a2, United States Patent
`US 6,361,437 B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`Walkeretal.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`*Mar. 26, 2002
`
`
`US006361437B1
`
`REMOTE GAMING DEVICE
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Ridgefield; James A.
`Jorasch, Stamford; Thomas M.
`Sparico, Riverside, all of CT
`(US)
`(73) Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC, Stamford, CT
`(US)
`
`Notice:
`
`(*)
`
`to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`Subject
`patent is extended or
`adjusted under 35
`US.C.
`154(b) by 0 days.
`to a terminal dis-
`This patent is subject
`claimer.
`
`Filed:
`
`(22)
`
`Sep. 22, 1999
`
`(63)
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Continuation of application No. 08/775,577,filed
`now Pat. No. 6,001,016.
`31, 1996,
`eee ecccecsesscssecscesecseeseeneeneeneens
`A63F 9/24
`(SL) UIs C0
`ceeccecsssssssssssssseeeesesseesssssssnssseneeeseeseees
`463/23
`(52)
`oo... eee
`
`(58) Field of Search
`463/1, 12-13,
`463/16, 20, 25, 29, 30, 36, 40-42; 273/143 R,
`292-293, 138.1, 138.2, 139; 700/91-93
`
`on Dec.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,467,424 A
`
`8/1984 Hedges
`
`et al.
`
`5,259,613 A
`5,390,934 A
`5,392,934 A
`5,395,242 A
`5,397,128 A
`5,411,258 A
`5,570,885 A
`5,630,586 A
`5,770,533 A
`6,001,016 A
`
`11/1993 Marnell, II
`2/1995 Grassa
`2/1995 Fox
`etal.
`3/1995 Slye
`3/1995 Hesseetal.
`5/1995 Wilsonetal.
`11/1996 Ornstein
`....... eee
`5/1997 Lowden
`6/1998 Franchi
`12/1999 Walker...
`
`ccc
`
`*
`
`*
`
`463/202
`
`463/202
`
`*
`
`cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—Mark Sager
`or Firm—Dean P. Alderucci
`(74) Attorney, Agent,
`
`A method and system for remote play of a gaming device,
`such as a slot machine. A player
`at
`enters
`play preferences
`a remote
`wagering terminal. The remote
`wagering terminal
`to a slot network server that
`transmits the play preferences
`stores the play preferences. Based upontheplay preferences,
`the slot network serveridentifies one or more slot machines
`and transmits outcome data from those slot machinesto the
`remote wagering terminal. The outcomedata may belive or
`historical. In one embodiment of the present invention, the
`slot network service generates simulated outcomedatato the
`wagering terminal. The slot network server
`remote
`keeps
`track of the player’s wins and losses based upon the outcome
`data.
`
`3 Claims, 13 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`
`REMOTE
`CASHIER
`
`KEYPAD
`
`
`TERMINAL
`NAL
`TERM!
`
`
`
`5
`
`
`SLOT
`MACHINE
`
`SLOT
`MACHINE
`
`5
`
`
`
`
`
`
`REMOTE
`SLOT
`
`
`REMOTE
`SLOT
`
`
`
`TERMINAL
`
`NETWORK
`
`
`
`
`TERMINAL
`NETWORK
`
`
`
`
`
`NETWORK
`SERVER
`
`10
`
`
`
`
`
`PLAYER
`
`
`TRACKING
`
`
`CARD
`
`
`READER
`loo
`
`
`SLOT
`MACHINE
`
`)
`
`
`
` 3
`
`SLOT
`MACHINE
`
`5
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page
`
`1 of 21
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 1 of 21
`
`

`

`US 6,361,437 B1
`
`| O
`
`ld
`
`éZ
`
`ANIHOWW
`ANIHOVIN
`
`Sheet 1 of 13
`
`LOTS
`LO1S
`
`Mar.26, 2002
`
`c
`
`LOTS
`
`MYOMLAN
`
`ZZ
`
`ANIHOWW
`ANIHOWN
`
`LO1S
`1018
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`YAIHSVO
`
`YSAYSS
`
`MYOMLAN
`
`LOTS TWNIWYSL
`
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`Ob
`
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`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page
`
`2 of 21
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 2 of 21
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 26,2002
