U.S. patent application number 11/323589 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-25 for gaming player image capture and display systems and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to IGT. Invention is credited to Charles R. Berg, Andrew S. Pascal.
Application Number | 20060111171 11/323589 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24199563 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060111171 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berg; Charles R. ; et
al. |
May 25, 2006 |
Gaming player image capture and display systems and methods
Abstract
Systems and methods for capturing images of gaming players and
incorporating such images for display into casino games are
disclosed. Such casino games can include reel, reel simulation or
card games. Methods can include using a camera to capture at a
casino game an image of a player located within the field of view
of the camera, electronically sensing the image captured by the
camera, and electronically displaying at least a portion of the
electronically sensed image on a first electronic display
associated with the casino game such that the displayed portion of
the image is utilized within the play of the casino game.
Inventors: |
Berg; Charles R.;
(Cupertino, CA) ; Pascal; Andrew S.; (Burlingame,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BEYER WEAVER & THOMAS LLP
P.O. BOX 70250
OAKLAND
CA
94612-0250
US
|
Assignee: |
IGT
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
24199563 |
Appl. No.: |
11/323589 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10272722 |
Oct 17, 2002 |
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11323589 |
Dec 30, 2005 |
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09551034 |
Apr 17, 2000 |
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10272722 |
Oct 17, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2300/695 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3202 20130101; G07F 17/3206
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming system adapted to capture real-time player images for
incorporation into associated wager based games, comprising: means
for presenting a wager based game involving the placement of a
wager, the play of a first game based on said wager, and the grant
of a monetary award based on the outcome of said first game; means
for capturing a real-time image of a player of said wager based
game while said player is at or near said means for presenting said
wager based game; means for electronically sensing said real-time
image captured by said capturing means; means for rejecting said
real-time image if said real-time image does not include a minimum
number of facial features; and means for electronically displaying
at least a portion of said real-time image on a first electronic
display associated with said wager based game such that the
displayed portion of said real-time image is utilized within the
play of said wager based game.
2. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein said minimum number of
facial features includes two eyes, a nose, a mouth, and a chin.
3. A system adapted to capture player images for incorporation into
associated wager based games, comprising: a camera adapted to
capture a first player image of a player of a wager based game,
said wager based game involving the placement of a wager, the play
of a first game based on said wager, and the grant of a monetary
award based on the outcome of said first game; an image recognition
system adapted to scan said first player image captured by said
camera for a plurality of facial features, said image recognition
system being further adapted to reject said first player image if
said first player image does not include a preselected minimum
number of facial features; and a first display associated with said
wager based game, said first display adapted to display at least a
portion of said first player image along with at least a portion of
said wager based game during the play of said wager based game.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein said minimum number of facial
features includes two eyes, a nose, a mouth, and a chin.
5. The system of claim 3, further including: a gaming machine
adapted to administer and present said wager based game.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein said first display is included as
a component of said gaming machine.
7. The system of claim 5, wherein said gaming machine is configured
as a slant top machine whereby a player may sit on a stool or chair
in front of the gaming machine.
8. The system of claim 5, wherein said camera is mounted at or near
said gaming machine and is oriented toward the area where a
player's head and face would usually be located during the play of
a game at said gaming machine.
9. The system of claim 5, further including: one or more additional
displays associated with said wager based game, said one or more
additional displays adapted to display at least a portion of said
first player image at one or more locations remote from said camera
and remote from said gaming machine.
10. The system of claim 3, wherein said camera includes speakers
and a communication system adapted to provide audio communications
to one or more remote locations.
11. The system of claim 3, further including: an electronic sensor
board adapted for use in verifying the identity of said player by
utilizing said first player image.
12. The system of claim 3, further including: one or more player
controls that enable said player to initiate the capture of said
first player image.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein said one or more player
controls include at least one control that enables said player
initiate the capture of a second player image of said player if
said player is dissatisfied with said first player image.
14. A method of capturing and displaying player images in
association with wager based games comprising: accepting at a
gaming machine a wager from a first player for a wager based game,
said wager based game involving the placement of a wager, the play
of a first game based on said wager, and the grant of a monetary
award based on the outcome of said first game; using a first camera
to capture a first player image of said first player of said wager
based game; scanning said first player image for one or more facial
features, wherein said one or more facial features comprise at
least one of a chin, a nose, a mouth and eyes; rejecting said first
player image if said first player image does not include a minimum
number of facial features; playing said wager game based on said
wager from said first player; and displaying at least a portion of
said first player image and at least a portion of the play of said
wager based game simultaneously on a display at said gaming
machine.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said camera is located at said
gaming machine.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein said displaying step includes
displaying at least a portion of an unrejected first player image
such that said unrejected first player image is combined with a
video depiction of a figure to create a video character image
comprising a video depiction of said first player imposed on the
video depiction of the figure, and is displayed in the playing
portion associated with said first player.
17. The method of claim 14, further including the step of: using a
second camera positioned at a location different from said first
camera to capture a second player image for display on said
display.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said second player image is of
a player other than said first player.
19. The method of claim 14, further including the step of:
comparing said first player image to an image associated with a
player tracking card used by said first player.
