WO2008016952A2

WO2008016952A2 - Smart card with display for use in a gaming environment

Info

Publication number: WO2008016952A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/074905
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eric Meyerhofer; Elizabeth Vicens
Original assignee: FutureLogic Inc
Current assignee: FutureLogic Inc
Priority date: 2006-07-31
Filing date: 2007-07-31
Publication date: 2008-02-07
Anticipated expiration: 2009-01-31
Also published as: WO2008016952A3

Abstract

A smart card with display, encoding device/card reader, and host controller for use in a gaming environment. The smart card with display may include the visual device by which a patron or other may identify some or all the contents of the card such as the amount of gaming credits and/or promotions. The card may be used for the issuance and redemption of gaming credits and/or promotions given to a patron where an encoding device/card reader may read, write and/or encode data to the smart card. One or a plurality of encoding devices/card readers may be coupled to a host controller where the host controller may signal an encoding device/card reader to dispense or redeem said cards. The host controller may include a networked game host controller, a player tracking system, and/or a promotional system used to issue, redeem, and/or track promotions given to a patron.

Description

SMART CARD WITH DISPLAY FOR USE IN A GAMING ENVIRONMENT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

60/820,935, filed July 31, 2006, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully stated herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to smart cards used in gaming environments and more particularly to smart cards having visual displays.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Currently paper vouchers, smart cards, and/or rewritable cards are used in gaming for issuing credits and/or promotions to patrons as well as tracking players and player activity.

DEFINITIONS

[0004] For the purposes of this document the following definitions apply:

[0005] "Gaming Establishment" - a gaming entity such as a casino.

[0006] "Games" - electronic gaming machines such as a slot machines or gaming tables such as poker tables which contain devices to collect and dispense credits.

[0007] "Smart Card" - media for reading and encoding such as media with a magnetic strip, media containing Radio Frequency active, passive, or both elements, RF fiber media, media with an LCD display, media with Electrophoretic Display, media with an integrated circuit (IC), or a combination of any or all of these.

[0008] "Card Magazine" - a component or module of an encoding device/card reader which is used to store smart cards and provide the smart cards to the encoding module on command from the encoding device/card reader controller. [0009] "Host System" - any collection of components that work together to perform a task such as a gaming system used with the slot machines or other games in a casino. Other examples include a computer network, a server or multiple servers, a computer connected to a network, a stand alone computer, a handheld device, or a wireless device used for application and data storage, data processing, and file transfers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In one aspect of the invention, a smart card with display, encoding device/card reader, and host controller for use in a gaming environment. The smart card with display may be used for the issuance and redemption of gaming credits and/or the issuance and redemption of promotions given to a patron where an encoding device/card reader may read, write and/or encode data to the smart card. One or a plurality of encoding devices/card readers may be coupled to a host controller where the host controller may signal an encoding device/card reader to dispense or redeem said cards. The host controller may include a networked game host controller, a player tracking system, and/or a promotional system used to issue, redeem, and/or track promotions given to a patron, among other systems in use in a gaming environment.

[0011] In another aspect of the invention, a smart card with display may include a display, an interface, and a power source.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, the power source of a smart card with display may be internal or external to said card.

[0013] In another aspect of the invention, a smart card with display may include a processor coupled to the display.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, a smart card with display may include an RFID chip embedded into said card where data may be written or encoded to and read from said RFID chip.

[0015] In another aspect of the invention, a smart card with display may include a magnetic strip, where data may be written or encoded to and read from said magnetic strip.

[0016] In another aspect of the invention, a smart card with display may contain data written or encoded to said card, such data of said card may be visible in a human readable format, said visible data may include gaming credits, promotional information, and/or player information such as player name or player LD. , among others.

[0017] In another aspect of the invention, the data of a smart card with display may include gaming credits, promotional information such as promotional credits, available promotions, and each promotion redeemed by the patron, and/or player information such as that used for player tracking in a gaming environment, among others.

[0018] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may include an encoding module, a card storage module, or a combination of such.

[0019] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may read, write, or encode data to a smart card with display, the data being gaming credits, promotional data, patron information, player tracking information, a combination of any, or a combination of all.

