Patent ID: 12243379

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An electronic gaming machine configured to illuminate a notification button is generally described. In at least one embodiment, the notification button is disposed on a rear surface of the gaming machine and includes a display that is capable of illumination in a plurality of lighting configurations, depending, for example, upon a player's gameplay activity on the gaming machine. For example, in at least one embodiment, the notification button may be illuminated in any of an inactive lighting configuration, an active lighting configuration, or a privileged lighting configuration. The inactive lighting configuration may be used to indicate that a player is seated at the gaming machine but that the player has not satisfied at least one gameplay criterion, such as, for example, that the player has not established a minimum credit balance. Likewise, the active lighting configuration may be used to indicate that the player has established a minimum credit balance, but that the player has not satisfied at least one other gameplay criterion, such as, for example, that the player has not placed a minimum wager. Finally, a privileged lighting configuration may be used to indicate that the player is entitled to a comp (e.g., a comped item or service). In at least one embodiment, the privileged lighting configuration may be displayed when a player has established a minimum credit balance and placed a minimum wager.

FIG.1illustrates several different models of EGMs which may be networked to various gaming related servers. Shown is a system100in a gaming environment including one or more server computers102(e.g., slot servers of a casino) that are in communication, via a communications network, with one or more gaming devices104A-104X (EGMs, slots, video poker, bingo machines, etc.) that can implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The gaming devices104A-104X may alternatively be portable and/or remote gaming devices such as, but not limited to, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, or a game console, although such devices may require specialized software and/or hardware to comply with regulatory requirements regarding devices used for wagering or games of chance in which monetary awards are provided.

Communication between the gaming devices104A-104X and the server computers102, and among the gaming devices104A-104X, may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internet through a website maintained by a computer on a remote server or over an online data network including commercial online service providers, Internet service providers, private networks, and the like. In other embodiments, the gaming devices104A-104X may communicate with one another and/or the server computers102over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.

In some embodiments, server computers102may not be necessary and/or preferred. For example, in one or more embodiments, a stand-alone gaming device such as gaming device104A, gaming device104B or any of the other gaming devices104C-104X can implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. However, it is typical to find multiple EGMs connected to networks implemented with one or more of the different server computers102described herein.

The server computers102may include a central determination gaming system server106, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) system server108, a player tracking system server110, a progressive system server112, and/or a casino management system server114. Gaming devices104A-104X may include features to enable operation of any or all servers for use by the player and/or operator (e.g., the casino, resort, gaming establishment, tavern, pub, etc.). For example, game outcomes may be generated on a central determination gaming system server106and then transmitted over the network to any of a group of remote terminals or remote gaming devices104A-104X that utilize the game outcomes and display the results to the players.

Gaming device104A is often of a cabinet construction which may be aligned in rows or banks of similar devices for placement and operation on a casino floor. The gaming device104A often includes a main door154which provides access to the interior of the cabinet. Gaming device104A typically includes a button area or button deck120accessible by a player that is configured with input switches or buttons122, an access channel for a bill validator124, and/or an access channel for a ticket-out printer126.

InFIG.1, gaming device104A is shown as a Relm XL™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. As shown, gaming device104A is a reel machine having a gaming display area118comprising a number (typically 3 or 5) of mechanical reels130with various symbols displayed on them. The reels130are independently spun and stopped to show a set of symbols within the gaming display area118which may be used to determine an outcome to the game.

In many configurations, the gaming machine104A may have a main display128(e.g., video display monitor) mounted to, or above, the gaming display area118. The main display128can be a high-resolution LCD, plasma, LED, or OLED panel which may be flat or curved as shown, a cathode ray tube, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor.

In some embodiments, the bill validator124may also function as a “ticket-in” reader that allows the player to use a casino issued credit ticket to load credits onto the gaming device104A (e.g., in a cashless ticket (“TITO”) system). In such cashless embodiments, the gaming device104A may also include a “ticket-out” printer126for outputting a credit ticket when a “cash out” button is pressed. Cashless TITO systems are well known in the art and are used to generate and track unique bar-codes or other indicators printed on tickets to allow players to avoid the use of bills and coins by loading credits using a ticket reader and cashing out credits using a ticket-out printer126on the gaming device104A. The gaming machine104A can have hardware meters for purposes including ensuring regulatory compliance and monitoring the player credit balance. In addition, there can be additional meters that record the total amount of money wagered on the gaming machine, the total amount of money deposited, the total amount of money withdrawn, and the total amount of winnings on gaming device104A.

