Method for providing capacity for electronic signature in a playing machine

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as slot machines and video poker machines. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and devices for receiving and authenticating electronic signatures of players on a gaming machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Selection of the auxiliary devices that may be connected to a gaming machine such as a slot machine or video poker machine, is very broad. Some examples of these devices can be called a player tracking unit (player tracking - tracking and accounting gaming house all of the most important parameters of the game from an individual, approx. Per.) Lamp biletopechatayuschee devices, card readers, speakers, bill acceptors, reader Ticket , coin acceptors, display panels, key pads, coin hoppers and button pads. Many of these devices are built into the gaming machine while some are grouped into separate units such attachments that may be placed on top of the machine body.

As a rule, with the help of the master gaming controller, the gaming machine controls various combinations of devices that allow a player to play a game on the gaming machine and also encourage game play on the gaming machine. For example, to play a game on a gaming machine usually requires a player to input money into the gaming machine or establish credit, rates and amount have to run the game. These steps require the gaming machine control input devices, including bill acceptors and coin acceptors, to accept money into the gaming machine and recognize user inputs from devices, such as keypads and levers, and determining wagering game start.

After starting the game, the gaming machine determines a game result represents the result of the player, and depending on the outcome of the game may provide any gain. To represent the outcome of the game can be used many different types of visual and audioresources lights, music, sounds and graphics. The use of visual representations and audioresources outcome of the game can be used to attract the attention of players to the various features of the game and increased player interest in the game for additional sessions.

The above described operations can be performed on the gaming machine operated as a "stand-alone" unit or connected via a network of some type to a group of gaming machines. With the progress of technology in the gaming industry and expanding range of gaming services provided by gaming machines using a client-server model. The client-server model, groups of gaming machines connected via a dedicated communication network of some type to a remote computer which, using the dedicated communication network provides one or more gaming services.

Maintaining interest in the player playing the game, for example, on a gaming machine or during the commission of other actions in the game is an important indicator of the operator places the game. Many casinos are now using a player tracking program to maintain the interest of players in the game for additional sessions during the stay in the game institution and attract players in the gaming establishments to participate in a variety of game action. Programs provide player tracking reward those players who, as a rule, meet the definition of a regular customer (for example, the frequency of conducting the games and / or the total number of games in the casino). Pay for tracking the player can serve free food, free room and / or free entertainment. These awards help to maintain the interest of the player.

The gaming machine player tracking program is implemented using a player tracking unit installed in the gaming machine and involved in the exchange of data with a remote player tracking server. The player tracking unit is usually manufactured as a separate unit, separate from the gaming machine. Many different companies manufacture modules player tracking systems as part of a player tracking / accounting. These systems player tracking / accounting are used in most casinos.

In general, player tracking units have been primarily designed to allow the player to input a card with a magnetic strip and to provide an identification code input from the keypad. Therefore, a player tracking interface module designed to perform these tasks, as a rule, is a keypad, card reader or a simple display-type vacuum fluorescent display (VFD).

As a rule, before the game player inserts his card in tracking the card reader on the gaming machine. Software tracking the player on the gaming machine or gaming network detects the card captures the identity of the player and is tracking the activities of a gaming machine. When a player completes a dialogue with the gaming machine, the machine prints out a ticket, which can be specified parameters of the final status of the player, such as the time and amount of payment in cash. In some cases, the ticket may be encoded on the ability to play on another gaming machine, and the use of a credit or monetary value assigned to the ticket.

Often in the course of the game the player must leave the game machine, for example, to replenish cash reserves, cash money in the bank casino or take care of other transactions that may require a signature, such as the signing of the loan agreement at the casino, contracts for car hire, applications on booking a hotel or flight reservations. The need to leave the gaming machine often leads to a breakdown or loss of activity of the player of the gaming machine them in favor of another player, ie call events that are undesirable for many players.

In the past, typically, the validity of performing many of the above and other transactions could be confirmed only handwritten signature player. At the same time, the legal status of handwritten signatures legislation grants and electronic signatures.

All the above leads to the conclusion about the desirability of the device and / or method for receiving electronic signature on the gaming machine that would allow the player to carry out a transaction with a signature on the gaming machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention aims to satisfy the need outlined above by the gaming machine to receive and authenticate the electronic signature of the player. The present invention would allow casino customers to perform transactions on the gaming machine with a signature. For example, the present invention casino customers be able to sign contracts for car hire, applications for tickets to a show at the casino, on the halls casinos, reservation tickets on travel packages, drinks, food, electronic forms W2G (forms of income declaration, a comment . trans.), an agreement to provide credit to the casino, the receipt of payments in cash, credit cards for purchases, gifts or any other business documents that require a signature.

