text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Nov 15, 2005
|Filing date
|Sep 24, 2003
|Priority date
|Sep 24, 2003
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Terry Joseph Hendricks, Thomas Thoensen
|Original Assignee
|Midwest Research Institute
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (15), Non-Patent Citations (1), Referenced by (9), Classifications (6), Legal Events (5)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
The United States Government has rights to this invention pursuant to Contract No. DE-AC36-99GO-10337 between the United States Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a Division of the Midwest Research Institute.
The application relates generally to a cooling system for a vehicle and more particularly to a cooling system for passively transferring thermal energy from an overheated instrument panel within the vehicle to an external portion of the vehicle.
Numerous components within a vehicle, i.e., instrument panel, seats, arm rests, etc, absorb a significant amount of solar energy. The most prevalent of these components in this respect is the instrument panel, i.e., IP or dash board, which typically contains an outer layer of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or like material, having a high energy absorption coefficient and a low thermal conductivity rate. As such, an instrument panel exposed to solar energy, even over a short period of time, may reach temperatures in the 70� C. to 90� C. range during temperate days, especially in areas of high solar intensity, for example in the Southern and Southwestern parts of the United States, in dessert climates like the Middle East and in tropical climates like Brazil.
Thermal absorption by the instrument panel raises several design issues or problems within the vehicle. First of all, the absorbed solar heat puts severe thermal requirements on the material used to make the instrument panel, for example, extreme heat and daily thermal cycling may result in the drying and cracking of the instrument panel and in the fading of the instrument panel color. Damage to the instrument panel requires additional material costs with regard to design and replacement considerations. Second, heat sensitive electronic equipment positioned adjacent to and within the instrument panel may be damaged by the extreme heat and thermal cycling of the instrument panel material, resulting in additional electronics costs with regard to design and replacement considerations. Third, heating of the instrument panel generally results in some level of volatile organic compound release into the vehicle cabin (often associated with an unpleasant smell and in some cases discomfort and nausea). Fourth, release of the absorbed heat from the overheated instrument panel often results in a degrading of the passenger's thermal comfort, especially since the heat often radiates directly at and into the passengers upper body and head. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, thermal absorption puts a significant load on the vehicle's air conditioning system. Studies suggest that an air conditioner compressor, in a temperate part of the United States, must overcome an average of 500 watts of energy to accommodate the heat release from an overheated instrument panel. This increased consumption of energy requires a corresponding increase in fuel consumption by the vehicle and comes with a concomitant increase in the vehicle's emissions. Taken together, the issues associated with solar absorption by the instrument panel and other internal components represent a significant problem in the design and manufacture of a vehicle.
As noted above, air conditioning is one of the prevalent means for overcoming the increased heat associated with an overheated instrument panel. However, the instrument panel has an extremely low thermal conductivity rate, resulting in a very inefficient cooling of the instrument panel. More recently, a blower was integrated into an instrument panel for actively pumping cool air over the overheated surface of the dash board. Although this solution concentrates on cooling the instrument panel and is likely more effective than a passenger compartment air conditioner, it still requires active energy use and hence added fuel consumption and emissions by the vehicle.
Several recent attempts have been made to integrate more passive cooling techniques into the passenger compartment of a vehicle, including installing an energy absorbing windshield and integrating heat pipes into the roof of a vehicle for transfer of the solar energy hitting the roof of the vehicle to the undercarriage of the vehicle. Other attempts have been made by integrating both active and passive cooling techniques into the cooling of an automobile steering wheel and passenger seat. However, neither approach has efficiently abrogated instrument panel overheating and its concomitant problems.
Against this backdrop the present invention has been developed.
Accordingly, there is a need for a passive cooling system and method that efficiently and inexpensively reduces the heat from an instrument panel.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a passive cooling system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle has an internal component, for example an instrument panel, at a first temperature and an external portion of the vehicle at a second temperature lower than the first temperature. A heat pipe or pipes containing a liquid under pressure communicates between the internal component and the external portion of the vehicle. The heat pipe has an evaporator section located in the component and a condenser section located at the external portion of the vehicle, so that heat at the component causes the liquid in the evaporator section to vaporize and move to the condenser section and condense. The cycle of evaporation and condensation results in the passive transfer of heat from the component to the external portion of the vehicle.
These and various other features as well as advantages which characterize the present invention will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a review of the associated drawings.
An embodiment of the present invention is a system for passively transferring heat from an overheated internal component of the vehicle, for example an instrument panel, to an external portion of the vehicle, for example a side body panel. The absorbed solar heat is transferred by one or more heat pipes embedded in the component where the heat pipes extend to an external portion of the vehicle.
For purposes of this disclosure, the inventive features of the cooling system will be illustrated in a vehicle's instrument panel, but it is envisioned that embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in other internal components within a vehicle, for example, arm rests, seats, etc, or any other component that absorbs solar energy within the vehicle's passenger compartment.
A typical vehicle, e.g., car, truck, tractor, etc, has an instrument panel containing electronic equipment involved in the operation of that vehicle. Generally, the instrument panel includes a scaffolding covered by a thermal plastic polymer skin, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The scaffolding/PVC shell define an internal chamber for housing electronic equipment used to operated the vehicle, while gauges and other readable dials are embedded in the durable PVC skin to communicate relevant information to the operator.
The instrument panel 100 typically spans the width of the passenger compartment 102 at a position adjacent to and below the front windshield 104, as is shown in
Thermal plastic polymers, e.g., PVC, are suitable materials for forming an outer structural layer of the instrument panel 100. Thermal plastic polymers are durable, resist moisture and are readily compounded into appropriate rigid forms. However, thermal plastic polymers, and PVC in particular, also have high heat absorption coefficients and low thermal conductivity, making the material a ready absorber and retainer of solar energy. For example, an instrument panel is generally much hotter than the air temperature outside the vehicle, making it not unusual for an instrument panel to reach temperatures in the 50— to 70—C. range, and as high as 85—C. in certain parts of the world. It is this phenomenon of solar heating within the vehicle 114, and in particular solar heating of the instrument panel 100, that embodiments of the present invention are aimed at minimizing. As will be discussed in greater detail below, heat pipes 112 or other thermal conductors are used to passively transfer heat from the instrument panel 100, to a cooler external portion 116 of the vehicle 114.
A heat pipe 112 is a flexible metal tube containing a small amount of liquid in a partial vacuum, where the liquid is under its own pressure. (see
As is evident from the discussion above, the operating characteristics of a heat pipe 112 are dependent, among other things, on the heat of vaporization of the liquid within the heat pipe. Heat pipes are generally placed in one of three categories dependent on the operating temperature range of the fluid within the pipe. Cryogenic heat pipes generally operate at temperatures between about 10— and about 150—K, low temperature heat pipes operate at temperatures between about 150— and about 800—K and high temperature heat pipes operate at temperatures between about 800— and 5,000—K. Note that several other design properties go into choosing a heat pipe, including, the liquid's density, viscosity, thermal conductivity, surface tension and wet ability.