[0020] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may include an interface with the RFID chip of a smart card with display to read, write, and/or encode data to said chip.

[0021] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader interfaces with the magnetic strip of a smart card with display to read, write, and/or encode data to said magnetic strip.

[0022] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may be coupled to a game, the encoding device/card reader accepts a smart card with display containing gaming credit.

[0023] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader coupled to a game rejects a smart card with display should said card not contain gaming credit or said card contain insufficient gaming credit.

[0024] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may be coupled to a game, the encoding device/card reader signals a host controller as to the amount of gaming credits of a smart card with display.

[0025] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader coupled to a game holds one or a plurality of smart cards with display in storage until a cashout signal is received, after which the data of a smart card with display may be updated prior to the card being dispensed from the encoding device/card reader.

[0026] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may be coupled to a promotional system, the encoding device/card reader accepts a smart card with display containing promotional credit or data.

[0027] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may be coupled to a promotional system, the encoding device/card reader rejects a smart card with display should said card not contain promotional credit or data, or contain expired or invalid promotional credit or data.

[0028] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may be coupled to a promotional system, the encoding device/card reader signals the host controller of the promotional system as to the amount of available promotional credit of a smart card with display.

[0029] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may be coupled to a promotional system, the encoding device/card reader holds one or a plurality of smart cards with display in storage until a signal is received from the host controller of the promotional system, after which the promotional data of a smart card with display may be updated prior to the card being dispensed from the encoding device/card reader.

[0030] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may be coupled to a point-of-sale system associated with a gaming establishment, said point-of-sale system being a restaurant or retail shop, among others.

[0031] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may be coupled to a point-of-sale system, the encoding device/card reader accepts a smart card with display containing promotional credit or data.

[0032] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may be coupled to a point-of-sale system, the encoding device/card reader rejects a smart card with display should said card not contain promotional credit or data, or contain expired or invalid promotional credit or data. [0033] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may be coupled to a point-of-sale system, the encoding device/card reader signals the host controller of the point-of- sale system as to the amount of available promotional credit of a smart card with display.

[0034] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may be coupled to a point-of-sale system, the encoding device/card reader holds one or a plurality of smart cards with display in storage until a signal is received from the host controller of the point-of-sale system, after which the promotional data of a smart card with display may be updated prior to the card being dispensed from the encoding device/card reader.

[0035] In another aspect of the invention, the promotional system and point-of-sale system may be one or the same system.

[0036] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may be coupled to a player tracking system, the encoding device/card reader accepts a smart card with display containing player tracking information.

[0037] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may be coupled to a player tracking system, the encoding device/card reader rejects a smart card with display should said card not contain player tracking information or said card contain expired or invalid player tracking data.

[0038] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may be coupled to a player tracking system, the encoding device/card reader signals the host controller of the player tracking system as to player tracking data of a smart card with display.

[0039] In another aspect of the invention, an encoding device/card reader may be coupled to a player tracking system, the encoding device/card reader holds one or a plurality of smart cards with display in storage until a signal is received from the host controller of a player tracking system, after which the player tracking data of a smart card with display may be updated prior to the card being dispensed from the encoding device/card reader.

[0040] In another aspect of the invention, the promotional system and player tracking system may be one or the same system. [0041] In another aspect of the invention, a host controller coupled to one or a plurality of games, each game coupled to an encoding device/card reader, the host issues credits on the smart card with display upon receiving a cashout signal from a game.

[0042] In another aspect of the invention, a host controller coupled to one or a plurality of games, each game coupled to an encoding device/card reader, the host controller signaling the encoding device/card reader.

[0043] In another aspect of the invention, a host controller coupled to a promotional system used to issue and/or tracking promotions, the promotional system coupled to one or a plurality of encoding devices/card readers, the host controller signaling each encoding device/card reader.

