USOO8795.064B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Walker et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,795,064 B2
`Aug. 5, 2014
`
`(54) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`OUTPUTTING AMESSAGE AT AGAME
`MACHINE
`
`(71)
`(72)
`
`(73)
`(*)
`
`(21)
`(22)
`(65)
`
`Assignee:
`Notice:
`
`Applicant: IGT, Reno, NV (US)
`Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Ridgefield, CT (US);
`James A. Jorasch, New York, NY (US);
`Russell P. Sammon, San Francisco, CA
`(US); Stephen C. Tulley, Monroe, CT
`(US); Steven M. Santisi, Ridgefield, CT
`(US)
`IGT, Las Vegas, NV (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 72 days.
`Appl. No.: 13/680,852
`Filed:
`Nov. 19, 2012
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2013 FOOT912O A1
`Mar. 28, 2013
`
`(63)
`
`(60)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Continuation of application No. 13/632.328, filed on
`Oct. 1, 2012, which is a continuation of application
`No. 10/685,143, filed on Oct. 14, 2003, now Pat. No.
`8,282,488.
`Provisional application No. 60/418.397, filed on Oct.
`11, 2002.
`Int. C.
`A63F 9/24
`G07F 17/32
`U.S. C.
`CPC .......... G07F 17/323 (2013.01); G07F 17/3239
`(2013.01); G07F 17/3255 (2013.01)
`USPC ............................................................ 463/25
`Field of Classification Search
`CPC ............ G07F 17/3223; G07F 17/3225; G07F
`17/3232; G07F 17/3234; G07F 17/3237;
`G07F 17/3239; G07F 17/3244; G07F 17/3255;
`G07F 17/3258; G07F 17/3227; G07F 17/323
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`
`
`USPC ........... 463/16, 20, 11-13, 17-19, 25, 26-28,
`463/30-32, 40 42, 39
`See application file for complete search history.
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,695,053 A
`4,760,527 A
`
`9/1987 Vazquez et al.
`7/1988 Sidley
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`GB
`JP
`JP
`
`3, 2004
`2 393 554
`8, 1998
`10-201953
`9, 2001
`2001-246.166
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Third Party Submission in Published Application Under 37 C.F.R.
`1.99 filed for U.S. Appl. No. 13/632,328, dated Jul. 22, 2013 (2
`pages).
`
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner — David L. Lewis
`Assistant Examiner — Matthew D Hoel
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg
`LLP
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`The invention allows a casino, or other entity, via a game
`machine, to provide relevant information at appropriate
`times, and/or in response to appropriate events, to players
`using the game machine. A dynamic and flexible system
`adapted to interact with players on an individual basis by
`aiding in the management, determination, distribution, and
`delivery of promotional, inspirational, instructive, informa
`tional, communicative, incentive, and other types of mes
`sages, is provided. Various methods are provided to ensure
`that receiving messages at a game machine enhances a play
`er's overall gaming experience by selectively outputting
`helpful and desirable messages to players while minimizing
`interference with the players gaming and to avoid over
`whelming players with unsolicited, unwanted, and/or irrel
`evant messages.
`18 Claims, 18 Drawing Sheets
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`

`

`US 8,795,064 B2
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3, 1994 Bittner et al.
`5,290,033. A
`7, 1995 Raven et al.
`5,429,361 A
`3, 1997 Weiss
`5,611,730 A
`5,971,849 A 10/1999 Falciglia
`6,089,975 A
`7/2000 Dunn
`6,113,495 A
`9, 2000 Walker et al.
`6,126,541. A 10/2000 Fuchs
`6,139,431 A 10, 2000 Walker et al.
`6,176,781 B1
`1/2001 Walker et al.
`6,227.446 B1
`5/2001 Haney et al.
`6,270,411 B1
`8/2001 Gura et al.
`6,302,790 B1 10, 2001 Brossard
`6,409,602 B1
`6, 2002 Wiltshire et al.
`
`6,942,574 B1* 9/2005 LeMay et al. ................... 463,41
`6,942.576 B2
`9, 2005 Holt
`6,942,849 B2
`9, 2005 Neeser et al.
`2003, OO64769 A1
`4/2003 Muir
`2003, OO64782 A1
`4/2003 Beaulieu et al.
