Source: https://patents.google.com/patent/CA2621567C/en
Timestamp: 2019-12-08 13:38:48
Document Index: 516772433

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 205', 'art 210', 'art 205', 'art 210', 'art 205', 'art 205', 'art 205', 'art 210', 'art 210', 'art 205', 'art 210', 'art 205', 'art 205', 'art 205', 'art 210', 'arts 205', 'art 205', 'art 210', 'art 205', 'art 210', 'art 205', 'art 210', 'art 205', 'art 210', 'art 205', 'art 205', 'art 205']

CA2621567C - Method and system for instant-on game download - Google Patents
CA2621567C
CA2621567C CA2621567A CA2621567A CA2621567C CA 2621567 C CA2621567 C CA 2621567C CA 2621567 A CA2621567 A CA 2621567A CA 2621567 A CA2621567 A CA 2621567A CA 2621567 C CA2621567 C CA 2621567C
CA2621567A
CA2621567A1 (en
2006-08-23 Application filed by International Game Technology filed Critical International Game Technology
2007-03-22 Publication of CA2621567A1 publication Critical patent/CA2621567A1/en
2016-08-09 Publication of CA2621567C publication Critical patent/CA2621567C/en
Gaming in the United States is divided into Class I, Class II and Class III
games. Class I gaming includes social games played for minimal prizes, or traditional ceremonial games. Class II gaming includes bingo games, pull tab games if played in the same location as bingo games, lotto, punch boards, tip jars, instant bingo, and other games similar to bingo. Class III gamig includes any game that is not a Class I or Class II game, such as a game of chance typically offered in non-Indian, state-regulated casinos. Many games of chance that are played on gaming machines fall into the Class II and Class III categories of games.
Game applications are becoming more sophisticated and, hence, larger in size, to use the expanding capabilities of central servers and gaming terminals. In addition, the number of different game applications available for play is always increasing, as game developers attempt to meet player demand for various styles of games.
There are so many available games; it is impractical to store all of these games on a gaming machine. Thus, the notion of server-based games is becoming a necessity in some casinos and hotels.
In a games-on-demand system, a player can operate a gaming terminal to request a particular game for playing. In a download configuration, the requested game is downloaded from the central server to the gaming terminal, and then executed on the gaming terminal. In a server-based configuration, on the other hand, the requested game is executed on the server, and the player interacts with the server to play the game. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,779,549, "Database Driven Online Distributed Tournament System" and U.S. Patent No. 6,409,602, "Slim Terminal Gaming System" describe server-based configurations where no processing occurs on the gaming machine. That is, the game is executed on the central server, and the gaming machine operates as an JO device for a player to interact with the central server. The game play, meter tracking, and other game functions are all carried out on the central server.
In implementing a games-on-demand system, both the download configuration and the server-based configuration described above have their respective drawbacks. In a download configuration, the gaming terminal is susceptible to long delays while a requested game is retrieved and downloaded from the central server, and then authenticated, before game play can begin. These delays are often attributable to the large and ever increasing size of game applications, described above. In a server-based configuration, a drawback is that the operability of the gaming terminals is entirely network-dependent. That is, when the central server malfunctions, or other network problems interfere with the connection between the gaming terminals and the central server, all of the gaming terminals are affected.
Game play can be hindered on all of the gaming terminals, due to their dependence on the central server to execute the game.
2 In accordance with another aspect or illustrative embodiment, there is provided in a gaming machine, a method for providing a game on demand over a data network. The method includes sending a request message for the game over the data network. The game is provided by executing a game application, and the game application is configured to be transferred over the data network in a downloadable form. The method further includes receiving outputted results for play of the game from the game application being executed at a location other than the gaming machine. The outputted results are received over a streaming channel of the data network for network-based game play. The method further includes downloading, during the network-based game play, the downloadable form of the game application over a download channel of the data network, and executing the downloadable form of the game application by the gaming machine independent of the network-based game play. The method further includes switching instantaneously from the network-based game play to machine-based game play, in which play of the game continues from the downloadable form of the game application being executed by the gaming machine, including maintaining a status of the network-based game play.
Another illustrative embodiment includes a method for providing a game on demand using a game server having a download part and a streaming part, and a gaming machine in communication With the game server over a data network, The download part and the streaming part of the game server have access to a game application. The game is provided by executing the game application, which is configured to be transferred over the data network in a downloadable form. The method includes sending a request message from the gaining machine to the game server over the data network and executing, responsive to receiving the request message, the game application by the streaming part, the executing game application outputting results. The method further includes sending the outputted results from the streaming part to the gaming machine over the data network for server-based game play between the gaming machine and the game server, and downloading, during the server-based game play, the downloadable form of the game application from the download part to the gaming machine over the data network. The method further includes executing the downloadable form of the game application by the gaming machine independent of the streaming part, and switching instantaneously from the server-based game play to machine-based game play, in which play of the game continues from the downloadable form of the game application being executed by the gaming machine, including maintaining a status of the server-based game play.
3 Another illustrative embodiment includes a method for providing a game on demand using a download server, a streaming -server, and a gaming machine in communication with one another over a data network. The download server and the streaming server have access to a game application. The game is provided by executing the game application. The game application is configured to be transferred over the data network in a downloadable form, The method includes sending a request message from the gaming machine to the download server and the streaming server over the data network, and executing, responsive to receiving the request message, the game application by the streaming server, the executing game application outputting results. The method further includes sending the outputted results from the streaming server to the gaming machine over the data network for server-based game play between the gaming machine and the streaming server, and downloading, during the server-based game play, the downloadable form of the game application from the download server to the gaming machine over the data network. The method further includes executing the downloadable forrn of the game application by the gaming machine independent of the streaming server, and switching instantaneously from the server-based game play to machine-based game play, in which play of the game continues from the downloadable form of the game application being executed by the gaming machine, including maintaining a status of the server-based game play, Another illustrative embodiment includes a gaming machine for providing a game on demand over a data network. The game is provided by executing a game application. The game application is configured to be transferred over the data network in a downloadable form.. The gaming machine includes at least one processor operative to send a request message for the game application over the data network, and receive outputted results from the game application being executed at a location other than the gaming machine over a streaming channel of the data network for network-based game play. The at least one processor is also operative to download, during the network-based game play, the downloadable form of the game application over a download channel of the data network. The at least one processor is further operative to execute the downloadable form of the game application by the gaming machine independent of the network-based game play, and switch instantaneously from the network-based game play to machine-based game play, in which play of the game continues from the downloadable form of the game application being executed by the gaming machine, including maintaining a status of the network-based game play.
The at least one processor may consist of one processor or may include two or more processors.
