Patent Publication Number: US-9898886-B2

Title: Methods and apparatus for providing communications services at a gaming machine

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application is a continuation of, claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/860,278, filed Apr. 10, 2013, which is a continuation of, claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/465,265, filed on Aug. 17, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,419,543, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/420,118, filed on Apr. 21, 2003, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/374,436, filed on Apr. 19, 2002, the entire contents of which are each incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Within the casino/gaming industry, slot machines typically generate most of the profits realized by casino owners and operators. For this reason, numerous slot machine types and formats have been developed and are employed within casinos (e.g., slot machines having a variety of display formats for the reels or other game features of the slot machines, larger jackpots, etc.). By providing a large variety of slot machines, casino owners and operators may appeal to a larger audience, and acquire and retain slot machine players. 
     Despite a variety of available options, conventional slot machines may still lack sufficient entertainment value to attract and retain slot machine players. Specifically, many people view all or a portion of slot machine play primary as a passive, relatively boring experience. 
     One technique that may attract new slot machine players, increase player satisfaction and encourage continued game play at a slot machine is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,431 (hereinafter “the &#39;431 patent”). The &#39;431 patent is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     The &#39;431 patent discloses, in pertinent part, a gaming machine that provides free long distance telephone calls in exchange for continued game play at the gaming machine. In one or more embodiments of the &#39;431 patent, a slot machine player may make free long distance calls if the player initiates a minimum number of game plays during a predetermined time period. Such a reward may provide a significant incentive for a slot machine player to continue game play at a slot machine, and also may offer an economical means for casinos to attract new slot machine players. 
     While the &#39;431 patent provides significant advantages over prior art gaming machines, it would be particularly beneficial if existing gaming machines could be easily retrofitted to provide similar functionality. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a first aspect of the invention, a first apparatus is provided that includes (1) a gaming machine interface unit adapted to interface with a non-communications-enabled gaming machine and to collect information regarding game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine; and (2) a communications device interface unit adapted to interface with a communications device that is adapted to provide communications services (e.g., long distance telephone calls, e-mails, video conferencing or the like, such as between a player of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine and a third party). 
     The first apparatus further includes a controller coupled to the gaming machine interface unit and the communications device interface unit and adapted to employ the gaming machine interface unit to receive information regarding game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine. The controller is further adapted to (1) determine if a player is operating the non-communications-enabled gaming machine based on the received information; and (2) if the player is operating the non-communications-enabled gaming machine, employ the communications device interface unit to provide communications services based on the game play. 
     In a second aspect of the invention, a second apparatus is provided that includes (1) a gaming machine interface unit adapted to interface with a non-communications-enabled gaming machine and to collect information regarding a level of game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine; and (2) a communications device interface unit adapted to interface with a communications device that is adapted to provide communications services. 
     The second apparatus further includes a controller coupled to the gaming machine interface unit and the communications device interface unit. The controller is adapted to (1) employ the gaming machine interface unit to receive information regarding the level of game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine; and (2) if the level of game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine is equal to or exceeds a predetermined level of game play, employ the communications device interface unit to provide communications services. 
     In a third aspect of the invention, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing an auxiliary unit adapted to allow a gaming machine to be retrofitted to provide communications services; and (2) retrofitting a non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit so that the non-communications enabled gaming machine is adapted to provide communications services based on game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine. 
     Numerous other aspects of the invention are provided, as are systems, apparatus, methods, computer program products and/or data structures in accordance with these and other aspects of the invention. Each computer program product described herein may be carried by a medium readable by a computer (e.g., a carrier wave signal, a floppy disc, a hard drive, a random access memory, etc.). 
     In another aspect of the invention, a third apparatus is provided that includes means for detecting game play at a non-communications-enabled gaming machine, and means for determining if the game play qualifies for free communications services. The third apparatus also includes means for providing free communications services at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine if the game play qualifies for free communications services. 
     With these and other advantages and features of the invention that will become hereinafter apparent, the nature of the invention may be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description of the invention, to the appended claims and to the several drawings attached herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for providing communications services at a gaming machine in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of one of the gaming machines of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of one of the auxiliary units of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention in which an auxiliary unit of  FIG. 1  is shown monitoring communications paths of a gaming machine. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a side perspective view and a front perspective view, respectively, of a gaming machine in communication with an auxiliary unit. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary process of the system of  FIGS. 1-5B  useful in describing the general operation of the system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In one or more embodiments of the invention, methods and apparatus are provided that allow existing gaming machines that do not provide communications services to be easily retrofitted to provide such functionality. More specifically, the present invention allow a gaming machine that is not adapted to provide communications services based on game play at the gaming machine (a “non-communications-enabled gaming machine” as used herein) to be retrofitted or otherwise configured to provide communications services based on game play at the gaming machine. The provision of communications services such as free long distance telephone calls, e-mails, video conferencing or the like based on game play at a gaming machine may represent a significant incentive for a gaming machine player to continue game play at a gaming machine, and also may offer an economical means for casinos to attract new gaming machine players. The ability to retrofit existing gaming machines to provide communications services is particularly advantageous. 
     These and other aspects of the invention are described further below with reference to  FIGS. 1-6 . 