In some embodiments, a player tracking card reader144, a transceiver for wireless communication with a player's smartphone, a keypad146, and/or an illuminated display148for reading, receiving, entering, and/or displaying player tracking information is provided in EGM104A. In such embodiments, a game controller within the gaming device104A can communicate with the player tracking system server110to send and receive player tracking information.

Gaming device104A may also include a bonus topper wheel134. When bonus play is triggered (e.g., by a player achieving a particular outcome or set of outcomes in the primary game), bonus topper wheel134is operative to spin and stop with indicator arrow136indicating the outcome of the bonus game. Bonus topper wheel134is typically used to play a bonus game, but it could also be incorporated into play of the base or primary game.

A candle138may be mounted on the top of gaming device104A and may be activated by a player (e.g., using a switch or one of buttons122) to indicate to operations staff that gaming device104A has experienced a malfunction or the player requires service. The candle138is also often used to indicate a jackpot has been won and to alert staff that a hand payout of an award may be needed.

There may also be one or more information panels152which may be a back-lit, silkscreened glass panel with lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, a game denomination (e.g., $0.25 or $1), pay lines, pay tables, and/or various game related graphics. In some embodiments, the information panel(s)152may be implemented as an additional video display.

Gaming devices104A have traditionally also included a handle132typically mounted to the side of main cabinet116which may be used to initiate game play.

Many or all the above described components can be controlled by circuitry (e.g., a gaming controller) housed inside the main cabinet116of the gaming device104A, the details of which are shown inFIG.2.

Note that not all gaming devices suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure necessarily include top wheels, top boxes, information panels, cashless ticket systems, and/or player tracking systems. Further, some suitable gaming devices have only a single game display that includes only a mechanical set of reels and/or a video display, while others are designed for bar counters or table tops and have displays that face upwards.

An alternative example gaming device104B illustrated inFIG.1is the Arc™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Note that where possible, reference numerals identifying similar features of the gaming device104A embodiment are also identified in the gaming device104B embodiment using the same reference numbers. Gaming device104B does not include physical reels and instead shows game play functions on main display128. An optional topper screen140may be used as a secondary game display for bonus play, to show game features or attraction activities while a game is not in play, or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, topper screen140may also or alternatively be used to display progressive jackpot prizes available to a player during play of gaming device104B.

Example gaming device104B includes a main cabinet116including a main door154which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming device104B. The main or service door154is typically used by service personnel to refill the ticket-out printer126and collect bills and tickets inserted into the bill validator124. The main or service door154may also be accessed to reset the machine, verify and/or upgrade the software, and for general maintenance operations.

Another example gaming device104C shown is the Helix™ model gaming device manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Gaming device104C includes a main display128A that is in a landscape orientation. Although not illustrated by the front view provided, the landscape display128A may have a curvature radius from top to bottom, or alternatively from side to side. In some embodiments, display128A is a flat panel display. Main display128A is typically used for primary game play while secondary display128B is typically used for bonus game play, to show game features or attraction activities while the game is not in play or any other information or media desired by the game designer or operator. In some embodiments, example gaming device104C may also include speakers142to output various audio such as game sound, background music, etc.

Many different types of games, including mechanical slot games, video slot games, video poker, video black jack, video pachinko, keno, bingo, and lottery, may be provided with or implemented within the depicted gaming devices104A-104C and other similar gaming devices. Each gaming device may also be operable to provide many different games. Games may be differentiated according to themes, sounds, graphics, type of game (e.g., slot game vs. card game vs. game with aspects of skill), denomination, number of paylines, maximum jackpot, progressive or non-progressive, bonus games, and may be deployed for operation in Class 2 or Class 3, etc.

