Gaming apparatus and method with full-motion video characters

One embodiment relates to a gaming apparatus. The gaming apparatus includes an electronic display and a circuit configured to control the electronic display and to cause the electronic display to display a graphical scene. The graphical scene includes a first portion having a first video corresponding to a first body portion of one of a number of characters, a second portion having a second video corresponding to a second body portion of one of the number of characters, and a third portion having a third video corresponding to a third body portion of one of the number of characters.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to the field of gaming systems. More specifically, the invention relates to a video slot machine or other games of chance.

Slot machines typically include three or more reels that spin when a user enters money and starts the machine by, for example, pulling a lever provided on the side of the machine. The reels spin, then stop to reveal one of several symbols on the reel. By matching symbols on the reels, a user may win a prize. The reels are generally arranged horizontally and include brightly colored and easily recognizable symbols such as images of fruits or simple shapes such as bells, diamonds, or hearts. Video slot machines substitute mechanical reels for scrolling portions on a video screen. If a user matches the symbols on the reels, they may be allowed to use the winnings to try again or “press the bet” to win a larger prize.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a gaming apparatus. The gaming apparatus includes an electronic display and a circuit configured to control the electronic display and to cause the electronic display to display a graphical scene. The graphical scene includes a first portion including video corresponding to a first body portion of one of a number of characters, a second portion including video corresponding to a second body portion of one of the number of characters, and a third portion including video corresponding to a third body portion of one of the number of characters. The circuit is configured to at least one of spin, randomize, and jumble different possible videos for each of the first, second, and third portions. The circuit is further configured to enter a winning state when the video shown in the first, second, and third portions are associated with the same character wearing matching clothing.

Another embodiment relates to a method of providing a game of chance via a graphical scene shown on an electronic display. The method includes providing a first video on a first portion of the graphical scene, the first video corresponding to a first body portion of a model. The method further includes providing a second video on a second portion of the graphical scene, the second video corresponding to a second body portion of the model. The method yet further includes providing a third video on a third portion of the graphical scene, the third video corresponding to a third body portion of the model. The method yet further includes providing an indication of a winner if the first video, the second video, and third video are associated with a similar costume theme.

Another embodiment relates to a device connected to a display. The device includes a circuit configured to cause a character to be displayed on the display wearing multiple pieces of clothing, wherein the circuit is configured to vary the pieces of clothing shown on the character when a game is played. The circuit is further configured to enter a win routine for the game when the pieces of clothing shown on the character match once the varying of the pieces of clothing is discontinued.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG. 1, a gaming apparatus10can be a slot machine or similar device. Apparatus10can generally be a game of chance and can include a multitude of graphic images (e.g., screen shots, video shots, pictures, etc.) or representations thereof. A player pays money (or some other form of credits) to play the game, which includes a circuit configured in one or more modules (e.g., software and/or hardware) and to rotate or otherwise jumble the graphics. If the graphic images line up in some predetermined pattern, the player wins. According to an exemplary embodiment, gaming apparatus10includes a user interface12and a display14. Gaming apparatus10may include a slot to receive coins and/or tokens or a magnetic reader to accept credit cards or other items with a magnetic strip. Gaming apparatus10can also include an account login feature that allows a user to log into gaming apparatus10with account information (e.g., a username and password) to access pre-stored money or credits (e.g., a player's club account, a credit card associated with a hotel room, etc.).

User interface12allows a player to start and otherwise control gaming apparatus10and select various options (e.g., number of credits to wager, the gender of the model or character, etc.). As shown inFIG. 1, interface12includes a multitude of buttons provided below display14. According to other exemplary embodiments, user interface12may include a traditional lever, or any other suitable tactile input device. User interface12may be integrated with display14(e.g., a touch screen) or may be provided separately from display14as shown inFIG. 1. User interface12can be a single user interface element (e.g., a single lever or button) or include a plurality of user interface elements.

According to an exemplary embodiment, gaming apparatus10operates as a video slot machine and display14is configured to show graphical representations of three or more “reels” (e.g., screen portions, screens, etc.). As described below, display14changes depending on whether the machine is idle, in use, or in play. While most slot machines include reels with various symbols such as images of fruits or simple shapes such as bells, diamonds, or hearts, gaming apparatus10includes images of models or other characters. The models can be clothed in various sets of clothing. Gaming apparatus10can be configured to allow a player to win by completing a set of clothing.

Referring also toFIG. 2, in an idle mode, when no one is playing, display14shows static images or video of a model20(e.g., video of a real person) in a bathrobe or other clothing. Model20may stand still, dance, shift his or her weight, look bored, or may otherwise be moving or stationary. Audio may be periodically played through an audio system16to encourage a user to play. The audio may match the static images or video of model20. Model20may be one of several male or female models that a user can choose from when playing gaming apparatus10. The choice regarding model20can be made at the beginning of a user's gaming session, between tries at the game, or otherwise, based on inputs received from user input device12. According to an exemplary embodiment, different models are associated with different bets. In yet other exemplary embodiments, different models are associated with different potential pay-outs or odds of winning.

