Gaming machine system having a gesture-sensing mechanism

Abstract

A gaming machine has a processor for conducting a wagering game on the gaming machine and a gesture-sensing mechanism. The gesture-sensing mechanism can be used for providing various inputs. For example, the gesture-sensing mechanism provides player inputs that select certain options during operation of the game. The gesture-sensing mechanism may further distinguish between a first gesture indicative of a first player input and a second gesture indicative of a second player input. Or, the gesture-sensing mechanism provides player inputs in response to a physical action by a player that relates to a theme of the gaming machine. Alternatively or additionally, the gaming machine may include a microphone in communication with the processor. The microphone receives player inputs in the form of acoustic signals.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to gaming machines and, more particularly, to a gaming machine having the ability to sense gestures and other movement from a player and to detect acoustic signals from a player.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 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. Consequently, operators strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines available because such machines attract frequent play and, hence, increase profitability to the operator.

[0004] One way to enhance player excitement is to provide more interactivity between the game and the player. Thus far, player inputs have been primarily limited to mechanical and electro-mechanical controls and switches. In one prior art system, a motion sensor was used to only initiate the game, as other mechanical and/or electro-mechanical controls and switches were used as inputs during the game.

[0005] As such, a need exists for gaming machines with new types of interactivity to increase the game's excitement for players.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising a processor for conducting a wagering game on the gaming machine and a gesture-sensing mechanism. The gesture-sensing mechanism can be used to provide various inputs during the operation of the game. For example, the gesture-sensing mechanism provides player inputs that are used by the processor for selecting an outcome of the wagering game. The gesture-sensing mechanism may further distinguish between a first gesture indicative of a first player input and a second gesture indicative of a second player input. In another embodiment, the gesture-sensing mechanism provides player inputs in response to a physical action by a player that relates to a theme of the gaming machine.

[0007] In an alternative embodiment, the gaming machine includes a processor for conducting a wagering game on the gaming machine and at least one microphone. The microphone receives player inputs in the form of acoustic signals that are used during the operation of the game.

[0008] In addition to increased interactivity, the novel gesture-sensing mechanism and/or the acoustic-sensing mechanism also provides the player with a feeling of having some control over the outcome of the game. The additional interactivity and the player's feeling of “control” over the game yields a gaming machine that has enhanced entertainment value. Ultimately, this results in a more successful gaming operation for the owner of the gaming machine.

[0009] The above summary of the present invention is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. This is the purpose of the Figures and the detailed description which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a simplified front view of a slot machine embodying the present invention.

[0012] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a control system suitable for operating the gaming machine in FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 2B illustrates a block diagram of an alternative control architecture.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a display screen of the upper display of the gaming machine in FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a display screen of the lower display of the gaming machine in FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a player using an instrument simulating a fishing rod in the gaming machine of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates a player using an instrument simulating a magic wand in an alternative gaming machine.

[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a player using an instrument simulating a horse-racing whip in yet another alternative gaming machine.

[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a gaming machine having another gesture-sensing mechanism that uses hand contact for sensing.

[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates motions being sensed by the gesture-sensing mechanism of FIG. 8.

[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a gaming machine having another gesture-sensing mechanism that does not require contact for sensing.

[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a gaming machine with a microphone for receiving acoustic signals.

[0023] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Turning now to the drawings and referring initially to FIG. 1, there is depicted a video gaming machine 10 that may be used with the gesture-sensing mechanism and/or the audible-sensing mechanism according to the present invention. The gaming machine 10 includes a large bonnet-top cabinet 12 containing two video displays 14 and 16. The video displays 14 and 16 may comprise a dot matrix, CRT, LED, LCD, electro-luminescent display or generally any type of video display known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is an “upright” version in which the video displays 14 and 16 are oriented vertically relative to the player. The video displays are parallel to each other with their left and right edges aligned. The video displays are positioned adjacent to each other and separated by a relatively small distance. It will be appreciated, however, that any of several other models of gaming machines are within the scope of the present invention including, for example, side-by-side video displays being parallel with their top and bottom edges aligned. Additionally, more than two video displays may be used, and the video displays may be separated by varying distances. Furthermore, a “slant-top” version containing two video displays that are slanted at about a thirty degree angle toward the player may be used.

