Optically sensitive display for a gaming apparatus

A gaming apparatus may include a controller operatively coupled to a display unit and a value input device. The controller may include a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor, and may be programmed to cause the display unit to generate a game display. The display unit may include an optically sensitive control panel operatively coupled to the controller, and the controller may be programmed to cause the optically sensitive control panel to read an image and to cause the optically sensitive control panel to generate a display of one or more game controls. An optically sensitive video display screen, and the controller may be programmed to cause the display unit to read an image via the optically sensitive video display screen and to cause the display unit to generate the game display on the optically sensitive video display screen.

BACKGROUND

This patent is directed to a casino gaming apparatus, which could be either an individual gaming unit or a casino gaming system having a plurality of gaming units, each gaming unit including an optically sensitive display.

A gaming apparatus of the type used in casinos has included a display unit such as a video display unit or a set of mechanical slot machine reels, a value input device such as a coin slot or paper currency reader, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device and having a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The controller was programmed to control the overall functions of the gaming machine, including generating game displays representing one or more of a number of casino games, such as poker, blackjack, slots, keno or bingo.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0205662 to Boer discloses an image sensor array. The image sensor array includes image sensors having photo thin-film-transistors (TFTs), which generate a photocurrent in response to received images. U.S. Pat. No. 5,951,397 to Dickinson discloses a gaming apparatus that include a touch screen applied to an outer face of a cathode ray tube (CRT) display. The touch screen was used to control play and select games. Touch fields were defined on the surface of the screen. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0173354 to Winans et al. discloses a thin light-emitting interface display mounted to a surface on a gaming machine. The thin light-emitting interface displays may be used to input and output gaming information on the gaming machine.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0036425 to Kaminkow, et al. discloses a gaming machine that includes an input mechanism with a non-physical contact data interface, such a bill validator, a bar-code reader and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag reader. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0162591 to Nguyen, et al. discloses a gaming machine that includes a device for acquiring player authentication data from a player tracking card inserted into a card reader, a signature entered via a touchscreen, an image of a personal identification card entered via a scanner, or biometric data such as a fingerprint, an iris, a photographic image, radiometric facial data, or a unique voice characteristic entered via a fingerprint scanner, an iris scanner, a digital camera or a microphone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a gaming apparatus which may include a display unit, an optically sensitive control panel, a value input device and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit, the optically sensitive control panel and the value input device. The controller may include a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The controller may be programmed to cause the optically sensitive control panel generate a display of one or more game controls, to cause the optically sensitive control panel to read an image of a fingerprint of a player when the fingerprint is positioned over the one or more game controls, to compare a characteristic of the fingerprint image with a corresponding characteristic relating to a player identification stored in the memory, to cause the display unit to generate a game display and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of the game. The display may relate to poker, blackjack, slots, keno or bingo.

In another aspect, the invention is directed to a gaming apparatus which may include a display unit, an optically sensitive control panel, a value input device and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit, the optically sensitive control panel and the value input device. The controller may include a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The controller may be programmed to cause the optically sensitive control panel to read a first image, to cause the optically sensitive control panel generate a display of one or more game controls, to cause the display unit to generate a game display and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of the game. The game display may relate to poker, blackjack, slots, keno or bingo.

In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to a gaming apparatus that may include a display unit, a value input device and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The display unit may include an optically sensitive video display screen. The controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor. The controller may be programmed to cause the display unit to read an image of an object placed on the optically sensitive display screen, to receive data representing a payline selection made by a player, to cause the display unit to generate a game display on the optically sensitive video display screen and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of the slots game based on a configuration of slot machine symbols. The game display may include images of a plurality of slot machine symbols each of which is associated with a respective slot machine reel.

In still another aspect, the invention is directed to a gaming method which may include causing a control display of one or more game controls to be generated on an optically sensitive video display unit, reading an image of a player identification when the identification is positioned over the optically sensitive video display unit comparing a characteristic of the player identification image with a corresponding characteristic relating to a stored player identification causing a game display to be generated, and determining a value payout associated with an outcome of the game represented by the video image. The game display may relate to poker, blackjack, slots, keno or bingo.

Additional aspects of the invention are defined by the claims of this patent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1illustrates one possible embodiment of a casino gaming system10in accordance with the invention. Referring toFIG. 1, the casino gaming system10may include a first group or network12of casino gaming units20operatively coupled to a network computer22via a network data link or bus24. The casino gaming system10may include a second group or network26of casino gaming units30operatively coupled to a network computer32via a network data link or bus34. The first and second gaming networks12,26may be operatively coupled to each other via a network40, which may comprise, for example, the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), or a local area network (LAN) via a first network link42and a second network link44.