20. The method of claim 14, further including the step of:
displaying at least a portion of said first player image on an
additional display located remotely from said gaming machine.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation application of and claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 to commonly owned and co-pending U.S.
application Ser. No. 10/272,722, entitled "SYSTEM FOR AND METHOD OF
CAPTURING A PLAYER'S IMAGE FOR INCORPORATION INTO A GAME," filed on
Oct. 17, 2002, which is a continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/551,034 of the same title,
filed on Apr. 17, 2000, now abandoned, each of which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention generally relates to a system for and
method of capturing a player's image for incorporation into a game,
especially casino type wagering video game.
[0003] Many games such as casino video games, employ visual effects
to enhance player excitement and enthusiasm. Some video
enhancements include video simulation of spinning reels and
"virtual" displays of live casino table games.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present invention relates to a system and method of
capturing an image of a player of a game and displaying the
player's image in association with the game, such as on a screen of
a casino video game machine. Preferably the player's image is
utilized within the play of the game being played by the
player.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The present invention will be described with reference to
the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a front view of a
casino video game machine in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0007] FIGS. 2a, b, and c, are front, side, and perspective
illustrations of a TV camera system that may be utilized in an
embodiment of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0008] The present invention will be described with reference to
the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to
the same item.
[0009] There is shown in FIG. 1 a casino video game machine 10
generally configured as a "slant top" machine in which a player
usually sits on a stool or chair in front of the machine 10. It
should be appreciated from a further reading of the preferred
embodiment that the instant invention may be employed with a wide
variety of games, however, such as "upright" stand alone video game
machines, such as casino table games, and such as games played with
a computer monitor and keyboard.
[0010] The machine 10 includes a generally boxed shaped base 12
that houses electronics and other equipment used in the operation
of the game. The machine 10 also includes a slanted section 14 that
contains a main game video monitor 16, a series of game control
buttons 18 (although the invention contemplates that touch screen,
light pen, track ball, mouse, and other game control facilities may
be utilized), and monetary acceptance devices 20, such as a bill
validator, a coin comparator, and an electronic funds transfer
device. The machine 10 also includes an upper display section 22
that may contain graphic displays, lights, and a second video
monitor 24. A display sign 26 may be mounted on top of the machine
10.
[0011] In addition to the foregoing features, the game machine 10
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
includes a TV camera 28, which includes generally a video camera
30, a light source 32, an LCD display 34, and an LCD driver board
36. The TV camera 28 is preferably mounted above the slanted
section 14 of the machine 10 and is generally oriented toward the
area where a player's head and face would usually be located during
the play of the game. In a preferred embodiment, the video camera
utilizes a 6 mm lens, a field of view of approximately 35 degrees
vertical by 45 degrees horizontal, and a depth of focus that is
infinite.
[0012] The LCD display 34 may be used to show preloaded still shots
or motion pictures that either advertise the casino or the game, or
are directed specifically toward the play of the game. For example,
the LCD display 34 may show messages such as "Be A Winner," "Win A
Jackpot," or "Big Buffet at Noon in the Squire Room," or may
display motion pictures of entertainment groups performing at the
casino or other activities associated with the casino. It is also
contemplated within the broad scope of the instant invention that
the TV camera may have a mode of operation as an informational
kiosk which includes push button, touch screen, or other control
systems by which a person may view a display of a map of the
casino, information on various events happening at the casino, and
similar information. It is also contemplated that the TV camera may
include sound speakers and a system by which a person may
communicate telephonically with a person in a hotel room of the
casino, with the casino hotel concierge, with the casino staff to
report problems with the machine, and with other persons for casino
related matters.
[0013] The video camera 30 captures an image within the field of
view of the lens of the video camera 30, which would usually
include the head and face of a player who plays the machine 10.
Instead of the image being captured on photographic film, the image
is captured through an electronic sensor board (not shown). The
images captured on the electronic sensor board may be selectively
used for a variety of purposes, including verification of the
identity of a player with a player tracking card used by the player
of the machine 10 and including security purposes. In the preferred
embodiment, he video camera 30 is used to capture a player's image
on selected occasions during the player's play of the casino game
on the machine 10. In a preferred embodiment, the player's image is
replicated continuously in real time for a selected time interval
on the LCD display 34 along with some sort of countdown, which may
a display of numerals decreasing in value to 0 on the LCD display
34 or by a sound command, which may be a preloaded soundtrack of a
person voicing the count down and giving similar instructions. At
the end of the countdown, the player's image is used as a "still
shot" and is replicated on at least one of the monitors 16, 24 for
use in connection with the play of the game. It is contemplated
that the player's "still shot" may be displayed on at least one of
the monitors 16, 24 in a preselected location, that the player's
image may be utilized as the "head" of an animated person or
character appearing on the monitor 16, 24, or as a symbol on a
series of simulated reels or cards appearing on the monitor 16, 24.
The invention also contemplates that the player's image captured by
the video camera 30 may be cropped so that only the player's head
(and no background) is replicated on one of the monitors 16, 24.
The image of the player captured by the video camera 30 either may
be a "still shot" or may be continuously displayed in real time on
at least one of the monitors 16, 24 or on another display in the
casino.