4 Another illustrative embodiment includes a system for providing a game on demand to a gaming machine over a data network. The game is provided by executing a game application, The game application is configured to be transferred over the data network in a downloadable form. The system includes a gaming machine coupled to the data network, the gaming machine coupled to send a request message over the data network, The system farther includes a streaming server coupled to the data network, the streaming server having access to the game application. The steaming server is coupled to execute, responsive to receiving the request message, the game application, the executing game application outputting results. The streaming server is further coupled to send the outputted results to the gaming machine over the data network for server-based game play between the gaining machine and the streaming server. The system further includes a download server coupled to the data network, the download server having access to the downloadable form of the game application. The download server is coupled to download, during the server-based game play, the downloadable form of the game application to the gaming machine over the data network responsive to receiving the request message. The gaming machine is further coupled to execute the downloadable form of the game application independent of the streaming server, and switch instantaneously from the server-based game play to machine-based game play, in which play of the game continues from the downloadable form of the game application being executed by the gaming machine, including maintaining a status of the server-based game play.
In another illustrative embodiment, a computer-readable medium stores instructions operable to cause a computer to provide, on a gaming machine, a game on demand over a data network. The instructions, when executed by the computer, cause operations to be carried out. The operations include sending a request message for the game over a data network.
The game is provided by executing a game application, and the game application is configured to be transferred over the data network in a downloadable form. The operations further include receiving outputted results for play of the game from the game application being executed at a location other than the gaming machine. The outputted results are received over a streaming channel of the data network for network-based game play. The operations further include downloading, during the network-based game play, the downloadable form of the game application over a download channel of the data network, executing the downloadable form of the game application by the gaming machine independent of the network-based game play, and switching instantaneously from the network-based game play to machine-based game play, in which play of the game continues from the downloadable form of the game application being executed by the gaming machine, including maintaining a status of the network-based game play.
In another illustrative embodiment, a method in a gaming machine includes receiving, at the gaming machine, a request by a player to play a game on the gaming machine, and receiving, at the -- gaining machine, a data stream of the game from a server via a data network for network-based play of the game. The method further includes presenting, at the gaming machine, the data stream of the game to the player for network-based play of the game, and downloading to the gaming machine, during the network-based play of the game, a locally executable form of the game over the data network. The locally executable form of the game is locally executable on the gaming machine, -- The method further includes executing the locally executable form of the game on the gaming machine, and switching from the network-based game play of the game to the executed locally executable form of the game, including transferring state information of the network-based play of the game to the executed locally executable form of the game being executed on the gaming machine such that game play by the player of the game is not interrupted during the switching, In another illustrative embodiment, in a gaming system that includes a server and a gaming machine, a method includes executing, at the server, a game to output a data stream of the game for server-based game play of the game at the gaming machine. The method further includes sending the data stream of the game from the server to the gaming machine over a data network for server-based play of the game, and downloading, by the gaming machine, during server-based play of the -- game, a downloadable form of the game to the gaining machine via the data network. The method further includes executing the downloadable form of the game on the gaming machine, and switching from the server-based play of the game to an instance of the game executed locally on the gaming machine by transferring state information for the game executed at the server to the downloadable form of the game executed on the gaining machine such that game play by a player of -- the game is not interrupted during the switching from the server-based play of the game to the instance of the game executed locally on the gaming machine, In another illustrative embodiment, a method in a gaming system includes executing a game application by a streaming server to output a data stream of an instance of a game, and sending the data stream from the streaming server to a device over a data network for server-based play of the -- instance of the game. The method further includes downloading, during the server-based play of the instance of the game, a downloadable form of the game application from a download server to the device over the data network, and executing the downloadable form of the game application by the device independent of the streaming server. The method further includes switching from the server-based play of the instance of the game to device-based play of the game application by transferring state information for the game application executed by the streaming server to the downloadable form of the game application executed by the device such that a player of the server-based play instance of the game continues game play of the instance of the game on the game application executed by the device without interruption during the switching from the server-based play of the game to the device-based play of the game.
In another illustrative embodiment, a device includes at least one processor configured to receive a data stream. of a game executed at a server over a data network for network-based play of the game, and download, during the network-based play of the game, a downloadable form of the game over the data network, to the device. The at least one processor is further configured to present the data stream of the game to a player via an output of the device, execute the downloadable form of the game independent of the network-based play of the game, and switch from the network-based play of the game to device-based play of the game by transferring state information for the game executed at the server to the downloadable form of the game executed by the processor such that game play by the player of the game is not interrupted during the switch.
The at least one processor may consist of a single processor, or alternatively may include two or more processors.
In another illustrative embodiment, a system includes a device configured to communicate with a data network, and a streaming server configured to communicate with the device via the data network. The streaming server has access to a game and is configured to execute the game to produce a stream of the game, and send the stream of the game to the device over the data network for server-based play of the game. The system further includes a download server configured to communicate with the device via the data network. The download server has access to a downloadable form of the game, and the download server is configured to transmit, during the server-based play of the game, the downloadable form of the game to the device over the data network. The device is further configured to present the stream of the game to a player via an output of the device, execute the downloadable form of the game independent of the streaming server during presentation of the stream of the game to the player, and switch from the server-based play of the game to device-based play of the game by transferring state information for the game executed by the streaming server to the downloadable form of the game executed by the device such that game play by the player of the game is not interrupted during the switch.
In another illustrative embodiment, a computer-readable medium stores instructions, which when executed by one or more processors of a gaming machine, cause the one or more processors to receive, at the gaming machine, a data stream of a game being executed at a server. The data stream is received over a streaming channel of a data network for network-based play of the game.
The instructions further cause the one or more processors to download, during the network-based play of the game, a locally executable form of the game at the gaming machine over a download channel of the data network, execute the locally executable form of the game by the gaming machine independent of the network-based play of the game, and switch from the network-based play of the game to the locally executed form of the game, including transferring state information for the game executed by the server to the locally executable form of the game executed by the gaming machine such that game play by the player of the game is not interrupted during the switching.
In another illustrative embodiment, a gaming system includes a data network configured to facilitate communication between a first gaming machine and a second gaming machine. The system includes the first gaming machine, which is configured to communicate with the second gaming machine via the network. The first gaming machine is configured to locally execute and provide local game play of a game at the first gaming machine. The first gaming machine is further configured to execute the game to produce a stream of the game, and send the stream of the game to ' the second gaming machine over the data network for network-based play of the game at the second gaming machine. The system further includes the second gaming machine, which initially does not have a copy of the game. The second gaming machine is configured to present the stream of the game to a player via a display of the second gaming machine for network-based play of the game, and switch from the network-based play of the game to a locally executable form of the game such that game play by the player of the game is not interrupted during switching.
