Methods and apparatus for providing communications services at a gaming machine

Abstract

In a first aspect, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing an auxiliary unit adapted to allow a gaming machine to be retrofitted to provide communications services; and (2) retrofitting a non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit so that the non-communications enabled gaming machine is adapted to provide communications services based on game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine. Numerous other aspects are provided.

The invention claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a gaming machine interface unit adapted to interface with a non-communications-enabled gaming machine and to collect information regarding game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine;    a communications device interface unit adapted to interface with a communications device, wherein the communications device is adapted to provide communications services; and    controller coupled to the gaming machine interface unit and the communications device interface unit and adapted to: 
 employ the gaming machine interface unit to receive information regarding game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine;  
 determine if a player is operating the non-communications-enabled gaming machine based on the received information; and  
 if the player is operating the non-communications-enabled gaming machine, employ the communications device interface unit to provide communications services based on the game play.  
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the non-communications-enabled gaming machine comprises a gaming machine selected from the group consisting of a slot machine, a video poker machine and a panchinko machine.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the gaming machine interface unit is adapted to receive a signal from the non-communications-enabled gaming machine indicative of game play at the non-communications enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the signal comprises an indication of an outcome of game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the signal comprises an indication of a reel position at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the signal comprises an indication of a payment at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the signal comprises an indication of a credit balance of the player of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the signal is from an output device of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine that provides game play information to a player of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the signal comprises at least one of an audio signal and a video signal.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the signal is from an input device of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine that is employed to initiate game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the input device comprises an input device selected from the group consisting of a button and a handle.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the signal comprises at least one of an audio signal and a video signal.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the signal comprises a communication between a sensor and a controller of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the signal comprises a communication between an input device and a controller of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the signal comprises a communication between an output device and a controller of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the signal comprises a communication between a processor and a controller of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the signal comprises a communication between a processor and an input device of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the signal comprises a communication between a processor and an output device of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the signal comprises a power fluctuation at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine caused by game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the gaming machine interface unit comprises a communications port adapted to receive the signal.  
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the gaming machine interface unit comprises a sensor adapted to collect information regarding game play at the non-communications enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the sensor comprises a video camera adapted to view spinning of at least one reel of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the sensor comprises a video camera adapted to view a credit balance display of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the sensor is adapted to couple to a handle of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine and generate a signal in response to actuation of the handle by the player.  
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 24  wherein the sensor comprises a tilt sensor.  
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the sensor comprises a wager detector adapted to detect payment at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 26  wherein the wager detector comprises a weight detector.  
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 27  wherein the weight detector is adapted to detect at least a change in weight of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine due to the payment.  
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 26  wherein the wager detector comprises a video camera adapted to detect the payment.  
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the sensor comprises an outcome detector adapted to detect an outcome of game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 30  wherein the outcome detector comprises a video camera adapted to detect an outcome of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 30  wherein the outcome detector is adapted to couple to a payment area of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine and to detect payment at the payment area.  
     
     
         33 . The apparatus of  claim 32  wherein the outcome detector is adapted to detect weight of the payment area.  
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 32  wherein the outcome detector is adapted to detect a sound of payment at the payment area.  
     
     
         35 . The apparatus of  claim 26  wherein the sensor is adapted to detect a presence of the player at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         36 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the communications device interface unit comprises a communications port coupled to the controller and adapted to communicate with a communications device.  
     
     
         37 . The apparatus of  claim 36  wherein the communications device comprises a communications server.  
     
     
         38 . The apparatus of  claim 36  wherein the communications device comprises a telephone.  
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus includes the communications device.  
     
     
         40 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the communications services comprise a telephone call.  
     
     
         41 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the communications services comprise an e-mail.  
     
     
         42 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the communications services comprise instant messaging.  
     
     
         43 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the communications services comprise a video conference.  
     
     
         44 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the information collected by the gaming machine interface unit includes whether one or more reels of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine are spinning; and  
 the controller is adapted to provide communications services if the one or more reels of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine spin at least a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time period.  
 