     Exemplary Embodiments of System for Providing Communications Services at a Gaming Machine 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system  100  for providing communications services based on game play at a gaming machine in accordance with the present invention. The system  100  includes a network server  102  in communication with a plurality of gaming machines  104   a - d  via a network  106 . Although four gaming machines  104   a - d  are shown in  FIG. 1 , it will be understood that fewer or more than four gaming machines may be in communication with the network server  102 . Further, the network server  102  may comprise one or more servers. The network server  102  may comprise any suitable server adapted to coordinate various processes relating to game play at the gaming machines  104   a - d . Such processes may include, for example, the updating of payout or probability tables at one or more of the gaming machines, maintenance of player balances, etc. The use of network servers to coordinate gaming processes at one or more gaming machines is known in the art and is not described further herein. 
     The gaming machines  104   a - d  may include slot machines, video poker machines, pachinko machines, a combination thereof, etc. Other suitable gaming machines also may be employed. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the gaming machines  104   a - d  are non-communications-enabled gaming machines. That is, each gaming machine  104   a - d  is not configured to provide communications services based on game play at the gaming machine unless retrofitted with an auxiliary unit configured in accordance with the present invention (as described further below). Exemplary embodiments of the gaming machines  104   a - d  are described below with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     The gaming machines  104   a - d  may be in communication with the network server  102  via any conventional communications medium and/or protocol, as represented generally by the network  106 . For example, the gaming machines  104   a - d  may communicate with the network server  102  via a WEB-based connection, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, other forms of internet protocol (IP) networks (e.g., intranets or extranets), a publicly switched telephone network (PSTN), a wireless communications network or any other known communications system/medium. Those skilled in the art will understand that devices in communication with each other need only be “capable of” communicating with each other and need not be continually transmitting data to or receiving data from each other. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit data to or receive data from each other as necessary, and may actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time. For example, a device in communication with another device via the Internet may not transmit data to the other device or receive data from the other device for weeks at a time. Further, devices may be in communication even though steps may be required to establish a communication link (e.g., dialing a network service provider). 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , the system  100  also include a plurality of auxiliary units  108   a - b  coupled to the third and fourth gaming machines  104   c - d , respectively. As will be described further below, the auxiliary units  108   a - d  may provide communications services based on game play at the gaming machines  104   c - d . Exemplary embodiments of the auxiliary units  108   a - b  are described below with reference to  FIG. 3-5B . 
     The auxiliary units  108   a - b  may be in communication with the gaming machines  104   c - d , respectively, via any conventional communications medium and/or protocol (as described above with regard to the gaming machines  104   a - d  and the network server  102 ). More or fewer than two auxiliary units may be employed within the system  100 , as may more than one auxiliary unit per gaming machine. 
     Exemplary Embodiments of the Gaming Machines 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the gaming machine  104   c  of  FIG. 1 . The gaming machines  104   a - b  and  104   d  may be similarly configured. As stated, each gaming machine  104   a - d  may comprise a slot machine, a video poker machine, a panchinko machine or a similar device, one or more of which being modified and/or retrofitted in accordance with the present invention. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , the gaming machine  104   c  comprises a processor  202 , such as one or more conventional microprocessors (e.g., one or more Intel® Pentium® processors). The processor  202  is in communication with a communications port  204  through which the processor  202  communicates with other devices (e.g., with the network server  102 , with the auxiliary unit  108   a  or with other devices not shown). The communications port  204  may include multiple communication channels for simultaneous communication with multiple devices. Alternatively, multiple communications ports may be employed. As stated, devices in communication with each other need not be continually transmitting to each other. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit to each other as necessary, may actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time, and may require several steps to be performed to establish a communication link between the devices. 
     The processor  202  also is in communication with a data storage device  206 . The data storage device  206  may comprise an appropriate combination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), a compact disc and/or a hard disk. The processor  202  and the data storage device  206  each may be, for example, located entirely within a single computer or other computing device; or connected to each other by a communication medium, such as a serial port cable, a telephone line or a radio frequency transceiver. Alternatively, the gaming machine  104   c  may comprise one or more computers that are connected to a remote server computer (not shown) for maintaining databases. 
     The data storage device  206  may store, for example, a program (not shown) adapted to direct the processor  202  in accordance with conventional gaming practices (e.g., to process wagers from players, to initiate generation of a random number, to determine a game result and/or outcome value associated with a random number, to determine a payout for the game result, to pay or arrangement for payment of a player, etc.). The data storage device  206  also may store one or more databases as required to provide the above-mentioned functionality. 
     The data storage device  206  may include program elements such as an operating system, a database management system and “device drivers” that allow the processor  202  to interface with computer peripheral devices (e.g., a video display, a keyboard, a computer mouse, etc.). 
     Note that instructions of programs employed by the processor  202  may be read into a main memory (not shown) of the processor  202  from a computer-readable medium other than the data storage device  206 , such as from a ROM  208  or from a RAM  210 . While execution of sequences of instructions in a program causes the processor  202  to perform the gaming process steps described herein, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, software instructions for implementation of such gaming processes. 
     The processor  202  also may be in communication with a clock (not shown) that supplies time and date information to the processor  202  and that may comprise, for example, a clock internal to the processor  202 , a clock external to the processor  202  or a clock embodied within the program  208  (e.g., based on a system clock not shown). 