`2005, 0096.125 A1
`5/2005 LeMay et al.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Third Party Submission Under 37 C.F.R. 1.290 Concise Description
`of Relevance filed for U.S. Appl. No. 13/632,328, dated Jul. 22, 2013
`(7 pages)
`rv
`Non-Final Office Action dated Aug. 7, 2013 for U.S. Appl. No.
`13/632,328.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Zynga Ex. 1001, p. 2
`Zynga v. IGT
`IPR2022-00200
`
`

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`US 8,795,064 B2
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`Aug. 5, 2014
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`U.S. Patent
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`Aug. 5, 2014
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`Aug. 5, 2014
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`
`

`

`1.
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`OUTPUTTING AMESSAGE AT AGAME
`MACHINE
`
`PRIORITY CLAIM
`
`This application is a continuation of claims priority to and
`the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/632,328,
`filed on Oct. 1, 2012, which is a continuation of claims
`priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
`10/685,143, filed on Oct. 14, 2003, which issued as U.S. Pat.
`No. 8,282.488 on Oct. 9, 2012, which claims priority to and
`the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/418,
`397, filed on Oct. 11, 2002, the entire contents of which are
`each incorporated herein by reference.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`30
`
`The present application is related to the following com
`monly-owned, co-pending U.S. patent applications:
`(i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/603,677, filed on
`Jun. 26, 2000, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`SELECTING ASUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCT TO OFFER
`FOR SALE DURING ATRANSACTION”, the entirety of
`25
`which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes:
`(ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/993,228, filed on
`Nov. 14, 2001, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`DYNAMIC RULE AND/OR OFFER GENERATION', the
`entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all
`purposes;
`(iii) U.S. patent Reissue application Ser. No. 10/222,523,
`filed Aug. 16, 2002, entitled “GAMING DEVICE FOR
`OPERATING IN A REVERSE PAYOUT MODE AND A
`METHOD OF OPERATING SAME, the entirety of which is
`incorporated by reference herein for all purposes;
`(iv) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/879,299, filed Jun.
`12, 2001, entitled “SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR AUTO
`MATED PLAY OF MULTIPLE GAMING DEVICES, the
`40
`entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all
`purposes:
`(v) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/121.243, filed Apr.
`11, 2002, entitled “METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR
`FACILITATING PLAY AT A GAMING DEVICE BY
`45
`MEANS OF THIRD PARTY OFFERS", the entirety of
`which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes:
`(vi) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/419,304 filed Apr.
`18, 2003, entitled “GAMING DEVICE METHODS AND
`APPARATUS EMPLOYING MODIFIED PAYOUTS, the
`50
`entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all
`purposes;
`(vii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/417,436 filed Apr.
`16, 2003, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`OPTIMIZING THE RATE OF PLAY OF A GAMING
`55
`DEVICE, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference
`herein for all purposes;
`(viii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/361.201 filed
`Feb. 7, 2003, entitled “GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD
`OF OPERATION THEREOF, the entirety of which is incor
`60
`porated by reference herein for all purposes:
`(ix) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/414,511 filed Apr.
`15, 2003, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`BONUS ROUND PLAY', the entirety of which is incorpo
`rated by reference herein for all purposes;
`(x) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/328,116, filed Dec.
`20, 2002, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`
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`US 8,795,064 B2
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`OUTPUTTING OUTCOMES OF A GAMING DEVICE,
`the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for
`all purposes;
`(xi) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/254,831, filed Sep.
`25, 2002, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`LINKED PLAY GAMING", the entirety of which is incor
`porated by reference herein for all purposes;
`(xii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/007,874, filed
`Nov. 12, 2001, entitled “ELECTRONIC AMUSEMENT
`DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROPAGATING A PER
`FORMANCE ADJUSTMENT SIGNAL, the entirety of
`which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes;
`(xiii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/322,107, filed
`Dec. 18, 2002, entitled FREE LONG DISTANCE CALLS
`ON SLOT MACHINES, the entirety of which is incorpo
`rated by reference herein for all purposes:
`(xiv) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/419,478, filed
`Apr. 18, 2003, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`ENABLING A PLAYER TO SELECT FEATURES ON A
`GAMING DEVICE, the entirety of which is incorporated by
`reference herein for all purposes; and
`(XV) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/420,068, filed Apr.