FIG.2is a block diagram depicting exemplary internal electronic components of a gaming device200connected to various external systems. All or parts of the example gaming device200shown could be used to implement any one of the example gaming devices104A-X depicted inFIG.1. The games available for play on the gaming device200are controlled by a game controller202that includes one or more processors204and a game that may be stored as game software or a program206in a memory208coupled to the processor204. The memory208may include one or more mass storage devices or media that are housed within gaming device200. Within the mass storage devices and/or memory208, one or more databases210may be provided for use by the program206. A random number generator (RNG)212that can be implemented in hardware and/or software is typically used to generate random numbers that are used in the operation of game play to ensure that game play outcomes are random and meet regulations for a game of chance.

Alternatively, a game instance (i.e. a play or round of the game) may be generated on a remote gaming device such as a central determination gaming system server106(not shown inFIG.2but seeFIG.1). The game instance is communicated to gaming device200via the network214and then displayed on gaming device200. Gaming device200may execute game software, such as but not limited to video streaming software that allows the game to be displayed on gaming device200. When a game is stored on gaming device200, it may be loaded from a memory208(e.g., from a read only memory (ROM)) or from the central determination gaming system server106to memory208. The memory208may include RAM, ROM or another form of storage media that stores instructions for execution by the processor204. Note that embodiments of the present disclosure represent an improvement in the art of EGM software and provide new technology in that they facilitate, for example, and in at least one embodiment, a notification system for alerting a casino operator to one or more player entitlements, such as one or more player comps. These embodiments are thus not merely new game rules or simply a new display pattern.

The gaming device200may include a topper display216or another form of a top box (e.g., a topper wheel, a topper screen, etc.) which sits above cabinet218. The cabinet218or topper display216may also house a number of other components which may be used to add features to a game being played on gaming device200, including speakers220, a ticket printer222which prints bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, a ticket reader224which reads bar-coded tickets or other media or mechanisms for storing or indicating a player's credit value, and a player tracking interface232. The player tracking interface232may include a keypad226for entering information, a player tracking display228for displaying information (e.g., an illuminated or video display), a card reader230for receiving data and/or communicating information to and from media or a device such as a smart phone enabling player tracking. Ticket printer222may be used to print tickets for a TITO system server108. The gaming device200may further include a bill validator234, player-input buttons236for player input, cabinet security sensors238to detect unauthorized opening of the cabinet218, a primary game display240, and a secondary game display242, each coupled to and operable under the control of game controller202.

Gaming device200may be connected over network214to player tracking system server110. Player tracking system server110may be, for example, an OASIS® system manufactured by Aristocrat® Technologies, Inc. Player tracking system server110is used to track play (e.g. amount wagered, games played, time of play and/or other quantitative or qualitative measures) for individual players so that an operator may reward players in a loyalty program. The player may use the player tracking interface232to access his/her account information, activate free play, and/or request various information. Player tracking or loyalty programs seek to reward players for their play and help build brand loyalty to the gaming establishment. The rewards 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 complimentary and/or discounted meals, lodging, entertainment and/or additional play. Player tracking information may be combined with other information that is now readily obtainable by a casino management system.

Gaming devices, such as gaming devices104A-104X,200, are highly regulated to ensure fairness and, in many cases, gaming devices104A-104X,200are operable to award monetary awards (e.g., typically dispensed in the form of a redeemable voucher). Therefore, to satisfy security and regulatory requirements in a gaming environment, hardware and software architectures are implemented in gaming devices104A-104X,200that differ significantly from those of general-purpose computers. Adapting general purpose computers to function as gaming devices200is not simple or straightforward because of: 1) the regulatory requirements for gaming devices200, 2) the harsh environment in which gaming devices200operate, 3) security requirements, 4) fault tolerance requirements, and 5) the requirement for additional special purpose componentry enabling functionality of an EGM. These differences require substantial engineering effort with respect to game design implementation, hardware components and software.

When a player wishes to play the gaming device200, he/she can insert cash or a ticket voucher through a coin acceptor (not shown) or bill validator234to establish a credit balance on the gamine machine. The credit balance is used by the player to place wagers on instances of the game and to receive credit awards based on the outcome of winning instances. The credit balance is decreased by the amount of each wager and increased upon a win. The player can add additional credits to the balance at any time. The player may also optionally insert a loyalty club card into the card reader230. During the game, the player views the game outcome on one or more of the primary game display240and secondary game display242. Other game and prize information may also be displayed.

