Patent Publication Number: US-2015072769-A1

Title: System and method of providing system-based awards through in-game machine assets

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2013228004, filed Sep. 11, 2013 (Docket #060518.02338), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of this disclosure contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of this patent document as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but reserves all copyrights whatsoever in the subject matter presented herein. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention generally relates to systems and methods for providing system based awards though the use of game assets within a game machine based on a player&#39;s prior game play history. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Gaming machines, such as slot machines, are a cornerstone of the gaming industry. Many gaming machines are connected through system-based player tracking system in order to manage a player&#39;s game play history and provide additional bonus incentives in response to continued game play by the player. It is through these system-based player tracking systems that a gaming property can offer additional incentives across all games that are available to a player. 
     Previously, the systems and methods provided these incentives through hardware and user screens that were separate from a player&#39;s regular course of game play. Player tracking systems would generate awards either through predetermined criteria or through Player interactions with the system. Once the player tracking system awarded these incentives to the player, the system would require additional player interaction in order grant the award. This additional interaction could be directly through a player rewards method within the gaming machine or through additional hardware attached to the gaming machine or the system. Regardless of the method or additional hardware required, prior systems ultimately required interaction from the player separate from any interaction involved in the playing the main game on the gaming machine, thus disrupting the game play experience for the player. 
     The present invention is aimed at one or more of the problems identified above. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the aspect of the present invention, a system providing system-based awards through in-game machine assets is described. The system includes a plurality of game machines and a player tracking system. The player tracking system includes a system side server containing a database in communication with the plurality of gaming machines. With these components, the system side server determines a system award as a function of gaming transactions of a given player. Then, the system side server communicates the system award as a bonus feature game on a gaming machine based on the gaming transactions of a given player. The game machine then displays one or more bonus feature games having game outcomes based on the system award. Finally, the game machine initiates the bonus feature game with game symbols stored in the gaming machine. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a method of providing a providing a tracked player an award based on gaming transactions is provided. This method displays the award as a bonus feature game on a gaming machine using the same game themes and/or game elements displayed in the primary game or secondary game played on the machine. The method comprises the steps of: determining a system award as a function of gaming transactions; communicating the system award as a bonus feature game to a gaming machine based on the gaming transactions; displaying one or more bonus feature games having game outcomes based on the system award; and displaying the bonus feature game with game symbols stored in the gaming machine. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory information recording medium containing a computer readable program is provided that functions as a system including: a gaming machine configured to play a game and to display an outcome of the game using in-game machine assets and a player tracking system configured to operate in communication with the gaming machine. The player tracking system then tracks the transactions between the player and the system in order to compare them to a set of predefined criteria. An incentive award is responsively awarded when the tracked transactions satisfy the predefined criteria. The player tracking system then sends the incentive award to the game machine. The game machine, being configured to the receive the incentive award, will generate a bonus feature for indicating the incentive award to the player using at least one of the in-game machine assets in response to receiving the incentive award signal. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a method of providing a providing a tracked player an award based on non-gaming information such as player demographic information stored in the player tracking system. This method displays the award as a bonus feature game on a gaming machine using the same game themes and/or game elements displayed in the primary game or secondary game played on the machine. The method comprises the steps of: determining a system award as a function of identifying the player; communicating the system award as a bonus feature game to a gaming machine based on the gaming transactions; displaying one or more bonus feature games having game outcomes based on the system award; and displaying the bonus feature game with game symbols stored in the gaming machine. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of a system for awarding a player tracking bonus award utilizing in-game assets stored on a gaming machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary gaming machine for use in the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic showing the structure of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 4 . is a perspective view of a game play screen according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is an block diagram of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a portion of an exemplary player tracking module used in the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart of a method for awarding a player tracking bonus award utilizing in-game assets stored on a gaming machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference to the drawings and in operation, the present invention provides a system  2  which awards a player a player tracking award using a gaming machine. With specific reference to  FIG. 1 , the system  2  includes a player tracking system  10  and a plurality of gaming devices or machines  12 . As described in more depth below. The gaming devices machines  12  may include a plurality of wagering gaming machines and a plurality of non-wagering gaming machines. The player tracking system  10  tracks and stored transactions made on the gaming machines  12 , which are related to a plurality of players or patrons. The player tracking system  10  compares the tracked transaction against a set of predetermined criteria for the purpose of generated or awarding an incentive award to one or more players. In general, one or more of the gaming machines may allow the player to play a game. The game utilizes one or more in-game machine assets. When a player tracking award is triggered for a player within the player tracking system  10 , the player tracking system  10  may send a signal to the gaming machine  12  which the player or patron is currently using to instruct the gaming machine to award or demonstrate the awarding of the incentive award using at least one of the in-game assets stored on the gaming machine. 
