Method and apparatus for automatically operating a game machine

Abstract

A gaming device such as a slot machine may be operated in an automated play mode in which the need for player input is reduced or eliminated. Game play cycles may be continuously performed in the automated play mode without player input. One or more parameters for controlling the automated play mode may be determined based on player input and/or data or a program stored in the gaming device and/or data or a program stored in a controller in communication with the gaming device. Termination of the automated play mode may result from player input and/or may be determined on the basis of a parameter that may be determined on the basis of player input or may be determined automatically by the gaming device or by a controller in communication with the gaming device.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method comprising the steps of: 
 receiving an input that indicates selection of an automated play mode of a gaming device;    initiating the automated play mode of the gaming device; and    exiting from the automated play mode upon occurrence of an exit event.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the receiving step includes receiving an indication of an actuation of an actuatable portion of the gaming device.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the initiating step is performed in response to receiving the input.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of receiving an input that indicates a player parameter selection; and wherein the initiating step is performed in response to receiving the input that indicates a player parameter selection.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the input that indicates a player parameter selection is also the input that indicates selection of an automated play mode.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the exit event is a depletion of a credit balance of the gaming device.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the exit event is receipt of an indication that a player of the gaming device wishes to halt the automated play mode.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the exit event is an event that corresponds to a limiting criterion of play.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the limiting criterion of play was selected by a player of the gaming device.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the limiting criterion of play was set by the gaming device.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the limiting criterion of play was set by a controller connected to the gaming device.  
     
     
         12 . A gaming device, comprising: 
 an actuatable portion for indicating selection of an automated play mode of the gaming device; and    means for exiting from the automated play mode upon occurrence of an exit event.    
     
     
         13 . A method comprising the steps of: 
 setting a limiting criterion of play;    initiating automated play of a gaming device; and    terminating automated play of said gaming device upon occurrence of said limiting criterion.    
     
     
         14 . A method comprising the steps of: 
 determining a limiting criterion of play;    initiating automated play of a gaming device; and    terminating automated play of said gaming device upon occurrence of said limiting criterion.    
     
     
         15 . A method comprising: 
 entering a player parameter selection into a gaming device; and    initiating automated play of said gaming device based on said player parameter selection.    
     
     
         16 . A method comprising: 
 entering a player parameter selection into a gaming device; and    terminating automated play of said gaming device based on said player parameter selection.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the player parameter selection is a limiting criterion of play.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the limiting criterion is a number of game play cycles.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the limiting criterion is a duration of an automated play session.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the limiting criterion is an ending time for an automated play session.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the limiting criterion is an amount lost during an automated play session.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the limiting criterion is an amount won during an automated play session.  
     
     
         23 . A method comprising: 
 inputting a player parameter selection into a gaming device; and    initiating automated play of said gaming device based on said player parameter selection.    
     
     
         24 . A method comprising: 
 inputting a player parameter selection into a gaming device; and    terminating automated play of said gaming device based on said player parameter selection.    
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the player parameter selection is a limiting criterion of play.  
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the limiting criterion is a number of game play cycles.  
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the limiting criterion is a duration of an automated play session.  
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the limiting criterion is an ending time for an automated play session.  
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the limiting criterion is an amount lost during an automated play session.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the limiting criterion is an amount won during an automated play session.  
     
     
         31 . A device comprising: 
 means for storing a player parameter selection;    means for initiating automated and repetitive play of a game; and    means for terminating said automated play in accordance with said player parameter selection.    
     
     
         32 . A gaming device comprising: 
 means for receiving a player parameter selection; and    means for terminating an automated play session of the gaming device in accordance with said player parameter selection.    
     
     
         33 . A gaming device comprising: 
 a memory device having a limiting criterion of play stored therein; and    a processor in communication with said memory device, said processor configured for terminating automated play of the gaming device in accordance with said limiting criterion.    
     
