U.S. patent application number 11/963602 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-25 for slot machine incorporating an image capturing device and method of use.
Invention is credited to Jonathan Fine.
Application Number | 20090163267 11/963602 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40789291 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090163267 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fine; Jonathan |
June 25, 2009 |
SLOT MACHINE INCORPORATING AN IMAGE CAPTURING DEVICE AND METHOD OF
USE
Abstract
A system and method of one or more electronic gaming devices
having image capturing devices integrated therein is disclosed. The
image capturing devices capture a player image and place the image
into a primary or bonus game facilitated by the one or more
electronic gaming devices. In one version, the captured image is
placed on video reels of each slot machine forming a bank of slot
machines. In this manner, players play a game of chance with their
own image and images of other players integrated therein. The
images may also be depicted on a display device associated with a
bank of electronic gaming devices.
Inventors: |
Fine; Jonathan; (Henderson,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG
3773 HOWARD HUGHES PARKWAY, SUITE 500 NORTH
LAS VEGAS
NV
89169
US
|
Family ID: |
40789291 |
Appl. No.: |
11/963602 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/20 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3206 20130101;
G07F 17/3211 20130101; G07F 17/3258 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/20 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of conducting an electronically-implemented wagering
game comprising: utilizing an electronic gaming device to
facilitate a primary game of chance; capturing an image of a player
of the electronic gaming device via an image capturing device
integrated into, onto or adjacent to the electronic gaming device;
and placing the captured image into a video-based portion of the
primary game of chance and optionally any electronic gaming device
affiliated therewith.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising placing the captured
image into said primary game.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising placing the captured
image into a bonus game facilitated by the electronic gaming
device.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising placing the captured
image on a video reel associated with the electronic gaming
device.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising placing the captured
image on a display device associated with a bank of electronic
gaming devices.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising storing the captured
image for future use.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising capturing the image in
response to a player inserting money or a player card into the
electronic gaming device.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing means for
allowing the player to accept or decline an image being
captured.
9. The method of claim 1 further comprising enhancing game payouts
in response to the captured image forming part of a winning game
outcome.
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising capturing the image in
response to receiving a signal from a motion detector in, on or
adjacent to the electronic gaming device.
11. The method of claim 1 further comprising evaluating a quality
of the captured image.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising capturing a
subsequent image if the captured image is not of a pre-established
quality.
13. A method of conducting an electronically-implemented wagering
game comprising: utilizing a bank of electronic gaming devices to
facilitate at least one of a primary game of chance or a bonus game
of chance; capturing an image of a player at any electronic gaming
device forming part of said bank of electronic gaming devices, said
image captured via an image capturing device integrated into, onto
or adjacent to each electronic gaming device forming the bank of
electronic gaming devices; and placing the captured image into a
video-based portion of the primary game of chance, bonus game of
chance, or both, associated with each electronic gaming device
forming the bank of electronic gaming devices.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising triggering said image
capturing device in response to a player inserting money or a
player card into the electronic gaming device.
15. The method of claim 13 further comprising providing means for
allowing the player to accept or decline an image being
captured.
16. The method of claim 13 further comprising capturing the image
in response to receiving a signal from a motion detector in, on or
adjacent to the electronic gaming device.
17. The method of claim 13 further comprising evaluating a quality
of the captured image.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising capturing a
subsequent image if the captured image is not of a pre-established
quality.
19. A system comprising: one or more affiliated electronic gaming
devices for facilitating games of chance, said one or more
electronic gaming devices having at least a processor, random
number generator, memory, display, one or more user interfaces and
an image capturing device, said image capturing device positioned
to capture an image of a player playing the one or more electronic
gaming devices; means for transmitting the captured image of the
player to all affiliated electronic gaming devices; and means for
incorporating the captured image into the games of chance
facilitated by said affiliated electronic gaming devices.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein the one or more electronic
gaming devices further include a motion detector operable to
trigger the image capturing device.