Again referring to
The condenser section 120 is in fluid communication with the evaporator section and may be located at any cooler (see below) external portion of the vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the condenser sections 120 of the heat pipes 112 extend downwardly from the evaporator section 118 and are positioned in proximity to an outer portion of the vehicle side body panel 126. Note that since the liquid is condensing below the evaporator section of each heat pipe, in a gravity field there is a practical limit to the distance the liquid can return via the wick-like material in the heat pipes. Preferably, in a gravity field the bottom end 130 of the condenser section 120 is no farther than 18 to 20 inches below the evaporator section 118, and more preferably the condenser section is no farther than 12 to 14 inches below the evaporator section. In an alternative embodiment, the condenser section of the heat pipes is positioned on the roof 128 of the vehicle. An adiabatic section of heat pipe 112 connects the evaporator section in the instrument panel to the condenser section in the roof. Here the condenser section is not restricted in length as liquid is encouraged by gravity to return to the evaporator section of the heat pipes. Note that the condenser section may be located at other external portions of the vehicle, for example, the undercarriage, being limited only by design feasibility and cost. Also note that the temperature difference between the instrument panel and the external portion of the vehicle need only be 5 to 10—C., making a large portion of the vehicle a suitable target for employment of the condenser section.
Heat pipe liquids for use with the present invention must have a fluid saturation pressure between 0.1 atmosphere and about 20 atmospheres for the instrument panel temperature range. As such, low temperature heat pipes are used with embodiments of the present invention. Preferable liquids for use with the present invention include, but are not limited to, water, methanol and fluorocarbon. Preferable liquids may also be mixtures of the above three liquids, for example using a methanol/water mix. Note also that these liquids have preferable density, viscosity, wet ability, etc, characteristics for transferring the heat from the evaporator section of the heat pipe to the condenser section of the heat pipe in the context of a vehicle.
Additionally, there are several liquids that have the correct range of vapor pressures, density, etc, for use with the present invention, but that represent a safety hazard to the vehicle operator, or vehicle bystander. These liquids include, but are not limited to, benzene, methane and ammonia. For these reasons, methane, ammonia and benzene should not be used in conjunction with this invention.
A compatible metal must be utilized with each liquid in a heat pipe, therefore, the heat pipes of the present invention must be made from a water, methanol or fluorocarbon compatible metal. For example, a heat pipe having water as the liquid may only be composed of steel, copper, nickel, inconel, monel or titanium. A heat pipe-utilizing methanol may only be composed of stainless steel, iron, copper, brass, silica or nickel. And a heat pipe having a fluorocarbon as the liquid may be composed of aluminum. Also note that where a mixture of liquids are used in a heat pipe, both liquids should be compatible with the metal, i.e., nickel or copper for a methanol/water mixture.
Preferable heat pipes for use with the present invention contain water and are composed of copper. Pipes have a generally circular, rectangular or triangular cross section, having a diameter of a few thousands of an inch to half an inch.
The heat pipe wick for use with embodiments of the present invention should be a porous media having low flow resistance. Preferable materials include, but are not limited to, woven fiberglass, wound or stacked screens, sintered fibers, and packed beds and powers. Additionally, the wick may be a series of small capillaries for example, etched or milled grooves.
As shown in
There are several embodiments for embedding heat pipes 112 within or adjacent the thermoplastic layer 132 of the instrument panel 100. In one embodiment, the evaporator section 118 of each heat pipe 112 is directly integrated or adhered at the PVC layer 132. Structural brackets (e.g.. brackets 113 shown in
In another embodiment, the evaporator section of the heat tubes is formed within the PVC layer 132 by milling microtubes throughout the layer (not shown). Each microtube extends the length of the instrument panel 100 and has a micrometer sized diameter. Microtubes can be formed as layers (side-by-side) across the PVC layer 132 or as a bundle (grouped) of microtubes across the PVC layer. The milled microtube size heat pipes may be positioned toward the top surface 106 of the PVC layer for maximal heat removal without effecting the surface contour of the top surface 106 of the instrument panel.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the microtubes in the PVC layer of the instrument panel are connected to condenser sections in the external portion of the vehicle by a tube manifold. Alternatively, the condenser sections of the heat pipes would extend to the instrument panel and provide a short section of heat pipe at which the milled microtubules would come together and connect.
In another embodiment
With regard to attachment of the film 140 to the PVC layer 132, preferably, a thermal adhesive is sandwiched between the film and the PVC layer. Preferable thermal adhesives include, but are not limited to, Omega bond 101 (Stamford, Conn.), etc. Alternatively, the film may be secured to the PVC using any number of conventional attachment means, for example, screws, rivets, etc.
There are several embodiments for securing the heat pipes 112 to the thermally conductive film 140. In one embodiment, the heat pipes 112 are secured within an elongated metal bracket or snap 142 interposed between or on the metal film 140. (see
The number of brackets/heat pipes secured across the film is variable and dependent, at least to some extent, upon the diameter and cross-sectional shape of the heat pipes and the amount of heat to be removed from the PVC layer. Preferably, there are between 6 and 12 brackets/heat pipes per instrument panel.
Other designs for embedding the heat pipes 112 within or adjacent the PVC layer are envisioned to be within the scope of the present invention, as well as embedding heat pipes in other layers of the instrument panel. For example, heat pipes 112 may be embedded in the polyurethane layer 138, or in some circumstances, may be embedded in the thermoplastic layer 136. In other embodiments, heat pipes 112 may be embedded in several layers of the instrument panel, for example, heat pipes 112 embedded in the PVC layer 132 and polyurethane layer 138. A joint or other flexible member transitions the evaporator section 118 of each embedded heat pipe 112 to the condenser section 120 of each heat pipe 112. Condenser sections 120 may extend from either side of the PVC embedded evaporator section 118, so that a condenser section 120 is located on one or both side body panels of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the condenser section 120 has the same film and bracket structure as in the evaporator section but is directed along the inside of the side body panel or in some embodiments along the roof.
An alternative embodiment of the present invention includes heat pipes having a valve or valves 127 for sealing the evaporator section 118 from the condenser section 120. A closed valve 127 disrupts the transfer of heat from the instrument panel to the external environment by preventing the vapor from leaving the evaporator section of the heat pipes. As such, the vehicle's operator could manually control the transfer of heat from the instrument panel i.e., on a cooler day keep the absorbed solar energy within the vehicle passenger compartment. As shown in
Finally, embodiments of the present invention may be envisioned as a method of heat removal from a vehicle passenger compartment, as is shown in
The following examples are provided to illustrate the invention only, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
An instrument panel having a heat pipe embedded portion and a non-heat pipe embedded portion was exposed to solar energy to determine the effects heat pipes have on cooling an instrument panel.
