Abstract:
The invention provides systems, methods and devices for confirming a service request in a gaming machine, which includes, among other things, a service request signal actuator for transmitting a service request signal relating to a service request, a service request data interface for transmitting a service request verification query for presentation on the display, detecting the input response to the service request verification query, determining whether the input response either is a verification of the service request or a negation of the service request, and terminating the transmission of the service request verification query responsive to the determination of that the input response received is a negation of the service request.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/505,695, filed Jul. 8, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems and methods for improving gaming machine operations and efficiency, and more particularly, to systems and methods for confirming the legitimacy of a request for service or assistance transmitted from a gaming machine. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Electronic gaming machines (EGM), such as a slot machines, video poker, blackjack or keno machines, typically include an outer cabinet that houses a main controller, several peripheral devices, and wiring harnesses to electrically connect the peripheral devices to the main controller. The main controller may, for example, include one or more printed circuit boards carrying one or more processors, a plurality of logic devices, and one or more memory devices for storing executable program code and game data. The memory devices for storing executable code may, for example, include EPROMS, hard disk drives, SD-Cards, Compact FLASH cards, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and Smart Media cards. The stored executable code provides two basic functions, namely, providing an operating system for controlling the gaming machine and handling communications between the gaming machine and an external network, and the game code for conducting a game on the gaming machine. 
         [0004]    EGMs often further include a button, or a virtual representation thereof, which allows players to request assistance from casino personnel, also commonly referred to as the “service button.” Once pressed, a signal will be transmitted via a wired or wireless communication network to a monitoring system, which is then relayed to personnel or attendants who may either be stationed on the gaming floor or otherwise will be deployed to the EGM from which the service signal was transmitted. While there are many legitimate reasons for requesting assistance, players will often falsely press the service button, either accidentally or through a misunderstanding of its intended use. Since casino personnel cannot tell the difference between a legitimate request for assistance and a false request, they must investigate each request as if the request were legitimate. It should be readily apparent that false requests result in a significant amount of wasted time and effort by casino personnel. Furthermore, it follows that a system and method for determining whether the request is false or legitimate would reduce or even eliminate such waste. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Some embodiments are directed to an EGM configured for providing an interactive game which includes a display, memory containing display content including game play content, a player interface for inputting information and player selections relating to the interactive game, wherein the player interface includes a service button, and a game controller configured for facilitating game play of the interactive game, including receiving information from the player interface and providing game content on the display during game play. The aforementioned EGM further includes programming which is responsive to actuation of the service button to provide a prompt on the display, wherein the prompt requests confirmation of the intention to actuate the service button and associated assistance. The EGM includes communication pathways to a server or a network of gaming machines. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, the gaming machine has at least one display, and the gaming machine is comprised of a service request signal actuator, service request data interface, and a service request signal indicator. The service request signal actuator operatively associated with the gaming machine and configured for transmitting a service request signal relating to a service request and identifying the associated gaming machine upon actuation thereof. The service request data interface in communication with the service request actuator and configured for (i) transmitting a service request verification query for presentation on the display, the transmission of the service request verification query being responsive to the detection of the service request signal, wherein the query requests an input response including one of either a verification of the service request or a negation of the service request, (ii) detecting the input response to the service request verification query, (iii) determining whether the input response either is a verification of the service request or a negation of the service request, and (iv) terminating the transmission of the service request verification query responsive to the determination of that the input response received is a negation of the service request. The service request indicator in communication with the service request data interface, wherein the service request indicator is configured to indicate a verified service request to the gaming machine associated therewith responsive to the determination that the input response received is a verification of the service request. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the service request signal actuator is a mechanical button or a touch sensitive display. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the service request data interface establishes an input based on a player selected portion of the display. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the service request indicator is in communication with a network of gaming machines, receives and/or indicates a verified service request to the network. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the service request data interface may suspend further play on the gaming machine for a set period of time, if the service request data interface does not receive verification or negation of the service request within the set period of time, then the service request data interface permits play to continue on the gaming machine. In some embodiments, the display illustrates the set period of time by a countdown of numbers. 
