Patent Application
20130165215
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
The embodiments disclosed relate generally to wagering games, including wagering game systems that include a multi-touch table.
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 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 at each machine is roughly the same, or believed to be the same, players are likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting machines. Shrewd operators consequently strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines, features, and enhancements available because such machines attract frequent play and hence increase profitability to the operator. Therefore, there is a need for gaming machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games and enhancements that will attract frequent play through enhanced entertainment value to the player.
In some cases, a “secondary” or “bonus” game may be played in conjunction with a “basic” game. The bonus game may comprise any type of game, either similar to or completely different from the basic game, which is entered upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome in the basic game. Generally, bonus games provide a greater expectation of winning than the basic game and may also be accompanied with more attractive or unusual video displays and/or audio. Bonus games may additionally award players with “progressive jackpot” awards that are funded, at least in part, by a percentage of coin-in from the gaming machine or a plurality of participating gaming machines. Because the bonus game concept offers enhanced player appeal and excitement relative to other known games, there is a continuing need to develop gaming machines with new types of bonus games to satisfy the demands of players and operators.
Gaming machines have also utilized a variety of input devices for receiving input from a player, such as buttons and touch screen devices. However, these input devices are limited in that they can receive only one input at a time from the player. For example, if a player touches a singlepoint sensing device such as a singlepoint touch screen device at two distinct points simultaneously, only one coordinate is provided by the touch screen driver corresponding to one of the distinct points only or to a single average point between the two points. The inability of the player to interact with the gaming machine and other players by providing multiple inputs simultaneously is a significant disadvantage to gaming machines heretofore.
In wagering games that make use of private information (e.g., the identity of a hole card in a poker hand), it can be useful to keep the information confidential. In this way, the player with substantially exclusive access to the information can maintain his advantage over other players, by selectively excluding others from obtaining the same information.
One example disclosed herein is a multi-player gaming system having an input device for receiving a wager associated with a wagering game. A display surface displays the wagering game and a randomly selected outcome thereof. A first identification device associated with a first player receives contact data when the first player contacts the display surface. A second identification device associated with a second player receives contact data when the second player contacts the display surface. A contact sensing device is positioned adjacent to the display surface to transmit contact data to the first and second identification devices. A controller is in communication with the first and second identification devices and the display surface. The controller is programmed to execute a wagering-game function associated with the contact data and associates the wagering-game function with the first player or the second player based on the contact data.
Another example disclosed is a method of conducting a multi-player wagering game on a gaming system. A wager associated with a wagering game is received. The wagering game is displayed on a display surface in proximity to a first and a second player. Contact by the first player on the display surface is sensed and a first contact data signal is generated. Contact by the second player is sensed on the display surface and a second contact data signal is generated. A wagering-game function associated with either the first contact data signal or the second contact data signal is performed. The wagering-game function is associated with the first player or the second player based on the received contact data signals.
Another example disclosed is a multi-player gaming system including a wager input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game. The system includes a display surface in sufficient proximity to at least a first and a second player to allow contact of the display surface by the first and second players. A first multipoint sensing device is located adjacent the display and produces data indicative of at least two distinct contact points sensed simultaneously by the first multipoint sensing device. A controller is coupled to the first multipoint sensing device and to the display. The controller is programmed to cause a wagering-game function associated with the multipoint input data to be executed.
Another example disclosed is a method of playing a multi-player wagering gaming. A wager to play the wagering game is received. A display surface is positioned in sufficient proximity to at least a first and a second player to allow contact of the display surface by the first and second players. At least two distinct contact points is sensed simultaneously. Data indicative of at least two distinct contact points sensed simultaneously by a first multipoint sensing device is produced. A wagering-game function is associated with the multipoint input data to be executed.
Briefly, according to some aspects and implementations, multi-player gaming system and method allowing multiple player interaction on a display surface is disclosed. The example system includes a display surface displaying a wagering game and a randomly selected outcome generated by the game. A first identification device is associated with a first player to receive contact data when the first player contacts the display surface. A second identification device is associated with a second player to receive contact data when the second player contacts the display surface. A contact sensing device is positioned adjacent to the display surface to output contact data to the first and second identification device. A controller is coupled to the first and second identification devices and the display surface, the controller being programmed to execute a wagering-game function associated with the contact data and associating the wagering-game function with the first player or the second player based on the contact data.
According to still other aspects and implementations, a multi-player gaming system and method allowing multiple player interaction on a display surface with privacy controls is disclosed. A system may include a display surface displaying a wagering game and a randomly selected outcome generated by the game. A first identification device is associated with a first player to receive contact data when the first player contacts the display surface. A second identification device is associated with a second player to receive contact data when the second player contacts the display surface. A contact sensing device is positioned adjacent to the display surface to output contact data to the first and second identification device. A controller is coupled to the first and second identification devices and the display surface, the controller being programmed to execute a wagering-game function associated with the contact data and associating the wagering-game function with the first player or the second player based on the contact data. Privacy controls operate to selectively display private information on or near the display surface.
Other aspects and implementations relate to a wagering game system including a multiplayer, multi-touch table on which physical objects can be placed causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object, its location or orientation, its shape, its weight, or other characteristics. The physical object may be a player tracking device carried by the player and placed on the wagering game table. The table surface defines a number of regions such that when the player tracking card is placed in a predefined region, a predetermined function is carried out. If the card is placed in a region defined for transferring funds, credits or wagers can be transferred between the card and the table. If the card or object is placed in a region defined for manipulating a virtual camera, turning the object will manipulate the orientation angle of a virtual camera depicting a wagering game image. The physical object may be a blank roulette wheel with unnumbered pockets, whose numbers are projected onto the spinning wheel by a downward-facing projector system that captures the wheel's rotational speed and ball position to create video images that change with the spinning wheel.
Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of various embodiments, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.
While various embodiments of the invention may be realized in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described in detail several specific embodiments. These embodiments are meant to serve as examples, and not as limitations.
Referring to
The gaming machine 10 comprises a housing 12 and includes input devices, including a value input device 18 and a player input device 24. For output the gaming machine 10 includes a primary display 14 for displaying information about the basic wagering game. The primary display 14 can also display information about a bonus wagering game and a progressive wagering game. The gaming machine 10 may also include a secondary display 16 for displaying game events, game outcomes, and/or signage information. While these typical components found in the gaming machine 10 are described below, it should be understood that numerous other elements may exist and may be used in any number of combinations to create various forms of a gaming machine 10.
The value input device 18 may be provided in many forms, individually or in combination, and is preferably located on the front of the housing 12. The value input device 18 receives currency and/or credits that are inserted by a player. The value input device 18 may include a coin acceptor 20 for receiving coin currency (see
The player input device 24 comprises a plurality of push buttons 26 on a button panel for operating the gaming machine 10. In addition, or alternatively, the player input device 24 may comprise a touch screen 28 mounted by adhesive, tape, or the like over the primary display 14 and/or secondary display 16. The touch screen 28 contains soft touch keys 30 denoted by graphics on the underlying primary display 14 and used to operate the gaming machine 10. The touch screen 28 provides players with an alternative method of input. A player enables a desired function either by touching the touch screen 28 at an appropriate touch key 30 or by pressing an appropriate push button 26 on the button panel. The touch keys 30 may be used to implement the same functions as push buttons 26. Alternatively, the push buttons 26 may provide inputs for one aspect of the operating the game, while the touch keys 30 may allow for input needed for another aspect of the game.
The various components of the gaming machine 10 may be connected directly to, or contained within, the housing 12, as seen in
The operation of the basic wagering game is displayed to the player on the primary display 14. The primary display 14 can also display the bonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display 14 may take the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution LCD, a plasma display, an LED, or any other type of display suitable for use in the gaming machine 10. As shown, the primary display 14 includes the touch screen 28 overlaying the entire display (or a portion thereof) to allow players to make game-related selections. Alternatively, the primary display 14 of the gaming machine 10 may include a number of mechanical reels to display the outcome in visual association with at least one payline 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is an “upright” version in which the primary display 14 is oriented vertically relative to the player. Alternatively, the gaming machine may be a “slant-top” version in which the primary display 14 is slanted at about a thirty-degree angle toward the player of the gaming machine 10.