`21, 2003, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`MANAGING FEATURES ON AGAMING DEVICE, the
`entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all
`purposes.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to gaming devices. More
`specifically, the present invention relates to methods and
`apparatus for providing messages to players at a gaming
`machine.
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`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`There are currently over 500,000 slot machines in opera
`tion that together generate more than $15 billion in annual
`revenue for United States casinos. Most casinos generate
`more than half of their gaming revenues from slot machines
`and some individual casinos offer three or four thousand slot
`machines at a single location. In fact, two different casinos in
`Connecticut each provide more than six thousand gaming
`devices for players.
`The variations of games and features of all the different
`game machines available at a single casino can be over
`whelming to players. In addition, casinos frequently have
`many opportunities to market to players and recognize that
`interacting with customers may lead to a more profitable
`relationship with players. Further, to keep experienced and
`frequent players interested, casinos continually modify and
`upgrade game machines. Thus, for a variety of reasons, there
`is a need for systems and methods to provide information to
`(or otherwise communicate with) players at game machines.
`Currently, casinos will frequently hire hosts and hostesses
`to cater to players who make large wagers or play frequently.
`However, this method of communicating with players is typi
`cally too costly to implement for all players at a casino.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example system
`100 according to some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the
`details of a game machine 104 as depicted in FIG.1 according
`to some embodiments of the present invention.
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`FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the
`details of a controller 102 as depicted in FIG. 1 according to
`Some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 4 is a table illustrating an example data structure of an
`example player database 308 as depicted in FIG.3 for use in
`Some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 5 is a table illustrating an example data structure of an
`example promotional message database 310 as depicted in
`FIG.3 for use in some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 6 is a table illustrating an example data structure of an
`example instructive message database 312 as depicted in FIG.
`3 for use in some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 7 is a table illustrating an example data structure of an
`example status message database 314 as depicted in FIG. 3
`for use in Some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 8 is a table illustrating an example data structure of an
`example hypothetical information database 316 as depicted
`in FIG. 3 for use in some embodiments of the present inven
`tion.
`FIG.9 is a table illustrating an example data structure of an
`example activity-benefit offer database 318 as depicted in
`FIG.3 for use in some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 10 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
`an example combination message database320 as depicted in
`FIG.3 for use in some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIGS. 11A and 113 are tables illustrating an example data
`structure of example trigger condition databases 322A, 322B
`for use in Some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 12 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
`an example message representation database 324 as depicted
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`in FIG. 3 for use in some embodiments of the present inven
`tion.
`FIG. 13 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
`an example message formatting database 326 as depicted in
`FIG.3 for use in some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIGS. 14A and 14B are a tables illustrating an example
`data structure of an example message queue database 328 at
`two different times 328A, 328B for use in some embodiments
`of the present invention.
`FIG. 15 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
`40
`an example Suppression condition database 330 as depicted in
`FIG.3 for use in some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 16 is a table illustrating an example data structure of
`an example message history database 332 as depicted in FIG.
`3 for use in some embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 17 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process
`for outputting a message at a gaming machine according to
`and for use in some embodiments of the present invention.
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME
`EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
`
`The disclosed invention overcomes the above and other
`drawbacks of the prior art by allowing a casino, or other
`entity, to use a game machine to provide relevant information
`at appropriate times, and/or in response to appropriate events,
`to players using a game machine. The present invention pro
`vides a dynamic and flexible system adapted to interact with
`players on an individual basis by aiding in the management,
`determination, distribution, and delivery of promotional,
`inspirational, instructive, informational, communicative,
`incentive, and other types of messages.
`Various methods are provided that may be used to ensure
`that receiving messages at a game machine enhances a play
`er's overall gaming experience. The present invention pro
`vides systems and methods useful to selectively output help
`ful and desirable messages to players while minimizing
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`interference with the players gaming and to avoid any irri
`tating "spam' effect created by overwhelming players with
`unsolicited, unwanted, and/or irrelevant messages. The
`present invention may be used to allow game machines to
`cater to all players with the same level of service and attention
`previously provided exclusively to “high rollers' by hosts and
`hostesses.
