Personalized gaming apparatus and gaming method Number:7,169,052 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent A system, apparatus, and method of operating a gaming apparatus may include identifying a player, accessing stored player data relating to the player, and performing a personalized gaming operation based on the stored player data. The personalized gaming operation may include one of the following personalized gaming operations: generating a video image of a game piece, the game piece having one or more characteristics selected according to the stored player data, generating a personalized video image based on the stored player data, or generating a game environment, the game environment including video images other than a video image of a game piece, music and sound effects and one or more of the video images other than a video image of a game piece, music and sound effects selected according to the stored player data.<H Personalized, apparatus, Personalized, ga, 7169052.html, Patent, pto, 7169052

Title: Personalized gaming apparatus and gaming method

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method of operating a gaming apparatus may include identifying a player, accessing stored player data relating to the player, and performing a personalized gaming operation based on the stored player data. The personalized gaming operation may include one of the following personalized gaming operations: generating a video image of a game piece, the game piece having one or more characteristics selected according to the stored player data, generating a personalized video image based on the stored player data, or generating a game environment, the game environment including video images other than a video image of a game piece, music and sound effects and one or more of the video images other than a video image of a game piece, music and sound effects selected according to the stored player data.

Patent Number: 7,169,052 Issued on 01/30/2007 to Beaulieu, et al.

Inventors: Beaulieu; Nicole (Reno, NV), Schlottman; Greg (Reno, NV), Nelson; Dwayne R. (Las Vegas, NV)
Assignee: IGT (Reno, NV)

Appl. No.: 10/212,598

Filed: August 5, 2002

Current U.S. Class: 463/43

Current International Class: A63F 13/00 (20060101)

Field of Search: 463/29,30,37,43

References Cited [Referenced By]

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Foreign Patent Documents


0 992 265	Apr., 2000	EP
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1 291 830	Mar., 2003	EP
WO 01/74464	Oct., 2001	WO
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Other References

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Examination Report of counterpart GB application. cited by other.

Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Kim
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Beyer Weaver & Thomas, LLP

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method of operating a gaming apparatus, said method comprising: identifying a player; accessing stored player data relating to the player; performing a personalized gaming operation based on the stored player data, the personalized gaming operation comprising modifying the response characteristics of an input device to permit manual manipulation of the input device according to the stored player data.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the input device comprises a button.

3. The method according to claim 1, comprising modifying the input device to be insensitive to rapid manipulation.

4. The method according to claim 1, comprising modifying the input device between a first mode wherein the input device automatically toggles between first and second states and a second mode wherein the input device is manually toggled between first and second states.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the first state comprises a depressed state and the second state comprises a released state.

6. The method according to claim 1, comprising modifying the input device to respond to slower than normal manipulation.

7. A gaming system comprising: a gaming apparatus comprising an input device, a video display unit, an identification device, and a payout device; a computer operatively coupled to said gaming apparatus, said computer comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor, said computer being programmed to identify a player; said computer being programmed to access stored player data relating to the player; and said computer being programmed to perform a personalized gaming operation based on the stored player data, the personalized gaming operation comprising: modifying the response characteristics of the input device to permit manual manipulation of the input device according to the stored player data.

8. The gaming system according to claim 7, wherein the input device comprises a button.

9. The gaming system according to claim 7, said computer being programmed to cause the input device to be insensitive to rapid manipulation.

10. The gaming system according to claim 7, said computer being programmed to cause the input device to change between a first mode wherein the input device automatically toggles between first and second states and a second mode wherein the input device is manually toggled between first and second states.

11. The gaming system according to claim 10, wherein the first state comprises a depressed state and the second state comprises a released state.

12. The gaming system according to claim 7, said computer being programmed to cause the input device to respond to slower than normal manipulation.

13. A memory having a computer program stored therein, said computer program being capable of being used in connection with a gaming apparatus, said memory comprising: a first memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming apparatus to identify a player; a second memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming apparatus to access stored player data relating to the player; and a third memory portion physically configured in accordance with computer program instructions that would cause the gaming apparatus to perform a personalized gaming operation based on the stored player data, the personalized gaming operation comprising the following personalized gaming operations: modifying the response characteristics of an input device to permit manual manipulation of the input device according to the stored player data.