A vehicle simulator having the passenger compartment dimensions, including windshield and instrument panel size and shape, of a Plymouth Breeze, was equipped with an instrument panel having a heat pipe embedded portion and another portion absent of heat pipes. The vehicle simulator was exposed to a solar track during which time the temperature of each portion of the instrument panel was followed and plotted as a function of time of day, as shown in
In particular, a series of water containing, 0.5 inch diameter copper heat pipes were embedded 1.6 mm below the top surface of the instrument panel within the PVC skin. The evaporator section extended from approximately the middle of the instrument panel to one edge of the instrument panel. Each evaporator section was continuous with a 12 inch condenser section positioned outside the side body panel of the vehicle simulator. The other half of the instrument panel was essentially the same but had no embedded heat pipes. The vehicle simulator was exposed to solar intensity between about 200 and about 525 W/m2 between the hours of 9:53 am and 3:23 pm (a period of 5 hours and 30 daytime minutes). Continuous temperature readings were made on the two portions of the instrument panel using type-K (chromel-alumel) thermocouplers. As shown in
As shown in
The data illustrates the passive cooling properties that one embodiment of the present invention has on a standard sized instrument panel over the course of a day.
An instrument panel having a heat pipe embedded portion and a non-heat pipe embedded portion was exposed to solar energy to determine the effects heat pipes have on the thermal environment of the passenger compartment.
A vehicle simulator having the passenger compartment dimensions, including windshield and instrument panel size and shape, of a Plymouth Breeze, was equipped with an instrument panel having a heat pipe embedded portion and a non-heat pipe embedded portion. The vehicle simulator was exposed to a solar track during which time the air temperature above each portion of the instrument panel was followed and plotted as a function of time of day, as shown in
In particular, a series of water containing, 0.5-inch diameter copper heat pipes were embedded 1.6 mm below the top surface of the instrument panel within the PVC skin. The evaporator section extended from approximately the middle of the instrument panel to one edge of the instrument panel. Each evaporator section was continuous with a 12-inch condenser section positioned in the side body panel of the vehicle simulator. The other half of the instrument panel was essentially the same but had no embedded heat pipes. The vehicle simulator was exposed to solar intensity between about 200 and about 525 W/m2 between the hours of 9:53 am and 3:23 pm on Jan. 5, 2000 (a period of 5 hours and 30 daytime minutes), in Golden, Colo. Continuous temperature readings were made on the air above the instrument panel using a type-K (chromel-alumel) radiation shielded thermocouple. As shown in
As shown in
The data illustrates the passive cooling properties that the heat pipes have on the thermal environment of a vehicle over the course of a day. These effects are significant when one takes into account that every degree F. reduction in air temperature of the passenger compartment results in an approximate 4% reduction in compressor power, i.e., air conditioning energy required to lower that volume of air one degree F. A 4� C. (7.2� F.) decrease in air temperature represents a 28.8% reduction in required compressor power, indicating that embodiments of the invention have significant effects on reducing the amount of energy required by the compressor to cool down the passenger compartment of a vehicle, resulting in an increase in vehicle fuel economy and a decrease in a vehicle's emissions.
It will be clear that the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. While a presently preferred embodiment has been described for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes and alternatives are encompassed in the spirit of the invention disclosed and as defined in the appended claims.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Dec 23, 1968
|Nov 9, 1971
|Isotopes Inc
|Vehicle-heating system employing a critical point heat pipe
|Mar 15, 1972
|Jun 12, 1973
|Gen Motors Corp
|Means for cooling and heating a seat structure
|Oct 12, 1976
|Oct 4, 1977
|Paul Ku
|Cooling apparatus for automobile passenger compartment
|May 31, 1977
|Jan 9, 1979
|Rockwell International Corporation
|Advanced cryogenic multi-staged radiator system
|Mar 27, 1995
|Feb 24, 1998
|Glass; David E.
|Refractory-composite/heat-pipe-cooled leading edge and method for fabrication
|Dec 22, 1995
|Sep 15, 1998
|Caplin; Glenn N.
|Dual function deployable radiator cover
|Nov 21, 1997
|Sep 14, 1999
|Continocean Tech Inc.
|Overheat regulating system for vehicle passenger compartment
|May 10, 1999
|May 15, 2001
|Lockheed Martin Corporation
|Thermal control system for spacecraft
|Jul 25, 2000
|Sep 10, 2002
|Thermal Corp.
|Flexible heat pipe
|Aug 20, 1991
|Nov 21, 1991
|Wagner, Wilfried, 7910 Neu-Ulm, De
|Title not available
|Title not available
|Title not available
|Title not available
|Title not available
|May 14, 2001
|Nov 21, 2002
|Midwest Research Institute
|Passive cooling system for a vehicle
|Hendricks, Terry J. et al., Experimental Demonstration of Heat Pipe/Two-Phase Flow Systems for Vehicle Passenger Cabin Cooling, Proceedings of the 2001 International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition, ASME HTD-24404, New York, NY, Nov. 2001.
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Dec 22, 2005
|May 12, 2009
|Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
|Heat-removing device and heat-removing method of vehicle interior part
|May 15, 2008
|Jul 2, 2013
|Ryan R Munson
|Therapeutic cooling system
|Jun 23, 2011
|Aug 11, 2015
|Valeo Vision
|Heat exchange device
|Dec 22, 2005
|Jun 29, 2006
|Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
|Heat-removing device and heat-removing method of vehicle interior part
|Apr 12, 2005
|Oct 12, 2006
|The Boeing Company
|Cooling apparatus, system, and associated method
|Apr 24, 2006
|Oct 25, 2007
|Galvez-Ramos Antonio M
|Air cooling system for parked automobiles
|Nov 19, 2009
|Ryan Robert Munson
|Therapeutic Cooling System
|Dec 29, 2011
|Valeo Vision
|Heat exchange device, especially for an automotive vehicle
|Feb 7, 2013
|Ford Global Technologies, Llc
|Therma-zone vehicle system
|U.S. Classification
|165/41, 165/185
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Sep 24, 2003
Owner name: MIDWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE, MISSOURI
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|Fee payment
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|Mar 18, 2013
|Fee payment
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text:
Date: September 1, 2016 at
7 p.m.
Location: To be determined
I have not been able to obtain confirmation on the room for September as of today, so I'm cancelling the meeting.
If you still want to get together, we could still meet up at Chances R on Thursday. More of a social event than a regular meeting. I should have a proper set of rooms booked for October. Last year we had a similar problem, as Algonquin was not willing to allocate a room right at the beginning of the fall semester.
The topic was going to be ransomware with Patrick Malcolm, so if he is willing, we will have that in October.
Do you have an idea about how to promote Linux and Open Source Software in Ottawa? OCLUG may be able to help with up to $500 towards your expenses.