[0025] In one embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is operable to play a game entitled REEL EM IN—CAST FOR CASH™ having a fishing theme. The REEL EM IN —CAST FOR CASH™ game features a basic game in the form of a slot machine with five simulated spinning reels, as is known in the art, and a bonus game that provides unified fishing images on the two displays. The term “unified image” refers to a single image that is divided into portions that are shown on separate displays. For example, if the unified image is a person, one half of the person may be shown on a first display and the other half of the person may be shown on a second display. Typically, the first and second displays are positioned adjacent to each other to allow an observer to easily visually join the two halves of the image. Although, the following description describes the REEL EM IN—CAST FOR CASH™ game on the gaming machine 10, it will be appreciated that the gaming machine 10 may be implemented with different games and/or with any of several alternative game themes.

[0026] FIG. 1 also shows a pair of motion sensors 17 that are used as input devices for the gaming machine 10. Thus, in addition to the typical mechanical or electro-mechanical switches in the gaming machine 10, the player also provides inputs to the gaming machine through these motion sensors 17. Various inputs for the motion sensor 17, which is a part of a gesture-sensing mechanism, will be described below in more detail with respect to FIGS. 5-10.

[0027] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a control system suitable for operating the gaming machine 10. The motion sensor 17, which is part of the gesture-sensing mechanism that is used for detecting the gestures of the player, is coupled to the main CPU 20. The gesture-sensing mechanism further includes a memory device (which can be a portion of the system memory 26) that stores the gaming machine inputs associated with the corresponding gestures that the player makes. The gesture-sensing mechanisms are described in detail below with respect to FIGS. 5-10.

[0028] FIG. 2A has been described with reference to using the CPU 20 for processing the information from the motion sensors 17 and, thus, the CPU 20 (and perhaps the system memory 26) is part of the gesture-sensing mechanism. In an alternative system architecture illustrated in FIG. 2B, the gesture-sensing mechanism 19 is its own peripheral device that is coupled to the CPU 20, and simply transmits the player input signal to the CPU 20. Thus, the gesture-sensing mechanism 19 includes its own processor and memory device that is used to determine the input signal associated with the gesture made by the player.

[0029] A coin/credit detector 18 signals the CPU 20 when a player has inserted a number of coins or played a number of credits. Then, the CPU 20 operates to execute a game program which causes the lower video display 14 to display the basic game that includes simulated reels with symbols displayed thereon. The player may select the number of paylines to play of the video slot machine and the amount to wager via input keys 22 or through the gesture-sensing mechanism or audible-sensing mechanism described below. The basic game commences in response to the player activating a switch 24 (e.g., by pulling a lever or pushing a button), causing the CPU 20 to set the reels in motion, randomly select a game outcome, and then stop the reels to display symbols corresponding to the pre-selected game outcome.

[0030] In one embodiment, certain basic game outcomes cause the CPU 20 to enter a bonus mode, causing the video displays 14 and 16 to show a bonus game. The display screens associated with the REEL EM IN—CAST FOR CASH™ bonus game are generally described in detail in relation to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0031] The system memory 26 stores control software, operational instructions and data associated with the gaming machine 10. In one embodiment, the memory 26 comprises a separate read-only memory (ROM) and battery-backed random-access memory (RAM). It will be appreciated, however, that the system memory 26 may be implemented on any of several alternative types of memory structures or may be implemented on a single memory structure. A payoff mechanism 28 is operable in response to instructions from the CPU 20 to award a payoff of coins or credits to the player in response to certain winning outcomes which may occur in the basic game or bonus game. The payoff amounts corresponding to certain combinations of symbols in the basic game is predetermined according to a pay table stored in system memory 26. The payoff amounts corresponding to certain outcomes of the bonus game are also stored in system memory 26. Furthermore, the system memory 26 stores data relating to the unified fishing images to be shown on the lower and upper displays 14 and 16.

[0032] The REEL EM IN—CAST FOR CASH™ basic game is implemented on the lower display 14 on a plurality of five video simulated spinning reels (hereinafter “reels”), possibly with several paylines. After deciding on a wager input, the player activates a lever or push button to set the reels in motion. The CPU 20 uses a random number generator to select a game outcome (e.g., “basic” game outcome) corresponding to a particular set of reel “stop positions.” The CPU 20 then causes each of the video reels to stop at the appropriate stop position. Video symbols are displayed on the reels to graphically illustrate the reel stop positions and indicate whether the stop positions of the reels represent a winning game outcome. Winning basic game outcomes (e.g., symbol combinations resulting in payment of coins or credits) are identifiable to the player by a pay table.