     
         34 . A method comprising the steps of: 
 initiating automated play of a gaming device; and    terminating automated play of the gaming device upon occurrence of a limiting criterion.    
     
     
         35 . A method comprising the steps of: 
 initiating automated play of a gaming device; and    terminating automated play of the gaming device upon occurrence of an exit event.    
     
     
         36 . A method comprising the steps of: 
 initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device;    operating the gaming device in the automated play mode; and    exiting the automated play mode in response to an exit event.    
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the initiating step is performed in response to a player actuating an actuatable portion of the gaming device.  
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the actuatable portion is a push button.  
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the actuatable portion is a region of a touch screen.  
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the initiating step is performed in response to a player confirming that the player desires initiation of the automated play mode.  
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 36 , further comprising: 
 determining a parameter for the automated play mode.    
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the parameter is determined on the basis of input from a player.  
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the determining step includes receiving input from the player during the operating step, and changing the parameter in response to the player input.  
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the parameter is an amount to be wagered per game play cycle in the automated play mode.  
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the parameter is a rate of the automated play mode.  
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the parameter is a limiting criterion of play.  
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the limiting criterion of play is a total number of game play cycles to be performed during the automated play mode.  
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the limiting criterion of play is a duration of the automated play mode.  
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 46 , wherein the limiting criterion of play is a winning outcome.  
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the limiting criterion of play is a winning outcome that produces a payout of at least a predetermined amount.  
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the limiting criterion of play is a winning outcome that initiates a secondary game.  
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the parameter is determined on the basis of data stored in the gaming device.  
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 41 , wherein the parameter is determined on the basis of data stored in a controller that is in communication with the gaming device.  
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the gaming device is a video poker machine, and the operating step includes automatically selecting cards to be discarded in accordance with at least one decision rule.  
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the gaming device is a video blackjack machine, and the operating step includes automatically requesting an additional card in accordance with at least one decision rule.  
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the exit event is actuation by a player of an actuatable portion of the gaming device.  
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the exit event is disengagement of a player tracking card from the gaming device.  
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the exit event is engagement of a player tracking card with the gaming device.  
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the exit event is a malfunction of the gaming device.  
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the exit event is a depletion of a credit balance of the gaming device.  
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 36 , further comprising the step, performed during the operating step, of increasing a credit balance of the gaming device in response to an earning activity by a player of the gaming device.  
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 61 , wherein the earning activity includes at least one of (a) answering a survey question, (b) viewing an advertisement, and (c) shopping.  
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 36 , further comprising the step, performed during the operating step, of providing a communications function to a player of the gaming device.  
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 63 , wherein the communication function includes at least one of (a) presenting a motion picture to the player, and (b) providing telephone service to the player.  
     
     
         65 . A gaming device comprising: 
 a processor; and    a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing a program for controlling the processor and the processor operative with the program to: 
 initiate an automated play mode of the gaming device;  
 operate the gaming device in the automated play mode; and  
 exit the automated play mode in response to an exit event.  
   
     
     
         66 . A method comprising: 
 receiving a monetary deposit;    receiving an actuation of an actuatable portion of a gaming device, the actuation simultaneously indicating: 
 selection of an automated play mode of the gaming device; and  
 a number of game play cycles to be performed during the automated play mode.  
   
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 66 , further comprising: 
 initiating the automated play mode in response to receiving the actuation;    performing the indicated number of game play cycles without input from a player of the gaming device; and    terminating the automated play mode upon completion of the indicated number of game play cycles.    
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 66 , further comprising: 
 initiating the automated play mode in response to receiving the actuation,    performing at least one game play cycle in the automated play mode;    generating a winning outcome; and    terminating the automated play mode in response to generating the winning outcome.    
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 66 , further comprising: 
 initiating the automated play mode in response to receiving the actuation;    performing at least one game play cycle in the automated play mode;    receiving an input from a player of the gaming device; and    terminating the automated play mode in response to the received input.    
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 66 , further comprising: 
 receiving an indication of an amount to be wagered on each of the game play cycles.    
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 70 , wherein the receiving of the indication of the amount to be wagered occurs before the receiving of the actuation.  
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 70 , wherein the receiving of the indication of the amount to be wagered occurs after the receiving of the actuation.  
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the actuatable portion of the gaming device is a push button.  
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the actuatable portion of the gaming device is a region of a touch screen.  
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the indicated number of game play cycles is ten game play cycles.  
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the indicated number of game cycles is 50 game play cycles.  
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the indicated number of game play cycles is 100 game play cycles.  
     