A player begins play of the basic wagering game by making a wager via the value input device 18 of the gaming machine 10. A player can select play by using the player input device 24, via the buttons 26 or the touch screen keys 30. The basic game consists of a plurality of symbols arranged in an array, and includes at least one payline 32 that indicates one or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes are randomly selected in response to the wagering input by the player. At least one of the plurality of randomly-selected outcomes may be a start-bonus outcome, which can include any variations of symbols or symbol combinations triggering a bonus game.
In some embodiments, the gaming machine 10 may also include a player information reader 52 that allows for identification of a player by reading a card with information indicating his or her true identity. The player information reader 52 is shown in
Depicted in
The player-accessible value input device 118 may comprise, for example, a slot located on the front, side, or top of the casing 112 configured to receive credit from a stored-value card (e.g., casino card, smart card, debit card, credit card, etc.) inserted by a player. In another aspect, the player-accessible value input device 118 may comprise a sensor (e.g., an RF sensor) configured to sense a signal (e.g., an RF signal) output by a transmitter (e.g., an RF transmitter) carried by a player. The player-accessible value input device 118 may also or alternatively include a ticket reader, or barcode scanner, for reading information stored on a credit ticket, a card, or other tangible portable credit or funds storage device. The credit ticket or card may also authorize access to a central account, which can transfer money to the handheld gaming machine 110.
Still other player-accessible value input devices 118 may require the use of touch keys 130 on the touch-screen display (e.g., primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116) or player input devices 124. Upon entry of player identification information and, preferably, secondary authorization information (e.g., a password, PIN number, stored value card number, predefined key sequences, etc.), the player may be permitted to access a player's account. As one potential optional security feature, the handheld gaming machine 110 may be configured to permit a player to only access an account the player has specifically set up for the handheld gaming machine 110. Other conventional security features may also be utilized to, for example, prevent unauthorized access to a player's account, to minimize an impact of any unauthorized access to a player's account, or to prevent unauthorized access to any personal information or funds temporarily stored on the handheld gaming machine 110.
The player-accessible value input device 118 may itself comprise or utilize a biometric player information reader which permits the player to access available funds on a player's account, either alone or in combination with another of the aforementioned player-accessible value input devices 118. In an embodiment wherein the player-accessible value input device 118 comprises a biometric player information reader, transactions such as an input of value to the handheld device, a transfer of value from one player account or source to an account associated with the handheld gaming machine 110, or the execution of another transaction, for example, could all be authorized by a biometric reading, which could comprise a plurality of biometric readings, from the biometric device.
Alternatively, to enhance security, a transaction may be optionally enabled only by a two-step process in which a secondary source confirms the identity indicated by a primary source. For example, a player-accessible value input device 118 comprising a biometric player information reader may require a confirmatory entry from another biometric player information reader 152, or from another source, such as a credit card, debit card, player ID card, fob key, PIN number, password, hotel room key, etc. Thus, a transaction may be enabled by, for example, a combination of the personal identification input (e.g., biometric input) with a secret PIN number, or a combination of a biometric input with a fob input, or a combination of a fob input with a PIN number, or a combination of a credit card input with a biometric input. Essentially, any two independent sources of identity, one of which is secure or personal to the player (e.g., biometric readings, PIN number, password, etc.) could be utilized to provide enhanced security prior to the electronic transfer of any funds. In another aspect, the value input device 118 may be provided remotely from the handheld gaming machine 110.
The player input device 124 comprises a plurality of push buttons on a button panel for operating the handheld gaming machine 110. In addition, or alternatively, the player input device 124 may comprise a touch screen 128 mounted to a primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116. In one aspect, the touch screen 128 is matched to a display screen having one or more selectable touch keys 130 selectable by a user's touching of the associated area of the screen using a finger or a tool, such as a stylus pointer. A player enables a desired function either by touching the touch screen 128 at an appropriate touch key 130 or by pressing an appropriate push button 126 on the button panel. The touch keys 130 may be used to implement the same functions as push buttons 126. Alternatively, the push buttons may provide inputs for one aspect of the operating the game, while the touch keys 130 may allow for input needed for another aspect of the game. The various components of the handheld gaming machine 110 may be connected directly to, or contained within, the casing 112, as seen in
The operation of the basic wagering game on the handheld gaming machine 110 is displayed to the player on the primary display 114. The primary display 114 can also display the bonus game associated with the basic wagering game. The primary display 114 preferably takes the form of a high resolution LCD, a plasma display, an LED, or any other type of display suitable for use in the handheld gaming machine 110. The size of the primary display 114 may vary from, for example, about a 2-3″ display to a 15″ or 17″ display. In at least some aspects, the primary display 114 is a 7″-10″ display. As the weight of and/or power requirements of such displays decreases with improvements in technology, it is envisaged that the size of the primary display may be increased. Optionally, coatings or removable films or sheets may be applied to the display to provide desired characteristics (e.g., anti-scratch, anti-glare, bacterially-resistant and anti-microbial films, etc.). In at least some embodiments, the primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116 may have a 16:9 aspect ratio or other aspect ratio (e.g., 4:3). The primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116 may also each have different resolutions, different color schemes, and different aspect ratios.
As with the free standing gaming machine 10, a player begins play of the basic wagering game on the handheld gaming machine 110 by making a wager (e.g., via the value input device 18 or an assignment of credits stored on the handheld gaming machine via the touch screen keys 130, player input device 124, or buttons 126) on the handheld gaming machine 110. In at least some aspects, the basic game may comprise a plurality of symbols arranged in an array, and includes at least one payline 132 that indicates one or more outcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes are randomly selected in response to the wagering input by the player. At least one of the plurality of randomly selected outcomes may be a start-bonus outcome, which can include any variations of symbols or symbol combinations triggering a bonus game.
In some embodiments, the player-accessible value input device 118 of the handheld gaming machine 110 may double as a player information reader 152 that allows for identification of a player by reading a card with information indicating the player's identity (e.g., reading a player's credit card, player ID card, smart card, etc.). The player information reader 152 may alternatively or also comprise a bar code scanner, RFID transceiver or computer readable storage medium interface. In one presently preferred aspect, the player information reader 152, shown by way of example in
Turning now to
The controller 34 is also coupled to the system memory 36 and a money/credit detector 38. The system memory 36 may comprise a volatile memory (e.g., a random-access memory (RAM)) and a non-volatile memory (e.g., an EEPROM). The system memory 36 may include multiple RAM and multiple program memories. The money/credit detector 38 signals the processor that money and/or credits have been input via the value input device 18. Preferably, these components are located within the housing 12 of the gaming machine 10. However, as explained above, these components may be located outboard of the housing 12 and connected to the remainder of the components of the gaming machine 10 via a variety of different wired or wireless connection methods.
As seen in
Communications between the controller 34 and both the peripheral components of the gaming machine 10 and external systems 50 occur through input/output (I/O) circuits 46, 48. More specifically, the controller 34 controls and receives inputs from the peripheral components of the gaming machine 10 through the input/output circuits 46. Further, the controller 34 communicates with the external systems 50 via the I/O circuits 48 and a communication path (e.g., serial, parallel, IR, RC, 10bT, etc.). The external systems 50 may include a gaming network, other gaming machines, a gaming server, communications hardware, or a variety of other interfaced systems or components. Although the I/O circuits 46, 48 may be shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that each of the I/O circuits 46, 48 may include a number of different types of I/O circuits.
Controller 34, as used herein, comprises any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware that may be disposed or resident inside and/or outside of the gaming machine 10 that may communicate with and/or control the transfer of data between the gaming machine 10 and a bus, another computer, processor, or device and/or a service and/or a network. The controller 34 may comprise one or more controllers or processors. In
The gaming machines 10,110 may communicate with external systems 50 (in a wired or wireless manner) such that each machine operates as a “thin client,” having relatively less functionality, a “thick client,” having relatively more functionality, or through any range of functionality therebetween (e.g., a “rich client”). As a generally “thin client,” the gaming machine may operate primarily as a display device to display the results of gaming outcomes processed externally, for example, on a server as part of the external systems 50. In this “thin client” configuration, the server executes game code and determines game outcomes (e.g., with a random number generator), while the controller 34 on board the gaming machine processes display information to be displayed on the display(s) of the machine. In an alternative “rich client” configuration, the server determines game outcomes, while the controller 34 on board the gaming machine executes game code and processes display information to be displayed on the display(s) of the machines. In yet another alternative “thick client” configuration, the controller 34 on board the gaming machine 110 executes game code, determines game outcomes, and processes display information to be displayed on the display(s) of the machine. Numerous alternative configurations are possible such that the aforementioned and other functions may be performed onboard or external to the gaming machine as may be necessary for particular applications. It should be understood that the gaming machines 10,110 may take on a wide variety of forms such as a free standing machine, a portable or handheld device primarily used for gaming, a mobile telecommunications device such as a mobile telephone or personal daily assistant (PDA), a counter top or bar top gaming machine, or other personal electronic device such as a portable television, MP3 player, entertainment device, etc.