[0033] Included among the plurality of basic game outcomes are a plurality of different start-bonus outcomes for starting play of a bonus game. A start-bonus outcome may be defined in any number of ways. For example, a start-bonus outcome occurs when a special start-bonus symbol or a special combination of symbols appears on one or more of the reels in any predetermined display position. The appearance of a start-bonus outcome causes the processor to shift operation from a basic-game mode to a bonus-game mode.

[0034] In response to starting the REEL EM IN—CAST FOR CASH™ bonus game, the lower and upper displays 14 and 16 work together to present unified fishing images for the bonus game. The upper video display 16 shows the bonus screen image illustrated in FIG. 3 comprising a group of fishermen on a lake, and the lower video display 14 shows the bonus screen image illustrated in FIG. 4 comprising an underwater view of the lake. Thus, the unified fishing image provides an above-water and below-water view of fishing. Normally, the upper video display 16 shows the activities of fishermen above the water, and the lower video display 14 shows the activities of fish below the water. FIG. 1 shows how the two portions of the fishing image on the upper and lower displays 16 and 14, namely, above and below the waterline, interact with each other and form the unified fishing image when viewed by the player.

[0035] The REEL EM IN—CAST FOR CASH™ bonus game commences with the bonus screen of FIG. 3 on the upper video display 16 and the bonus screen of FIG. 4 on the lower video display 14. The initial upper bonus screen of FIG. 3 shows five fishermen characters 64, 66, 68, 70, 72 each within his or her own boat on a lake. The CPU 20 randomly selects the fisherman characters to display from a cast of possible characters stored in the memory 26. The player starts the bonus game by selecting one of the illustrated fishermen 64, 66, 68, 70, 72. In the illustrated embodiment, the player touches a mechanical button or fisherman icon 74, 76, 78, 80, 82 corresponding to the fishermen 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, respectively, to begin the fishing bonus. For the illustrated example, the player selects the button 76 corresponding to the portly fisherman character 66.

[0036] Once the player has selected the fisherman 66, the CPU 20 presents the unified fishing images on the lower and upper displays 14 and 16. The lower and upper displays 14 and 16 work together to provide the unified images of the fishing scene such that an action on the upper display 16 is linked with an action on the lower display 14. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the upper display 16 shows the fishermen 64, 66, 68, 70, 72 in boats with their fishing lines extending into the water. As depicted in FIG. 4, the lower display 14 shows various fish 84 swimming in and out of the underwater scene. During the fishing presentation, bait 86, such as the displayed hook with a worm, or in other embodiments a lure, is lowered down beneath the selected fisherman 66 in the upper display 16.

[0037] For the fishing action, some of the displayed fish immediately dart for the bait 86 and other fish swim onto the display 14. Bubbles (not shown) appear around the bait 86 to hide the fish near the bait 86. The CPU 20 uses a random number generator (not shown) to select a bonus game outcome, namely, the fish that the selected fisherman 66 will reel out of the water. On the lower display 14, a flurry of bubbles appears below water while the fisherman 66 reels in the fish 84. While the fisherman 66 reels in the fish, the upper display 16 shows a splash that increases in size according to the size of the fish 84 on the line. The flurry of bubbles on the lower display 14 and the splash on the upper display 16 is one example of the linked action on the displays 14 and 16. When the fish 84 is reeled from the water, the fisherman characters 64, 68, 70, 72 look toward the fisherman 66 reeling in the fish and comment about the presence of the fish. Eventually, the fish is displayed to the player, and a credit or award corresponding to the fish is provided to the player.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates a player at the gaming machine 10 of FIG. 1. The player is holding an instrument 90 which moves under the power of the player. The movements of the instrument 90 are sensed by the motion sensors 17 on the cabinet of the gaming machine 10. In this embodiment, the fishing theme of the gaming machine 10 is also present in the instrument 90, which simulates the hand-held portion 92 of a fishing rod and a reel 94 of the fishing rod.