     
         78 . A gaming device comprising: 
 control means for controlling operation of the gaming device; and    an actuatable portion in communication with the control means and configured to simultaneously indicate: 
 selection of an automated play mode of the gaming device; and  
 a number of game play cycles to be performed during the automated play mode.  
   
     
     
         79 . The gaming device of  claim 78 , wherein the actuatable portion is a push button.  
     
     
         80 . The gaming device of  claim 78  wherein the actuatable portion is a region of a touch screen.  
     
     
         81 . The gaming device of  claim 78 , wherein the control means includes a processor programmed to receive a signal that indicates actuation of the actuatable portion  
     
     
         82 . A gaming device comprising: 
 control means for controlling operation of the gaming device;    a first actuatable portion in communication with the control means and configured to simultaneously indicate: 
 selection of an automated play mode of the gaming device; and  
 a first number of game play cycles to be performed during the automated play mode; and  
   a second actuatable portion in communication with the control means and configured to simultaneously indicate: 
 selection of the automated play mode; and  
 a second number of game play cycles to be performed during the automated play mode.  
   
     
     
         83 . The gaming device of  claim 82 , wherein the first actuatable portion is a first push button and the second actuatable portion is a second push button.  
     
     
         84 . The gaming device of  claim 82 , wherein the first actuatable portion is a first region of a touch screen and the second actuatable portion is a second region of the touch screen.  
     
     
         85 . A method comprising: 
 receiving a first signal that indicates selection of an automated play mode of a gaming device;    in response to receiving the first signal, prompting a player of the gaming device to confirm selection of the automated play mode;    receiving a second signal that indicates confirmation of the selection of the automated play mode; and    initiating the automated play mode in response to receiving the second signal.    
     
     
         86 . The method of  claim 85 , wherein the prompting step includes displaying a message on a touch screen.  
     
     
         87 . The method of  claim 86 , wherein at least one of the first and second signals is generated by actuating a region of the touch screen.  
     
     
         88 . A gaming device comprising: 
 first means for receiving a first signal that indicates selection of an automated play mode of the gaming device;    second means, responsive to the first means, for prompting a player of the gaming device to confirm selection of the automated play mode;    third means, associated with the second means, for receiving a second signal that indicates confirmation of the selection of the automated play mode; and    fourth means, responsive to the third means, for initiating the automated play mode.    
     
     
         89 . A method comprising: 
 initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device;    performing the automated play mode in accordance with a parameter;    receiving a signal during the automated play mode;    changing the parameter in response to the received signal; and    continuing performance of the automated play mode in accordance with the changed parameter.    
     
     
         90 . The method of  claim 89 , wherein a rate of performing the automated play mode is controlled in accordance with the parameter.  
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 89 , wherein the parameter indicates an amount wagered in each game play cycle.  
     
     
         92 . A method comprising: 
 performing an automated play mode of a gaming device at a first rate;    receiving a signal during the automated play mode; and    in response to the received signal, performing the automated play mode in accordance with a second rate that is different from the first rate.    
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 92 , wherein: 
 the step of performing the automated play mode at the first rate includes providing a first delay between consecutive game play cycles; and    the step of performing the automated play mode in accordance with the second rate includes providing a second delay between consecutive game play cycles, the second delay being different from the first delay.    
     