As shown inFIG. 3, display14enters a selection mode when a player begins playing. The selection mode may be triggered, for example, by a player inserting coins or tokens into the machine, a player sitting down at the machine (e.g., based on a signal from a human detection sensor, such as a seat contract switch, capacitive sensor, etc.), or a player pushing any button on interface12. In the selection mode, display14shows more information than in the idle mode.

A portion of display14, for example, the top of display14, displays a menu22of available characters based on character data retrieved from a memory device. According to an exemplary embodiment, menu22includes a multitude of headshots for the various models a user may play with. A user may select a model with a touch screen interface or additional buttons provided proximate to menu22. Menu22may include more models than can be shown on display14at once and scroll buttons23may be provided to allow a user to view additional models. According to one exemplary embodiment, one model26in menu22(e.g., the model located in the center of the menu) is highlighted. The highlighted model26corresponds to the model20shown on a center portion of display14. By scrolling through menu22, a user changes the highlighted model26and is able to preview the various models before choosing a model with which to play the game.

A portion of display14, for example, the sides of display14, shows a multitude of winning combinations28. According to an exemplary embodiment, winning combinations28are matching sets of three pieces of clothing (e.g., cowboy/cowgirl costumes, beach/swim wear, sport wear, formal wear, lingerie, etc.). Prize values (e.g., the number of coins or credits a player can win) may be displayed along with each of the matching sets of clothing. The winning combinations28are configured to be distinct from each other (e.g., displayed separately) such that a user can easily determine whether a winning combination28has been achieved during play. The possible pieces of clothing may have a similar theme for both male and female models or may be provided for only the male or female models.

A central portion of display14shows a model20in a bathrobe or other clothing, similar to the idle mode. According to an exemplary embodiment, the central portion of display14is divided to include a first portion30, a second portion32, a third portion34, and a fourth portion36. In an alternative embodiment, only one portion, a plurality of portions, or more than five portions may be provided for variable or interchangeable display at each portion. A dividing line (e.g., a dotted line, etc.) or other graphical boundary may be shown between the portions, or the divisions may become clear only when the portions begin changing. According to yet other exemplary embodiments, a division between the portions is not visible or does not exist. The first portion30, second portion32, third portion34, and fourth portion36are configured to align with the image of the model such that first portion30shows the model's lower legs and feet, second portion32shows the model's mid-section, third portion34shows the model's upper torso, and fourth portion36shows the model's head. Each of the first30, second32, and third34portions correspond with one of the three pieces of clothing in the matched sets28that are revealed and/or varied when gaming apparatus10is played. It should be noted that more or fewer portions may be provided, according to various exemplary embodiments.

As shown inFIGS. 4-7, when a user begins play the game (e.g., after using user interface12to select the model and/or to otherwise trigger the beginning of the game), display14enters a play mode. The user begins play by selecting a model and pressing a spin button or otherwise activating a user interface element (e.g., by pulling a lever, by touching a touch-screen area, etc.). Once play is begun, a curtain40or other obstruction can cover or obscure menu22(e.g., menu22can be removed from the screen), such as by displaying a curtain or other obstruction instead of the portion of the character to create the impression of being covered. Curtains42a-42ccan also cover first portion30, second portion32, and third portion34of the model, leaving fourth portion36uncovered. Curtains42a-42cmay be animated to move across the central portion of display14horizontally and/or vertically such that first portion30, second portion32, and third portion34correspond to the reels on traditional slot machines. Alternative animation schemes are possible (e.g., spinning cubes, spinning shapes, morphing shapes, morphing images, vertical shades, blinds, etc.).FIG. 5shows display14with curtain42cretracted to reveal an image of the model's upper torso with a first piece of clothing in third portion34.FIG. 6shows display14with curtain42bretracted to reveal an image of the model's mid-section with a second piece of clothing in second portion32.FIG. 7shows display14with curtain42aretracted to reveal an image of the model's legs with a third piece of clothing in first portion30. As curtains42a-42care displayed and moving, the model may offer words of encouragement to the user via a speaker and/or corresponding video or images.

It should be noted that each portion of the display that shows one or more body portions of the one or more characters may be full-motion video of an actual human actor. The full-motion video may be stopped or paused during one or more activities of the system in response to one or more events. According to an exemplary embodiment, the full-motion video may continue throughout all or most stages or activities of the gaming apparatus so that playing the game appears to be a simulation of interaction with a real human. For example, when the curtains are moved over the character, full-motion video of the character appearing to change behind the curtains (e.g., throwing her robe over the curtain, etc.) may continue to play. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments the curtains may not be provided and that full motion video of a character changing from a robe into a matched (or mismatched) outfit may be provided as a part of the game (e.g., in response to a pull of the lever to start the game, etc.).