[0039] In one embodiment, the instrument 90 is similar to a DigiPen, which transmits a signal that is received by the motion sensors 17 to detect the location of the instrument 90. Such an instrument 90 includes a transmitter that transmits a certain signal and a fixed receiver or receivers (i.e., motion sensors 17) coupled to a processor that determines the position of the instrument relative to the fixed receiver(s). Further details of such an instrument 90 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,469,193, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0040] The physical actions of the player that simulate reeling of the fish are detected by the motion sensors 17. The movement of the hand-held portion 92 in the upward direction simulates setting a hook in the mouth of a fish. Further, the reeling of the reel 94 simulates retrieving the fishing line, with or without a fish. The player may also provide the physical actions which simulate casting the line into the water. The hand-held portion 92 can include one signal transmitter for producing a first type of signal, while the reel 94 can include a second signal transmitter for producing a second type of signal. Thus, the instrument 90 may have multiple signal transmitters for providing multiple player inputs.

[0041] Alternatively, only one transmitter can be present in the instrument 90 for detecting the unique physical actions associated with (i) setting the hook, (ii) reeling the reel, and (iii) casting. The transmitted signals are then detected by the sensors 17. For example, the physical action for setting the hook is an upward movement. The physical action for reeling the reel is a slight up and down oscillating movement. And, the physical action for casting is a downward or a side-to-side movement. Once one of these types of physical actions occur, the gaming machine 10 compares the resultant signal with signal data stored in the memory so as to determine the input desired by the player.

[0042] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the gesture-sensing mechanism is used in the bonus-game mode to allow the player to set the hook on the fish and to reel in the fish. Specifically, after selecting one of the fishermen 74, 76, 78, 80, 82 in FIG. 4, the player performs the actions for the selected fisherman. The player uses the instrument 90 to set the hook on one of the fish by raising the hand-held portion 92. Additionally, the player then reels in the fish by use of the fishing reel 94 on the instrument 90. Simulation of the physical actions associated with setting the hook and reeling the fish are sensed by the motion sensors 17. The gaming machine 10 then compares the signals associated with each gesture with known data signals to determine the player's desired input. The gaming machine 10 then performs a certain function associated with that input.

[0043] In FIG. 5, the player is using the instrument 90 to set the hook on a fish and to reel in a fish. Thus, the gaming machine 10 performs a function in response to the gesture(s) from the player (i.e., selecting a fish) that is related to the outcome of the game, although the outcome is still random. Additionally, the instrument 90 can be used for other functions, such as selecting a wager amount, whereby each gesture in a sequence increases the wager amount by a known increment (e.g., $1), or selecting paylines in a slot machine. Furthermore, the instrument 90 can be used for functions that are unrelated to the outcome of the gaming machine, such as the use of the instrument 90 in a set-up mode for selecting the light setting, the theme, or a volume setting for the gaming machine 10.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the instrument 90 includes all the components necessary to sense a gesture by the player, and also to determine the player input associated with that gesture. The instrument 90 then transmits the signal that is received by sensors in the gaming machine to instruct the gaming machine 10 of the player's desired input. In this embodiment, the gesture-sensing mechanism does not require motion sensors 17 of the gaming machine 10. Rather, the gaming machine 10 simply has a receiver for receiving the transmitted signal from the instrument 90. In this embodiment, the instrument 90 may be physically connected to the gaming machine 10 via an electrical wire or wires that transmit the signal. The wire also serves the purpose of ensuring that the player does not move the instrument 90 from the vicinity of the gaming machine 10 or steal the instrument 90.

[0045] The previous embodiments have taught the use of the instrument 90 in a manner whereby the instrument 90 is not physically connected to the gaming machine 10. It should be understood, however, that the use of a wire for transmitting the signal from the instrument 90, or simply a mechanical wire for maintaining the instrument 90 in physical connection with the gaming machine 10, is contemplated with the scope of the present invention.

[0046] The gaming machine 10 may also provide audible instructions from speakers located on the gaming machine 10. These instructions can be random or in response to certain inputs or activities from the player. For example, in response to the player spinning the reel 94 too slowly, the CPU 20 of the gaming machine 10 can cause the speakers on the machine 10 to state “Speed up your reeling because it looks like you've hooked a nice one!”

[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment whereby a gaming machine 110 includes a magic theme. The gaming machine 110 includes at least one motion sensor 117. The player holds an instrument 190, the motions of which are sensed by the motion sensor 117. In this embodiment, the instrument 190 is a “magical” wand 192 that the player can use to change a game character or prize displayed on the gaming machine 110 into a new or different prize. The “magical” wand 192 can be used in a bonus-game mode or in a basic-game mode. For example, the “magical” wand 192 can be used for selecting wager amounts in the basic game, where each flick of the wand increments the wager by a certain known value (e.g., $1) until the desired wager is set. Or, the “magical” wand 192 can be used for selecting certain paylines if the basic game is of the slot machine genre.