For the months of June, July and August in 2016, we will be meeting at Algonquin College (Woodroffe Campus) in Building T, room T327.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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text:
Exe Area Central places you within 2 miles (3 km) of popular sights like Santiago de Compostela Cathedral and Obradoiro Square. This 59-room, 3-star hotel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, express check-in, and express check-out. Located centrally in Santiago de Compostela, it's also near Multiusos Fontes do Sar and Congress and Exposition Center of Galicia.
Start your day right with breakfast, served for a fee from 8 AM to 10:30 AM.
All 59 air-conditioned rooms provide safes, phones, and desks. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and TVs with cable channels. Bathrooms offer hair dryers and free toiletries.
Property features
At Exe Area Central, guests have access to free WiFi in public areas, a meeting room, and express check-in. If you drive, self parking is EUR 5.00 per day, and there's also an area shuttle for a fee. Multilingual staff at the front desk are standing by 24/7 to help with dry cleaning/laundry, luggage storage, and securing valuables. Additional amenities include express check-out, free newspapers, and laundry facilities.
- Free WiFi in rooms and public areas
- Laundry facilities
- 24-hour front desk
Exe Area CentralParis 7 Santiago De Compostela La Coruna 15707
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Exe Area Central features multilingual staff, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and laundry facilities. High-speed wireless Internet access is complimentary. For a surcharge, an area shuttle within 10 meters is available to guests. This Santiago de Compostela hotel also offers dry cleaning/laundry services, express check-in, and express check-out. Limited onsite parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis (surcharge).
Exe Area Central is a smoke-free property.
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- 24-hour front desk
- Total number of rooms - 59
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Number of floors - 6
- Elevator/lift
- Free newspapers in lobby
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Express check-in
- Express check-out
- Free WiFi
- One meeting room
- Luggage storage
- Laundry facilities
- Multilingual staff
- Parking (limited spaces)
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Free parking nearby
- Area shuttle (surcharge)
- Smoke-free property
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry facilities
- Cribs/infant beds (complimentary)
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Self parking (surcharge), Parking (limited spaces), Free parking nearby
Room Amenities
- Free cribs/infant beds
- In-room climate control (air conditioning)
- Air conditioning
- Phone
- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Bathtub only
- Television
- Desk
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Cable TV service
- In-room safe
- Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
- Free WiFi
Where to Eat
Breakfast is available for a surcharge between 8 AM and 10:30 AM.
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 2 PM
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
- Pets not allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on hotel policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
Parking height restrictions apply
Optional extras
- Breakfast fee: EUR 5.50 for adults and EUR 3.5 for children (approximately)
- Self parking fee: EUR 5.00 per day (in/out privileges)
- Late check-out fee: EUR 25
- Rollaway bed fee: EUR 20 per day
Hotel Name
- Exe Area Central
- Exe Area Central Hotel
- Exe Area Central Hotel Santiago De Compostela
- Exe Area Central Santiago De Compostela
We should mention
Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 2500, due to national regulations. For further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation. One child 12 years old or younger stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.


text:
Citizens Property Insurance approves 7 percent rate hike
CENTRAL FLORIDA - Florida's largest property insurer just approved another round of rate hikes that could affect more than a million policyholders.
The increase would translate into $178 million in new insurance costs for policyholders.
The rate hike still needs to be approved by state regulators.


text:
Top Definition
An asian man who is incredibly wealthy and attractive. Also looking for his princess. He wears 'real' tiger fur clothing and is a popular Asian singer.
The Asian Prince had a beautiful mullet and flew a private jet.
بواسطة julieplogic نوفمبر/تشرين الثّاني 24, 2006
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Can you define these popular missing words?


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Product Information
INSTEN Spring Flowers Phone Case Cover for HTC ADR6425 Rezound
This is an Insten spring flowers case for HTC ADR6425 Rezound. Protect your cell phone against bumps and scratches with this case. Delivers instant protection Allows easy access to all functions Color: Spring Flowers Compatible: HTC ADR6425 Rezound All rights reserved. All trade names are registered trademarks of respective manufacturers listed. California Proposition 65 Warning: This product may contain one or more chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, and/or other reproductive harm.
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Sony USA introduces new line camcorders
Mark Peters : January 9th 2004 - 13:57 CET
Today Sony USA introduces six new Handycam MiniDV camcorder models for the American based market. Sony has redesigned three of its MiniDV models, the DCR-HC20, DCR-HC30 and DCR-HC40, averaging 25 percent less in volume over last years' models. By adopting touch-screen technology for access to the camcorders menu system and incorporating a built-in lens cover, these models are not only ultra portable but are ergonomically sound. In addition to changing their look, Sony has advanced some of the special Handycam camcorder features for all its MiniDV camcorders. One in particular is the new NightShot Plus system that allows for recording in darkness while delivering more natural colour to video.
All of Sony's 2004 camcorders will have a new Easy Handycam operation button on the outside of them. When pressed, the button resets the camcorder's settings to automatic mode and adjusts the LCD display to show only the essential icons like power and tape length, while enlarging the icons for better viewing.
Another way camcorder users can share life in motion is by enabling the USB Streaming feature, which turns the camcorder into a web cam. It can stream live and recorded video via a USB connection and video conferencing software such as the Microsoft NetMeeting application.
Starting the line-up, the DCR-HC20 model has the aforementioned feature package as well as a 2.5-inch SwivelScreen hybrid LCD display with a start/stop record button on the LCD frame in addition to Carl Zeiss optics. The DCR-HC30 camcorder is next in line and adds a Memory Stick DUO slot for still image and MPEG1 capture up to the capacity of the media, plus an active 3D-menu system that uses bit-map technology for animation and special effects to enhance user-friendliness.
The DCR-HC40 model incorporates a 1 Megapixel imager to capture video and digital still images with crisp definition. The DCR-HC65 unit sports a 3.5-inch SwivelScreen hybrid LCD display. By adding a 2 Megapixel imager to the DCR-HC85 camcorder, it not only delivers 1600 x 1200 digital still images but also increases the video quality up to 530 lines of horizontal video resolution. The unit also offers the advanced multi-layer coating of a Carl Zeiss T* lens, and in combination with 2 Megapixel technology, the result is more vivid and richer colour in video and pictures. In addition, the model offers enhanced but simple to use digital still image features, including intelligent pop-up flash and manual sharpness settings.
Rounding out the camcorder line, is the DCR-PC109 model offering a similar set of features as the DCR-HC40 model but boosting convenience with the supplied Handycam Station.
Like a cell phone or handheld cradle, the Handycam Station charges the camcorder and connects it to a TV or PC, while keeping it easily accessible. The Handycam Station comes fully loaded with all the necessary inputs, including S-Video and an audio/video terminal for hooking it up to playback video on a TV. It also has a USB 1.1 port and an i.LINK (IEEE-1394) interface for connection to compatible PCs. And when not at home, users can take advantage of both the power and the A/V connections that have been incorporated directly into the unit.
