USOO7470 196B1
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Joshi
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7470,196 B1
`Dec. 30, 2008
`
`(54) METHOD OF TRANSFERRING GAMING
`DATAON A GLOBAL COMPUTER
`NETWORK
`(75) Inventor: Shridhar P. Joshi, Skokie, IL (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc., Waukegan, IL (US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 645 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/688,501
`(22) Filed:
`Oct. 16, 2000
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`A63F 9/24
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................................... 463/42; 463/16
`(58) Field of Classification Search ............. 463/40–42,
`463/43, 16–25, 29
`See application file for complete search history.
`s
`s
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`7/1982 Hedges et al. .............. 364,412
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`8, 1989 Itkis
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`8, 1989 Sato ............................ 273/85
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`2, 1996 Okamoto .................... 273/433
`5,586,937 A 12/1996 Menashe
`5,655,961 A
`8/1997 Acres et al. ................... 463,27
`5,707,286 A
`1/1998 Carlson ......
`463/16
`5,759,102 A
`6/1998 Pease et al. ................... 463/42
`5,762.552 A * 6/1998 Vuong et al. .................. 463,25
`5,770.533. A * 6/1998 Franchi ......
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`9, 1998 Molnick .....
`... 463/40
`5,816,918 A 10/1998 Kelly et al. ................... 463/16
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`5,971,849 A * 10/1999 Falciglia ...................... 463/16
`5,980,384 A 11/1999 Barrie
`... 463/16
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`6,001,016 A * 12/1999 Walker et al. ................. 463/42
`
`6,012,983 A *
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`6,077, 162 A
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`6,104,815. A
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`
`1/2000 Walker et al. ................. 463,20
`1/2000 Roseman ..................... 463/42
`6/2000 Weiss .......................... 463,26
`6/2000 Olson .......................... 463/42
`7/2000 Dunn .......................... 463/16
`7/2000 Holch et al. .................. 463/42
`8/2000 Moody ....................... 273/292
`8, 2000 Alcornet al.
`9/2000 Walker et al. ................. 463/42
`
`Continued
`(Continued)
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`
`O 829 834 A2
`
`3, 1998
`
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner Robert E. Pezzuto
`Assistant Examiner—Alex F. R. P. Rada, II
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Nixon Peabody LLP.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A remote gaming method comprising a player accessing, via
`a remote terminal, a gaming site on a global computer net
`work connected to the remote terminal. The player is able to
`provide via the remote terminal, personal identification infor
`mation to the gaming site and select, via the remote terminal,
`a game of chance located at a gaming establishment for
`remote play. The remote terminal is located outside the gam
`ing establishment. The player places, via the remote terminal,
`a wager for playing the selected game and receives randomly
`generated text or graphical outcome data at the remote termi
`nal for the selected game. The outcome data being generated
`by either a gaming server or a gaming machine at the gaming
`establishment and is Subsequently relayed to the gaming site
`
`26 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PERSONAL
`CoMPUTER
`MCROPROCESSOR
`
`
`
`MONTOR
`116
`
`REMOTE
`WAGERING
`DATABASE
`
`SOt
`MACHINE
`DATABASE
`
`
`
`TRANSACTION
`DATABASE
`156
`
`CASNO
`PLAYER
`DAABASE
`155
`
`
`
`SESSION
`DATABASE
`154
`
`

`

`US 7470,196 B1
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`9/2000 Lvov ........................... 463,25
`6, 117,011 A
`6,135,884. A 10/2000 Hedricket al. .
`... 463/20
`6,135,887 A 10/2000 Pease et al. .......
`... 463f42
`6,183,366 B1* 2/2001 Goldberg et al. ..
`... 463f42
`6,196.920 B1* 3/2001 Spaur et al. .......
`... 463f42
`6,210,274 B1
`4/2001 Carlson .........
`... 463/16
`6,264,557 B1 * 7/2001 Schneier et al. ...
`... 463,29
`6.264,560 B1* 7/2001 Goldberg et al. ..
`... 463f42
`6,264,561 B1* 7/2001 Saffari et al. ...