The main object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of receiving and authenticating electronic signatures of players. Such a gaming machine usually comprises: a master gaming controller adapted to control one or more games played on the gaming machine; a plurality of gaming devices connected to the gaming machine and involved in the exchange of data with the master gaming controller, wherein at least one of the gaming devices is a device signature input, for generating data elements of an electronic signature representing an electronic signature, the resultant signature input device signature capture; and a memory for storing a plurality of elements of electronic signature software that allows the machine to capture an electronic signature entered by the input device signature and authenticate the electronic signature.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of authenticating the electronic signature input at the gaming machine. Such a method generally comprises: operation input signature on the signature input device, localized on the gaming machine; operation for generating the data elements of the first electronic signature, representing the first electronic signature; and the operation of the first electronic signature authentication.

A third object of the present invention to create a network of gaming machines. Network gaming machine usually comprises: a plurality of file storage devices storing gaming software package software; a plurality of gaming machines; and the network providing the connection between file storage and plenty of gaming machines. Gaming machines in a gaming network structure, usually contain: a master gaming controller adapted to control one or more games played on the gaming machine; a plurality of gaming devices connected to the gaming machine and involved in the exchange of data with the master gaming controller, wherein at least one of the gaming devices is a device signature input, for generating data elements of an electronic signature representing an electronic signature, the resultant signature input device signature capture; and a memory for storing a plurality of elements of electronic signature software that allows the machine to capture an electronic signature entered by the input device signature and authenticate the electronic signature.

Another object of the present invention is a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium having stored program instructions, each of which provides the implementation of the methods described above.

Below follows a more detailed description of these and other features of the present invention is illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 - schematic representation of a gaming machine having a signature input device for providing electronic signature capability according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 - a block diagram illustrating components of a gaming machine with the possibility of an electronic signature according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 - a block diagram illustrating components of a gaming machine with the possibility of an electronic signature in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

4 - block diagram illustrating components of a gaming machine with the possibility of an electronic signature according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

5 - a block diagram illustrating components of a gaming machine with the possibility of an electronic signature according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

6 - a flowchart illustrating the process of preparing the electronic signature database for use in authenticating an electronic signature according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

7 - is a flowchart illustrating signature input, capture and authentication of an electronic signature according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a gaming machine comprising a signature input device that allows the player to input their signature on the gaming machine electronically. An electronic signature is captured as the data elements of electronic signature and authenticated using a database of electronic signatures before being sent to perform a transaction, such as such as payment for car rental, buying tickets for shows in the casino, hotel reservations, reservation ticket, buy a travel package, Order a drink, dinner reservations, electronic form W2G, the provision of credit to the casino, the payment in cash, credit card purchase, the purchase of goods and electronic transfer of payments.

1 shows a gaming machine 100 having a signature input device for providing electronic signature capability according to one embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine 100 has a main body 104, which generally surrounds the machine interior (not shown) and which can survey users. From its front side of the main body 108 includes a main door, which opens to provide access to internal units of the machine. Attached to the main door 108 are derived input switches or buttons 132, coin slot 128 and bill validator 130, a coin tray 138, and a belly glass 140. After the main door 108 can see video display monitor 134 and an information panel 136.

Display monitor 134, typically a cathode ray tube, flat panel LCD display with high resolution, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor. In this particular embodiment, the top of the monitor display 134 may also be mounted touch screen, which can be mapped to an electronic interface with the hint that a player must perform input your signature, such as to write it on the touch screen with the stylus or the tip of your finger . EXAMPLE touch screen mounted on the outer surface of the display, is described in U.S. Patent B1 №6210279 Dickinson. In other examples, the display monitor 134 may be provided with other elements that allow you to detect the player's signature administered, for example using heat exposure, pressure, motion or other physical phenomena.

Information panel 136 may be a glass panel with a back-lit screen printed labels, representing the general game information including, for example, the number of coins played. Bill validator 130, input switches 132, video display monitor 134 and an information panel 136 are devices used to play a game on the gaming machine 100. The devices are controlled by circuitry (not shown) located within the main body 104 of the machine 100. The machines that are the subject of this the invention allows to conduct all kinds of games, including video slots, mechanical slots, video blackjack, video poker keno, bingo, videopatinko, card video games, casino video games and their combinations, as well as bonus games.

