Patent Publication Number: US-8109826-B2

Title: Voucher gaming player terminal

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/784,237, filed on Feb. 14, 2001. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention relates to gaming a system that is adapted to use vouchers or other information carrying devices instead of cash. In particular, the invention relates to a system that allows a player to determine the value or denomination of a credit upon which a game is played. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Gaming devices often express wagers and prizes in terms of credits. A credit has a fixed value that is generally one of a plurality of standard currency denominations, such as coins of a given currency ($0.05, $0.10, $0.25, and $1.00). 
     However, different players prefer different denominations. Some players prefer to play with a low denomination while other players prefer to play with a high denomination. In order to accommodate different players, gaming device operators must provide a variety of gaming devices that are adapted to operate with different credit denominations. In the case of coin operated gaming devices, operating a variety of gaming devices increases the cost of operating the devices because of the lack of standard parts and standard maintenance and repair procedures. 
     Additional problems are encountered when gaming devices are adapted to utilize vouchers. A voucher is a portable ticket, coupon, memory storage device, or other instrument that is adapted to carry information. The information may be used to derive monetary value or credits. A voucher may allow a player to access credits stored in a player account in order to withdraw credits to play a game. A voucher may also allow a player to move credits from one gaming device to another. 
     One of the problems associated with voucher operated gaming devices that operate in different denominations is residual value. For example, a voucher cash-out ticket from a “Quarter Machine” may have a value of $19.50. This voucher ticket would be considered non-standard when presented to a “Dollar Machine” which offers play at a $1.00 credit denomination. Prior art voucher/credit devices and systems generally manage non-standard denominations by designating and maintaining an unusable portion of the players funds in a bank that is “unusable” for play and normally not visible during game play. 
     The “usable” portion is credited for use with game play and is indicated on the game&#39;s credit meter. The “unusable” portion is then credited back to the player upon cash-out by the player, or in some cases, the “unusable” portion is provided back to the player in the form of a “change voucher” immediately upon presentation of the non-standard denominational voucher or currency. In yet other cases, the non-standard denomination amount is simply rejected when, for example, a player inserts $0.25 into a “Dollar Machine.” 
     Another situation where the problem of differing or non-standard denominations arises is when a gaming machine is equipped to accept and validate currency from various local and/or foreign countries. Often in this case, the exchange rate does not easily map the provided currency into the denomination for which game play is provided. From a local currency standpoint, for example, nickels, dimes and quarters are not generally usable for play on “Dollar Machines”. This problem is magnified when applied to converting foreign currency at varying exchange rates. 
     Prior art gaming systems that allow voucher transferability from disparate denomination gaming machines have several shortcomings. First, as noted above, the “unusable” portion remains unplayable on the gaming device, thereby inherently limiting the playability and appeal of the gaming machine. Second, prior art gaming systems generally convert player credits to the lowest common denominator, such as $0.01. Therefore, play on a “Dollar Machine” would simply convert to 100 credits of $0.01 value for each dollar wagered. Under this arrangement, generating statistical and accounting data becomes problematic because the machine participating may be viewed as a $0.01 machine. The determination of the success and popularity of differing denomination machines becomes extremely burdensome without any record of each machines transactions. 
     The implementation of “variable-denomination” gaming machines has recently increased in popularity. Variable denomination gaming machines generally provide game play according to a predetermined fixed set of denominations, for example, $0.05, $0.10, $0.25. Under this arrangement, the player may place wagers according to the fixed set of denominations. The player may decide to place $0.05 wagers, $0.10 wagers, or $0.25 wagers at various times, thereby allowing the player to better manage the player&#39;s credit bank. While providing some flexibility in placing wagers, the player is still limited to the predetermined and fixed set of denominations. 
     What has long been needed is a more flexible game system that allows a player to define a wager denomination for a game, rather than requiring a player to choose from a fixed denomination. Another long felt need is for a gaming device that displays full and partial player credits that are available for the player to play. Another long felt need is for a gaming device that tracks and records game information in wagered denominations. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     1. Advantages of the Invention 
     An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a gaming system and method that allows a user to play full and/or partial game credits. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a gaming system and method that allows a user to determine the value of a credit. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a gaming system and method that displays full and partial game credits. 
     An additional advantage of the present invention is that it provides a gaming system and method that records game events in a database in terms of full credits, partial credits, and voucher value. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a gaming system and method that eliminates the need for change vouchers for non-standard wagering denominations. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that it allows gaming operators and/or players to select from a broader array of wagering amounts, providing increased interest and player enjoyment. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that it allows any gaming device to operate with any credit value. 