21. The system of claim 19 further comprising software for
evaluating the quality of the captured image.
22. The system of claim 19 wherein the image capturing device is
in, on or adjacent to a corresponding electronic gaming device.
23. A slot machine comprising: at least a processor, random number
generator, memory, video display, three or more video reels, one or
more user interfaces and an image capturing device, said image
capturing device positioned to capture an image of a player playing
the slot machine; and means for incorporating the captured image of
the player on the one or more video reels.
24. The slot machine of claim 23 further comprising a motion
detector operable to trigger the image capturing device.
25. The slot machine of claim 23 further comprising software for
evaluating the quality of the captured image.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to an
electronic gaming device (e.g., slot machine). In one embodiment,
an image capturing device in, on or adjacent to a slot machine
captures an image of a player which is then used on the slot
machine or affiliated slot machines as part of the game.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electronic gaming devices, like slot machines, now account
for over 60% of gaming revenue in casinos. Accordingly, new slot
machine concepts are in increasing demand to satisfy the gaming
public. Recent successful slot machine advances include large
progressive jackpots, high resolution video graphics and bonus
games.
[0003] In particular, bonus games are now associated with a
majority of the slot machines in the marketplace. For example, the
Wheel of Fortune slot machine includes a bonus game in the form of
a numbered mechanical wheel. The bonus game, namely the wheel, is
activated in response to pre-established primary game outcomes.
Other bonus games comprise video-implemented games, ball-hoppers
and player-selected outcomes.
[0004] Even though there has been an influx of new slot machines
and bonus games, the new concepts and features are of a common
theme and do not add to the overall excitement level of slot
machine play.
[0005] Thus, there is a need for a new and exciting slot machine
concept. Advantageously, the new concept should include player
participation to enhance the game playing experience.
SUMMARY
[0006] Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present invention
comprises a method of conducting an electronically-implemented
wagering game comprising: utilizing an electronic gaming device to
facilitate a game of chance; capturing an image of a player of the
electronic gaming device via an image capturing device integrated
into, onto or adjacent to the electronic gaming device; and placing
the captured image into a video-based portion of the game of chance
and optionally any electronic gaming device affiliated
therewith.
[0007] A system embodiment of the present invention comprises: one
or more affiliated electronic gaming devices for facilitating games
of chance, said one or more electronic gaming devices having at
least a processor, random number generator, memory, display, one or
more user interfaces and an image capturing device, said image
capturing device positioned to capture an image of a player playing
the one or more electronic gaming devices; means for transmitting
the captured image of the player to all affiliated electronic
gaming devices; and means for incorporating the captured image into
the games of chance facilitated by said affiliated electronic
gaming devices.
[0008] Other variations, embodiments and features of the present
invention will become evident from the following detailed
description, drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a slot machine according to a first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a bank of slot machines and a corresponding
bank display device which utilizes the embodiments of the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a captured image integrated into a video slot
machine primary game; and
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a captured image integrated into a video slot
machine bonus game.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The operation of slot machines is controlled by
microprocessors which communicate with internal memory devices and
the external features of the machines. The microprocessors also
incorporate, or communicate with, a random number generator which
ensures the randomness of the machines' outcomes. In the
embodiments of the present invention, one or more processors, along
with memory and related devices, control the new applications
disclosed herein. Therefore, the embodiments, along with the
corresponding odds, of the present invention may be programmed into
the processor or associated software. Since the technology for
operating and controlling slot machines is well known to those
skilled in the art, the subtle details are not described
herein.
[0014] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present
invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments
illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to
describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no
limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any
alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature
illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the
principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would
normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having
possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the
scope of the invention claimed.
[0015] Although a slot machine is used to describe the embodiments
of the present invention, it is conceivable that the embodiments
may be utilized with other gaming devices including video poker
machines, keno machines and bingo machines.
