Patent · US Expired

Gaming device communications and service system

US5971271A · kind A · utility

435Cited by
11References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 24, 1997
Grant dateOct 26, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 24, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG07F17/32
  • WIPO fieldControl
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A system for expanding the operation and play of gaming devices such as slot machines is disclosed. It employs an enhanced gaming device including an audio and a video channel between the gaming device and a central location manned by one or more concierges who can communicate with the player, answer questions, make reservations and, in general, attend to the requests of the player. Selected video displays under the control of the concierge are substituted for the normal video display such as a pay table at the gaming device. Communication is initiated by the player by lifting a handset, operating a call button or by inserting a club card into a card slot. Any of these actions will place the call in a queue for answering. If a club card was inserted, player data is displayed before a concierge and the player views an image of the concierge. Player requests may then be addressed. Other calls are likewise addressed. Machine malfunction, jackpot win and coin in/coin out data also trigger concierge response. A variety of locally controlled video presentations may be provided. The system includes video, audio and data communication and storage. Optionally, video communication from the p…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.