`... 463f42
`6,272,223 B1
`8/2001 Carlson ......
`380,251
`6,273,820 B1
`8/2001 Haste, III ....
`... 463/40
`6.273,821 B1
`8/2001 Moriguchi ..
`... 463f42
`6,280,325 B1
`8/2001 Fisk ...........
`... 463/19
`6,286,003 B1* 9/2001 Muta.......
`... 707/10
`6,287,200 B1
`92001 Sharma ...
`... 463/40
`6,334,104 B1 12/2001 Hirai ..........
`704,258
`6,346,048 B1
`2/2002 Ogawa et al. ..
`... 463f42
`6,354,946 B1
`3/2002 Finn ..............
`... 463f42
`6,361,437 B1 * 3/2002 Walker et al. ..
`... 463,23
`6,402,618 B1
`6/2002 Reed et al. .....
`... 463/40
`6,406,371 B1* 6/2002 Baba et al. ........
`... 463f42
`6,409,602 B1* 6/2002 Wiltshire et al.
`... 463f42
`6,428,413 B1
`8/2002 Carlson .........
`... 463/16
`6,454,650 B1
`9/2002 Aronin
`... 463/17
`6,488,580 B1* 12/2002 Robb ......
`... 463,23
`6,508,709 B1* 1/2003 Karmarkar ..
`... 463f42
`6,508,710 B1* 1/2003 Paravia et al.
`... 463f42
`6,575,834 B1
`6/2003 Lindo ............
`... 463/40
`6,652,378 B2 11/2003 Cannon et al. ................ 463,20
`
`6/2004 Giobbi ........................ 463/42
`6,749,510 B2
`10/2004 Wells et al.
`... 463/42
`6,805,634 B1
`1/2006 Carlson ...................... T13/200
`6,986,055 B2
`8/2007 Carlson ......................... T26/4
`7,260,834 B1
`7,303,473 B2 12/2007 Rowe ......
`... 463/42
`2001/0044337 A1 11/2001 Rowe et al. ................... 463,29
`2001/0044339 A1 11/2001 Codero et al. ................. 463/42
`2002fOO37767 A1
`3, 2002 Ebin
`463,25
`2002/0045484 Al
`4, 2002 Eck et al. ...................... 463/42
`2002/0073043 A1
`6/2002 Herman et al. ................ TO5.64
`2002fOO87876 A1
`7/2002 Larose
`713,200
`2002/0116615 A1
`8/2002 Nguyen et al. .............. T13,168
`2002/0137217 A1
`9, 2002 Rowe .......................... 436/42
`2002/0138594 A1
`9, 2002 Rowe ...
`709,219
`2003/0028567 A1
`2/2003 Carlson et al. .............. 708/250
`2003/0162589 A1
`8/2003 Nguyen et al. ................ 463,25
`2004/0209660 A1 10, 2004 Carlson et al. ...
`... 463/1
`2005/O193209 A1
`9, 2005 Saunders et al.
`T13, 182
`2006/016.5235 A1
`7/2006 Carlson ...................... 380,268
`
`
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`WO
`WO
`WO
`
`5, 1998
`O 843 272 A1
`6, 2000
`101.3321
`2, 2001
`1078667
`2, 2002
`1177822
`8/1998
`WO 98.35309 A1
`WOO1,91866 A1 12/2001
`WO 04/034223 A2
`4, 2004
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 30, 2008
`
`Sheet 1 of 3
`
`US 7,470,196 B1
`
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`Petitioners Ex-1005, Page 3 of 12
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 30, 2008
`
`Sheet 2 of 3
`
`US 7470,196 B1
`
`Fig. 2a
`
`
`
`PLAYER ACCESSES INTERNET
`
`205
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`IF
`NEW
`USER
`
`IF
`PREVIOUS
`USER
`
`RECQUEST TRANSFER TO
`CASINO URL ADDRESS
`
`210
`
`REGISTER WITH CASNOWEBSITE
`25
`
`
`
`
`
`LOGON TO CASINO WEBSITE
`220
`
`WEBSITE NOTIFIES CASINO SERVER
`225
`
`
`
`CASINO SERVER ACCESSES PLAYER DATABASE
`230
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 30, 2008
`
`Sheet 3 of 3
`
`US 7470,196 B1
`
`MONITOR NOTIFIES PLAYER OF CASINO ACCESSIBILITY
`AND REGUESTS PLAYER PREFERENCES
`235
`
`PLAYER INPUTS PREFERENCES
`
`240
`
`CASINO SERVER ACCESSES PLAYER RECORD
`INSESSION DATABASE
`245
`
`CASINO SERVER SELECTS APPROPRIATE GAME
`FOR PLAY
`250
`
`GAME MACHINE TRANSMITS OUTCOME DATA TO
`CASINO SERVER
`255
`
`F
`
`YES
`
`SERVERTRANSMITS OUTCOME TO WEBSITE 8.