     A selected embodiment of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiment of the present invention is provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     System Generally 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an exemplary system  2 . The system  2  includes a player tracking system  10  and one or more gaming machines  12 . The gaming system  2  may also include a network  14  for communication between the player tracking system  10  and the gaming machines  12 . In one embodiment, at least one of the gaming machines  12  is a video gaming machine. In another embodiment, the at least one gaming machine  12  may include a personal computer, laptop, cell phone, smartphone, tablet computer, personal data assistant, and/or any suitable computing device that enables a player to connect to the network  14 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the network  14  comprises a local area network (LAN). Alternatively, the network  14  may also comprise alternate modes of digital communication, for example, an Internet link, an intranet, a WAN, dial-in-connections, cable modems, wireless modems, and/or ISDN lines. In the illustrated embodiment, the system  100  includes a plurality gaming machines  104 , which in one embodiment are arranged in a bank, i.e., are arranged together, adjacently (not shown). It should be noted, however, that the gaming system  100  may include any number of gaming machines  12  that may be arranged in any manner, such as in a circle or along a curved arc, or positioned within separate areas of a casino floor, and/or separate gaming establishments such as different casinos. Furthermore, additional groups of gaming machines  12  may be coupled to the network  14 . 
     With particular reference to  FIG. 5 , in the illustrated embodiment the player tracking system  10  determines if a triggering event occurs based on the comparison between the predefined criteria within the player tracking system as related to the transactions within a player tracking accounts database (see below). The player tracking accounts database is populated through inputs from the gaming machines  12 , and a player tracking (or host) workstation  207 . The gaming machines  12  may include wagering gaming machines  12 A . . .  12 H and non-wagering gaming machines  12 I,  12 J. A non-wagering machine  12 I,  12 J can include any terminal or network device that allows for the generation of player metrics into the system, such as a redemption kiosk  12 J or a point of sale kiosks  12 K. The player tracking workstation  207  includes any type of device used by a system admin to modify the current metrics within the player tracking accounts database  205 . 
     In one embodiment, the player tracking system  10  and method may be embodied or implemented, at least in part, via an entertaining and monitoring system). The entertainment and monitoring system may include additional functions such as, real-time multi-site, slot accounting, player tracking, cage credit and vault, sports book data collection, Point of Sale (POS) accounting, keno accounting, bingo accounting, and table game accounting, a wide area progressive jackpot, and electronic funds transfer (EFT). The player tracking system will be discussed in further detail below. Exemplary entertainment and monitoring and/or player tracking systems are disclosed in commonly owned, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/826,991, filed on Mar. 14, 2013, United States Patent Application Publication 2006/0058099A1, and United States Patent Application Publication 2003/0069071A1, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     As shown, the system  2  includes a plurality of gaming machines  12 . Gaming machines  12  may include, but are not limited to gaming machines, electronic gaming machines (such as video slot, video poker machines, or video arcade games), electric gaming machines, virtual gaming machines, e.g., for online gaming, an interface to a table management system (not shown) for table games, or other suitable devices at which a patron or player  224  may interact or access a user or player account. In the illustrated embodiment, one electronic gaming device or machine is shown. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to any number or type of gaming machines  12 . In one embodiment, the gaming machines  12  are organized into banks (not shown), each bank containing a plurality of gaming machines  12 . The game machine  12  and its operation will be discussed in further detail below. 
     The gaming machines  12  are connected via a network  14  to the player tracking system  10 . The player tracking system  10  may include one or more player tracking servers  201 . Each server  201  is generally located at one or more remote or central locations. The player tracking system  10  includes a computer program application  204  which maintains one or more player tracking accounts databases  205 . 
     The computer program application  204  and player tracking accounts databases  205  may be used to record, track, and report accounting information regarding the gaming machines  12  and players of the gaming machines  12 . Additionally, the computer program application  204  and player tracking accounts databases  205  may be used to maintain information related to player or player tracking accounts  209 . 
     In general, the gaming machines  12  may be used by a user or player to access their player tracking account  209 . For example, each of the wagering gaming machines  12  is playable by a player. The player may select one of the gaming machines  12  to play and insert a coin, credit, coupon, and/or player tracking card (not shown) into the chosen gaming machine  12 . Generally, the gaming machines  12  have an associated number of credits or coins required in order to play. In the case of video slot or poker games, the game is played and an award in the form of credits may be awarded based on a pay table of the gaming machine  2 . 
     The player may be identified by entry of a player tracking card into the player identification card reader and/or entry of a player identification number (PIN) on the numeric key pad. 
     Gaming Machine 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary gaming machine  12 .  FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of the gaming machine  12 . A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a video gaming machine preferably installed in a casino. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine  12  includes a display device  13  for displaying a plurality of games, a user input device  14  to enable a player to interface with the gaming machine  12 , and a gaming controller  16  that is operatively coupled to the display device  12  and the user input device  14  to enable a player to play games displayed on the display device  13 . The gaming machine  12  also includes a cabinet assembly  18  that is configured to support the display device  13 , the user input device  14 , and/or the gaming controller  16  from a gaming stand  20  and/or a supporting surface  22 . 
     The display device  12  and the user input device  14  are coupled to the cabinet assembly  18  and are accessible by the player. In one embodiment, the gaming controller  16  is positioned within the cabinet assembly  18 . Alternatively, the gaming controller  16  may be separated from the cabinet assembly  18 , and connected to components of the gaming machine  12  through a network such as, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), dial-in-connections, cable modems, wireless modems, and/or special high-speed Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) lines. 
     In one embodiment, the user input device  14  includes a plurality of input buttons  24 , a coin slot  26 , and/or a bill acceptor  28 . The coin slot  26  includes an opening that is configured to receive coins and/or tokens deposited by the player into the gaming machine  12 . The gaming machine  12  converts a value of the coins and/or tokens to a corresponding amount of gaming credits that are used by the player to wager on games played on the gaming machine  12 . 
