Abstract: Disclosed herein are techniques for communicating between an electronic gaming machine and a mobile computing device. In some implementations, a first communication session with a mobile computing device may be provided at an electronic gaming machine. The first communication session may be conducted via a first wireless communication protocol at a first range proximate the electronic gaming machine. A communication session initiation identifier for initiating a second communication session may be transmitted from the electronic gaming machine to the mobile computing device via the first communication session. Based on the communication session initiation identifier, a second communication session with the mobile computing device may be provided at an electronic gaming machine. The second communication session may be conducted via a second wireless communication protocol at a second range. The second range may be wider than the first range.

Abstract: In a method for configuring a first computing device to send or receive formatted data is provided, wherein the formatted data includes a plurality of formatting tags, an indication of a set of formatting tags recognized by a second computing device may be received via a network. A mapping of identifiers to formatting tags in the set of formatting tags may be determined. At least one of an encoder, a decoder, and a parser of the first computing device may be configured with the mapping.

Abstract: A system for monitoring game play is disclosed. The system includes at least one gaming device adapted to present a game to a player and generate game play data. A communication link is provided between the gaming device and a host over which game play data, including player information, is transmitted. The host is adapted to store, manipulate, display and otherwise use the data. In one embodiment, the host is arranged to generate an interface for display by a display device. Game play information is displayed with the interface. In one embodiment, game play information regarding one or more gaming machines is displayed real-time by the interface. Filters may be used upon and reports generated using the game play information. In one embodiment, the system includes one or more portable, hand-held devices for displaying the interface and information.

Abstract: In a method for configuring a first computing device to send or receive formatted data is provided, wherein the formatted data includes a plurality of formatting tags, an indication of a set of formatting tags recognized by a second computing device may be received via a network. A mapping of identifiers to formatting tags in the set of formatting tags may be determined. At least one of an encoder, a decoder, and a parser of the first computing device may be configured with the mapping.

Abstract: A method and system for providing automated video surveillance, recordation and storage of security events is disclosed. One or more computer-controlled cameras are used to view and record security-related events in response to a determination that a security-related event has occurred or is occurring at a particular location. This is accomplished by providing a network comprising at least one computer-controllable camera, one or more security servers, one or more security-related event input alarms or triggers, and at least one storage medium for storing video clips and other associated security-related event data. Video clips of security-related events can then be captured, recorded, and automatically associated with one or more data identifiers characterizing the security-related events. Video clips are stored on a digital database in an organized fashion, such that a particular clip may be readily recalled by way of one or more data identifiers that have been associated with that clip.

Abstract: In a method for configuring a first computing device to send or receive formatted data is provided, wherein the formatted data includes a plurality of formatting tags, an indication of a set of formatting tags recognized by a second computing device may be received via a network. A mapping of identifiers to formatting tags in the set of formatting tags may be determined. At least one of an encoder, a decoder, and a parser of the first computing device may be configured with the mapping.

Abstract: In a method for configuring a first computing device to send or receive formatted data is provided, wherein the formatted data includes a plurality of formatting tags, an indication of a set of formatting tags recognized by a second computing device may be received via a network. A mapping of identifiers to formatting tags in the set of formatting tags may be determined. At least one of an encoder, a decoder, and a parser of the first computing device may be configured with the mapping.

Abstract: A method and system for providing automated video surveillance, recordation and storage of security events is disclosed. One or more computer-controlled cameras are used to view and record security-related events in response to a determination that a security-related event has occurred or is occurring at a particular location. This is accomplished by providing a network comprising at least one computer-controllable camera, one or more security servers, one or more security-related event input alarms or triggers, and at least one storage medium for storing video clips and other associated security-related event data. Video clips of security-related events can then be captured, recorded, and automatically associated with one or more data identifiers characterizing the security-related events. Video clips are stored on a digital database in an organized fashion, such that a particular clip may be readily recalled by way of one or more data identifiers that have been associated with that clip.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus is disclosed having a display unit capable of generating video images; a value input device; a player tracking card reader; and a controller. The controller being programmed to read a player tracking card, to acquire player tracking data from a database, and determine if a player is a personal progressive member. The controller also being programmed to evaluate an outcome of a game to determine if the outcome was a qualified personal progressive jackpot win; to increment a credit account for the player by a personal progressive jackpot total if the outcome was a qualified personal progressive jackpot win; to reset the personal progressive jackpot total if the outcome was a qualified personal progressive jackpot win; and to increment the credit account by a contribution amount if the outcome was not a qualified personal progressive win.

Abstract: A gaming system and method for facilitating electronic fulfillment of prizes is provided. Once the gaming system determines that a player is entitled to a prize for a result achieved while playing a game on the gaming machine and/or detects that a player wishes to redeem credits or a prize, the player is presented with prize fulfillment options via a player tracking device. In response to the presented prize fulfillment options, the gaming system receives prize fulfillment specifications entered by the player. These prize fulfillment specifications are communicated by the gaming system to a prize fulfillment site that is responsible for fulfilling prizes. In one embodiment, the prize fulfillment site can be remote from said property, and can be a retail entity such as an Internet retail entity. In other embodiments, the prize fulfillment site can be affiliated with the property.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus, comprising: a display unit capable of generating video images; a value input device; a player tracking card reader; a controller operatively coupled to said display unit, said value input device, and said player tracking card reader, said controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor, said controller being programmed to allow a person to make a wager, said controller being programmed to cause a video image to be generated on said display unit, said video image representing a game selected from the group of games consisting of video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video keno and video bingo, said controller being programmed to read a player tracking card, acquire player tracking data from a player tracking database, and determine if a player is a personal wide area progressive member; said controller being programmed to evaluate an outcome of said game represented by said video image; said controller being programmed to determine if said outcome o

Abstract: The invention comprises a gaming system including at least one gaming machine arranged to accept and print receipts. In one embodiment of a method, a player playing a gaming machine is issued a receipt. The receipt is used in the play of a secondary game or event. In one embodiment, the secondary game or event comprising a drawing, lottery or raffle, where the outcome of the event is determined by selecting one or more receipt from a group of receipts. In one embodiment, the receipt issued by the gaming machine is representative of value or an award, and the receipt is redeemed for the value or award before being used in the secondary game or event. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of the player writing identification information on the receipt before entering it in the game or event.

Abstract: A system for monitoring game play is disclosed. The system includes at least one gaming device adapted to present a game to a player and generate game play data. A communication link is provided between the gaming device and a host over which game play data, including player information, is transmitted. The host is adapted to store, manipulate, display and otherwise use the data. In one embodiment, the host is arranged to generate an interface for display by a display device. Game play information is displayed with the interface. In one embodiment, game play information regarding one or more gaming machines is displayed real-time by the interface. Filters may be used upon and reports generated using the game play information. In one embodiment, the system includes one or more portable, hand-held devices for displaying the interface and information.