The gaming machine 100 has an upper top box 106 which is mounted on the upper surface of the main body 104. The upper top box 106 containing a series of devices that can be used to add features to a game being played on the gaming machine 100, including speakers 110, 112, 114, and a ticket printer 118, which may print bar-coded tickets 120 used as a cashless instruments. The upper console 106 installed secondary display 144, which may also be provided with a touch screen. The secondary display 144 may also be used for receiving player input signature electronically and / or to operate game service interfaces.

The player tracking unit (not shown) mounted within the upper top box 106 may be provided with a touch screen display 122 that may be used to receive the signature player implemented electronically. The player tracking unit also includes a card reader 124 for entering a magnetic striped card containing player tracking information and a speaker / microphone 142 for reproducing sounds and / or inputting voice data. In addition, the player tracking unit may include additional peripheral interface devices such as biometric input devices used in the signature receiving player via the electronics device such as a fingerprint capture device or retinal scanner.

When the user is going to run the gaming machine 100, he or she enters the cash through the coin acceptor or bill validator 130 128 with the capabilities of an optical reading / scanning. In addition to register credits on the gaming machine 100, the player may use a cashless instrument. For example, the bill validator 130 can accept a printed ticket voucher, including 120 as a guarantee of the loan. In another example, the card reader 124 may accept a debit card or a smart card containing information on the cash or credit standing, which can be used to register credits on the gaming machine.

Prior to the game session (the period of the game for a certain period of time, approx. Per.) On the gaming machine 100 a player can insert their card in tracking the card reader 124 to initiate a player tracking. In some embodiments, after a player has inserted his card, he can be made visual or audio cues, respectively on the display screen 122 or using the speaker 142 of the need to input the identification information such as a code of a personal identification number (PIN), with using the touch screen display 122. This may be done by the player tracking system, a reference to the "login" or registration. In some embodiments, the "Login" also allows you to extract information about the player profile and preferences, and in some cases - to load loan players before the game. Typically, during the gaming session, the player tracking card may remain in the card reader 124.

In another example, the gaming machine may transfer player tracking information from portable wireless device that carries a player via a wireless interface device (not shown) on the gaming machine 100. An advantage of using a portable wireless device is that the transfer of player tracking information is carried out automatically and the player does not need to remember to insert a tracking card into the gaming machine accordingly. In a player tracking session on the gaming machine for game performance game session on the gaming machine, such as amounts wagered during the game play session, may be converted to player tracking points and stored in the player account on a player tracking server. Later accumulated points tracking the player can be returned to him in the form of fees or free services, such as free food, free accommodation in a hotel or other prizes.

Typically, the player tracking card inserted into the card reader contains at least the data player tracking account. When the card is inserted properly into the card reader 124, the information stored on the card, such as account information games eye, it can be read by the card reader and transferred to a logical device in the player tracking unit to the player tracking server. Account information allows the player tracking server to store player tracking player tracking points accumulated during the game play session, the appropriate account.

In the process of the game the player can take certain decisions that affect the outcome of the game. For example, the player can change the amount of your bets in a single game, select a prize for a play or make decisions that affect the outcome of a single game. Choice of options a player can be implemented using input switches 132, a video display screen 134, or any other devices that provide a player to input information into the gaming machine.

In some cases the player may wish to perform a transaction with a signature, in the course of which a player can input their signature on one or more monitors / displays of the gaming machine 100. The signature is captured electronically elements electronic signature software loaded in the memory of the gaming machine 100 . It should be noted that in other examples, the capture software electronic signature may reside in the memory as part of the player tracking software if the main gaming machine does not support this feature.

In some embodiments of the present invention may be administered to a signature used to identify the player and perform special services in accordance with the personality of the player. For example, a player identified as "a player who plays for high stakes", the casino may be allowed to perform transactions on the gaming machine with a signature is not available to other players. As another example, the ability to customize the gaming machine according to the preferences identified by the player of the game in accordance with his personality, determined by the input signature. Preferences identified Player of the game can be stored on a remote server participating in communication with the gaming machine.

Under certain game events, the gaming machine 100 can reproduce the visual and sound effects that have a clear impact on the player. These effects give the game an extra emotional charge, causing the player to continue playing. Sound effects may be different sounds emitted from the speakers 110, 112, 114. As visual effects may be used, flashing lights or tracer or other pictures reproduced by the light sources on the gaming machine 100 by lamps located behind the protective glass 140 or the light panel on the player tracking unit.