     The gaming machine  104   c  may include one or more input devices  212  such as a button, a handle, a microphone, a touch screen, a keyboard or keypad, voice recognition software/hardware, etc., for use during game play at the gaming machine  104   c . The gaming machine  104   c  similarly may include one or more output devices  214  for outputting appropriate information to a gaming machine player during game play at the gaming machine  104   c . For example, the gaming machine  104   c  may comprise one or more speakers, a cathode ray tube or flat panel display, a projector, a physical or electronic representation of slot machine reels or a poker hand, a credit balance display, a bell that rings when a player wins, a Braille computer monitor, a printer to provide a receipt for a player&#39;s gaming credits, a light emitting diode for communicating with another device, etc. 
     In one or more embodiments of the invention, the gaming machine  104   c  also may include a random or pseudo-random number generator  216  that may be utilized by the gaming machine  104   c  for determining a game result (e.g., after game play has been initiated at the gaming machine  104   c ). The random number generator  216  also may be employed to determine a corresponding outcome value/payout to be provided to a player of the gaming machine  104   c  as described further below. The random number generator  216  may be embodied in hardware, software or a combination thereof as is known in the art, and may include one or more features that prevent or identify tampering. 
     To assist in payouts as a result of winning game results at the gaming machine  104   c , the gaming machine  104   c  may include a hopper controller  218  and a hopper  220 . The hopper controller  218  may be configured to instruct the hopper  220  when to dispense payment, and how much payment to dispense, to a player as a result of a winning game result at the gaming machine  104   c . Hopper and hopper controllers are well known in the casino gaming machine arts and will not be described in further detail herein. 
     In addition to the hopper controller  218 , the gaming machine  104   c  may include a plurality of other controllers for controlling output display, payment receipt, reel position/spinning and the like during game play. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the gaming machine  104   c  may include a video controller  222  for controlling operation of a touch screen  224  or other video display that may be employing during game play at the gaming machine  104   c . (Note that the video controller  222  and/or the touch screen  224  may form part of the output devices  214 ). 
     Further shown in  FIG. 2  are a coin acceptor controller  226  and a coin acceptor  228  for controlling coin-based payment by a gaming machine player, a bill acceptor controller  230  and a bill acceptor  232  for controlling bill-based payment by a gaming machine player, and a reel controller  234  for controlling position and/or spinning of a first reel  236 , a second reel  238  and a third reel  240  of the gaming machine  104   c . It will be understood that one or more of the controllers  218 ,  222 ,  226 ,  230  or  234  may be eliminated depending on the type of gaming performed by the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., a video poker machine typically will not employ a reel controller and reels, and other numbers of reels may be employed). One or more of the controllers  218 ,  222 ,  226 ,  230  or  234  may be in communication with the processor  202  (as shown), and one or more of the controllers  218 ,  222 ,  226 ,  230  or  234  may be combined into a single controller. 
     In addition to the controllers  218 ,  222 ,  226 ,  230  or  234 , the gaming machine  104   c  may include one or more additional controllers and associated hardware such as a player tracking card controller and a player tracking card reader for tracking the identity, credit line, balance, etc., of a gaming machine player, a sound controller for controlling audio signals output by the gaming machine  104   c  or the like. The gaming machine  104   c  further may be configured with one or more of a bar code reader (e.g., for discerning value from “cashless” gaming vouchers), a biometric device for determining an identity or age of a player, a credit, stored value, smart or debit card authorization terminal (e.g., for cashless gaming), a network controller, etc. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 2 , the gaming machine  104   c  has been retrofitted and/or otherwise configured so that one or more sensors  242  are in communication with the processor  202  for use in detecting game play at the gaming machine  104   c  and/or for communicating game play information to the auxiliary unit  108   a  as described further below. The one or more sensors  242  may be coupled to the processor  202  directly (as shown), via the communications port  204  or via any other suitable medium or protocol. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the one or more sensors  242  may form part of an auxiliary unit  108   a - b  and/or may be eliminated. 
     The connections between the components  202 - 242  associated with the gaming machine  104   c  may be wired, optical, wireless, a combination thereof or any other type of connection. As stated, the gaming machines  104   a - b  and  104   d  may be configured similarly to the gaming machine  104   c  of  FIG. 2 . 
     Exemplary Embodiments of the Auxiliary Units 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the auxiliary unit  108   a  of the system  100  of  FIG. 1  (shown coupled to the gaming machine  104   c  and a communications server  300 ). The auxiliary unit  108   b  may be similarly configured. 
     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the auxiliary unit  108   a  comprises a processor  302 , such as one or more conventional microprocessors (e.g., one or more Intel® Pentium® processors). The processor  302  is in communication with a communications port  304  through which the processor  302  may communicate with other devices (e.g., with the gaming machine  104   c , the communications server  300  or with other devices not shown). The communications port  304  may include multiple communication channels for simultaneous communication with multiple devices. Alternatively, multiple communications ports may be employed. As stated, devices in communication with each other need not be continually transmitting to each other. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit to each other as necessary, may actually refrain from exchanging data most of the time, and may require several steps to be performed to establish a communication link between the devices. 
     The processor  302  also is in communication with a data storage device  306 . The data storage device  306  may comprise an appropriate combination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), a compact disc and/or a hard disk. The processor  302  and the data storage device  306  each may be, for example, located entirely within a single computer or other computing device; or connected to each other by a communication medium, such as a serial port cable, a telephone line or a radio frequency transceiver. Alternatively, the auxiliary unit  108   a  may comprise one or more computers that are connected to a remote server computer (not shown). 