Aspects of various embodiments of the invention relate to multi-player wagering games that utilize single-point or multipoint/gesture sensing devices. In a preferred aspect, the wagering game is played on a gaming system having a table with a display surface and chairs and/or standing pads arranged around the table. Images associated with a wagering game are projected or displayed on the display surface and the players physically interact with the display surface to play the wagering game. The interactions facilitated by aspects of the various embodiments offer numerous advantages.
An advantage is that players have the ability to move virtual or physical wagering assets (such as a token) or other wagering elements across the display surface to or from a common area or among other players. Player-to-player exchanges are akin to a handshake, where one player moves a wagering element toward another player who accepts the wagering element and drags it to that player's designated area on the display surface. The gaming system keeps track of the exchanges and can even distinguish among the players seated around the display surface. As one player known to the gaming system touches a virtual or physical wagering element and moves it toward another player, the transaction is completed when the other player (also known to the gaming system) takes possession of that wagering element. The movements and the player's identities are tracked during the transaction. There is an immediacy and an intimacy associated with physically transacting things with another player that cannot be replicated in virtual or networked environments where players rarely even see each other. The display surface of the table allows all players to watch the exchanges and transactions, bringing a sense of realism and assurance to the players that a true transaction is taking place. In virtual environments, blind trust must be placed in the computing environment to carry out the transaction, which is often completed without the player's ability to observe the transaction throughout the entire process.
Another advantage is that touches or gestures by players interacting with a gaming system according to various embodiments of the invention can be distinguished among touches or gestures of other players. Traditional touch-based gaming systems do not have the ability to distinguish one touch from another. If a touch is detected, the gaming system is player-agnostic in the sense that it does not know that player's identity unless identity information is detected on the player or entered by the player. According to aspects of the various embodiments, touches by different players are distinguishable without the player's having to enter any identification information or have such information detected by the gaming system they are interacting with. Players' identities can remain anonymous, too, while playing multi-player games. In one aspect described below, the player is identified by a sensor in a chair, and each sensor outputs a different signal that is interpreted by the controller as a different player. If two players switch seats, for example, additional identification information could be inputted or detected, but not necessarily.
Still another advantage arises from the players' ability to select wagering elements or objects (whether virtual or physical) from a common area or move objects to a common area. The common area is visible by all players seated at the table, and the movement of objects in and out of the common area can be seen at all times by all players of the wagering game. Moreover, the players actually see which player has taken from or added to a common area and can observe the transfer of items into and out of the common area. This builds confidence in players particularly those who tend to prefer mechanical-type gaming machines. Objects moved into or out of a common area can be selected simultaneously by multiple players without one player having to wait for another player to complete a transfer. This eliminates sequential processing of commands present in traditional gaming systems, where there is a time-ordered sequence of events based on single inputs. Now, multiple inputs can be processed at once, without insisting upon any particular sequence of events to occur in order to keep the game play moving. Overall wagering throughput is increased because multiple wagers can be simultaneously received and multiple game actions can be taken simultaneously without waiting for other players or other wagering-game functions to be carried out. Moreover, there is an awareness by all players seated around the table as to what is happening at all times as the entire display surface is visible to all players, making all interactions at that table visible to all players. This builds confidence, allows players to observe each other and communicate with each other, and facilitates collective decision-making by the players as a group. Finally, because events need not be ordered or occur in a particular sequence, aspects of various embodiments of the invention allow players to enter and leave the wagering environment presented by the gaming system 300 freely. They may join at any point and leave at any point without disrupting the other players or requiring game play to be restarted or interrupted. Sensors in the chairs detect when players sit down or leave the table, and can automatically and quietly trigger any required transfers of wagering assets or balances to the player's account or to a portable data unit carried by the player, for example, without disrupting or interrupting ongoing game play. An example of such a multi-player wagering game is based on a virtual real estate wagering game, where players can own real estate on the table and rent that area out to other players who can place wagers on that area. Players can come and go in this game without disrupting ongoing game play, which theoretically continues indefinitely. Instead of chairs, the players may stand on pads that send signals to the table to distinguish among the players.
In a similar manner, players can barter or exchange assets in accordance with aspects of various embodiments of the invention across the display surface of the touch-responsive table. For example, the bartering medium may be cards, characters, chips, tokens, free spins, bonus awards, bonus rounds, and the like. To consummate a transaction, a player wishing to barter with another player slides the bartered asset across the table by gesturing on the display surface. The other player accepts the bartered asset and drags it to that other player's area on the table, completing the transaction. In one aspect, a “ramp up” trading feature is provided based on collective wagers placed by multiple players. Assets may have a fixed lifetime, fading and eventually disappearing over time. Under this “use it or lose it” scenario, players have an incentive to barter away assets before they lose them. The graphic depicting the bartered asset can be made to appear to fade so the player senses that he is about to lose the asset. In another aspect, players can trade unknown assets (such as a gift-wrapped present where the player does not yet know its contents, if any), creating a community mystery event. For example, two players can exchange presents in a multi-player wagering game based on the JACKPOT PARTY™ theme without knowing whether they have traded assets of equal value or any value.
Some aspects of the various embodiments, as mentioned above, encourage players as a group to communicate and interact with one another, which builds excitement and anticipation and a sense of community. The table format creates a more social atmosphere where onlookers and players see one another face-to-face (instead of the backs of their heads as with traditional upright gaming machines). As mentioned above, groups of players who might want to play together in a more social, relaxed environment, would be drawn to the gaming systems presented herein.
Another advantage offered by aspects of various embodiments of the invention described below is that player-defined areas can be defined on the display surface, giving the player a sense of identity or “ownership” of that area of the table. The player in a sense “stakes out” his area of the table, and that area becomes his own to interact with the wagering game. For example, the player can define a betting area where wagering assets are physically placed or moved (via gestures) into or out of during game play. The player can define the size of an object (the size may be constrained by the size of the player's wager, for example), that increases the probability of winning an award. Player-specific regions are also created on the display surface for each player, and within that region, the player can manipulate the wagering-game elements (for example, can rotate a virtual reel to another angle) or rotate a virtual camera for a different view (such as to see another side of a virtual reel).
Still another advantage is that different wagering games can be downloaded to the gaming systems described herein to allow the same table to be used to play poker, roulette, multi-player black jack, and so forth. For example, to convert a gaming system to play a roulette game instead of a poker game, and a video version of a roulette wheel is acceptable, no hardware changes need to be made. In some aspects, a mechanical roulette wheel may be desired, so an add-on “attachment” package can be offered so that the mechanical wheel is mounted on the display surface.
The player regions 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334 may be implemented by a multi-wire touchscreen such as the one offered by GM Nameplate described below. Each zone or region defined relative to the touchscreen is assigned to each player. When a player touches or gestures in the zone or region assigned to that player, the controller 34 distinguishes inputs from that zone from inputs from other zones. This aspect of the illustrated embodiment does not require sensors in the chairs to distinguish among touches. On the other hand, the zones in some embodiments cannot be modified, so each player should contact the display surface within the assigned zone.
One or more video cameras 347 are placed above the display surface 302 to capture images of objects and other things that may be placed on the display surface 302. The video camera(s) 347 work in conjunction with other sensors associated with the gaming system 300 to provide wagering and non-wagering related functionality to the wagering game(s) being played on the gaming system 300. Although two video cameras 347 are shown, the number of video cameras is in part a function of the dimension of the area that needs to be monitored by a camera. For a long table, such as shown in
The multipoint sensing device 338 outputs multipoint data representative of the multiple points touched or the multiple gestures. The multipoint data may include the coordinates of the points contacted or touched, the pressure of the points or areas touched, the directions of the gestures, the size (one finger, two fingers, etc., for example) of the areas touched, the velocity of the gestures, the acceleration of the gestures, or the length of time a point or area on the multipoint sensing device 338 was touched or a gesture lingered on the multipoint sensing device 338.