Upon completion, the player may receive game tokens from the coin tray 138 or a ticket 120 from the printer 118, which may be used in the subsequent games or to redeem a prize. The player can also be obtained from the ticket printer 118 120 for food, goods and games. Type of ticket 120 may depend on the game history of the player registered player tracking software on the gaming machine 100. In some embodiments, these tickets may be used by the player to obtain game services as a receipt for signature transactions, or transactions for gaming services to be performed on gaming machine.

Gaming machine 100 is but one example of the many options the gaming machines, which may be used in the present invention, and may include other signature input devices other than those described above or in addition thereto. For example, the gaming machine 100 may also include other touch screen display, a keyboard input, a stylus, an input port for receiving data of an electronic signature from the personal digital assistant (PDAs), wireless interface, biometric devices, a digital mouse, digital glove, digital camera, scanner, or other device capable of electronically accept the signature player.

It should also be noted that despite the fact that a form of "signature" may be written signature, it is understood that the term "signature" for purposes of the present invention can also be applied to other readable electronically characterizing features of the player, who can be conventional forms of "signatures" such as "fingerprints" of the iris, voice samples, digital images, fingerprints, thermal images, etc., and also applies to digital or electronic form of these "signatures" such as in the case of signature introduced into the port from the DSP on the gaming machine.

Moreover, not all suitable gaming machines have top boxes or top player tracking unit. Further, some gaming machines have two or more game displays - mechanical and / or video. Some gaming machines are designed for bar tables and have displays that face upwards. Moreover, some machines may be designed entirely for cashless systems. These machines can not contain devices such as bill acceptors, coin acceptors and coin trays. Instead, they may have only ticket readers, card readers and ticket dispensers.

In an embodiment, the game can be generated on the host computer and played back on a remote terminal or a remote computer. The remote computer may be connected to a host computer via a network of some type such as the Internet. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention as described below may be used on most gaming machines currently available or future.

Figures 2-5 illustrate several embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic signature capture and authentication in a gaming machine. Note that for the present invention may be used in various hardware and software architectures and that the embodiments of the invention presented in 2-5, are purely illustrative and do not limit the invention. For example, currently, in many of the software architecture of the gaming machine is stored in a PROM or in the storage device such as a hard disk on a gaming machine, but in the present invention, attention should be paid, the software may be stored in another location, such as the game server, and then be distributed and executed a separate gaming machine. This distribution can be carried out on the system or on an intranet system internetwork such as the Internet or other global or regional transmission systems. In any of the embodiments may also be provided to further coding and / or physical protection of information at stages of capture, storage and transmission.

2 is a block diagram illustrating components of a gaming machine with the possibility of an electronic signature according to one embodiment of the present invention. To represent one or more games on the gaming machine 202 used by the master gaming controller 204. To ensure the operation of gaming devices 214, such as coin hoppers, bill acceptors, coin acceptors, speakers, printers, lamps, displays and input mechanisms, the master gaming controller 204 executes a variety of programs game software. To implement capabilities signature input player on gaming machine 202 using one or more signature input devices 210. One or more signature input devices 210 may be implemented in a variety of devices such as touch screen displays, keyboards, input stylus, biometric device, the port input that can be used for accepting input of a signature on a peripheral device such as any of the aforementioned devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital mouse, digital glove, digital camera, scanner, wireless interface, other input devices capable of receiving signatures player or combinations of these devices.

In one embodiment, the signature input device 210 can receive a signature input from a touch screen on a handheld device such as a personal digital assistant. This hand-held device may communicate with the signature input device 210 via a wireless interface (not shown). The wireless communication interface can be infrared or RF device. In the memory of the gaming machine may store one or more infrared or RF communication protocols or combinations of these protocols for communicating with the handheld device via the signature input device 210.

The master gaming controller 204 may execute gaming software 212 that will play on one or more displays complex graphical representations, which can be used as part of a game outcome presentation on the gaming machine 202 and may be player graphical user interfaces that require signature input by user to perform transaction. The master gaming controller 204 may also serve as game software, allows you to exchange data with the gaming devices located outside the housing of the gaming machine 202, such as servers, signature authentication servers booking servers accounting servers prizes, servers, player tracking and servers progressive games (rates which vary depending on the result of the previous stroke, approx. trans.). In some embodiments, communications with the aforementioned gaming devices, as well as other devices located outside the housing of the gaming machine may be performed using the main communication board 216. Thus, despite the fact that Figure 2 illustrates the signature input device 210 establishing communication through the master gaming controller 204, in some embodiments, the signature input device 210 may communicate directly with the capture software digital signature 218 or through another software element of the type of player tracking software.