     
     
         45 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the information collected by the gaming machine interface unit includes whether payment for game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine has been received; and  
 the controller is adapted to provide communications services if payment for game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine has been received.  
 
     
     
         46 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein: 
 the information collected by the gaming machine interface unit includes whether the player has won during game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine; and  
 the controller is adapted to provide communications services if the player has won during game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
 
     
     
         47 . An apparatus comprising: 
 a gaming machine interface unit adapted to interface with a non-communications-enabled gaming machine and to collect information regarding a level of game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine;    a communications device interface unit adapted to interface with a communications device, wherein the communications device is adapted to provide communications services; and    a controller coupled to the gaming machine interface unit and the communications device interface unit and adapted to: 
 employ the gaming machine interface unit to receive information regarding the level of game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine; and  
 if the level of game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine is equal to or exceeds a predetermined level of game play, employ the communications device interface unit to provide communications services.  
   
     
     
         48 . The apparatus of  claim 47  wherein the predetermined level of game play comprises any level of game play.  
     
     
         49 . The apparatus of  claim 47  wherein the predetermined level of game play comprises payment of a minimum wager during game play.  
     
     
         50 . The apparatus of  claim 47  wherein the non-communications-enabled gaming machine comprises a gaming machine selected from the group consisting of a slot machine, a video poker machine and a panchinko machine.  
     
     
         51 . The apparatus of  claim 47  wherein the gaming machine interface unit is adapted to receive a signal from the non-communications-enabled gaming machine indicative of game play at the non-communications enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         52 . The apparatus of  claim 47  wherein the gaming machine interface unit comprises a sensor adapted to collect information regarding game play at the non-communications enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         53 . An apparatus comprising: 
 means for detecting game play at a non-communications-enabled gaming machine;    means for determining if the game play qualifies for free communications services; and    means for providing free communications services at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine if the game play qualifies for free communications services.    
     
     
         54 . A method comprising: 
 a step for detecting game play at a non-communications-enabled gaming machine;    a step for determining if the game play qualifies for free communications services; and    a step for providing free communications services at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine if the game play qualifies for free communications services.    
     
     
         55 . A method comprising: 
 providing an auxiliary unit adapted to allow a gaming machine to be retrofitted to provide communications services; and    retrofitting a non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit so that the non-communications enabled gaming machine is adapted to provide communications services based on game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.    
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 55  wherein providing an auxiliary unit adapted to allow a gaming machine to be retrofitted to provide communications services comprises providing an auxiliary unit that includes: 
 a gaming machine interface unit adapted to interface with the non-communications-enabled gaming machine and to collect information regarding game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine;  
 a communications device interface unit adapted to interface with a communications device, wherein the communications device is adapted to provide communications services; and  
 a controller coupled to the gaming machine interface unit and the communications device interface unit and adapted to: 
 employ the gaming machine interface unit to receive information regarding game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine;  
 determine if a player is operating the non-communications-enabled gaming machine based on the received information; and  
 if the player is operating the non-communications-enabled gaming machine, employ the communications device interface unit to provide communications services.  
 
 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 55  wherein providing an auxiliary unit adapted to allow a gaming machine to be retrofitted to provide communications services comprises providing an auxiliary unit that includes: 
 a gaming machine interface unit adapted to interface with the non-communications-enabled gaming machine and to collect information regarding a level of game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine;  
 a communications device interface unit adapted to interface with a communications device, wherein the communications device is adapted to provide communications services; and  
 a controller coupled to the gaming machine interface unit and the communications device interface unit and adapted to: 
 employ the gaming machine interface unit to receive information regarding the level of game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine; and  
 if the level of game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine is equal to or exceeds a predetermined level of game play, employ the communications device interface unit to provide communications services.  
 