`
`Sheet 2 of 13
`
`US 6,361,437 B1
`
`SECOND
`REEL
`
`264
`
`
`
`
` REEL
`CONTROLLER
`
`
` 260
`STARTING
`
`CONTROLLER
`
`250
`
`
`
`NUMBER
`GENERATOR
`
`
`RANDOM
`
`
`
`
`240
`
`SLOT
`
`
`OPERATING
`SERVER
`
`NETWORK
`
`
`
`Dispay
`
`
`INTERFACE
`SYSTEM
`
`AREA
`
`
`214
`
`
` 270
`
`
`HOPPER
`DATA STORAGE
`
`
`
`CONTROLLER
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`290
`
`
`
`PROBABILITY
`
`HOPPER
`TABLE
`
`
`
`
`
`292
`
`
`330
`
`
`
`
`PAYOUT
`TABLE
`
`281
`
`284
`
`FIG. 2
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page3 of 21
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 3 of 21
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar.26, 2002
`
`Sheet 3 of 13
`
`US 6,361,437 B1
`
`ao
`
`RAM
`
`
`
`SLOT
`MACHINE
`NETWORK
`
`3
`
`430
`
`
`CASHIER
`
`TERMINAL
`
`
`
`6
`
`
`
`WAGERING
`
`
`
`TERMINAL
`
`
`NETWORK
`
`TRANSACTION
`
`PROCESSOR
`449
`
`
`
`
` CASINO PLAYER
`
`DATABASE
`<>
`
`
`
` SESSION
`<->
`DATABASE
`
`
`48 <>
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`OPERATING
`SYSTEM
`'
`
`4
`
`440
`
`COMMUNICATION
`PORT
`
`450
`
`REMOTE
`
`40
`
`
`
`444
`
`44
`
`TERMINAL
`DATABASE
`
`SLOT MACHINE
`DATABASE
`
`
`449
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page
`
`4 of 21
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 4 of 21
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar.26, 2002
`
`Sheet 4 of 13
`
`US 6,361,437 B1
`
`tv
`—
`
`FONV
`IVE
`
`LId3u49
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`ANOHd
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`v-Ols
`
`YSaWwnN
`
`ALIMNOAS
`
`TWIOO0S Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 5 of 21
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 5 of 21
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar.26, 2002
`
`Sheet 5 of 13
`
`US 6,361,437 B1
`
`dl
`
`dsagWnn
`
`ANIHOVW
`
`1334
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`SNOILISOd
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`ANIHOVA
`LOTS4O
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`YaaWwnn
`YAAVId
`
`ALOWSY Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 6 of 21
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 6 of 21
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 26,2002
`
`Sheet 6 of 13
`
`US 6,361,437 B1
`
`REMOTE
`
`WAGERING
`TERMINAL
`
`TERMINAL
`
`LOCATION
`
`
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page
`
`7 of 21
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 7 of 21
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 26,2002
`
`Sheet 7 of 13
`
`US 6,361,437 B1
`
`STORED
`
`OUTCOMES
`
`no
`
`z 9=a©o
`
`H
`
`7
`
`FIG.
`
`Lu
`oc
`
`J-o
`
`O>o
`
`r|w
`
`n
`
`449
`
`o
`
`COINS
`
`MAXIMUM
`
`MACHINE
`
`DENOMINATION Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 8 of 21
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 8 of 21
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 26,2002
`
`Sheet 8 of 13
`
`US 6,361,437 B1
`
` VIDEO
`MONITOR
`
`560
`
`
`
`
`
`VIDEO
`
`DRIVER
`
`550
`
`
`
`
`STARTING
`
`
`CONTROLLER
`
`
`
`580
`READER
`
`
`
`KEYPAD
`
`
`570
`
`OPERATING
`‘COMMUNICATION
`
`
`
`SYSTEM
`PORT
`
`
`
`512
`540
`
`PLAYER
`TRACKING
`CARD
`
`HOPPER
`CONTROLLER
`390
`
`
`
`HOPPER
`600
`
`
`
`FIG. 8
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 9 of 21
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 9 of 21
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 26, 2002
`
`Sheet 9 of 13
`
`US 6,361,437 B1
`
`
`
` VIDEO
`
`MONITOR
`
`
`
`680
`
`
`eo
`
`
`
`
`
` PLAYER
`TRACKING
`
`CARD
`READER,
`.