Manage various programs package game software loaded into the RAM 206 to execute the CPU 208 may be implemented as a "process" of the operating system used on the gaming machine 202. The operating system can also carry out the planning process and memory management. Examples of an operating system that can be used in the present invention are: the QNX operating system of QNX Software Systems, Ltd. (Kanata, Ontario, Canada); NT, NT and embedded version of WinCE Corporation Microsoft (Redmond, Washington); Solaris firm Sun Microsystems (Palo Alto, Calif.); or open source operating systems such as LINUX, BSD, and other options for UNIX.

In the present embodiment, the signature input device 210 receives player's signature and transmits the signature data elements as the signature capture software digital signature 218. In one embodiment of the capture software digital signature 218 is designed to at least temporarily store the signature data elements in digitally and transmitting the signature data elements to a signature authentication software 226 for authentication.

Software capture an electronic signature 218 converts the signature, such as elements of the data signature in the digital file of the type of computer file to store the relevant data corresponding to the signature, such as a graphic image, the deposition rate and pressure signature image of the fingerprint, voice sample, biometric data etc., as well as the name, card number and time. Signature capture software 218 may then also implement file encryption signature. At initial registration signature capture software 218 may be used to capture the reference signatures for storage in the database.

In this embodiment, the software authentication of electronic signatures 226 authenticates the signature administered by comparison with the electronic signatures stored in the database 220. The electronic signature authentication software 226 can vary widely in form and authentication process introduced an electronic signature in relation to electronic signatures, registered in the database of electronic signatures 220.

The database of electronic signatures 220 can first decrypt the file signature and signature scaled to compare the image with the signature in the database. The database of electronic signatures 220 may also generate an ACK / NACK with respect to the transaction and send a signal to the initiator of the transaction request, such as a gaming machine, bank, hotel, car rental agency, etc. The database of electronic signatures 220 may also register the transaction.

The database of electronic signatures 220 is a medium such as a database file that stores the electronic version of the electronic signature for authentication purposes player introduced electronic signature player in the gaming machine or other common areas of committing acts that require signature. Form electronic signature database 220 may vary widely. For example, the database of electronic signatures 220 may be relational, single-level, etc. Further, the database management system may also vary within wide limits and will accept database queries in various formats, such as Structured Query Language (SQL), Boolean, or on a natural language. Some examples of database software can be called Oracle 91 firm Oracle (Redwood City, Kalifrniya.), DB2 company International Business Machines (Armonk, New York.) And SQL Server, Access Corporation Microsoft (Redmond, Washington). The database of electronic signatures 220 may also include player identification data such as name, address, etc., and other relevant data.

The database of electronic signatures 220 stores data corresponding to the signature, and responds to requests for data from different applications, such as software hotel reservation software providing loans on the gaming machine (operations withdrawals / make deposits), the software pre- reservation of seats in the restaurant and / or software transactions with bank accounts, etc.

Upon receiving a request for data of electronic signatures database 220 determines whether the access request is authorized. In the case of an authorized treatment of database searches for requested records, an appeal to the recording in the event of the detection and recording of transactions.

Note that the data input into the electronic signature database 220 may also vary widely in form and format. The physical components of electronic signature database 220 may represent one or more file storage devices which are localized on the gaming machine 202, on other gaming machines, on a dedicated electronic signature authentication server, remote servers or combinations thereof as will be shown in the examples below.

In this embodiment, the capture of electronic signatures and authentication occur in the gaming machine 202 before establishing a connection with the receiving server 222 for further processing, such as transactions for the hotel booking. To execute the transaction may require authentication, in which the player will have to enter additional information such as PIN.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the electronic database 220 is a local database of digital signatures, which enables an authentication process locally without the need to exchange data with another database, electronic signatures via the network and thus prevent occurrence of the network delay time and to avoid Treatment network. In another embodiment, if a matching electronic signature can not be performed locally at database, electronic signature 220, to exchange data with the receiving server 222 authentication software digital signature 226 may transmit the electronic signature to another database, electronic signature 224, such as a regional or global database for authentication. In some embodiments, the electronic signature may be encrypted.