The system memory 36 may store data representing the multipoints touched or the multipoint gesture sensed in a memory location 352. Predetermined data corresponding to a first multipoint/gesture (i.e., a multipoint or a multipoint gesture) may be stored in a memory location 354, data corresponding to a second multipoint/gesture may be stored in a memory location 356, and an nth multipoint/gesture may be stored in a memory location 358. The sensed multipoint/gesture data 352 is compared against the predetermined data 354, 356 and 358 to determine a function to execute by the controller 34. Of course the data representing the sensed multipoint/gesture 352 and the predetermined data 354, 356, 358 may be stored in a memory separate from the system memory 36.
The multipoint sensing device 338 may be any suitable multipoint touchscreen capable of detecting or sensing multiple points touched simultaneously on the device 338 or multiple gestures gestured on the device 338. An example of suitable multipoint sensing devices includes a multipoint touchscreen available from CAD Center Corp. under the trade designation “NEXTRAX™.” This multipoint touchscreen is an optical-based device that triangulates the touched coordinate(s) using infrared rays (retroreflective system) or an image sensor. Another example is a frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) device, such as developed by the Media Research Laboratory at New York University's Department of Computer Science, and described in Jefferson Y. Han, Low-Cost Multi-Touch Sensing Through Frustrated Total Internal Reflection (Proceedings of the 18th Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology 2005), at 115-118. An FTIR device is shown and described in connection with
Still another suitable contact sensing device in accordance with aspects herein is the multi-zone five-wire touchscreen offered by GM Nameplate, Inc. and developed in conjunction with TouchKO, which allows up to four input zones on a single screen, and all four touches may occur simultaneously, leading to four distinct inputs. Yet another suitable contact sensing device is a sensor available from 3M TouchSystems. This sensor couples a different low-level signal to player user through an “In Play” button. The table top includes an array of small receiver antennas. When a player touches the table surface, that player's RF signal is coupled into the corresponding grid location, and detected. Another suitable contact sensing device may be based upon the Lemur multitouch device offered by JazzMutant headquartered in Bordeaux, France.
A 5-wire analog touchscreen operates by decoding or measuring a direct resistive circuit. The touchscreen includes six layers: a top polyester flex layer (coated with a thin conductive film), a polyester middle membrane with adhesive on both the top and bottom, a glass layer (coated with a thin conductive film) and an adhesive layer on the front or back for mounting. Printed spacer dots on the glass layer control actuation force and keep the conductive layers from making premature contact. The entire touchscreen is transparent and can overlay a video display, such as an LCD or plasma display. Because transmissivity is reduced with a multi-wire resistive touchscreen, a bright output display (such as plasma or vacuum fluorescent, for example) is preferred.
The gaming system 300 may optionally include a haptic device 350. Examples of suitable haptic devices include a haptic touchscreen manufactured by Immersion Corporation of San Jose, Calif., under the trade designation TouchSense®, a linear or rotary voice-coil actuator, or one or more piezoelectric elements. The haptic device 350 produces vibrations that are perceived by the tactile sense of the player. These vibrations can be synchronized with the multipoint gesture to provide tactile feedback to the player. The tactile feedback creates a more realistic interactive gaming environment and can also provide assurance to the player that the multipoint gesture is being sensed properly.
The memory 36 also stores the instruction set for a wagering game or wagering games for the gaming system 300. As will be explained below, part or all of the instruction sets may be received from an external source via the external I/O interface 48.
The gaming system 300 may optionally include a player identification device 370. Aspects of various embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more player identification devices are described in connection with
The gaming system 300 may optionally include a microphone 368 that receives speech inputs or commands from one or more players and converts those speech patterns into predetermined commands that are correlated with functions executed by the CPU 34. For example, during a Blackjack game, a player may utter “Hit me,” or during a Poker game, a player may utter “All in.” Other commands could be received, such as a wager amount, a movement command (to move an object projected or displayed relative to the display surface 302 from one area to another), a command to cash out, a command for more wagering funds, a command to speak with an attendant to, for example, order drinks or request additional wagering funds, and the like. According to an aspect, a player seated at a chair may utter a request for a drink or may touch a drink request button on the display surface 302. The CPU 34 sends to an external system a signal indicative of the order and the chair number requesting the drink. An attendant interacting with the external system prepares the drink order and, by virtue of the identification information transmitted with the drink order information, knows which player ordered the drink and can deliver the drink order to the proper customer. Similarly, if a player requests additional tokens or funds to be added to a wagering account or at table side, the attendant can deliver those monetary assets to the proper requesting player.
The transparent substrate 502 is edge-lit by the LED array 504, which may include high-power infrared LEDs or photodiodes placed directly against the polished edges of the transparent substrate 502. The video camera 508, preferably a digital one, includes a band-pass filter to isolate the infrared frequencies and is coupled to the controller 34. The rear-projection projector 506 projects images onto the transparent substrate 502, which diffuses through the diffuser 512 and rendered visible. Pressure can be sensed by the FTIR device 338 by comparing the pixel area of the point touched. For example, a light touch will register a smaller pixel area by the video camera 508 than a heavy touch by the same finger tip.
The FTIR device 338 is capable of sensing or detecting multiple touches, such as the touches 514 and 516. When the fingers of the player 344 touch the points 514 and 516 on the transparent substrate 502, the infrared light bouncing around inside the transparent substrate 502 is scattered in the general directions 518 and 520 and these optical disturbances are picked up by the band-pass filter in the video camera 508. Gestures can also be recorded by the video camera 508, and data representing the multipoint gestures is transmitted to the controller 34 for further processing. The data can include any one or more of the velocity, direction, acceleration, and pressure of a gesture.
Another touchscreen device suitable for detecting multiple touches or multipoint gestures is shown in
The touchscreen 600 is overlaid with a transparent glass or plastic substrate 624, which together are overlaid on the display surface 302 and the optional haptic touchscreen 350, which includes actuating devices 626 (such as one near each corner of the haptic touchscreen 350) that are actuated according to a vibration profile in order to create a haptic effect. A protective transparent cover 620 is placed over the transparent substrate 612. Because the electrodes 602 are capacitive-sensing, touches on the protective cover 620 will cause a change in capacitance in the electrodes 602. The outputs of the sensor circuits 610 are coupled to a controller 628 that processes data representing which electrodes 602 measured a change in capacitance. The magnitude of the change represents a pressure. A greater deviation in capacitance represents a greater pressure, and these deviations can be converted by an analog-to-digital converter into numbers representing an amount of pressure. The data can also represent a gesture where multiple electrodes 602 register a touch at various time intervals. The velocity, direction, and acceleration of the gesture can be represented in the data.
Other touch sensing technologies are suitable for use as the multipoint sensing device 338, including resistive sensing, surface acoustic wave sensing, pressure sensing, optical sensing, and the like. Also, other mechanisms may be used to display the graphics on the display surface 302 such as via a digital light processor (DLP) projector that is suspended at a set distance in relation to the display surface.
If a match is found (712), the method (700) includes determining a player input corresponding to the multipoint gesture input (714). The player input may be, for example, a selection of multiple cards in a game with a card game theme, an indication of a payline to be selected, an indication of the number of wagers per payline, an indication of a bonus award amount, a selection of a space in a game with a board game theme, movement of a graphical icon, and the like. Then, the wagering-game function associated with the player input is executed (716). Examples of wagering-game functions are provided herein, including without limitation selecting a payline, increasing or decreasing an amount to wager per payline, increasing or decreasing a potential bonus award, selecting a bonus award amount, selecting numbers in a keno-type or roulette-type wagering game, requesting a hold for one or more cards, inputting a wager amount, selecting a wager amount, selection of number of reels, selection of cards, an instruction to deal another card, a request to be dealt another card, a request to not be dealt another card, a cash-out request, and the like. The wagering game function is then associated with the particular player if the input is associated with a particular player region (718).
As with the gaming machines 10 and 100, the gaming system 800 has one or more value input devices 18 for receiving a wager associated with a wagering game. The wagering game is displayed on the display surface 802. The display surface 802 also displays the randomly selected outcome or outcomes generated by the wagering game. A controller 34 is coupled to the display surface 802 and causes graphics to be generated on the display surface 802. The controller 34 is programmed to execute a wagering-game function associated with contact data from the players and, as will be explained below, associates the wagering-game function with an individual player based on the contact data. The controller 34 may also recognize the specific identity of the player via information taken from the player information obtained via the player information reader 52. In this manner, the controller 34 may provide additional functionality to a specific player based on their contact with the table and previous gaming data.
