Abstract: Systems and methods for performing steam injection operations in heavy oil formations using a fully-coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical model for improved steam penetration during the steam injection operations.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking a patron in a gaming environment uses a database that stores known images and known text descriptions of existing patrons. An image of a patron is captured by an image capture device, and a text description of the patron is obtained. The image and the text description are transmitted to the database. A comparator compares the image or the text description to those on the database. The image is stored in a patron folder if the image or the text description is found to match an existing patron. The image is stored in a temporary folder if the image or the text description fails to match one of the existing patrons, and once the patron has been identified, the image is transferred from the temporary folder to the patron folder.

Abstract: A gaming system and method of providing a contest entry to a player using a gaming device are disclosed. A player of a gaming device is awarded points based on his or her game play and/or other criteria. These points are compared to predetermined entry criteria of a plurality of contests. The player is presented with a list of eligible contests that are available for entry. The player may then select one of the eligible contests to enter, or wait to accumulate more points to enter a different contest.

Abstract: An entertainment monitoring system for the gaming industry is disclosed to provide real-time multi-site, slot accounting, player tracking, cage credit and vault, sports book data collection, and table game accounting. The system is operable on a computer network and is capable of displaying data in a plurality of different display languages selectable by a user of the system.

Abstract: A remote system for use with a gaming system implements a player tracking system. The remote system includes a remote device and a remote network interface coupled to the remote device for exchanging data between a host computer and the remote device. The data includes voucher information to issue a voucher to the player in the player tracking system. The voucher includes at least one of an associated product and service.

Abstract: An entertainment management system for the gaming industry provides real-time multi-site, slot accounting, player tracking, cage credit and vault, sports book data collection, and table game accounting.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking a patron in a gaming environment uses a database that stores known images and known text descriptions of existing patrons. An image of a patron is captured by an image capture device, and a text description of the patron is obtained. The image and the text description are transmitted to the database. A comparator compares the image or the text description to those on the database. The image is stored in a patron folder if the image or the text description is found to match an existing patron. The image is stored in a temporary folder if the image or the text description fails to match one of the existing patrons, and once the patron has been identified, the image is transferred from the temporary folder to the patron folder.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method of admitting a patron into a restricted location of a gaming establishment. The patron is admitted through a gate connected to a computer system. A card is issued to the patron by the gaming establishment and stores a prior gaming history of the patron. An admission criterion is established setting requirements for entry into the restricted location. A holder of the card is identified as the patron to whom the card was issued. The card is read to obtain the prior gaming history of the patron. The prior gaming history of the patron is transmitted to the computer system, where the computer system compares the prior gaming history of the patron with the admission criterion. The gate is opened to admit the patron into the restricted location if the prior gaming history of the patron satisfies the admission criterion.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a method for redeeming a value-bearing instrument, such as a cash ticket issued from a slot machine, at any of a plurality of participating organizations, such as a casino. The organizations are remotely located from each other and associated together. Each of the organizations includes a computer, networked to a centralized host. The centralized host stores identifying information related to each instrument issued by the organizations. The instruments include identifying information associated therewith. A user presents the instruments to one of the organizations, which scans the two-dimensional bar code to read the identifying information stored therein. The organization connects to the centralized host through a secured Virtual Private Network to authenticate the instrument. If the instrument is validated, the organization issues cash to the user in an amount equivalent to a cash value of the instrument.

Abstract: A gaming system and method of providing a contest entry to a player using a gaming device are disclosed. A player of a gaming device is awarded points based on his or her game play and/or other criteria. These points are compared to predetermined entry criteria of a plurality of contests. The player is presented with a list of eligible contests that are available for entry. The player may then select one of the eligible contests to enter, or wait to accumulate more points to enter a different contest.

Abstract: An entertainment management system for the gaming industry provides real-time multi-site, slot accounting, player tracking, cage credit and vault, sports book data collection, and table game accounting.

Abstract: A method and system as used with a gaming system. The gaming system implements a player tracking system. The player tracking system has at least one voucher assigned to a player. The voucher has an associated number of comp points. The system uses a remote device and a remote network interface coupled to the remote device for exchanging data between a host computer and the remote device. The data includes voucher information associated with the voucher assigned to the player in the player tracking system.

Abstract: A system and method for awarding predetermined comps awards to a player playing a gaming device. The comp awards are defined by a casino and stored in a player tracking account. In response to the player meeting a predetermined event or criteria, the player is issued the comp award through the gaming device. The player or the casino will select a delivery method for redeeming the award. The player or the casino will forward the award electronically to another station located in the casino where the comp award will be printed from a station as a comp voucher. The comp voucher may be redeemed at a direct point of redemption in the casino. The comp award may be in the form of a drawing ticket. The drawing ticket may be automatically submitted into a raffle or lottery from the gaming device. The player may also select to have the drawing ticket printed from a station and manually submitted into the raffle or lottery.

Abstract: A computerized gaming incentive system and method for redeeming bonus points from the system. The system includes a computer with a database for storing a plurality of vouchers. Each voucher includes a number of bonus points representing a monetary value. The system allows a user to select one voucher from the plurality of vouchers. When the voucher selected is a non-cashable voucher, the system produces a scrip wagerable at a table game and valued at the amount to be redeemed.

Abstract: A remote system and method for use with a gaming system for implementing a player tracking system for tracking points. The remote system includes a remote device and a remote network interface coupled to the remote device for exchanging data between a host computer and the remote device. The data includes adjustment information and information to adjust points associated with the player in the player tracking system.

Abstract: A system and method credits a player of a gaming machine with bonus points. The bonus points may be credits or incentive points convertible to credits for playing the gaming machine. The player has a player account stored in a computer coupled to the gaming machine. The computer including a database for storing vouchers having a parameter. Each voucher having a first number of bonus points and being assignable to the player account.

Abstract: A remote system for use with a gaming system implements a player tracking system. The remote system includes a remote device and a remote network interface coupled to the remote device for exchanging data between a host computer and the remote device. The data includes voucher information to issue a voucher to the player in the player tracking system. The voucher includes at least one of an associated product and service.

Abstract: A remote system and method is associated with a gaming device which implements a player tracking system. The remote system and method uses a remote device which is coupled to a remote network interface. The remote network interface retrieves data from a host computer related to the remote device.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a cash ticket in a gaming system. The gaming system has at least one gaming machine capable of issuing a cash ticket. A host computer is coupled to the at least one gaming machine by a network. The remote system includes a remote device and a remote network interface coupled to the remote device for exchanging data between the host computer and the remote device The data includes cash ticket information to process the cash ticket.

Abstract: A system and method for processing table rating for a player in a gaming system. The gaming system implements has at least one gaming machine playable by a player. A host computer is coupled to the at least one gaming machine by a network. The remote system includes a remote device and a remote network interface coupled to the remote device for exchanging data between the host computer and the remote device The data includes table rating information to process the table rating.