`A variety of different types of messages may be output at
`game machines, including promotional messages (e.g., 'Sign
`up for a credit card'), instructive messages (e.g., “Press and
`hold the spin button for 10 seconds to activate Auto-Play
`Mode’), and communication messages (e.g., "Hey Alice,
`hows it going? from Bob'). The present invention may
`employ a variety of different methods to output a message to
`a player at a game machine. For example, messages may be
`output in “pop-up' windows, in sidebars, in different colors,
`in different fonts, in different languages, via a celebrity Voice,
`or in different media formats (e.g., text, audio, video). Out
`putting a message to a player may include determining how to
`output the message to the specific player based on prefer
`ences, special needs, or other factors.
`In Some embodiments, a message may be output to a player
`based on a trigger condition. For example, a message may be
`output to a player when a trigger condition occurs, thereby
`ensuring that the message is output at an appropriate time
`(e.g., when the player would be interested in viewing the
`message). Messages may be output based on a variety of
`different factors, including a player's gaming activities (e.g.,
`what games are played and when), a player's other activities
`(e.g., arrival and departure from a casino), preferences (e.g.,
`no messages during the first five minutes of gaming at a game
`machine), other messages (e.g., similar messages, or mes
`sages that have been output recently), and other players (e.g.,
`friends of a player).
`Other aspects of the present invention include features that
`may be used to directly enhance a player's experience. For
`example, messages timed and targeted to make a player aware
`of opportunities available to him maybe presented using a
`humorous animated character. Further, other features of the
`invention help optimize the effectiveness of messages. For
`example, output of messages may be delayed when a player is
`busy or would not be interested in receiving a message. In
`another example, messages may be prioritized so that mes
`sages that would be most interesting to a player are output
`first. In another example, messages may be categorized or
`Sorted for a player so that the player can easily find a message
`in which he is interested.
`The present invention allows a casino, via a game machine,
`to output appropriate messages in an appropriate way to
`appropriate players at appropriate times. Various methods are
`provided for identifying players who would be interested in
`receiving messages, are likely to accept messages, and/or
`are/would be valuable customers. Various different types of
`messages, beneficial to players, casinos, and other parties,
`may be presented that are relevant and helpful while repeti
`tive, annoying, and irrelevant messages are filtered or Sup
`pressed.
`In addition, messages may be output in Such a manner so as
`not to interfere with gaming or other activities. This feature of
`the invention benefits both players and casinos. By providing
`means to output messages in ways acceptable to players, the
`present invention avoids distracting players from gaming
`which may otherwise reduce a casino's revenues.
`Messages may be output in Such a manner that they attract
`a players attention. This may be beneficial to players, casi
`nos, and other interested parties (e.g., Subsidizers), because
`players may pay more attention to messages. By presenting
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`Zynga Ex. 1001, p. 22
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`5
`messages only at appropriate times and in a manner a player
`understands, the present invention avoids annoying or dis
`tracting a player who is already occupied, e.g., cognitively
`engrossed in the middle of a hot streak during game play.
`Further, with the use of the present invention, players will be
`able to pay closer attention to messages that are output at the
`right time. This may be beneficial to players, casinos, and
`other interested parties (e.g., Subsidizers).
`The present invention is also beneficial to players in that
`players may learn about features on game machines. These
`features may greatly enhance a player's enjoyment of his
`gaming experience while casinos and/or other parties may
`receive additional revenues based on the use of these other
`wise ignored features. The present invention facilitates pro
`prietors of features to promote the features to players. Such
`promotional messages may inform players of products or
`services. Players may learn about products or services that are
`enjoyable or helpful and they may receive various types of
`benefits, including discounts, free products or services, gam
`ing-related benefits, and other forms of consideration.
`The present invention may allow casinos to earn additional
`revenues from players and third-party subsidizers, while sub
`sidizers may market products or services to players. Further,
`instructive messages may inform players about games and
`game machines which may allow players to improve their
`game play, increasing their chances of winning a jackpot, and
`facilitating their enjoyment of the gaming experience. The
`present invention may alleviate player frustration and/or con
`fusion while operating a game machine. As a result, players
`may enjoy games more with a better understanding of the
`games. Likewise, informative status messages and commu
`nication messages may be helpful to players. A player may no
`longer need to stop gaming in order to determine status infor
`mation or just to communicate with another party (e.g.,
`friends and family members of the player). In addition, casi
`nos and/or other parties may receive additional revenues
`based on some status messages or the use of communication
`services.