For each game instance, a player may make selections, which may affect play of the game. For example, the player may vary the total amount wagered by selecting the amount bet per line and the number of lines played. In many games, the player is asked to initiate or select options during course of game play (such as spinning a wheel to begin a bonus round or select various items during a feature game). The player may make these selections using the player-input buttons236, the primary game display240which may be a touch screen, or using some other device which enables a player to input information into the gaming device200.

During certain game events, the gaming device200may 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 enjoy the playing experience. Auditory effects include various sounds that are projected by the speakers220. Visual effects include flashing lights, strobing lights or other patterns displayed from lights on the gaming device200or from lights behind the information panel152(FIG.1).

When the player is done, he/she cashes out the credit balance (typically by pressing a cash out button to receive a ticket from the ticket printer222). The ticket may be “cashed-in” for money or inserted into another machine to establish a credit balance for play.

Although not shown atFIG.1, in at least some embodiments, an EGM104A-104X of gaming system100may be installed in a gameplay surface, such as, for example, in a surface of a bar and/or within any other suitable gameplay surface. As used herein, an EGM installed in such a gameplay surface may be referred to as a “bartop” EGM (or simply an “EGM” for brevity). Although the present disclosure is primarily described below with reference to a bartop EGM, it will be appreciated that many of the advantages and features of the present disclosure may be equally applicable to a variety of other electronic gaming systems and EGMs, such as, for example, any of EGMs104A-104X.

A front perspective view of an exemplary bartop EGM300is shown with reference toFIG.3. As shown, bartop EGM300includes all of the components described above with reference to EGMs104A-104X. For example, bartop EGM300includes a display302, a credit input mechanism304, a game controller (not shown), and/or any other EGM component, as described herein. Further, many of the components of bartop EGM300are contained within and/or supported by a cabinet306, which may be at least partially located beneath a gaming surface308(e.g. a bartop). For example, display302is at least partially contained within and supported by cabinet306.

Likewise, a game controller, such as game controller202, may be contained and/or supported within cabinet306. In various embodiments, game controller202may perform one or more operations described herein with respect to illumination and control of notification mechanism402. To this end, and in some embodiments, game controller202is a central processing unit (CPU) of EGM300, such as a main or primary CPU. However, in other embodiments, game controller202may include any other processor of EGM300, such as, for example, any dedicated and/or secondary processor included in EGM300. Further, in at least some embodiments, and as described herein, game controller202may include a plurality of processors, such as, for example, a dual-core arrangement of processors, a quad-core arrangement of processors, and eight-core arrangement of processors, and/or any other arrangement of processors.

Bartop EGM300may be mounted within the gaming surface308, such that display302faces away from an interior of a bar towards a player, and such that a rear surface of EGM300and/or cabinet306faces into the interior of the bar. As used herein, an “interior” of a bar may refer to any area of a bar within or around which a bartender and/or another casino operator may work and/or otherwise physically reside. Likewise, as used herein, an “exterior” of a bar may refer to any area within or around which a player may physically reside.

Thus, EGM300may be arranged, such that display302, credit input mechanism304, and any other player input interface component are oriented toward an exterior of a bar for access by a player. Likewise, EGM300may be arranged such that, at least, a rear surface of cabinet306(which may include a notification mechanism, such as a notification button, as described in greater detail below) faces or is oriented toward an interior of the bar.

FIG.4is a rear perspective view of EGM300(shown inFIG.3). As shown, EGM300includes an illuminable notification mechanism402. In the exemplary embodiment, notification mechanism402may include any of a variety of illuminable and/or selectable hardware, such as, for example, any suitable mechanical pushbutton having an integrated illuminable display. In at least one embodiment, notification mechanism402extends at least partially away from a rear surface404of cabinet306of EGM300. Specifically, in at least some embodiments, notification mechanism402is mounted on rear surface404of cabinet306and extends through rear surface404into an interior of cabinet306, where, for example, notification mechanism402may be electrically and/or communicably coupled to game controller202. Game controller202may thus be operable to provide a variety of control instructions to notification mechanism402, such as, for example, control instructions to control a lighting configuration of notification mechanism402.