In another illustrative embodiment, in a gaming system that includes a plurality of gaming machines, a method includes receiving, by a first gaming machine, a request by a player to play a game on the first gaming machine, and determining, by the first gaming machine, that the first gaming machine does not have a copy of the game for local execution at the first gaming machine.
The method further includes sending, by the first gaming machine and over a data network, a request to a second gaming machine, the second gaming machine having a copy of the game for execution at the second gaming machine, and receiving, by the first gaming machine, a data stream of the game over the data network from the second gaming machine. The method further includes presenting, by the first gaming machine, the data stream of the game to the player for network-based play of the game. The method further includes switching, by the first gaming machine, from the network-based play of the game to a locally executable form of the game such that game play by the player of the game is not interrupted during the switching.
In another illustrative embodiment, a computer-readable medium stores instructions which, when executed by a processor of a first gaming machine, cause the gaming machine to perform a method of providing game play of a game. The method includes receiving, by the first gaming machine, a request by a player to play a game on the first gaming machine, determining, by the first gaming machine, that the first gaming machine does not have a copy of the game for local execution at the first gaming machine, and sending, by the first gaming machine and over a data network, a request to a second gaming machine that has a copy of the game for execution at the second gaming machine. The method further includes receiving, by the first gaming machine, a data stream of the game over the data network from the second gaming machine, and presenting, by the first gaming machine, the data stream of the game to the player for network-based play of the game. The method further includes switching from the network-based play of the game to a locally executable form of the game such that game play by the player of the game is not interrupted during the switching.
All of the foregoing methods, along with other methods of illustrative embodiments, may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware and combinations thereof For example, the methods of illustrative embodiments may be implemented by computer programs embodied in machine-readable media and other products.
Illustrative embodiments may be implemented by networked gaming machines, game servers and other such devices. These and other features and benefits of such embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the associated drawings.
Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of game server 105 in communication with a gaming machine 120a, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of a gaming machine 120a, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7 is a block diagram of a number of gaming machines in a gaming network that may be configured to implement some methods of illustrative embodiments.
Fig. 8 illustrates an exemplary gaming machine that may be configured to implement some methods of illustrative embodiments.
Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary network device that may be configured as a game server to implement some methods of illustrative embodiments.
Reference will now be made in detail to some specific embodiments of the invention including the best modes contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. Examples of these specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention is described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the described embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, numerous specific details are set forth below in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process operations have not been described in detail in order not to obscure the present invention.
Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a gaming system 100 for providing a game on demand over a data network 110 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
Examples of data network 110 include a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN) such as the Internet, and various combinations thereof Other suitable communications networks can be used to define data network 110 within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. In Fig. 1, the system 100 includes a game server 105 in communication with data network 110. Game server 105 can be constructed with various combinations of hardware and software, as described below. In Fig. 1, game server 105 is also in communication with a storage medium 115, such as a database, for storing game applications and game data. In one embodiment, storage medium 115 is external to game server 105, as shown. In another embodiment, storage medium 115 is a memory device integrated with game server 105. Game server 105 controls the storing and retrieving of game applications to and from the storage medium 115 for the operations described below. In Fig. 1, the system 100 further includes gaming machines 120a, 120b, and 120c. The gaming machines 120a, 120b, and 120c can be constructed of various combinations of hardware and software, as described below, depending on the desired implementation. The gaming machines 120a-c of system 100 communicate and interact with game server 105 over data network 110.
Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of game server 105 in communication with a gaming machine 120a, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The hardware and software implementing game server 105 is described below. As part of this hardware, software, or combination thereof, game server 105 includes a streaming part 205 and a download part 210 that interact with an appropriate communications interface 215 in game server 105, as shown. The communications interface 215 provides a network endpoint on data network 110 so that game server 105 can interact with other systems and devices on data network 110. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in an alternative embodiment, the communications interface 215 with which streaming part 205 and download part 210 communicate is situated external to game server 105.
In Fig. 2, game play generally begins responsive to a request message sent from gaming machine 120a over an appropriate channel 230 of data network 110 to game server 105. Streaming part 205 retrieves a game application and any associated game data from 115, when the game application is not already stored in memory within game server 105. Streaming part 205 handles execution of the game application, including processing user inputted data received from gaming machine 120a over an appropriate communications channel of data network 110, such as channel 230 or 220, and outputting of results from the executing game application over a streaming channel 220 of data network 110 to gaming machine 120a. When a game is executing on game server 105 by streaming part 205, the system 100 of Fig. 1 is operating in "network mode."
In Fig. 2, download part 210 of game server 105 handles downloading of the game application through communications interface 215 over a download channel 225 of data network 110 to gaming machine 120a. Generally, the game application downloaded by download part 210 is the same application executed by streaming part 205. The downloading operation performed by download part 210 is generally initiated when execution of the game application by streaming part 205 commences, or shortly thereafter, and continues for the necessary amount of time while results are output to gaming machine 120a over streaming channel 220.
Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the channels 220, 225 and 230, as shown in Fig. 2, are one possible implementation of a communications link established between game server 105 and gaming machine 120a over data network 110 for providing the transfer of various data and messages as described above. In one embodiment, two or more of the channels 220-230 are implemented as part of the same physical communications connection. In another embodiment, the channels are
5 implemented as individual communications connections physically separated from one another. In yet another embodiment, individual channels 220-230 are implemented in separate data networks.
Other configurations of channels and connections or links for performing the same data transfer operations described above are contemplated within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the outputted results of the executing game application in streaming part 205 can be sent and received during or after execution of the game application on game server 105.
Fig. 3 shows a system 300 as an alternative embodiment to game server 105. In system 300, two separate server computers are provided to perform the functions of streaming part 205 and download part 210 of game server 105, These server computers in system 300 include a streaming server 305 and a download server 310 to perform the same respective functions of streaming parts 205 and 210. That is, streaming server 305 executes the game application and streams outputted results from the application to gaming machine 120a over streaming channel 220. Download server 310 receives the request message from gaming machine 120a over channel 230 and handles downloading of the game application over download channel 225 to gaming machine 120a. While not shown in Fig. 3, suitable communications interfaces similar to interface 215 in Fig. 2 are provided for each of the servers 305 and 310 to 20 communicate with gaming machine 120 over data network 110.
In Fig. 3, while the communication channels 220, 225 and 230 are established as illustrated for this embodiment, alternative configurations are contemplated within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, in one embodiment, the communications channel 230 is established between gaming machine 120a and streaming server 305 such that the request message from gaming machine 120a is sent to streaming server 305. Responsive to receiving the request message, streaming server 305 then begins execution of the game application, as described above, and communicates the request message or a suitable signal to download server 310 over communications channel 315 established between streaming server 305 and download server 310, notifying download server 310 to begin downloading the game application over download channel 225.