[0044] In another aspect of the invention, a host controller coupled to a player tracking system, the player tracking system coupled to one or a plurality of encoding devices/card readers, the host controller signaling each encoding device/card reader.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings where:

[0046] FIG. Ia is an example of a voucher used in a gaming environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. Ib is an example of one side of a voucher in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] FIG. Ic is an example of one side of a voucher having static memory in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 2a is an illustration of one side of a smart card with display in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 2b is another illustration of one side of a smart card with display in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [0051] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an encoding device/card reader in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 4 is a diagram of various host systems within a gaming environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cashless gaming machine and system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a smart card with display used in a promotional system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a smart card with display used in a point-of-sale system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0056] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a smart card with display used in a player tracking system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The present invention is an improvement to existing paper voucher and smart card systems wherein a smart card having a display provides a visual device to patrons and other persons on credit and or promotions available on a smart card as well as data to a casino such as player tracking.

[0058] The invention provides an alternative to existing paper vouchers, smart cards without visual displays, and rewritable cards. The invention uses one card to replace the use of separate cards for player tracking, separate card or voucher for cashout, and/or promotional card or voucher. This invention may also replace a printer in cashless enabled game with an encoding device/card reader.

[0059] In one embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention, the system includes a smart card with display, encoding device/card reader, and host controller for use in a gaming environment. The smart card with display may include the visual device by which a patron or other person may identify some or all the contents of the smart card such as the amount of gaming credits and/or promotions. The smart card with display may be used for the issuance and redemption of gaming credits and/or the issuance and redemption of promotions given to a patron where an encoding device/card reader may read, write and/or encode data to the smart card. One or a plurality of encoding devices/card readers may be coupled to a host controller where the host controller may signal an encoding device/card reader to dispense or redeem said cards. The host controller may include a networked game host controller, a player tracking system, and/or a promotional system used to issue, redeem, and/or track promotions given to a patron.

[0060] FIG. Ia is an example of a voucher used in a gaming environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The voucher shown is produced from commands issued by the cashless enabled game to the gaming printer in response to a player's request to cash-out. The voucher includes features such as a validation number, printed in both a human readable form such as a character string and in a machine-readable form such as a bar code, time and date stamps, cash-out amount, casino location information, cashless enabled game identifier, and an indication of an expiration date.

[0061] FIG. Ib is an example of one side of a voucher in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The voucher may also include a read/write magnetic strip for encoding of any of the information described in FIG. Ia, among others.

[0062] In addition, the magnetic strip may be used to transmit information to and from the encoding device/car reader. For example, the magnetic strip may encode instructions such as configuration flags or programming instructions used to reconfigure or reprogram the encoding device/card reader.

[0063] FIG. Ic is an example of another side of a voucher having static memory in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The voucher may also include a static memory such as an RFID chip or tag which is embedded in the voucher so that the voucher can be used as a "smart" card for writing and/or encoding of any of the information described in FIG. Ia, among others.

[0064] In addition, the static memory may be used to transmit information to the encoding device/card reader. For example, the static memory may encode instructions such as configuration flags or programming instructions used to reconfigure or reprogram the encoding device/card reader. [0065] FIG. 2a is an illustration of one side of a smart card with display in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Shown in the display of the smart card with display is a balance amount in U.S. dollars. This amount may, for example, represent the equivalent of the amount of gaming credits available to the player.

[0067] The smart card with display may include the data previously disclosed in FIG. Ia. Additionally, the card may include promotional data such as type of promotion, promotional credits available, and promotion expiration, among others. The card may also include player information such as player name or player LD. , among others.

[0068] The smart card with display may also include a magnetic strip as illustrated in FIG. Ib. In an embodiment, the display of the smart card with display is situated on one side of the card while the magnetic strip is situated on the opposite or other side.

[0069] The smart card with display may also include static memory such as an RFID chip as illustrated in FIG. Ic. In an exemplary embodiment, the amount shown in the display is the same amount written and/or encoded to the magnetic strip or RFID chip of a smart card with display by an encoding device/card reader as later disclosed in FIG. 3. Each time an encoding device/card reader writes or encodes data on the card, the display of the card may update to reflect the new amount. This amount may be in any currency, such as U.S. dollars, Euro, etc.

[0070] The smart card with display may include a display, an interface, and a power source. The power source may be internal to the card such as an embedded battery or external to the card such as powered by the encoding device/card reader. The smart card with display may also include a processor coupled to the display.