Description

BACKGROUND

The invention is directed to a gaming apparatus and a method of gaming, and in particular to a personalized gaming apparatus and a method of personalized gaming.

Many gaming system operators offer a voluntary player tracking system as part of their services. In return for permitting the gaming system operator to track the performance of the gaming units the player uses, the player is awarded points dependant upon the player's use. For example, the player may be awarded a certain number of points every time the player wagers a certain level of value (e.g., $1000). The player may redeem the points with the gaming system operator for premium gifts, such as clothing and the like. Alternatively, the points may be redeemed for value.

As part of such a system, the player is assigned an identifier that the player enters into a gaming unit input device before he or she begins to play. For example, the player may be assigned a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that the player enters into the gaming unit using an associated key pad. Alternatively, the player may have a player tracking card that the player swipes through a card reader to transfer the identifier to the gaming unit.

Once the player has identified him or herself to the gaming unit, the gaming unit is ready to transfer data about the player's use of the gaming unit. The gaming unit may, for example, transfer this data to a central server. The central server receives the data transmitted by the gaming unit, and uses the data to update a record associated with the identifier. The record may include a total of the value wagered by the player to date and the number of points awarded. Alternatively, the gaming unit may transfer the data about the amount wagered to a storage device on the card.

Other data besides the value wagered may be transferred from the gaming unit for storage. For example, data may be transferred from the gaming unit concerning the types of games played and the amount of value wagered on each game. Other data about the player's wagering patterns may be transferred as well.

Eventually, the player will redeem the earned points for a premium gift or the like. In such a case, the player takes his or her card (or PIN) to a designated kiosk, window or counter. An employee of the gaming system operator uses the card (or PIN) to access the player's record, and makes a deduction from the player's accumulated point total in an amount equal to that set for the premium gift that the player wishes to receive. The gaming system employee presents the player with the gift, and the transaction is complete.

PCT Publication No. WO 01/74464 states that a storage device may be used to permit a player to "pause" a game being played on a gaming unit that is programmed to play a game which simulates a sporting event, such as boxing or football. It is stated that a memory device, such as a card, may be used to store data which will be utilized to reconstruct the gaming conditions (including value remaining) that existed when the player made the decision to leave the gaming unit. It is further stated in WO 01/74464 that the stored data may be used to permit the player to build "status." An example is given with reference to sports such as horse racing and auto racing. Specifically, it is stated that the player may be allowed to "build up a stable of horses or a team of automobiles that would be managed over time by the player."

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a gaming system in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of one of the gaming units shown schematically in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment of a control panel for a gaming unit;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the electronic components of the gaming unit of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a gaming unit personalization routine in accordance with the invention that may be performed during operation of the gaming system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a main routine that may be performed during operation of one or more of the gaming units;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an alternative embodiment of a main routine that may be performed during operation of one or more of the gaming units;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual display that may be displayed during performance of the video poker routine of FIG. 9;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual display that may be displayed during performance of the video blackjack routine of FIG. 10;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a video poker routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming units;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a video blackjack routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming units;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual display that may be displayed during performance of the slots routine of FIG. 13;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual display that may be displayed during performance of the video keno routine of FIG. 14;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a slots routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming units;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a video keno routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming units;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of an embodiment of a visual display that may be displayed during performance of the video bingo routine of FIG. 16; and

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a video bingo routine that may be performed by one or more of the gaming units.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment of the invention since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims defining the invention.

It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent using the sentence "As used herein, the term `______ ` is hereby defined to mean . . . " or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, sixth paragraph.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a gaming system 10 in accordance with the invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the gaming system 10 may include a first group or network 12 of gaming units 20 operatively coupled to a network computer 22 via a network data link or bus 24. The gaming system 10 may include a second group or network 26 of gaming units 30 operatively coupled to a network computer 32 via a network data link or bus 34. The first and second gaming networks 12, 26 may be operatively coupled to each other via a network 40, which may comprise, for example, the Internet, an intranet, a wide area network (WAN), or a local area network (LAN) via a first network link 42 and a second network link 44.