3 is a block diagram illustrating components in a gaming machine with the possibility of an electronic signature in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. To provide the player to input their signature on the gaming machine 302 uses one or more signature input devices 310, which structure may include a plurality of devices previously described with regard to input devices 210 in Figure 2.

In this embodiment, the capture software of electronic signature 318 is localized on the gaming machine 302, but authentication signature takes place remotely on a dedicated server authentication signature 324. Thus, in one embodiment, in Step A capture software electronic signature 318 transmits data to the electronic signature the authentication server 324. The authentication server 324 includes the signature authentication software 326 which compares the transmitted signature data, and any other identifying data with electronic signatures stored in an electronic signature database 320 before transferring back the signature to the gaming machine 302 performed after authentication step B to communicate with the server 322 for further processing of the transaction with a signature.

This embodiment may be used to provide additional security for the localization signature authentication software 326 and electronic signature database 320, for example by means of physical or security measures, such as locks, or encryption. It should be noted that instead of the main communication card 316 for data communication may be used by other communications board (not shown), such as a specialized communication board, which may have a special encryption or appropriate protection measures.

4 is a block diagram illustrating components in a gaming machine with the possibility of an electronic signature according to a third embodiment of the present invention. To provide the player to input their signature on the gaming machine 402 uses one or more signature input devices 410, which structure may include a plurality of devices previously described with regard to input devices 210 in Figure 2.

In this embodiment, the capture software of electronic signature 418 is localized on the gaming machine 402, but the signature authentication software 426 and the database of electronic signatures 420 are located in a dedicated authentication server 324, as previously shown in Figure 3, and a central server 422 from which the further processing of the transaction with a signature. Thus, after the authentication may be performed postback signature to the gaming machine 402 for performing the subsequent calculations preceding the data exchange with the other elements on the server 422, or the direct transfer of the signature to the server 402 for processing a transaction with a signature.

5 is a block diagram illustrating components in a gaming machine with the possibility of an electronic signature according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. To provide the player to input their signature on the gaming machine 502 uses one or more signature input devices 510, which structure may include a plurality of devices previously described with regard to input devices 210 in Figure 2.

In this preferred embodiment, the capture software of electronic signature 518 is part of a software player tracking 524 on the gaming machine 502. The software of electronic signature capture 518 captures the data of an electronic signature, which is then transmitted along with other player tracking data to the server player tracking / accounting 522. In one embodiment, the player tracking server 522 includes the authentication software 526 and electronic signature database 520. Once authenticated authentication software 526 performs reverse transmission signature to the gaming machine 502 for further calculations, or could instead perform a direct transfer of the signature to the software player tracking software 528 or other elements on the player tracking server 522 for subsequent processing of the transaction with a signature.

Before the authentication of electronic signatures through software authentication of electronic signature creates a database of electronic signatures. Electronic signature database may take a variety of forms of the organization, and may comprise a variety of information corresponding to the player's signature, as described previously with reference to Figure 2.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a process for preparation of electronic signature database for use in authenticating an electronic signature according to one embodiment of the present invention. Typically, electronic signature data and associated information data type identifying information must first be entered during registration of the player at the casino, for example a bank casino, casino kiosk or office, and then uploaded to a server or gaming machine supporting the electronic signature database. In some embodiments, the entry of this information may be performed during self-registration on the gaming machine.

At the initial stage of the operation data 602 identifying a player entered in a format suitable for inclusion in the electronic signature database, such as a file or files. These data can vary widely, and include, for example, the player's name, address, telephone number, as well as his social security number or tax identification number.

In one example, a player may fill in a form that is then scanned into the electronic signature database. For example, software such as OmniPage company ScanSoft (Peabody, MA), or similar products firms Expervision (Fremont, CA) and Recognita (Budapest, Hungary) allow for the conversion of handwriting into computer text file. In another example, the form may be used Scantron firm Scantron (Tustin, California) which may then be scanned. In other examples, can be used to display a virtual keyboard with a touch screen or data can be entered on the PDA via IR or RF means.