     The bill acceptor  28  includes an input and output device that is configured to accept a bill, a ticket, and/or a cash card into the bill acceptor  28  to enable an amount of gaming credits associated with a monetary value of the bills, ticket, and/or cash card to be credited to the gaming machine  12 . Moreover, the gaming machine  12  may also utilize a cashless wagering system (not shown), such as a ticket in ticket out (TITO) system (not shown). In one embodiment, the bill acceptor  28  also includes a printer (not shown) that is configured to dispense a printed voucher ticket that includes information indicative of an amount of credits and/or money paid out to the player by the gaming machine  12  during a gaming session. The voucher ticket may be used at other gaming machines, or redeemed for cash, and/or other items as part of a casino cashless system (not shown). 
     A coin tray  30  is coupled to the cabinet assembly  18  and is configured to receive a plurality of coins that are dispensed from the gaming machine  12 . One or more speakers  32  are installed inside the cabinet assembly  18  to generate voice announcements and/or sound effects associated with game play. The gaming machine  12  also includes one or more lighting devices  34  that are configured to blink and/or change brightness and color in specific patterns to produce lighting effects to enhance a visual gaming experience for the player. 
     In one embodiment, the input buttons  24  include a plurality of BET switches  36  for inputting a wager on a game, a plurality of selection switches  38  for selecting a betting line and/or card, a MAXBET switch  40  for inputting a maximum wager, a PAYOUT switch  42  for ending a gaming session and dispensing accumulated gaming credits to the player, and a start switch, i.e., a SPIN/DEAL button  44  to initiate an output of a game. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the BET switches  36  include five switches from 1BET to 5BET to enable a player to wager between a minimum bet up to 5× minimum bet. Each selection switch  38  corresponds to a betting line such as, for example, a payline and/or symbol for a reel game, one or more cards for a card game, and/or a symbol for a roulette game, to enable a player to associate a wager with one or more betting lines. The MAXBET switch  40  enables a player to input the maximum bet that a player can spend against one time of a game. The PAYOUT switch  42  enables a player to receive the amount of money and/or credits awarded to the player during a gaming session, which has been credited onto the gaming machine  12 . 
     The gaming machine  12  may also include a player tracking device  46  that is coupled to the gaming controller  16  for identifying the player and/or a player tracking account  209  that is associated with the player  224 . The player tracking account  209  may include, but is not limited to, gaming credits available to the player for use in playing the gaming machine  12 . The player tracking device  46  is configured to communicate player account information  209  between a player tracking server  201  and the gaming machine  12 . For example, the player tracking device  46  may be used to track bonus points and/or credits awarded to the player during a gaming session and/or track bonus and/or credits downloaded to the gaming machine  12  from the player tracking system. 
     The player tracking device  46  is coupled to the gaming cabinet assembly  18  and includes a player identification card reader  48 , a data display  50 , and a keypad  52 . The player identification card reader  48  is configured to accept a player tracking card (not shown) inserted by the player, and read information contained on the player tracking card to identify the player account information. The player identification card reader  48  may include, but is not limited to, a barcode reader, a magnetic card reader, and/or a radio frequency identification (RFID) card reader. The keypad  52  is configured to accept a user selection input such as, for example, a unique player personal identification number (PIN) to facilitate enabling the gaming machine  12  to identify the player, and access player account information associated with the identified player to be displayed on the data display  50 . In one embodiment, the data display  50  includes a touchscreen panel that includes the keypad  52 . Alternatively, the data display  50  and the keypad  52  may be included in the display device  13 . 
     In one embodiment, the display device  13  includes a first display  54  and a second display  56 . The first display  54  is configured to display a game screen  58  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) including indicia and/or symbols for use in a game, e.g., cards used by a card game, roulette wheel and symbols used in a roulette game, and reels used in a reel game. The game screen  58  may include any type of game including, but not limited to, a video slot game, a keno game, a blackjack game, a video poker game, or any type of game which allows a player to make a wager, play a game, and potentially provide the player an award based on an outcome of the game and a paytable. The second display  56  is configured to display game play instructions for performing the game including, but not limited to, playing instructions, paytables, paylines, betting lines and/or any other information to enable the gaming machine  12  to function as described herein. Moreover, each display  54  and  56  may be configured to display at least a portion of the game screen  58  and/or game play instructions. In one embodiment, the first and second displays  54  and  56  each include a flat panel display, such as a cathode ray tube display (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode display (LED), a plasma display, and/or any suitable visual output device capable of displaying graphical data and/or text to a user. Alternatively, a single component, such as a touch screen, may function as both the display device  12  and as the user input device  14 . In an alternative embodiment, the first display  54  and/or the second display  56  includes a plurality of mechanical reels displaying a plurality of game symbols. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, the gaming controller  16  includes a processor, i.e., a central processing unit (CPU)  60 , a credit controller  62 , a console unit  64 , a payout controller  66 , a random-number generator (RNG)  68 , a lighting controller  70 , a sound controller  72 , a display controller  74 , a memory device  76 , and a database  78 . Memory device  76  includes a computer readable medium, such as, without limitation, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, a diskette, a flash drive, a compact disc, a digital video disc, and/or any suitable device that enables the CPU  60  to store, retrieve, and/or execute instructions and/or data. 