In one embodiment, curtains42a,42b, and42care “retracted” in order (e.g., by displaying a portion of the model with the clothing data (e.g., video, images) received from a randomizer or jumbling module). Alternatively, a preset order or random order may be utilized. Curtains42a,42b, and42cmay be revealed simultaneously or sequentially. In one embodiment, the user can select with a button which curtain is revealed.

If the images (e.g., videos) revealed by curtains42a-42care a matched set shown as one of the winning combinations28on display14, the user wins the amount listed for that winning combination28. A control circuit is configured to calculate a credit for the user and to store the credit in memory. Credits can be added by the control circuit to a user's account card, a user's account on a network, or otherwise added to an account. A control circuit can also be configured to cause the dispensing of coins that have collected in the machine or by any other mechanism. Further, the model20may celebrate and perform an action that is appropriate for the theme of the clothing. For example if the matched set of clothing is a cowboy/cowgirl costume, the model may slap his or her boot or if the matched set of clothing is swim/beach wear, the model may put on sunglasses. The celebration may be relatively short in duration (e.g., less than thirty seconds, less than fifteen seconds, less than give second, etc.) to minimize the amount of non-gaming action for gaming apparatus10. In other exemplary embodiments, the model may perform an activity or celebration that rewards the user and is longer in duration (e.g., perform an entertaining dance, which may be more than fifteen seconds, thirty seconds, sixty seconds, etc.).

As shown inFIG. 8, if a user is able to obtain a winning combination28(e.g., one time or several times in a row), they may “press the bet” to win more credits by having the model perform some activity that is related to the matched set of clothing28. For example, a model in a cowboy/cowgirl costume may ride a bull or a model in swim/beach wear may ride a wave on a surfboard. The duration of time the model performs the action determines the amount of additional winnings the user collects. The gaming apparatus can be configured to automatically conduct this activity upon revealing a winning combination28or the user may control this activity (e.g., the user selects a button that says “ride the wave for a bonus and bet again!”).

To help promote the slot machines and attract new models, gaming apparatus10may be configured to tabulate (e.g., by storing statistics in memory) the number of times each model's image is used to play a game by a user. The model may then receive a royalty payment for use of their likeness.

Referring now toFIG. 9, a block diagram of gaming apparatus10is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Gaming apparatus10includes processing circuit61configured to provide output to and to receive input from electronic display62(e.g., electronic display62being a touch screen). In embodiments where electronic display62is not a touch screen, processing circuit61may be configured to receive input from one or more user interface elements (e.g., buttons, levers, etc.) provided to a user of gaming apparatus10. Processing circuit61is shown to include a storage unit64and a processor66. Storage unit64may include one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, disk-based storage, an optical drive and disk, flash memory storage, solid state storage, network storage, network storage via a server computer, etc.) configured to store data/information for recall and use by processor66. For example, storage unit64may be configured to store images (e.g., image files, video files, digital video, etc.). In some embodiments, storage unit64can store a first set of first images68associated with a first body portion30in a plurality of costumes, a second set of second images70associated with a second body portion32in the plurality of costumes, and a third set of third images72associated with a third body portion34in the plurality of costumes. The set of images68-72are stored for each model or character. Each of the images or video may be captured video or images of real items and/or characters, and/or may be computer-generated video or images (e.g., cartoon images, three-dimensional renderings, etc.), or a combination thereof.

Referring still toFIG. 9, processing circuit61can be configured to control electronic display62and to cause the electronic display62to display a graphical scene. In other words, processing circuit61can be configured to control the gaming apparatus and electronic display62in particular to conduct each of the activities described herein (e.g., with reference toFIGS. 1-9). The graphical scene can have a first portion including a first image corresponding to a first body portion of one of a number of characters, a second portion including a second image corresponding to a second body portion of one of the number of characters, and a third portion including a third image corresponding to a third body portion of one of the number of characters. Processor66can be an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a general purpose processor, a specific purpose processor, more than one processors configured to work together, or any other suitable processing part. Processing circuit61can be integrated on a printed circuit board, implemented on multiple circuit boards, formed over a network (e.g., the storage unit being remote from the processor) or otherwise implemented. According to an exemplary embodiment, storage unit64stores computer code for executing and/or facilitating the steps described herein and processor66is configured to execute the computer code stored in storage unit64. Accordingly, the activities described herein can be implemented in software so that when the computer code is executed the gaming apparatus is configured to conduct the specific activities.