These models will be available on the American based market around February-April 2004.
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Indian Beach, Ecola State Park, Oregon
Cannon Beach, Haystack Rock, Oregon
Landscape and Nature Photography by Kelly Rogerson
Fleeting Moment of Color
Ecola State Park, Indian Beach, Oregon Coast
Between The Rocks
Indian Beach, Ecola State Park, Oregon Coast
Multnomah Falls, Oregon, Historic Columbia River Gorge
Cannon Beach, Oregon
View from Ecola State Park overlooking Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock, Oregon Coast
Horsetail Falls, Oregon, Columbia River Gorge
Horsetail Falls, Oregon
Multnomah Falls, Oregon
Horsetail Falls, Multnomah Highway, Oregon along Columbia River
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Terribly Tilly - Tillamook Lighthouse - Oregon Coast
"Shelter of Green" - Ecola State Park, Oregon
"Soft Place To Land"
A beautiful spot to sit and relax, and enjoy nature. This shot taken at the Hood River Lavender Farms in their wildflower garden. Hood River, Oregon
Cannon Beach, Oregon
shot taken - May 2013
"Golden Clouds"
Cannon Beach, Oregon
1-801-389-6076 ~ firstname.lastname@example.com ~ Weber County, Utah ~ Copyright © 2016 Kelly Rogerson Photography LLC ~ All Rights Reserved


text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Aug 17, 2010
|Filing date
|Jul 3, 2002
|Priority date
|Apr 4, 2001
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Rick Rowe
|Original Assignee
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (64), Non-Patent Citations (42), Referenced by (25), Classifications (19), Legal Events (2)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/116,680 filed Apr. 4, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/281,875 filed Apr. 4, 2001.
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for tracking events or activities associated with a gaming machine, such as an individual's game play for establishing entitlement to a reward.
As an incentive for players to play games, many casinos provide a player reward system. In accordance with the reward system, a player's frequent play of one or more games is generally rewarded or compensated apart from any winnings the player may receive as a result of participating in the game directly. These rewards are generally referred to as "comps." Comps may comprise awards such as free game plays, money, and free or discounted goods or services.
In accordance with the traditional reward system, a player enrolls in the casino's player reward system, establishing an identity. The casino generates one or more files associated with the player's identity. The player is issued a player tracking card having identification information associated with it. When a player plays a game, the player inserts their tracking card into a card reader. The reader reads the identification information and provides the information to a central computer where the player's file is stored. Thereafter, when the player plays the game, game play information is sent to the central computer and used to update the player's file with play information.
Most commonly, a player is awarded points for engaging in certain activities. For example, a player may be rewarded one or more points based upon amounts bet. Generally, points are generated at the gaming machine. For example, if a player wagers ten credits, then the player tracking device at the gaming machine may indicate that the player is entitled to one player reward point. The point information is accumulated during the player's play session, and then at the end of the session, a point total is transmitted to a remote server. The server maintains data records, such as player files, and associates the transmitted point information from the various gaming machines linked to it with the appropriate player to whom the points belong.
A player may travel to a player reward host and obtain information regarding the number of points acquired. If the level of points is sufficient, the player may be provided a reward.
In some instances, a casino may provide a player a "comp" even though the player has not yet reached a particular point level. For example, based on a player's past history of play, such as by examining the total number of points received over a predetermined earlier period of time, the casino may grant a player a comp such as a free nights' stay in order to entice the player to play more.
These player reward systems have a number of disadvantages. First, they are generally fairly rudimentary. The reward system generates player points based upon play, and then a player is permitted to redeem those points for an award once the points are acquired. Such a system does not track the player win for games played. A casino would rather reward players who bet large sums and win little than players who bet large sums and win large sums. The system also does not allow for tracking of the player's betting habits except for the player's bets over time. The system, for example, does not indicate which games the player prefers to play, games at which the player bets more to play, or the game which the player loses more money when playing. Such information would be extremely useful to a casino, not only from the standpoint of determining the best manner for awarding player play rewards, but for determining the games which yield the highest returns and that get played on an ongoing basis.
An improved tracking system for gaming machine play is desired.
The present invention is a method of tracking activities occurring at one or more gaming machines, and a system for collecting and utilizing game play activity information.
One embodiment of a method comprises the tracking of gaming machine activity. The method includes the step of generating data regarding individual activities associated with the operation of a gaming machine. The generated activity data is transmitted to a remote location and stored at the remote location. The stored data is then mined or manipulated based on one or more characteristics or criteria, and an output is generated.
The individual activity information comprises data regarding individual acts or events, and is transmitted for storage in an un-manipulated, such as un-aggregated, form. The individual activities may comprise a wide variety of acts or events, such as the providing of value to the gaming machine via the input of currency, coin, value ticket or credit. The data generated as a result of the activity may comprise the amount of the value provided by the input or the like.
In one embodiment, the method includes the step of identifying a player of the gaming machine and associating the generated data with the identified player. The generated data is stored in a set in a file at said remote location, the set including a plurality of fields, one of said fields comprising the identity of the player and one or more of the other fields comprising information regarding the activity.
In one embodiment of the method, the output comprises an aggregation of data which satisfies the one or more characteristics used to mine the data. For example, the output may comprise the sum of all individual data regarding amounts provided by a particular player during a period of time.
In one embodiment the method includes the step of graphically displaying the output. As one aspect of the invention, the generated and stored data may comprise information regarding three or more characteristics of the activity or event. For example, the data may include information regarding the particular gaming machine being played, the identity of the casino where the gaming machine is located, and the aggregated value of winnings paid by the gaming machine. In this event, the output may be graphically displayed in three-dimensions.
The method of the invention may be utilized to determine entitlement of a player of one or more gaming machines to an award separate from any awards provided by the one or more gaming machines as a result of game play. In accordance with this method, generated and stored data regarding individual activities or events at the one or more gaming machines are manipulated to determine if the player has met one or more requirements for entitlement to an award separate from any awards provided by said gaming machine. For example, data regarding particular amounts wagered during separate events by a player may be aggregated to determine that a player has wagered a sufficient level of value to be entitled to an award. The data may also be aggregated to determine that a player has presented a sufficient number of value tickets to a gaming machine during a specified period of time to be entitled to such an award.
In one embodiment, the application of criteria or characteristics to the stored individual activity data is performed at one or more times, such as predetermined time intervals. In one embodiment, the criteria may be utilized to determine that the player is engaged in a playing trend which entitles a player to an award.
One embodiment of the invention comprises one or more systems for implementing the methods of the invention. In one embodiment, a system includes one or more gaming machines and at least one host. A communication link is provided between the one or more gaming machines and the host. Generated activity data or information is transmitted to the host for storage and manipulation. Preferably, the host includes a least one display adapted to display the output of the manipulation of the stored data.