     The data storage device  306  may store, for example, a program  308  (e.g., computer program code and/or a computer program product) adapted to direct the processor  302  in accordance with the present invention, and particularly in accordance with the processes described in detail hereinafter with regard to the auxiliary unit  108   a . The data storage device  306  also may store data (e.g., in one or more databases not shown) as required to implement any of the processes described herein with regard to the auxiliary unit  108   a . Such data may include predetermined levels of game play required for the provision of communications services such as a predetermined number of handle pulls or other game initiation events, a predetermined time period of game play, a predetermined rate of game play, a predetermined bet or average bet, etc. 
     The program  308  may be stored, for example, in a compressed, an uncompiled and/or an encrypted format, and may include computer program code that allows the auxiliary unit  108   a  to employ the communications port  304  or another communication path to:
         1. receive information regarding game play at a non-communications-enabled gaming machine (e.g., the gaming machines  104   c );   2. determine if a player is operating the non-communications-enabled gaming machine based on the received information; and   3. if the player is operating the non-communications-enabled gaming machine, provide communications services based on the game play.       

     Suitable computer program code may be provided for performing numerous other functions such as receiving a signal from the non-communications-enabled gaming machine indicative of game play at the non-communications enabled gaming machine, employing a sensor to collect information regarding game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine, detecting a presence of a player at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine, etc. The computer program code required to implement the above functions (and the other functions described herein) can be developed by a person of ordinary skill in the art, and is not described in detail herein. 
     The data storage device  306  may include program elements such as an operating system, a database management system and “device drivers” that allow the processor  302  to interface with computer peripheral devices (e.g., a video display, a keyboard, a computer mouse, etc.). 
     Note that instructions of programs employed by the processor  302  may be read into a main memory (not shown) of the processor  302  from a computer-readable medium other than the data storage device  306 , such as from a ROM or from a RAM. While execution of sequences of instructions in the program  308  causes the processor  302  to perform the process steps described herein, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, software instructions for implementation of the processes of the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software. 
     The processor  302  also may be in communication with a clock (not shown) that supplies time and date information to the processor  302  and that may comprise, for example, a clock internal to the processor  302 , a clock external to the processor  302  or a clock embodied within the program  308  (e.g., based on a system clock not shown). 
     The auxiliary unit  108   a  may include one or more input devices  310  such as one or more buttons, a microphone, a touch screen, a keyboard or keypad, voice recognition software/hardware, etc., for verifying or otherwise determining game play or a level of game play at the gaming machine  104   c , for establishing or otherwise facilitating communications based on game play and/or a level of game play at the gaming machine  104   c , etc. The auxiliary unit  108   a  similarly may include one or more output devices  214  for outputting appropriate information to a gaming machine player (e.g., voice, data and/or the like during communications services, such as a telephone call, video conference, etc., between a gaming machine player and a third party). For example, the gaming machine  104   c  may comprise one or more speakers, a cathode ray tube or flat panel display, a projector, etc. In one or more embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the input or output devices or other controllers/devices of a gaming machine may be included in and/or replaced by similar components of an auxiliary unit  108   a - b  as described further below. 
     As further shown in  FIG. 3 , the auxiliary unit  108   a  may include one or more sensors  314  for use in obtaining information regarding game play at the gaming machine  104   c  and/or for communicating game play information to the processor  302 . While the sensors  314  are shown as being directly connected to the processor  302  in  FIG. 3 , in other embodiments one or more of the sensors  314  and/or other sensors (such as the sensors  242  shown coupled to the processor  202  of the gaming machine  104   c  of  FIG. 2 ) may be coupled to the processor  302  via the communications port  304 . 
     When employed, the sensors  314  ( FIG. 3 ) and/or the sensor  242  ( FIG. 2 ) may include any sensors suitable for determining information regarding game play at the gaming machine  104   c . Information regarding game play that may be determined includes, for example, whether a player is present at the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., whether the player is seated in front of the gaming machine  104   c ), whether a player has placed a coin-based or bill-based wager, whether a player has initiated game play at the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., via a button, handle, lever, keypad, etc.), whether one or more reels of the gaming machine  104   c  are spinning, an amount of or a change in a credit balance of a player of the gaming machine  104   c , whether a player of the gaming machine  104   c  receives a payout and/or an amount of any payout and/or whether all or an portion of any payout has been added to an existing balance or cashed out, a duration for or time period during which any of the above occurred, etc. Other game play information that may be determined includes, for example, an average amount bet by a player (e.g., an average amount over a given time period), a per unit time value (e.g., a rate of play such as a rate of game initiations), a total amount bet (e.g., over a given time period), whether any of the above listed information alone or in combination is within a predetermined range, above or below a predetermined threshold, produces a predetermined result when combined (e.g., via a Boolean or other technique), etc. Note that sensors  314  and/or  242  may provide such information directly, or the processor  302  may determine such information based one or more signals from the sensors  314  and/or  242 . For example, as will be described further below, a sensor may provide a detection signal to the processor  302  each time game play is initiated at the gaming machine  104   c , and the processor  302  may determine a rate of play based on a plurality of the detection signals. 
