WO2000003775A1 - Apparatus and method for rewarding game device use - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for rewarding game device use Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000003775A1 WO2000003775A1 PCT/NL1999/000456 NL9900456W WO0003775A1 WO 2000003775 A1 WO2000003775 A1 WO 2000003775A1 NL 9900456 W NL9900456 W NL 9900456W WO 0003775 A1 WO0003775 A1 WO 0003775A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- game device
- user
- bonus
- central database
- dependent
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
- G07F17/3248—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes involving non-monetary media of fixed value, e.g. casino chips of fixed value
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3225—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
- G07F17/3232—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed
- G07F17/3237—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed about the players, e.g. profiling, responsible gaming, strategy/behavior of players, location of players
- G07F17/3239—Tracking of individual players
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
- G07F17/3251—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes involving media of variable value, e.g. programmable cards, programmable tokens
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
- G07F17/3258—Cumulative reward schemes, e.g. jackpots
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method and apparatus for user-dependent detection and rewarding of the use of a game device.
- Game devices such as for instance fruit machines, are placed inter alia in amusement arcades.
- the turnover and profit of a particular game device is co-determined by the attraction exerted thereby.
- possibilities of making the game device more attractive are therefore sought. It is a particular object to reward frequent and/or prolonged use of game devices.
- the present invention provides for this purpose an apparatus of the type stated in the preamble, comprising: a reader for reading a user-identification code, registration means for detecting the use of a game device, control means provided with at least a central database for linking a bonus to a user-identification code subject to the use of the game device and for storing the bonus in the central database, and at least one output station for retrieving a code- dependent, stored bonus.
- a user-dependent bonus can be paid out which can be determined for instance by the time played and/or the number of games played. It is also possible to differentiate in the amount of the bonus awarded per game device. In this manner less attractive game devices can still be made interesting to use.
- the advantage of a central database is that the bonus data is not controlled by the user himself but is monitored centrally. This considerably reduces the danger of fraud. If a particular player wishes to know how large the accumulated bonus is, this can be read or otherwise ascertained at an output station. It is also possible to combine the output station with the reader so that the amount to which the bonus has risen can also be seen during on-site play. It will be apparent that this output can be realized in different ways, wherein the bonus can be displayed as for instance points, gifts etc.
- the reader for reading a user-identification code is a card reader.
- a card reader is commercially available as for instance a standard magnetic card reader, bar code reader and so on.
- the registration means for detecting the use of a game device preferably comprise a device for measuring power consumption.
- This measuring device is preferably provided with an adjustable threshold value and can be embodied as mains adapter which is adapted to receive the plug of a power supply cable of the game device. It has been found in tests that the power consumption of a game device, such as for instance a fruit machine, differs in the rest position from the power consumption during playing of a game. Depending on the type of game device the power consumption during play can be greater or smaller than in a rest position of the game device. Use can be made of this property to determine whether a particular game device is being used. In addition, it is also conceivable for the intensity with which a game device is being used to be inferred from the power consumption.
- the threshold value is preferably adjustable, since it will have to be set subject to a particular type of game device.
- registration means must be adjusted such that it is known that the game device is in the activated mode precisely when it exceeds or falls below the threshold value.
- the advantage of the embodiment as mains adapter is that registration means can be coupled to a game device without modification of the game device. Particularly where it is not permitted by legislators to make modifications in the game device without having it re-approved, it is desirable to assemble the registration means with the game device without per se modifying the game device. This can be realized in simple manner using the mains adapter.
- the card reader can also be embodied as a separate unit which is mounted for instance on the outside of a game device so that re-approval is likewise unnecessary. It is of course also possible to integrate reader and/or registration means in a particular game device. It is recommended to do this in the case of newly built machines.
- the registration means are integrated with an administrative system for recording the operations performed with a game device. Such administrative systems are already applied to automate management procedures and to prevent and/or track down fraud. When a particular amusement arcade already has such an administrative system, also referred to as a "management information system", for some of the game devices, no separate registration means are required for these game devices for which the administrative system operates.
- the administrative system can be employed herein to provide the required general administration.
- the central database is coupled to a plurality of game devices.
- the central database can for instance be remotely accessed and/or be coupled to game devices placed at diverse locations and connected to the central database.
- the output station can be provided with a reader.
- the invention also provides a method of the type stated in the preamble, comprising the steps of: identifying a user and linking the user to a game device, detecting the use of the game device, and storing the awarded user-dependent bonus in a manner linked to the user identification.
- identifying a user and linking the user to a game device detecting the use of the game device, and storing the awarded user-dependent bonus in a manner linked to the user identification.
- a preferred method it is also possible to make available on request a registered user-dependent bonus.
- the present invention can be further elucidated with reference to the non-limitative embodiment described hereinbelow.
