Patent Application
20130281188
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. Copyright 2013, WMS Gaming, Inc.
Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate generally to wagering game systems, and more particularly to presenting media from live casinos as part of online wagering game sessions.
Wagering game 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 depends on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing wagering game 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 continuing need for wagering game machine manufacturers to continuously develop new games and gaming enhancements that will attract frequent play.
Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the Figures of the accompanying drawings in which:
This section provides an introduction to some embodiments of the invention.
Typically, casinos offer wagering games in a variety of forms, including table games (e.g., roulette, blackjack, etc.), wagering game machines (e.g., slots, video poker, etc.), lottery-type games (e.g., keno), etc. Players often go to casinos for gaming variety and for excitement associated with live, in-person gaming. In casinos, as some players win large monetary sums, others become excited and motivated to play. As more players join-in, the casino's excitement and energy level increases. Many players believe the heightened sense of excitement enhances their gaming experience.
As an alternative to bricks-and-mortar casinos, some gaming operators offer wagering games online. For example, some gaming operators host wagering game websites that offer wagering games, such as video slots, video poker, video black jack, and more. Using such websites, players can play wagering games without going to traditional bricks-and-mortar casinos. However, some players may find online gaming to be less exciting than live, in-casino gaming. Some embodiments of the inventive subject matter bring the excitement of live, in-casino gaming to online gaming. Some embodiments present an online gaming interface and a live casino interface on-screen together. The online gaming interface presents and receives information for playing online games such as video poker, slots, etc. The live casino interface includes live media feeds (e.g., audio and video) showing live activities occurring at bricks-and-mortar casinos. The online gaming interface may be superimposed over the live casino interface. For example, the online gaming interface may appear as a life-like wagering game machine, while the live casino interface appears as a background. Because the live casino interface is streaming live events from real casinos, some embodiments bring the in-casino excitement to online players. That is, the live casino interface may show players celebrating big wins, playing community table games (e.g., craps), and otherwise interacting in the casino.
In order to further enhance online player experiences, some embodiments allow players to select between various media streams. In some instances, players can select media captured at different casinos. In some instances, players can select different camera views and media capture techniques. For instance, players may select media for one or more table games they want to watch. Additionally, players may select between different camera views for each of the table games. They may also select between various audio options.
These and other embodiments of the inventive subject matter are described in more detail below.
According to some embodiments of the inventive subject matter, online wagering game operators can present online wagering games along with live, in-casino content. Some embodiments present the online wagering game content in an online gaming interface, while presenting the live, in-casino content in a live casino interface. In some instances, the live casino interface serves as a background to the online gaming interface.
In
To enhance the player experience, some embodiments present a live casino interface as a background for the online gaming interface.
As noted, a live media feed may capture people moving about a casino.
As players are playing online wagering games in the online gaming interface, they can watch and hear live casino activities in the live casino interface. In some instances, the media feeds are more detailed, so online players can see specific casino activities, such as players playing particular table games. Some embodiments facilitate more detailed views of casino activities.
The casinos may be equipped with multiple cameras and microphones for capturing multiple live media streams. In some embodiments, players can select cameras from which to receive live media streams. Therefore, some embodiments enable players to select whichever media streams they find most interesting. In some embodiments, the system can automatically select media streams for the player. For example, the system may alternate between media streams that show players winning at games similar to the online game. Furthermore, some embodiments can capture and present media streams from different casinos. Thus, for example, in
Some embodiments connect online players to in-casino players by electronically linking online players with players at smart tables. Smart tables are gaming tables that include electronic components for facilitating table games. For example, a smart craps table may include components for detecting bets made by particular players. The smart craps table may track betting by requiring all players to place bets via a keyboard/mouse (or other input device). Alternatively, the smart craps table may be equipped with computer vision that can track betting. Regardless of the tracking method, smart tables keep track of bets made by players. In some embodiments, if an online player has selected a live feed of players at a smart table, the system may provide various awards or benefits to line players. For example, the system may provide a win multiplier to online players who make bets identical to players at the smart table in a casino. Furthermore, the system may facilitate communications (text, voice, or otherwise) between online players and players at smart tables.