     As stated, the sensors  314  and/or the sensors  242  may include any suitable sensor for determining information regarding game play at the gaming machine  104   c . In one embodiment of the invention, a sensor  314  or  242  may determine if a bet or wager has been provided to the gaming machine  104   c . For example, a sensor  314  or  242  may include a video camera mounted so as to view a reel of the gaming machine  104   c , detect whether and/or when the reel is spinning, and provide an appropriate indication of the same to the processor  302  of the auxiliary unit  108   a . Likewise, a video camera may be mounted so as to view a credit balance indicator of the gaming machine  104   c , and provide an indication of the credit balance (or a change in the credit balance) to the processor  302 . A video camera also may be employed to detect payment of a wager by a player of the gaming machine  104   c  by monitoring insertion of coins into the coin acceptor  222  or bills into the bill acceptor  232  of the gaming machine  104   c.    
     As another example, a sensor  314  or  242  may include a tilt sensor or video camera employed to detect each time game play is initiated at the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., by monitoring a position or change in position of a handle or button that initiates game play). In such an embodiment, a player may be precluded from actuating the handle or button until a bet has been placed (e.g., to prevent a false indication of the occurrence of game initiation). For example, a player of the gaming machine  104   c  may not be able to initiate game play at the gaming machine  104   c  until a special sound or some other indicator is output to the player. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, a sensor  314  or  242  may include a weight detector, such as a scale, adapted to monitor a weight or change in weight of the gaming machine  104   c . Such weight information may be employed to determine if a bet (e.g., one or more coins) has been placed at the gaming machine  104   c , and/or an amount of such a bet. 
     A sensor  314  or  242  also may monitor a payout at the gaming machine  104   c . For example, a video camera may monitor a final reel position of the gaming machine  104   c  following game play, and provide such information to the processor  302  of the auxiliary unit  108   a . In response thereto, the processor  302  may determine a game result and accompanying outcome value/payout of game play (e.g., employing one or more payout tables and/or outcome databases (not shown) stored within the memory  306 ) for use in determining whether to provide communications services (as described below). A video camera similarly may be employed to monitor a credit balance indicator of the gaming machine  104   c  to determine a payout at the gaming machine  104   c . A payout at the gaming machine  104   c  also may be determined by employing a sensor within a coin tray or other payout location of the gaming machine  104   c . For example, a weight sensor, a magnetic sensor, a conductivity sensor, a reflective or through-beam light-based sensor, a pressure sensor, an audio sensor, etc., may be employed to detect a coin or similar payout at the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., by detecting a change in one or more of weight, magnetic properties, conductivity, reflectivity, etc., due to a payout, through actuation of a switch due the weight/pressure of the payout, by detecting a sound characteristic of coins dropping into a coin tray, etc.). 
     In general, the sensors  314  and/or  242  may be mounted on, to or within the gaming machine  104   c , on, to or within the auxiliary unit  108   c , or at any other location (e.g., on a chair positioned in front of the gaming machine  104   c , above the gaming machine  104   c  such as on an arm or support, as part of a standalone unit, etc.). In at least one embodiment of the invention, a security camera of a casino may be employed to monitor/detect game play at a gaming machine in accordance with any of the above described techniques (e.g., by employing a portion of a security video camera screen that corresponds to a slot machine reel, a credit balance indicator of a gaming machine, etc.). The use of one or more of the above sensors to detect game play is particularly advantageous in that a gaming machine may be easily retrofitted therewith to provide game play information to the auxiliary unit  108   a.    
     In addition to, or in place of the sensors  314  or  242 , the auxiliary unit  108   a  may monitor one or more signals generated by the gaming machine  104   c  to determine information regarding game play at the gaming machine  104   c . For example, the auxiliary unit  108   a  (e.g., via the communications port  304  and/or the processor  302 ) may monitor:
         1. a communication between a sensor and a controller of the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., the coin acceptor  228  and the coin acceptor controller  226 , etc.);   2. a communication between an input device and a controller of the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., a communication between the touch screen  224  and the video controller  222 , etc.);   3, a communication between an output device and a controller of the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., a communication between the touch screen  224  and the video controller  222 , etc.);   4. a communication between a processor and a controller of the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., a communication between the processor  202  and any of the controllers  218 ,  222 ,  226 ,  230 ,  234 , etc.);   5, a communication between a processor and an input device of the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., a communication between the processor  202  and the input devices  212 ); and/or   6. a communication between a processor and an output device of the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., a communication between the processor  202  and the output devices  214 ).       

     For example,  FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the auxiliary unit  108   a  is shown monitoring communications directly from the processor  202 , and between the reel controller  234  and the processor  202 , the input devices  212  and the processor  202 , the output devices  214  and the processor  202  and the sensors  242  and the processor  202 . 
     The signals/communications described above with reference to (1)-(6) may include, for instance, an indication of an outcome of game play, an indication of reel position, an indication of payment or a payment amount, an indication of a credit balance, an indication of an audio or video signal, and indication of a game initiation signal such as the pushing of a button or the pulling of a handle, etc. In one or more embodiments, these and other signals/communications may be obtained by and fed to the auxiliary unit  108   a  by inserting a splitter into a communications path (e.g., with an amplifier/repeater if required), splicing or soldering a wire to the communications path (e.g., and running one end of the wire to the auxiliary unit  108   a ), removing a wire from a communications path and coupling the wire to the auxiliary unit  108   a  (which may, in turn, retransmit any signals traveling across the wire back to the gaming machine  104   c ), etc. Such signals/communications also may be monitored, determined and/or obtained from the processor  202  (e.g., via the communications port  204  of the gaming machine  104   c ). 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate a side perspective view and a front perspective view, respectively, of the gaming machine  104   c  in communication with the auxiliary unit  108   a . The auxiliary unit  108   a  may or may not be physically connected to the gaming machine  104   c . For example, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a case or housing of the auxiliary unit  108   a  is shown attached to a case or housing of the gaming machine  104   c .  FIGS. 5A and 5B  further illustrate a first sensor  314   a  coupled to the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., for detecting a position and/or spinning of a reel  502  of the gaming machine  104   c  and for providing such information to the auxiliary unit  108   a ), and a second sensor  314   b  coupled to the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., for detecting a presence of a game player at the gaming machine  104   c  and for providing such information to the auxiliary unit  108   a  or for use during the provision of communication services). 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the auxiliary unit  108   a  also includes a communications device  316  adapted to facilitate and/or provide communications services to a gaming machine player of the gaming machine  104   c  as described further below, alone or in cooperation with the communications server  300 . 