- the figure shows a schematic view of the apparatus according to the invention assembled with four game devices.
- the figure shows an apparatus 1 according to the invention in an assembly with four devices 2.
- a card reader 3 mounted on the top of each game device 2 is a card reader 3 in which a slot 4 is arranged for insertion of a card.
- Each game device 2 is provided with a power supply cable 5 to which is fixed a plug 6.
- Plugs 6 are placed in an adapter 7 which is inserted in each case into a wall socket 8.
- a device (not shown) for measuring power consumption is incorporated into each adapter 7.
- Switch box 9 is in contact with adapters 7 and card readers 3 via respective signal lines 10, 11.
- the data from card readers 3 and adapters 7 can be transferred through switch box 9 to a central computer 12 which contains a central database.
- An output station 13 consisting of a card reader 14 and a display 15 is also connected to central computer 12 via a signal line 16.
- Card readers 3 can each be provided with a switch for detecting whether or not a card has been placed in card reader 3. If no card has been placed in card reader 3, central computer 12 will skip reading of both reader 3 and the associated adapter 7. However, when a card has been placed in card reader 3, this is read by card reader 3 and the data transferred to central computer 12. Adapter 7, which functions as means for registering whether or not the relevant game device 2 is in use, is herein also read. If power consumption exceeds respectively falls below a set threshold value, central computer 12 will register, depending on the adjustment of this value, whether or not the relevant game device 2 is in use. This use is linked to the identification code of the card placed in card reader 3 which is stored in the central database of computer 12. Depending on the setting of switch box 9 the card readers 3 will be read sequentially, for instance in each case after a time interval of several seconds.
- the user When after a time a user wishes to be informed how much the amassed bonus entitlement is, the user will go to the output station 13. After his card has been inserted in card reader 14, the display 15 shows how much the amassed bonus entitlement is.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Social Psychology (AREA)
- Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)
- Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP99933290A EP1066095A1 (en) | 1998-07-17 | 1999-07-15 | Apparatus and method for rewarding game device use |
AU49364/99A AU4936499A (en) | 1998-07-17 | 1999-07-15 | Apparatus and method for rewarding game device use |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NL1009691A NL1009691C1 (en) | 1998-07-17 | 1998-07-17 | Device and method for rewarding game device use. |
NL1009691 | 1998-07-17 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2000003775A1 true WO2000003775A1 (en) | 2000-01-27 |
Family
ID=19767524
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/NL1999/000456 WO2000003775A1 (en) | 1998-07-17 | 1999-07-15 | Apparatus and method for rewarding game device use |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1066095A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU4936499A (en) |
NL (1) | NL1009691C1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000003775A1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2001083063A1 (en) * | 2000-05-03 | 2001-11-08 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty. Ltd. | Gaming machine - membership reward system |
WO2001083062A1 (en) * | 2000-05-03 | 2001-11-08 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty. Ltd. | Gaming machine with loyalty bonus |
WO2003026757A1 (en) | 2001-09-27 | 2003-04-03 | Igt | Method and system for funding and awarding bonuses in a gaming environment |
GB2387692A (en) * | 2002-04-04 | 2003-10-22 | Igt Reno Nev | Monitoring of game play |
EP1414534A1 (en) * | 2001-07-10 | 2004-05-06 | Igt | Bonus system and method of awarding a bonus |
GB2397670A (en) * | 2003-01-22 | 2004-07-28 | Acres Gaming Inc | Combining on-line and in-house gaming activity of a casino |
EP1493473A1 (en) * | 2003-07-04 | 2005-01-05 | Aruze Corp. | Game providing system and game server |
WO2008036593A2 (en) * | 2006-09-18 | 2008-03-27 | Igt | Method for reducing game machine power consumption |
US7607977B2 (en) | 2004-08-19 | 2009-10-27 | Igt | Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards |
US7775876B2 (en) | 2001-04-04 | 2010-08-17 | Igt | Method and apparatus for tracking game play |
US8323087B2 (en) | 2006-09-18 | 2012-12-04 | Igt | Reduced power consumption wager gaming machine |
US9600968B2 (en) | 2004-08-19 | 2017-03-21 | Igt | Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1995030944A2 (en) * | 1994-05-02 | 1995-11-16 | John Franco Franchi | Open architecture casino operating system |
-
1998
- 1998-07-17 NL NL1009691A patent/NL1009691C1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1999