The first network12of gaming units20may be provided in a first casino, and the second network26of gaming units30may be provided in a second casino located in a separate geographic location than the first casino. For example, the two casinos may be located in different areas of the same city, or they may be located in different states. The network40may include a plurality of network computers or server computers (not shown), each of which may be operatively interconnected. Where the network40comprises the Internet, data communication may take place over the communication links42,44via an Internet communication protocol.

The network computer22may be a server computer and may be used to accumulate and analyze data relating to the operation of the gaming units20. For example, the network computer22may continuously receive data from each of the gaming units20indicative of the dollar amount and number of wagers being made on each of the gaming units20, data indicative of how much each of the gaming units20is paying out in winnings, data regarding the identity and gaming habits of players playing each of the gaming units20, etc. The network computer32may be a server computer and may be used to perform the same or different functions in relation to the gaming units30as the network computer22described above.

Although each network12,26is shown to include one network computer22,32and four gaming units20,30, it should be understood that different numbers of computers and gaming units may be utilized. For example, the network12may include a plurality of network computers22and tens or hundreds of gaming units20, all of which may be interconnected via the data link24. The data link24may be provided as a dedicated hardwired link or a wireless link. Although the data link24is shown as a single data link24, the data link24may comprise multiple data links.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of one or more of the gaming units20. Although the following description addresses the design of the gaming units20, it should be understood that the gaming units30may have the same design as the gaming units20described below. It should be understood that the design of one or more of the gaming units20may be different than the design of other gaming units20, and that the design of one or more of the gaming units30may be different than the design of other gaming units30. Each gaming unit20may be any type of casino gaming unit and may have various different structures and methods of operation. For exemplary purposes, various designs of the gaming units20are described below, but it should be understood that numerous other designs may be utilized.

Referring toFIG. 2, the casino gaming unit20may include a housing or cabinet50and one or more input devices, which may include a coin slot or acceptor52, a paper currency acceptor54, a ticket reader/printer56and a card reader58, which may be used to input value to the gaming unit20. A value input device may include any device that can accept value from a customer. As used herein, the term “value” may encompass gaming tokens, coins, paper currency, ticket vouchers, credit or debit cards, smart cards, and any other object representative of value.

If provided on the gaming unit20, the ticket reader/printer56may be used to read and/or print or otherwise encode ticket vouchers60. The ticket vouchers60may be composed of paper or another printable or encodable material and may have one or more of the following informational items printed or encoded thereon: the casino name, the type of ticket voucher, a validation number, a bar code with control and/or security data, the date and time of issuance of the ticket voucher, redemption instructions and restrictions, a description of an award, and any other information that may be necessary or desirable. Different types of ticket vouchers60could be used, such as bonus ticket vouchers, cash-redemption ticket vouchers, casino chip ticket vouchers, extra game play ticket vouchers, merchandise ticket vouchers, restaurant ticket vouchers, show ticket vouchers, etc. The ticket vouchers60could be printed with an optically readable material such as ink, or data on the ticket vouchers60could be magnetically encoded. The ticket reader/printer56may be provided with the ability to both read and print ticket vouchers60, or it may be provided with the ability to only read or only print or encode ticket vouchers60. In the latter case, for example, some of the gaming units20may have ticket printers56that may be used to print ticket vouchers60, which could then be used by a player in other gaming units20that have ticket readers56.

If provided, the card reader58may include any type of card reading device, such as a magnetic card reader or an optical card reader, and may be used to read data from a card offered by a player, such as a credit card or a player tracking card. If provided for player tracking purposes, the card reader58may be used to read data from, and/or write data to, player tracking cards that are capable of storing data representing the identity of a player, the identity of a casino, the player's gaming habits, etc. A player tracking card may be provided as a magnetic card with a magnetic strip containing the data representing the identity of the player, the identity of the casino, the player's gaming habits, etc. The player tracking card may also be provided as an optically readable card with an image provided on the card. The image may represent data regarding the identity of the player, the identity of the casino, the player's gaming habits, etc. The image may include a barcode, a computer generated image, a photograph, a watermark, a symbol, an alphanumeric symbol, etc.