     The communications device  316  may be located within or outside of the auxiliary unit  108   a , and may or may not form part of the auxiliary unit  108   a  In at least one embodiment of the invention, the communications device  316  may comprise, for example, a standard communications device such as a telephone or telephone receiver/headset combination that may send and receive audio signals in the form of a local, regional or long distance telephone call via the processor  302 , the communications port  304  and the communications server  300  when enabled by the auxiliary unit  108   a  (as described below). In another embodiment of the invention, the communications device  316  may include a regulator and a voice response unit (VRU). In general, when the communications device  316  is employed for telephone calls, the communications device  316  may comprise a suitable combination of a microphone, speaker and/or keypad (e.g., implemented via one or more of the input devices  310  and/or output devices  312  of the auxiliary unit  108   a ). 
     The communications device  316  alternatively may be employed for video-enable telephone calls (e.g., a video teleconference), sending and/or receiving e-mails, instant messaging, or to provide similar communications services at the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., to a player of the gaming machine  104   c ). When configured to perform such functions, the communications device  316 , the input devices  310  and/or the output devices  312  of the auxiliary unit  108   a  may include components necessary for such functionality (e.g., a camera, a video display, a keyboard or keypad, etc.), and/or such components may be provided external to the auxiliary unit  108   a.    
     As stated the communications device  316  need not be part of the auxiliary unit  108   a . For example, the auxiliary unit  108   a  may only interface with the communications device  316  (e.g., via a predefined physical connection such as a parallel or serial cable, a wireless connection/channel, the communications port  304 , etc., using a predefined communications protocol such as a predefined sequence of data bits or values). To avoid tampering, the communications device  316  may be mounted to the auxiliary unit  108   a  and/or the gaming machine  104   c . As stated, the auxiliary unit  108   b  of  FIG. 1  may be configured similarly to the auxiliary unit  108   a.    
     The communications server  300  may include, for example, a server that facilitates connection of the auxiliary unit  108   a  and/or the communications device  316  to a telephone network, such as by routing a call to an available telephone line of a casino or other operator of the gaming machine  104   c , a high speed Internet connection of a casino or other operator of the gaming machine  104   c  or the like. 
     In at least one embodiment of the invention, one or more of the sensors  242  and  316 , the processor  302 , the communication port  304  and/or other components of an auxiliary unit  108   a - b  may be considered to form a gaming machine interface unit adapted to (1) interface with a gaming machine, such as one of the gaming machines  104   a - d ; and (2) collect information regarding game play at the gaming machine. Likewise, one or more of the processor  302 , the communication port  304 , the input devices  310 , the output devices  316  and/or other components of an auxiliary unit  108   a - b  may be considered to form a communications device interface unit adapted to interface with a communications device such as the communications device  316  and/or the communications server  300 . 
     Exemplary Operation of the Gaming System 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary process  600  of the system  100  of  FIGS. 1-5B  useful in describing the general operation of the system  100 . One or more of the steps of the process  600  may be embodied within computer program code of the program  308  of one or more of the auxiliary units  108   a - b . The above-mentioned computer program code may be embodied in one or more computer program products. For convenience, the process  600  is described with reference to the gaming machine  104   c  and the auxiliary unit  108   a . It will be understood that a similar process may be performed with any gaming machine that has been retrofitted with an auxiliary unit provided in accordance with the present invention. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , the process  600  begins at step  601 . At step  602 , the auxiliary unit  108   a  receives information regarding game play at the gaming machine  104   c . For example, the gaming machine  104   c  may receive information regarding game play from one or more of the sensors  242  ( FIG. 2 ) and/or  314  ( FIG. 3 ), in the form of a signal generated by the gaming machine  104   c  during its normal operation, etc., as previously described with reference to  FIGS. 3-5B . Information regarding game play that may be received/determined may include, for example, whether a player is present at the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., whether the player is seated in front of the gaming machine  104   c ), whether a player has placed a coin-based or bill-based wager, whether a player has initiated game play at the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., via a button, handle, lever, keypad, etc.), whether one or more reels of the gaming machine  104   c  are spinning, an amount of or a change in a credit balance of a player of the gaming machine  104   c , whether a player of the gaming machine  104   c  receives a payout and/or an amount of any payout and/or whether all or an portion of any payout has been added to an existing balance or cashed out, a duration for or time period during which any of the above occurred, etc. Other game play information that may be received/determined includes, for example, an average amount bet by a player (e.g., an average amount over a given time period), a per unit time value (e.g., a rate of play such as a rate of game initiations), a total amount bet (e.g., over a given time period), whether any of the above listed information alone or in combination is within a predetermined range, above or below a predetermined threshold, produces a predetermined result when combined (e.g., via a Boolean or other technique), etc. 