This section describes an example operating environment and presents structural aspects of some embodiments. This section includes discussion wagering game networks, and other components that may be included in some embodiments of the inventive subject matter.
The online wagering game server 613 can host wagering games, such as video slots, video roulette, video poker, video black jack, etc. Players can use the personal computing devices 611 to play the wagering games over the communications network 614. In some embodiments, the online wagering game server 613 hosts a website that conducts the wagering games, and players play the games via the Internet.
As described above, the online wagering game server 613 can present a graphical user interface including an online gaming interface that presents online wagering games, along with a live casino interface showing live media streams from casinos. Thus, in some embodiments, the online wagering game server 613 receives media streams from the media server 606. The online wagering game server 613 can process the media streams, and incorporate them into any suitable graphical user interface, as described herein. In some embodiments, the personal computing devices 611 include local components that present the aforementioned interfaces based on media streams and data received from the online wagering game server 613 and/or the media server 606. The media streams can include video data, audio data, text data, and other information.
Each of the casinos 612 includes a local area network 616, which includes an access point 604 and wagering game machines 602. Although not shown, the casinos can also include wagering game servers that determine and record results of wagering games appearing on the wagering game machines 602. The wagering game servers may also distribute wagering game content to devices located in other casinos or at other locations on the communications network 614. The access point 604 provides wireless communication links 610 and wired communication links 608. The wired and wireless communication links can employ any suitable connection technology, such as Bluetooth, 802.11, Ethernet, public switched telephone networks, SONET, etc.
The media server 606 is connected to cameras 609 via the local area network 616. Although not shown, the media server 606 may also be connected to microphones and other audio and/or video equipment. The cameras 609 can include microphones, so they can capture audio and video streams inside the casino. The camera 609 and any other suitable media capture equipment (e.g., cameras and microphones mounted in wagering game machines) can feed media streams to the media server 606. In turn, the media server 606 can transmit media streams to other devices, such as the online wagering game server 613, and the personal computer devices 611. As described above, the live, in-casino media streams can be incorporated into live casino interfaces, as described herein.
The wagering game machines 602 described herein can take any suitable form, such as floor standing models, handheld mobile units, bartop models, workstation-type console models, etc. Further, the wagering game machines 602 can be primarily dedicated for use in conducting wagering games, or can include non-dedicated devices, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants, personal computers, etc. In one embodiment, the wagering game network 600 can include other network devices, such as accounting servers, wide area progressive servers, player tracking servers, and/or other devices suitable for use in connection with embodiments of the invention.
In some embodiments, the personal computing devices 611 and online wagering game server 606 work together such that the personal computing devices 611 can be operated as a thin, thick, or intermediate client. For example, one or more elements of game play may be controlled by components residing on the personal computing devices 611 (client) or by the online wagering game server 613 (server). Game play elements can include executable game code, lookup tables, configuration files, game outcome, audio or visual representations of the game, game assets, etc. In a thin-client example, the server 613 can perform functions such as determining game outcome or managing assets, while the devices 611 can present a graphical representation of such outcome or asset modification to the user (e.g., player). In a thick-client example, the devices 611 can determine game outcomes and communicate the outcomes to the server 613 for recording and/or managing a player accounts.
In some embodiments, either the devices 611 (client) or the online wagering game server 613 can provide functionality that is not directly related to game play. For example, account transactions and account rules may be managed centrally (e.g., by the online wagering game server 613) or locally (e.g., by components residing on the personal computing devices 611). Other functionality not directly related to game play may include power management, presentation of advertising, software or firmware updates, system quality or security checks, etc.
Any of the wagering game network components can include hardware and machine-readable storage devices including instructions for performing the operations described herein. Machine-readable storage devices can include semiconductor memory devices, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, and any other device suitable for storing data.
This discussion will continue with additional details about embodiments of the online wagering game server.
This discussion will continue with a description of operations performed by some embodiments of the inventive subject matter.