The gaming unit20may include one or more audio speakers62, a coin payout tray64, an input control panel66, and a display unit70. Where the gaming unit20is designed to facilitate play of a video casino game, such as video poker or video slots, the display unit70may be a color video display unit that displays images relating to the particular game or games. Where the gaming unit20is designed to facilitate play of a reel-type slot machine, the display unit70may comprise a plurality of mechanical reels that are rotatable, with each of the reels having a plurality of reel images disposed thereon. The audio speakers62may generate audio representing sounds such as the noise of spinning slot machine reels, a dealer's voice, music, announcements or any other audio related to a casino game. The input control panel66may be provided as a video display unit that may display a plurality of game controls. The input control panel66may be provided with a plurality of pushbuttons, touch-sensitive or optically-sensitive areas that may be pressed-by a player to select games, make wagers, make gaming decisions, etc.

FIG. 2Aillustrates one possible embodiment of the control panel66which may include a plurality of game controls, which may be used where the gaming unit20is a slot machine having a plurality of mechanical or “virtual” reels. Referring toFIG. 2A, if the display unit70is provided in the form of a video display unit, the control panel66may include a “See Pays” button72that, when activated, causes the display unit70to generate one or more display screens showing the odds or payout information for the game or games provided by the gaming unit20. As used herein, the term “button” is intended to encompass any device that allows a player to make an input, such as an input device that must be depressed to make an input selection or a display area that a player may simply touch. The control panel66may include a “Cash Out” button74that may be activated when a player decides to terminate play on the gaming unit20, in which case the gaming unit20may return value to the player, such as by returning a number of coins to the player via the payout tray64. The control panel66may further be provided with an “ID” button75that may be activated when a player provides a personal identification to the gaming unit20, in which case the gaming unit20may cause the control panel66and/or the display unit70to read an image such as a player identification (e.g., a fingerprint, a player tracking card, etc.).

If the gaming unit20provides a slots game having a plurality of reels and a plurality of paylines which define winning combinations of reel symbols, the control panel66may be provided with a plurality of selection buttons76, each of which allows the player to select a different number of paylines prior to spinning the reels. For example, five buttons76may be provided, each of which may allow a player to select one, three, five, seven or nine paylines.

If the gaming unit20provides a slots game having a plurality of reels, the control panel66may be provided with a plurality of selection buttons78each of which allows a player to specify a wager amount for each payline selected. For example, if the smallest wager accepted by the gaming unit20is a quarter ($0.25), the gaming unit20may be provided with five selection buttons78, each of which may allow a player to select one, two, three, four or five quarters to wager for each payline selected. In that case, if a player were to activate the “5” button76(meaning that five paylines were to be played on the next spin of the reels) and then activate the “3” button78(meaning that three coins per payline were to be wagered), the total wager would be $3.75 (assuming the minimum bet was $0.25).

The control panel66may include a “Max Bet” button80to allow a player to make the maximum wager allowable for a game. In the above example, where up to nine paylines were provided and up to five quarters could be wagered for each payline selected, the maximum wager would be 45 quarters, or $11.25. The control panel66may include a spin button82to allow the player to initiate spinning of the reels of a slots game after a wager has been made.

InFIG. 2A, a rectangle is shown around the buttons72,74,75,76,78,80,82. It should be understood that that rectangle simply designates, for ease of reference, an area in which the buttons72,74,76,78,80,82may be located. Consequently, the term “control panel” should not be construed to imply that a panel or plate separate from the housing50of the gaming unit20is required, and the term “control panel” may encompass a plurality or grouping of player activatable buttons.

Although one possible control panel66is described above, it should be understood that different buttons could be utilized in the control panel66, and that the particular buttons used may depend on the game or games that could be played on the gaming unit20. If the display unit70is provided as a video display unit, the control panel66could be generated by the display unit70. In that case, each of the buttons of the control panel66could be a colored area generated by the display unit70, and some type of mechanism may be associated with the display unit70to detect when each of the buttons was touched, such as a touch-sensitive screen or an optically sensitive video display screen.

Gaming Unit Display and Control Panel

FIG. 2Bis an illustration of an embodiment of an optically sensitive video display screen84that may be utilized as part of the control panel66, if provided as a video display screen. The optically sensitive video display screen84may also be utilized as part of the video display unit70. The optically sensitive video display screen84may display video images including game controls, game displays (discussed further below) and other display images. The optically sensitive video display screen84may further read images, including a player identification such as a fingerprint, a player identification card (e.g., a player tracking card), etc. The optically sensitive video display screen84may concurrently display images and read images.