Accordingly, notification mechanism402may include any suitable mechanical pushbutton and/or any other mechanism capable of activation by a casino operator. For instance, in one embodiment, notification mechanism402may include an infrared sensor and/or a motion sensor, either of which may be capable of detecting the presence of a casino operator. For example, a motion detector and/or infrared sensor may detect the presence of a casino operator's hand when the casino operator places or waves his had near the motion detector and/or infrared sensor. Although a mechanical pushbutton, a motion detector, and an infrared sensor are described herein, it will be appreciated that any other suitable hardware element may be used to receive an input (e.g., an input indicating that a player has received a comp) from a casino operator.

As described briefly above, notification mechanism402may, in addition, include a display406, which may, in turn, include one or more display elements. For instance, display406of notification mechanism402may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), such as one or more tri-color LEDs. Similarly, in at least some embodiments, display406may include any liquid crystal display (LCD), any light emitting diode (LED) display, any organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, and/or any other suitable display. Moreover, in at least some embodiments, display406may be capable of displaying graphic images (e.g. ICON, Emoji, etc.) and text messages, such as, for example, one or more text messages. As described herein, text messages and/or graphic images may be displayed in addition to one or more lighting configurations and/or in substitution of one or more lighting configurations.

Notification mechanism402may, in addition, and in at least some embodiments, include an illuminable bezel408. In at least one embodiment, bezel408may surround display406and extend about a perimeter of notification mechanism402. However, in another embodiment, display406may simply be capable of illuminate in a lighting configuration (e.g., an active lighting configuration) in a manner that suggests that presence of bezel408. For example, in at least one embodiment, display406may be illuminated in a lighting configuration, such as an active lighting configuration, around a perimeter of display406to create an illuminated perimeter or “halo” around display406. However, where bezel408is incorporated as a separate hardware element, bezel408may, like display406, include any LED display, any OLED display, any LCD display, and/or any other suitable illuminable hardware component and/or display element.

In the exemplary embodiment, display406of notification mechanism402extends away from rear surface404of cabinet306and is oriented to face toward or into an interior of a bar. Specifically, display406of notification mechanism402may be positioned or mounted on cabinet306, such that display406is generally visible by and/or within a line of sight of a casino operator, such as a bartender. Likewise, notification mechanism402may be positioned on rear surface404of cabinet306, such that the casino operator may physically reach and activate (e.g., depress) notification mechanism402.

Now, as described in detail below, EGM300may be capable of displaying a variety of notifications. More particularly, in the exemplary embodiment, EGM300may display one or more notifications, such as via display406of notification mechanism402, relating to a comp status of EGM300. As used herein, these notifications may be referred to as “comp notifications,” to indicate a relationship to or association with a player's level of comp or comp status.

As used herein, the terms “comp” and “complimentary item” may refer to any free, price-reduced, and/or otherwise promotional item, service, benefit, and/or reward which may be rendered or provided to a player based upon a player's gameplay activity on EGM300. For example, as a player plays a wagering game on EGM300(e.g., a reel-based wagering game, a card-based wagering game, a keno game, a bingo game, and/or any other suitable wagering game), a variety of gameplay data may be generated relating to the player's gameplay activity. Depending the gameplay data associated with the player's gameplay activity (such as, for example, a credit balance or coin-in established by the player, a wager or bet placed by the player, a rate of play of the player, and the like), one or more “comps” or “complimentary items” may be allocated and/or awarded to the player.

For instance, a player whose gameplay data satisfies one or more criteria may be entitled to one or more free drinks (or “drink comps”). Likewise, players may be entitled, based upon a variety of gameplay data, to food or meal comps (or “meal comps”), free or price-reduced tickets, such as tickets to shows playing within a casino (or “ticket comps”), free or price-reduced items or services (or “item” or “service comps”), such as gift-shop items, spa services offered by a casino, and/or any other “comped” item or service that a casino may provide. Thus, a “comp” may refer to any free item or service, any price-reduced item or service, and/or any other promotional benefit or reward which may be provided to a player, such as, for example, based upon a player's gameplay activity.