Fig. 4 shows a gaming system 400 constructed according to another embodiment of the present invention for providing a game on demand over a data network. In Fig.
4, the system 400 includes a plurality of gaming machines 405a,
6 405b, 405c and 405d. These gaming machines are in communication with one another in a peer-to-peer configuration over a suitable data network such as network 110 of Fig. 1. That is, communications links, i.e. channels 410-435 can be established as shown between one gaming machine, such as machine 405a, and one or more of the -- other gaming machines 405b-d in the system 400.
In Fig. 400, one or more of the gaming machines 405a-d are configured to operate the same as game server 105 of Fig. 2, rather than coupling a separate game server computer to the network. The peer-to-peer configuration of system 400 enables this feature. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the software, -- hardware or combination thereof within one or more of the gaming machines 405a-d of system 400, described in greater detail below, implements streaming part 205 and download part 210 of Fig. 2. Thus, when a user selects a game to play on a selected gaming machine, such as machine 405a, and that machine does not have a copy of the requested game application residing on that machine 405a, the gaming machine 405a -- sends a request to one or more of the other machines 405b-d in the system 400 for the requested game application. Then, the gaming machine having the requested game application interacts with the requesting game machine 405a in the same manner that the game server 105 or servers 305 and 310 interact with machine 120a as described above with respect to Figs. 1 and 3.
Using the configuration of Fig. 4, in one example, the game server or servers of Fig. 1 and 3 can be effectively removed from the system while maintaining the same functionality. In one example, a plurality of game applications are distributed among the various gaming machines 405a-d in the system 400. If possible, certain applications are installed on the particular machines where users will likely request -- those games. When a user requests a particular game application on a given machine, such as gaming machine 405a, and that game application is not already stored in memory on or accessible by gaming machine 405a, the gaming machine 405a sends a request message to other gaming machines in the network.
In another embodiment, similar to the system 100 of Fig. 1, the request -- message from a gaming machine 120a is sent to a game server such as game server 105. Responsive to receiving this request message, game server 105 broadcasts the request message to all of the other gaming machines 120b-c in the system 100.
Then, the gaming machine having the requested game application, such as machine 120b, begins executing the requested application and streaming the outputted results
7 directly to gaming machine 120a over a suitable communications channel of network 110. In addition, the gaming machine 120b having the requested application begins downloading that application to the requesting gaming machine 120a, functioning the same as game server 105 or the combination of servers 305 and 310.
Fig. 5 shows a gaming machine 120a constructed according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 5, gaming machine 120a includes a suitable processor 505, as described below. In addition, gaming machine 120a includes an independent game logic module 510 in communication with a suitable memory device or medium 515 configured as shown in Fig. 5. The independent game logic module 510 communicates with a game server or other gaming machine functioning as the game server, as described above in Fig. 4, over a suitable network connection 520 to data network 110.
During network mode, also referred to as server mode, when the requested game application is executing on a game server 105 or gaming machine external to the requesting gaming machine 120a, state information for the executing game application, referred to herein as game settings, are maintained in the processor-readable storage medium 515. These settings will vary, depending on the particular game being played as well as the stage of the game. The configuration of these settings in storage in medium 515 can be structured as desired for the particular implementation, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
In one example, as shown in Fig. 5, the state information stored in medium 505 for the game being executed includes game settings 515a and 515b. In one example, these game settings are controlled and set with game JO logic implemented with suitable hardware, software or any combination thereof in independent game logic module 510 of Fig. 5. Game settings 515a and 515b, in one example, are in XML format. In another example, one or more of the settings 515a and 515b are in HTML format. As shown in Fig. 5, the game settings stored in storage medium further include a credit meter 515c maintained for the executing application, a bet meter 515d, and bet history information 515e. Other suitable bet configurations can be stored in memory 515 and controlled by independent game logic module 510, depending on the desired implementation. When the gaming machine switches from network mode to local mode, that is, when the game application has been downloaded and is executing on the gaming machine 120a, the game settings for the downloaded game application are set to the current game settings for the executed application. In
9 other words, the game settings 515a-e in storage medium 515 at the time of switching from network mode to local mode are maintained and used by the downloaded game application. In this way, the status of the game is transferred. By transferring the state information, the gaming machine can switch instantaneously from network-based game play to network-based game play, providing seamless and uninterrupted enjoyment for the player. Then, the game settings for the executed game application are used and updated by the downloaded game application as appropriate during execution in local mode.
In Fig. 5, the initial game settings for the executed game application on the game server or other external gaming machine can be downloaded to gaming machine 120a over a suitable channel such as streaming channel 220 of Fig. 2. Further game settings updates and additional game settings information can similarly be sent from the game server 105 or other gaming machine over streaming channel 220 as the game is played.
Fig. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method 600 for providing a game on demand over a data network, performed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is described with respect to Figs. 1 and 2. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the method 600 is equally applicable to the systems of Figs. 3 and 4. That is, the operation of streaming part 205 in game server 105 of Fig. 2 is the same as streaming server 305 of system 300, and download part 210 is implemented in download server 310. In another embodiment, in Fig. 4, the streaming part 205 and download part 210 of game server 105 are implemented in one or more gaming machines 405a-d of the peer-to-peer configuration of system 400, as described above.
In step 605 of Fig. 6, gaming machine 120a sends a request message over a suitable channel of data network 110, such as communications channel 230, to game server 105. Often the request message is sent responsive to selection of the particular requested game application at the gaming machine by the player. This selection can be made using any of a variety of input devices and interfaces, as described below.
Game server 105 receives the request message at communications interface 215 and processes the request message accordingly. In particular, responsive to receiving the request message, in step 607, streaming part 205 of game server 105 begins executing the game application and streaming the output data or results from the executing game application back to gaming machine 120a over streaming channel 220 of data network 110. In Fig. 1, in one embodiment, game applications executable by game server 105 are stored on a suitable processor-readable storage medium 115 in communication with game server 105. Responsive to receiving the request message, in step 607 of Fig. 6, the game server 105 retrieves the requested game application from storage medium 115 for execution.
When output data is being generated and streamed from game server 105 to gaming machine 120a, this is referred to herein as a "network mode" or "server mode" of operation. Network mode and server mode generally refer to the execution of the requested game application on game server 105 or any other machine or device external to gaming machine 120a, for network-based or server-based game play on -- gaming machine 120a. In network mode, gaming machine 120a sends input data and selections, as appropriate for the particular game being executed on game server 105 or another device over the communications channel 230 or another suitable channel of data network 110. As used herein, "server-based game play" refers to execution of a game application external to the gaming machine 120a on a server such as game -- server 105 or one or more streaming servers 305 as shown in Fig. 3, and providing output of that executed game application to the requesting gaming machine over data network 110. "Network-based game play" refers to the execution of the game application on any machine, server, or other device situated external to the requesting gaming machine and providing output of that executed game application to the -- requesting gaming machine over data network 110. "Machine-based game play"
refers to execution of the game application by the gaming machine 120a itself.