     These and other advantages of the present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract. 
     2. Brief Description of the Invention 
     The present invention comprises a method of playing a gaming device by a user. The method includes inserting a voucher having a redemption value into the gaming device. The user is queried for a credit value. The number of full and partial credits available to the player are calculated by the gaming device. The player is allowed to place wagers and play a game using credits as wagers 
     The above description sets forth, rather broadly, the more important features of the present invention so that the detailed description of the preferred embodiment that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferred embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is substantially a schematic view of a gaming system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is substantially a schematic view of a player terminal of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is substantially a front view of a player terminal of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is substantially a flowchart of the game initiation sequence of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is substantially a flowchart of another game sequence of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is substantially a flowchart of a game sequence of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is substantially a flowchart of the cashout sequence of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is substantially a flowchart of another method of operation of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made with out departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Gaming System 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the present invention comprises a gaming system generally indicated by reference number  20 . Gaming system  20  comprises a database server  22 , communications network  24 , player terminals  26 , and cashier terminal  28 . Database server  22  is in communication with communication network  24  and stores a database of information. The database server may be a Compaq 1850R database server using the Windows NT operating system and the Microsoft SQL 7.0 database software. Communication network  24  may be a network using TCP/IP communication protocol. The player terminals  26  and cashier terminal  28  are interconnected with the communication network  24 . During operation, the player terminals  26  are in communication with the database server  22  possibly communicating through intermediate networks or encryption devices in order to record transactions, verify records, and change game parameters. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , player terminal  26  may comprise the following components: player input device  30 , a video display  32 , a audio device  34 , a magnetic or smart card reader  36 , a voucher reader  38 , a voucher printer  40 , a cash acceptor  42 , and a cash dispenser  44 , all of which are in communication with a central processing unit (CPU)  48 . The CPU has a processor, input/output functions, and various memory capabilities, including non-volatile memory for critical data. The CPU  48  is in communication with the communications network  24 . CPU  48  can be a conventional Intel x86 based processor or motherboard or CPU  48  may be a number of proprietary devices utilizing different processors, such as the Intel 80960. Video display  32  may be a Telco high resolution 19 inch display. Voucher reader  38  and cash acceptor  42  may be combined into a single device, such as model WBA 13SS, available from JCM in Las Vegas, Nev. The voucher printer  40  may be a Transact technologies series  700  thermal printer. The cash dispenser  44  may be produced by Akahi-Seiko. Player input device  30  may be buttons, a joystick, or other electrical and mechanical controls, including a touch screen. The construction of player terminal  26  is within the ability of one skilled in the art. Many of these components may be omitted, if desired. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a front view of the player terminal of the present invention is shown. Player terminal  26  comprises a player input device  30 , a video display  32 , a game audio or speaker  34 , a magnetic or smart card reader  36 , a voucher reader  38 , a voucher printer  40 , a cash acceptor  42 , and a cash dispenser  44  all of which are mounted in a case or housing  51 . Preferably, the components of player terminal  26  are mounted in case  51  in a manner that is ergonomically appealing to a user or game player. 
     Various meters may be provided for presenting numerical information to the player. These meters may be separate devices or they may be displayed in video display  32 . In the preferred embodiment, video display  32  presents total redemption value  50 , credit value  53 , and number of credits  52 . Total redemption value  50  is the total value the player currently has available for redemption. This is preferably displayed in units of the local currency. Credit value  53  is the value of a credit, which is also preferably displayed in units of local currency. As shall be discussed below, the present invention allows for different credit values to be selected. Number of credits  52  is the number of credits the player has available, which is derived by dividing total redemption value  50  by credit value  53 . Number of credits  52  may include fractional credits, for example, 2.5 or 2½. 
     Game Initiation Flowchart 
       FIG. 4  shows one method by which the present invention may be operated. A player or user inserts a voucher (not shown) having a predetermined value into voucher reader  38  at step  62 . The voucher bears information that is read by voucher reader  38 . Voucher reader  38 , player terminal  26 , or database server  22  uses the information to derive the value. The information is typically a monetary value. However, the information may also comprise other information, such as the identity of the player, which would allow the player to access the player&#39;s account and used value in the account to play the game. 
     Player terminal  26  communicates with database server  22  to access the database stored thereon and retrieve data associated with the voucher. The database server verifies that the voucher is valid and determines its monetary value at step  64 . Next, the player terminal may query the user, via video display  32  and/or audio  34 , for a credit value at step  66 . The user may input the credit value using one of the player input devices  30 . Credit value  53  can be specified as any monetary value. For example, the credit value may be $0.0007 or $2.74. However, in the preferred embodiment, the system operator is able to determine a maximum and minimum credit value and valid increments in between. Thus the player may be allowed to select any voucher value between $0.05 and $100.00 in increments of $0.01. If no credit value is specified, a default value may be used. 