At step 604 the player inserts his signature as the electronic signature data elements in an electronic signature database in which the electronic signature data is compared to data identifying the player. Methods for preparing the electronic signature of the data and their content may vary within wide ranges. As one example, the player can perform a handwritten signature on paper or form which is then read by electronic or scanned image database. In another example, the player can perform a handwritten signature using a stylus or the tip of your finger on the keyboard input, which thus receives the electronic signature data elements, such as the location, shape, deposition rate and / or pressure. In another example, the stylus can be used, which receives information similar to the keyboard input. In the third example, to bring the process to the application signature, as it occurs in the gaming machine, the player can perform a handwritten signature on a monitor with a touch screen or other display, similar to that used on the gaming machine. In the fourth example, the player can perform the signature on the PDA keyboard input and transmit information about the data the electronic signature in the database of electronic signatures. In the following examples to enter your signature player can use a mouse, a biometric device or a digital glove.

In some cases, an electronic signature may be handwritten, and be a "fingerprint" of the iris, fingerprint, voice sample, a thermal image or a digital image of a player that is used as an electronic signature. Note that all the above cases are only examples of characteristics available for reading players, these examples are purely illustrative and do not limit the invention.

In step 606 the signature is captured in electronic form. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic signature capture is done using software similar or compatible software capture electronic signatures used in the gaming machine.

To achieve the required level of accuracy of an electronic signature operation 604 and 606 can be repeated as many times as necessary. For example, the signature input operation can be repeated to achieve an acceptable margin of error in the electronic signature data representing the player's signature, which is stored in the electronic signature database.

In step 608, the electronic signature data, including any data such as player identification data, i.e. name, address, bank account number, etc. saved as a file and uploaded into the electronic signature database for use in authenticating an electronic signature introduced later with a gaming machine having access to a database of electronic signatures.

After creating a database of electronic signatures electronic signature may be input on a gaming machine as described in Figure 1, for authentication and used in a transaction with a signature performed by the gaming machine.

7 is a flowchart illustrating signature input, capture and authentication of an electronic signature according to one embodiment of the present invention. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is preceded by loading different hardware and software elements of the gaming machine software elements including electronic signature that are the subject of the present invention, in the initialization process and starting a gaming machine. You must also be employed in any network interfaces, and associated servers involved in the communication with the gaming machine.

At the initial stage of the operation 702, the player activates the gaming machine and its interfaces to prepare for the reception of information input by the player. This can be accomplished in various ways. For example, a player may insert a card, such as tracking card or other identification card, into the gaming machine. In other cases, the player can press the button of "game selection", "Game", "registration", "logged" or "aid". Furthermore, activation of the gaming machine may be voice. In some embodiments, the player will also enter identification information, such as some of its name, a player identification number or other basic identification information.

In step 704 after the logon user interface starts. In step 706, the player selects the application for the appointment of a transaction. For example, the player can choose one of several presented by icons such as the launch of the game or games, advance payment for car rental, buying tickets for shows in the casino, hotel reservations, reservation ticket, organization of the purchase contract for the tourist trip, order a drink, a preliminary Order lunch, filling and / or printing the electronic form W2G, the provision of credit to the casino, print receipts on payment in cash, credit card purchase, the purchase of goods, organization of electronic transfer of payment (ie on an electronic machine or from) etc. .

In some embodiments of the transaction may be incorporated by service specific transaction casino. For example, entering a particular player tracking card or identification information may provide service access to casino gaming machine data, such as number of coins inserted, number of coins paid out, number of games are started, the gaming machine configuration, jackpot history, and combinations of these data.

In some embodiments of the transaction may be included special transaction audit. For example, entering a particular player tracking card or identification information may provide a government official access to the data used in the government audit, such as data about the extent of compliance software gaming machine requirements. In some embodiments, certain input tracking card or identification information may allow access to a casino data used in the audit, such as data about the jackpot verification, gaming machine performance, gaming machine configuration, and combinations of these data.

After selecting the corresponding application is called and the player can execute a transaction. For example, if the application is an electronic transfer of payments, the player will also enter additional information on the transaction amount, etc.

In step 708, the player enters the electronically signature to the gaming machine. As previously described, the electrical input signature can be done in various ways. For example, the player can perform a hand-written signature with your finger or with a stylus on the screen display with touch screen as part of a gaming machine. This touch screen monitor can be a main game display monitor to play video games, or can be used on other touch-screen gaming machine, such as a touch screen player tracking module.