[0048] The gaming machine 110 may also provide random or activity-responsive audible instructions from speakers located on the gaming machine 110. As an example of an activity-responsive audible instruction, in response to the player waving the “magical” wand 192 too vigorously, the CPU of the gaming machine 110 can cause the speakers on the machine 110 to state “You need to slow down the movements of the wand; you are performing magic, not directing the symphony!”

[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates a horse-racing theme for a gaming machine 210. The gaming machine 210 has at least one motion sensor 217 for sensing the movements of an instrument 290, which simulates a whip 292. The player “whips” a simulated horse, perhaps in a bonus game where the player selects a horse in a race that will determine the amount of his bonus. Because the physical movement associated with this whipping gesture is lower on the player's body, the motion sensor 217 is located lower on the cabinet of the gaming machine 210 compared with the previous embodiments. As stated above, the instrument 290 could be used for making selections during the basic-game mode, as well.

[0050] Like the previous embodiments, the gaming machine 210 may also provide random or activity-responsive audible instructions from speakers located on the gaming machine. As an example of an activity-responsive audible instruction, in response to the player “whipping” too often, the CPU of the gaming machine 110 can cause the speakers on the machine to state “Hey, that's starting to hurt a bit” in a horse-like voice. As an example of a random audible instruction, the speakers may provide statements announcing the race in which the player is “participating” using typical horse-racing jargon.

[0051] FIGS. 5-7 illustrate instruments 90, 190, 290 that sense gestures from players. The present invention also contemplates having a force-feedback mechanisms in these instruments 90, 190, 290 to provide a more realistic experience. For example, the fishing reel 94 can have gears that make the player feel as though a fish is pulling line out of the reel 94. Or, the hand-held portion 92 can move and/or randomly vibrate as if a fish is hooked on the line. If the instrument simulates a gun in a gaming machine, the instrument may have a recoil force. The instrument can also simulate a dollar-wheel puller, providing a force feedback to the player as well.

[0052] FIGS. 8-9 illustrate an alternative gesture-sensing mechanism, one which relies on the actual contact by the player. Here, the gaming machine 310 includes a main cabinet 312 having a plurality of reels 316, as is typical in a slot machine. In addition to some mechanical or electro-mechanical switches, the gaming machine 310 includes a touch panel 317 having a plurality of discrete lights. Upon contact, the lights in the panel 317 are activated and stay lit for a certain amount of time after contact. Thus, as shown in FIG. 8, as the player moves his hand from left to right, the lights on the panel 317 stay lit behind his hand, forming a light stream. The sequential activation of the lights due to the player's gesture provides a signal that is monitored by a processor, possibly a processor dedicated only to the gesture-sensing mechanism or the main CPU for the machine 310, to determine the desired player input.

[0053] While FIG. 8 illustrates a first gesture using one hand, FIG. 9 illustrates a second gesture that requires the use of two hands. The hand gestures associated with FIGS. 8-9 may be particularly suited for a card game, whereby certain hand gestures dictate a player's input regarding a request to take or decline another card in a poker game.

[0054] It should be noted that the stream of lights on the panel 317 provides some feedback to the player as to what gesture has been received. In other words, the player sees what gesture he has performed by observing the stream of lights after the gesture. The gaming machine 310 may also include a further feedback, as well. If, for example, the physical action of the player's hands in FIG. 9 corresponds to a gesture meaning that the player declines to take another card in a card game, then the gaming machine can have a video screen indicating “confirm that you are declining a card,” at which time the player hits a mechanical switch to confirm his intention. Or, as will be described below in FIG. 11, the gaming machine 310 may include a microphone that allows the player to audibly confirm his intention to decline a card.

[0055] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another type of gesture-sensing mechanism. Here, the gaming machine 410 includes a sensor 417 that does not require the contact of the player as discussed with respect to FIGS. 8-9, or the use of an instrument as discussed with respect to FIGS. 5-7. The sensor 417 may be a video camera that captures the sequential physical movements of a player's hand at a known region in front of the gaming machine 410. The sequential physical movements are then compared with a database of known movements to determine which gesture has been performed by the player. The gaming machine 410 then performs the function associated with that gesture.

