferred embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  depicts a simplified example of a casino configured for implementing some aspects of the invention. In this example, gaming establishment  100  includes valet area  130 , lobby  102  and nearby shops  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110  and  112 . These shops may include a range of retail establishments, including but not limited to souvenir shops, jewelry stores, clothing stores and the like. Food and beverage establishments  114 ,  116 ,  118  and  120  may include restaurants, sushi bars, buffets, or any such dining and/or drinking establishment. 
         [0025]    Bar  122  is an island in the midst of the main casino/gaming area  126  that includes various gaming machines  127 . Preferably, at least some of gaming machines  127  are configured for communication with other devices, including but not limited to one or more of servers  148 , in order to provide various features discussed elsewhere herein. Auditorium  124  includes a stage and seating (not shown) for live performances. At the moment indicated in  FIG. 1 , a number of patrons  160  are exiting auditorium  124 . 
         [0026]    Operators  145  and various devices for providing services and managing gaming establishment  100  may be seen in control room  128 . This area includes host devices  142  to facilitate the communication of operators  145  with various other devices, such as other host devices  142  (which may serve as cash registers, hotel registration terminals, etc.), PDAs  138 , laptops  140 , gaming machines  127 , etc. Host devices  142  may comprise desktop computers, laptops, workstations, or other such devices. Operators  145  may also communicate with other people, including but not limited to casino personnel  147 , via PDAs  138 , telephones, etc. 
         [0027]    Host devices  142  (and other devices, as needed) are also configured for communication with servers  148 , computing devices  150 , storage devices  152  and external network  158 , via gateway  154  and firewall  156 . Network  158  is the Internet in this example, but may be one or more public or private networks. According to some implementations of the invention, additional storage devices and related devices may be accessed via network  158 , e.g., a storage area network (“SAN”) or other types of network storage. 
         [0028]    Control room  128  includes a plurality of monitors  143  for, inter alia, receiving image data from cameras  132 . Cameras  132  may include, for example, “smart cameras,” closed circuit television (“CCTV”) cameras, closed circuit digital photography (“CCDP”) cameras, range cameras and/or webcams. Accordingly, the image data displayed on monitors  143  may include still digital images, video feeds, freeze-frames, etc. Such image data may be used for various purposes, including not only security purposes known in the art but also some implementations of the present invention. 
         [0029]    Servers  148  and/or computing devices  150  may be configured to perform various functions, including but not limited to real-time player tracking and/or player loyalty functions, patron identification functions (including but not limited to biometric functions such as facial recognition functions), patron location functions, licensing, gaming, accounting, security services, etc. These functions may include those known in the art and those specific to the present invention. At least some of servers  148  may be configured for communication with cameras  132  and other devices, in order to provide real-time player tracking functionality and other methods described herein. 
         [0030]    Relevant information is set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/225,407 (Attorney Docket No. IGT1P237/P-1051), by Wolf et al., entitled “METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MANAGING GAMING NETWORKS” and filed Sep. 12, 2005, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/757,609 by Nelson et al., entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR GAMING DATA DOWNLOADING” (Attorney Docket No. IGT1P213/P-657) and filed on Jan. 14, 2004, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/938,293 by Benbrahim et al., entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DATA COMMUNICATION IN A GAMING SYSTEM” (Attorney Docket No. IGT1P199/P-909) and filed on Sep. 10, 2004, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/225,337 (Attorney Docket No. IGT1P185/P-1017) by Nguyen et al., filed Sep. 12, 2005 and entitled “DISTRIBUTED GAME SERVICES” and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/173,442 (Attorney Docket No. IGT1P153/P-991) by Kinsley et al., filed Jul. 1, 2005 and entitled “METHODS AND DEVICES FOR DOWNLOADING GAMES OF CHANCE,” all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety and for all purposes. Some examples of gaming networks and devices are set forth below. 
         [0031]    Example Gaming Establishment Systems 
         [0032]    Embodiments of the present invention are used to layout a casino floor and network of gaming devices, described below. 
         [0033]    One example of a network topology is shown in  FIG. 2 . Those of skill in the art will realize that this exemplary architecture and the related functionality are merely examples and that the present invention encompasses many other such embodiments and methods. Here, for example, a single gaming establishment  505  is illustrated, which is a casino in this example. However, it should be understood that some implementations of the present invention involve multiple gaming establishments. 