[0014] The player's image may be utilized in the play of a primary
game, or may be displayed only, or also, in connection with a
secondary event or bonus game.
[0015] In an alternative embodiment, a player may push a button to
initiate the taking of a still shot picture, or the player may push
a button which permits a still picture of the player to be retaken
if the player is dissatisfied with the initial still picture.
[0016] The invention also contemplates that the images of more than
one player may be replicated in the play of the game. Thus, for
example, if the game involves two boxers, outer space warriors, or
car racers, then the images of multiple players may be
correspondingly placed with an associated one of the characters in
the game.
[0017] The present invention also contemplates that the player's
image may be replicated on one or more display screens positioned
so as to be readily viewed by other casino patrons at various
locations around the casino, or in the display sign 26 located on
top of the machine 10. If for example, a player hits a jackpot or
otherwise achieves a special event, then the player's image may be
widely displayed for purposes of generating interest in the game
and which for most players will give them the satisfaction of
publicizing their success at the game.
[0018] The invention further contemplates that the player's image
captured by the video camera 30 would also be relayed to the
casino's security so that if a player makes an obscene gesture or
the image is otherwise offensive, then the casino security may
override the system and delete or cancel the display of the
player's image. The invention may also employ an image recognition
system that scans the image for features such as two eyes, a nose,
a mouth, a chin, etc. and if the image does not contain such
features or a preselected minimum number of such features, then the
system will reject the image and not display the image.
[0019] It should be appreciated that the TV camera 28 may be
mounted at a variety of locations in, on, about, or near the
machine 10 and that the video camera 30 need not be positioned
adjacent to the LCD display 34. The invention also contemplates
that more than one video camera 30 may be utilized so that a
preferred view of the player may be selected or so that a three
dimensional image may be created and replicated on monitors and
display screens.
[0020] Because the ambient light in the vicinity of a player may be
insufficient to create quality contrast in the player's captured
image, the TV camera 28 further includes a light source 32 that may
be selectively activated to shine a predetermined intensity of
light generally toward objects in the field of view of the video
camera 30.
[0021] The present invention also contemplates that the still shot
of the player's image may be replicated on photographic paper or
other paper by means of a suitable printer. The machine 10, in such
an embodiment, would include a source of such paper, a printer, and
a dispenser so that the player may keep the printed image as a
takeaway memento. The paper, printer, and dispenser may also be
located at a remote location. Preferably the printed material
includes not only the player's image, but also a recognizable
feature, logo, or name of the game and the casino, the dollar value
of the player's winnings, the player's name, and other information.
If the player uses a player tracking card during the play of the
game, then data from the card may be electronically transmitted to
the printer for inclusion on the memento.
[0022] At a selected time, such as at the end of a round of play of
the game, any player image being displayed would be erased.
[0023] The operation of an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention will now be described. A player places an appropriate
amount of money in the monetary acceptance device 20 and begins
play of a video draw poker game in which the cards are displayed in
the monitor 16 and in which the player implements his or her
decisions concerning the play of the game through the control
buttons 18. The player either gains credits or loses credits
according to a preestablished payoff table based generally upon the
poker rank of the hand achieved by the player. If the player
achieves a very good poker hand, such as five of a kind (which may
be achieved by using wild cards in a standard deck of 52 cards),
then the player may be automatically enrolled in the play of a
secondary event game or bonus game. At this time, the monitors 16,
24 may flash various messages concerning the bonus game, and
lights, bells, whistles, and other attention getting signals may be
activated. Soon thereafter, a preloaded motion picture of a person
pretending to be a motion picture director appears on the LCD
display 34 and announces (through the sound systems associated with
the machine 10 or the TV camera 28) that the player is going into a
bonus round and enthusiastically commands the player to get ready
to have his or her picture taken. The producer then begins a
countdown such as "ready, set, go" or "five, four, three, two, one,
zero." During the countdown, the light source 32 is activated, and
the player's image is captured by the video camera 30 and
replicated on at least a portion of the LCD display 34, such as
within an oval shaped area appearing centrally on the LCD display
34. During the countdown, the player can see his or her image
replicated on the LCD display 34 and can adjust his or her
position, smile, and otherwise arrange themselves in a desirable
pose. At the end of a countdown, a still shot of the player's image
is taken and replicated on at least a portion of the monitor 16,
again, which may be in an oval shaped area on the monitor 16. The
player then plays a secondary event or bonus game, which, for
example, may be a game of "Family Feud," by which the player may
win additional credits. The secondary event game may be played on
either of the monitors 16, 24 or both of the monitors 16, 24. At
the end of play of the secondary event game, the player's image is
erased from the system and disappears from both the LCD display and
the monitors 16, 24.
[0024] It is to be understood, that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been
set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of
the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is
illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in
matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts or types, of
material within the principles of the invention to the full extent
indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the
appended claims are expressed.
[0025] Although particular embodiments of the present invention
have been described and illustrated herein, it should be recognized
that modifications and variations may readily occur to those
skilled in the art and that such modifications and variations may
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. Consequently, the invention as claimed below may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described above.
* * * * *