     
         94 . A method comprising: 
 performing an automated play mode of a gaming device such that a first amount is wagered per game play cycle;    receiving a signal during the automated play mode; and    in response to the received signal, performing the automated play mode such that a second amount is wagered per game play cycle, the second amount being different from the first amount.    
     
     
         95 . A gaming device comprising: 
 first means for initiating an automated play mode of the gaming device;    second means, associated with the first means, for performing the automated play mode in accordance with a parameter;    third means, associated with the second means, for receiving a signal during the automated play mode;    fourth means, responsive to the third means, for changing the parameter; and    fifth means for continuing performance of the automated play mode in accordance with the changed parameter.    
     
     
         96 . A method comprising: 
 initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device;    during the automated play mode, receiving interaction from a player of the gaming device such that the player performs an earning activity; and    increasing a credit balance of the gaming device in response to the interaction.    
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 96 , wherein the earning activity includes viewing an advertisement presented on a display that is part of the gaming device.  
     
     
         98 . The method of  claim 96 , wherein the earning activity includes answering at least one survey question.  
     
     
         99 . The method of  claim 96 , wherein the earning activity includes shopping via an interface provided by the gaming device.  
     
     
         100 . A gaming device comprising: 
 first means for initiating an automated play mode of the gaming device;    second means, associated with the first means, for receiving during the automated play mode interaction from a player of the gaming device such that the player performs an earning activity; and    third means, responsive to the second means, for increasing a credit balance of the gaming device.    
     
     
         101 . A method comprising: 
 initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device; and    providing a communications function to a player of the gaming device during the automated play mode.    
     
     
         102 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the communications function is provided free of charge.  
     
     
         103 . The method of  claim 102 , wherein the communications function includes telephone service.  
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein the telephone service includes long distance telephone service.  
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 101 , wherein the communications function includes presenting a motion picture to the player.  
     
     
         106 . A gaming device comprising: 
 first means for initiating an automated play mode of the gaming device; and    second means for providing a communications function to a player of the gaming device during the automated play mode.    
     
     
         107 . The gaming device of  claim 106 , wherein the second means includes a telephone handset.  
     
     
         108 . The gaming device of  claim 106 , wherein the second means includes a display screen on which a motion picture is displayed to the player.  
     
     
         109 . A method comprising: 
 initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device;    performing a plurality of game play cycles during the automated play mode;    providing a first payout as a result of a first one of the game play cycles;    providing a second payout as a result of a second one of the game play cycles, the second payout being different from the first payout;    delaying a start of a next game play cycle after the first one of the game play cycles; and    not delaying a start of a next game play cycle after the second one of the game play cycles.    
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 109 , wherein the first payout is larger than the second payout.  
     
     
         111 . The method of  claim 109 , wherein the first one of the game play cycles is prior in time to the second one of the game play cycles.  
     
     
         112 . The method of  claim 109 , wherein the second one of the game play cycles is prior in time to the first one of the game play cycles.  
     
     
         113 . A method comprising: 
 initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device;    performing a plurality of game play cycles during the automated play mode;    providing a first payout as a result of a first one of the game play cycles;    providing a second payout as a result of a second one of the game play cycles, the second payout being different from the first payout;    delaying a start of a next game play cycle after the first one of the game play cycles by a first delay period; and    delaying a start of a next game play cycle after the second one of the game play cycles by a second delay period that is shorter than the first delay period.    
     
     
         114 . The method of  claim 113 , wherein the first payout is larger than the second payout.  
     
     
         115 . The method of  claim 113 , wherein the first one of the game play cycles is prior in time to the second one of the game play cycles.  
     
     
         116 . The method of  claim 113 , wherein the second one of the game play cycles is prior in time to the first one of the game play cycles.  
     