         [0034]    Gaming establishment  505  includes 16 gaming machines  2 , each of which is part of a bank  510  of gaming machines  2 . In this example, gaming establishment  505  also includes a bank of networked gaming tables  517 . It will be appreciated that many gaming establishments include hundreds or even thousands of gaming machines  2  and/or gaming tables  517 , not all of which are included in a bank. However, the present invention may be implemented in gaming establishments having any number of gaming machines, gaming tables, etc. 
         [0035]    Various alternative network topologies can be used to implement different aspects of the invention and/or to accommodate varying numbers of networked devices. For example, gaming establishments with very large numbers of gaming machines  2  may require multiple instances of some network devices (e.g., of main network device  525 , which combines switching and routing functionality in this example) and/or the inclusion of other network devices not shown in  FIG. 2 . For example, some implementations of the invention include one or more middleware servers disposed between gaming machines  2  and server  530 . Such middleware servers can provide various useful functions, including but not limited to the filtering and/or aggregation of data received from bank switches  515 , from individual gaming machines and from other player terminals. Some implementations of the invention include load balancing methods and devices for managing network traffic. 
         [0036]    Each bank  510  has a corresponding bank switch  515 , which may be a conventional bank switch. Each bank switch is connected to server-based gaming (“SBG”) server  530  via main network device  525 , which combines switching and routing functionality in this example. 
         [0037]    Although various floor communication protocols may be used, some preferred implementations use the Game to System or “G2S” protocol. The GS2 protocol combines features of IGT&#39;s open, Ethernet-based SuperSAS® protocol and the Best of Breed (“BOB”) protocol, either of which may also be used to implement various aspects of SBG. IGT has also developed a gaming-industry-specific transport layer called CASH that rides on top of TCP/IP and offers additional functionality and security. 
         [0038]    SBG server  530 , License Manager  531 , Arbiter  133 , servers  532 ,  534 ,  536  and  538 , and main network device  525  are disposed within computer room  520  of gaming establishment  505 . In practice, more or fewer servers may be used. Some of these servers may be configured to perform tasks relating to player loyalty and/or player tracking, bonusing/progressives, etc. Some servers may be configured to perform tasks specific to the present invention. License Manager  531  may also be implemented, at least in part, via a server or a similar device. Some exemplary operations of License Manager  531  are described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/225,408 (Attorney Docket No. IGT1P253), entitled “METHODS AND DEVICES FOR AUTHENTICATION AND LICENSING IN A GAMING NETWORK” by Kinsley et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0039]    SBG server  530  can also be configured to implement, at least in part, various aspects of the present invention. Some preferred embodiments of SBG server  530  and the other servers shown in  FIG. 2  include (or are at least in communication with) clustered CPUs, redundant storage devices, including backup storage devices, switches, etc. Such storage devices may include a redundant array of inexpensive disks (“RAID”), back-up hard drives and/or tape drives, etc. Preferably, a Radius and a DHCP server are also configured for communication with the gaming network. Some implementations of the invention provide one or more of these servers in the form of blade servers. 
         [0040]    In some implementations of the invention, many of these devices (including but not limited to License Manager  531 , servers  532 ,  534 ,  536  and  538 , and main network device  525 ) are mounted in a single rack with SBG server  530 . Accordingly, many or all such devices will sometimes be referenced in the aggregate as an “SBG server.” However, in alternative implementations, one or more of these devices is in communication with SBG server  530  and/or other devices of the network but located elsewhere. For example, some of the devices could be mounted in separate racks within computer room  520  or located elsewhere on the network. For example, it can be advantageous to store large volumes of data elsewhere via a storage area network (“SAN”). 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, these components are SBG server  530  preferably has an uninterruptible power supply (“UPS”). The UPS may be, for example, a rack-mounted UPS module. 
         [0042]    Computer room  520  may include one or more operator consoles or other host devices that are configured for communication with SBG server  530 . Such host devices may be provided with software, hardware and/or firmware for implementing various aspects of the invention; many of these aspects involve controlling SBG server  530 . However, such host devices need not be located within computer room  520 . Wired host device  560  (which is a laptop computer in this example) and wireless host device  570  (which is a PDA in this example) may be located elsewhere in gaming establishment  505  or at a remote location. Accordingly, one or more devices in casino  505  may be configured for communication with locations not limited to those indicated in  FIG. 2 , e.g., via the Internet or another convenient network. 