In step 610 of Fig. 6, the outputted results from the game application executing on game server 105 are received over streaming channel 220 of data network 110 by the gaming machine 120a for network-based game play. The -- outputted results received from the game server 105 by gaming machine 120a can be in a variety of formats, and often include video and audio data as appropriate for the particular game being played. Using appropriate user interfaces and input devices on gaming machine 120a, as described below, the user interacts with game server 105 to play the executing game application in network mode.
In step 615, responsive to receiving the request message from gaming machine 120a, generally at some time around the beginning of network-based game play, or shortly thereafter, the download part 210 of game server 105 begins downloading a dommloadable form of the same game application executing on streaming part 205 over download channel 225 of data network 110. Following step 615, step 617 includes authentication of the downloaded game application by gaming machine 120a. The game application can be authenticated using any of a variety of techniques, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
In step 620 of Fig. 6, after download is complete, the gaming machine 120a switches from network mode to local mode. This includes executing the downloaded game application on processor 505 of the gaming machine 120a independent of the playing of the game application executed on streaming part 205 of game server 105 in network mode. In step 625, the gaming machine 120a switches instantaneously from server mode to local mode from machine-based game play; that is, the machine switches from the game executing on streaming part 205 to the game executing on gaming machine 120a. This includes maintaining a status of the network-based game play, including maintaining game settings and other state information in memory 515 associated with the executed game application on game server 105. That is, the current game settings for the network-based game play are transferred or otherwise applied to the downloaded game application for machine-based game play. In this way, game play continues in an uninterrupted fashion. That is, by transferring the game settings of the executed application on game server 105 when machine-based game play begins, any history information and other state information of the network-based game play is maintained, and game play continues without any delay or resetting of state information or parameters. The settings are consistent, and the user is unaware that any such switching has taken place. The user perceives game play as being in a single session, and is unaware of and does not need to be concerned with the server or machine on which the game application is actually executed. The user can focus on interacting with the game itself and the enjoyment of the gaming experience.
One example of a gaming system, also referred to herein as a gaming network, that may be used to implement methods performed in accordance with embodiments of the invention is depicted in Fig. 7. Gaming establishment 701 could be any sort of gaming establishment, such as a casino, a card room, an airport, a store, etc.
In this example, gaming network 777 includes more than one gaming establishment, all of which are networked to game server 722.
The master gaming controller 708 controls the game play on the gaming machine 702 according to instructions and/or game data from game server 722 or independent game logic module 510 and receives or sends data to various input/output devices 711 on the gaming machine 702. In one embodiment, master gaming controller 708 includes processor 505 and independent game logic module 510 of gaming machine 120a as described above. The master gaming controller may also communicate with a display 710.
A particular gaming entity may desire to provide network gaming services that provide some operational advantage. Thus, dedicated networks may connect gaming machines to host servers that track the performance of gaming machines under the control of the entity, such as for accounting management, electronic fund transfers (EFTs), cashless ticketing, such as EZPayTM, marketing management, and data tracking, such as player tracking. Therefore, master gaming controller 708 may also communicate with EFT system 712, EZPayTM system 716 (a proprietary cashless ticketing system of the present assignee), and player tracking system 720. The systems of the gaming machine 702 communicate the data onto the network 722 via a communication board 718.
It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the present invention could be implemented on a network with more or fewer elements than are depicted in -- Fig. 7. For example, player tracking system 720 is not a necessary feature of the present invention. However, player tracking programs may help to sustain a game player's interest in additional game play during a visit to a gaming establishment and may entice a player to visit a gaming establishment to partake in various gaming activities. Player tracking programs provide rewards to players that typically -- correspond to the player's level of patronage (e.g., to the player's playing frequency and/or total amount of game plays at a given casino). Player tracking rewards may be free meals, free lodging and/or free entertainment.
Moreover, DCU 724 and translator 725 are not required for all gaming establishments 701. However, due to the sensitive nature of much of the information -- on a gaming network (e.g., electronic fund transfers and player tracking data) the manufacturer of a host system usually employs a particular networking language having proprietary protocols. For instance, 10-20 different companies produce player tracking host systems where each host system may use different protocols.
Further, in the gaming industry, gaming machines are made by many different manufacturers. The communication protocols on the gaming machine are typically hard-wired into the gaming machine and each gaming machine manufacturer may utilize a different proprietary communication protocol. A gaming machine -- manufacturer may also produce host systems, in which case their gaming machine are compatible with their own host systems. However, in a heterogeneous gaming environment, gaming machines from different manufacturers, each with its own communication protocol, may be connected to host systems from other manufacturers, each with another communication protocol. Therefore, -- communication compatibility issues regarding the protocols used by the gaming machines in the system and protocols used by the host systems must be considered.
A network device that links a gaming establishment with another gaming establishment and/or a central system will sometimes be referred to herein as a "site controller." Here, site controller 742 provides this function for gaming establishment 701. Site controller 742 is connected to a central system and/or other gaming establishments via one or more networks, which may be public or private networks.
Among other things, site controller 742 communicates with game server 722 to obtain game data, such as ball drop data, bingo card data, etc.
In the present illustration, gaming machines 702, 730, 732, 734 and 736 are connected to a dedicated gaming network 722. In general, the DCU 724 functions as an intermediary between the different gaming machines on the network 722 and the site controller 742. In general, the DCU 724 receives data transmitted from the gaming machines and sends the data to the site controller 742 over a transmission path 726. In some instances, when the hardware interface used by the gaming machine is not compatible with site controller 742, a translator 725 may be used to convert serial data from the DCU 724 to a format accepted by site controller 742.
The translator may provide this conversion service to a plurality of DCUs.
Here, CVT 752 provides cashless and cashout gaming services to the gaming machines in gaming establishment 701. Broadly speaking, CVT 752 authorizes and validates cashless gaming machine instruments (also referred to herein as "tickets" or "vouchers"), including but not limited to tickets for causing a gaming machine to display a game result and cashout tickets. Moreover, CVT 752 authorizes the exchange of a cashout ticket for cash. These processes will be described in detail below. In one example, when a player attempts to redeem a cashout ticket for cash at cashout kiosk 744, cash out kiosk 744 reads validation data from the cashout ticket and transmits the validation data to CVT 752 for validation. The tickets may be printed by gaming machines, by cashout kiosk 744, by a stand-alone printer, by CVT
752, etc. Some gaming establishments will not have a cashout kiosk 744.
Turning to Fig. 8, more details of gaming machine 702 are described.