     The CPU  60  executes various programs, and thereby controls other components of the gaming controller  16  according to player instructions and data accepted by the user input device  14 . The CPU  60  in particular executes a game program, and thereby conducts a game in accordance with the embodiments described herein. The memory device  76  stores programs and databases used by the CPU  60 . Moreover, the memory device  76  stores and retrieves information in the database  78  including, but not limited to, a game type, a number of reels associated with a game, a number of reel strips associated with each reel, a number of symbol positions being displayed on each reel strip, a type of symbols being displayed on each symbol position, a predefined set of normal symbols, a predefined set of special symbols, image data for producing game images and/or screens on the display device  12 , and temporarily stores variables, parameters, and the like that are used by the CPU  60 . In addition, the memory device  76  stores indicia, symbol weights, pay tables, and/or winning combination tables which represent relationships between combinations of random numbers and types of awards. In one embodiment, the memory device  76  utilizes RAM to temporarily store programs and data necessary for the progress of the game, and EPROM to store, in advance, programs and data for controlling basic operation of the gaming machine  12 , such as the booting operation thereof. 
     The credit controller  62  manages the amount of player&#39;s credits, which is equivalent to the amount of coins and bills counted and validated by the bill acceptor  28 . The console unit  64  is coupled to the user input device  14  to monitor player selections received through the input buttons  24 , and accept various instructions and data that a player enters through the input buttons  24 . The payout controller  66  converts a player&#39;s credits to coins, bills, or other monetary data by using the coin tray  30  and/or for use in dispensing a credit voucher via the bill acceptor  28 . 
     The lighting controller  70  controls one or more lighting devices  34  to blink and/or change brightness and color in specific patterns in order to produces lighting effects associated with game play. The sound controller  72  controls the speakers  32  to output voice announcements and sound effects during game play. The display controller  74  controls the display device  13  to display various images on screens preferably by using computer graphics and image data stored in the memory device  76 . More specifically, the display controller  74  controls video reels in a game screen displayed on the first display  54  and/or the second display  56  by using computer graphics and the image data. 
     The RNG  68  generates and outputs random numbers to the CPU  60  preferably at the start of each round of game. The CPU  60  uses the random numbers to determine an outcome of a game. For example, if the game is a video slot game, the CPU  60  uses the RNG  68  to randomly select an arrangement of symbols to be displayed on video reels. Moreover, the CPU  60  generally uses random numbers generated by the RNG  68  to play the games, and to determine whether or not to provide an award to a player. In addition, the CPU  60  generates game outcomes including combinations of random numbers, and compares the generated combinations with winning combinations stored in the winning combination table to determine if the generated outcome is a winning outcome that is associated with a type of award. 
       FIG. 4  is an exemplary graphical display of a game that is displayed by the gaming machine  12  shown in  FIG. 2 . In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  16  is configured to display the game on the display device  13 . In one embodiment, the game includes a main game  80 , such as a video slot game. However, it should be noted that the main game  80  may be any type of game upon which a player could make a wager including, but not limited to a keno game, a blackjack game, a video poker game, or any type of game that enables the gaming machine  12  to function as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the main game  80  is displayed on the first display  54 . Alternatively, the main game  80  may be displayed on the first display  54  and/or the second display  56 . 
     In general, during play of the main game  80 , the gaming controller  16  randomly generates an outcome  84  of the main game  80  and displays the generated game outcome  84  in a display area  86 . The gaming controller  16  randomly selects a plurality of game symbols  88  from a predefined set of possible game symbols and displays the selected game symbols  88  associated with the generated game outcome  84  in the game display area  86 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of game symbols  88  are displayed in a grid  90  having a plurality of cells  92  arranged along a plurality of rows  94  and a plurality of columns  96 . Each cell  92  displays one or more game symbols  88  associated with the game outcome  84 . In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  16  displays the game symbols  88  within a plurality of reels  98 . Each reel  98  is associated with a corresponding column  96 . The main game  80 , in one embodiment, includes 5 reels  98  with 3 cells  92  displayed in the display area  86  per reel  98  (a “3×5” arrangement). Alternatively, other reel arrangements may be used such as, for example, 4, 5, 5, 5, and 4 cells per reel, respectively (a “4-5-5-5-4” arrangement), 3-4-3-4-3, or 4-5-4-5-4 arrangements or arrangements with the same number of cells per column, such as 3×3, 3×4, 4×5, or 5×5 configurations. The main game  80  also includes a plurality of paylines  100  that extend across one or more cells  92  to indicate, to the player, a combination of game symbols  88 . In one embodiment, the gaming machine  12  displays the main game  80  via a plurality of mechanical reels (not shown) that include a plurality of symbols displayed on a circumferential surface of each reel. 