         [0011]    Some embodiments of the invention are also directed to methods for confirming a service request in a gaming machine. An exemplary method may include the steps of: receiving a service request signal relating to a service request; transmitting a service request verification query for presentation on the display, the transmission of the service request verification query being responsive to the detection of the service request signal, wherein the query requests an input response including one of either a verification of the service request or a negation of the service request; receiving the input response to the service request verification query; determining whether the input response is either a verification of the service request or a negation of the service request; and transmitting a verified service request signal if input response is a verification of the service request; or terminating the transmission of the service request verification query responsive to the determination of that the input response received is a negation of the service request. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the transmission of a service request signal originates from a mechanical button or a touch sensitive display, and the input response is based on the receiving of a signal indicating that a player selected portion of the display has been touched. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the verified service request is communicated to the network. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the aforementioned method further include the step of suspending the game play on the gaming machine and then releasing the game from the suspended state if no verification input or negation input of the service request is received within the predetermined period of time or the transmission of the service request verification query is terminated. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which at least some embodiments of the invention pertains will more readily understand how to make and use systems, devices and methods in accordance therewith, such embodiments thereof will be described in enabling detail herein below with reference to the drawings. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic drawing of a gaming system with a service request signal actuator according to some embodiments of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  illustrates an illustrative presentation of a query on the gaming machine display in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a method of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]    The following description contains illustrations of devices, systems and methods according to the invention for purposes of promoting an understanding of embodiments the invention, among other things. It should be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited by these embodiments. Alterations and modifications of the features of the invention, as well as, additional applications of its principles in other forms or embodiments, such as those which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is a schematic structural diagram of a gaming machine or EGM  10  incorporating an exemplary embodiment of the invention, which is also configured for providing a wagering game, such as a slot or poker game, involving some measure of player interaction with EGM  10  for the operation thereof. 
         [0021]    EGM  10  is operatively associated with controller  12  and slot machine interface board (SMIB)  14  or other EGM device for handling external communications between EGM  10  and an external network  16 . Controller  12  may include a data processor and also function as the main controller of EGM  10 . Controller  12  is in operative communication with memory  18  which could be a ROM or RAM type memory or contain both. The ROM portion typically stores game control programs, various types of play programs used to perform various types of plays on an EGM display  20  as a game progress, selection tables used to select various types of winning patterns, various other types of programs, data tables and the like needed for the control of the EGM  10 . RAM functions as a memory that temporarily stores various types of data calculated by controller  12 . Communication connections between EGM devices may be facilitated through wireless or wired systems, such as by a serial cable or other data communication link to a port in network  16 . Examples of such connective elements include RS232, RS422, RS485 ports, or any other port capable of detecting communication such as SAS communication or other protocol data signals which are generated by EGM  10 . 
         [0022]    EGM  10  further includes a service request data interface  22  which may rely on software programming which resides in memory  18  or other location, including a separate memory within EGM  10  or network  16 . Service request data interface  22  is configured to be in communication with a service request signal actuator  24  and a service request indicator  26 , as well as controller  12  and/or network  16 . Data signals that are generated or transmitted as a result of user-initiated assistance request from service request signal actuator  24 , which may be caused by depressing an assistance request mechanical button or by touching a virtual button presented on a touch-enabled display  20 , are detected by data interface  22 . 
         [0023]    It should be understood that EGM  10  detects data signals that are associated with the initiation of a service or assistance request from service request signal actuator  24  without impacting other communications, operations or signals within EGM  10 . However, in some embodiments, data interface  22  may, upon detection of a user-initiated assistance request, facilitate the temporary interruption of game play or otherwise disable play until the assistance request is confirmed or negated as discussed herein. If confirmed, the interruption may continue until a response to the request is received, which may be electronically through the EGM display, another system, or via a staff visit, for example. If the assistance request is not confirmed or otherwise negated, then if EGM  10  had been placed in a suspended state, then the suspension will be released and EGM  10  will return to the prior state before the assistance request had been detected. In other embodiments, EGM  10  will not be placed in a suspended state at all or only if the assistance request is confirmed. 
         [0024]    Service request data interface  22  responds to the detection of a user-initiated assistance request from service request signal actuator  24  by suspending further transmission of the signal and causing a presentation display  20 . It should be understood that display  20  could be the main display of EGM  10 , a secondary game display, a player tracking display, or other display operatively associated with EGM  10 . 