In one embodiment, the gaming machines of the system are located at differing locations, such as different casinos or gaming establishments. The individual activity information may include information regarding the location of the gaming machine. In this manner, the stored data may be mined or manipulated to determine trends at particular casinos or variations in activities at different casinos.
Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.
The invention is a system and method for tracking or monitoring game play by one or more players of one or more gaming machines. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
One or more embodiments of the invention comprise a gaming machine activity tracking system. The tracking system is configured to collect and store raw gaming machine activity data. The invention also comprises methods of utilizing collected data. In one embodiment, criteria are applied to the collected data for a variety of purposes. One purpose is to determine if a player is entitled to a reward, such as a bonus or complimentary award based upon various criteria of game play. In another embodiment, a method comprises graphically rendering and displaying the collected data, including in a three-dimensional graphical output.
In a preferred embodiment, a system and method are provided for monitoring or tracking gaming machine activity.
In this well known game, a player may be awarded an award if the result of the rotation of the reels 24 a,b,c is a predetermined combination of symbols. It should be understood that the gaming machine 20 may be adapted to present one or more of a wide variety of games. Depending upon the game present, the configuration of the machine may vary. For example, in the event the gaming machine 20 is adapted to present the game of video poker, then the gaming machine 20 may include a video display.
In one or more embodiments of the invention, the gaming machine 20 is adapted to present a wager-type game. In this arrangement, a player is required to place a bet or wager in order to participate in the game. In the event the outcome of the game is a winning outcome, then the player may be provided with an award. In one arrangement, the award may be winnings in proportion to the amount wagered or bet by the player.
In order to accept a wager, the gaming machine 20 may include a coin acceptor 30 for accepting coins. The gaming machine 20 may also include a bill acceptor or validator 32 for accepting paper currency. The gaming machine 20 may be provided with other means for accepting or verifying value, such as a credit card reader. In one embodiment, the validator 32 or a separate validating device may be used to receive tickets representing value. These tickets may have, for example, bar-coded information representing monetary value.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gaming machine 20 includes a means for receiving player identification information. In one embodiment this means comprises a card reader 34 or other device. As illustrated, the card reader 34 comprises a magnetic stripe reader for reading encoded information from a magnetic stripe of a player card. The means may comprise a variety of other devices, such as means for reading information from other types of devices, such as encoded cards and tickets, smart cards and the like. These means may include optical readers and the like. The means may also comprise a keypad, touch screen or the like by which a player may input identity information. As indicated below, the identity information may comprise a player identification number. In other embodiments the identity information may comprise other data, such as a name or image.
In accordance with the invention there is provided an activity tracking system 40. One embodiment of such a system is illustrated in
In a preferred embodiment, the tracking system 40 includes a tracking system host 44. One or more appropriate communications links, whether wired or wireless, permit information to be transferred to and from each gaming machine 20 and the tracking system host 44. The tracking system host 44 may comprise a single computer or a group of computers associated with one another on a network.
In one embodiment, the tracking system host 44 is adapted to collect information regarding gaming machine activity. In a preferred embodiment, the information which is collected comprises information regarding activities occurring at or associated with the one or more gaming machines 20. The tracking system host 44 is, as further described below, arranged to manipulate the collected information, such as by aggregating game play data and displaying game play information.
The activity information which is collected may comprise a wide variety of information. In one or more embodiments, the activity information comprises information regarding one or more events, preferably including one or more characteristics of that event. The information which is collected is preferably associated with a particular player.
In a preferred embodiment, the identity of a player is obtained so that the collected information can be correlated to that player. In one embodiment, as described in more detail below, the player is identified by input to the gaming machine 20, such as by inserting a player tracking card into the card reader 34.
In one embodiment, the tracking system host 44 includes at least one data storage element 46 for storing the gaming machine activity information. The data storage element 46 may comprise a hard drive, RAM, ROM, tape drive, CD, DVD or other memory or data storage member or element.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a communication link 56 is established between the gaming machine 20 and the tracking system host 44. This link may be a wired or wireless communication link. The communication link 56 may be configured in a wide variety of manners, as is known. Generally, the gaming machine 20 includes at least one controller and an associated communication interface. Likewise, the tracking system host 44 includes a communication interface. The configuration of these interfaces depends largely upon the type of communication link utilized, such as wired or wireless.
In one embodiment, the communication link 56 is part of a communication network 62. This network 62 may have a variety of configurations, and as noted above may comprise a wired, wireless or a combination of wired and wireless communication pathways. Depending upon the configuration of the network 62, the network 62 may comprise a wide variety of components besides the gaming machines 20 and the tracking system host 44. For example, the network 62 may include wireless communication relays or transceivers. The network 62 may also include one or more hubs or routers.
As indicated above, the devices which are associated with the network 62 and form a portion of the system 40 may include other than gaming machines 20 per se. For example, the devices may stand-alone or be integrated devices associated with table games such as Blackjack and poker tables, Roulette, Baccarat and Craps.
The network 62 may be associated with or be integrated with other networks. For example, a casino may already have a slot system for controlling the one or more slot-type gaming machines 20. Such a slot system may include a gaming machine host comprising a remotely located computer or server. Each gaming machine 20 may be associated with the host via a communication link. The gaming machine host may be used to monitor security functions of the gaming machine 20 and provide instructions or data to the gaming machine 20. In accordance with the present invention, the network 62 may comprise all or a portion of such a network, but further including the tracking system host 44 and other devices comprising the system of the invention.
The system 40 may include or be associated with, such as via network 62, a plurality of other devices. For example, one or more work stations 68 may be provided. These work stations 68 may comprise computing devices permitting a user to input information and which outputs information to the user, such as via a display. In one embodiment, one or more portable devices 70 may be provided. Like the work stations 68, these devices 70 may include means for accepting an input and providing an output. In one embodiment, the devices 70 are hand-held devices and include means for establishing a wireless communication link. The system 40 may also include other devices such as displays, printers and the like.
Examples of other systems in accordance with the invention are described and illustrated in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/116,680 filed Apr. 4, 2002, to which this application claims priority, and which application is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. As described therein, the host 44 may be associated with a plurality of systems including a slot system including a plurality of gaming machine 20, as well as other systems such as a Keno system, sports betting system and table games system.
A variety of methods in accordance with the invention will now be described in more detail. One or more methods of the invention may be implemented via the system 40 described above. The methods of the invention may be implemented, however, by other systems or devices. Thus, while the methods described below may be described with specific reference to the system 40, including individual elements thereof, the methods should be construed as applicable to any system or device capable of performing the steps/functions described.