     In step  603 , the auxiliary unit  108   a  determines whether a player is operating the gaming machine  104   c  based on the information received at step  602 . For example, the auxiliary unit  108   a  may detect a period of inactivity, absence of a player at the gaming machine, etc. If the auxiliary unit  108   a  determines that a player is not operating the gaming machine  104   c , then the process  600  ends at step  604 ; otherwise, the process  600  proceeds to step  605 . 
     In step  605 , the auxiliary unit  108   a  determines whether communications services should be provided to a player of the gaming machine  104   c  based on the game play being performed at the gaming machine  104   c . For example, the auxiliary unit  108   a  may allow communications services at the gaming machine  104   c  (e.g., during game play) only if a condition of game play is satisfied or if the player has accumulated a balance or credit of communications services based on game play at the gaming machine  104   c  (or another gaming machine). 
     Exemplary conditions of game play that may be employed for determining whether a player should receive communications services at the gaming machine  104   c  may include, for example, an average amount bet by a player (e.g., an average amount over a predetermined time period), a per unit time value (e.g., a rate of play such as a rate of game initiations), a total amount bet (e.g., over a given time period), whether any of the above listed information alone or in combination is within a predetermined range, above or below a predetermined threshold, produce a predetermined result when combined (e.g., via a Boolean or other technique), or some other measure of level of game play. 
     In another embodiment, a player may accumulate a balance or credit (e.g., “minutes”) to receive communications services. For instance, a player may receive a credit of communication time whenever the player achieves a predetermined level of game play (as described above) at a gaming machine that employs one of the auxiliary units  108   a - b , and must accumulate a predetermined balance before communications services are provided to the player. Such communication credit may be stored, for example, on a customer card that may be read and/or written to by the auxiliary unit  108   a.    
     If, based on game play at the gaming machine  104   c , the player is not to receive communications services at the gaming machine  104   c , the process  600  returns to step  602  to receive additional information regarding game play at the gaming machine  104   c . In an embodiment where a balance or credit may be received, a player may be credited for game play appropriately. However, if based on game play at the gaming machine  104   c , the player is to receive communications services at the gaming machine  104   c , the process  600  proceeds to step  606 . 
     In step  606 , the auxiliary unit  108   a  provides communications services to the player of the gaming machine  104   c . Communications services may include the ability to make and/or receive one or more free or reduced rate local, regional and/or long distance telephone calls, send and/or receive e-mails, participate in one or video-enable telephone calls, send/receive instant messaging or the like. Such services may be provided, for example, via the communications device  316  and/or the communications server  300 . For example, in a telephone call embodiment, the player may pick-up or otherwise active the communications device  316 , thereby causing the communications device to send an “off-hook” or similar signal to communications server  300 . A dial tone then may be communicated to the player (e.g., via the communications device  316 , the processor  302 , an output device  312 , etc.), and the player may dial a desired telephone number to complete a telephone call. Similar processes may be performed for other types of communications services. 
     In one or more embodiments of the invention, one or more characteristics of the communications services may be limited or otherwise affected by game play (and/or level of game play) at the gaming machine  104   c . For example, the auxiliary unit  108   a  may limit one or more of the duration of a telephone call or other communications services (e.g., the length of an e-mail or video conference), the bandwidth of data communicated during the communications services (e.g., the rate of streaming video sent/received), the cost of the communications services, the content during the communications services (e.g., only certain words may be used), etc. In one embodiment of the invention, such limits on communications services are based on game play at the gaming machine  104   c  such as an average amount bet by a player (e.g., an average amount over a predetermined time period), a per unit time value (e.g., a rate of play such as a rate of game initiations), a total amount bet (e.g., over a given time period), whether any of the above listed information alone or in combination is within a predetermined range, above or below a predetermined threshold, produce a predetermined result when combined (e.g., via a Boolean or other technique), or some other measure of level of game play. 
     Communications services may terminate automatically, or a trigger, warning or other signal may be provided to a gaming machine player to indicate that communications services are to end (e.g., within a predetermined time). In one or more embodiments of the invention, continued game play (e.g., at a predetermined game level) may result in continued communications. Such a “reward” may provide a significant incentive for a gaming machine player to continue game play at a gaming machine, and also may offer an economical means for casinos to attract new gaming machine players. For example, following step  606 , the process  600  may return to steps  602 - 605  to determine whether on-going communications services should continue or new communications services should be provided.  FIG. 5B  illustrates an exemplary warning regarding the termination of communications services that may be provided to a gaming machine player (e.g., on a display of the gaming machine  104   c  and/or the auxiliary unit  108   a ). Other warnings may be provided (e.g., audio warnings). 
     To commence communications services via the auxiliary unit  108   a , the auxiliary unit  108   a  (e.g., via the processor  302  and/or the communications port  304 ) may selectively activate the communications device  316  (e.g., allow communications via the communications device  316  when appropriate and otherwise not allow such communications). Such activation and deactivation may be performed, for example, by sending an activation signal and a subsequent a deactivation signal to the communications device  316 , or a command that indicates a time period during which the communications device  316  should be active. Upon receiving such commands, the communications device  316  may activate, deactivate, and activate for the time period, respectively. Other data protocols may be employed between the auxiliary unit  108   a  and the communications device  316 . 