Machine 702 includes a main cabinet 4, which generally surrounds the machine interior (not shown) and is viewable by users. The main cabinet 4 includes a main door 8 on the front of the machine, which opens to provide access to the interior of the machine. Attached to the main door are player-input switches or buttons 32, a coin acceptor 28, and a bill validator 30, a coin tray 38, and a belly glass 40.
The information panel 36 may be a back-lit, silk screened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, the number of coins played. The bill validator 30, player-input switches 32, video display monitor 34, and information panel are devices used to play a game on the game machine 702. The devices are controlled by circuitry housed inside the main cabinet 4 of the machine 702.
The gaming machine 702 includes a top box 6, which sits on top of the main cabinet 4. The top box 6 houses a number of devices, which may be used to add features to a game being played on the gaming machine 702, including speakers
10, 12, 14, a ticket printer 18 which may print bar-coded tickets 20 used as cashless instruments. The player tracking unit mounted within the top box 6 includes a key pad 22 for entering player tracking information, a florescent display 16 for displaying player tracking information, a card reader 24 for entering a magnetic striped card containing player tracking information, a microphone 43 for inputting voice data, a speaker 42 for projecting sounds and a light panel 44 for display various light patterns used to convey gaming information. In other embodiments, the player tracking unit and associated player tracking interface devices, such as 16, 22, 24, 42, 43 and 44, may be mounted within the main cabinet 4 of the gaming machine, on top of the gaming machine, or on the side of the main cabinet of the gaming machine.
Understand that gaming machine 702 is but one example from a wide range of gaming machine designs on which the present invention may be implemented. For example, not all suitable gaming machines have top boxes or player tracking features.
Further, some gaming machines have two or more game displays ¨ mechanical and/or video. Some gaming machines are designed for bar tables and have displays that face upwards. Still further, some machines may be designed entirely for cashless systems.
Such machines may not include such features as bill validators, coin acceptors and coin trays. Instead, they may have only ticket readers, card readers and ticket dispensers. Those of skill in the art will understand that the present can be deployed on most gaming machines now available or hereafter developed. Moreover, some aspects of the invention may be implemented on devices which lack some of the features of the gaming machines described herein, e.g., workstation, desktop computer, a portable computing device such as a personal digital assistant or similar handheld device, a cellular telephone, etc. U.S.
Patent No. 6,846,238, entitled "Wireless Game Player" is hereby referenced, Returning to the example of Fig. 8, when a user wishes to play the gaming machine 702, he or she inserts cash through the coin acceptor 28 or bill validator 30. In addition, the player may use a cashless instrument of some type to register credits on the gaming machine 702. For example, the bill validator 30 may accept aprinted ticket voucher, including 20, as an indicium of credit. As another example, the card reader 24 may accept a debit card or a smart card containing cash or credit information that may be used to register credits on the gaming machine.
During the course of a game, a player may be required to make a number of decisions. For example, a player may vary his or her wager ona particular game, select a prize for a particular game, or make game decisions regarding gaming criteria that affect the outcome of a particular game (e.g., which cards to hold). The player may make these choices using the player-input switches 32, the video display screen 34 or using some other hardware and/or software that enables a player to input information into the gaming machine (e.g. a GUI displayed on display 16).
During certain game functions and events, the gaming machine 702 may display visual and auditory effects that can be perceived by the player. These effects add to the excitement of a game, which makes a player more likely to continue playing. Auditory effects include various sounds that are projected by the speakers 25 10, 12, 14. Visual effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming machine 702, from lights behind the belly glass 40 or the light panel on the player tracking unit 44.
After the player has completed a game, the player may receive game tokens from the coin tray 38 or the ticket 20 from the printer 18, which may be used for further games or to redeem a prize. Further, the player may.receive a ticket 20 for food, merchandise, or games from the printer 18. The type of ticket 20 may be related to past game playing recorded by the player tracking software within the gaming machine 702. In some embodiments, these tickets may be used by a game player to obtain game services.
IGT gaming machines are implemented with special features and/or additional circuitry that differentiate them from general-purpose computers (e.g., desktop PC's and laptops). Gaming machines are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming machines are operable to dispense monetary awards of multiple millions of dollars. Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures may be implemented in gaming machines that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers.
A description of gaming machines relative to general-purpose computing machines and some examples of the additional (or different) components and features found in gaming machines are described below.
based computer systems is that for regulation purposes, the software on the gaming machine used to generate the game of chance and operate the gaming machine has been designed to be static and monolithic to prevent cheating by the operator of gaming machine. For instance, one solution that has been employed in the gaming industry to prevent cheating and satisfy regulatory requirements has been to manufacture a gaming machine that can use a proprietary processor running instructions to generate the game of chance from an EPROM or other form of non-volatile memory. The coding instructions on the EPROM are static (non-changeable) and must be approved by a gaming regulators in a particular jurisdiction and installed in the presence of a person representing the gaming jurisdiction. Any changes to any part of the software required to generate the game of chance, such as adding a new device driver used by the master gaming controller to operate a device during generation of the game of chance can require a new EPROM to be burnt, approved by the gaming jurisdiction and reinstalled on the gaming machine in the presence of a gaming regulator. Regardless of whether the EPROM solution is used, to gain approval in most gaming jurisdictions, a gaming machine must demonstrate sufficient safeguards that prevent an operator of a gaming machine from manipulating hardware and software in a manner that gives them an unfair and some cases an illegal advantage. The code validation requirements in the gaming industry affect both hardware and software designs on gaming machines.
To address some of the issues described above, a number of hardware components, software components and architectures are utilized in gaming machines that are not typically found in general purpose computing devices, such as PCs.
A watchdog timer is normally used in IGT gaming machines to provide a software failure detection mechanism. In a normally operating system, the operating software periodically accesses control registers in the watchdog timer subsystem to "re-trigger" the watchdog. Should the operating software fail to access the control registers within a preset timeframe, the watchdog timer will timeout and generate a system reset. Typical watchdog timer circuits contain a loadable timeout counter register to allow the operating software to set the timeout interval within a certain range of time. A differentiating feature of the some preferred circuits is that the operating software cannot completely disable the function of the watchdog timer. In other words, the watchdog timer always functions from the time power is applied to the board.
IGT gaming computer platforms preferably use several power supply voltages to operate portions of the computer circuitry. These can be generated in a central power supply or locally on the computer board. If any of these voltages falls out of the tolerance limits of the circuitry they power, unpredictable operation of the computer may result. Though most modern general-purpose computers include voltage monitoring circuitry, these types of circuits only report voltage status to the operating software. Out of tolerance voltages can cause software malfunction, creating a potential uncontrolled condition in the gaming computer. Gaming machines of the present assignee typically have power supplies with tighter voltage margins than that required by the operating circuitry. In addition, the voltage monitoring circuitry implemented in IGT gaming computers typically has two thresholds of control. The first threshold generates a software event that can be detected by the operating software and an error condition generated. This threshold is triggered when a power supply voltage falls out of the tolerance range of the power supply, but is still within the operating range of the circuitry. The second threshold is set when a power supply voltage falls out of the operating tolerance of the circuitry.