The first network 12 of gaming units 20 may be provided in a first gaming system, and the second network 26 of gaming units 30 may be provided in a second gaming system located in a separate geographic location than the first gaming system. For example, the two gaming systems may be located in different areas of the same building, city, or state or they may be located in different buildings, cities, or states. The network 40 may include a plurality of network computers or server computers (not shown), each of which may be operatively interconnected. Where the network 40 comprises the Internet, data communication may take place over the communication links 42, 44 via an Internet communication protocol.

The network computer 22 may be a server computer and may be used to accumulate and analyze data relating to the operation of the gaming units 20. For example, the network computer 22 may continuously receive data from each of the gaming units 20 indicative of the dollar amount and number of wagers being made on each of the gaming units 20, data indicative of how much each of the gaming units 20 is paying out in winnings, data regarding the identity and gaming habits of players playing each of the gaming units 20, etc. The network computer 32 may be a server computer and may be used to perform the same or different functions in relation to the gaming units 30 as the network computer 22 described above.

Moreover, the network computers 22, 32 may not only be a server computers, but they may operate as gaming units as well. In this regard, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/595,798 to Brosnan et al., filed Jun. 16, 2000, is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Although each network 12, 26 is shown to include one network computer 22, 32 and four gaming units 20, 30, it should be understood that different numbers of computers and gaming units may be utilized. For example, the network 12 may include a plurality of network computers 22 and tens or hundreds of gaming units 20, all of which may be interconnected via the data link 24. The data link 24 may provided as a dedicated hardwired link or a wireless link. Although the data link 24 is shown as a single data link 24, the data link 24 may comprise multiple data links. As another alternative, a peer-to-peer network may be used, in which case there would be no need for the network computers 22, 32 because the gaming units 20, 30 would instead share the processing handled by the network computers 22, 32 in the gaming system 10 as illustrated.

Gaming Unit

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of one or more of the gaming units 20. Although the following description addresses the design of the gaming units 20, it should be understood that the gaming units 30 may have the same design as the gaming units 20 described below. It should be understood that the design of one or more of the gaming units 20 may be different than the design of other gaming units 20, and that the design of one or more of the gaming units 30 may be different than the design of other gaming units 30. Each gaming unit 20 may be any type of gaming unit and may have various different structures and methods of operation. For exemplary purposes, various designs of the gaming units 20 are described below, but it should be understood that numerous other designs may be utilized.

Referring to FIG. 2, the gaming unit 20 may include a housing or cabinet 50 and one or more input devices, which may include a coin slot or acceptor 52, a paper currency acceptor 54, a ticket reader/printer 56 and a card reader 58, which may be used to input value to the gaming unit 20. A value input device may include any device that can accept value from a customer. As used herein, the term "value" may encompass money denominations or credits, and may be in the form of gaming tokens, coins, paper currency, ticket vouchers, electronic vouchers (stored, for example, on a smart card or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)), credit or debit cards, and any other object representative of value.

If provided on the gaming unit 20, the ticket reader/printer 56 may be used to read and/or print or otherwise encode ticket vouchers 60. The ticket vouchers 60 may be composed of paper or another printable or encodable material and may have one or more of the following informational items printed or encoded thereon: the gaming system operator name, the type of ticket voucher, a validation number, a bar code with control and/or security data, the date and time of issuance of the ticket voucher, redemption instructions and restrictions, a description of an award, and any other information that may be necessary or desirable. Different types of ticket vouchers 60 could be used, such as bonus ticket vouchers, cash-redemption ticket vouchers, chip ticket vouchers, extra game play ticket vouchers, merchandise ticket vouchers, restaurant ticket vouchers, show ticket vouchers, etc. The ticket vouchers 60 could be printed with an optically readable material such as ink, or data on the ticket vouchers 60 could be magnetically encoded. The ticket reader/printer 56 may be provided with the ability to both read and print ticket vouchers 60, or it may be provided with the ability to only read or only print or encode ticket vouchers 60. In the latter case, for example, some of the gaming units 20 may have ticket printers 56 that may be used to print ticket vouchers 60, which could then be used by a player in other gaming units 20 that have ticket readers 56.

If provided, the card reader 58 may include any type of card reading device, such as a magnetic card reader or an optical card reader, and may be used to read data from a card offered by a player, such as a credit card or a player tracking card. If provided for player tracking purposes, the card reader 58 may be used to read data from, and/or write data to, player tracking cards that are capable of storing data representing the identity of a player, the identity of a casino, the player's gaming habits, etc.