- 1999-07-15 EP EP99933290A patent/EP1066095A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-07-15 AU AU49364/99A patent/AU4936499A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-07-15 WO PCT/NL1999/000456 patent/WO2000003775A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1995030944A2 (en) * | 1994-05-02 | 1995-11-16 | John Franco Franchi | Open architecture casino operating system |
Cited By (37)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8641517B2 (en) | 2000-05-03 | 2014-02-04 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd | Gaming machine with loyalty bonus |
US8734228B2 (en) | 2000-05-03 | 2014-05-27 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd | Membership reward system |
US9361756B2 (en) | 2000-05-03 | 2016-06-07 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited | Gaming machine with loyalty bonus |
US8834249B2 (en) | 2000-05-03 | 2014-09-16 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd | Gaming machine with loyalty bonus |
WO2001083063A1 (en) * | 2000-05-03 | 2001-11-08 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty. Ltd. | Gaming machine - membership reward system |
US8177630B2 (en) | 2000-05-03 | 2012-05-15 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd. | Gaming machine with loyalty bonus |
US8636584B2 (en) | 2000-05-03 | 2014-01-28 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd | Gaming machine with loyalty bonus |
US8632393B2 (en) | 2000-05-03 | 2014-01-21 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd | Gaming machine with loyalty bonus |
US8591316B2 (en) | 2000-05-03 | 2013-11-26 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd | Gaming machine with loyalty bonus |
US7291068B2 (en) | 2000-05-03 | 2007-11-06 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia | Gaming machine with loyalty bonus |
US7318774B2 (en) | 2000-05-03 | 2008-01-15 | Aristocrat Technologies Austalia Pty. Ltd. | Gaming machine-membership reward system |
US8449383B2 (en) | 2000-05-03 | 2013-05-28 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd | Gaming machine with loyalty bonus |
US8449382B2 (en) | 2000-05-03 | 2013-05-28 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd | Gaming machine with loyalty bonus |
WO2001083062A1 (en) * | 2000-05-03 | 2001-11-08 | Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty. Ltd. | Gaming machine with loyalty bonus |
US7775876B2 (en) | 2001-04-04 | 2010-08-17 | Igt | Method and apparatus for tracking game play |
US7780529B2 (en) | 2001-04-04 | 2010-08-24 | Igt | System, method and interface for monitoring player game play in real time |
EP1414534A4 (en) * | 2001-07-10 | 2009-07-15 | Igt Reno Nev | Bonus system and method of awarding a bonus |
EP1414534A1 (en) * | 2001-07-10 | 2004-05-06 | Igt | Bonus system and method of awarding a bonus |
EP1436050A4 (en) * | 2001-09-27 | 2006-10-18 | Igt Reno Nev | Method and system for funding and awarding bonuses in a gaming environment |
EP1436050A1 (en) * | 2001-09-27 | 2004-07-14 | Igt | Method and system for funding and awarding bonuses in a gaming environment |
WO2003026757A1 (en) | 2001-09-27 | 2003-04-03 | Igt | Method and system for funding and awarding bonuses in a gaming environment |
GB2387692A (en) * | 2002-04-04 | 2003-10-22 | Igt Reno Nev | Monitoring of game play |
GB2397670A (en) * | 2003-01-22 | 2004-07-28 | Acres Gaming Inc | Combining on-line and in-house gaming activity of a casino |
US7704145B2 (en) | 2003-01-22 | 2010-04-27 | Igt | Method and apparatus for use of a network by a casino |
EP1493473A1 (en) * | 2003-07-04 | 2005-01-05 | Aruze Corp. | Game providing system and game server |
US7621809B2 (en) | 2004-08-19 | 2009-11-24 | Igt | Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards |
US7607977B2 (en) | 2004-08-19 | 2009-10-27 | Igt | Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards |
US7607976B2 (en) | 2004-08-19 | 2009-10-27 | Igt | Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards |
US8876591B2 (en) | 2004-08-19 | 2014-11-04 | Igt | Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards |
US9005015B2 (en) | 2004-08-19 | 2015-04-14 | Igt | Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards |
US9224266B2 (en) | 2004-08-19 | 2015-12-29 | Igt | Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards |
US9600968B2 (en) | 2004-08-19 | 2017-03-21 | Igt | Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards |
US9852580B2 (en) | 2004-08-19 | 2017-12-26 | Igt | Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards |
WO2008036593A2 (en) * | 2006-09-18 | 2008-03-27 | Igt | Method for reducing game machine power consumption |
WO2008036593A3 (en) * | 2006-09-18 | 2008-06-26 | Igt Reno Nev | Method for reducing game machine power consumption |
US8845411B2 (en) | 2006-09-18 | 2014-09-30 | Igt | Reduced power consumption wager gaming machine |
US8323087B2 (en) | 2006-09-18 | 2012-12-04 | Igt | Reduced power consumption wager gaming machine |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU4936499A (en) | 2000-02-07 |
NL1009691C1 (en) | 2000-01-18 |
EP1066095A1 (en) | 2001-01-10 |
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