At block 814, the media processor 702 selects one or more media feeds. As described above, the media feeds can include audio and/or video captured in casinos. In some instances, the media feeds show players playing group table games (e.g., craps), slots games, shopping, and/or engaging any other casino activities. In some embodiments the media processor selects a media feed that shows a live casino game similar to an online wagering game being contemporaneously presented. For example, if a player is playing online slots, the media processor may select a media feed showing slots players in a casino. As shown in
At block 816, the GUI processor 704 presents the one or more media feeds in a live casino interface (e.g., see
In some instances, users can affect the media feeds. For example, an administrator may override a selection made at block 814. Alternatively, some embodiments may allow players to select and/or control the media feeds. For example, certain game results may award players a chance to select or just media feeds. Using the award, the player may select one of a group of available media feeds. Alternatively, players may use the award to adjust audio and/or video settings of a media feed (e.g., microphone directionality, camera directionality, etc.). The operation at block 818 determines whether the system has receive user input about the media feeds. If no user input has been received, the flow continues at block 822. Otherwise, the flow continues at block 820.
At block 820, the media processor 702 adjusts the media feed based on the user input. As noted, the user input may indicate a media feed selection. In such case, the media processor selects a media feed based on the user input. However, if the input indicates a change to camera directionality or other media settings, the media processor sends a request to an appropriate media server 606. In turn, the media server adjusts the media settings. The flow continues at block 812, where the wagering game processor determines whether the gaming session is over. If the session is over, the flow ends. Otherwise, the flow continues at block 816.
This discussion will now refer to the path beginning at block 802. At block 802, the wagering game processor 706 receives player input initiating a wagering game (e.g., slots, video poker, video black Jack, etc.). The flow continues at block 804.
At block 804, the GUI processor 704 presents initial wagering game elements in an online gaming interface. For example, the GUI processor transmits information for presenting an initial card hand for a video poker game. In some embodiments, components on a client device (e.g., a personal computing device 611) assist in presenting the wagering game elements in the online gaming interface. The flow continues at block 806.
At block 806, the wagering game processor 706 receives and processes player input associated with the wagering game. For example, the wagering game processor receives and processes discard requests for a video poker game. As part of the processing, the wagering game processor may determine intermediate or final results for the wagering game. The flow continues at block 808.
At block 808, the GUI processor 704 presents intermediate or final results for the wagering game. For a video poker game, the GUI processor may present new cards to a player, in response to the discard requests. The flow continues at block 810.
At block 810, the wagering game processor determines whether the game is over. If the game is over, the flow continues at block 812. Otherwise, the flow continues operations for presenting a wagering game (at block 806). As noted above, at block 812, if the gaming session is over, the flow ends. Furthermore, if the gaming session is not over, the flow begins processing a new wagering game at block 804.
In a typical picking bonus game, an online player must select one or more game elements. After the selection, the system determines a result for the bonus game (e.g., free spin, monetary award, etc.). In contrast to typical picking bonus games, some embodiments enable a live attendant (e.g., game attendant, casino cocktail server, casino patron, or other live person), instead of an online player, to pick game elements that may affect bonus game results. To facilitate live attendant participation, some embodiments capture a live feed of a real-life wagering game machine that is presenting green screens on its display devices. The live attendant can select an area of the green screen to simulate selection of a particular game element. In turn, embodiments can superimpose online game content over the green screens to make the live feed appear as though the live attendant selected a game element of an online wagering game. The system can use the live attendant's simulated game element selection for numerous different games running contemporaneously online. For example, the attendant's selection may make a first player's slots game have multiplier effect, while also making a second player's video poker card become wild.
Casinos can incorporate live attendant participation into online games in many ways. For example, if an online player selects a media stream capturing a particular wagering game machine that receives input from an attendant or other live person, the player's online games can receive input. In some instances, the player does not know whether the live person will provide input. That is, in some instances, the live attendant may provide input for an online game, and in other instances the attendant does not provide input. As a result, players may feel anticipation when they see an attendant approaching a wagering game machine configured to provide input for online games.
The following discussion of
The camera 910 can capture a live feed of the wagering game machine 900 and a live attendant (not shown). A media server can forward the live feed to an online wagering game server (e.g., see
If a picking event arises, such as via a bonus game, the online wagering game server can present a live feed in which an attendant picks a game element that may affect game results.
In some embodiments, the live media feed showing the attendant appears in one window, whereas the online wagering game appears in another window. The windows may appear as picture-in-picture or any other suitable arrangement.