[0016] Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are
referred to by like numerals throughout. FIG. 1 illustrates a slot
machine for facilitating the embodiments of the present invention
generally referred to by reference numeral 100. As shown the slot
machine 100 includes three video game reels 105-1 through 105-3,
depicting game indicia 110 on a machine display 115. The reels may
also be mechanical with video portions integrated therein. One or
more pay lines 120 are used to determine winning outcomes. While
three game reels 105-1 through 105-3 are shown, the number may be
more or less. The slot machine 100 further includes player
interface buttons, including a one coin/unit wager button 125,
maximum coins/units button 130, spin button 145 and cash out button
150. Each of the buttons may be touch screen icons on the video
display 115 as well. The machine 100 also includes a coin input
155, card reader 160, credit display 165, slot arm 170 and currency
and coupon reader 175.
[0017] Optionally, the slot machine 100 further includes a topper
180 for facilitating a bonus game. The bonus game may be
facilitated by video means solely or in combination with backlit
graphics.
[0018] As shown, an image capturing device 200 can be integrated
into the topper 180, or an image capturing device 200' may be
secured to the topper 180 or elsewhere on the slot machine 100 or
an image capturing device 200'' may be secured adjacent to the slot
machine 100 and linked thereto by means of a wired or wireless
connection. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that
the image capturing device may be positioned anywhere in, on or
adjacent to the slot machine 100. Ideally, the image capturing
device 200 is a digital camera or video camera, but any type of
suitable image capturing device may be used. The image capturing
device 200 is positioned to capture a photo or video clip of the
player's face. In one embodiment, the imaging capturing device 200
is triggered by a motion sensor 205 aimed at head-level of the
chair corresponding to the slot machine 100. The sensor 205 should
have limited range to prevent it from activating when patrons walk
past the slot machine 100. Like the image capturing device, the
sensor 205 may be integrated into the topper 180, attached to the
topper 180 or positioned adjacent to the slot machine 100. In
another embodiment, the image capturing device 200 is triggered in
response to currency, coupons or a player card being inserted into
the slot machine 100. Ideally, the player authorizes the players
facial image being used via a display device and keypad 210 on the
slot machine 100. Accordingly, in one embodiment, once the player
inserts currency, coupons or a player card, the display device 210
shows a message requesting that the player approve the use of his
or her facial image by, for example, pressing "1" for approve and
"2" for decline. Most new slot machines have the display device and
keypad 210 positioned above the reels 105-1 through 105-3. The same
procedure may be used by means of touch screen technology
associated with the slot machine display 115 such that the player
simply presses a "Yes" or "No" icon as prompted on the machine
display 115.
[0019] Once an image is captured, image software analyzes the image
to determine if it is acceptable. The image software determines
whether the content (e.g., face of the player) and the clarity of
the image are suitable for the embodiments of the present invention
as described in more detail below. If the software determines that
the captured image is not acceptable, the image capturing device
200 is activated a second time to capture a new image. Besides
clarity and assuring a facial image, the software may also reject
as unacceptable any captured images involving vulgar gestures or
activities by a player. The image capturing process may be repeated
any number of times as determined by a casino. Once an acceptable
image is captured, it is temporarily or permanently stored in a
memory or storage device. The memory device may be random access
memory (RAM), flash memory, hard drive memory or any suitable type
of storage or memory. The memory device may be integrated into the
slot machine or may be associated with a bank of machines or a
central storage device associated with all machines in a casino or
multiple casinos. Depending on the casino and/or the player, the
image may be stored temporarily until it is integrated into a
casino game or may be stored in a player database for use during
subsequent game sessions by the player.
[0020] If the image is stored for use during a subsequent gaming
session, the player may be prompted to accept use of the image at
the subsequent gaming session or may be prompted to allow a new
image to be captured. Again, this may be accomplished using a small
display device or touch screen technology.