     
         117 . A method comprising: 
 initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device;    performing a plurality of game play cycles during the automated play mode;    providing a first payout as a result of a first one of the game play cycles;    providing a second payout as a result of a second one of the game play cycles, the second payout being different from the first payout;    interrupting the automated play mode in response to the first payout; and    not interrupting the automated play mode in response to the second payout.    
     
     
         118 . The method of  claim 117 , wherein the first payout is larger than the second payout.  
     
     
         119 . The method of  claim 117 , wherein the first one of the game play cycles is prior in time to the second one of the game play cycles.  
     
     
         120 . The method of  claim 117 , wherein the second one of the game play cycles is prior in time to the first one of the game play cycles.  
     
     
         121 . A gaming device, comprising: 
 means for receiving a monetary deposit; and    a control circuit coupled to the means for receiving, and configured to: 
 initiate an automated play mode of the gaming device;  
 perform a plurality of game play cycles during the automated play mode;  
 provide a first payout as a result of a first one of the game play cycles;  
 provide a second payout as a result of a second one of the game play cycles, the second payout being different form the first payout,  
 interrupt the automated play mode in response to the first payout; and  
 not interrupt the automated play mode in response to the second payout.  
   
     
     
         122 . A method comprising: 
 initiating an automated play mode of a gaming device;    performing at least one game play cycle during the automated play mode;    providing an outcome in a game play cycle during the automated play mode; and    in response to the outcome: 
 initiating a secondary game; and  
 exiting from the automated play mode.  
   
     
     
         123 . A gaming device, comprising: 
 means for receiving a monetary deposit; and    a control circuit coupled to the means for receiving, and configured to: 
 initiate an automated play mode of the gaming device;  
 perform a plurality of game play cycles during the automated play mode;  
 provide an outcome in a game play cycle during the automated play mode; and  
 in response to the outcome: 
 initiate a secondary game; and  
 exit from the automated play mode.  
 
   
     
     
         124 . A method comprising: 
 associating a player with a first gaming device;    associating the player with a second gaming device;    initiating an automated play mode in the first gaming device; and    exiting from the automated play mode in response to an event associated with the second gaming device.    
     
     
         125 . The method of  claim 124 , wherein the event is a payout by the second gaming device.  
     
     
         126 . The method of  claim 124 , wherein the player is simultaneously associated with the first and second gaming devices.  
     
     
         127 . The method of  claim 124 , further comprising: 
 initiating an automated play mode in the second gaming device;    and wherein the event occurs during the automated play mode in the second gaming device.    
     
     
         128 . A method comprising: 
 associating a player with a gaming device;    initiating an automated play mode of the gaming device; and    actuating a cash-out function of the gaming device only at a time when a player identification card corresponding to the player is interfaced to the gaming device.    
     
     
         129 . A method comprising: 
 initiating a first gaming session on a gaming device;    initiating a second gaming session on the gaming device, the second gaming session being concurrent with the first gaming session;    displaying information concerning the first gaming session on a first display region of the gaming device; and    displaying information concerning the second gaming session on a second display region of the gaming device.    
     
     
         130 . The method of  claim 129 , further comprising: 
 initiating an automated play mode in connection with the first gaming session; and    initiating an automated play mode in connection with the second gaming session;    wherein the two automated play modes are concurrent.    
     
     
         131 . The method of  claim 129 , wherein the two displaying steps are performed concurrently.  
     
     
         132 . The method of  claim 131 , wherein the first and second display regions are both on a single display device of the gaming device.  
     
     
         133 . A method comprising: 
 performing at least one game play cycle in a gaming device;    subsequent to the performing step, presenting visual information that represents a replay of the at least one game play cycle, in response to selection by a player of a review mode of the gaming device.    
     
     
         134 . The method of  claim 133 , wherein the at least one game play cycle is performed during an automated play mode of the gaming device.  
     
     
         135 . The method of  claim 133 , wherein the review mode of the gaming device includes one or more of (a) a play function, (b) a rewind function, (c) a fast forward function, and (d) a pause function.