The gaming unit 20 may include one or more audio speakers 62, a coin payout tray 64, a control panel 66, and a color video display unit 70 for displaying images relating to the game or games provided by the gaming unit 20. The audio speakers 62 may generate audio representing sounds such as the noise of spinning slot machine reels, a dealer's voice, music, announcements or any other audio related to a game. The control panel 66 may be provided with a plurality of input devices in the form of pushbuttons or touch-sensitive areas that may be pressed by a player to select games, make wagers, make gaming decisions, etc.

FIG. 2A illustrates one possible embodiment of the control panel 66, which may be used where the gaming unit 20 is a slot machine having a plurality of mechanical or "virtual" reels. Referring to FIG. 2A, the control panel 66 may include a "See Pays" button 72 that, when activated, causes the display unit 70 to generate one or more display screens showing the odds or payout information for the game or games provided by the gaming unit 20. As used herein, the term "button" is intended to encompass any device that allows a player to make an input, such as an input device that must be depressed to make an input selection or a display area that a player may simply touch. The control panel 66 may include a "Cash Out" button 74 that may be activated when a player decides to terminate play on the gaming unit 20, in which case the gaming unit 20 may return value to the player, such as by returning a number of coins to the player via the payout tray 64.

If the gaming unit 20 provides a slots game having a plurality of reels and a plurality of paylines which define winning combinations of reel symbols, the control panel 66 may be provided with a plurality of selection buttons 76, each of which allows the player to select a different number of paylines prior to spinning the reels. For example, five buttons 76 may be provided, each of which may allow a player to select one, three, five, seven or nine paylines.

If the gaming unit 20 provides a slots game having a plurality of reels, the control panel 66 may be provided with a plurality of selection buttons 78 each of which allows a player to specify a wager amount for each payline selected. For example, if the smallest wager accepted by the gaming unit 20 is a quarter ($0.25), the gaming unit 20 may be provided with five selection buttons 78, each of which may allow a player to select one, two, three, four or five quarters to wager for each payline selected. In that case, if a player were to activate the "5" button 76 (meaning that five paylines were to be played on the next spin of the reels) and then activate the "3" button 78 (meaning that three coins per payline were to be wagered), the total wager would be $3.75 (assuming the minimum bet was $0.25).

The control panel 66 may include a "Max Bet" button 80 to allow a player to make the maximum wager allowable for a game. In the above example, where up to nine paylines were provided and up to five quarters could be wagered for each payline selected, the maximum wager would be 45 quarters, or $11.25. The control panel 66 may include a spin button 82 to allow the player to initiate spinning of the reels of a slots game after a wager has been made.

In FIG. 2A, a rectangle is shown around the buttons 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82. It should be understood that the rectangle simply designates, for ease of reference, an area in which the buttons 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82 may be located. Consequently, the term "control panel" should not be construed to imply that a panel or plate separate from the housing 50 of the gaming unit 20 is required, and the term "control panel" may encompass a plurality or grouping of player activatable buttons.

Although one possible control panel 66 is described above, it should be understood that different buttons could be utilized in the control panel 66, and that the particular buttons used may depend on the game or games that could be played on the gaming unit 20. Although the control panel 66 is shown to be separate from the display unit 70, it should be understood that the control panel 66 could be generated by the display unit 70. In that case, each of the buttons of the control panel 66 could be a colored area generated by the display unit 70, and some type of mechanism may be associated with the display unit 70 to detect when each of the buttons was touched, such as a touch-sensitive screen.

Other input devices may be used as part of, in conjunction with or in substitution for the control panel 66 shown. For example, other input devices may include alpha-numeric key boards, joysticks, computer mice, track balls, etc. These input devices may be designed for use with a particular type of gaming unit 20, 30, or may be usable with many different types of gaming units 20, 30.

