John V Strzemp

US Patent:

59712716, Oct 26, 1999

Filed:

Jun 24, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/876122

Inventors:

Stephen A. Wynn - Las Vegas NV
John Strzemp - Las Vegas NV
Kenneth Lathrop - Las Vegas NV
Ursula Conway - Las Vegas NV
Rawle Findley - Las Vegas NV
Laura May - Las Vegas NV
Stephen Moore - Las Vegas NV

Assignee:

Mirage Resorts, Incorporated - Las Vegas NV

International Classification:

G06K 500
A63B 1500
H04L 1243

US Classification:

235380

Abstract:

A system for expanding the operation and play of gaming devices such as slot machines is disclosed. It employs an enhanced gaming device including an audio and a video channel between the gaming device and a central location manned by one or more concierges who can communicate with the player, answer questions, make reservations and, in general, attend to the requests of the player. Selected video displays under the control of the concierge are substituted for the normal video display such as a pay table at the gaming device. Communication is initiated by the player by lifting a handset, operating a call button or by inserting a club card into a card slot. Any of these actions will place the call in a queue for answering. If a club card was inserted, player data is displayed before a concierge and the player views an image of the concierge. Player requests may then be addressed.