In this example, a player identification device 824 in the chair 804 includes a receiver 826 that is capacitively coupled to the respective player 816. The receiver 826 is in communication with the controller 34. The receiver 826 receives signals transmitted from a transmitter array 828 to an antenna 830 in the antenna array 822 under the display surface 802 via a contact by the player 816 sitting in the chair 804. When the player 816 touches the display surface 802, a position signal is sent from the antenna 830 through the body of the player 816 to the receiver 826. The receiver 826 sends the signal to the controller 34 indicating the player 816 sitting in the chair 804 has contacted the display surface 802 and the position of the contact. In this example, the receiver 826 communicates with the controller 34 via a control cable 832. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a wireless connection may be used instead of the control cable 832 by including a wireless interface on the receivers and controller 34.
The controller 34 associates the contact input with the chair 804 and hence the player 816. The controller 34 executes the appropriate function according to the wagering game such as changing the graphics displayed on some or all of the display surface 802 or other game actions such as selecting a payline, increasing or decreasing an amount to wager per payline, increasing or decreasing a potential bonus award, selecting a bonus award amount, selecting numbers in a keno-type or roulette-type wagering game, requesting a hold for one or more cards, inputting a wager amount, selecting a wager amount, selection of number of reels, selection of cards, an instruction to deal another card, a request to be dealt another card, a request to not be dealt another card, a cash-out request, and the like. Of course it is to be understood that the chairs 804-814 and associated receivers 826 could be replaced with a player-carried device such as a wrist strap, headset or waist pack in which case a player may stand on a conductive floor plate in proximity to the display surface 802. The display surface 802 may include different player regions 834, 836, 838, 840, 842 and 844 as well as a common region 846 to assist players in their interaction with the wagering game. However, since the controller 34 recognizes each player, the contacts of a player anywhere within the display surface 802 including another player region will be associated with the player. Players can “individualize” their region 834, 836, 838, 840, 842 and 844 by writing their name with their finger on the display surface 802.
The antenna array 822 may be used in conjunction with any of the other multipoint contact sensors described in
In this example, graphics are projected on the display surface 802 via a digital light processor (DLP) projector 850 that is suspended at a set distance in relation to the display surface 802. The DLP projector 850 has a graphics input 852 which is in communication with the controller 34 to generate graphics for projection on the display surface 802. Alternately, the graphics may also be projected on the display surface 802 via a backlit projector or via a liquid crystal display. The controller 34 may be programmed to change the graphic on the display surface 802 in response to the contact data received from the receivers.
In this example, each point in the grid of the display surface 820 has its own antenna. The signals emitted by the antennas 830 may be unique to each antenna and thus continuously transmitted. Alternatively, the antennas 830 may be activated via time-division multiplexing driving each antenna in turn resulting in less distinct signals and reduced circuitry. Also, the antennas may be driven with a set or orthogonal signals by code-division multiplexing. It is to be understood that the antennas may be arrayed in a row layer and a column layer minimizing the overlap between the antennas in each layer. In this manner, unique row and column signals from the respective antennas are provided to determine the position of the contact.
If a match is found (1010), the method (1000) includes determining a player input corresponding to the contact input (1012). The player input may be, for example, a selection of multiple cards, an indication of a payline to be selected, an indication of the number of wagers per payline, an indication of a bonus award amount, and the like. The wagering-game function associated with the player input is then executed (1014) for the selected player. Examples of wagering-game functions are provided herein, including without limitation selecting a payline, increasing or decreasing an amount to wager per payline, increasing or decreasing a potential bonus award, selecting a bonus award amount, selecting numbers in a keno-type or roulette-type wagering game, requesting a hold for one or more cards, inputting a wager amount, selecting a wager amount, selection of number of reels, selection of cards, an instruction to deal another card, a request to be dealt another card, a request to not be dealt another card, a cash-out request, and the like.
In particular the ability of the gaming system 800 to identify and associate contacts with a particular player allows use in (1) turn-based games, (2) simultaneous selection of a common element by multiple players, and (3) exchanging of virtual or physical objects between players on the display surface 802. Players may also vote using collective power of a group to make a decision between all players, the results of which may be reflected in the common area of the display surface 802. The use of different multi-point sensing devices in conjunction with the different player regions also allows the gaming system 300 to operate games using the above features by associating contacts in the player regions with a particular player. Certain types of games playable on the systems 300 and 800 allow players to enter and leave freely and join at different points in time. The gaming systems 300 and 800 also allow simultaneous actions by different players. The interactive nature of the gaming systems 300 and 800 entices players to sit down at the table.
The graphics display 1100 includes a common area 1116 having a pot area 1118 and a community card area 1120. The community card area 1120 includes graphics of playing cards 1122 which are “dealt” as different wagers are offered by the players. The pot area 1118 contains a casino chips graphic 1124 which represents the current award from winning the game. The poker game format allows players to wager amounts based on the hole cards in the player region and the community cards such as the playing cards 1122 for the best poker hand. In this example, the game is Texas Hold 'Em, allowing player to wager based on their hole cards and make additional wagers based on the strength of their hand as the community cards are revealed. Other poker games such as Omaha, draw and stud or wagering card games such as Blackjack and Baccarat, may be played with the gaming system 800 after appropriate gaming mechanics modifications. Other card games may allow players to exchange cards by sliding a card graphic from a player region via player contact across the common area to another player region.
In operation the game provides or “deals” hole cards to all participating players. Each player can in turn either fold by pushing the cards 1130 and 1132 to the common area 1122 or wager by pushing the chips 1136 to the common area 1122. The player may contact the appropriate graphic and use a motion to move the card or chip graphics from the player region 1104 to the common area 1122. At the end of a wagering turn, the chips 1140 in the common area 1122 are determined by the controller 34 and an appropriate chip graphic is generated in the pot area 1118 representing the award for winning the game. The identity of three community cards 1122 is then revealed and the remaining players wager or fold in turn. The identity of a fourth community card 1122 is then revealed and the remaining players wager or fold in turn. Finally, the identity of the fifth community card 1122 is revealed and the remaining players make a final wager. The controller 34 then determines the highest poker hand based on the combination of the player's hole cards and the community cards 1122 and awards the pot to the winning player. The award may take the form of additional value represented by chips graphics being rendered in the player region corresponding to the winning player.
After each player has completed making wagers, the controller 34 will render a spinning roulette wheel from the wheel 1202. A ball graphic will be rendered to land on a number on the wheel 1202 according to a randomly generated outcome and the players with wagers on the winning number or areas on the betting board 1220 will be awarded. The award may take the form of additional credits represented by chip graphics such as the chip 1224 rendered in the winning player region or regions. Alternatively, an actual mechanical roulette wheel and ball may be used which may be added to the display surface with an appropriate electronic interfaces to the controller 34 to communicate the number the balls lands in after a spin.
Of course the graphic displays 1100 and 1200 and their underlying games in
Another aspect of the game involves assigning each of the spaces 1304 to a player. Each player may then be awarded a certain number of houses or hotels in their respective player region based on the success in the base game. In turn, each player may place the available hotel or house icons by contacting the house or hotel icon in their player region and moving their finger to the various spaces 1304 on the game board 1302. After each player has placed the house and hotel icons 1306 and 1308 on the game board 1302, a game token icon 1310 is moved randomly around the board in relation to a predetermined outcome generated by the controller 34. When the game token icon 1310 lands on a property belonging to a player, the single player assigned to the property or all the players may receive an award. If the property is occupied by a house or a hotel, that player may receive a bonus award. In another embodiment, a player may place a physical house or hotel object on the display surface 802, and the multipoint sensing device associated with the display surface 802 distinguishes between the house and hotel objects by, for example, calculating the size of the footprint that the physical object makes when contacting the display surface 802. Based on the difference in footprint sizes, the controller of the gaming machine detects whether the player has put down a house or a hotel and its associated property. This aspect is described in more detail in connection with
Another aspect of the game may involve special spaces. If the game token icon 1310 lands on a special space, a community event may be triggered for the players. For example, if the icon 1310 lands on a “Chance space,” a special bonus graphic (not shown) may be displayed. In such a case, each player would be allowed to select a mystery card 1322 by placing their finger in contact with the card icon. After each player has selected a mystery card 1322, the game reveals the cards. Players may earn individual awards or the players collectively may earn an award.