`TO PLAYER
`260
`
`WEBSITE ASKS IFFURTHER PLAY IS DESIRED
`265
`
`
`
`IFNO
`
`WEBSITE NOTIFIES SERVER & CREDITS/DEBITS
`PLAYER ACCOUNT
`270
`
`Fig.2b
`
`

`

`US 7,470,196 B1
`
`1.
`METHOD OF TRANSFERRING GAMING
`DATA ON A GLOBAL COMPUTER
`NETWORK
`
`2
`being generated by either a gaming server or a gaming
`machine at the gaming establishment and is Subsequently
`relayed to the gaming site.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates generally to gaming
`machines and, more particularly, to a method of transferring
`data from a gaming establishment to a player at a remote site
`via a global computer network.
`
`10
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`15
`
`Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker
`machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming
`industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such
`machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or
`perceived likelihood) of winning money and the intrinsic
`entertainment value of the machine relative to other available
`gaming options. Shrewd operators consequently strive to
`employ the most entertaining and exciting machines available
`because Such machines attract frequent play and hence
`25
`increase profitability to the operator. Accordingly, in the com
`petitive gaming machine industry, there is a continuing need
`for gaming machine manufacturers to produce different
`methods to attract frequent play by enhancing the entertain
`ment value and excitement associated with the game.
`Many game players want to be able to play gaming
`machines much more frequently then they are currently able
`to do. Such players are often limited because of the requisite
`travel required to attend casinos or other legal gaming estab
`lishments located in select portions of the United States. The
`involvedness, cost and inconvenience of a player being forced
`to travel to a gaming establishment severely limits the amount
`of gambling excursions that a player can assume. Further
`more, since these excursions are infrequent, a gaming player
`is often forced to spend as much time gambling as possible
`during the excursion because such a player may not have the
`means to return to the gaming establishment for several
`months or years. There is continuing need foragaming player
`to be able to gamble more frequently or for a shorter period
`time than is currently available and to be able to do so from a
`location remote to the gaming establishment.
`The present invention is directed to satisfying these needs.
`The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will
`become apparent upon reading the following detailed
`description.
`
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`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`A remote gaming method comprising a player accessing,
`via a remote terminal, a gaming site on a global computer
`network connected to the remote terminal. The player is able
`to provide via the remote terminal, personal identification
`information to the gaming site and select, via the remote
`terminal, a game of chance located at a gaming establishment
`for remote play. The remote terminal is located outside the
`gaming establishment. The player places, via the remote ter
`minal, a wager for playing the selected game and receives
`randomly generated text or graphical outcome data at the
`remote terminal for the selected game. The outcome data
`
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a block schematic diagram of a global computing
`network connecting a personal computer through a web site to
`a game Server.
`FIGS. 2a and 2b is a flow chart describing the process by
`which a player uses a remote terminal to wager on a gaming
`establishment's gaming machine.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
`
`While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
`and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been
`shown by way of example and will be described in detail
`herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is
`not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed.
`Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equiva
`lents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
`invention as defined by the appended claims.
`The present invention comprises a method by which data
`can be transferred from a gaming establishment to a gaming
`player disposed in a remote location from the gaming estab
`lishment. Generally, a player accesses the host gaming estab
`lishment by use of a global computer network. The host
`gaming establishment engages in gambling-type activities
`(e.g., a slot machine play) and reports the outcomes to the
`remote player.