`
`arn
`
`
`
`
`
`
`OPERATING
`COMMUNICATION
`
`SYSTEM
`PORT
`
`NETWORK
`640
`612
`
`
`
`SERVER
`4
`
`SLOT
`
`FIG. 9
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 10 of 21
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 10 of 21
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 26, 2002
`
`Sheet 10 of 13
`
`US 6,361,437 B1
`
`REMOTEPLAYER GOES TO CASINO
`CAGE OR SLOT BOOTH AND PRESENTS
`PLAYER TRACKING CARD
`
`31
`
`CASINO PERSONNEL ENTERS PLAYER
`IDENTIFICATION NUMBER AND CASH
`AMOUNTINTO CASHIER TERMINAL
`
`CASHIER TERMINAL TRANSMITS
`NUMBER AND CASH AMOUNT TO SLOT
`
`NETWORK SERVER
`
`SLOT NETWORK SERVER UPDATES
`CREDIT BALANCE OF PLAYER DATABASE
`TOREFLECTADDEDFUNDS
`
`gay
`
`PLAYER TAKES CARD BACK FROM
`CASINO PERSONNEL AND MOVES TO
`REMOTE SLOT TERMINAL
`
`850
`
`FIG. 10
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page
`
`11 of 21
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 11 of 21
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 26, 2002
`
`Sheet 11 of 13
`
`US 6,361,437 B1
`
`PLAYER ENTERS PLAYER
`TRACKING CARD
`
`SERVER AUTHENTICATES PLAYER
`IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
`
`PLAYER PARAMETER SELECTIONS
`PLAYER PROMPTED TO ENTER
`
`9
`
`PLAYER ENTERS PLAYER
`
`PARAMETER SELECTIONS
`
`SERVER STORES PLAYER
`
`PARAMETER SELECTIONS
`IN SESSION DATABASE
`
`SERVER ACCESSES REMOTE
`
`TERMINAL DATABASE TO FIG. 11B
`
`FIG. 11A
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page
`
`12 of 21
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 12 of 21
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 26,2002
`
`Sheet 12 of 13
`
`US 6,361,437 B1
`
`FROMFIG. 11A
`
`SERVER SELECTS SLOT MACHINE(S)
`
`970
`
`SLOT MACHINE COMMUNICATES
`OUTCOME DATA TO SERVER
`
`SLOT MACHINE COMMUNICATES
`OUTCOME DATA TO REMOTE
`TERMINAL
`
`SERVER UPDATES DATABASES
`
`REMOTE PLAY ENDS FIG. 11B
`
`SERVER
`
`DETERMINES WHETHER
`SUFFICIENT FUNDS EXIST FOR
`FURTHER PLAY
`
`1010
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 13 of 21
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 13 of 21
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 26, 2002
`
`Sheet 13 of 13
`
`US 6,361,437 B1
`
`PLAYER GOES TO SLOT CHANGE
`BOOTH OR CASINO CAGE AND PRESENTS
`PLAYER TRACKING CARD
`11
`
`CASINO PERSONNEL INSERTS CARD INTO
`CASHIER TERMINAL AND CHECKS SECONDARY
`FORM OF PLAYERIDENTIFICATION
`4499
`
`CASHIER TERMINAL TRANSMITS
`PLAYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER TO
`
`SLOT NETWORK SERVER
`
`SERVER ACCESSES PLAYER
`DATABASE AND TRANSMITS
`
`FINAL CREDIT BALANCE
`
`FINAL CREDIT BALANCE IS DISPLAYED
`AT CASHIER TERMINAL
`
`CREDIT BALANCE UPDATED
`
`IN PLAYER DATABASE FIG. 12
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page
`
`14 of 21
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 14 of 21
`
`

`

`US 6,361,437 B1
`
`1
`REMOTE GAMING DEVICE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`This is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 08/775,
`now U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,016.
`577, filed Dec. 31, 1996,
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`to a method and
`The present invention relates generally
`apparatus for operation of a
`gaming device, such as a slot
`more
`particularly, for remote
`machine and,
`play of such
`gaming devices.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`There are numerous
`types of gaming devicesin use
`today.
`Manyof these gaming devices, such as slot machines, video
`blackjack machines, video poker machines, video roulette
`one
`to
`machines, and the like, typically allow only
`player
`a
`given machineat a time. Thus,only that one
`operate
`player
`can wagerand collect payouts. Furthermore, that one
`player
`must be physically present at the gaming device.