[0056] Alternatively, the gaming machine 410 may emit infrared (IR) energy in the region where the player's hand is located and the sensor 417 reads the IR energy reflected from the hand. The IR energy that is directed beyond the hands is dissipated quickly so other reflections of the IR energy are minimal compared with the reflection from the hand movement. The reflected light allows the processor to build a 3-D image of the physical movement of the hand which corresponds to the gesture. Such a motion processor is available from Toshiba.

[0057] FIG. 11 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a gaming machine 510 that relies on sound, voice or speech recognition for the player's inputs. This audible recognition can be in the simple form of capturing any type of audible signal from a player without attempting to discern what was stated. Or, this audible recognition can be in a more sophisticated form that has the ability to receive and interpret certain words, or to receive and understand certain phrases or sentences.

[0058] To receive the acoustic (i.e., audible) signals from the player, the gaming machine 510 includes a pair of microphones 519 on the game cabinet 512 near one of the video displays 514 and 516. The microphones 519 are inwardly directed to focus on a region where the player's audible signal will begin propagation from the player's mouth. Arrangement of the microphones 519 in this fashion tends to limit the effect of the ambient noise. The microphones 519 convert the acoustic signals to input audio signals corresponding to the acoustic signals. The microphones 519 may include internal amplifiers for amplifying the input audio signals before transmitting the signals to other components for processing.

[0059] The microphones 519 are coupled to the main CPU of the gaming machine 510 where the input audio signals are processed. Or, in a manner similar to FIG. 2B, the voice/speech sensing mechanism can be its own peripheral device with a processor and a memory device for determining the desired player input, and sending a signal to the main CPU corresponding to that desired player input. The player inputs can be of the various types discussed with respect to the gesture-sensing mechanism, including the selection of a wager amount, the selection of a payline in a slot game, the accepting or declining of a card in a card game, or the selection of certain player options in a bonus game.

[0060] In use, the microphone 519 transduces mechanical energy in the form of pressures from sound waves (i.e., acoustic signals) to electrical energy in the form of audio signals. To recognize words or phrases, the analog audio signals must be converted into digital signals and, thus, an A/D converter is needed. A processor then compares the digital audio signal against a digital database (i.e., an electronic vocabulary) of phrases, words and/or syllables, which may contain voice patterns for that particular player that have been previously stored. Preferably, the processor filters the ambient noise so as to reduce or eliminate the interference received from the ambient environment. For any given gaming machine 510, only a limited number of the words, syllables, or phrases is needed (e.g., 30 or so) since only a limited amount of player inputs are available. Each word, syllable, or phrase, however, may be stored in various forms corresponding to different dialects since gaming machines attract players from various geographical regions. The voice/speech sensing mechanism can be used to receive audible instructions from the player in a game set-up mode, in a basic-game mode, or in a bonus-game mode.

[0061] Furthermore, the voice/speech sensing mechanism can be used in conjunction with any of the previously mentioned gesture-sensing mechanisms from FIGS. 1-10. In other words, the player inputs can be in the form of gestures and audible instructions, causing the gaming machine to perform various functions corresponding to those gestures and audible instructions.

[0062] Additionally, the microphones 519 of FIG. 11 present the opportunity for enhanced entertainment by providing real-time monitoring of the player's activities and mood. For example, if the player states some sort of common curse word, the CPU of the gaming machine 510, upon receiving the acoustic signal corresponding to the curse word, can direct an audible response back to the player via speakers, such as “You really shouldn't use that kind of language in public. If you used nicer language, maybe you would win more often.” Or, if the player yells out “I think I have a big fish” when playing the bonus game on the gaming machine 510, the hooked fish that is displayed on display 514 can stop swimming, turn towards the player, and say “Of course I'm a BIG FISH, but you don't have me in the boat yet.” At that point, the fish can dive deeper toward the bottom while remaining hooked. In these latter examples, the CPU of the gaming machine 519 is comparing the input audible words to a few key words that are expected from a player, like “Big Fish.”