A player's gameplay data may be variously collected and/or received by EGM300. For example, in at least some embodiments, game controller202may receive gameplay data directly from one or more components of EGM300, such as, for example, from player tracking interface323, bill validator234, ticket reader224, primary game display240, secondary game display242, buttons236, cabinet security sensors238, and/or any other hardware and/or software component of EGM300capable of collecting and/or generating gameplay data.

Similarly, in at least some embodiments, game controller202may receive gameplay data from any server system to which EGM300may be communicatively coupled, such as, for example, from any of central determination gaming system server106, TITO system server108, player tracking system server110, progressive system server112, and/or casino management system server114. In at least one embodiment, game controller202may be configured to receive and process gameplay data in any suitable format and/or as part of any suitable communications protocol. For example, in some embodiments, game controller202may receive and process gameplay data in a game-to-system (G2S) protocol, as developed and maintained by the Gaming Standards Association (GSA).

To display a comp notification, game controller202of EGM300may control display406and/or bezel408of notification mechanism402to display a variety of lighting configurations. For example, as described in detail below, notification mechanism402may be controlled to display a lighting configuration indicating that a player is active on EGM300but not currently entitled to a comp. Similarly, notification mechanism402may display a lighting configuration indicating that a player is active on EGM300and has earned a privilege, such as a comp, based upon the player's gameplay activity on EGM300. Further, in at least some embodiments, notification mechanism402may display a lighting configuration, such as in response to physical activation by a casino operator, indicating that the operator has provided a player an earned comp or privilege.

As described in detail herein, these lighting configurations may be visible to a casino operator, such as a bartender, but may not be (e.g., easily) visible to a player of EGM300while the player is actively playing EGM300. Specifically, as described above, notification mechanism402may be disposed on a location of EGM300(e.g., such as rear surface404of cabinet306) that permits a casino operator to observe a lighting configuration of notification mechanism402, but that is also difficult to observe by a player, at least, while the player is seated at EGM300and playing EGM300. In the case that notification button is disposed on rear surface404of cabinet306, for example, a player may have to peer over EGM300(e.g., essentially craning or peering into the interior of a bar) to observe a lighting configuration of notification mechanism402.

FIG.5is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process500for selectively illuminating notification mechanism402of EGM300. Specifically, as described above, notification mechanism402may be selectively illuminated to display a variety of notifications. In the exemplary embodiment, each notification may be associated with a particular lighting configuration of notification mechanism402, which a casino operator may visually interpret to ascertain a comp status or comp entitlement of a player of EGM300.

Accordingly, in at least one embodiment, at least three lighting configurations may be provided. Specifically, an inactive lighting configuration, an active lighting configuration, and a privileged lighting configuration may be provided. Each of these lighting configurations may correspond to a notification, such as an inactive notification, an active notification, and a privileged notification, respectively. In addition, each lighting configuration may correspond to one or more gameplay criteria, which may be satisfied, as described herein, based upon a player's gameplay data.

In the exemplary embodiment, an inactive lighting configuration may be used to indicate that a player seated at EGM300is “inactive” on EGM300, in that, for example, the player is seated at EGM300but has not satisfied at least one gameplay criterion necessary to an “active” or “privileged” status. Likewise, an “active” lighting configuration may be used to indicate that a player of EGM300is “active,” in, at least, that the player has satisfied at least one gameplay criterion necessary to such a status, but that the player has not yet achieved a “privileged” status. Further, a “privileged” lighting configuration may be used to indicate that a player of EGM300has satisfied one or more gameplay criteria necessary to such a status (and, for example, that the player is “privileged,” in that the player is entitled to one or more comps).

Accordingly, game controller202may analyze gameplay data (e.g., in real-time or pseudo real-time) (step502). Based upon the analysis, game controller202may determine whether the player has satisfied one or more active gameplay criteria (step504). In the exemplary embodiment, an active gameplay criterion may be that the player has established (or maintained and/or re-established) a minimum credit balance. As described herein, a player may establish a credit balance by providing currency (e.g., in the form of physical currency and/or a printed ticket) to a credit input mechanism, such as, for example, bill validator234and/or ticket reader224. Although a single active gameplay criterion may be sufficient in the exemplary embodiment, it will be appreciated that any of a variety of gameplay criteria may be required, as described below, by a casino operator for establishing an active notification and/or an active lighting configuration. Further, as described herein, a casino operator may set (and reset, as the operator desires) a minimum credit balance for a particular EGM300.