     Each slot game is generally played in a conventional manner. The player makes a wager, which may be based on a predetermined denomination and a selected number of paylines, the gaming controller  16  randomly generates an outcome for the game, spins the reels, and selectively stops the reels to display a game symbol  88  in each of the display cells  92 . If a predetermined pattern of symbols  88  is randomly chosen for each cell  92  associated with a played payline  100 , the player may be awarded a payout based on the payline, the wager, and a predetermined paytable. Moreover, the player may be awarded a payout if the combination of symbols associated with a selected payline is a winning combination. In addition, a player may receive a bonus feature and/or a bonus game based on the combination of symbols associated with the selected payline and/or the appearance of one or more predefined symbols in the game outcome  84 . Many variations to the above described general play of a slot game fall within the scope of the present invention. Such slot games are well-known in the art, and are therefore not further discussed. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine  12  receives a signal, from the user input device  14 , that is indicative of a player&#39;s selection to initiate a gaming session including a wager amount, and a selection of one or more paylines  100  associated with a predefined set of cells  92  within the displayed grid  90 . In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine  12  is a multi-line game, i.e., the paylines include horizontal paylines and/or diagonal pay-lines, and/or zig-zag paylines. Moreover, the user input device  14  may allow the player to toggle to increase the bet per payline a credit at a time (up to the maximum bet). The gaming controller  16  randomly generates an outcome of the main game  80 , and displays the generated outcome on the display device  13 . In one embodiment, the gaming controller  16  is configured to rotate, and/or spin each reel  98  to initiate a game play, and stop each reel  98  to display a plurality of symbols  88  associated with the randomly generated outcome. In addition, the gaming controller  16  is adapted to determine if the generated outcome is a winning outcome based on the displayed game symbols  88 , a pay-table, a wager, and one or more selected paylines  100 . More specifically, the gaming machine  12  determines if a combination of symbols  88  arranged along the selected payline  100  is a winning combination. The gaming controller  16  may provide an award in response to the outcome of the main game  80 . In general, the term “award” may be a payout, in terms of credits or money. Thus, gaming controller  16  may award a regular payout in response to the outcome of the main game  80 . However, it should be noted that the term award may also refer to other types of awards, including, prizes, e.g., meals, show tickets, etc. . . . , as well as in-game awards, such as free games or awarding the player one or more wild symbols or stacked wild symbols in each of the games. 
     The illustrated embodiment can also include a bonus feature or secondary game in addition to the main game on the gaming machine. The bonus feature or secondary game is an add-on to the main game utilizing any in-game machine asset (discussed in more detail below). A bonus feature or secondary game is considered an add-on to the main game that occurs during game play. The bonus feature or secondary game can used any in-game machine asset that is used to display an award related to the main game. Such awards include free spins, credits, a credit multiplier, or additional pseudo game-play unrelated to the main game. The bonus feature or secondary game can be in any of the wagering or non-wagering formats as described above (slots, video poker, etc.). A bonus feature or secondary game may also be similar to the main game through the use of additional random numbers in order to continue randomized, wager-based game play. A bonus feature or secondary game may include any additional game play and grant awards based on any particularized triggers built into the main game of the game machine. It should be noted that the game may only include the main game  80 . Alternatively, the game may include the main game  80  and one or more bonus features and/or one or more secondary games. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to any specific bonus feature or secondary game (or type thereof). Exemplary bonus features or secondary games are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,824,260, U.S. Pat. No. 8,052,515, U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,869, U.S. Pat. No. 8,303,397, and United States Patent Application Publication 2011/0223985, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     In-game machine assets are defined as any pre-coded or generated gaming elements used by the gaming machine in order to implement the main game or any of the bonus features during game play. Such assets include text, graphics, animations, audio-video elements, game-play mechanics (i.e., game rules or constructs for wagering or non-wagering games). The assets may be pre-coded into the gaming machine  12  or generated by the machine during game play. Such assets may can also be used by the gaming machine  12  during the main game or reserved exclusively by the machine for the representation of a bonus feature only. 
     Player Tracking System and Method 
     In one embodiment, the player tracking system  10  and method may be embodied or implemented via an entertaining and monitoring system which is shown in block diagram form in  FIG. 7 . The player tracking system may include additional functions such as, real-time multi-site, slot accounting, player tracking, cage credit and vault, sports book data collection, Point of Sale (POS) accounting, keno accounting, bingo accounting, and table game accounting, a wide area progressive jackpot, and electronic funds transfer (EFT). 
     As shown, the system  10  includes a plurality of gaming machines  12 . Gaming Machines  12  may include, but are not limited to gaming machines, electronic gaming machines (such as video slot, video poker machines, or video arcade games), electric gaming machines, virtual gaming machines, e.g., for online gaming, an interface to a table management system (not shown) for table games, kiosks  12 K, point of sale or redemption terminals  12 J, or other suitable devices at which a patron may interact or access a user or player account. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to any number or type of gaming machines  12 . In one embodiment, the gaming machines  12  are organized into banks (not shown), each bank containing a plurality of gaming machines  12 . 
     Other types of gaming machines which may be included (see above) are indicated with reference number  12 I. 
     The gaming machines  12  are connected via a network  14  to one or more host computers or servers  201 , which are generally located at a remote or central location. The computer  201  includes a computer program application  204  which maintains one or more player tracking accounts databases  209 . 
     The computer program application  201  and databases  205  may be used to record, track, and report accounting information regarding the gaming machines  12  and players  224  of the gaming machines  12 . Additionally, the computer program application  204  and database(s)  205  may be used to maintain information related to player or player tracking accounts (see below). 
     In general, the machines  12  may be used by a user or player, i.e., to access their player account. For example, a gaming machine  12  is playable by a player  224 . The player  224  may select one of the gaming machines  12  to play and insert a coin, credit, coupon, and/or player tracking card (not shown) into the chosen gaming machine  12 . Generally, the gaming machines  12  have an associated number of credits or coins required in order to play. In the case of video slot or poker games, the game is played and an award in the form of credits may be awarded based on a pay table of the gaming machine  12 . 