[0063] For enhanced entertainment, when using microphones with the gaming machine 10 of FIGS. 1-5 having the gesture-sensing mechanism, the audible sensing mechanism could expect to hear certain statements when a player hooks a fish while using the instrument 90 that simulates the hand-portion 92 of a fishing rod and the reel 94. If the player states, “I've got one!,” which is received by the microphones, the main CPU can instruct the speakers on the gaming machine to state “You ain't got anything yet pal!” For the embodiment of FIG. 6, if the player says “Wow!” or “Yeah!” after changing a character or a prize to a better prize, the main CPU, in response to this audible signal, can instruct the speakers on the gaming machine to state “Dude, if you keep performing magic like that, you're going to have your own show in Vegas!” For the embodiment of FIG. 7, if the player says “Come on Baby!” or “GIDDAP!!” after “whipping” the horse with the instrument 290, the main CPU, in response to this audible signal, can instruct the speakers on the gaming machine to state “Maybe if you lost a little weight we could win this race!” while a word bubble appears from the horse's mouth that spells out these words.

[0064] Further, the microphones 519 allow the gaming machine to record in a memory device the audio signals corresponding to the input acoustic signals from the player. Later in the gaming session, the gaming machine can then broadcast from its speakers selected words or sentences from the player, such an emphatic “Yes!” in the player's voice (or a processed form of the player's voice) after a certain winning outcome is achieved.

[0065] Further, the present invention contemplates the use of the microphones 519 in conjunction with a microphone activation key (e.g., a talk button) associated with the gaming machine. As such, the player would activate this key prior to providing his or her acoustic input. Similarly, the gaming machine may be provided with activation key for enabling any gesture sensing instruments on the machine to sense gesture inputs. The player would activate this key prior to providing his or her gesture input.

[0066] While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the instrument 90, 190, or 290 in FIGS. 5-7 could be replaced by a sensing glove worn by the player. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of operating a gaming machine, comprising: monitoring a gesture from a player; comparing said gesture with one of a plurality of gesture inputs to determine a function associated with said gesture; and performing said function in said gaming machine.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said function relates to a wager amount.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said gaming machine is a slot machine, said gesture relates to a selection of a payline.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said performing said function includes selecting one of a plurality of game options unrelated to a plurality of possible outcomes of said gaming machine.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said performing said function includes selecting one of a plurality of game options related to a plurality of possible outcomes of said gaming machine.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said monitoring includes monitoring a contact location where a hand of said player contacts a sensor of a gesture-sensing mechanism.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said monitoring includes monitoring, with a sensor, a region away from said gaming machine where a hand of said player is moving.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said gaming machine is a card game and said performing said function includes receiving a card.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said gaming machine is a card game and said performing said function includes declining a card.

10. The method of claim 1, further including displaying said function to said player before performing said function to ensure said function is what the player intended by said gesture.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said gaming machine operates in a basic-game mode and a bonus-game mode, said monitoring said gesture occurs during said bonus-game mode.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said monitoring occurs only in said bonus-game mode.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein said gesture is a physical action that relates to a theme of said gaming machine.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said theme is fishing and said physical action simulates reeling a fishing rod.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein said theme is magic and said physical action simulates waving a magic wand.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein said theme is horse-racing and said physical action simulates whipping an imaginary horse.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein said monitoring said gesture includes monitoring motion of an instrument being held by said player.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said instrument is selected from a group consisting of a glove, a fishing rod, a magic wand, and a whip.

19. The method of claim 1, further including audibly broadcasting, via speakers associated with said gaming machine, said function to said player before performing said function to ensure said function is what the player intended by said gesture.

20. The method of claim 1, further including monitoring an acoustic input from a player with a microphone and performing a certain function in response to receipt of a certain acoustic input.

21. A gaming machine, comprising: a gesture-sensing mechanism providing player inputs and distinguishing between a first gesture indicative of a first player input and a second gesture indicative of a second player input; and a processor for activating a function associated with said gaming machine in response to said player inputs.

22. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein said gesture-sensing mechanism includes motion sensors located on a front panel of said gaming machine.

23. The gaming machine of claim 22, wherein said motion sensors receive physical contact from a player.

24. The gaming machine of claim 23, wherein said gesture-sensing mechanism includes lights that are activated in sequence in response to said physical contact.

25. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein said gesture-sensing mechanism is operational in a bonus-game mode of said gaming machine.

26. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein at least one of said first and second gestures is a physical action that relates to a theme of said gaming machine.

27. The gaming machine of claim 26, wherein said theme is fishing and said physical action simulates reeling a fishing rod.

