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Gaming machine interfaceable with collectible gaming tokenRelated Patent Categories: Amusement Devices: Games, Including Means For Processing Electronic Data (e.g., Computer/video Game, Etc.), In A Chance ApplicationGaming machine interfaceable with collectible gaming token description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070197275, Gaming machine interfaceable with collectible gaming token. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to gaming machines and, more particularly, to a gaming machine which interfaces with a collectible gaming token capable of storing game play information, and notifying players of gaming information. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing machines and the expectation of winning each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are most likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting of the machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines available because such machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to the operator. [0003] One concept which has been successfully employed to enhance the entertainment value of a game is the concept of a "secondary" or "bonus" game which may be played in conjunction with a "basic" game. The bonus game may comprise any type of game, either similar to or completely different from the basic game, which is entered upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome of the basic game. Generally, bonus games provide a greater expectation of winning than the basic game and may also be accompanied with more attractive or unusual video displays and/or audio. Because the bonus game concept offers tremendous advantages in player appeal and excitement relative to other known games, and because such games are attractive to both players and operators, there is a continuing need to develop gaming machines with new types of bonus games to satisfy the demands of players and operators. [0004] Gaming machines reward players by granting and distributing a payout when a predetermined winning combination is achieved. Gaming machines frequently have a payout schedule providing a variety of payouts for various winning combinations. However, traditional gaming machines fail to provide the player with desirable intangible awards or prizes. [0005] Furthermore, traditionally, a player playing a gaming machine is largely anonymous to the gaming machine. Although player tracking cards and similar devices evolved, these devices generally track only information relating to casino operations. For example, a player tracking card may track how long a player plays at a particular gaming machine. However, these technologies do not store and track game play information, which is extremely valuable to gaming machine producers. These technologies also do not communicate with the gaming machine's processor, and exchange information with the gaming machine's system memory. [0006] Thus, a need exists for a portable tracking device which interacts with the processor controlling the gaming machine, and allows gaming machines to track, store, and restore game play information. A need also exists for a gaming machine which dispenses an aesthetically pleasing, collectible game token to a player, wherein the token stores game play information. Additionally, a need exists for a portable tracking device which is capable of remotely receiving notifications and other information relating to gaming machines, game play, or casino information. The present invention is directed to satisfying these needs and solving other problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] In accordance with the foregoing, a gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display for displaying the wagering game. The gaming machine is controlled by a processor. The gaming machine further includes a token interface connecting the processor with a collectible portable tracking device or token. According to one aspect of the invention, the token is collectible by the player and has a theme associated with the theme of the gaming machine. The collectible token can take on many forms including tickets, cards, charms, clothing accessories, jewelry or other objects. [0008] According to another aspect of the invention, the gaming machine further includes a token dispenser. The dispenser dispenses tokens to the player based upon predetermined winning outcomes of the gaming machine or other criteria executed by the processor. Alternatively, the dispenser dispenses vouchers that the player can redeem for a portable tracking device or token. [0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the token includes a computer readable storage medium for storing game play information. The processor can interact with the computer readable storage medium, via the interface, to both store and retrieve game play information from the token. [0010] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the token includes a receiver and an information indicator. The receiver receives game play information transmitted to the token, while the information indicator notifies the player of the game play information received by the token. [0011] Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine of the present invention; [0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system suitable for operating the gaming machine of FIG. 1; [0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the portable tracking device, or token, of the present invention; [0015] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the operation of the gaming machine of FIG. 1, showing the interaction of the portable tracking device, or token, with the gaming machine; and [0016] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the operation of the gaming machine of FIG. 1, showing the gaming machine notifying the player of gaming information through the portable tracking device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0017] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. [0018] Referring to FIG. 1, a gaming machine 10 is used in gaming establishments such as casinos. With regard to the present invention, the gaming machine 10 may be any type of gaming machine and may have varying structures and methods of operation. For example, the gaming machine 10 may be a mechanical gaming machine configured to play mechanical slots, or it may be an electromechanical or electrical gaming machine configured to play a video casino game, such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, etc. [0019] The gaming machine 10 comprises a housing 11 and includes input devices, including a value input device 20 and a player input device 16. For output the gaming machine 10 includes a primary display 12 for displaying information about the basic wagering game. The primary display 12 can also display information about a bonus wagering game and a progressive wagering game. The gaming machine 10 also includes a secondary display 14 for displaying the bonus wagering game, or for displaying award amounts of a progressive game. The gaming machine 10 may also utilize the secondary display 14 for displaying game events, game outcomes, and/or signage information. While these typical components found in the gaming machine 10 are described below, it should be understood that numerous other elements may exist and may be used in any number of combinations to create various forms of a gaming machine 10. Continue reading about Gaming machine interfaceable with collectible gaming token... Full patent description for Gaming machine interfaceable with collectible gaming token Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Gaming machine interfaceable with collectible gaming token patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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