     Input to the gaming machine  12  may be accomplished via mechanical switches or buttons or via a touchscreen interface (discussed above). 
     The player  224  is identified via the player tracking card and/or a player identification number entered into player tracking device  46  at each gaming machine  12  (see above). Player tracking accounts may be used, generally, to provide bonuses or player tracking awards, to a player, in addition to the award designated by, in the case of a video slot or poker machine, the gaming machine  12  paytable. These bonuses may be awarded to the player  224  based a set of criteria, including, but not limited to, a) the player&#39;s play on the gaming machine  12 , b) the player&#39;s overall play, c) play during a predetermined period of time, and d) the player&#39;s birthday or anniversary, or e) any other definable criteria. Additionally, bonuses may be awarded on a random basis, i.e., to a randomly chosen player or randomly chosen main game  80 . Bonuses may also be awarded in a discretionary manner or based on other criteria, such as, purchases made at a gift shop or other affiliated location. 
     In one embodiment, the player tracking device  46  includes a processor  47 , a player identification card reader  48  and/or a numeric keypad  52 , and a display  50 . In one embodiment, the display  50  is a touchscreen panel and the numeric keypad  52  is implemented thereon. 
     The player  224  may be identified by entry of a player tracking card into the player identification card reader  48  and/or entry of a player identification number (PIN) on the numeric key pad  52 . The play tracking device  46  may also be used to communicate information between the computer  201  and the corresponding gaming machine  12 . The player tracking device  46  may also be used to track bonus points, i.e., incentive points or credits, downloaded from the computer  201 . 
     In one aspect of the present invention, each player tracking device  46  is associated with one of the electronic gaming machines  12 . The player tracking devices  46  identify patrons interacting with the system  2 , for tracking wagers made by the players on the electronic gaming machines  12  and record wager data associated with each wager made by the player and a respective electronic gaming machine  12 . In one embodiment, the wager data includes a device type associated with respective gaming machine, an electronic gaming machine identifier, the theoretical hold percentage associated with the respective gaming machine, and an amount of the respective wager. The wager data may also include a player ID and a date/time stamp. 
     The computer or server  201  is in communication with the player tracking devices  46  and the non-gaming terminals  12 I,  12 J,  12 K for receiving the wager data associated with the patrons and the respective gaming machine  12  from the player tracking device  46  and storing the wager data in the database  205  and, for receiving transaction data associated with a transaction associated with the patrons&#39; use of the non-gaming terminals  106  and storing the transaction data in the database. The computer  201  may also establishes a player rating associated with each player as a function of the wager data and the transaction data. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, the bonuses are awarded as bonus points. In one embodiment, the bonus points are incentive points. In another embodiment, the bonus points are credits. 
     The incentive points may be converted to credits using a predetermined ratio. The predetermined ratio may be 1 or any other desired ratio. The predetermined ratio may also be varied based on determined criteria, e.g., the gaming machine  12  being played, the player, or the time of day. Incentive points may be designated as cashable or non-cashable. As described below, the incentive points in a player account may be downloaded to one of the gaming machines  12  for play. 
     Incentive points stored in the player account may be designated as cashable or non-cashable. In one embodiment, the player account may include only cashable incentive points. In another embodiment, the player account may include only non-cashable incentive points. In a third embodiment, the player account may include both cashable and non-cashable incentive points. In still another embodiment, the player account may include incentive points, cashable and/or non-cashable, and credits, cashable and/or non-cashable. Cashable credits, or incentive points converted into credits, may be downloaded to a gaming machine  12 . When the player has finished playing the gaming machine  12 , any remaining credits may be cashed out, i.e., retrieved as coins or placed on a printed ticket or player tracking card for redemption or play on another gaming machine  12 . 
     Non-cashable credits must be played. When the player stops playing gaming machine  12 C, any remaining non-cashable credits which were downloaded to the gaming machine  12 C are either lost or uploaded back to the player account (see below). 
     The database  205  tracks the player account for each player in the player tracking system. In the illustrated example, the following is tracked for each player: account number, incentive points, name, cashable credits and non-cashable credits. Thus in this example, bonus points in the form of incentive points, cashable credits and non-cashable credits may be awarded. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, bonus points are awarded via electronic vouchers, i.e., records in the database  205 . A voucher is created each time bonus points are awarded. Each voucher has a voucher number and an amount (in the case a dollar or credit amount). Each voucher is assigned to a player account and includes the player account number to which it is assigned. Each voucher may include additional parameters or fields based on the needs of the system  2 . For example, an expiration date could be included which gives a date at which the respective voucher expires. The voucher may also designate the bonus points as cashable or non-cashable. 
     In one aspect of the present invention the computer  201  may create a first voucher and assign a first number of bonus points to the first voucher. The computer  201  may also create a second voucher and assign a second number of bonus points to the second voucher. The first and second vouchers may be assigned to a player account. Each voucher has a parameter. The parameter of the first voucher has a first value and the parameter of the second voucher has a second value. 
     In one embodiment, the bonus points are incentive points which may be converted to credits and downloaded to the gaming machine  12 . In another embodiment, the bonus points are credits which may be downloaded to the gaming machine  12 . 