As noted above, the gaming unit 20 may include an identification input device by which the gaming unit 20 may determine the identity of the player. In particular, the card reader 58 may be used to read a card that carries an identification code that is associated with the player. The gaming unit 20 may also include identification input devices such as a keypad 84, an input pad 86 (with optional stylus 87), an input port 88 adapted to communicate via a wired link (via a USB cable, for example) or wireless link (radio frequency or infrared link, for example) to a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), cellular phone or the like 90, a digital camera 92, a scanner 94, a retinal (or iris) scanner 96, and/or a microphone 98. The gaming unit 20 may include any one of the devices 58, 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, or the gaming unit 20 may include a combination of some or all of the devices 58, 84, 86, 87, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98.

In operation, a player may identify him or herself to the gaming unit 20 by entering a unique numeric or alpha-numeric code using the key pad 84, for example. Alternatively, the player may use his or her finger or the stylus 87 to sign his or her signature on the input pad 86. The pad 86 and/or stylus 87 may include instrumentation to record such characteristics as position, form, speed, and/or pressure as the player signs his or her signature. As a further alternative, the player may sign his or her signature on the PDA 90, which signature is then converted to electronic data, and the data is then transferred via the input port 88 to the gaming unit 20. As yet another alternative, the player may sign his or her signature on a piece of paper that is then photographed using the digital camera 92 or scanned using the scanner 94 to convert the signature into electronic data. As an additional alternative, the scanner 94 may be adapted to permit the player may place one of his or her fingers or his or her hand on the scanner 94 and to generate an electronic data representation of the fingerprint on one or more of the player's fingers or an electronic data representation of the pattern of the entire hand. Alternatively, the camera 92 may be used to take a picture of the player, the picture then being converted into electronic data. As a still further alternative, the player may place his or her eye up to the retinal (or iris) scanner 96, and the retinal (or iris) scanner 96 may generate an electronic data representation corresponding to the pattern of the retina (or iris) of the player. As yet another alternative, the player may speak into the microphone 98, and characteristics of the spoken words (or voiceprint) may be converted into an electronic data representation.

As was the case with the control panel 66, other equipment may also be used in conjunction with or in substitution for the identification input devices 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98. For example, rather than using a stylus 87, a computer mouse or glove may be used. Additionally, thermal imaging equipment may be included or substituted. Moreover, a touchscreen may be integrated with the display unit 70, and used in place of the input pad 86.

Gaming Unit Electronics

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a number of components that may be incorporated in the gaming unit 20. Referring to FIG. 3, the gaming unit 20 may include a controller 100 that may comprise a program memory 102, a microcontroller or microprocessor (MP) 104, a random-access memory (RAM) 106 and an input/output (I/O) circuit 108, all of which may be interconnected via an address/data bus 110. It should be appreciated that although only one microprocessor 104 is shown, the controller 100 may include multiple microprocessors 104. Similarly, the memory of the controller 100 may include multiple RAMs 106 and multiple program memories 102. Although the I/O circuit 108 is shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that the I/O circuit 108 may include a number of different types of I/O circuits. The RAM(s) 104 and program memories 102 may be implemented as semiconductor memories, magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readable memories, for example.

FIG. 3 illustrates that the coin acceptor 52, the bill acceptor 54, the ticket reader/printer 56, the card reader 58, the control panel 66, the display unit 70, the keypad 84, the input pad 86 (and optionally the stylus 87), input port 88, the digital camera 92, the scanner 94, the retinal scanner 96 and the microphone 98 may be operatively coupled to the I/O circuit 108, each of those components being so coupled by either a unidirectional or bidirectional, single-line or multiple-line data link, which may depend on the design of the component that is used. The speaker(s) 62 may be operatively coupled to a sound circuit 112, that may comprise a voice- and sound-synthesis circuit or that may comprise a driver circuit. The sound-generating circuit 112 may be coupled to the I/O circuit 108.