In one embodiment of a method, gaming machine activity data is transmitted from a gaming machine 20 to the tracking system host 44. As indicated above, in a preferred embodiment, the activity is associated with a particular player. As such, in a first step S1 of a method of the invention, as illustrated in
When a player wishes to engage the play of a gaming machine 20 or other gaming device/event, the player preferably identifies themselves. In one embodiment, a player identifies themselves with their player card. As noted above, such a card may be encoded with identification information. When using a gaming machine 20 such as that illustrated in
In one embodiment, player identification information may be stored at the tracking system host 44. In response to a player identification code or number, such as that read from the player card, more detailed information regarding the player may be obtained from the memory. In another embodiment, such detailed information may be stored remotely and either obtained by or transmitted to the tracking system host 44. For example, the player card may have an encoded identification code, such as AX18329IK. This code may be associated with the player known as John Doe. A file may be associated with the player's code, which file includes a variety of information such as the full name and address of the player, their telephone number, accrued points, and other data. In response to receiving the player's code, the game play monitoring system host 44 may obtain information regarding the player from the file or other location. Such a data file may be generated by having a player enroll in a rewards program and soliciting the information from them as part of the enrollment process.
A player may identify themselves, or the gaming machine 20 may identify the player, by other means. For example, the player may input a personal identification code into a keypad of the gaming machine 20. In another example, the gaming machine 20 may be equipped with a camera and visual identification of the player may be determined against a databank of player photos.
In one embodiment, if the player is not specifically identified, gaming activity information may be associated with an assigned identification, such as a randomly selected identification number, or a category such as "general player."
In a second step S2 of the invention, information regarding an activity is generated and in a third step S3 is then transmitted to the tracking system host 44. Preferably, information is generated regarding specific individual activities or events occurring at the gaming machine 20.
As indicated in part above, the types of information which are generated and transmitted to the tracking system host 44 may vary. For example, a gaming machine 20 may generate information regarding events such as a player's wager or bet, a time play began, a time play ended, the time a particular game began, the time a particular game ended, the outcome of a particular game, and an award or payout. In an arrangement where the gaming machine 20 is capable of accepting receipts or tickets representing value, the information may include the input of a ticket or an indication that a ticket has been presented or accepted, and/or the value of the ticket. In an arrangement where the gaming machine 20 is capable of issuing receipts or tickets representing value, the information may include the issuance of a ticket and/or the value of the issued ticket.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, this individual event or activity information is transmitted to the host 44 in the same "raw" form. By "raw" it is meant that the data which is transmitted is that which is directly generated by the gaming machine 20, or its various components, without secondary compilation, aggregation or other manipulation. For example, the gaming controller is preferably arranged to transmit information regarding each bet (such as credits wagered and their value) and amounts won by the player at each bet and each award transaction, instead of in an aggregated form over time. The information may also comprise data regarding each game started and finished by a player, and the time of such.
The "raw" data may be transmitted as generated from the gaming machine 20 to the host 44. The "raw" data may also be collected for a period of time at the gaming machine 20 and then transmitted in a block to the host 44 when network bandwidth permits.
In one or more embodiments at a fourth step S4, the game play data or information is utilized by the tracking system host 44. In one embodiment, some or all of the information may be stored, such as at a memory device associated with or comprising portion of the tracking system host 44. In one embodiment, the data is associated with the particular player which caused the data to be generated. For example, the data may be stored in a player's file. In another embodiment, the data may be stored in one or more files but have player identification data associated with it so that particular data regarding a player can be filtered from data belonging to other players.
In one or more embodiments, some or all of the information may be manipulated, such as aggregated or transformed. The information may also be displayed in one or more formats for viewing. In one or more embodiments, the information may be "mined" based upon a variety of criteria. In one or more embodiments, the information may be graphically displayed.
One embodiment of the invention comprises a method of utilizing the gathered game data. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of applying criteria to the data, determining data which meets the criteria, and providing the results of this "filtering" to the user.
One example of sets of stored data is illustrated in
As illustrated, each set of data 100 includes information regarding the location of the event in the form of a gaming machine identification number, a player identification number identifying the player playing that machine, and additional information regarding a particular event. In the example illustrated, the event is the play of a particular game at the machine. In this example, the data also includes fields regarding the start time of the game, amount bet by the player, the outcome, the time the game ended, and the amount paid to the player for the winning outcome. As also illustrated, the data includes the time at which the player began play at the gaming machine (such as indicated by the player inserting their tracking card). It will be appreciated that in this arrangement of the invention, the data or information which is generated by the gaming machine 20 and transmitted to the host 44 pertains to a particular event, and not the aggregation of activities or events.
In one embodiment, the user may conduct a search of the information or data based upon a single characteristic or criteria, such as a particular gaming machine (such as machine number), manufacturer, model, area, amounts paid, denominations and the like. The user may also conduct a search of the information or data based upon a plurality of characteristics or criteria.
In another embodiment of the invention, the user may manipulate the information or data, such as by aggregating certain information or data. The data which is manipulated may first be filtered.
For example, data regarding a particular player may be aggregated. All data, or data during a given period of time, may be filtered for activities regarding a particular player. These activities may comprise, for example, total amounts bet, total ticket value in, total ticket value out, total tickets in, total ticket out, or net win. Other information which may be obtained from the raw data using filtering or mining includes the number of visits by a player, the number of games played by a player on one or more gaming machines, the number of different gaming machines (including their type) played by a player over a period of time.
Obtained information may be utilized in a number of ways. For example, if it is determinated that a particular player has wagered a sufficient amount, then the player may be awarded a bonus or the like.
In one embodiment, filtering or mining of the raw individual activity or event data may occur at predetermined time intervals. For example, the host 44 may be programmed to conduct a search through the raw data at predetermined time intervals, such as hourly or daily. As one example of a method, the host 44 may be programmed to conduct a search through the raw data each day, such as of total number of tickets presented or ticket value presented by a single player, for determining if a player is entitled to an award. In this manner, the method includes an automated data mining function.
In one embodiment, the raw individual event or activity data may be analyzed to predict trends. In the prior art, a player is generally not awarded a bonus or complimentary award unless the player has achieved a particular level of assigned points. In accordance with the invention, the raw data may be utilized to determine if a player should be awarded a bonus, even if the player has not already met specific criteria. For example, the raw data may be analyzed and it may be determined that at the rate a particular player is presenting tickets or other value to gaming machines, the player will reach a specific level of game play by a certain date. The player may be awarded an award based on the player's rate of play, and not simply the actual play. As one example, the game operator may indicate to a player that if they reach a level of play before the player would reach a predetermined level of play based on their playing trend, they will receive a particularly large bonus or award. This may be used to entice the player to play at even a higher rate of betting or to play more frequently to reach the specified plateau earlier than they would have based on their previous rate of play.