[0071] The display of the smart card with display provides visual device by which data written or encoded to the card either on a magnetic strip, RFID chip, or a combination of both is in a human readable format. The visible data may include gaming credits as illustrated, promotional information such as promotional credits, and/or player information such as player name or player I. D., among others.

[0072] FIG. 2b is another illustration of one side of a smart card with display in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0073] This illustration includes all previously disclosed in FIG. 2a. Additionally, the display of the smart card with display includes an amount representing the promotional credits available to the player. In a variation, the display of the smart card with display may also shown player tracking information, such as the player name, among others.

[0074] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an encoding device/card reader in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. An encoding device/card reader may include a controller, an encoding module, and one or more card magazines.

[0075] The encoding module includes a card drive that moves smart cards with display through the encoding module. The card drive is reversible such that a card may be fed through the encoding module in more than one direction by the card drive. The card drive includes a card motion sensor for sensing card movement within the card drive. A more detailed discussion of printer media motion detection within a printer is presented in U.S. Patent Application entitled "PAPER MOTION DETECTOR IN A GAMING MACHINE", United States Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0033261, filed August 12, 2003, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference as if stated herein in full. The card drive may further include an embossing detector that may be used to sense when an embossed item, such as a conventional credit card, is inserted into the encoding module. The embossing detector may be a mechanical device, such as a limit switch, that contacts an inserted card and detects any embossing. If an embossed card is inserted into the encoding device/card reader, the encoding device/card reader may not attempt to write to the card, only read the card.

[0076] The encoding module may further include a security feature reading device for reading any security features included in the card. The encoding module may further include a RFID read/write head for reading, writing, and/or encoding data to an RFID chip or tag of a smart card with display. The encoding module may further include a magnetic strip read/write head used to read, write, and/or encode to and from a magnetic strip of a smart card with display. The encoding module may be removably and electronically coupled to the controller and removably and mechanically coupled to the card magazine.

[0077] In operation, the encoding module receives control signals from the controller. In response to the control signals, the encoding module may scan the smart cards with display for the presence and value of any security feature in the card. As the encoding module scans the smart card with display, the security feature reading device generates a previously described security signature signal that may be transmitted to the controller. The encoding module may also receive a smart card with display from a player and transmit a card detection signal to the controller.

[0078] The encoding module may also include a static memory read/write connector for coupling to a smart card having a readable/writable static memory. The controller transmits static memory write signals and receives static memory read signals to and from the static memory read/write head.

[0079] The one or more independently controlled card magazines store the smart cards with display and provide the cards to the encoding module on command from the controller. Each card magazine may include one or more magazine card drives for moving cards into and out of the magazine. Each card magazine also includes a card storage area for storage of smart cards. In operation, the card magazine receives card magazine control signals from the controller. In response to the control signals, the card magazine feeds the smart cards with display to the encoding module from the card storage area using a magazine card drive. In response to the card magazine control signals, the card magazine may also receive smart cards with display from the encoding module and store the cards in the card storage area. The card magazine may also include one or more card sensors used to detect the number of cards stored in the card storage area. The card sensors sense the quantity of cards stored in the card storage area and transmit card count signals to the controller for further processing. The card magazine may also include a read/write static memory for semi-permanent storage of card information about cards stored in the card magazine.

[0080] The controller includes a processor coupled to a main memory by a system bus. The controller also includes a storage memory coupled to the processor by the bus. The storage memory stores programming instructions, executable by the processor to implement the features of an encoding device/card reader. The storage memory also includes encoding and card information stored and used by the processor. The encoding and card information includes information received by the controller about the status of the encoding module and card magazine and also about the status and identity of any cards stored in the card magazines or being operated on by the encoding module. The types of status information may include the current status, such as millimeters of advancement, of a card currently in the encoding module.

[0081] The controller also includes an Input/Output (I/O) device coupled to the processor by the system bus. The I/O device is used by the controller to transmit control signals to the encoding module and the card magazine. The I/O device may also be used by the controller to receive security feature and status signals from the encoding module and card magazine.