The display graphic 1300 may also be configured as a turn-based player competition game. In such a configuration, players would be assigned an individual game token icon. The gaming system is configured for a virtual dice roll to advance the game token around the game board 1302. A player would be awarded depending on the space or spaces the game token lands on. The virtual dice roll is carried out by a player making a gesture on the display surface 802 that resembles a dice throw, and the direction, velocity, and/or pressure of that gesture is converted into a dice roll that is depicted graphically on the display surface 802. For two dice, the player may use two fingers and gesture both fingers across the display surface 802 to impart motion to the dice.
Another turn-based multi-player wagering game is based on the Spin-the-Bottle game wherein each player takes turn spinning a virtual bottle displayed on the display surface. The bottle spins around and eventually comes to rest; the player to whom the bottle is pointing when it comes to rest wins an award. If no player is present where the bottle is pointing, no award is made, encouraging players to find other players to fill all the seats around the table.
Another turn-based multi-player wagering game is based on the REEL 'EM IN™ wagering game offered by WMS Gaming, Inc. Multiple players “place” virtual or physical boats on a virtual lake displayed on a display surface of a gaming system according to aspects of the various embodiments. The players cast their reels and the fish swimming around in the lake will eventually bite on the bait of one or more players' fishing lines. An award is awarded to the player whose fish took the bait. In another aspect, this multi-player wagering game is modified to eliminate its “turn-based” aspect. Some players may perceive a disadvantage or an advantage in the turn order, so the wagering game in this other aspect allows players to place their wagers on the same spot on the display surface before the game outcome is revealed.
Another multi-player wagering game that is well-suited for the gaming systems of various embodiments of the invention involves a pinball-type theme. Players purchase credits which are used to acquire virtual bumpers or flippers that are placed on the display surface. A ball is released and bounces around the surface of the table, changing directions when it contacts a bumper or flipper. A player can increase the size of any bumper or flipper by purchasing more credits. Multiple players play this game until the ball reaches a destination at which time an award, if any, is awarded to the winning player(s). In this wagering game, the players can place wagers on other player's bumpers or flippers.
Any of the gesture aspects of various embodiments of the invention may include a synchronized trail or animation for graphical feedback, akin to the trail that can be displayed as a mouse is dragged across a video display. The animated trail, synchronized with the direction of the gesture movement, provides assurance to the player that the gaming systems 300 and 800 are properly interpreting the player's input. Further, any of the gesture aspects of the various embodiments may also be synchronized with a corresponding haptic feedback from the haptic device 350.
Pressure sensing techniques described herein can be employed here to require the player to apply increasing pressure on point 1502 as point 1504 is moved further away from point 1502, to simulate the increased pressure caused by the stretching forces created by the slingshot band. If the player does not apply a sufficient pressure to the point 1502, the slingshot can be made to appear to fly out of the player's hand along with an informational message such as “Whoops, you need to hold on tightly to the slingshot as you stretch the band.” In this manner, an actual slingshot motion can be simulated, enhancing the player's experience and creating a sense that the player is highly interacting with the wagering game. High levels of excitement and interest and generating feelings of interaction and engagement in the player are very important aspects to successful wagering games.
To release the projectile, the player lifts his finger from the point 1504, and the projectile is launched from the slingshot 1500 in the direction of the arrow and hits one of the moving targets 1510, whereupon the bonus award amount is revealed to the player. The wagering-game function being carried out here is a selection of a bonus award amount, but in
Another gesture that can be interpreted by any of the gaming systems herein is a slap on the display surface, which is at least pressure-based. For example, players can slap certain areas on the display surface, causing award amounts to appear to pop up or other wagering-game functions to be executed in response to the detection of a pressure profile resembling a slap.
Similar gestures can be utilized to simulate different physical actions such as flying a plane or helicopter or driving a car or a boat with appropriate graphics to accomplish an event related to a wagering game, such as eligibility for a bonus round. Multiple fingers or multiple hands are used as the flight or steering controls, with multipoint gestures controlling movement, speed, attitude, altitude, speed, acceleration, direction, gear, and the like. The experience of each player is enhanced by competition with other players at the gaming system.
The player can also use more than one finger to scratch off a symbol. By using, for example, two or three fingers, the player can “scratch off” more of the treasure chest 1602 and 1604 than with one finger. In this respect, the multipoint sensing device 338 is operable to detect the size of the area contacted, and based on the size detected, cause more of the hidden potential prize to be revealed.
Various community decisions from players may be utilized on wagering games for the gaming systems 300 and 800. For example,
According to an aspect of various embodiments, a first player has placed a token 1608 on a present 1604a either by dragging the token 1608 across the display surface or by placing a physical token 1608 on the display surface above the graphic displaying the present 1604a. One or more other players have placed tokens 1606 on present 1604b. The players can coordinate and strategize among themselves as to where to place their tokens, and they can vote using the collective power of a group to make a decision about where to place wagers. The aspects and implementations of the various embodiments encourage precisely this sort of collaboration and sense of involvement with multiple players that cannot be duplicated with remote machines where players do not have the ability to see each other face-to-face and communicate in person among themselves. Groups of players who arrive at a wagering environment together are particularly attracted to the multi-player aspects of the disclosed embodiments. They can play a video-type wagering game together, while socializing or collaborating about communal decisions for the benefit of the entire group. Players can also readily see where other players are placing wagers and what they are placing wagers on and, based on those observations, can make their own individual wagering decisions. The multiple independent decisions become collective decisions that can potentially benefit the multiplicity of players as a group. In this manner, the players have an incentive to work together to maximize mutual benefit for themselves.
A variation of the game in
It is to be understood that either of the gaming systems 300 or 800 may be configured to accept different games such as those described in relation to
Each of the plurality of casinos 2002 in this example includes a local area network 2006. The local area network 2006 may include a wireless access point 2007 and gaming machines 10 and 110. The gaming systems 300 and 800 are also part of the local area network 2006. A wagering game server 2008 may serve wagering games on the gaming machines and systems over the local area network 2006 and function as a remote controller as described above. The wagering game server 2008 includes hardware and machine readable media including instructions for performing the operations described herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that each casino 2002 may include other local area networks such as the local area network 2006 which may serve to connect many other wagering games. Alternatively, multiple servers may be used for the functions of the wagering game server 2008. The local area network 2006 may be any type of suitable property LAN configuration including, for example, a dedicated hardwired property LAN or a wireless property LAN. The local area network 2006 may be configured in a bus topology, a star topology, a ring topology, a tree topology, a full or partial mesh topology, etc., and may therefore include a single customer network data link or multiple customer network data links. The local area network 2006 may also be a peer-to-peer network in which case one or more of the controllers of the game machines 10 or 110 or game systems 300 or 800 perform some or all of the functions of the server 2008.
The local area network 2006 includes wired communication links 2010 and wireless communication links 2012. In this example, the stand alone gaming machine 10 and the gaming systems 300 and 800 communicate with the network 2006 via the wired communication links 2010. The handheld gaming machine 110 communicates with the network 2006 via the wireless communication links 2012. Of course other combinations of wired and wireless connections to different gaming machines may be used. The wired and wireless communication links 2010 and 2012 may employ any suitable connection protocols such as Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, Ethernet, public switched telephone networks, SONET, etc. The game server 2008 may also serve wagering game devices and/or distribute content to devices located in other casinos 2002 or at other locations on the communications network 2004. The local area network 2006 may be configured to enable downloading of instruction sets (software) for games, game configuration data, game outcomes, etc. from the central server(s) such as the server 2008 to the gaming machines, and to enable uploading of marketing and operations data from the gaming terminals to the central server, in one embodiment.
The server 2008 includes a storage device 2020 that contains software instruction sets for different wagering games which may be loaded onto a storage device of gaming machines such as the system memory 36 of the gaming systems 300 and 800. It is to be understood that different parts of the game instruction sets may be stored on the storage device 230 with other parts of the tame instruction sets stored on the individual gaming systems. For example, the gaming systems may store part of the instruction sets in the form of modules relating to graphics files, audio/sound files, and certain game functions and operations such as player greetings or instructions. The stored instructions sets are mated with the remainder of the instruction sets loaded from the storage device 2020 over the network 2006.