     From the total redemption value and the credit value, CPU  48  calculates the number of credits available for the player to play the game. Video display  32  may display total redemption value, credit value, and number of credits available in step  70 . The game is now available for the player to play in step  72 . It is noted that the game player has available both full credits and partial credits for game play at any time. 
     Game Flowchart 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a flowchart of the preferred game sequence  120  in which the user selects the credit value of the present invention is shown. A game player or user initiates game play on player terminal  26  by inserting a voucher (not shown) into voucher reader  38  at step  122 . The database server verifies that the voucher is a valid voucher and determines or confirms its monetary value at step  124 . Next, the player terminal queries the user, via the video screen and/or audio, for a credit value at step  126 . The user inputs the credit value using one of the player input devices  30 . If no new denomination is specified a pre-existing or default value will be used. The CPU calculates full game credits and partial game credits based upon the voucher value and the user selected credit value at step  128 . The video display displays the full game credits, the partial game credits, and redemption value at step  130 . The game is now available for the player to play at step  132 . 
     It is understood that the game player selects a wager in terms of a number of credits at step  132 . The game user plays the game at step  132  resulting in a game event occurring. The game event generates new values for the number of game credits and the redemption. The credits and voucher value will increase, decrease, or stay the same depending upon the results of the game event. The values in display  32  are updated and game data may be recorded in the database at step  134 . The display is updated with new full game credits, partial game credits and voucher value at step  134 . 
     At decision step  136 , the game player may elect to discontinue game play by a selection on the player input device  30 . If the answer at step  136  is no, a cashout sequence  100  is initiated. The cashout sequence returns a voucher to the player with a value equal to the current redemption value. If the answer is yes, the game sequence continues to decision step  138  where the user has an option to change the credit value. Again, the user would use player input device  30  to select a new credit value. If the answer to decision  138  is yes, the game sequence loops back to step  126  where the user selects a credit value. If the answer to decision  138  is no, the game sequence loops back to step  132  where the game player plays the game again using the same credit value. 
     An example of a user playing a game on player terminal  26  using the method of sequence  120  is as follows:
         1. The game player has a voucher having a value of $9.96.   2. The voucher is inserted into voucher reader  38 .   3. The database server  22  verifies that the voucher is a valid voucher.   4. The game player is asked for a credit value and selects $0.05.   5. The user inputs the credit value in player terminal  26  using one of the player input devices  30 .   6. The CPU  48  calculates full game credits and partial game credits based upon the voucher value and the user selected credit value.   7. The video display displays 199 full game credits, 1 partial game credit, and $9.96 total redemption value.   8. The player plays the game resulting in a game event occurring. Assume that the player wins $0.20, after subtracting the cost of play and adding a prize.   9. The new values are 203 full game credits, 1 partial game credit, and $10.16 total redemption value.   10. The new credits and voucher value are recorded in non-volatile memory and the display is updated with the new values.   11. The game player is given the opportunity to discontinue play.   12. Assuming that play continues, the game player may select a new credit value.   13. The game player selects a credit value of $0.25.   14. The CPU  48  calculates full game credits and partial game credits based upon the redemption value and the user selected credit value.   15. The video display is updated with 40 full game credits, 0.64 partial game credits, and $10.16 redemption value.   16. Play may then continue indefinitely.
 
Alternative Game Flowchart
       

     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a flowchart of an alternative game sequence  80  of the present invention with a predetermined credit value is shown. A game player or user initiates game play on player terminal  26  by inserting a voucher (not shown) at step  82 . The database server verifies that the voucher is a valid voucher and confirms or determines its monetary value at step  84 . Next, the CPU  48  calculates full game credits and partial game credits based upon the redemption value and the pre-determined credit value at step  86 . Video display  26  displays full game credits, partial game credits, and the redemption value at step  88 . The game is now available for the player to play at step  90  in which the player selects a wager and plays a game. 
     At the conclusion of the game, player terminal  26  updates the display and may record data related to the game play at step  92 . The number of credits and redemption value will increase, decrease, or stay the same depending upon the results of the game. At step  94 , the game player may elect to discontinue game play by a selection on the player input device  30 . If the answer is yes, the game sequence loops back to step  90  to play the game again, repeating steps  90 ,  92 , and  94 . If the answer at step  94  is no, a cashout sequence  100  is initiated. The cashout sequence may return a voucher equal to the current total redemption value to the player. 