[0082] One or more communications devices may be coupled to the system bus for use by the controller to communicate with a cashless gaming system host or a game controller (both of FIG. 4). The controller uses the communication devices to receive commands, program instructions, and card information from the external devices. In addition, the controller may use the communication devices to transmit encoding device/card reader status information to the external devices. Other communication devices may also be used by the controller to couple in a secure fashion over a local area network for administrative or other purposes.

[0083] Additional communication devices and channels may be provided for communication with other peripheral devices as needed. For example, one communication device may be provided with a local communications port, accessible from an exterior of a gaming machine hosting the encoding device/card reader that a technician may use to communicate with the controller during servicing using an external controller. The external controller may communicate with the controller using an infrared link, other short-range wireless communication link, are a hard link with an external connector in a secure manner.

[0084] The processor may be further coupled to an encryption/decryption module that may be used to encrypt and decrypt messages encoded using an encryption standard. This enables the controller to engage in secure transactions with external devices. The processor may access the display device either as a component through the bus as shown or as an external device through a communications device using a high level communications protocol. In addition, the controller may also include program instructions to perform encryption/decryption services as well.

[0085] The processor may be further coupled to a display device that may be used to display printer status information or smart card with display information. For example, the display may used to display an "as-scanned" version of the most recently printed and scanned card. The processor may access the display device either as a component through the I/O device or as an external device through a communications device.

[0086] In operation, the processor loads the programming instructions into the main memory and executes the programming instructions to implement the features of an encoding device/card reader as described herein.

[0087] As illustrated, the controller is shown as being electronically coupled to the encoding module and card magazine without any mechanically coupling. The controller may be mounted in a variety of ways and may be incorporated into various components of either the encoding device/card reader or the game hosting the encoding device/card reader. For example, the controller may be attached to and supported by the encoding module, the card magazine, or the host game as may be required to mechanically integrate the encoding device/card reader into the host game.

[0088] The foregoing description of the controller is provided by way of example and not of limitation, it being understood that a controller could be implemented in a variety of ways without deviating from the spirit of the invention. For example, logic modules could be constructed from hardware such as hardwired circuits within the controller. Alternatively, logic modules could be implemented in the form of software, such as computer-executable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, and the controller could be a programmable controller with a processor and memory. Finally, the controller could also be constructed from a combination of hardware and software components.

[0089] FIG. 4 is a diagram of various host systems within a gaming environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Illustrated is a plurality of host systems which may in use in a gaming environment. These systems include a gaming host system, a promotional host system, a point-of-sale (POS) system, a player tracking system (PTS), and other host systems such as an accounting system. Each host system includes a host controller.

[0091] The gaming host system may be coupled to a plurality of games as later illustrated in FIG.5. The gaming host system controls the games. Each game is coupled to an encoding device/card reader. [0092] The host controller may be used to signal the games to issue and redeem gaming credits on a smart card with display using an encoding device/card reader. The host controller may also place credits on the smart card with display at the time a player cashes out. Additionally, the host controller in a gaming host system may signal an encoding device/card reader to perform any or all of the following, among others:

(a) retain one or a plurality of smart cards with display,

(b) stack one or a plurality of smart cards with display,

(c) hold one or a plurality of smart cards with display in storage until a cashout signal is received, after which the data of a smart card with display may be updated prior to the card being dispensed from the encoding device/card reader,

(d) accept a smart card with display which includes sufficient gaming credits,

(e) reject a smart card with display if the card does not contain gaming credit or contains insufficient gaming credits,

(f) redeem a smart card with display,

(g) encode a smart card with display with gaming credits,

(h) encode a smart card with display with promotional credits and/or other promotional data,

(i) adjust the amount of gaming credits on a smart card with display,

(j) adjust the amount of promotional credits on a smart card with display,

(k) update the display of a smart card with display to show available gaming credits, if any,

(1) update the display of the smart card with display to show available promotional credits, if any,

(m) dispense a smart card with display, and

(n) return the smart card with display to a player. [0093] Additionally, the encoding device/card reader may signal a host controller as to the amount of gaming credits and/or promotional credits on a smart card with display.