The standard method of operation for IGT slot machine game software is to use a state machine. Each function of the game (bet, play, result, etc.) is defined as a state. When a game moves from one state to another, critical data regarding the game software is stored in a custom non-volatile memory subsystem. In addition, game history information regarding previous games played, amounts wagered, and so forth also should be stored in a non-volatile memory device. This feature allows the game to recover operation to the current state of play in the event of a malfunction, loss of power, etc. This is critical to ensure the player's wager and credits are preserved.
ETA RS232 serial interfaces provided by general-purpose computers. These interfaces may include ETA RS485, ETA RS422, Fiber Optic Serial, Optically Coupled Serial Interfaces, current loop style serial interfaces, etc. In addition, to conserve serial interfaces internally in the slot machine, serial devices may be connected in a shared, daisy-chain fashion where multiple peripheral devices are connected to a single serial channel.
Gaming machines used for Class III games generally include software and/or hardware for generating random numbers. However, gaming machines used for Class II games may or may not have RNG capabilities. In some machines used for Class II
games, RNG capability may be disabled.
interfaces, token ring interfaces, and the like. In addition, various very high-speed interfaces may be provided, such as fast Ethernet interfaces, Gigabit Ethernet interfaces, ATM interfaces, HSSI interfaces, POS interfaces, FDDI interfaces, ASI
interfaces, DHEI interfaces and the like.
In an alternative embodiment, processor 963 is specially designed hardware for controlling the operations of network device 960. In a specific embodiment, a memory 961 (such as non-volatile RAM and/or ROM) also forms part of CPU 962.
However, there are many different ways in which memory could be coupled to the system. Memory block 961 may be used for a variety of purposes such as, for example, caching and/or storing data, programming instructions, etc.
Because such information and program instructions may be employed to implement the systems/methods described herein, the present invention relates to machine-readable media that include program instructions, state information, etc. for performing various operations described herein. Examples of machine-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as CD-ROM disks; magneto-optical media; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and perform program instructions, such as read-only memory devices (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). The invention may also be embodied in a carrier wave traveling over an appropriate medium such as airwaves, optical lines, electric lines, etc.
sending a request message for the game over the data network, the game being provided by executing a game application, the game application configured to be transferred over the data network in a downloadable form;
executing the downloadable form of the game application by the gaming machine independent of the network-based game play; and switching instantaneously from the network-based game play to machine-based game play, in which play of the game continues from the downloadable form of the game application being executed by the gaming machine, including maintaining a status of the network-based game play.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein the current game settings are stored in a processor readable storage medium situated in the gaming mar:bine,
setting game settings for the downloadable form of the game application being executed by the gaming machine to the current game settings for the game application being executed at the location other than the gaining machine.
9. The method of claim 5, wherein the current game settings are in XML
10. The method of claim 5, wherein the current game settings are in HTML
11. The method of claim 5, wherein game settings for the downloadable form of the game application being executed by the gaining machine are stored in game IO logic.
sending a request message from the gaming machine to the game server over the data network;
executing the downloadable form of the game application by the gaming machine independent of the streaming part; and switching instantaneously from the server-based game play to machine-based game play, in which play of the game continues from the downloadable form of the game application being executed by the gaming machine, including maintaining a status of the server-based game play.
27. A method for providing a game on demand using a download server, a streaming server, and a gaining machine in communication with one another over a data network, the download server and the streaming server having access to a game application, the game being provided by executing the game application, the game application configured to be transferred over the data network in a downloadable form, the method comprising the steps of:
sending a request message from the gaming machine to the download server and the streaming server over the data network;
executing the downloadable form of the game application by the gaming machine independent of the streaming server; and switching instantaneously from the server-based game play to machine-based game play, in which play of the game continues from the downloadable form of the game application being executed by the gaming machine, including maintaining a status of the server-based game play.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the gaming machine is a first gaining machine in a peer-to-peer configuration.
31. The method of claim 27, the request message designating the game application, the method further comprising the step of retrieving the game application from a processor readable storage medium.
36. The method of claim 27, wherein the outputted results include video data,
iii) download, during the network-based game play, the downloadable form of the game application over a download channel of the data network;
iv) execute the downloadable form of the game application by the gaming machine independent of the network-based. game play; and v) switch instantaneously from the network-based game play to machine-based game play, in which play of the game continues from the downloadable form of the game application being executed by the gaming machine, including maintaining a status of the network-based game play.
39. The gaming machine of claim 38, farther comprising:
a gaming machine coupled to the data network, the gaming machine coupled to send a request message over the data network;
i) execute, responsive to receiving the request message, the game application, the executing game application outputting results, and ii) send the outputted results to the gaming machine over the data network for server-based game play between the gaming machine and the streaming server;
and a download server coupled to the data network, the download server having access to the downloadable form of the game application, the download server coupled to download, during the server-based game play, the downloadable form of the game application to the gaming machine over the data network responsive to receiving the request message;
i) execute the downloadable form of the game application independent of the streaming server, and ii) switch instantaneously from the server-based game play to machine-based game play, in which play of the game continues from the downloadable form of the game application being executed by the gaming machine, including maintaining a status of the server-based game play.
41. The system of claim 40, wherein the gaming machine is a first gaming machine in a peer-to-peer configuration,
42. The system of claim 41, wherein the download server is a second gaining machine in the peer-to-peer configuration.
44. A computer-readable medium storing instructions operable to cause a computer to provide, on a gaming machine, a game on demand over a data network, wherein the instructions when executed by the computer cause operations to be carried out, the operations comprising:
downloading, during the network-based game play, the downloadable form dale game application over a download channel of the data network;
executing the downloadable form of the game application by the gaming machine independent of the network-based game play; and switching instantaneously from the network-based game play to machine-based game play, in which play of the game continues from the downloadable form of the game application being executed by the gaining machine, including maintaining a status of the network-based game play.
45. A method in a gaming machine comprising:
presenting, at the gaming machine, the data stream of the game to the player for network-based play of the game;
executing the locally executable form of the game on the gaming machine; and switching from the network-based game play of the game to the executed locally executable form of the game, including transferring state information of the network-based play of the game to the executed locally executable form of the game being executed on the gaming machine such that game play by the player of the game is not interrupted during the switching.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein the data stream is generated when the game is executed on the server.
47. The method of claim 45, wherein the data stream is received after the game is executed or while the game is executed on the server.