         [0043]    Arbiter  133  may be implemented, for example, via software that is running on a server or another networked device. Arbiter  133  serves as an intermediary between different devices on the network. Some implementations of Arbiter  133  are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/948,387, entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR NEGOTIATING COMMUNICATIONS WITHIN A GAMING NETWORK” and filed Sep. 23, 2004 (the “Arbiter Application”), which is incorporated herein by reference and for all purposes. In some preferred implementations, Arbiter  133  is a repository for the configuration information required for communication between devices on the gaming network (and, in some implementations, devices outside the gaming network). 
         [0044]    Casino Layout and Performance Tracking 
         [0045]    Optimizing the layout of a casino floor and the performance of the equipment on the floor is an important aspect of maximizing return on very significant investment in gaming assets and real estate. Efficiently laying out the gaming floor, and understanding the impact and consequences of various arrangements and configurations aids in maximization of both patron enjoyment and casino revenue. 
         [0046]    Embodiments of the invention allow a user to create a three dimensional model of a casino floor layout, as seen in  FIG. 3A . This is done using a computing device comprising a microprocessor, random access memory, a non volatile mass storage device, and various input output devices such as a monitor, D-pad, joystick, keyboard, mouse and the like. The microprocessor may be special purpose graphics processing unit (“GPU”) or may be used in conjunction with a GPU. The computing device may in certain embodiments be networked to a casino gaming network such as that show in  FIG. 2  and described above. When used to layout the machines it is networked to, the device can automatically determine the identity of all the various electronic gaming machines and other networked devices, along with the configuration of the devices. The computing device can instantly gain access to this information by querying the network. Having instant access to this often rapidly changing information is advantageous and facilitates accurate and rapid layout. 
         [0047]    In one embodiment, the computing device is a gaming machine as described above. This allows utilization of the graphics capability of the machine and an available joystick allows for natural manipulation and travel through a three dimensional rendering. 
         [0048]    The layout may be created from scratch or may use a CAD file as an input. In either case, layout requires no knowledge of CAD programs, and is easy enough that a person not skilled in CAD can layout the floor. 
         [0049]    Because the model is three dimensional (although rendered in two dimensions) the point of view can be manipulated so that it is within the three dimensional model. One particularly advantageous viewpoint is at the sight level of a patron on the floor (below the top of many machines and other viewing obstacles). This enables the user to have a patron&#39;s line of sight view and to see and track what the patron would see if walking through the facility. This allows more optimal placement of games/tables, collectively “gaming devices” in order to attract patrons. For example, if a patron might be interested in playing a particular type of game, but cannot see the game, the opportunity for both the patron and the casino may be lost. The game of interest may even be quite close to the patron, but because it is out of the line of sight, the patron may never know about it. Given advanced player tracking techniques and systems, it is known what type and groups of games a player may be interested in with a relatively high degree of accuracy. Thus, the present invention capitalizes on that knowledge, by allowing iterations of casino floor designs to be made and the performance tracked over time, as described below. 
         [0050]      FIG. 3B  is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of casino layout and performance tracking. 
         [0051]    In step  304 , a user of the system creates a layout or floorplan of a casino gaming floor. As mentioned above, this can be made from scratch or by inputting previously designed building or floor plan from CAD as a basis. Next, in step  308 , the user and system create a 3 dimensional model of the gaming machines, tables, and other infrastructure present on and part of the floor. 
         [0052]    The system then allows the user to place the 3 dimensional models of the casino gaming machines and game tables etc. within the floorplan in step  312 . Then, the system renders a 3 dimensional model of the floorplan with the gaming machines and game tables in two dimensions for a two dimensional display. This rendering of course continues when the user manipulates a point of view within the rendered 3 dimensional model. Notably, the user can see the point of view of a patron walking between banks of games, tables and other infrastructure of the casino floor, which allows for line of sight view between patron and at least one gaming machine or game table. A user can also move between such a point of view and a birds eye view rendered in three dimensions, which is very helpful in a contextual analysis. 
         [0053]    Next, in step  324 , the system may then access performance data/metrics of physical gaming machines and game tables on the casino floor. Examples of these metrics will be discussed below. This may be done through an interface such as that shown in  FIG. 5 . This data may be real time data and/or historical data. Then, in steps  328  and  332 , the performance data for each gaming device is correlated with its virtual model and location within the floor. In step  336 , the system then renders a model of the casing floor showing the performance of a selection of correlated gaming machines and game tables with a graphical representation of the performance. Each graphical representation is displayed at the location of the physical gaming machine within the casino gaming floor. This correlation between the location on the floor and performance is easily accessible to any casino operator and provides much information at a glance, with further information available as one drills down on a particular device or group of devices for more detailed analysis. 