`During the 1990s, global computer networks, such as the
`World Wide Web accessed through the Internet, became
`increasingly popular outlets. It is contemplated in accordance
`with the present invention that other types of global computer
`networks are available. The Internet is a global communica
`tions network built on worldwide data and telephone net
`works. Computers connected to the Internet can exchange
`information with any other connected computer. The back
`bone of the Internet is founded on various sets of major
`telephone conduits and Switches that exist across the world.
`These communications conduits are designed to move large
`volumes of data traffic at extremely high rates of speed.
`Each of the major conduits referred to above terminates at
`a router, which is a large, fast Switch that sorts the large
`Volumes of data. Each router is connected to additional, local
`routing devices. Local routing devices, called “points of pres
`ence' provide local Internet access. For example, an Internet
`termination router located in Chicago may have point of
`presence routers connected in, for example, Milwaukee and
`Indianapolis. A router is able to connect as many point of
`presence routers as the capacity of the Switching systems and
`the Internet will permit.
`In addition to point of presence routers, commercial Inter
`net exchanges and global Internet exchanges also connect to
`the routers. These exchanges transfer data between Internet
`service providers, both nationally and internationally. When
`data originates on one U.S. Internet service provider with a
`destination on another U.S. long distance provider, the data is
`first routed to the commercial Internet exchange where it
`makes the transfer between providers.
`Personal computers typically connect to a local point of
`presence router through a local Internet carrier. A local Inter
`net carrier obtains a direct line to the point of presence router
`and provides a modem or other connection by which a per
`Sonal computer user achieves Internet access. When the per
`Sonal computer connects to the modem of the local Internet
`
`

`

`US 7,470,196 B1
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`carrier, the local Internet carrier switches the home computer
`to the point of presence router, which in turn connects the
`personal computer to the Internet.
`Another method of connecting computers to the Internet is
`by direct connection through a local area network (LAN) to
`the point of presence. Multiple personal computers can be
`connected to a single LAN, which connects to the point of
`presence through a leased data line. The computers connected
`to the LAN receive and transmit data to the point of the
`presence through the LAN.
`Attached to most LANs are a variety of different servers
`including the File Server and the Hypertext Transport Proto
`col (“HTTP) server. The File Server connects to the LAN
`and contains the common data files used by the personal
`computers, the LAN and other servers. An HTTP server is a
`particular type of server that processes incoming and outgo
`ing data written according to a certain Internet communica
`tion protocol, called hypertext transport protocol.
`As described above, the Internet is able to interconnect
`every computer on the Internet with every other computer on
`the Internet. An Internet site typically includes certain data
`files (called “web pages” that are a part of the World Wide
`Web) in its File Server. The Internet site HTTP server makes
`those pages available to other computers on the Internet. An
`HTTP Server that makes World WideWeb pages available on
`25
`the Internet usually includes a so-called "home page, the
`starting point for outside users to navigate through the under
`lying World Wide Web pages serviced by the HTTP Server.
`These World Wide Web pages are written in a special World
`Wide Web language called Hypertext Markup Language
`(“HTML). When a personal computer user wants to view a
`home page, it can do so by requesting that data over the
`Internet. In response, the requisite LAN retrieves the web
`page data from its FileServer and instructs its HTTP Serverto
`transmit the data, addressed via the Internet, to the personal
`computer that requested the information. The data generally
`travels from the local leased link to the point of presence
`router near the location of the LAN, through the Internet,
`through the point of presence router near the requesting per
`Sonal computer, through the local Internet carrier, and into the
`modem of the requesting personal computer.
`Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (“TCP/
`IP) controls transmission of data on the Internet to provide
`World WideWeb communication to users. To insure that data
`is sent to and received by the appropriate receiver on the
`Internet, every device communicating on the Internet is
`assigned a unique address called an Internet Protocol (“IP)
`address. Elements of the IP address identify the location in the
`network that a device is connected. Other parts of the IP
`address identify the specific device. The IP address number
`has a three-digit element that identifies the state of the resi
`dent and an additional seven digits, three of which identify the
`local exchange of the resident and four digits that specifically
`identify the home of the resident. The IP address is presently
`a thirty-two bit binary address, readily processed by comput
`ers, but cumbersome for use by human users. Consequently,
`the majority of IP addresses are assigned mnemonics to make
`them more “user friendly.” The mnemonic consists of two
`parts: a host name and a domain name. It is this representation
`of the IP address that is commonly used by Internet users to
`access Web sites. Conventionally within the World Wide
`Web, the mnemonic “WWW is used to represent the host
`name. The remaining portion of the mnemonic represents the
`domain or network where the host resides.
`The standard protocol used by Internet components to
`address each other and usually is used as a Uniform Resource
`Locator (“URL). This terminology appears as the opening
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`element in the web site address. For example, the term "http'
`in the Uniform Resource Locator indicates that the request is
`for "http' formatted data, (i.e., a web page as opposed to, for
`example, an electronic mail message). The home page for the
`data resides on the “www” HTTP server on the LAN (or
`domain).
`The standard protocol used by Internet components to
`address each other and usually is used as a Uniform Resource
`Locator (“URL). This terminology appears as the opening
`element in the web site address. For example, http://ww
`w.uspto.gov, the Uniform Resource Locator indicates that the
`request is for "http' formatted data, (i.e., a web page as
`opposed to, for example, an electronic mail message). The
`home page for the data resides on the “www” HTTP server on
`the “uspto.gov LAN (or domain). The name of the file (to be
`found most likely in the file server supported by the uspto.gov
`LAN) is “homepage.html.”
`Once a user has received an "HTML formatted file corre
`sponding to a web page, the text of the displayed file may
`prompt the user to request additional information contained
`in different web page files. The prompts are referred to as
`"hypertext' and usually show up on a home page (or other
`web page) in a different color than normal text, thus distin
`guishing them as hypertext links. Hypertext links in a docu
`ment allow a reader to jump from one object to another object
`within the document and to objects outside of the document.
`Hyperlinks between documents create an informational space
`with no formal pathways. Hyperlinks may include any kind of
`hypertext or other hypermedia link connecting one HTML
`page to another HTML page in the currently displayed web
`site or in some external web site. HTML is the computer
`language used to "compose' and represent information on a
`web page. By clicking a mouse on the hypertext, the user is
`automatically “transported from a current web page to a new
`web page linked to that hypertext.
`For example, the master list server sends the request to a
`Domain Name Server (“DNS) responsible for handling calls
`to this address. If the DNS recognizes the call, then an affir
`mation is sent to the master list server that directs the call to
`the server storing the particular home page. When the hyper
`text is selected, the browser requests a connection to the
`HTTP server hosting the file and it also requests from the
`HTTP server the file identified by the URL address. If the
`HTTP server accepts the connection requested by the
`browser, the HTTP server proceeds to transmit the requested
`file back to the browser. Once the browser receives the
`requested file, it delivers or presents the content of the file to
`the requesting user.
`One of the most popular mediums for browsing the Internet
`is the WorldWideWeb. The WorldWideWeb is a client/server
`application that helps the user access various HTML pages
`available at various Internet sites. Its function is to display
`documents and to make links between items of information
`available. The user then chooses which links to follow as the
`user pursues a course through various WorldWideWeb pages.
`An Internet WorldWideWeb site refers to an entity connected
`to the Internet that supports World Wide Web communica
`tions and/or World Wide Web files. A typical web site will
`include an HTTP server and one or more HTML pages (some
`times referred to as World Wide Web pages).
`A web site is usually configured to include a home page and
`a plurality of HTML pages that may each contain one or more
`hyperlinks. As a user clicks on one hyperlink in the home
`page, the user is transported to another HTML page. Further
`pages may have, for example, a hyperlink that returns the user
`to the home page or a hyperlink that forwards the user to a
`Subsequent page.