If the player has satisfied the active gameplay criterion (and/or criteria, as the case may be), game controller202may display an active lighting configuration on display406and/or bezel408of notification mechanism402(step506). Although a variety of active lighting configurations are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure, in at least one embodiment, an active lighting configuration may include a lighting configuration in which a perimeter of display406is illuminated and in which a center portion of display406is unilluminated (e.g., a “halo”). Similarly, in an active lighting configuration, bezel408may be illuminated while display406is not illuminated to create a same or similar “halo” about the perimeter of notification mechanism402. An embodiment in which notification mechanism402is configured in an active lighting configuration is shown with respect toFIG.6.

If, on the other hand, the player has not satisfied the active gameplay criterion (or criteria), game controller202may display an inactive lighting configuration on display406and/or bezel408of notification mechanism402(step508). Although a variety of inactive lighting configurations are contemplated and within the scope of the present disclosure, in at least one embodiment, an inactive lighting configuration may include a lighting configuration in which display406and/or bezel408are unilluminated (e.g., in an inactive lighting configuration, notification mechanism402may be totally dark or unilluminated). An embodiment in which notification mechanism402is configured in an inactive lighting configuration is shown with respect toFIG.4. Specifically, atFIG.4, display406is unilluminated to notify a casino operator that a player is inactive.

In another embodiment, display406and/or bezel408may be illuminated in red and/or another suitable color (e.g., using a tri-color LED of display406) to indicate that the player is inactive. In response to an inactive lighting configuration, a casino operator may, in at least some cases, such as, for example, when a casino is busy and EGMs are in demand, request that a player depart EGM300and/or begin play of EGM300(e.g., that a player “play or leave”). Thus, one technical effect of an inactive lighting configuration may be that a casino operator is provided a readily apparent means of determining whether a player is simply sitting at an EGM without playing a wagering game provided by the EGM and/or whether the player may, at least, be engaged in or preparing to engage in gameplay.

In the exemplary embodiment, game controller202may continue to monitor gameplay data (step510) to determine whether a player has satisfied one or more privileged gameplay criteria (step512). In the exemplary embodiment, privileged gameplay criteria may be that the player has established (or maintained and/or re-established) a minimum credit balance and that the player has placed at least one minimum wager. As described herein, these criteria may be set and reset by a casino operator as desired, and a variety of other criteria may also be established by the operator depending, in general, upon the criteria that the operator prefers. In one example, a casino operator may specify privileged gameplay criteria including a minimum credit balance of $20.00 and a minimum wager of 1 credit. However, any suitable criteria may be set by an operator and applied to EGM300, as described below.

If the player has satisfied the privileged gameplay criteria, game controller202may display a privileged lighting configuration on display406and/or bezel408of notification mechanism402(step514). Although a variety of privileged lighting configurations are contemplated by and within the scope of the present disclosure, in at least one embodiment, a privileged lighting configuration may include a lighting configuration in which display406and/or bezel408are fully illuminated in a selected color, such as green. An embodiment in which notification mechanism402is configured in a privileged lighting configuration is shown with respect toFIG.7. It will be appreciated, however, that a casino operator may establish any suitable privileged lighting configuration, and that a green-illuminated display406and/or bezel408are only one example of a privileged lighting configuration. Further, if, on the other hand, the player has not satisfied the privileged gameplay criteria, game controller202may display an inactive and/or active lighting configuration, based, for example, upon an ongoing analysis of gameplay data (step506).

As described herein, illumination of notification mechanism402in a privileged lighting configuration may serve to alert a casino operator, such as a bartender, to the fact that a player of EGM300is entitled to a comp. In response to illumination of notification mechanism402in a privileged lighting configuration, the casino operator may provide the player the comp to which the player is entitled (e.g., a bartender may bring the player a drink comp) (step516) Likewise, once the player is provided the comp by the casino operator, the casino operator may physically activate notification mechanism402, such as, for example, by physically depressing notification mechanism402(e.g., where notification mechanism402is a pushbutton). In another embodiment, notification mechanism402may include a touchscreen, in which case, a casino operator may simply touch notification button to activate notification mechanism402.