Part or all of the software instruction set for wagering games may be sent to the gaming systems 300 and 800 via the wired communication links 2010 or the wireless communication links 2012. The wagering games are received by the external I/O circuit 48 of the respective gaming systems 300 and 800. The controller 34 of the respective gaming system loads the instruction set for the new wagering game or games in the system memory 36 and runs the wagering game in accordance with the software instructions. It is to be understood that different games may be installed on either game system 300 or 800 via manually delivery of content by replacing the media of the existing memory 36, such as the ROM, flash RAM or CD-ROM with new media containing updated game content. In addition, different games may be stored on the system memory 36 to give the multiple players of the gaming system a set of game options.
The gaming system 1930 portrays a multi-player roulette wagering game. Positioned over the center of the display surface of the gaming system 1930 is a physical roulette wheel that is communicatively coupled (for example, by electro-magnetic or wireless communication link) to the gaming system 300, 800 while betting areas 1934, 1936, 1938, 1939 are displayed on the display surface of the gaming system 1930. The players “place” bets on the betting areas 1934, 1936, 1938, 1939 as described above by touching or gesturing on the display surface. The physical roulette wheel 1932 is physically spun and the roulette wheel 1932 and the gaming system coordinate through the communication link to award the appropriate player(s), if any, based on the wagering game outcome. To configure the gaming system 1930 to portray a different wagering game, the roulette wheel 1932 is removed, and a new multi-player wagering game 1910, 1912, 1914 is downloaded from the server 2008 via the network 2004 to the gaming system 1930, which reconfigures itself to play the newly downloaded wagering game.
Finally, the gaming system 1940 has a display surface that is divided into quarters 1942, 1944, 1946, 1948, each quarter displaying a different multi-player wagering game whose content is downloadable individually or collectively via the network 2004 from the server 2008. For example, to change the game playable on the quadrant 1942 from a poker game to a Blackjack game, the server 2008 downloads to the gaming system 1940 the content for the Blackjack game 1914 via the network 2004. The games played on the other quadrants 1944, 1946, 1948 remain unchanged. In this way, a casino or wagering environment can remove at will unpopular games or test new games without physical intervention by an operator.
In another aspect, the gaming system 1940 displays a plurality of thumbnail images depicting a multiplicity of games playable on the gaming system 1940. Players touch a desired thumbnail, and then drags it to the middle of the display surface, where the thumbnail expands into a full-size wagering game that occupies substantially the entire display surface of a part thereof (such as one of the quadrants 1942, 1944, 1946, 1948). In the latter case, other players can select other thumbnails simultaneously and drag those thumbnails to their respective quadrant. The selected wagering games can be downloaded from the server 2008 as they are being selected. Players may have to wait a few seconds (they can be entertained by a tutorial that helps them practice using the touch-responsive display surface) while waiting for the new wagering game to be downloaded.
Additional embodiments may be realized. For example, privacy controls with respect to confidential information can be implemented with respect to individual gaming machine displays, as well as for common display areas using a variety of display filter devices. Such filters can be used with a wagering gaming machine, including a slot machine and hand-held gaming devices (e.g.
As used herein, “private information” refers to any information concerning a player's status, game progress, ability to play, or permission to continue to play, a particular game. Private information is typically maintained in a confidential fashion, and only revealed to the player directly affected by its content. For example, private information includes, but is not limited to: the contents of a poker hand, a house account balance, bonus points, portions of private information related to other players of the same game, the result of a particular play sequence within a game, standing in a progressive game with respect to other players, etc. A “multi-player gaming table” may include one or more multipoint sensing devices forming a part of a substantially planar playing surface, in conjunction with multiple displays, built into the playing surface and/or projected onto the playing surface, including a multitouch playing surface, as described previously.
In some embodiments, a multi-player gaming table may include a single large display, along with areas on the table (e.g., at four sides) where, for example, players can sit to view their individual cards. The designated area for each player is substantially the only area where each player can actually view the cards they hold (e.g., areas 1104, 1106, 1110, 1114 of
Segmented privacy filters may be used to permit each player to view his own area, and the common area, but not the other player's areas. Such privacy filters may be obtained from 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn., among others. Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) with a limited viewing angle (e.g., less than 90 degrees) can also be used to preserve the confidentiality of private information. Wide-view LCD displays can be used to display common or non-private information. Poker tables with embedded filters or LCD displays for individual players can be constructed using any or all of these types of displays applied to the areas 1104, 1106, 1110, 1114, and 1116 of
Using a multiple player gaming table, such as that shown in
Foam blocks and other physical barriers (e.g., individual viewing tubes) can also be added to the table surface to reduce viewing angles for individual players. For example, a multi-cell wall structure 837 of
Referring now to
Shaped surfaces on the table top, or the table surface itself can be constructed to permit a narrow viewing angle. For example, a curved table surface 339 of
An image conduit 839 of
A manually activated secondary object may also be used to convey private information to selected players. For example, players can be provided with glasses 341 of
In some embodiments, a split screen may be implemented to convey private information to players, perhaps by using a lenticular lens that creates a convex perspective of multiple images or light sources. The simplest form of a lenticular lens is a bifocal, which has just two magnifying lenses. Using a three-part lenticular lens, a viewing screen could be split into three portions: all three could be showing the identical image during some portion of the game play, and then, during another part of the game, the screens might be split to show a first player his cards on the first screen portion (e.g. area 1108 of
Light beams (e.g., infra-red beams 25 of
In some embodiments, private player information (e.g., a poker hand) is transmitted to a personal, hand-held device 2219 of
Hand-held devices 1227 of
A hand-held optical device might also take the form of a puck 331 of
A hand-held electronic device 1227 of
In some embodiments, a miniature projector 1139 of
Some apparatus and systems may include the use of a flexible apparatus 1155 of
Projection directly onto the retina can be used to display private information to individual players. Retinal projectors 841 of
Players may also be given a head-mounted display 341 to view private information, including the display of three-dimensional images. Such devices can be obtained from a variety of sources, including the i-glasses PC/SVGA Pro 3D head-mounted display available from i-O Display Systems, LLC of Sacramento, Calif. In the case of retinal projection, or individual head-mounted displays, players can activate the display by touching the surface 302 of a multi-player table.
In some cases, a flexible film or piece of plastic with a mirrored surface might be hinged to the surface of a multi-player table. Each player might then “turn-over” the edge of the display 863 of
Some games, such as competitive card games, may be made more exciting by using an indicator 1135 of
When a multipoint playing surface is used, players may be given access to gesture-based revelation of private information. For example, the back of a card 1137 displayed or projected onto the table surface may be “touched” by the player to reveal only the corner of the card face, and the player's finger may be dragged across the “back” of the card to expose more and more of the card face for viewing by the player. Thus, gestures can be made to view more or less of the private information, displayed in the form of a card, or table of figures, etc. The amount of revelation may thus be variable, or fixed, such that a finger tap or touch to the back of the card may reveal a pre-selected amount of the face to the player (e.g. 25%, 50%, 75%). This fixed amount may be selected by the player, or other entities. Of course, varying portions of other forms of private information may be revealed in a similar manner.
Some embodiments may include electronic paper (e-paper) that is inductively powered by the multi-touch gaming table, such that the paper is physically separate from the table, and used to display card backs 1139 and/or card faces 1141 (e.g., e-paper with a display on both sides of the paper) when placed in close proximity to the table surface. The e-paper may also be used to display miniature images 1143 of cards that become enlarged in sequence or selectively, when the multi-touch table surface is touched by the player in proximity to the e-paper display.
Various embodiments include card tables, such as display surfaces 802 of poker tables, that include a secondary display 863 of
In some embodiments, there is a common display area 1116 of
Turning now to
The table 2100, which is similar to any other of the gaming systems disclosed herein, further includes a weight or pressure sensor 2108 that detects the presence of the portable device 2102 when placed in a designated region, also termed a “hotspot,” defined relative to the display surface 302, 802. The weight or pressure sensor 2108 outputs a signal indicative of the weight or pressure exerted by the portable device 2102 when placed on the display surface 302, 802, and this signal is communicated to the controller 34. The weight or pressure sensor 2108 can detect information relating to the size of the object placed on the display surface 302, 802. Of course, the gaming system 300, 800 without the sensor 2108 can detect the presence of the portable device 2102 in some embodiments, but the addition of the weight/pressure sensor 2108 provides more flexibility in ascertaining information about the portable device.