         [0054]    A number of painting/analyzer/color ramp indexed reports may be provided. A color ramp or index is created to provide the user a quick understanding of a metric as it relates to the actual drawing of the casino and gaming assets on the floor. This can include value fields as well as small sets of attributes where the index display is not too large. For all gaming assets that are color ramped or painted to the floor, any asset has the capability to drill down into the distinct asset&#39;s individual information. If an asset is on the map a right click by the user will produce a standard condensed dashboard of performance in a representative dialogue box. 
         [0055]    Some example metrics that may be displayed either graphically or accompany a graphic in text form are listed below:
       Historical Timecode Painting in a current and time series format   Categorized Values
           Numeric Classification, Equal Interval, Quantile, Natural Breaks (Jenks)   
           CoinIn Color Ramp   Denominations Color Ramp   Display Type   Game Type   Manufacturers   Metered Win Color Ramp   Occupancy Percentage   Time-code Toolbar for time series and playing individual instances between two points in time   Configure DB Text Placement Automatically with specific emphasis on legibility for diagonal and ‘tight’ fitting machines.   Download Canned DB Text   Control/Introduce Canned Analyzers @ Corp   Support Historical Timecode DB Text Updating   Bank Average Coin In   Bank Average Metered Win   Slot Denominations   Machine Location   Machine Number   Player Occupancy   Slot Coin In   Slot Par   Slot Metered Win       
 
         [0080]      FIG. 4A  depicts a selected performance metric “cash count”  402  for each gaming device on the floor. Three dimensional geometric figures are shown at the location of each machine in 3-D graph/floor  404 . A graph  406  of another selected metric, in this example “floor income” is shown over time. The user can select context markers to display on the timeline of graph  406 . Historical context markers  412 A,  412 B, and  412 C are also shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B . In this example, marker  412 A indicates daylight savings time; marker  412 B indicates when March Madness began; and marker  412 C is St. Patrick&#39;s day. An adjustable time window  410  can be manipulated to show a median, average, high or low value for one or more performance metrics within the window. The window may also function as a rolling window that moves over time to follow real time data or as directed by the user. 
         [0081]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a graphical performance marker for a particular machine. The marker comprises geometric shape  416  and base  420 . The shape, color, transparency, height, width, and depth of the geometric shape may each independently be associated with different performance metrics. Likewise, the same characteristics of base  420  may also be associated with various performance metrics. 
         [0082]    This graphical layout of both gaming devices and performance metrics of the devices can also be utilized to conduct predictive modeling. For example, a designer may create a physical layout and configure what games may be downloaded to various devices. Based on prior performance data accessed from databases, “what if” performance scenarios can be developed. Using a visual display, a designer or operator may drag and drop an icon representing a gaming device type onto a machine where a player is playing, and see the performance combination of the particular player, game, and location. For further detail on predictive modeling, please refer to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/205,646 to Javier Saenz, entitled “Predictive Modeling in a Gaming System,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in the entirety. 
         [0083]      FIG. 5  illustrates an interface for performance analysis. A user may select to analyze real time data, using button  432  or historical data using button  434 . Data may also be analyzed in terms of machines/tables with button  436  or players with button  438 . Current performance by day/week/month quarter to date/year to date etc. may be graphed and analyzed with button  440 , as can a prior comparative benchmark period using button  442 . 
         [0084]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate example data presentation formats that allow rapid uptake and understanding of performance data.  FIG. 6A  illustrates how standard data in row and column format may be transformed and presented in a graphical format. Note that the three dimensional layout shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  is shown on one face in  FIG. 6A . Performance metrics over a region (geographic map) may also be selected, analyzed, and displayed, along with a casino floor map, and various networks within one or more casinos, for example. 
         [0085]      FIG. 7A  illustrates a view of a casino floor  702 , where each of the machines and tables is located within other casino infrastructure. This two dimensional plan view may be changed to a three dimensional view by pressing button  704 . Colors representing high activity level or a high amount of a given metric may be displayed at the location of the machine/table, represented by the density of the pattern fill in  FIG. 7B . 
         [0086]    Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.