28. The gaming machine of claim 26, wherein said theme is magic and said physical action simulates waving a magic wand.

29. The gaming machine of claim 26, wherein said theme is horse-racing and said physical action simulates whipping an imaginary horse.

30. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein said gesture-sensing mechanism includes an instrument that is held by a player.

31. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein at least one of said first and second player inputs is related to a wager for playing a wagering game conducted on said gaming machine.

32. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein said gesture-sensing mechanism includes a controller for operating said gesture-sensing mechanism, said controller being in communication with said processor.

33. The gaming machine of claim 21, wherein said gaming machine is a card game, at least one of said first and second player inputs being related to receiving or declining a card.

34. The gaming machine of claim 21, further including at least one microphone for monitoring an acoustic input from a player, said processor performing a certain function in response to receipt of a certain acoustic input.

35. A gaming machine, comprising: a gesture-sensing mechanism providing player inputs in response to a physical action by a player that relates to a theme of said gaming machine; and a processor for activating a function associated with said gaming machine in response to said player inputs.

36. The gaming machine of claim 35, wherein said theme is horse-racing and said physical action simulates whipping an imaginary horse.

37. The gaming machine of claim 35, wherein said theme is fishing and said physical action simulates reeling a fishing rod.

38. The gaming machine of claim 35, wherein said theme is magic and said physical action simulates waving a magic wand.

39. The gaming machine of claim 35, wherein said theme is a card game and said physical action includes moving a hand to receive or decline a card.

40. The gaming machine of claim 35, wherein said gesture-sensing mechanism includes sensors producing input signals that said processor compares with known input signals.

41. The gaming machine of claim 35, wherein said gesture-sensing mechanism includes an instrument that is held by a player.

42. A method of operating a gaming machine, comprising: monitoring a gesture from a player to receive a player input; and in response to said player input, activating a function associated with said gaming machine.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein said monitoring includes monitoring a contact location where a hand of said player contacts a sensor of a gesture-sensing mechanism.

44. The method of claim 42, wherein said monitoring includes monitoring, with a sensor, a region located away from said gaming machine where a hand of said player is moving.

45. The method of claim 42, wherein said gaming machine is a card game and said player selectable option is receiving or declining a card.

46. The method of claim 42, wherein said gaming machine operates in a basic-game mode and a bonus-game mode, said monitoring said gesture occurs during said bonus-game mode.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein said gesture simulates reeling a fishing rod.

48. The method of claim 46, wherein said gesture simulates waving a magic wand.

49. The method of claim 46 wherein said gesture simulates whipping an imaginary horse.

50. The method of claim 46, wherein said gesture simulates receiving or declining a card in a card game.

51. The method of claim 42, wherein said monitoring is performed by a gesture-sensing mechanism that is peripherally coupled to a main processor that conducts a wagering gaming on said gaming machine.

52. The method of claim 42, wherein said activating includes distinguishing between a first gesture indicative of a first player selectable option and a second gesture indicative of a second player selectable option.

53. A gaming machine, comprising: a processor for conducting a wagering game on said gaming machine; and a gesture-sensing mechanism providing a player input that is related to a selected outcome of said wagering game.

54. The gaming machine of claim 53, wherein said gaming machine operates in a basic-game mode and a bonus-game mode, said gesture-sensing mechanism providing said player input during said bonus-game mode.

55. The gaming machine of claim 54, wherein gestures sensed by said gesture-sensing mechanism simulate reeling a fishing rod.

56. The gaming machine of claim 54, wherein gestures sensed by said gesture-sensing mechanism simulate waving a magic wand.

57. The gaming machine of claim 54, wherein gestures sensed by said gesture-sensing mechanism simulate whipping an imaginary horse.

58. The gaming machine of claim 53, wherein sensors of said gesture-sensing mechanism sense contact of a player on said gaming machine.

59. The gaming machine of claim 53, wherein said player input is a selection of paylines in a basic-game mode.

60. The gaming machine of claim 53, wherein said processor distinguishes between a first gesture indicative of a first player input and a second gesture indicative of a second player input.

61. The gaming machine of claim 53, wherein said gesture-sensing mechanism distinguishes between a first gesture indicative of a first player input and a second gesture indicative of a second player input.

62. The gaming machine of claim 53, wherein said player input is a wager for playing said wagering game.

63. The gaming machine of claim 21, furthur including an activation button for activating said gesture-sensing mechanism.