`With these and other advantages and features of the inven
`tion that will become hereinafter apparent, the nature of the
`invention may be more clearly understood by reference to the
`following detailed description of the invention, the appended
`claims and to the several drawings included herein.
`In the following description, reference is made to the
`accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which
`are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in
`which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments
`are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the
`art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that
`other embodiments may be utilized and that structural, logi
`cal, Software, and electrical changes may be made without
`departing from the scope of the present invention. The fol
`lowing description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited
`sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the
`appended claims.
`A. Terms
`Throughout the description that follows and unless other
`wise indicated, the following terms may include and/or
`encompass the example meanings provided in this section.
`These terms and illustrative example meanings are provided
`to clarify the language selected to describe embodiments of
`the invention both in the specification and in the appended
`claims.
`The terms “player” and “user' shall be synonymous and
`may refer to any person or entity that plays or operates a game
`machine.
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`The terms 'game machine.” “gaming device and "gaming
`machine' shall be synonymous and may refer to any electri
`cal, mechanical, electromechanical, Software, combination
`thereof, and/or other device that may accept a wager, may
`follow a process to generate an outcome, and may authorize
`the payment of winnings based on the outcome. The outcome
`may be randomly generated, as with a slot machine; may be
`generated through a combination of randomness and user
`skill, as with video poker, or may be generated entirely
`through user skill. A gaming device may include any gaming
`machine and/or system, including slot machines, video poker
`machines, video bingo machines, video roulette machines,
`Video keno machines, keno terminals, pachinko machines,
`Video blackjack machines, arcade games, video games, pin
`ball machines, skill crane machines, video lottery terminals,
`online gaming Systems, game consoles, personal computers
`logged into online gaming sites, gaming device simulations,
`sports or race betting machine, etc. Gaming devices may or
`may not be owned and/or maintained by a casino and/or may
`or may not exist within a casino location. Gaming devices
`may be activated by a player pressing a spin button (including
`buttons labeled “bet”, “wager”, “deal”, “start”, “go”, “hit',
`and/or the like), pulling a handle, and/or any other method to
`initiate the generation of an outcome. In some embodiments,
`game machines may include communications facilities. In
`embodiments of the invention addressing table game play
`Such as blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, Keno, Bingo, and
`the like, a game machine may be hardware located at the game
`table Suitable for displaying a message to a player.
`The term “casino' may refer to the owner of gaming
`devices, owners agents, and/or any entity who may profit
`from players use of the gaming devices.
`The term “casino location” may refer to the physical geo
`graphic site, complex, or building where gaming devices
`owned and/or operated by a casino are located. In the case of
`an online casino, casino location may refer to the address
`(e.g., the uniform resource locator (URL)) of the online casi
`no's Web site or facility.
`The terms “handle pull and “spin' shall be synonymous
`and may refer to an action that initiates a single play at a
`gaming device. In some embodiments, a handle pull may
`refer to a single complete game (or hand) or in other embodi
`ments, the term may refer to a play related to a single wager.
`For example, in video blackjack, a user might play a single
`game in which he splits a pair of sevens, requiring an addi
`tional wager. This single game may be considered to include
`one or multiple handle pulls in different embodiments.
`The terms “controller,” “server, and “casino server” shall
`be synonymous and may refer to any device that may com
`municate with one or more game machines, one or more
`third-party servers, one or more remote controllers, one or
`more player devices, and/or other network nodes, and may be
`capable of relaying communications to and from each.
`The term “user terminal' and “remote controller' shall be
`synonymous and may refer to any device that may commu
`nicate with one or more casino servers, one or more gaming
`devices, one or more third-party service provider servers, one
`or more player devices, and/or other network nodes. User
`terminals may, for example, include personal computers, lap
`top computers, handheld computers, telephones, kiosks,
`automated teller machines, gaming devices, game consoles,
`and/or vending machines. They may include facilities to Sup
`port secure communicatio