[0094] The promotional host system may be coupled to a plurality of games and/or one or a plurality of encoding devices/card readers. The promotional host system controls the promotions issued in a gaming environment. These promotions may include a promotion for gaming credits, a free or discounted meal, a point-of-sale purchase promotion such as a discount, and lodging discounts, among others. The promotional host system also may be used for the issuance and redemption of promotions on a smart card with display using an encoding device/card reader and the tracking of promotions.

[0095] The host controller of the promotional host system may signal an encoding device/card reader to perform any or all of the following, among others:

(a) retain one or a plurality of smart cards with display,

(b) stack one or a plurality of smart cards with display,

(c) hold one or a plurality of smart cards with display in storage until a signal is received, after which the data of a smart card with display may be updated prior to the card being dispensed from the encoding device/card reader,

(d) accept a smart card with display which includes sufficient promotional credit, data or amounts,

(e) accept a smart card with display for the issuance of one or a plurality of promotions,

(f) accept a smart card with display for the redemption of one or a plurality of promotions,

(g) reject a smart card with display if the card does not contain promotional credit, data, or amounts or contains insufficient promotional credit, data, or amounts,

(h) redeem a smart card with display,

(i) encode a smart card with display with promotional credits and/or other promotional data,

(]) adjust the amount of promotional credits on a smart card with display,

(k) update the display of a smart card with display to show available promotional credits, the promotional credits may include gaming credits,

(1) dispense a smart card with display, and

(m) return the smart card with display to a player. [0096] The point-of-sale (POS) system may include systems in use at a restaurant or retail shop, among others. The POS may be coupled to one or a plurality of encoding devices/card readers. The POS controls the purchases of a POS including sales, returns, etc. The POS also may be used for the issuance and redemption of promotions related to the POS on a smart card with display using an encoding device/card reader and tracking of such promotions.

[0097] The host controller of the POS may signal an encoding device/card reader to perform any or all of the functions previously listed for a promotional host system. [0098] The player tracking system (PTS) may be coupled to one or a plurality of encoding devices/card readers. The PTS controls the tracking of a player's activity in a gaming environment. The PTS also may be used for the issuance and redemption of player tracking cards using an encoding device/card reader.

[0099] The host controller of the PTS may signal an encoding device/card reader to perform any or all of the following, among others:

(a) retain one or a plurality of smart cards with display;

(b) stack one or a plurality of smart cards with display,

(d) accept a smart card with display,

(e) reject a smart card with display,

(f) redeem a smart card with display,

(g) encode a smart card with display with player information such as player name, a unique identification for the player, address, city, state, and ZIP code, among others,

(h) adjust any player information on a smart card with display,

(i) update the display of a smart card with display to show player information such as player name,

(j) dispense a smart card with display, and

(k) return a smart card with display to a player.

[00100] The other host systems may include other systems in use in a gaming environment. For example, an accounting system controls the financial transactions. Another example includes a lodging system that controls the check-in or check-out of a patron. In an embodiment, these other host systems may be used for the issuance and redemption of promotions on a smart card with display using an encoding device/card reader.

[00101] The host controller of each other host system may be used to signal an encoding device/card reader to issue and/or redeem promotions on a smart card with display. Additionally, the host controller of the other host system may signal an encoding device/card reader to perform any or functions previously described for a gaming host system, a promotional host system, a POS system, and/or a PTS.

[00102] Each host system may be coupled to other host systems. Each host system communicates with any or all the other systems for data exchange or signaling, among others. For example, a data request may be signaled from a gaming host system to a promotional host system to verify an amount of promotional credits. In another example, the POS may signal the PTS to verify player information during the redemption of a promotion related to that POS.

[00103] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a cashless gaming machine and system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A cashless gaming system includes a gaming system controller hosted by a gaming host system coupled to one or more games such as cashless enabled games and/or gaming tables. The gaming system controller may issue credits on the smart card with display upon receiving a cashout signal from the game. A cashless enabled game includes a game controller that controls the operation of the cashless enabled game. The game controller is coupled to an encoding device/card reader. The cashless enabled game uses the encoding device/card reader to read, write, and/or encode media such as smart card with display. The encoding device/card reader includes media identification and encoding algorithms used in conjunction with the smart card with display. The smart card with display includes the cash-out information for a player.