 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 55  wherein retrofitting the non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit comprises connecting at least one wire between the auxiliary unit and the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 58  wherein connecting the at least one wire between the auxiliary unit and the non-communications-enabled gaming machine comprises coupling the at least one wire to a communication path between a sensor and a controller of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 58  wherein connecting the at least one wire between the auxiliary unit and the non-communications-enabled gaming machine comprises coupling the at least one wire to a communication path between an input device and a controller of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 58  wherein connecting the at least one wire between the auxiliary unit and the non-communications-enabled gaming machine comprises coupling the at least one wire to a communication path between an output device and a controller of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 58  wherein connecting the at least one wire between the auxiliary unit and the non-communications-enabled gaming machine comprises coupling the at least one wire to a communication path between a processor and a controller of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 58  wherein connecting the at least one wire between the auxiliary unit and the non-communications-enabled gaming machine comprises coupling the at least one wire to a communication path between a processor and an input device of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 58  wherein connecting the at least one wire between the auxiliary unit and the non-communications-enabled gaming machine comprises coupling the at least one wire to a communication path between a processor and an output device of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 58  wherein connecting the at least one wire between the auxiliary unit and the non-communications-enabled gaming machine comprises coupling the at least one wire to a communications port of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 65  wherein connecting the at least one wire between the auxiliary unit and the non-communications-enabled gaming machine further comprises coupling the at least one wire to a communications port of the auxiliary unit.  
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 58  wherein the wire is tamper resistant.  
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 55  wherein retrofitting the non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit comprises connecting a current monitor to a power supply line of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine so as to allow the auxiliary unit to monitor a power fluctuation at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine caused by game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 55  wherein retrofitting the non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit comprises mounting the auxiliary unit to the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 68  wherein retrofitting the non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit comprises connecting at least one wire between the auxiliary unit and the non-communications-enabled gaming machine through the auxiliary unit and the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 55  wherein retrofitting the non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit comprises altering a case of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine so that the non-communications-enabled gaming machine interfaces with the auxiliary unit.  
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 55  wherein retrofitting the non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit comprises opening a case of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine and modifying the non-communications-enabled gaming machine so that the non-communications-enabled gaming device interfaces with the auxiliary unit.  
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 55  wherein retrofitting the non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit comprises positioning an input device relative to the non-communications-enabled gaming machine so that the input device communicates information regarding game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine to the auxiliary unit.  
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 55  wherein the input device comprises a sensor.  
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 74  wherein the sensor comprises a video camera adapted to view spinning of at least one reel of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 74  wherein the sensor comprises a video camera adapted to view a credit balance display of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 74  wherein the sensor is adapted to couple to a handle of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine and generate a signal in response to actuation of the handle by the player.  
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 74  wherein the sensor comprises a wager detector adapted to detect payment at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 78  wherein the wager detector comprises a weight detector.  
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 78  wherein the wager detector comprises a video camera adapted to detect the payment.  
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 74  wherein the sensor comprises an outcome detector adapted to detect an outcome of game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 81  wherein the outcome detector comprises a video camera adapted to detect an outcome of game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 81  wherein the outcome detector is adapted to couple to a payment area of the non-communications-enabled gaming machine and to detect payment at the payment area.  
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 74  wherein the sensor is adapted to detect a presence of a player at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine.  
     
     
         85 . An automated method comprising: 
 receiving information regarding game play at a non-communications-enabled gaming machine;    determining if a player is operating the non-communications-enabled gaming machine based on the received information; and    if the player is operating the non-communications-enabled gaming machine, providing communications services based on the game play.    
     
     
         86 . An automated method comprising: 
 receiving information regarding a level of game play at a non-communications-enabled gaming machine; and    if the level of game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine is equal to or exceeds a predetermined level of game play, providing communications services.    
     
     
         87 . A computer program product comprising: 
 a medium readable by a computer, the computer readable medium having program code adapted to: 
 receive information regarding game play at a non-communications-enabled gaming machine;  
 determine if a player is operating the non-communications-enabled gaming machine based on the received information; and  
 if the player is operating the non-communications-enabled gaming machine, provide communications services based on the game play.  
   
     
     
         88 . A computer program product comprising: 
 a medium readable by a computer, the computer readable medium having program code adapted to: 
 receive information regarding a level of game play at a non-communications-enabled gaming machine; and  
 if the level of game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine is equal to or exceeds a predetermined level of game play, provide communications services.