`typically
`Thus, the typical gaming device has drawbacksfor both the
`gaming device players and owners.
`must be physically present at
`Because the player
`the
`gaming device, the player is limited in the number and type
`of games that can be played. Slot machine players, for
`are known to
`play multiple machines at one time
`example,
`by inserting money in several adjacent slot machines and
`then pressing the play button of each machine in rapid
`succession. Such a manner of playing the machines can be
`must move from machine to machine
`awkward as the player
`on each
`in order to feed money and initiate each play
`machine. Furthermore, because slot machines of the same
`are
`next to each other in a
`a
`type
`casino,
`typically placed
`play different types of machines at the same
`cannot
`player
`time. Thus, there is a need for a method and system for
`remote
`play of gaming devices, particularly of different type
`devices.
`a
`play without an actual physical
`to
`Keno permits
`player
`presence at a machine. In Keno, a player selects a series of
`numbers. A game consists of matching the players numbers
`a series of numbers drawn by the casino. Once the
`against
`player has selected the series of numbers, the player selects
`a certain number of games for which those numbers are
`valid. Thus, by selecting several games, the player may bet
`on future games without a continued presence at a machine.
`With Keno, however, there is no remote
`play. The num-
`bers are
`a central
`automatically and continuously drawn by
`server and broadcast or transmitted to a numberof screens
`an
`establishment, such as a casino. While an
`throughout
`can
`to match the
`unlimited number of players
`attempt
`numbers drawn, players do not initiate play. Additionally,
`one
`at a time. Thus, Keno
`type of gameis being played
`only
`play of a
`remote
`cannot be said to
`gaming machine,
`provide
`particularly of the type in which each
`a
`playis initiated by
`player.
`Blackjack and Pai Gow poker tables sometimes allow a
`to make wagers on
`top of those made by the
`non-player
`participants of the games. In other words, while one
`player
`sits at a
`table, non-players may stand behind the player and
`more than one
`wager on the player’s hand. While allowing
`person to wager on a game,
`these practices require all
`to be physically present at the table. No
`persons wagering
`occurs.
`or
`remote
`wagering
`play
`on
`top of a
`player’s wager has
`Betting by non-participants
`several disadvantages. For example, additional surveillance
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`is
`
`2
`is required by casino personnel because disputes may arise
`as
`as to which person has madea
`particular wager. Disputes
`to decide howto
`to which personhasthe right
`play the hand
`a need exists for remote
`also arise. Consequently,
`wagering
`and play of gaming devices.
`Multiplayer gaming devices exist which permit multiple
`a
`to
`single gaming device. For example, “Sigma
`players
`play
`Derby”is a game in which multiple players simultaneously
`wager on a simulated horse race. Each player bets
`individually, in a
`separate coin acceptor. Despite allowing
`to
`several players
`participate in the game, Sigma Derby also
`to be physically present.
`requires each of the players
`Therefore, such multiplayer gaming devicesfail to fulfill the
`need for a method and system for remote
`wagering and play
`of a
`gaming device.
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,467,424 to
`et al.
`Hedges
`(Hedges)
`directed to a
`gaming system in which a remote
`player
`watches a live video of a game and participates in the
`a video camera located at
`playing of that game. Specifically,
`a
`a casino
`gaming table, such as craps table, which is run
`by
`employee called a
`croupier, sends a live video signal
`to a
`at a
`remote
`player station. At the player station, the
`player
`remote
`player watchesthe actual play and wagers along with
`enters the wagerinto the
`at the table. The player
`the players
`player station, which, in turn, transmits the wager to a credit
`In this system, however,
`station.
`the croupier manually
`at the table into a
`enters the outcome of each gameplayed
`croupier station. The outcome is communicated to the credit
`station. The credit station then communicates the outcome to
`the remote
`at the player station. The credit station
`player
`stores the player’s credit balance and updates the credit
`balance based upon the player’s wager and the outcome of
`each game.
`The remote
`gaming system of Hedges, however, has
`several disadvantages. Hedges requires that a live video
`signal be sent from the croupierstation to the player station.
