A disclosed gaming machine provides methods and apparatus for operating a wireless game player that presents a game of chance executed on a gaming machine in communication with the wireless game player. In one embodiment, the wireless game player is a hand-held mobile device, electronically linked to a licensed gaming machine via a wireless connection. All random number generation (RNG) events, game outcomes, meter information, game related information, and all cash transactions are maintained in the licensed (controlled) gaming machine and not the wireless game player. The wireless game player may be used anywhere within the legal areas of the casino and it has the capability of identifying who is using it. For example, a biometric input device, such as a finger print reader may be used on the wireless game player to identify the player. Thus, the issue of under-age or excluded players is addressed.

Wireless game player

Methods and systems for providing a virtual leash and command download capabilities on a hand-held personal gaming device (“PGD”) are disclosed. A host gaming system includes a game server configured to generate game seeds having data regarding predetermined game outcomes for various wager based games, and an authentication server configured to establish a virtual leash with a PGD. The virtual leash is adapted to repeatedly authenticate or verify a PGD user, a PGD location, the PGD itself, and/or software codes on the PGD. Included within an associated PGD are a display adapted to display gaming related information, a processor configured to execute gaming related code, and a memory containing a command download of computer code to be executed by the processor. The command download of computer code includes enough code for the PGD to process and display independently a game play based on a game seed.

Virtual leash for personal gaming device

Novel gaming networks, devices, and systems for enabling game play on wireless, mobile gaming devices based on the location of the device are described. A mobile gaming device can be used for wagering game play when the device is physically present in an authorized game play zone in a gaming environment and is used by an authorized and verified user. A gaming environment is divided into zones wherein a zone either allows wagering game play on a device or does not. A zone has multiple transmitters that transmit security signals that are detectable by a mobile device at all times while the device is in the zone. An appropriate wireless communication standard can be used to transmit the security signal, such as near-field magnetic communication. The device has at least one user identification and authentication mechanism to ensure that only an authorized user is using the device.

Mobile gaming devices for use in a gaming network having gaming and non-gaming zones

A game is presented to a player via a personal gaming device of the invention. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a display screen, a processing unit including a processor and a memory, and a wireless communication interface associated with the processing unit. Game code is stored at the gaming device. A player pre-purchases game play, and information enabling the game device to present the game is provided, such as via a smart card, to the gaming device for use by the game code. The information may comprise game outcome information. The outcomes of played games are verified against stored information regarding the purchased games. Activation information is transmitted to the gaming device to enable operation of the device.

Personal gaming device and method of presenting a game

An infrared communication system includes a plurality of infrared transceivers for receiving and transmitting infrared signals through the free air in which each transceiver includes: an omnidirectional infrared receiver for receiving infrared signals; an omnidirectional infrared transmitter for transmitting infrared signals; and a controller which determines the direction of arrival and the quality of the signals received by the infrared receiver, and controls the respective infrared transmitter in accordance therewith.

Infra-red communication system

This invention removes the requirement of cable interconnection for local area networks (LANs) by wireless relay stations suitable for very high data rates by operation at high carrier frequencies where signal reflection and absorbtion by walls is total or requires undesirable high omnidirectional RF power transmissions. The LAN can be deployed without special installation requirements when operated with indoor transponders (U.S.Pat.4,975,926). In the preferred embodiment relay stations communicate with IR light beams, and wall and ceiling propagation blockage is overcome by low power RF structure couplers.

Günter Knapp

Papers

Wireless indoor data relay system