[00104] The encoding device/card reader may also be coupled to the gaming host system and gaming system controller where the gaming system controller may signal the encoding device/card reader. The smart card with display may be redeemed in a variety of ways. The smart card with display may be redeemed by a human cashier or encoding device/card reader at a game table, or a human cashier or encoding device/card reader at a cashier's cage or kiosk, or by an encoding device/card reader at another cashless enabled game. Redemption may only be possible after the smart card with display passes a verification of account information and validation using security features included in the smart card with display.

[00105] Additionally, the gaming host system may be coupled to other host systems and performing functions such as those previously described in FIG. 4.

[00106] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a smart card with display used in a promotional system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [00107] The promotional system as shown may essentially be a server with the responsibility of directing the promotional activity of an encoding device/card reader installed in a game. The promotional system includes a promotional controller hosted by the promotional system coupled to one or more games. The promotional controller may issue credits on the smart card with display upon receiving a cashout signal from the game. The promotional system includes the necessary data, algorithms, and trigger metrics for the issuance, redemption, and tracking of promotions.

[00108] Each game may include a slot machine interface board coupled to a game controller, and encoding device/card reader coupled to a game control and the promotional system, among other components not shown.

[00109] In an exemplary implementation, each encoding device/card reader has three ports or channels; a primary port connects the unit to the game controller in which it is installed for cashout or gaming credits, a second auxiliary port for connection to the promotional system for promotions or a player tracking system for player information, and a third auxiliary port for the real-time monitoring of the encoding device/card reader activities.

[00110] In this embodiment, data from the promotional system is transferred to and from one or a plurality of encoding devices/card readers coupled to a game. Each encoding device/card reader may also include the necessary algorithms to process information and/or triggers received from a promotional system. If the information and/or triggers are met, an encoding device/card reader may obtain from the promotional system the promotion or promotions. The encoding device/card reader may also obtain permission from the promotional system to write and/or encode each available promotion to the smart card with display.

[00111] A variation to this model would be a promotional system coupled to one or a plurality of encoding devices/card readers for use outside one or more games. In this variation, the promotional system may signal an encoding device/card reader with the information and triggers necessary for the encoding device/card reader to write and/or encode each available promotion to the smart card with display.

[00112] Additionally, the promotional system may be coupled to other host systems and performing functions such as those previously described in FIG. 4. [00113] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a smart card with display used in a point-of-sale system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[00114] The point-of-sale system is responsible for the purchase activities in a location such as a restaurant or retail shop. The point-of-sale system may include the necessary data and algorithms for the issuance, redemption, and tracking of promotions related to the point-of-sale system. Alternately, the point-of-sale system may signal a promotional system for such data.

[00115] Among other components not shown, the point-of-sale system may be coupled to a host controller and one or a plurality of encoding devices/card readers. The host controller issues credits on the smart card with display.

[00116] In this embodiment, data from the point-of-sale system is transferred to and from one or a plurality of encoding devices/card readers. Each encoding device/card reader may also include the necessary algorithms to process information and/or triggers received from a point-of- sale system. If the information and/or triggers are met, an encoding device/card reader may obtain from the point-of-sale system the promotion or promotions. The encoding device/card reader may also obtain permission from the point-of-sale system to write and/or encode each available promotion to the smart card with display.

[00117] When a promotion is redeemed, the point-of-sale system may signal an encoding device/card reader to update the smart card with display.

[00118] Additionally, the point-of-sale system may be coupled to other host systems and performing functions such as those previously described in FIG. 4.

[00119] In one variation, the point-of-sale system and the promotional system previously disclosed may be the same system.

[00120] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a smart card with display used in a player tracking system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[00121] The player tracking system is responsible for the tracking the activities of a player in a gaming environment. The player tracking system may include the necessary data and algorithms for the issuance, redemption, and tracking of data related to a player. [00122] The player tracking system may be coupled to a host controller and one or a plurality of encoding devices/card readers, among other components not shown. The host controller issues credits on the smart card with display.