`Such a
`can be costly and difficult
`to maintain,
`system
`particularly if multiple croupier stations exist. Moreover,
`reliance on the live video signal
`causes the Hedges device to
`be error-prone because the camera view may be temporarily
`blocked or the video system may fail. The player
`must
`the remote
`actually participate in the game. Specifically,
`player actually participates in and makesdecisions regarding
`play by watching the live video display. Thus, the remote
`one gameat a time and
`playeris limited to
`remotely playing
`is, therefore, limited in the frequency of wagering opportu-
`at the table are not
`nities. The results of play
`automatically
`must
`transferred to the remote
`player. Instead, the croupier
`the results at
`the croupier station. The
`manually input
`intervention allows for fraudulent or erroneous
`manual
`to the credit station and the remote
`results to be passed
`player. Furthermore, only if the live video signal is recorded
`or archived could an
`allegation of an erroneous result be
`confirmed.
`In sum, there exists a need for a method and system for
`wagering and play of a
`remote
`gaming device, particularly
`a method and system that does not
`require human interven-
`tion and live video transmission of the game being played.
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`to one embodiment of the
`a method according
`Thus,
`a
`present invention satisfies this need by providing
`gaming
`system which includes a server, a
`plurality of gaming
`devices, and a remote
`wagering terminal. Each of the
`to generate outcome data and
`gaming devices is configured
`automatically communicate the outcomedata to the server.
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 15 of 21
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`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 15 of 21
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`

`

`US 6,361,437 B1
`
`3
`Furthermore, the server is configured
`to select outcome data
`from at least one of the gaming devices for receipt by the
`remote
`wagering terminal.
`The present invention also includes a method including
`a
`a
`the steps of receiving
`play preference, generating by
`gaming device outcome data, automatically communicating
`the outcome data from the gaming device to a server,
`outcome data based uponthe play preference, and
`selecting
`communicating the selected outcome data to a remote
`wagering terminal. In an alternative embodiment of the
`an out-
`present invention, the method includes simulating
`come of the gaming device based upon the outcome data.
`to another embodimentof the present
`Amethod according
`out-
`invention includes the steps of automatically receiving
`come data from a
`gaming device, wherein the gaming device
`is of a
`type wherein a
`paid play initiates a random eventthat
`results in the outcome data, selecting
`outcome data, and
`communicating the outcome data to a remote
`wagering
`terminal.
`
`to another embodiment, the method includes
`According
`outcome data, and generating simu-
`the steps of receiving
`lated play based upon the outcome data.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a
`to one
`embodiment of present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a slot machine of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a slot networkserver of FIG.
`
`system according
`
`1;
`
`FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the player database of the
`slot network server of FIGS. 1 and 3;
`FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the session database of the
`slot network server of FIGS. 1 and 3;
`FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the remote
`wagering
`terminal database of the slot network server of FIGS. 1 and
`3;
`
`FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the slot machine database
`of the slot network server of FIGS. 1 and 3;
`FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a remote
`wagering terminal
`of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the cashier terminal of FIG.
`
`1;
`
`FIG. 10 is a flow diagram depicting the depositing of
`funds for use in accordance with the system of FIG. 1;
`FIGS. 11a and 11b are flow diagrams of the overall
`operation of the system of FIG. 1; and
`FIG. 12 is a flow diagram depicting the process of
`a
`payout in accordance with the system of FIG. 1.
`receiving
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`to a method
`The present invention is directed generally
`play of a
`gaming device, such as
`and system for remote
`slot
`at a remote
`enters
`machine. A player
`play preferences
`wagering terminal. The remote
`wagering terminal transmits
`to a slot network server that stores the
`the play preferences
`play preferences. Based upon the play preferences, the slot
`networkserveridentifies the outcome data from one or more
`slot machines and transmits this outcome data from those
`slot machinesto the remote
`wagering terminal. One embodi-
`mentutilizes live outcome data while another embodiment
`utilizes stored, historical outcome data from previous plays
`of a slot machine. In an alternate embodimentofthe present
`invention, the slot network server
`generates simulated out-
`
`4
`comedata for display by the remote
`wagering terminal. The
`slot network server
`keeps track of the player’s wins and
`losses based upon the outcomedata.
`Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention
`will now be described in greater detail with reference to the
`drawings. Although the embodiments discussed herein are
`it is to be understood that the
`directed to slot machines,
`to other gaming
`invention is equally applicable
`present
`devices, such as video poker machines, video blackjack
`machines, video roulette machines, video keno machines,
`video bingo machines, and the like.