`
`

`

`US 7,470,196 B1
`
`5
`A player can access a global computer network Such as the
`Internet from a personal computer. It is contemplated in
`accordance with the present invention that other devices, such
`as a mobile telephone or pager can also access the Internet and
`allow information transferas will be described with reference 5
`to a personal computer. The remainder of this application will
`refer to, for simplicity, a personal computer by which a player
`transmits and receives information regarding information
`transfer.
`As shown in FIG. 1, a personal computer preferably con- 10
`tains a microprocessor 110 that executes instructions from its
`Read Only Memory (ROM) and during such execution, the
`microprocessor 110 temporarily stores and accesses informa
`tion from the Random Access Memory (RAM). The micro
`processor 110 is also attached to a remote video display driver 15
`and remote monitor 116. The remote monitor 116 displays
`outcome data of one or more slot machines 160,161,162 that
`has been received from a casino server 140 via the Internet
`120. Also connected to the microprocessor 110 of the per
`sonal computer is a mouse 112, keyboard 114 and/or other 20
`accessories that a player may use to input information Such as
`play preferences. Assuming that the player has accessed a
`casino web site 130 that allows interactive information trans
`fer, the information entered by the player is available to a
`casino server 140 and one or more slot machines 160, 161, 25
`162 therein.
`The remote personal computer and microprocessor 110, as
`displayed in FIG. 1, is communicatively connected to the
`casino server 140 and attached data storage unit 150 via the
`casino web site 130. The casino web site 130 is a remote 30
`wagering network controlled by the casino server 140. It is
`contemplated in accordance with the present invention that
`the web site 130 may be owned and operated by agencies or
`organizations separate from the casino; however, it is prefer
`able that the casino server 140 and the casino web site 130 are 35
`in constant communication to allow players access to the
`outcome information emanating from the slot machines 160,
`161, 162 within the casino.
`At least one slot machine 160 within the casino communi
`cates outcome data to the casino server 140 for transfer to the 40
`casino web site 130 and to the player. Outcome data shall be
`understood to include information including, but not limited
`to, all game-related activity Such as the position of the reels of
`a slot machine 160, an indication of whether the player has
`won or lost and the corresponding amount won or lost. This 45
`data is passed from the individual slot machine 160 to the
`casino server 140 and subsequently to the casino web site 130
`and player.
`Each slot machine 160 has unique identifying characteris
`tics that allow the casino server 140 to distinguish the out- 50
`come data as being sent from a particular machine and to store
`and transmit that data with reference to that particular
`machine. The casino, via its web site 130, asks the player the
`type of game from which the player wishes to receive infor
`mation. For example, the player may choose to be connected 55
`to a gaming machine Such as a video or mechanical slot
`machine, Video blackjack machine, video poker machine,
`Video roulette machine, video keno machine or a video bingo
`machine. The slot machines 160, 161, 162 in FIG. 1 may be
`replaced with any of these other types of gaming machines. 60
`After receiving information from the player regarding the
`type of game desired to be played, the casino web site 130
`transmits this information to the casino server 140 at the
`casino.
`The slot machine 160 generally possesses myriad random 65
`gaming events in which a player has the opportunity to place
`a wager on the outcome of the random event. Each slot
`
`6
`machine 160 includes a microprocessor, clock, and an oper
`ating system. The microprocessor executes the instructions
`for playing the slot machine 160 and includes a random
`number generator. Random Access Memory (RAM) tempo
`rarily stores information passed on to it by the microproces
`SO.
`The slot machine 160 is initiated by inserting a coin or
`coins, using electronic credit or by other methods commonly
`known in the art. The game begins in response to the player
`activating a starting device (e.g., by pulling a lever or pushing
`a button). This activation causes the microprocessor within
`the slot machine 160 to set the reels in motion and the random
`number generator randomly selects a number that corre
`sponds to a given outcome. The microprocessor stops the
`reels to display the symbols corresponding to the selected
`random number outcome. If the slot machine 160 is of the
`Video type, simulated reels are rotated and stopped to place
`symbols on the reels in visual association with a video display
`aca.
`In response to the activation of the slot machine 160, the
`microprocessor's random number generator generates a ran
`dom number that corresponds to a given outcome. In accor
`dance with one embodiment of the present invention, a
`remote player, via the Internet 120 or other global computer
`network, places a wager on the outcome of this random num
`ber generation. The casino then transmits the outcome of the
`random number generation in either a predetermined format
`or a format selected by the player.
