System supplier Acres 4.0 announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued the company U.S. Patent 8,632,400, which covers the intellectual property behind the concept of a “Gaming Device with Personality,” in connection with “Kai,” the mobile customer service and management system that automatically alerts hosts of high-end or loyal players and casino personnel when service is needed.
According to the company, this award marks the company’s 11th patent granted for its new “emotional technology,” with more than 70 additional patents still pending.
“We are building an entirely new spectrum of casino services that extend our Kai solution’s customer service capabilities into new player recruitment and retention,” said John Acres, founder and CEO of Acres 4.0. “Casinos have relied on simple fiscal awards of points and prizes to build loyalty for too long with ever-diminishing success.
“We have combined virtual personalities with standard mobile communications to create an entirely new suite of emotional technology that gives players more of the fun, excitement and recognition they come to casinos for. The issuance of 8,632,400 strengthens our patent coverage over these technologies and enables us to continue to invest heavily in their development.”
Roy Corby, chief operating officer of Acres 4.0, added, “Our company is nearing 50 employees, and we are actively seeking supplier and casino partners that can help us bring our emotional technology to the forefront. As gaming revenues continue to decline around the country, we’re set to help reverse that trend for our partners.”
In other Acres 4.0 news, Firelake Grand Casino Hotel Resort in Shawnee, Okla., recently installed Kai, becoming the first casino in Oklahoma to offer the new customer service management solution.
“We have worked with Firelake to redefine the gambling experience throughout their property for the past several years,” said Corby, “so when we first introduced them to Kai, they immediately knew it would bring value to their operations.”