Because online players can play a wide variety of wagering games, the online wagering game server can superimpose different content for each online player. That is, the live attendant selections can be used contemporaneously with any number of game themes (e.g., movie theme, sports theme, etc.) and game types.
The following discussion of
At block 1304, the wagering game machine detects input associated area of the template. In some embodiments, the wagering game machine includes a touchscreen, which detects a screen area selection by the live attendant. As noted above, a camera can capture this selection. As a result, the media server can stream live feed including attendant selections. The flow continues at block 1306.
At block 1306, the wagering game machine publishes the input for use by online wagering games. As a result, the online wagering games can use the input as part of a process for incorporating live attendant selections into online wagering games. From block 1306, the flow ends.
After processing input indicating the attendant's selection, the system forward the input for use with online wagering games.
At block 1404, the online wagering game server receives input information associated with an area of the graphical user interface. For example, the input information can include screen coordinates at which a touchscreen was touched (e.g., a touch screen on the wagering game machine's primary or secondary display devices). The screen coordinates can correspond to the online graphical user interface. As a result, the screen coordinates can correspond to a location occupied by an element of an online game, and constitute a selection of the online game element. For example, the input can select a symbol on a slot reel, a playing card, etc. In some instances, the input does not correspond to a game element, but is still relevant to an online game. For example, input associated with the wagering game machine's secondary display may trigger certain results for an online bonus game. The flow continues at block 1406.
At block 1406, the online wagering game server determines a result based on the input. In some embodiments, as noted above, the input indicates selection of an online game element. Based on the selection, the online wagering game server determines a result for the online game. Game results can be intermediate or final results. For example, the selection can determine a bonus game result (intermediate result). Alternatively, the selection can determine a final position of the game elements, such as by making a slot reel symbol wild, in a slots game. The flow continues at block 1408.
At block 1408, the online wagering game server presents the results. For example, the online wagering game server may present, in a graphical user interface for online wagering game players, a result for a picking bonus game. In other instances, the online wagering game server can present intermediate or final results for a wagering game. The flow continues at block 1410.
At block 1410, the online wagering game server determines whether the wagering game is over. If the game is not over, the flow continues at block 1412. At block 1412, the online wagering game server receives and processes player input associated with the online wagering game. From block 512, the flow continues at block 1408. Back at block 1410, if the wagering game is over, the flow ends.
The discussion of
Referring to
The wagering game machine 1510 illustrated in
Input devices, such as the touch screen 1518, buttons 1520, a mouse, a joystick, a gesture-sensing device, a voice-recognition device, and a virtual input device, accept player input(s) and transform the player input(s) to electronic data signals indicative of the player input(s), which correspond to an enabled feature for such input(s) at a time of activation (e.g., pressing a “Max Bet” button or soft key to indicate a player's desire to place a maximum wager to play the wagering game). The input(s), once transformed into electronic data signals, are output to a CPU for processing. The electronic data signals are selected from a group consisting essentially of an electrical current, an electrical voltage, an electrical charge, an optical signal, an optical element, a magnetic signal, and a magnetic element.
For purposes of the present detailed description, the singular includes the plural and vice versa (unless specifically disclaimed); the words “and” and “or” shall be both conjunctive and disjunctive; the word “all” means “any and all”; the word “any” means “any and all”; and the word “including” means “including without limitation.”
In this document, the flow diagrams are described with reference to the block diagrams presented above. However, in some embodiments, the operations can be performed by components not described in the block diagrams. In certain embodiments, the operations can be performed by executing instructions residing on machine-readable storage devices, while in other embodiments, the operations can be performed by hardware and/or other components (e.g., firmware). In some embodiments, the operations can be performed in series, while in other embodiments, one or more of the operations can be performed in parallel. Moreover, some embodiments can perform less than all the operations shown in any flow diagram.
This detailed description refers to specific examples in the drawings and illustrations. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inventive subject matter. These examples also 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 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. This detailed description does not, therefore, limit embodiments of the invention, which are defined only by the appended claims. Each of the embodiments described herein are contemplated as falling within the inventive subject matter, which is set forth in the following claims.
This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/635,001 filed Apr. 18, 2012.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61635001 | Apr 2012 | US |