`The casino server 140 also has a microprocessor, a clock
`and an operating system associated therewith. The micropro
`cessor of the server executes instruction of a program stored
`in read-only memory (ROM) and the microprocessor tempo
`rarily stores information in RAM. In order to communicate
`with the remote slot machine 160, each slot machine 160 is
`connected to the casino server 140. The server includes one or
`more communications ports to connect with each slot
`machine 160 and also to the network in order to transmit data
`to the casino's web site 130 and eventually to the player.
`Furthermore, the microprocessor of the casino server 140 is
`united to a data storage unit 150 comprising a transaction
`processor 156, a casino player database 155, a session data
`base 154, remote wagering database 152 and a gaming
`machine database 153.
`In general, the transaction processor 156 manages the con
`tents of the data storage unit. The casino player database 155
`includes multiple records having multiple fields of informa
`tion related to the identification of each player. The fields
`within each record include, for example, name, Social Secu
`rity number, player identification number, address, telephone
`number(s), credit card type, number and expiration date,
`credit balance and other requisite information.
`The session database 154 comprises multiple records, each
`record relating to a remote play session. One field in each Such
`record contains the player identification number and other
`fields include the type of slot machine 160 and its identifica
`tion number to be accessed, the outcome(s), the bet per game,
`reel positions and payout. It is contemplated in accordance
`with the present invention that a remote player may choose
`multiple slot machines 160, 161, 162 for remote information
`transfer.
`The remote wagering database 152 includes multiple
`records, each of which corresponds to a different slot machine
`160. Each record comprises fields including the terminal
`location, the player identification for players using the
`machine, start and end times for each player and gaming
`
`

`

`US 7,470,196 B1
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`machine type. The information recorded in this database 152
`is used to determine the amount of time that each slot machine
`160 is used.
`The gaming machine database 153 also contains informa
`tion regarding each gaming machine. Each slot machine is, as
`noted above, associated with particular identifying informa
`tion and this information is stored in one field of the slot
`machine database 153. Other fields include machine type,
`machine denomination, maximum coins allowed, outcome
`data, and for reel games, reel position and payout. This data
`base 153 allows the casino server 140 to easily search and
`discover the different machines that possess different types of
`gameS.
`The general operation of the system according to one
`embodiment of the present invention is discussed in connec
`tion with FIGS. 2a, 2b. After accessing the Internet 120, at
`step 205 of FIG. 2a, the player can simply request transfer to
`a casino's URL address or web site 130, in step 210, in the
`manner described above. After gaining access to this address/
`site, a player will, in order to be able to receive information
`directed from a casino, need to register, as shown at step 215
`of FIG. 2a, with the web site 130. One preferred method of
`obtaining identification from a player is to create a user iden
`tification (“User ID”) number or name and password as com
`monly performed on many web sites. In order to create Such
`25
`a User ID, the web site 130 will preferably require the input of
`many pieces of information from a registering participant,
`Such as name, address, telephone number, preferred game or
`games, preferred bet per game, credit card number, type of
`credit card, expiration date and other pertinent information.
`After receiving this information, the casino web site 130
`notifies the casino server 140 of the player's desire to obtain
`a transfer of information. The casino server 140 processes the
`information, stores the relevant identification information
`within the casino player database 155 and assigns a User ID
`and password to the new player. The User ID and password
`serve as an identification tag for a player to allow the player to
`easily and repeatedly enter and receive information associ
`ated with the casino web site 130 of the present invention.
`Once the User ID and password are accepted by the Web
`40
`Administrator, the player is able to access the games.
`Specifically, after accessing the casino web site 130 (or
`another authorized site designated to handle logging into a
`casino or gaming establishment), a player can enter or “log
`into, at Step 220, the gaming area by providing, for example,
`the User ID and password, as described above. After receiving
`this information, the casino web site 130 will process the
`information, store the relevant identification information
`within the casino player database 155 and assign a User ID
`and