The trend information may be obtained and utilized for a variety of purposes. As indicated, in the prior art, only basic information is generally tracked regarding a player's play, such as only an assigned number of points. In the prior art, data is not specifically obtained regarding machines and games. In accordance with the invention, the raw data is preferably arranged to include information regarding particular games and gaming machines. The game operator may filter or mine the raw data and determine, for example, that a particular type of gaming machine is suffering from a downward trend in total number of games played by players. The game operator may utilize this data to, for example, replace those machines with gaming machines which players are playing more frequently.
Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method in which the output of the "mining" or manipulation of the data is generated. In one embodiment, the outputting step comprises displaying, such as on a screen or by printing, the information. As described below, the data which is displayed may be aggregated, filtered or manipulated before being displayed.
As disclosed in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/116,680 which is incorporated by reference, a variety of interfaces may be utilized to display the output of the mining step, including the results of a filtering of information. The interfaces may include a variety of menus for making selections regarding the use and display of data. As described therein, this data or information may be displayed in bar graph form, text output or the like.
As illustrated in
A variety of information may be displayed. Such information may include, but is not limited to the following: total number of gaming machines presently in use/play; the number of players of the gaming machines in use which are presently active or playing a game; the number of players of gaming machines who have provided their player identification information (or the number of players of machines who have not); the type of gaming machines which are being played; and a wide variety of other information.
As indicated above, the information may be displayed in a variety of forms. For example, the information may be displayed in graphical form, such as a pie or bar graph. The information may also or alternatively be displayed in table or other format.
In one or more embodiments, the interface 80 includes a display area or window 84 in which the information may be displayed. This display area 84 may be divided into a plurality of areas, each displaying different information.
In one embodiment, the interface 80 also includes a menu 82. The menu 82 allows a user to select one or more actions or activities. These actions may comprise changing the format of the display area 84, manipulating the information and presenting it in a different form, or engaging in administrative functions associated with the game monitoring system 44. The menu 82 may include both drop-down menus associated with keywords, and individual icons for initiating certain functions or actions.
A wide variety of features may be provided. For example, a help menu may be provided for providing a user information regarding how to perform certain actions. A user may also be permitted to generate custom reports using filter parameters. A user may be permitted to change aesthetic and functional aspects of the interface 80, such as the colors, fonts, sounds and the like. In one embodiment additional useful information such as the time, date and the like associated with the processor of the host 44 may be displayed. These menus and other features are disclosed in more detail in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/116,680 incorporate herein by reference.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the data may be displayed in a three-dimensional format. In one embodiment, there is provided a three-dimensional graphical display 86. The three-dimensional graphical display 86 may be based on a three-axis coordinate system. Data may be displayed relative to the three axes, such as in cubic form. In the example illustrated, the three axis each represent a particular characteristic of data, such as game identity, name of casino, and month of the year. Display elements 88 may be displayed with respect to the axes, the display elements 88 graphically representing data relative to the particular axes characteristics. The size of the display elements 88 may be the same (as illustrated), or may depend upon data value. For example, if particular data represented by one display element 88 is twice the value of particular data represented by another display element 88, the first display element may be graphically illustrated twice the size of the second display element.
In one embodiment, the display element 88 illustrates or displays particular data. As illustrated, this data may comprise the particular value of the characteristic of the axes. For example, in the embodiment illustrated, the display element 88 may include the name of the particular game corresponding to the "game identity" axes, the name of a particular casino corresponding to the "casino" characteristic, and the name of a month.
In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, one or more of the display elements 88 may display information regarding a fourth characteristic. This information may be displayed on surfaces representing the display element 88. For example, in the embodiment illustrated, the display elements 88 are configured to display a numerical value representing the number of players of the particular game, at the particular casino, during the particular identified month. In this manner, a particular characteristic, number of players, may be correlated to three other characteristics.
In one embodiment, each display element 88 may comprise a container element. In this configuration, a user may select a particular display element 88 and that display element may reveal additional information. For example, by selecting a particular display element 88 with a mouse pointer or the like, additional data in table or other form may be displayed to the user. The form and content of this data may vary.
A variety of other configurations of the invention other than those described above are contemplated. For example, the system of the invention may be arranged to include the gaming machines of more than a single casino. In this arrangement, data regarding gaming machines at a plurality of gaming machines may be transmitted to a single host. The data regarding gaming machines at a particular casino or other location may first be transmitted to a host at that location, and then transmitted to a central host pertaining to all locations. Of course, in this arrangement, appropriate communication links must be established between the gaming machines, the multiple local hosts (if they are utilized), and the one or more remote hosts. In this configuration, data regarding gaming machine activity at two or more casinos or locations may be obtained and, as illustrated in
In a "multiple casino" or multi-location embodiment, information regarding a players activities at each casino or location may be compared. For example, a player's total play time or total amount bet at different casinos over a period of time may be obtained and displayed. In addition, information may be provided regarding the player's current location. For example, referring to
The systems, methods and interfaces of the present invention have numerous advantages. First, a system is provided by which raw data regarding individual events or activities occurring at one or more gaming machines may be obtained. In one embodiment, this raw data may include specific information regarding a particular player's activities. This raw data may be collected and stored at a central location remote from a plurality of gaming machines which are being monitored.
Using the raw data, a variety of functions may be performed. These functions include the "mining" of the raw data for specific information, the aggregation of the data, and other manipulation of the data. By utilizing the raw data, information such as trends may be determined. These trends may be utilized for a variety of purposes, such as changing gaming machines and providing awards to players. In this regard, one aspect of the invention is a method of determining if a player is entitled to a reward, such as a reward separate from one awarded by direct play of a gaming machine. This method includes monitoring, such as by periodically mining, individual event or activity information to determine if the player has met one or more criteria or requirement for such an award.
In one embodiment, the activity information or data may be mined at predetermined times or time intervals. In this configuration, a determination may be made if specific criteria have been met at one or more times. Notification may be provided if specific criteria have been met, such as for awarding a player a bonus or complimentary award.
As another aspect of the invention, there is a method of providing information. In one embodiment, this method comprises displaying the information or data, in either its raw individual event or activity form, or as aggregated or manipulated. The data may be displayed in a table form, or by a graphical representation. In one embodiment, 3, 4 or more different data characteristics may be displayed relative to one another. The data may be displayed three-dimensionally in the form of a graph. In this manner, a user of the system and method may determine the inter-relationship between various characteristics of the information. For example, a user may determine that particular games perform better at certain casinos than others, or determine a correlation between amounts wagered by players of one game versus another.
Notably, this method of displaying multi-dimensional views of information regarding a plurality of criteria or characteristics is only available because the activity or event data is generated on an event by event basis and provided to the host 44 in an un-aggregated form. Of course, the number of dimensions of the view or output is dependent upon the number of fields or characteristics of the data which are generated.
It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method therefrom are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
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|U.S. Classification
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|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Jul 3, 2002
Owner name: IGT, NEVADA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ROWE, RICK;REEL/FRAME:013086/0411
Effective date: 20020625
|Feb 17, 2014
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4


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