As shown in FIG. 3, the components 52, 54, 56, 58, 66, 70, 84, 86, (87), 88, 92, 94, 96, 98, 112 may be connected to the I/O circuit 108 via a respective direct line or conductor. Different connection schemes could be used. For example, one or more of the components shown in FIG. 3 may be connected to the I/O circuit 108 via a common bus or other data link that is shared by a number of components. Furthermore, some of the components may be directly connected to the microprocessor 104 without passing through the I/O circuit 108. In fact, several connection schemes and systems are discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/642,192 to Le May et al., filed Aug. 18, 2000 and incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Personalization Routine

One manner in which one or more of the gaming units 20 (and possibly one or more of the gaming units 30) may operate is described below in connection with a number of flowcharts which represent a number of portions or routines of one or more computer programs that may be stored in one or more of the memories of the controller 100. The computer program(s) or portions thereof may be stored remotely, outside of the gaming unit 20, and may control the operation of the gaming unit 20 from a remote location. Such remote control may be facilitated with the use of a wireless connection, or by an Internet interface that connects the gaming unit 20 with a remote computer (such as one of the network computers 22, 32) having a memory in which the computer program portions are stored. By storing the computer program portions therein, various portions of the memories 102, 106 are physically and/or structurally configured in accordance with computer program instructions.

The computer program portions may be written in any high-level language such as C, C++, C# or the like or any low-level, assembly or machine language. The computer program portions may be written in a browser-based language such as Java, ActiveX or the like. The computer program portions may also be written in a scripting language, like JavaScript, for example. In summary, all manner of languages may be used.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a gaming unit personalization routine 130 that may be stored in the memory of the network computer 22. Referring to FIG. 4, the personalization routine 130 may begin operation at block 132 with registration. During registration, a player creates or is assigned an identifier for use with the system 10.

An identifier may be created or assigned according to any of the following methods, although other methods are possible. Employees of the system operator may assign tracking cards to the players, each tracking card having an identifier established prior to or at the time of distribution. The player enters the identifier into the system 10 by swiping the card through the card reader 58, for example. Alternatively, the system operator employees may assign a PIN to the player, and the player may enter the PIN using the key pad 84 to alert the system 10 to his or her use of a specific gaming unit 20, 30. As a further alternative, the player may select the PIN him or herself, and the system 10 may verify that the PIN thus selected is unique before permitting the player to use the PIN. As yet another alternative, the player may provide a handwriting sample, whether by a form that is scanned into the system 10 or directly through the use of an input pad and stylus, for example. Similarly, the player may provide a fingerprint, hand print, voice print, retinal print or iris print via some type of scanner. The player would later be able to enter the identifier via the input pad 86, scanner 88, retinal scanner 96 or microphone 98 to alert the system 10 as to the gaming unit 20, 30 that he or she is using, as explained in greater detail below.

A player may be uniquely associated with an identifier. That is, one and only player may be associated with one and only one identifier. Identifiers relying on biometric data (fingerprints, iris or retinal prints, voice prints) are particularly well suited for such an assignment. In this case, all of the preference data associated with the identifier are associated with the player assigned to the identifier, although some of the preference data may indicate participation in player groups (such as "high roller" status).

Other associations are possible, however. For example, a player may have more than one identifier. In such a case, the player may assign different preference data to each of the identifiers, creating separate "profiles" for him or herself. For example, a player may have one profile for use with slot machines, another for video poker machines, and so on. By entering a different identifier into the gaming unit 20, 30, the player may shift between profiles.

As another alternative, more than one player (i.e., a group of players) may be assigned to a single identifier. In this fashion, the identifier may serve as a "group" identifier. This group identifier may then be used to provide members of the group a single profile applicable to all members of the group. As just one example, a group identifier may be established for persons requiring a special form of assistance, such as all visually-challenged persons. The profile (i.e., set of preference data) associated with the group identifier may modify the operation of the gaming unit 20, 30 (e.g., increase the game piece image size, use starkly constrasting color schemes) for members of the group.

Registration may occur at a variety of locations. For example, an employee of the gaming system operator may register players at a specific location set up for this purpose (e.g. at the concierge desk), or may "roam" the floor to perform this service wherever the player is located. Alternatively, the player may register him or herself over the Internet before entering the casino, at a kiosk established for registration at the casino, or at gaming units 20, 30 adapted to permit registration to occur.

Depending upon the type of identifier assigned, after registration at block 132, the system 10 may permit the player to enter personal data about him or herself at block 134. The player may elect not to or may not be permitted to enter any data particular to him or herself at this time, in which case the method may proceed to block 136. If the player wishes to to enter data into the system 10 to be stored, for example, at either of the network computers 22, 32 or to a portable device, such as a card or PDA, the method may proceed to block 138, where a video image may be displayed indicating the various forms of data that may be entered into the system.