According to an exemplary embodiment, processing circuit61can include a number of software and/or hardware modules configured to execute and/or facilitate the execution of the activities described herein. InFIG. 9, modules80-86are shown in memory75. Modules80-86may be computer code, object code, script code, an executable, and/or any other software or hardware that configures processing circuit61to conduct one or more activities. It should be noted that memory75may be the same or different than storage unit64. For example, storage unit64may be disk storage while memory75is solid state memory. Referring to modules80-86, randomizer80may be configured to randomize, jumble, or otherwise vary the video and/or images provided to electronic display62while the game is active. Randomizer80may include a random number generator (e.g., providing a truly random outcome) or different outcomes can be varied based on a weighted function or another algorithm that provides a quasi-random outcome. The output from the randomizer may be used to select one or more first, second, third sets of video/images from storage unit64. Display module81may be configured to drive and/or otherwise control electronic display62(e.g., to expose application programming interfaces or other functions of electronic display62to the other modules or components of processing circuit61). Video decoder82may include decoding logic for the playback of video and/or images stored in storage unit64. For example, the video stored in storage unit64may be compressed using, for example, an MPEG4 or DIVX format and video decoder82may be configured to decompress and otherwise decode for playback the video. Account module82can be configured to track a user account, access a user account, or otherwise manage one or more user accounts relative to gaming apparatus10. User input module84can be configured to process signals and/or data received from user input elements (e.g., a lever, buttons, etc.) of the gaming apparatus. Gameplay logic module85may be configured to command the sequences of user and gaming apparatus activities during one or more games. For example, gameplay logic module85can be configured to cause the display to prompt a user for a bet, begin the randomizer, use the output of the randomizer to select one or more sets of video or images for playback on electronic display62, check for one or more winning conditions, enter a winning mode when the one or more winning conditions are met, utilize an account module to associate a game outcome with a certain user, and the like. Gameplay module may also report bets and game outcomes to credit/debit module86which can be configured to debit (or credit) a user's account depending on the outcome of the game. Input received at card reader91(e.g., magnetic card reader, near-field communication reader, etc.) can be used to add or remove credits via credit/debit module86. Credit/debit module86can also cause coin dispenser to dispense an appropriate winning for a user when a win state is entered. Audio system92can be controlled by processing circuit61(e.g., provided audio by video decoder82) when video is played back or otherwise (e.g., to “ring” when a winning state is entered).

It should be noted that, according to various exemplary embodiments, the gaming apparatus (e.g., gaming device, slot machine, etc.) connected to a display includes any circuit configured to cause a character to be displayed on the display wearing multiple pieces of clothing, the circuit being configured to vary the pieces of clothing shown on the character when a game is played. In other words, it should be noted that while different portions and different images may be cycled through (e.g., randomized, jumbled, spun, etc.) the gaming apparatus may be configured to “land on” or otherwise select one video (which may be a winning video) for playback on the display. For example, rather than the cycle of different portions, a user may pull the lever and the character may begin dressing (or undressing) to reveal a winning (or losing) combination of pieces of clothing in full-motion video. Accordingly, processor66may be configured to determine if a user wins or not immediately (near immediately) when the user pulls a lever or otherwise activates the system. Depending on whether the user has won (and what the user has won), processor66will begin playing a video involving the character that will reveal (e.g., via what the character ends up wearing) whether the user has won. Accordingly, processor66may be configured to enter a winning state (e.g., a winning routine, which may include video playback, calculating a winning, showing the winning to the user, ringing bells, etc.), for the game when the pieces of clothing shown on the character match once the varying of the pieces of clothing is discontinued. In other embodiments the winning state may be entered when the user plays the game, with the display changing to make the user feel as if they are watching the determination in real time (e.g., even though it has already been determined). It should be noted that the winning state may be controlled by gameplay logic module85as shown with reference toFIG. 9or may be controlled by one or more other logic modules (e.g., routines, computer code functions, etc.) in memory75of processing circuit61. For example, gameplay logic module85may utilize randomizer80results, account module83, and/or any number of other modules or calculations to determine if one or more conditions for entering a winning state exists. When the conditions for entering a winning state exist (e.g., when the video shown in the first, second, and third portions of a graphical scene are associated with the same character wearing matching clothing), gameplay logic module85may store data regarding the win state in memory (e.g., update one or more variables stored in memory), trigger one or more functions (e.g., a function to cause the display of a winning video, a function to calculate a user's winnings, a function to sound an alarm and flash lights on the slot machine, etc.). In other exemplary embodiments, entering a win state may trigger other parts of the game (e.g., a “bonus round,” a multiplier routine, allow the user to “double-down” or otherwise increase his or her bet, or the like). In yet other embodiments, a winning state is entered whenever the conditions for a game win are determined by a processing circuit of the gaming apparatus.

The gaming apparatus as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible. The position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. All such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.