The optically sensitive video display screen84may comprise a plasma display panel (PDP), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, a ferroelectric LCD display, a field emissions display (FED), an electroluminescent display (ELD), a front projection display, a rear projection display, and a microelectromechanical device (MEM) display such as a digital micromirror device (DMD) display or a grating light valves (GLV) display, etc. The optically sensitive video display screen84may further include organic display technologies such as an organic electroluminescent (OEL) display and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, as well as a light emitting polymer display. In one example, the optically sensitive video display screen84may be a low temperature polysilicon thin film transistor liquid crystal display (LTPS TFT-LCD) or another system on glass (SOG) display technology, such as a display system with a built-in image scanner provided by Toshiba Matshushita Display and demonstrated in April 2003 in Tokyo at the Electronic Display Expo. In addition, the optically sensitive video display screen84may be a touch-sensitive display for control of a game routine by a player which may display the game controls for operating the game. Although the optically sensitive video display screen84is described as an LCD device, it should be understood that the image reading capabilities of the optically sensitive video display screen84may be provided with other display technologies, such as those mentioned above, using optically sensitive devices, some of which are discussed below.

As shown inFIG. 2B, the optically sensitive video display screen84may include an array85of a plurality of pixel elements86. The number of pixel elements86within the array85may vary depending on the resolution of the optically sensitive video display screen84. Each pixel element86(and the sub-pixel elements thereof) may be operatively coupled to a gate driver87and a source driver88, or any driver mechanism that may receive data relating to an image and cause the pixel element86to display a particular color. Together the drivers87,88may cause the array85of pixel elements86to collectively display an image. The optically sensitive video display screen84may further include optical sensors, such as photodiodes or other photosensitive elements. The optical sensors may be provided as part of the array85of pixel elements86as optical sensor elements. The optical sensors may read an image placed in proximity to the surface of the optically sensitive video display screen84. Each of the optical sensor elements may be operatively coupled to a control circuit, such as the drivers87,88or a separate image data input device, which may receive image data read by the optical sensor elements.

FIG. 2Cis an illustration of an embodiment of a pixel element86awhich may be provided in the array85. Referring toFIG. 2C, the pixel element86amay include a plurality of sub-pixel elements including an optical sensor sub-pixel element90aand a plurality of display sub-pixel elements91a. As indicated above, the optical sensor sub-pixel element90amay be a photosensitive or photodetector device such as photodiode optical sensor, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) optical sensor, a charge coupled device (CCD) element sensor (e.g., a light senstive photocell), a photo TFT, etc. The optical sensor sub-pixel element90amay be capable of reading images in color or grayscale. The display sub-pixel elements91amay include a display sub-pixel element for each of the red, green and blue (RGB) display colors used for display devices. An example of a photo TFT, and an image sensor array of photo TFTs, is further described in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2003/0205662, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

FIG. 2Dis a cross-sectional illustration of a representation of the pixel element86ashown inFIG. 2C. Referring toFIG. 2D, the pixel element86amay include a photosensitive device92. The pixel element86amay further include a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) element, which may be a thin film transistor LCD (TFT-LCD). The LCD element may include a transistor93and a color filter95for each of the display sub-pixel elements91a. It should be appreciated that additional elements (not shown) may further be provided with the LCD display device such as a storage capacitor, pixel electrodes, interconnect wiring, spacers, etc. In another embodiment, each display sub-pixel element91amay be individually provided with a color filter91a, transistor93, storage capacitor, pixel electrode, interconnect wiring, etc., which may allow each display sub-pixel element91ato be individually addressable. Likewise, each photosensitive device92may be individually addressable. Both the photosensitive device92and the LCD element may be provided on a substrate96, and the color filters95may be provided on color filter substrate97. Polarizers98,99may be provided above and below the LCD element, and a liquid crystal material may be provided between the substrates96,97. The polarizers98,99may further be provided above and below the photosensitive device92. A backlight (not shown) may be provided to emit light beneath the pixel element86a.