`a
`With reference to FIG. 1,
`system 1 is shown. In general,
`the system 1 includes multiple slot machines 2 in commu-
`nication with a slot network server 4 via a conventional local
`area network
`3. The slot network 3 is con-
`(slot network)
`trolled by the server 4. It is to be understood that commu-
`nication between each slot machine 2 and the server 4 may
`also occur across a wireless network or internet connection.
`The remote
`wagering terminals 5 also communicate with the
`slot network server 4 being coupled
`to the slot network
`server 4 via a remote
`wagering terminal network 10. The
`wagering terminal network 10 is a conventional local
`remote
`area networkthat is controlled by the server 4. Each remote
`wagering terminal 5 includes a
`keypad 7 and a
`player
`to the
`tracking card reader 8. A cashier terminal 6 is coupled
`server 4.
`As will be discussed in greater detail below, each slot
`machine 2 communicates outcome data to the slot network
`server 4. As used herein, outcome data includes all infor-
`mation capable of being passed from a slot machine 2 to the
`slot network server 4. Such outcome data includes whether
`the player has wonor
`lost, the amount of the payout(if any),
`the amountlost
`(if any), and, in the preferred embodiment,
`the outcome of a
`play of the slot machine 2, namely the
`position of the reels on the slot machine 2.
`In an embodiment in which the gaming device is a video
`a video blackjack machine,
`or another
`poker machine,
`gaming device for which play is based upon playing cards,
`the outcomeis the card values. Similarly, in an embodiment
`in which the gaming device is a video roulette machine, the
`outcomeis the final number and color.
`Outcomedata is further definedas live orhistorical. Live
`outcome data is outcome data not
`previously received by the
`slot network server 4. Thus, live outcome data typically
`play of a
`represents the most recent
`given gaming device.
`on the other hand, is outcome data
`Historical outcome data,
`previously received from a
`gaming device and stored. Thus,
`historical outcome data typically represents plays, other than
`the most recent, of a
`gaming device.
`Because each slot machine 2 has a
`unique machine
`(ID) number, the slot network server 4 is able
`identification
`sent from a par-
`distinguish the outcome data as
`to
`being
`ticular slot machine 2 and to store the outcome data with
`reference to that particular machine 2.
`Communication between the remote
`wagering terminal 5
`and slot network server 4 is initiated when a
`player inserts
`a
`player tracking card into the player tracking card reader8.
`a casino issues a
`player tracking card containing
`Typically,
`player identifying information. Such identifying information
`can be any information that uniquely identifies a
`to
`player
`the system 1 and, in the present embodiment, includes the
`player identification
`number. The identifying informa-
`(ID)
`tion is preferably stored on a
`on the player
`magnetic strip
`tracking card.
`The player tracking card reader 8 reads the player iden-
`tifying information from the player tracking card and trans-
`
`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`40
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`45
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`50
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 16 of 21
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 16 of 21
`
`

`

`US 6,361,437 B1
`
`5
`mits the information to the slot network server 4. Because
`the player identifying information uniquely identifies a
`given player, the slot network server 4 is able to access
`information associated with that player, such as a credit
`balance.
`once a remote
`As discussed below,
`player has inserted the
`player tracking card 9 into the card reader 8, the remote
`a touch screen or, in
`enters
`player
`play preferences through
`an
`alphanumeric keypad 7 to
`the illustrated embodiment,
`initiate remote slot machine play. Play preferences include
`any information that defines which gaming device or devices
`are to be played and howthey
`are to be played. Thus, play
`preferences include the number of devices to be accessed,
`bet per play, type of device, denomination of device, speed
`of play, machine ID number
`and the like. The
`(if available),
`slot network server 4 is able to
`identify the remote
`wagering
`terminal 5 source of the play preferences because each
`wagering terminal 5 has associated therewith a
`remote
`remote
`number that
`wagering terminal identification
`(ID)
`uniquely identifies the remote
`wagering terminal 5.
`With reference to FIG. 2, the slot machine 2 will now be
`described in greater detail. Each slot machine 2 includes a
`a clock 212, and an
`Central Processing Unit
`(CPU) 210,
`operating system 214 stored in memory. The CPU 210
`executes instructions of a program stored in Read Only
`220 for playing the slot machine 2. The
`Memory (ROM)
`stores
`Random Access Memory (RAM)
`230 temporarily
`information passedto it by the CPU 210. A Random Number
`Generator
`240 is also in communication with the
`(RNG)
`CPU 210.
