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Hospitality feature of an electronic gaming system and method of operationRelated Patent Categories: Amusement Devices: Games, Including Means For Processing Electronic Data (e.g., Computer/video Game, Etc.), Credit/debit Monitoring Or Manipulation (e.g., Game Entry, Betting, Prize Level, Etc.)Hospitality feature of an electronic gaming system and method of operation description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060287067, Hospitality feature of an electronic gaming system and method of operation. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/683,810, filed May 23, 2005, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application (Ser. No. Not Available; Atty. Docket No. 60,667-091), both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to an electronic gaming system and method of operation and more particularly to a hospitality feature of the system and method of operating the same. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Gaming is an increasingly popular form of entertainment. Games, particularly, games of chance and skill where one or more players play and place wagers on a desired and/or predicted outcome can be played in a variety of ways and in a variety of places, including at a casino or other venue or on the Internet. Of the various forms of games that are available for play, many utilize playing cards. Of these, poker is arguably the most popular. [0004] Traditionally, poker is played at a table with several players wagering paper or coin money on a series of playing cards dealt from a deck of fifty-two cards. This deck is comprised of four suits at thirteen cards per suit. This form of poker requires a human dealer to coordinate the game, including dealing, wagering, folding, and the like. In "social" card games, especially poker, the players take turns acting as the dealer, but in licensed commercial gaming establishments, such as casinos, the dealer is typically a non-playing employee. Unfortunately, traditional poker is potentially prone to human dealer error. Moreover, human dealers in casino type establishments must be trained and paid a salary sufficient to retain them. [0005] One alternative form of gaming, with particular reference to poker, has flourished on the internet. Internet gaming has become quite successful in that it provides many choices for the players. In particular, internet gaming is fast and convenient, with registration, betting and payouts available from almost any computer with internet access and with payments typically arranged via a credit card. Yet further, poker or other card games may also be provided by stand-alone machines similar to slot machines. [0006] One major drawback of internet and stand-alone type games is the lack of the human element. Many people prefer to play poker against other players face-to-face, because of the drama associated with "live" gaming. Undoubtedly, an elevated level of competition exists when people compete directly against one another and face-to-face. In gaming establishments, experienced players are trying to hone strategy and read other players' intentions through their movements and style of play to be more competitive. [0007] In U.S. Patent Application Publication number US 2005/0090304 A1, filed Sep. 13, 2004, and disclosed herein by reference in its entirety, an electronic gaming system and method of displaying and obscuring electronic playing cards is disclosed and assigned to the same assignee of the present invention. Generally, this electronic gaming system replaces the human dealer with a computer capable of simulating the deal and simulating the playing cards via video displays. The system has a plurality of tables with each table having a plurality of electronic player interaction areas or stations (EPIA's). An individual interested in playing a particular game can locate oneself in front of a particular station of a table (or can be assigned) and upon logging-in, can play the game. [0008] Although the electronic gaming system and related software has unique advantages of particular benefit to the gaming establishment, it does not fully conceive of potential benefits for the players. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] An electronic gaming system has a plurality of tables each having a plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA's) spaced preferably about a table periphery so that a gaming player locates oneself in front of a respective EPIA to play a game. A computer-based controller of the system assigns any one of preferably a variety of games to any one table. The player is then free to choose what game he/she desires to play by picking a particular table. The gaming system has a host console that communicates with each EPIA via the controller for managerial control of the plurality of tables. A software-based hospitality feature is integrated into the electronic gaming system for logging players in and out of a game, monitoring and recording of game play, enabling efficient waiter service, assisting security personal and preferably establishing confidential communications with the floor manager or host. [0010] Operation of the hospitality feature preferably begins with the creation of a player account and the funding of the account after assignment of a personal identification number for the player. Once assigned, the player is free to choose an electronic player interaction area that is programmed to play a particular game. Once chosen, the player logs in by entering their personal identification number into the electronic player interaction area. The player can then divert at least a portion of their funds into electronic chips for play of the game. When logging in, a signal is sent to the host console for alerting the host of a new player. While playing, the players actions are generally monitored and recorded into a database of the computer. Also, by logging in, the player is in selective communication with the host and/or waitering staff for further hospitality services. [0011] Benefits and advantages of the present invention include an automated electronic gaming system that enhances communication between game players and the host of a gaming establishment, alerts the host of potential problems before they occur, enhances security, better detects possible collusion between players for the benefit of the remaining players, improves beverage and food service and decreases outside distractions for the benefit of the players during the game. Other advantages include a simplification of funding player accounts and the general elimination of cumbersome, physical, chips. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: [0013] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a gaming system embodying the present invention and in a casino environment; [0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic poker table of the gaming system; [0015] FIG. 3 is a top view of the electronic poker table of FIG. 2; [0016] FIG. 4 is a front and back view of an electronic playing card; [0017] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a player interface of an electronic player interaction area of the system with hole cards of the electronic playing cards hidden; [0018] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the player interface of FIG. 5 with the hole cards revealed; [0019] FIG. 7 is a partial block diagram of the gaming system associated with one poker table; Continue reading about Hospitality feature of an electronic gaming system and method of operation... 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