49. The method of claim 48, wherein the current game settings are downloaded over the data network from the server to the gaming machine.
50. The method of claim 48, wherein the current game settings are stored in a processor-readable storage medium situated in the gaming machine.
52. The method of claim 48, wherein the current game settings are in XML
format or in HTML format.
53. The method of claim 48, wherein current game settings for the locally executed form of the game being executed by the gaming machine are stored in game IO logic.
54. The method of claim 48, wherein the current game settings include a bet configuration.
55. A method in a gaming system including a server and a gaming machine, the method comprising:
executing the downloadable form of the game on the gaming machine; and switching from the server-based play of the game to an instance of the game executed locally on the gaming machine by transferring state information for the game executed at the server to the downloadable form of the game executed on the gaming machine such that game play by a player of the game is not interrupted during the switching from the server-based play of the game to the instance of the game executed locally on the gaming machine.
retrieving the game from a processor-readable storage medium,
58. The method of claim 55, further comprising: authenticating the downloadable form of the game.
59. The method of claim 55, wherein the downloadable form of the game is executed by the gaming machine upon completion of downloading.
60. The method of claim 55, wherein the game is executed at the server in response to selection of the game at the gaming machine by the player.
61. The method of claim 55, wherein the data stream includes video data and audio data,
62. A method in a gaming system comprising:
sending the data stream from the streaming sewer to a device over a data network for server-based play of the instance of the game;
executing the downloadable form of the game application by the device independent of the streaming server; and switching from the server-based play of the instance of the game to device-based play of the game application by transferring state information for the game application executed by the streaming server to the downloadable form of the game application executed by the device such that a player of the server-based play instance of the game continues game play of the instance of the game on the game application executed by the device without interruption during the switching from the server-based play of the game to the device-based play of the game.
66. The method of claim 62, wherein the downloadable form of the game application is executed by the device upon completion of downloading.
67. The method of claim 62, wherein the game application is executed by the streaming server in response to selection of the game at the device.
68. The method of claim 62, wherein the data stream includes video data and audio data.
i) receive a data stream of a game executed at a server over a data network for network-based play of the game, ii) download, during the network-based play of the game, a downloadable form of the game over the data network, to the device;
iii) present the data stream of the game to a player via an output of the device;
iv) execute the downloadable form of the game independent of the network-based play of the game, and v) switch from the network-based play of the game to device-based play of the game by transferring state information for the game executed at the server to the downloadable form of the game executed by the processor such that game play by the player of the game is not interrupted during the switch.
i) execute the game to produce a stream of the game, and send the stream of the game to the device over the data network for server-based play of the game; and a download server configured to communicate with the device via the data network, the download server having access to a downloadable form of the game, the download server configured to transmit, during the server-based play of the game, the downloadable form of the game to the device over the data network;
ii) execute the downloadable form of the game independent of the streaming server during presentation of the stream of the game to the player, and iii) switch from the server-based play of the game to device-based play of the game by transferring state information for the game executed by the streaming server to the downloadable form of the game executed by the device such that game play by the player of the game is not interrupted during the switch.
72. A computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of a gaming machine, cause the one or more processors to:
execute the locally executable form of the game by the gaming machine independent of the network-based play of the game; and switch from the network-based play of the game to the locally executed form of the game, including transferring state information for the game executed by the server to the locally executable form of the game executed by the gaming machine such that game play by the player of the game is not interrupted during the switching.
execute the game to produce a stream of the game, send the stream of the game to the second gaming machine over the data network for network-based play of the game at the second gaming machine; and the second gaming machine initially does not have a copy of the game, the second gaming machine configured to:
present the stream of the game to a player via a display of the second gaming machine for network-based play of the game, and switch from the network-based play of the game to a locally executable form of the game such that game play by the player of the game is not interrupted during switching.
74. The system of claim 73, wherein the first gaming machine is further configured to transmit, during network-based play of the game on the second gaming machine, the locally executable form of the game to the second gaming machine over the data network.
75. The system of claim 73, wherein the second gaming machine is further configured to terminate the data stream after switching from the network-based game play to the locally executed form of the game.
76. The system of claim 74, wherein the second gaming machine is further configured to transfer state information associated with the network-based play of the game to the locally executable form of the game.
77. The system of claim 73, wherein the data network is a peer-to-peer network.
78. A method in a gaming system comprising a plurality of gaming machines, the method comprising:
presenting, by the first gaming machine, the data stream of the game to the player for network-based play of the game; and switching, by the first gaming machine, from the network-based play of the game to a locally executable form of the game such that game play by the player of the game is not interrupted during the switching.
79. The method of claim 78, further comprising downloading to the first gaming machine the locally executable form of the game over the data network and from the second gaming machine, wherein the locally executable form of the game is executable on the first gaming machine.
80. The method of claim 79, wherein the downloading occurs during the network-based play of the game at the first gaming machine.
81. The method of claim 79, further comprising transferring state information associated with the network-based play of the game to the locally executable form of the game.
82. The method of claim 78, further comprising terminating execution of the data stream after the switching from the network-based game play to the locally executed form of the game.
83. The method of claim 78, wherein the data stream is generated when the game is executed on the second gaming machine.
84. The method of claim 83, further comprising maintaining current game settings for the game being executed on the second gaming machine, the current game settings including state information.
85. A computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of a first gaming machine, cause the gaming machine to perform a method of providing game play of a game, the method comprising:
receiving, by the first gaming machine, a request by a player to play a game on the first gaming machine;
presenting, by the first gaming machine, the data stream of the game to the player for network-based play of the game; and switching from the network-based play of the game to a locally executable form of the game such that game play by the player of the game is not interrupted during the switching.
86. The medium of claim 85, further comprising instructions for downloading to the first gaming machine the locally executable form of the game over the data network and from the second gaming machine, wherein the locally executable form of the game is executable on the first gaming machine.
87. The medium of claim 86, wherein the downloading occurs during the network-based play of the game at the first gaming machine.
88. The medium of claim 86, further comprising instructions for transferring state information associated with the network-based play of the game to the locally executable form of the game.
89. The medium of claim 85, further comprising instructions for terminating execution of the data stream after the switching from the network-based game play to the locally executed form of the game.
90. The medium of claim 85, wherein the data stream is generated when the game is executed on the second gaming machine.
91. The medium of claim 90, further comprising instructions for maintaining current game settings for the game being executed on the second gaming machine, the current game settings including state information.
CA2621567A 2005-09-12 2006-08-23 Method and system for instant-on game download Active CA2621567C (en)
CA2621567A1 CA2621567A1 (en) 2007-03-22
CA2621567C true CA2621567C (en) 2016-08-09
CA2621567A Active CA2621567C (en) 2005-09-12 2006-08-23 Method and system for instant-on game download
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