[0021] Now referring to FIG. 2, a bank 250 of slot machines 100-1
through 100-6 is shown. The bank 250 includes a bank display 260
for displaying a game name 265 associated with the slot machines
100-1 through 100-6, jackpot information, including a progressive
jackpot amount 270, if any, and any other information deemed
appropriate. With the embodiments of the present invention, the
bank display 260 may also include player locations 275-1 through
275-6 for displaying player images 280-1 through 280-6 as captured
by the image capturing devices 200-1 through 200-6 positioned
within, on or adjacent to the slot machines 100-1 through 100-6
forming the bank 250. The player locations 275-1 through 275-6
provide a mechanism for players, and others, to observe the images
displayed prominently in the casino. In one embodiment, the images
randomly change locations after a brief pre-established period of
time (e.g., 30 seconds). If certain of the machines 100-1 through
100-6 are unoccupied, the corresponding player locations 275-1
through 275-6 may be left blank or may display a message like "Your
Face Here" to attract additional players to the bank 250.
[0022] Besides utilizing player images 280-1 through 280-6 on the
bank display 260, captured images 280-1 through 280-1 are utilized
in the games being facilitated by the machines 100-1 through 100-6.
In one example, as shown in FIG. 3, a captured image 280 is
integrated into a primary game as video reel image symbols 290. In
practice, a pre-established number of reel symbol positions on each
video reel 295-1 through 295-3 are designated as video reel image
symbols. That is, the position on the video reels being occupied by
the video reel image symbols 290 is programmed into the game such
that the designated video reel image symbols 290 are factored into
the game pay table. Ideally, the designated video reel image
symbols 290 should correspond to various winning outcomes to
enhance the player experience. For example, three aligned player
images may correspond to a first jackpot and three aligned player
images of the same player may correspond to a progressive jackpot.
Any number of primary games may be developed using the embodiments
of the present invention. In one embodiment, faces of stored
friends playing on linked machines appear on the user's game reels.
Such an embodiment provides a camaraderie among friends playing the
same game or system. In another embodiment, faces of players
winning jackpots are automatically displayed on linked machines to
alert everyone that the jackpot was won and by whom it was won.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 4, the captured images 280 may also be used
in a bonus game 300 associated with the slot machine 100. Once
again, ideally, the captured images 280 should be used to determine
winning bonus outcomes to maintain player excitement. For example,
a wheel can be divided into a number of sections with certain
sections depicting captured images 280-1 through 280-6. The wheel
then spins until it stops with a pointer identifying a certain
section. If the identified section depicts the player image, a
bonus award is provided. Any number of bonus games may be developed
using the embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] While FIGS. 2-4 show the captured images on either the bank
250, primary game of the slot machine 100 or the bonus game 300 of
the slot machine 100, it will be recognized by those skilled in the
art that the captured images may also be used on any combination
thereof.
[0025] An image captured by a first electronic gaming device may be
transmitted to a central location (e.g., server) that then
transmits the image to affiliated devices in the same bank of
devices or multiple banks of devices utilizing the embodiments of
the present invention. Alternatively, the image captured at a first
electronic gaming device can be transmitted directly to each
affiliated electronic gaming device. Affiliated electronic gaming
devices can be any electronic gaming devices in the same bank,
multiple banks, casino or multiple casinos or any combination
thereof desired by the casino. While the description herein focuses
on an image capturing device incorporated at or proximate the
gaming machine, in other embodiments photos may be downloaded
online or uploaded via a link to the central server.
[0026] The operation of the image capturing device, image software,
transmission of the image and the incorporation of the image into
the bank display, primary game and/or bonus game may be controlled
by each local slot machine processor and/or the operations may be
controlled by a remote processor or controller, such as a central
server, or any other computer-based hardware and/or software
configuration.
[0027] While a slot machine is used above to describe the
embodiments of the present invention any electronic gaming machine
may benefit from therefrom. For example, in a video poker game, the
captured images may be placed on random playing cards such that the
use of the random cards in a winning poker hand, results in an
enhanced payout. In an alternative example, captured images may be
positioned on an electronic keno or bingo card such that those
spaces become bonus spaces.
[0028] Although the invention has been described in detail with
reference to several embodiments, additional variations and
modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as
described and defined in the following claims.
* * * * *