As shown in the array85of pixel elements86inFIG. 2B, an optical sensor sub-pixel element90amay be provided for each pixel element86ain the array85. In another embodiment, only some of the pixel elements86may be provided with an optical sensor sub-pixel element90asuch that particular areas of the optically sensitive video display screen84may be used to read images. For example, an image displayed on the optically sensitive video display screen84, such as the “ID” button75, may coincide with those pixel elements86athat include an optical sensor sub-pixel element90a. In another example, an optical sensor sub-pixel element90amay only be provided for every other pixel element86a, every third pixel element86a, every fourth pixel element86a, etc., which may be utilized if the resolution of the image of being read may be less than the resolution of an image displayed on the optically sensitive video display screen84.

FIG. 2Eis an alternative embodiment of a pixel element86bwhich may be provided in the array85. Referring toFIG. 2E, the pixel element86bmay include a plurality of sub-pixel elements including a plurality of display sub-pixel elements91band a plurality of optical sensor sub-pixel element90bfor each display sub-pixel element91b. The resolution of an image read by the optically sensitive video display screen84may thereby be three times the resolution of an image displayed on optically sensitive video display screen84. As above, optical sensor sub-pixel elements90bmay be provided with only some of the pixel elements86b, such that particular areas of the optically sensitive video display screen84may be used to read images, or optical sensor sub-pixel elements90bmay only be provided for every other pixel element86b, every third pixel element86b, every fourth pixel element86b, etc.

Gaming Unit Electronics

FIG. 3is a block diagram of a number of components that may be incorporated in the gaming unit20. Referring toFIG. 3, the gaming unit20may include a controller100that may comprise a program memory102, a microcontroller or microprocessor (MP)104, a random-access memory (RAM)106and an input/output (I/O) circuit108, all of which may be interconnected via an address/data bus110. It should be appreciated that although only one microprocessor104is shown, the controller100may include multiple microprocessors104. Similarly, the memory of the controller100may include multiple RAMs106and multiple program memories102. Although the I/O circuit108is shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that the I/O circuit108may include a number of different types of I/O circuits. The RAM(s)104and program memories102may be implemented as semiconductor memories, magnetically readable memories, and/or optically readable memories, for example.

Although the program memory102is shown inFIG. 3as a read-only memory (ROM)102, the program memory of the controller100may be a read/write or alterable memory, such as a hard disk. In the event a hard disk is used as a program memory, the address/data bus110shown schematically inFIG. 3may comprise multiple address/data buses, which may be of different types, and there may be an I/O circuit disposed between the address/data buses.

FIG. 3illustrates that the control panel66, the display unit70, the coin acceptor52, the bill acceptor54, the card reader58and the ticket reader/printer56may be operatively coupled to the I/O circuit108, each of those components being so coupled by either a unidirectional or bidirectional, single-line or multiple-line data link, which may depend on the design of the component that is used. The speaker(s)62may be operatively coupled to a sound circuit112, that may comprise a voice- and sound-synthesis circuit or that may comprise a driver circuit. The sound-generating circuit112may be coupled to the I/O circuit108.

As shown inFIG. 3, the components52,54,56,58,66,112may be connected to the I/O circuit108via a respective direct line or conductor. Different connection schemes could be used. For example, one or more of the components shown inFIG. 3may be connected to the I/O circuit108via a common bus or other data link that is shared by a number of components. Furthermore, some of the components may be directly connected to the microprocessor104without passing through the I/O circuit108.

Overall Operation of Gaming Unit

One manner in which one or more of the gaming units20(and one or more of the gaming units30) may operate is described below in connection with a number of flowcharts which represent a number of portions or routines of one or more computer programs, which may be stored in one or more of the memories of the controller100. The computer program(s) or portions thereof may be stored remotely, outside of the gaming unit20, and may control the operation of the gaming unit20from a remote location. Such remote control may be facilitated with the use of a wireless connection, or by an Internet interface that connects the gaming unit20with a remote computer (such as one of the network computers22,32) having a memory in which the computer program portions are stored. The computer program portions may be written in any high level language such as C, C++, C#, Java or the like or any low-level assembly or machine language. By storing the computer program portions therein, various portions of the memories102,106are physically and/or structurally configured in accordance with computer program instructions.

FIG. 4is a flowchart of a main operating routine200that may be stored in the memory of the controller100. Referring toFIG. 4, the main routine200may begin operation at block202during which an attraction sequence may be performed in an attempt to induce a potential player in a casino to play the gaming unit20. The attraction sequence may be performed by displaying one or more video images on the display unit70(if provided as a video display unit) and/or causing one or more sound segments, such as voice or music, to be generated via the speakers62. The attraction sequence may include a scrolling list of games that may be played on the gaming unit20, a prompt such as the “ID” button75to present an identification to the optically sensitive video display screen84, and/or video images of various games being played, such as video poker, video blackjack, video slots, video keno, video bingo, etc.