In another example, the player can enter their e-signature using a finger or stylus, the keyboard input type pen tablet. In another example, the player can enter an electronic signature on the display screen as part of the upper attachment, intended, for example, to play and player tracking information input. In another example, the player may enter the port signature on the gaming machine with a handheld device such as a personal digital assistant (PDAs), using for performing handwritten signature, such as the tip of his finger or a stylus. In this case, the player has to connect your PDA to a gaming machine, enter the signature on the signature of the PDA and transfer to the gaming machine, for example, via cable or by using waveform data, such as infrared (IR). In another example, the player can perform a handwritten signature on the form and enter the form in the scanner or connect to a gaming machine for scanning signatures. In other embodiments, a signature may be entered using a stylus or biometric device, recording the physical parameters, such as a fingerprint capture device or devices scan the iris. In some embodiments, instead of a handwritten signature can be the "fingerprints" of the iris, voice samples, heat rays, fingerprints and digital images (ie, obtained with a digital camera).

In step 710, the data elements of electronic signature capture software captured by an electronic signature. In some embodiments, the elements of an electronic signature may be temporarily stored by the software capture electronic signatures and encrypted for transmission.

In step 712 the data are sent to the electronic signature authentication software electronic signature. In some embodiments, the signature authentication software can be localized with the software capturing electronic signatures on a gaming machine, but in other embodiments it may be localized separately.

In step 714, the signature authentication software determines matching data input electronic signature boundaries authentication parameters stored in the electronic signature database. Authentication Settings signature authentication software may vary widely depending on the requirements for signature authentication, is presented in accordance with the law and / or in accordance with the action, including transactions with the electronic signature in a separate judicial district or a separate casino. For example, it introduced an electronic signature can be subjected to comparison with electronic signatures in the database of electronic signatures using the methods of matching or pattern recognition. May be used and other methods in the process of comparison or comparisons may be used such data corresponding to the electronic signature as the deposition rate, direction and pressure signatures. When implementing still other methods of comparison could be used other informative data identifying the player and the input electronic signature data. Software signature authentication can also perform other functions, such as recording transactions and maintaining statistics of the authentication process.

As previously described with reference to Figure 2, an electronic signature is introduced first may be subjected to compared with a local electronic signature database, and then in the complete absence of approval - compared to other electronic signature database, such as a regional or global database.

If the authenticity of the signature input can not be set, then in step 716, the electronic signature is rejected. In step 718 in the case of confirmation of the authenticity of signatures being received electronic signature. In step 720 the signature authentication software generates the resulting notification message is directed to step 722 to the gaming machine. In some embodiments, this notification may be sent along with other information from the player tracking server to the player tracking software to provide a gaming machine. For example, if the "player" that introduces signature was the manager of a lower level or a repair technician, the notification message may contain information provided by changing the display of the gaming machine, in which the display shows a specific screen and / or certain information, such as summary statement of receipts held games or maintenance mode gaming machine.

In step 724 the resulting notification may be displayed on the gaming machine and presented to the player. For example, it may be displayed on a default display, on the display input signature or display player tracking information.

In step 726, the gaming machine determines whether the resulting notification indicates that the transaction with the electronic signature was invalid. This determination is made with the master gaming controller configuration, the participation of the game software or the participation player tracking software. If the electronic signature transaction is invalid, then in step 730 a sequence of operations on the gaming machine ends. If a transaction with an electronic signature has been invalidated, ie valid, then in step 728, the gaming machine starts a game. In some cases, as described previously, before the game or before completion of the transaction with an electronic signature player must enter additional information such as the PIN for the transaction with a signature.

As shown in the above description and illustrated in the figures, the present invention allows the electronic signature input at the gaming machine including electronic signature capture and authentication. The present invention provides the player with the ability to perform transactions with the signature on the gaming machine, thus reducing the impact of factors that violate the pace of the game, the player, as well as reduce its dependence on the choice of gaming machines and gives him comfort in the casino.

The foregoing has been a fairly detailed description of the present invention, the purpose of which was to clarify the essence of the invention. However, it is obvious that within the scope of the appended claims, it can be made certain changes and additions. For example, despite the fact that the gaming machine being the subject of this invention was provided with a top attachment is installed on the upper surface of the main body of the gaming machine, the use of gaming devices in accordance with this invention is not limited to this attachment. For example, the gaming machine may be performed without the top consoles, or may have an additional set-top box, or attached devices, or take the form of add-ons to the bar, desktop consoles or other structures. Further, the location of the signature input devices on the gaming machine may vary widely in different embodiments. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the examples shown. In addition, the gaming machine may operate as a stand alone gaming device or networked with other gaming devices including other servers or gaming devices, with communication via the Internet or other wired and wireless systems.