     In one embodiment, the gaming machine  12  may display to the player  224  a list of the vouchers which have been assigned to their player account. The player  224  may then indicate at least one voucher to download. The list may displayed whenever appropriate, for example, when the player  224  is identified to the system  2 , when the player requests the list (through a menu system), when a new voucher has been created, or any other suitable time. In one embodiment, the list may be displayed on the display  13 . In another embodiment, the list may be displayed on the player tracking device display  50 . 
     The first and second values of the parameters of the first and second vouchers may be equal or different. For example, in one embodiment the parameter relates to an expiration date of the respective voucher. The expiration date may be a function of the date of the voucher was created. Thus, the expiration dates of the first and second vouchers may be different if the vouchers were created on different days or may be the same if created on the same day. 
     In another embodiment, the parameter is one of cashable and non-cashable. The computer  18  may designed a voucher as cashable or non-cashable. Typically, this is defined by predefined criteria based on how the voucher was created. If the bonus points for a specific voucher are incentive points, the incentive points may be converted to credits prior to downloading to the gamine machine  12 . As described above, this is done using a predetermined ration which may be 1 or some other ratio. 
     In one embodiment, the gaming machine  12  may provide an indication to the player  24  when the first voucher or second voucher has been assigned to the player account. For example, the indication may be an audio signal and/or a visual signal. 
     In one embodiment, the parameter may be an expiration date of the respective voucher. Each voucher may also include a second parameter designating the respective bonus points as being cashable or non-cashable. 
     In one embodiment, the computer  201  may convert the first number of bonus points to a first number of credits and download the first number of credits to the player tracking device  38 . 
     In another embodiment, the gaming machine  12  has a credit meter for tracking available credits for play of the gaming machine by the player  224 . The computer  201  may convert the first number of bonus points to a first number of credits and download the first number of credits to the credit meter. 
     In one embodiment, the parameter may be one lump-sum and pay for play. The computer  201  may convert the first number of bonus points to credits and download the credits to the credit meter if the first voucher is designated as lump-sum. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the gaming machine  12  is capable of accepting a variable wager. The variable wager has a maximum wager value or MAX BET. In one embodiment, the maximum wager value is equal to the lesser of a value defined by the configuration of the gaming machine  12 , a value defined by the incentive setup, or the remaining balance of bonus points. The computer  201  converts the first number of bonus points associated with the first voucher to a first number of credits and downloads the first number of bonus points to the player tracking device  46  as credits. The gaming machine  12  allows the player  224  to place a wager and play the gaming machine  12 . The gaming machine  12  decrements the wager from the credit meter, decrements the maximum wager from the player tracking device  46 , and credits the maximum wager to the credit meter in response to the player  224  playing the gaming machine  12 . 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the player account is credited with a first number of bonus points. The bonus points are downloaded to the player tracking device  38  as credits. The player  224  places a wager and the gaming machine  12  is played. If the total of the player&#39;s wagers (over one or more games) is greater or equal to a predetermined value, i.e., a predetermined match play amount, then the match play amount is decremented from the player tracking device  46  and the match play amount is credited to the credit meter. Otherwise, the player  224  may place another wager. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, the player tracking device  46  provides an interface for interaction between the player  224  or other user (not shown), such as a slot employee or slot technician, and the host computer  18 , i.e., player tracking system. As discussed above in one embodiment, the display  50  is a touchscreen display which allows information to be displayed to the player  224  or user, as well as provide interactive buttons or menus for receiving input. Furthermore, the keypad  52  may be implemented on the display  50  and displayed on the display  50  as appropriate or required. 
     Furthermore, as discussed above, the player tracking device  38  may display a list of vouchers assigned to the player  24 . The player  24  may be allowed to select a voucher, or a number of available bonus points or credits, to download. Once the player selects a voucher or a number of credits or points to download, the credits may be downloaded to the credit meter on the gaming machine  12  and are then available for use. 
     Incentive Award System and Method 
     In one aspect of the present invention, certain player tracking awards may be awarded directly by one of the gaming machines  12  instead of requiring the player  224  to download the credits using the player tracking device  46 . This may occur automatically, without the player actively requesting that an award be applied to the credit meter. In one aspect, the player tracking award may be awarded in manner which is seamless or nearly seamless to the player. For example, advanced incentive award may be awarded through a feature or secondary game. The bonus feature or secondary game may be (1) one of the feature or secondary games associated with the main game, (2) a modified bonus feature or secondary game, and (3) a bonus feature or secondary game which is dedicated to awarding the player tracking award. In general, the bonus feature or secondary game used to award the incentive award will be related to the theme of the main game and utilize at least one in-game machine asset. 
     Generally speaking, the theme of the main game relates to the characters, motifs, or branding within the game. These themes are conveyed through any number of in-game machine assets. In-game machine assets can include graphics, audio/video, or in-game mechanics that are pre-coded or generated by the gaming machine in order to represent the game themes. 