[00123] In this embodiment, data from the player tracking system is transferred to and from one or a plurality of encoding devices/card readers. Each encoding device/card reader may also include the necessary algorithms to process information received from a player tracking system. If the information and/or conditions are met, an encoding device/card reader may obtain from the player tracking system the player information to write and/or encode to the smart card with display.

[00124] Additionally, the player tracking system may be coupled to other host systems and performing functions such as those previously described in FIG. 4.

[00125] In one variation, the player tracking system and the promotional system previously disclosed may be the same system.

[00126] In another variation, the player tracking system and the point-of-sale system and promotional system previously disclosed may be the same system.

[00127] Although this invention has been described in certain specific embodiments, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. Thus, the present embodiments of the invention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A smart card used in a gaming environment, comprising: a read/write memory for storing gaming credits; and a display for displaying the value of the gaming credits.

2. The smart card of Claim 1, wherein the memory is used to store promotion credits given to a patron and the display displays the promotion credits.

3. The smart card of Claim 1, wherein the display includes: a visual display; an interface; and a power source.

4. The smart card of Claim 1, further comprising an RFID chip embedded into said card wherein the gaming credits are written or encoded to and read from said RFID chip.

5. The smart card of Claim 1, further comprising a magnetic strip, where the gaming credits are written or encoded to and read from said magnetic strip.

6. The smart card of Claim 1, wherein player information is stored in the memory and displayed on the display.

7. An encoding device/card reader for a smart card having a display, comprising: a controller; an encoding module coupled to the controller; and a card storage magazine coupled to the controller, the card magazine for storing the smart card and for feeding and receiving the smart card to and from the encoding module.

8. The encoding device/card reader of Claim 7, further comprising an interface with an RFID chip of the smart card with display.

9. The encoding device/card reader of Claim 7, further comprising an interface for reading and writing a magnetic strip of the smart card with display.

10. The encoding device/card reader of Claim 7, further comprising: a primary port for connecting the encoding device/card reader to a game controller in which the encoding device/card reader is installed for receiving cash-out or gaming credits; a second auxiliary port for connection to a promotional system for promotions or a player tracking system for receiving player information; and a third auxiliary port for the real-time monitoring of the encoding device/card reader activities.

11. The encoding device/card reader of Claim 7, wherein the encoding device/card reader is coupled to a gaming machine and the card storage magazine holds one or more smart cards with display in storage until a cashout signal is received from the gaming machine, after which data stored in the smart card with display is updated prior to the card being dispensed from the encoding device/card reader.

12. The encoding device/card reader of Claim 7, wherein the encoding device/card reader is coupled to a promotional system, the encoding device/card reader accepting the smart card with display containing promotional credit or data.

13. The encoding device/card reader of Claim 7, wherein the encoding device/card reader is coupled to a promotional system, the encoding device/card reader rejecting the smart card with display should said smart card with display not contain promotional credit or data, or contain expired or invalid promotional credit or data.

14. The encoding device/card reader of Claim 7, wherein the encoding device/card reader is coupled to a promotional system, the encoding device/card reader signaling the promotional system as to an amount of available promotional credit of a smart card with display.

15. The encoding device/card reader of Claim 7, wherein the encoding device/card reader is coupled to a promotional system, the encoding device/card reader holds one or more smart cards with display in storage until a signal is received from the promotional system, after which the promotional data of a smart card with display is updated prior to the card being dispensed from the encoding device/card reader.

16. The encoding device/card reader of Claim 7, wherein the encoding device/card reader is coupled to a point-of-sale system associated with a gaming establishment.

17. A gaming environment, comprising: at least one smart card having a memory and display, the memory for storing gaming credits and the display for displaying the gaming credits; a gaming host system coupled to at least one gaming machine having an encoding device/card reader for reading and writing the gaming credits stored in the memory of the smart card.

18. The gaming environment of Claim 17, further comprising a promotional host system coupled to the gaming host system and the device/card reader

19. The gaming environment of Claim 17, further comprising a player tracking host system coupled to the gaming system host and the device/card reader.