During performance of the attraction sequence, if a potential player makes any input to the gaming unit20as determined at block204, the attraction sequence may be terminated and a game-selection display may be generated on the display unit70(if provided as a video display unit) at block206to allow the player to select a game available on the gaming unit20. The gaming unit20may detect an input at block204in various ways. For example, the gaming unit20could detect if the player presses any button on the gaming unit20; the gaming unit20could determine if the player deposited one or more coins into the gaming unit20; the gaming unit20could determine if player deposited paper currency into the gaming unit; etc.

The game-selection display generated at block206may include, for example, a list of video games that may be played on the gaming unit20and/or a visual message to prompt the player to deposit value into the gaming unit20. While the game-selection display is generated, the gaming unit20may wait for the player to make a game selection. Upon selection of one of the games by the player as determined at block208, the controller100may cause one of a number of game routines to be performed to allow the selected game to be played. For example, the game routines could include a video poker routine210, a video blackjack routine220, a slots routine230, a video keno routine240, and a video bingo routine250. At block208, if no game selection is made within a given period of time, the operation may branch back to block202.

After one of the routines210,220,230,240,250has been performed to allow the player to play one of the games, block260may be utilized to determine whether the player wishes to terminate play on the gaming unit20or to select another game. If the player wishes to stop playing the gaming unit20, which wish may be expressed, for example, by selecting a “Cash Out” button, the controller100may dispense value to the player at block262based on the outcome of the game(s) played by the player. The operation may then return to block202. If the player did not wish to quit as determined at block260, the routine may return to block208where the game-selection display may again be generated to allow the player to select another game.

It should be noted that although five gaming routines are shown inFIG. 4, a different number of routines could be included to allow play of a different number of games. The gaming unit20may also be programmed to allow play of different games.

FIG. 5is a flowchart of an alternative main operating routine300that may be stored in the memory of the controller100. The main routine300may be utilized for gaming units20that are designed to allow play of only a single game or single type of game. Referring toFIG. 5, the main routine300may begin operation at block302during which an attraction sequence may be performed in an attempt to induce a potential player in a casino to play the gaming unit20. The attraction sequence may be performed by displaying one or more video images on the display unit70(if provided as a video display unit) and/or causing one or more sound segments, such as voice or music, to be generated via the speakers62.

During performance of the attraction sequence, if a potential player makes any input to the gaming unit20as determined at block304, the attraction sequence may be terminated and a game display may be generated on the display unit70(if provided as a video display unit) at block306. The game display generated at block306may include, for example, an image of the casino game that may be played on the gaming unit20and/or a visual message to prompt the player to deposit value into the gaming unit20. At block308, the gaming unit20may determine if the player requested information concerning the game, in which case the requested information may be displayed at block310. Block312may be used to determine if the player requested initiation of a game, in which case a game routine320may be performed. The game routine320could be any one of the game routines disclosed herein, such as one of the five game routines210,220,230,240,250, or another game routine.

After the routine320has been performed to allow the player to play the game, block322may be utilized to determine whether the player wishes to terminate play on the gaming unit20. If the player wishes to stop playing the gaming unit20, which wish may be expressed, for example, by selecting a “Cash Out” button, the controller100may dispense value to the player at block324based on the outcome of the game(s) played by the player. The operation may then return to block302. If the player did not wish to quit as determined at block322, the operation may return to block308.

Image Display and Image Input

As mentioned above, the optically sensitive video display screen84may display images in addition to reading images, which may be performed concurrently. The control panel66and/or the video display unit70may therefore be capable of displaying and reading images.FIG. 5Ais a flowchart of an image display and image input routine325that may be stored in the memory of the controller100. Although the routine325may be used to read an image relating to a player identification, such as a handprint, a fingerprint or an image on a player tracking card, it should be understood that aspects of the routine325may used to read other images while displaying images on the optically sensitive video display screen84, including the image displays described below. In one example, the routine325may be used to continually read a player's fingerprint whenever the player makes an input to the gaming unit20, such as by pressing one of the buttons on the control panel66.