The gaming system 300, 800 also includes a wireless transceiver 2104 that is controlled by the controller 34 to communicate wirelessly with the portable device 2102 when equipped with a wireless transceiver that formats wireless data according to a protocol that is compatible with both the portable device 2102 and the wireless transceiver 2104. The gaming system 300, 800 also includes an inductive charging system 2106 that inductively charges a battery 2110 of the portable device 2102 when placed in proximity to the inductive charging system 2106 on a hotspot region of the display surface 302, 802. Current signals required to provide the inductive energy for charging the battery 2110 are provided directly or indirectly via the controller 34. The casino may provide this charging service on a complimentary basis and may require the player carrying the portable device 2102 to allow marketing messages to be transmitted to the portable device 2102 in exchange for the charging service.
Examples of information that may be communicated between the wireless transceiver 2104 of the gaming system 300, 800 and the portable device 2102 are shown in
To recognize the various interacting objects that may be placed on the display surface 302, 802, the gaming system 300, 800 may utilize the camera 347, 847, the object may include an RFID tag to identify itself, or there may be a pattern or an ultraviolet tag imprinted on the side of the object that will face the display surface 302, 802 when placed there, to name a few examples. When the object includes an RFID tag and the multi-touch table includes an array of antennas, such as Mitsubishi's Diamond Touch Table, the antennas may be configured to sense the RFID signals.
For example, a player can place a glass filled with a beverage in the refreshment area 2404 defined relative to the display surface 302, 802. The camera 347, 847 takes an images of the top view of the glass 2430a and also notes the diameter of the beverage. The diameter of the beverage will appear larger to the camera 347, 847 when the glass is full of the beverage and smaller when the glass 2430b is nearly empty. When the latter condition is satisfied, the gaming system 300, 800 automatically notifies casino service personnel (2414) of the location and the table. Another concierge region 2402 may be defined to cause a concierge or other service personnel to be summoned (2412) or to display a menu of concierge-related services, such as reservations, ordering a taxicab, online airline check-in, or hotel room service requests. The player may carry a service device, which may have a form factor that resembles a shamrock or good luck charm, which the player places in the concierge region 2402. The gaming system 300, 800 recognizes the service device and executes a service-related function 2412, such as by displaying a menu of service options relative to the display surface 302, 802.
These regions obviate the need for the player to leave the table 2400; concierge-related services can be ordered or serviced directly from the table 2400, the player may retrieve email messages and other content via the wireless transceiver 2104, the battery 2110 of the portable device 2102 carried by the player can be recharged by the inductive charging system 2106, the player can watch and place wagers on other wagering games 2422 being played elsewhere in the casino, funds can be added from a portable device 2102 carried by the player, to name a few examples. The fewer reasons there are for the player to leave the table 2400, the more likely that player will remain at the table 2400 as long as other ancillary needs are being serviced without requiring the player to interrupt game play in order to fulfill those ancillary needs.
Like the refreshment region 2404, when a player places chips 2432 in the funds region 2408, the higher the chips are stacked the larger the diameter of the topmost chip will appear to the camera 347, 847. Thus, the gaming system 300, 800 can monitor the diameter of the topmost chip 2432 to determine how many chips are stacked in the funds region 2408. The gaming system 300, 800 may also monitor the weight/pressure sensor 2108 to further verify the number of chips 2432 placed in the funds region 2408 based upon the known weight of a single chip. As the player adds or removes chips from the funds region 2408, the player's account may be incremented or decremented as appropriate to reflect the change in the amount of funds available to the player.
The funds region 2408 is also used to thwart cheating, where a player surreptitiously adds or removes chips being wagered during the wagering game, such as during a game of craps. The camera 347, 847 optionally in conjunction with the weight sensor 2108 captures the number of chips in the funds region 2408 just prior to initiation of the wagering game and again at the end of the wagering game. To the extent there is any discrepancy, the dealer, casino security, or other casino personnel may be notified automatically by the gaming system 300, 800. A video image of the alleged cheat may also be transmitted along with the notification.
A control region 2406 operates like the designated region 2200 shown in
The display surface 302, 802 may also include a companion display region 2410, which when activated, causes a companion window 2422 to be displayed relative to the displays surface 302, 802, which shows a representation of another wagering game being played by another player at another gaming machine or system 10, 110, 300, 800 that is coupled via a network 2004 to the gaming system 300, 800 shown in
The gaming system 300, 800 allows the players to use special blank cards while allowing the video images produced by the projector 850 to form the card faces. In addition, because the projector 850 can also project animated images, animations and other unusual video sequences may be displayed on the card face. For example, in a wagering game of Blackjack played on the gaming system 300, 800, if the Queen of Diamonds 2500 is dealt such that the total value of the cards exceeds 21, the expression on the Queen's face can be animated to appear to wince as if feeling the pain of the player at losing the hand. If Blackjack is dealt, text such as “Blackjack” may be projected across the cards or a short animation sequence may be projected onto the blank card faces having a celebratory or congratulatory theme. Other wagering-game images, such as a multiplier, may be displayed on the blank card 2500 for use in a bonus round, for example. For example, if the player achieves Blackjack in three consecutive rounds, the player may be awarded a multiplier that is displayed on the blank card 2500. A bonus game may be displayed near the Blackjack game on the display surface 302, 802, which the player can play before resuming play of the Blackjack game.
In this “blank card” Blackjack game, there is also no need to shuffle the cards, which will greatly increase the number of games that can be dealt per hour, thereby increasing the overall coin-in throughput to the casino. At the same time, the wagering game still retains the traditional feel of physical cards, which is attractive to those players who still prefer to play with traditional cards, thereby helping to bridge the gap between those players and players who are comfortable playing video card games.
The blank card 2500 may also include a pattern or ultraviolet tag printed on the back of the card 2500 (on the side facing the display surface 302, 802), which is detected by the gaming system 300, 800 for differentiated the card value. In other words, each card may have a designated card value that is encoded in the pattern or tag imprinted on its back, but may still have a blank front face. The gaming system 300, 800 coordinates the card-face image projected onto the card with its known face value, but may also animate that image or project other wagering-related images onto the blank face. In this implementation, the blank cards would need to be shuffled, because each card would have a predetermined value encoded on the back of each card.
The gaming system 300, 800 detects the rotational angle of the roulette wheel 1932, 2600 and the relative rotational angle of the ball so as to synchronize the projection onto the blank pockets the numbers such that the numbers appear to rotate at the same angular speed as the roulette wheel 1932, 2600. As the roulette wheel 1932, 2600 slows down, the numbers appear to be fixed relative to the pockets due to the synchronization of the rotational angle of the roulette wheel 1932, 2600 and the animations of the numbers that rotate with the roulette wheel 1932, 2600.
In another implementation, regular cards are played on the display surface 302, 802, with their values automatically being recognized via the camera 347, 847. During a game of Blackjack, for example, the camera 347, 847 may capture images of the cards being dealt, and through image or pattern recognition, the gaming system 300, 800 may automatically ascertain their values for purposes of determining whether a Blackjack event has occurred. If Blackjack has occurred, the gaming system 300, 800 may display a video bonus round on the display surface 302, 802.
Any of the embodiments, aspects, or implementations disclosed herein may be configured for a single player or multiple players.
In this detailed description, reference is made to specific examples by way of drawings and illustrations. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inventive subject matter, and serve to illustrate how the inventive subject matter can be applied to various purposes or embodiments. Other embodiments are included within the inventive subject matter, as logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes can be made to the example embodiments described herein. Features or limitations of various embodiments described herein, however essential to the example embodiments in which they are incorporated, do not limit the inventive subject matter as a whole, and any reference to the invention, its elements, operation, and application are not limiting as a whole, but serve only to define these example embodiments.
Such embodiments, aspects, or implementations of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments, aspects, and implementations have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments, aspects, or implementations. Combinations of the above embodiments, aspects, or implementations, and other embodiments, aspects, or implementations not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), brequiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Description of the Embodiments, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted to require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may be found in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60931534 | May 2007 | US | |
| 60850460 | Oct 2006 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13407046 | Feb 2012 | US |
| Child | 13709916 | US | |
| Parent | 12444112 | Jan 2010 | US |
| Child | 13407046 | US |