For example, the video image may prompt the player to enter data regarding his or her name, address, nationality, and language skills, which data may be entered at block 140. Data concerning the player's participation or inclusion in a "high-rollers" club may also be entered at block 140. Data regarding dates of personal significance, such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc. may be entered at block 142. The player may enter data about favorite games at block 144, or preferred single game/spin/hand wager amounts or wager denominations at block 146.

Additionally, the player may enter data regarding his or her preferences at block 148 as to the appearance of game pieces to be displayed for one or more games including video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video keno and video bingo. For instance, the player may choose to enlarge the game piece images, i.e. change the dimensions of the playing cards, reel symbols, keno cards, and/or bingo cards. In regard to video poker and video blackjack, the player may select a particular image to be displayed on the card backs that is not the default image displayed by the system 10. In fact, the player may be provided with the option to upload a card back image from a portable storage device, such as a PDA, to the system 10. The player may be permitted to select different images for the appearance of the face cards, or to upload an image for this use as well. In regard to video slots, the player may select a set of slot symbols that are different than the default set, or may change the color of the slot symbols. In regard to video keno and video bingo, the player may change the color or the background of the keno card or the bingo card, and may upload images for this purpose.

Further, the player may enter data regarding his or her game environment preferences at block 150. For example, the player may be permitted to change the color of the background that will be displayed behind the game pieces, or to change the background to a photograph or picture that may be uploaded from a memory storage device, such as a PDA. Also, the player may be permitted to select the sound effects and/or music (compositions or collections of notes) that will be played during the game, or the volume level of the sound effects and/or music. The player may also be permitted to enter preferences for the input device response characterics (such as sensitivity, activation speed, etc.).

The data entered at blocks 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150 may be stored in one or more records at, for example, the network computers 22, 32 or to a portable device (such as a card with a magnetic strip, smart card or PDA) at block 152. For example, a personal data record may contain such data as the name, address, nationality, language skills and/or status (e.g., "high-roller") of the player. The personal data record may also contain the data on personal dates, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and other occasions. A gaming record may contain data on the player's favorite games and preferences as to game piece and game environment characteristics (images, sound effects, music, etc.). Further, a wager record may contain data about the wagering preferences of the player associated with the identifier. After block 152, the method may proceed to block 136.

At block 136, the player may alert the system 10 to his or her use of a particular gaming unit 20, 30 by entering the identifier into the system via one of the gaming units 20, 30. The identification may be made by using any of a variety of mechanisms, including one or more of the following: the card reader 58, the keypad 84, the input pad 86 (and the stylus 87), the input port 88 (and the PDA 90), the digital camera 92, the scanner 94, the retinal (or iris) scanner 96, and/or the microphone 100. As stated above, any of these devices may be used to sample and generate a representation, in the form of electronic data, of a unique characteristic of the party (Personal Identification Number (PIN), signature, fingerprint, voice print, appearance, etc.) wishing to identify themselves to the system 10. The electronic data representation of the unique characteristic may then be compared with stored data.

For example, using the stylus 87, a signature may be entered on the input pad 86. The signature may be captured using electronic signature capture software, and converted into electronic data. The electronic data may then optionally be routed to electronic signature authentication software.

The signature capture software and the signature authentication software may be co-located at the gaming unit 100, or, alternatively, the signature authentication software may be located remotely from the signature capture software. If the signature capture software and the signature authentication software are located remotely, then the electronic data may be encrypted before transmission and decrypted afterward.

The signature authentication software may determine if the electronic data falls within the authentication parameters of electronic data representing a signature in an electronic signature database. The comparison may be made using matching or pattern recognition techniques. The authentication parameters may be varied according to legal standards for authenticating "electronic signatures," according to industry custom and practice and/or according to gaming system operator preferences.

A determination may then be made at block 154 as to whether the player that has identified his or herself wishes to have the gaming unit 20, 30 perform personalized operation. For example, a video image may be displayed on the display unit 70 prompting the player to activate an input device if he or she desires personalized operation. The input device may be a pushbutton on the control panel 66 that is assigned to other operations (such as the "See Pays" button 72), or that is assigned to only the personalized operation (such as an "Options" or "Personalization" button). If the player does not depress the button within a certain time period, for example thirty seconds, then the determination is made that the player does not desire personalized operation, and the routine may proceed to block 156, wherein a main routine is performed that is independent of the player's personal data and that is explained in greater detail below. If the player depresses the button, the method may proceed to block 158.