         [0025]    In this embodiment, the presentation on display  20  is intended to confirm the user-initiated assistance request detected by service request data interface  22 . Thus, it should be understood that any presentation may be shown on display  20  which is reasonably intended to confirm the assistance request, such as a query, a confirmation button, a request to depress the mechanical service button again, or the like. If confirmation of the service request is received after the presentation on display  20 , then such confirmation will generate a signal which will be detected by service request data interface  22 . Upon detection of the confirmation signal, service request data interface  22  will either allow or otherwise transmit the service request signal to the service request indicator  26 . Service request indictor  26  may include an EGM service light or “candle” which is illuminated upon confirmation of the service request by service request data interface  22 . Service request indicator  26  may also include or be part of a system in which a remote device which is monitored by the appropriate staff members overseeing and providing maintenance for gaming floor operations receives a notification of the service request and the origin thereof which is transmitted through service request data interface  22 . 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , wherein service request data interface causes the display of a query or prompt  130  on display  120  of EGM  110  requesting that the player confirm that assistance is needed. Anyone requiring service can activate a service request via a button or touch screen display  120 . It is envisioned that prompt  130  may be in the form of a window of any size, in any location on the main display  120  and directly over the underlying normal game display shown on display  120 , on a secondary display that is above the main screen, or any other display means attached to the gaming machine. The presentation of the prompt  130  or prompt window may result in the suspense of further game play. Display of the prompt  130  may also include on the display  120  touch screen buttons that confirm  132 , deny  134 , (i.e., indicate “yes” or “no”) or time out  136  the service request. In one embodiment, the time out  136  may be visually displayed to the player or alternatively, internally tracked. If no response is given within the predetermined time limit, then game play is resumed on EGM  110 . 
         [0027]    It should be understood that the system and method of the invention may also be used with gaming machines that signal a service request through alternate means, including wirelessly or through a visual indicator associated with the EGM  110 . In such embodiments, the service request signal transmitted to a service request indicator, whether it be through a flashing, illuminated candle or otherwise, will be delayed until the request for assistance is confirmed by the player according to the instructions provided by the prompt  130  window. 
         [0028]    An exemplary method of confirming, denying, or timing out a service request is generally referred to by the reference numeral  50  in  FIG. 3 . In this embodiment, it is envisioned a player is interacting with EGM  10 , though the method is not meant to be limited to just players of the EGM  10 . 
         [0029]    In step  52 , the gaming machine receives data that a service request is received. In step  54 , game play on the machine may be suspended or otherwise interrupted in response thereto. In step  56 , a prompt is displayed on the gaming machine display which communicates that a service request has been received and confirmation of the request is necessary to receive assistance. The prompt in step  56  may also indicate to the player that the service request will not proceed unless a response is received within a certain amount of time. 
         [0030]    In step  58 , the system of the invention determines whether confirmation has been received. For example, a button can be on the screen or the player can confirm by pressing the service mechanical button again or alternatively may remove the request by pressing the service button again. If the request for assistance is confirmed, then in step  60 , the request is relayed to the monitoring system or otherwise made active by the monitoring system so that an attendant is deployed to the specified gaming machine from which the confirmed request originated. In step  62 , the confirmation is also communicated to an indicator, such as a candle on the gaming machine. As mentioned above, the game may be suspended upon the confirmation of the service request, but alternatively in another embodiment, play of the game may not be suspended. 
         [0031]    In step  66 , if the request is denied, or similarly, times out in step  68 , then the service request will not be acted upon. The activation of the deny button will allow the gaming machine to return to its normal function and continue play. Similarly, if there is no signal to the gaming machine that either confirm or deny buttons have been activated, then after a predetermined time, in this embodiment the prompt will remove and the game will continue play. In another embodiment, there is no predetermined time frame and the prompt will stay on the display until a button is activated. In another embodiment, the deny button signal may be recognized by mechanically activated. For example, the prompt on the display could instruct the player to press the service mechanical button again to deny. 
         [0032]    It should be understood that the device may be installed in an existing EGM or fully incorporated as an additional system in the programming of an EGM. It should be further understood that some embodiments may further employ adding hardware, firmware, or software to a gaming machine to facilitate the functions or configurations described herein. 
         [0033]    Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that methods and systems of the embodiments of the invention described herein may include various computer and network related software and hardware, such as programs, operating systems, memory storage devices, input/output devices, processors, servers, data communication links, whether wireless or otherwise, and data transceiving devices. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the precise types of software and hardware used are not vital to the full implementation of the invention so long as embodiments thereof are provided in accordance with the methods and systems described herein. 
         [0034]    It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented to confirm assistance requests in one or more EGMs, one or more gaming establishments and throughout multiple jurisdictions. Moreover, the systems and methods according to the embodiments of the present invention are suitable for all varieties of gaming machines and platforms, as well as non-gambling electronic devices (e.g., arcade games). 
         [0035]    While exemplary methods and systems have been described herein, it should also be understood that the foregoing is only illustrative of the invention and its embodiments, as well as principles thereof, and that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from its scope and spirit. Therefore, the described embodiments should not be considered as limiting of the invention in any way. Accordingly, the invention embraces alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the spirit and scope of the claims.