     An example of a user playing a game on player terminal  26  using the method of sequence  80  is as follows:
         1. The game player has a voucher having a value of $9.95.   2. The voucher is inserted into voucher reader  38 .   3. The database server  22  verifies that the voucher is a valid voucher.   4. The CPU  48  calculates a full game credit and a partial game credit based upon the voucher value and the predetermined credit value. Assume that the credit value is $0.25.   5. The video display displays 39 full game credits, 0.8 partial game credits, and $9.95 redemption value.   6. The player plays the game resulting in a game event occurring. Assume that the player wins $0.25.   7. The new values are 40 full game credits, 0.8 partial game credits, and $10.20 redemption value.   8. The new credits and voucher value are recorded to the database and the display is updated.   9. The game player is given the opportunity to continue or stop playing the game.   10. Assuming that play continues, the game is played again with the same pre-determined voucher value.
 
Cashout Flowchart
       

       FIG. 7  shows a flowchart of the cashout sequence  100 . The cashout sequence begins at step  102  when the game player elects to cashout. The game player would use one of the player input devices  30  to elect to cashout. Next, the player terminal determines the redemption value by retrieving it from the non-volatile memory in step  104 . The redemption value, is stored on the database in the database server  22  at step  106 . Voucher printer  40  prints the voucher at step  108 . Voucher printer  40  then issues the voucher to the user at step  110 . The player may then take the voucher to a cashier terminal or an actual cashier to redeem the voucher. 
     It is noted that the partial or fractional game credits may be displayed on the credit meter  52  using a fixed point (decimal) or fractional representation. The credits whether represented as decimal or fractional values are visible to the player and available for game play. The game player could choose, for example, to wager or play 0.4 or 4/10 of a credit. For a $0.25 credit value, this would be a wager of $0.10. Therefore, the present invention allows fractional credits to be played. 
     All of the game player&#39;s credits may be wagered according the player&#39;s choice. The game player may wager credits with the present invention that were not previously available, such as $0.17, $0.0055 or $12.18. The player may also elect to “let it ride” and play all the credits allocated to the player. The gaming system and method of the present invention allows the player a more flexible way of playing a game that adds to the enjoyment and excitement of playing the game. 
     Pay tables for the game may be scaled according to a player&#39;s selected wager amount. Pay tables and awards may additionally be fixed or mapped according to the user selected base wagering denomination or the predetermined base wagering denomination thresholds or amounts, and may further be scaled within each wager threshold. If desired, prizes may be presented as a multiple of credits. For example, payouts could be presented as 1.5 times a credit value. This flexibility of payout possibilities allows a game designer to provide more interesting pay arrangements, particularly since the fractionally amounts won may be wagered. 
     The prior art systems typically reduce credits to the lowest common denominator, making statistical data gathering on user game play a problem. The present invention may record full credits, partial credits, redemption value, and credit value to the database. The game player may place multiple wagers at the value and the player may define different credit values. All of the associated data with these gaming activities may be recorded to the database. The determination of the success and popularity of differing denomination machines can be readily gathered and analyzed with the present invention. 
     First Alternative Game Initiation Flowchart 
       FIG. 8  shows a flowchart of an alternative game initiation sequence  800 . Sequence  800  begins at step  802  when the gaming device accepts a voucher. Each voucher has a value. Next, the player is allowed to provide additional vouchers at step  804 . If the player provides another voucher, the sequence loops back to step  802 . If not, the sum of the vouchers is calculated at step  806 . The player is asked to input a credit value at step  808 . At step  810 , the game determines if the total value of the vouchers accepted is greater than the selected credit value. If the sum is greater than the credit value, the game continues to step  812 . If the sum is less than the credit value, the game loops back to step  802  to accept another voucher. The game is played at step  812 , where the player can play the game with the total sum or a portion of the sum of the voucher values. 
     Multiple Currency Operation 
     The present invention is adapted to operate with multiple currencies. A player may place a foreign currency into game terminal  26 . In this event, the game terminal  26  may convert the currency into a domestic currency using an exchange rate. It would then determine the redemption value of the currency, the credit value, and the number of credits available to the player using the method discussed above. The player may then play the games as discussed above. 
     CONCLUSION 
     The present invention solves many of the problems associated with the prior art. The present invention provides a gaming system and method that allows game play with full credits, partial credits or both. The present invention provides a gaming system and method that allows a user to choose a base wagering denomination. The present invention provides a gaming system and method that records game events on a database in terms of full credits, partial credits and voucher value. The present invention eliminates the need for change vouchers in a gaming system. 
     Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.