`With respect to a
`play of the slot machine 2, slot machine
`2 operates in a conventional manner. The player
`starts the
`a
`or
`machine byinserting
`using electronic credit, and
`coin,
`a
`starting controller 250. Under control of a
`activating
`program stored, for example, in a
`storage device 280 or the
`ROM 220, the CPU 210 initiates the RNG 240 to generate
`a random number;
`the CPU 210 looks up the generated
`random numberin a stored probability table 281 and finds
`outcome. Based on the identified
`the corresponding
`outcome, the CPU locates the appropriate payout in a stored
`payout table 284. The CPU 210 also directs a reel controller
`spin reels 262, 264, 266 and to stop them at a
`260 to
`point
`a combination of symbols corresponding
`whenthey display
`to the selected payout. When the player wins, the machine
`stores the credits in RAM 235 and displays them in video
`area 270.
`display
`A hoppercontroller 290 is connected to a
`hopper 292 for
`dispensing coins. When the player requests to cash out
`by
`a button on the slot machine 2, the CPU 210 checks
`pushing
`the RAM 235to see if the player has any credit and,if so,
`signals the hopper controller 290 to release an
`appropriate
`numberof coins into a
`payout tray (not shown).
`In alternative embodiments, the slot machine 2 does not
`include the reel controller 260 and reels 262, 264 266.
`a video display
`area 270 graphically displays rep-
`Instead,
`resentations of objects contained in the selected game, such
`graphicalreels or
`are
`as
`playing cards. These representations
`preferably animated to
`display playing of the selected game.
`Also connected to the CPU 210 is a slot network server
`interface 330. The network server interface 330 provides
`a
`communication path from the slot machine 2 to the slot
`network 3 and, therefore, to the slot network server 4. Thus,
`as discussed in greater detail below, outcome data can be
`exchanged between the slot machine 2 and the slot network
`server 4.
`With reference to FIG. 3, the slot network server 4 will
`now be described in greater detail. Like the slot machine 2
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6
`of FIG. 2, the slot network server 4 has a Central Processing
`410. The CPU 410, which has a clock 412 and
`Unit
`(CPU)
`operating system 414 associated therewith, executes instruc-
`tions of a program stored in Read Only Memory (ROM)
`420. During execution of the program instructions, the CPU
`stores information in the Random Access
`410 temporarily
`430.
`Memory (RAM)
`In order to communicate with the remote
`ter-
`wagering
`minal 5, the slot network sever 4 also includes a commu-
`to
`nication port 450. The communication port 450 is coupled
`as well as to the slot machine network 3,
`the CPU 410,
`remote
`wagering terminal network 10, and cashier terminal
`6. Thus, the CPU 410 can control the communication port
`450 to receive and transmit
`information from each slot
`machine 2, each remote
`wagering terminal 5, and the cashier
`terminal 6.
`to a data storage
`Additionally, the CPU 410 is coupled
`a casino
`a transaction processor 442,
`device 440, having
`a session database 446,
`a terminal
`player database 444,
`database 448, and a slot machine database 449. In general,
`the transaction processor 442 manages the contents of the
`data storage device 440.
`In general, the casino player database 444 of the present
`as shown in FIG. 4, includes multiple records
`embodiment,
`having multiple fields of information related to
`player iden-
`tification. Specifically, the player database 444 comprises
`multiple records, each record being associated with a par-
`a
`as identified by
`ticular player,
`player identification
`(ID)
`number. The fields within each record include: name
`4440,
`social security number 4441, player ID number 4442, player
`address 4443, telephone number 4444, credit card number
`4445, credit balance 4446, complimentary information
`4447, such as
`complimentary points awarded, hotel room
`status
`number 4448, and player
`rating 4449. Thus, having
`information related to one
`field, such as
`player ID 4442,
`allows the slot network server 4 to retrieve all information
`stored in the other fields of that player’s record.
`It is to be understood that for purposes of the present
`embodiment, only the player ID numberfield 4442, and the
`credit balance field 4446 are necessary. The remainingfields
`are
`merely representative of additional information that may
`be stored and used for other purposes. For example, credit
`card number 4445 and hotel room number 4448are used for
`billing purposes and social security number 4441 is used to
`over a
`generate tax forms when a
`player winsa
`jackpot
`given
`amount.