At block 158, the system 10 (for example one of the network computers 22, 32) may determine if the identifier associated with the player is already associated with one or more stored data records. In this sense, a data record associated with a group of players may be considered to be a personal data record for purposes of discussion. If the identifier is associated with one or more stored data records, the routine may proceed to block 160, and the data records associated with the player's identifier are retrieved. The routine may then proceed to block 162, where a determination is made as to whether the player wishes to enter or is permitted to enter new data or update/change the data already stored.

If the determination is made at block 158 that there are no stored data records associated with the identifier entered or at block 162 that the player wishes to update/change the data in one or more of his or her data records and is permitted to do so, then at block 164 a video image may be displayed showing the types of data that may be stored, similar to block 158. The player may then enter data at blocks 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, blocks 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176 being similar to blocks 140, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150 described above, although this need not be the case. The data which may be entered after registration (block 132) may be different than the data entered when the player first makes use of a gaming unit. After the data is entered/updated/changed, the data is stored at block 178.

The routine may proceed from either block 162 or block 178 to blocks 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192 where personalized operation may be provided according to the data stored in the data records.

For example, at block 180, the controller 100 of the gaming unit 20, 30 may automatically select a game for the player from the group of games consisting of video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video keno, and video bingo according to the gaming record associated with the identifier. Further, the controller 100 may automatically select a wager or set wager denominations for the player at block 182 according to the wager record associated with the identifier.

Also, the controller 100 may control the display unit 70 to generate a video image at block 184 wherein the text displayed is personalized. For example, a video image may be generated wherein the text is displayed in a second language and/or a second character set different from a first language and/or first character set according to data contained in the personal data record. In one such case, where the default is for the text to be displayed in English, the controller 100 may control the display unit 70 to generate a video image wherein the text is displayed in another language, such as French, German, Arabic, Chinese, or Japanese, according to the personal data record associated with the identifier. The operation at block 184 may further include the generation of captions in addition to or in substitution for speech, sound effects and/or music according to the personal data record.

At block 186, the controller 100 may control the display unit 70 to alter the appearance of the video images, such as the game piece images, generated by the display unit 70. For example, where the game is a playing card game like video poker or blackjack, the playing card dimensions may be enlarged, the face card appearance of the king, queen and jack may be changed from one style (Tudor) to another (Ottoman), and/or the card back appearance may be changed. If the game is a slot game, then the reel symbol or payline appearance and/or color may be changed. Similarly, for games such as keno and bingo that use tickets or cards, the color and/or background of the cards may be changed as may the indicia (numbers, markers, spots) displayed on the card. In particular, contrasting colors may be used according to the personal data record to permit the visually-challenged to view the video images more easily. These changes may be to elements of the base game or any bonus games that may be played based on events occurring in the base game.

At block 188, the controller 100 may modify other aspects of the game environment according to stored data. For example, the modifications to the game environment may include modifications to a background video image, to aural elements (speech, sound effects music, etc.), to the game speed, to the input device response characteristics, etc. The data may be stored in an environment preferences record and/or a personal data record, if separate records are generated and maintained; otherwise, the data may be stored in a single record.

Specifically, the color of the background may be changed, for example, from red to blue. As another example, a solid color background may be replaced with a photographic image, such as an image of a mountain range, lake or the like. Additionally, contrasting colors may be used according to the personal data record to permit the visually-challenged to view the vide images more easily.

The aural elements--for example, speech, music and/or sound effects--may also be changed. For example, background music may be changed from classical to bluegrass, or to rock-and-roll. The background music clips may be uploaded from a portable memory device, such as a PDA, for use with the gaming unit 20, 30. Further, the volume of the speech, sound effects and/or music may be increased or decreased. Additionally, sound effects may be selected to cue the player to fact that certain buttons or other input devices have been activated.

The response characteristics of the input devices (such as the buttons of the control panel 66) may also be modified according to player preferences. For example, the input devices may be modified to decrease their responsiveness to manipulation, to discriminate between actual, desired manipulation of the input device and undesired