     In aspect of the present invention, the player tracking system  10  identifies that a specific player  224  is eligible for a player tracking bonus or incentive award. In one embodiment, the specific award or bonus is designated as a bonus or award which may be awarded via a gaming machine  12 . In general, only specific gaming machine which have been designed to work with the player tracking system  2  may be used to award the bonus or incentive award. Once the player tracking system  10  has identified that the player  224  is eligible for the bonus or incentive award, the gaming machine  12  at which the player is playing must be identified. In one embodiment, the player tracking system  10  waits for the player to logon into a gaming machine  12  via the player tracking module  46 . If the gaming machine  12  the player logs into is gaming machine  12  which may award the player tracking incentive or bonus award directly, the player tracking system  10  sends the gaming machine  12  an incentive award signal. The gaming machine  12 , in response to receiving the incentive award signal awards the player the incentive award using one of the game assets stored on the gaming machine  12 . In this manner, the player  224  does not need invoke, or interact with, the player tracking system  10  in order to be awarded or utilize the bonus award. By using one or more game assets stored on the gaming machine  12 , the awarding of the bonus award may be seamless to the player. 
       FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of a method  700  performed by the system in order to grant an incentive award to a player through the system detailed in  FIG. 1 . Initially, at step  701 , the player tracking system  10  tracks transactions between the player  224  and the system  2 . All transactions that are generated by the player  224  through the gaming machines  12  are integrated into the player tracking accounts database  205  and utilized for later generation of an incentive award. The player tracking workstation  207  can monitor a player&#39;s transactions as they accumulate within the player tracking accounts database  209 . 
     The system then actively compares the player transactions to a set of predefined criteria at step  702 . Predefined criteria can be any type of player metrics whether generated by the system in relation to the player&#39;s transaction or players originated metrics such as birthdate, zipcode, etc. 
     Next, based on the comparison between the predefined criteria and the transactions stored within the player tracking accounts database  205 , the player tracking system  10  responsively awards a player an incentive award to the player at step  703 . This award is based on the player&#39;s transactions satisfying the predefined criteria within the player tracking system  10 . At step  704 , the player tracking system  10  sends the generated incentive award as a signal to the gaming machine  12 . Finally, at step  705 , the game machine  12  receives the incentive award signal and generates a bonus feature indicating the incentive award to the player using an in-game machine asset in response to the interaction from the user. 
     The gaming machine  12  can generate an incentive feature in any of ways mentioned at the beginning of this section. First, a bonus feature or secondary game may be associated with the main game, but utilized by the system  2  in order to grant an incentive award generated by the system. This embodiment is present in gaming machines that are pre-coded to contain both a main game and a bonus feature or secondary game separate from the incentive award system and can utilize the bonus feature or secondary game in order to grant an additional incentive awards received by the gaming machine. Such gaming machines would seamlessly integrated into the incentive award system and grant additional awards without generating a different gaming experience for the player. 
     Second, the bonus feature or secondary game may be modified in order to grant the incentive award during game play. In this embodiment, a gaming machine  12  may grant limited access to the in-game machine assets (discussed above) in order to generate a particular bonus feature or secondary game for a player during game play. Such limitation would generate a particular bonus feature based on the incentive award and any additional instructions conveyed by the system. 
     Third, the bonus feature or secondary game may be based on dedicated in-game machine assets that are only meant for the incentive award. In this embodiment, the gaming machine is programmed to retain all in-game machine assets associated with the main game exclusively for use with the main game. Additional in-game machine assets would be present within the gaming machine  12  or sent to the gaming machine along with the incentive award in order to present the incentive award to the player. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  16  is configured to display the bonus feature on the display  13 . In one embodiment, the bonus feature is a simulated video slot game that granted the incentive award regardless of the outcome of the game. However, it should be noted that the bonus feature may be any type of bonus feature utilizing the game assets stored or generated within the game machine  12  including, but not limited to a simulated wager game, a skills-based game, an audio/video representation indicative of the incentive award, or any type of game that enables the gaming machine  12  to function as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the bonus feature is displayed on the first display. Alternatively, the bonus feature may be displayed on the first display and/or the second display. 
     Through this method, the system can present the incentive award with the use of in-game machine assets and create a seamless user experience for the player. 
     Exemplary embodiments of a gaming machine, a gaming system, and a method of allowing a player to play a gaming machine are described above in detail. The gaming machine, system, and method are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the gaming machine and/or system and/or steps of the method may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the gaming machine may also be used in combination with other gaming systems and methods, and is not limited to practice with only the gaming machine as described herein. Rather, an exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other gaming system applications. 
     A controller, computing device, or computer, such as described herein, includes at least one or more processors or processing units and a system memory. The controller typically also includes at least some form of computer readable media. By way of example and not limitation, computer readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology that enables storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any information delivery media. Those skilled in the art should be familiar with the modulated data signal, which has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable media. 
     The order of execution or performance of the operations in the embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations described herein may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments of the invention may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the invention. 
     In some embodiments, a processor, as described herein, includes any programmable system including systems and microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic circuits (PLC), and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term processor. 
     In some embodiments, a database, as described herein, includes any collection of data including hierarchical databases, relational databases, flat file databases, object-relational databases, object oriented databases, and any other structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term database. Examples of databases include, but are not limited to only including, Oracle® Database, MySQL, IBM® DB2, Microsoft® SQL Server, Sybase®, and PostgreSQL. However, any database may be used that enables the systems and methods described herein. (Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation, Redwood Shores, Calif.; IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y.; Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash.; and Sybase is a registered trademark of Sybase, Dublin, Calif.) 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Other aspects and features of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims. It should also be noted, that the steps and/or functions listed within the appended claims, notwithstanding the order of which steps and/or functions are listed therein, are not limited to any specific order of operation. 
     Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.