`as shown in FIG. 5, comprises
`The session database 446,
`to the remote
`multiple records, each record pertaining
`play
`a remote
`as identified by
`session of a
`particular player,
`one field in
`wagering terminal ID number. Consequently,
`each record is the remote
`wagering terminal ID field 4460.
`Other fields include: player ID 4461, number of slot
`machines to be accessed 4462, slot machine type 4463, bet
`per pull 4464, machine denomination 4465, credit balance
`4466, reel position 4467, payout 4468, and machine ID
`number 4469. Because both the player database 444 and the
`session database 446 include a
`player ID field
`and
`(4442
`the system 1 can correlate any infor-
`4461, respectively),
`to
`mation stored in the player database 444, corresponding
`a
`particular player, with any information stored in the
`to that same
`session database 446, corresponding
`player.
`a
`As described below,
`player may choose multiple slot
`machines 2 for remote
`play. The number of machines 2
`chosen is stored in the “number of slot machines to be
`accessed”field 4462. For each slot machine 2 accessed, the
`session database includes information fields such as a
`
`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page
`
`17 of 21
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`Patent Owner NexRF Exhibit 2004, Page 17 of 21
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`

`

`US 6,361,437 B1
`
`7
`machine ID numberfield and a machine type field for each
`slot machine 2 being accessed.
`For simplification of the following description, reference
`is madeto the fields in the session database 446 as if only
`one slot machine 2 is being accessed. It is to be understood
`that a
`step which is described with reference to a
`particular
`to that field for any numberof slot machines 2
`field applies
`being accessed.
`as shown in
`The remote
`wagering terminal database 448,
`to
`FIG. 6, includes multiple records, each record pertaining
`a different remote
`wagering terminal 5 as identified by
`a
`wagering terminal ID numberas stored in the remote
`remote
`wagering terminal ID field 4480. The additional fields in
`each record include: terminal location 4481, player ID 4482,
`start time of remote
`play 4483, end time of remote
`play
`4484, and slot machine type 4485. It is to be understood that
`use the information stored in
`the system 1 may, for example,
`the remote
`wagering terminal database 448 to determine
`which terminals 5 are used most often, when each terminal
`is in use, and the location of the remote
`wagering terminals
`5 being used. Because the remote
`wagering terminal data-
`base 448,
`like the session database 446 and the player
`database 444, contains a
`player ID field 4482, the system 1
`can correlate information contained within the above three
`databases 444, 446, 448 for a
`as identified
`particular player,
`by the player ID.
`The slot machine database 449 relates to information
`concerning particular slot machines 2. As illustrated in FIG.
`7, each slot machine 2 has an associated record in the.
`a machine ID number,as stored in the
`database identified by
`machine ID numberfield 4491. The other fields in the slot
`machine database 449 include: machine type 4492, machine
`denomination 4493, maximum coins allowed 4494, pay out
`structure 4495, outcome data, and in this embodiment, reel
`position 4496 and payout 4497, and historical outcome data
`4498. Becausethe slot network server 4 may search any
`field
`the server 4 is able to
`in a slot machine database 449,
`a slot machine 2 not
`only by its machine ID number
`identify
`4491, but also by the type 4492 and denomination 4493 of
`a slot machine 2.
`The payout structure 4495 of the slot machine database
`to machine outcome.
`449 relates payout
`information,
`Specifically, the payout structure 4495 correlates a
`given
`payout, such as ten coins, to a reel outcomethat results in
`that payout, such as
`“cherry-cherry-bar.”
`wagering terminal 5 will now be described in
`The remote
`greater detail with reference to FIG. 8. The remote
`wagering
`terminal 5 includes an
`operating system 512 and a Central
`510 that executes instructions from
`Processing Unit
`(CPU)
`a program stored in Read Only Memory (ROM)
`520. During
`stores and
`the CPU 510 temporarily
`such execution,
`retrieves information from the Random Access Memory
`(RAM)539.
`The CPU 510 can access information from several
`sources. For example, the CPU 510 accesses the slot net-
`work server 4 via a communication port 540. Additionally,
`as described in greater detail below, the remote
`wagering
`terminal 5 may
`read player identifying information from a
`player tracking card, which has been inserted into the player
`tracking card reader 8, and then communicate that
`to the slot
`information, via the communication port 540,
`network server 4. S