     The foregoing description discloses only exemplary embodiments of the invention. Modifications of the above disclosed apparatus and methods which fall within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, other techniques for determining information regarding game play at a gaming machine, and for providing such information to an auxiliary unit  108   a - b , also may be employed. For example, a separate communications link may be established between a gaming machine and an auxiliary unit  108   a - b , such as by employing a player tracking card as a communications link. A credit balance display or a game initiation button/handle that includes a signal path to an auxiliary unit  108   a - b  may be retrofitted into a gaming machine to provide game play information to the auxiliary unit. An accelerometer or similar device may be coupled to one or more reels of a gaming machine and employed to provide (e.g., wirelessly or otherwise) game play information to an auxiliary unit  108   a - b . In another embodiment, one or more reels of a gaming machine may be painted with a paint that is displayed only when illuminated by ultraviolet light (e.g., to facilitate accurate detection of reel position during monitoring by a video camera). Further, power fluctuations associated with game play at a gaming machine (e.g., while reels are spinning) may be monitored and used to provide game play information to an auxiliary unit  108   a - b.    
     Any of the communications paths or channels described herein may comprise electrical, optical, radio wave and/or other known communications paths or channels. Any data protocol may be used for information exchange, as may digital and/or analog communications. Commands such as activation and/or deactivation commands may comprise one or more unique bits or bytes or other values. 
     A gaming machine (e.g., a non-communications enabled gaming machine) may be retrofitted to operate in accordance with the present invention through use of an auxiliary unit  108   a - b . Such retrofitting may include one or more of (1) opening a case of a gaming machine, (2) altering a case of the gaming machine (e.g., to form a hole or other opening for one or more wires), (3) connecting at least one wire from the gaming machine to an auxiliary unit (e.g., to create a signal path between the auxiliary unit and the gaming machine) and (4) closing the case of the gaming machine. An auxiliary unit  108   a - b  may or may not be attached to the gaming machine (e.g., via bolting or other fasteners or adhesives). 
     A wire may be coupled between a gaming machine and an auxiliary unit  108   a - b , for example, by (1) assembling the wire (e.g., placing appropriate connectors on each end of the wire), (2) locating a communication path inside the gaming machine, (3) coupling the wire to the communication path (e.g., by splicing into the path or by coupling to a communications port of the gaming machine such as the communications port  204  of the gaming machine  104   c  of  FIG. 2 ), (4) threading the wire through a hole in the case of the gaming machine and/or (5) coupling the wire to the auxiliary unit  108   a - b  (e.g., to the communications port  304  of the auxiliary unit  108   a  of  FIG. 3 ). Other techniques may be employed. 
     Input devices, output devices and/or sensors of an auxiliary unit  108   a - b  may be installed at or near a gaming machine separately or as a unit. For example, a camera or motion sensor (e.g., for detecting reel spinning/position), may be installed on a display (e.g., glass) of a gaming machine, such as is shown by the first sensor  314   a  and the reel  502  of  FIG. 5B . A microphone, camera or other similar device (e.g., for receiving audio and/or video of a gaming machine player for determining game play information or for providing communications services, such as speaker phone service during game play) may be installed at or near a top of a gaming machine, as shown by the second sensor  314   b  of  FIG. 5B . Likewise, other types of communications devices, such as a telephone, may be installed at or near a side of a gaming machine. Each such installation may involve one or more of (1) connecting one or more wires to an input device, an output device or a sensor; (2) connecting the one or more wires to an auxiliary unit  108   a - b ; and/or (3) attaching the input device, output device and/or sensor to a gaming machine (or locating the input device, output device and/or sensor near the gaming machine). 
     In at least one embodiment of the invention, any wire that extends from an input device, an output device and/or a sensor may be routed so as to protect the wire from tampering (e.g., by a gaming machine player). For example, wires may be routed through both a gaming machine and an auxiliary unit  108   a - b  coupled to the gaming machine. Also, wires may be coated with a tamper resistant material such as a steel sheath (e.g., to prevent cutting with wire or bolt cutters). 
     Any appropriate tools required to retrofit a gaming machine with an auxiliary unit  108   a - b  in accordance with the invention may be employed and/or provided with an auxiliary unit. For example, to open a gaming machine, a key that unlocks an access panel of the gaming machine, a screwdriver, a wrench, pliers, a rivet puller or the like may be provided. To alter a case of a gaming machine (e.g., for attaching an auxiliary unit  108   a - b , for routing wires between the gaming machine and an auxiliary unit  108   a - b , etc.), a drill and/or drill bit, sheet metal cutters, a file, a screwdriver, a wrench, pliers, a rivet gun, a clamp or the like may be provided. Sheet metal, screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, glue, solder, epoxy, a soldering iron or gun, etc., may be provided to facilitate such gaming machine case alteration and/or attachment of an auxiliary unit  108   a - b  thereto. 
     To install and route wires between a gaming machine and an auxiliary unit  108   a - n , wire cutters, wire strippers, a crimper, a soldering iron or gun, etc., may be provided; as may be wire, cable (e.g., insulated, shielded and/or of appropriate gage), connectors, solder, etc. As stated, a kit including one or more of the above tools/parts, as well as other similar tools/parts, may be included with an auxiliary unit  108   a - b  to facilitate retrofitting of a gaming machine in accordance with the present invention. 
     Accordingly, while the present invention has been disclosed in connection with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.