In either case, when notification mechanism402is activated (and the player is provided a comp), game controller202may, in response, illuminate display406and/or bezel408of notification mechanism402in another lighting configuration. For example, in at least one embodiment, game controller may display the inactive lighting configuration (step508). However, in other embodiments, another suitable lighting configuration, such as the active lighting configuration, may be displayed on notification mechanism402.

The lighting configuration selected following a change from a privileged lighting configuration may depend, for example, upon the gameplay criteria that are satisfied once a player is provided a comp and/or one or more other criteria. For instance, a player who has received a comp may continue to satisfy the criteria necessary for a privileged status/lighting configuration. However, because the player has recently received a comp, a time criterion may be added to the criteria necessary for illuminating notification mechanism402, which may prevent illumination of notification mechanism402in the privileged lighting configuration for a threshold period of time, such as, for example, a threshold period of time in the range of ten to thirty minutes. In at least one embodiment, after the threshold period of time has expired, game controller202may once more permit illumination of notification mechanism402in the privileged lighting configuration, such as, for example, to indicate that the player is entitled to another comp.

In addition to the gameplay criteria described above, a variety of other gameplay criteria may be specified, such as, for example, in conjunction with one or more lighting configurations. As described herein, a casino operator may specify one or more of the following criteria in association with any of the lighting configurations described herein and/or in association with any other lighting configuration that notification mechanism402may be capable of displaying. To specify these gameplay criteria, a casino operator may be provided a graphical user interface (GUI) by EGM300, which the casino operator may use to associate any of the following gameplay criteria with any of the lighting configurations described herein and/or any other lighting configuration, such as, for example, any other predefined lighting configuration and/or any other customized lighting configuration that the casino operator may define using the GUI.

Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, the following gameplay criteria may be selectable by a casino operator for association with any predefined and/or operator-defined lighting configuration.

GameplayCriterionBrief Summary of the Gameplay CriterionCoin-inThe total amount of money bet by a player during aperiod of timeCoin-in forThe total amount of money bet by a player for an extraExtra CompcompPlayer CreditA player credit on the EGM in excess of a minimum betCoin-in RateSpeed of play, such as bets per hour or bets per minuteBet LevelThe minimum currency value of a player's betDenom.A minimum currency denomination in play (e.g., $1, $5,$10, etc.)ResetNotification button activated and/or player cashes out ofgameResponseTime taken by casino employee to provide a comp to aTimeplayerCredit balanceA player's credit balanceWager amountA player's wager or bet, such as a bet per hand or betper spinComp RateA period of time required between compsAssistanceAssistance requested by a player from a casino operatorRequestScheduleAny gameplay criterion may be scheduled to occur(e.g., daily, etc.)WinA win may result in a lighting configurationCelebrationMax CompsA maximum number of comps allowed during a periodof time

An electronic gaming machine configured to illuminate an illuminable notification mechanism, such as an illuminable notification button, is thus described. In at least one embodiment, the notification mechanism is disposed on a rear surface of the gaming machine and includes a display that is capable of illumination in a plurality of lighting configurations, depending, for example, upon a player's gameplay activity on the gaming machine. For example, in at least one embodiment, the notification mechanism may be illuminated in any of an inactive lighting configuration, an active lighting configuration, or a privileged lighting configuration. The inactive lighting configuration may be used to indicate that a player is seated at the gaming machine but that the player has not satisfied at least one gameplay criterion, such as, for example, that the player has not established a minimum credit balance. Likewise, the active lighting configuration may be used to indicate that the player has established a minimum credit balance, but that the player has not satisfied at least one other gameplay criterion, such as, for example, that the player has not placed a minimum wager. Finally, a privileged lighting configuration may be used to indicate that the player is entitled to a comp (e.g., a comped item or service). In at least one embodiment, the privileged lighting configuration may be displayed when a player has established a minimum credit balance and placed a minimum wager.

While the invention has been described with respect to the figures, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Any variation and derivation from the above description and figures are included in the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.