Referring toFIG. 5A, the image display and image input routine325may begin operation at block326during the display of an image on the control panel66or the video display unit70. The routine325may continually determine whether an image is to be read by the optically sensitive video display screen84, or the routine325may receive a command to read an image, such as by the player pressing the “ID” button75or detecting an input from the player. If an image is to be read as determined at block326, the routine325may cause the optically sensitive video display screen84to read an image placed in proximity to the surface of the optically sensitive video display screen84at block327.

If provided to authenticate a player's identity, age, etc., the routine325may read a particular characteristic(s) of a player identification image and compare the characteristic of the player identification image with a corresponding characteristic(s) stored in a memory of the controller100. The characteristics may include points or lines on a fingerprint, points or lines on a handprint, the size and spacing of bars on a barcode image, facial characteristics of a player's photograph, watermarks, unique points within a computer generated image or symbol, etc. The characteristics may also be alphanumeric, and the routine325may include optical character recognition (OCR) to read the alphanumeric characters. Although described as reading a player identification, the image may also relate to other information regarding the player including casino identification, player gaming habits, etc. which may be read by the gaming unit20.

If the characteristic of the image matches the corresponding characteristic stored in the memory as determined at block329, the routine325may generate (or continue generating) an image, such as game controls, a game display, etc., on the video display unit70and/or the control panel66at block330. If the characteristic of the image does not match the corresponding characteristic stored in the memory, the routine325may prevent the player from continuing to play on the gaming unit20, such as by no longer generating game controls on the control panel66or otherwise locking up the gaming unit20.

Video Poker

Where the gaming unit20is designed to facilitate play of a video poker game, the display unit70may comprise a video display unit.FIG. 6is an exemplary display350that may be shown on the display unit70during performance of the video poker routine210shown schematically inFIG. 4. Referring toFIG. 6, the display350may include video images352of a plurality of playing cards representing the player's hand, such as five cards. To allow the player to control the play of the video poker game, a plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may include a “Hold” button354disposed directly below each of the playing card images352, a “Cash Out” button356, a “See Pays” button358, a “Bet One Credit” button360, a “Bet Max Credits” button362, and a “Deal/Draw” button364. The display350may also include an area366in which the number of remaining credits or value is displayed. If the display unit70is provided with a touch-sensitive screen, the buttons354,356,358,360,362,364may form part of the video display350. Alternatively, one or more of those buttons may be provided as part of a control panel that is provided separately from the display unit70.

FIG. 8is a flowchart of the video poker routine210shown schematically inFIG. 4. Referring toFIG. 8, at block370, the routine may determine whether the player has requested payout information, such as by activating the “See Pays” button358, in which case at block372the routine may cause one or more pay tables to be displayed on the display unit70. At block374, the routine may determine whether the player has made a bet, such as by pressing the “Bet One Credit” button360, in which case at block376bet data corresponding to the bet made by the player may be stored in the memory of the controller100. At block378, the routine may determine whether the player has pressed the “Bet Max Credits” button362, in which case at block380bet data corresponding to the maximum allowable bet may be stored in the memory of the controller100.

At block382, the routine may determine if the player desires a new hand to be dealt, which may be determined by detecting if the “Deal/Draw” button364was activated after a wager was made. In that case, at block384a video poker hand may be “dealt” by causing the display unit70to generate the playing card images352. After the hand is dealt, at block386the routine may determine if any of the “Hold” buttons354have been activated by the player, in which case data regarding which of the playing card images352are to be “held” may be stored in the controller100at block388. If the “Deal/Draw” button364is activated again as determined at block390, each of the playing card images352that was not “held” may be caused to disappear from the video display350and to be replaced by a new, randomly selected, playing card image352at block392.

At block394, the routine may determine whether the poker hand represented by the playing card images352currently displayed is a winner. That determination may be made by comparing data representing the currently displayed poker hand with data representing all possible winning hands, which may be stored in the memory of the controller100. If there is a winning hand, a payout value corresponding to the winning hand may be determined at block396. At block398, the player's cumulative value or number of credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and adding, if the hand was a winner, the payout value determined at block396. The cumulative value or number of credits may also be displayed in the display area366(FIG. 6).

Although the video poker routine210is described above in connection with a single poker hand of five cards, the routine210may be modified to allow other versions of poker to be played. For example, seven card poker may be played, or stud poker may be played. Alternatively, multiple poker hands may be simultaneously played. In that case, the game may begin by dealing a single poker hand, and the player may be allowed to hold certain cards. After deciding which cards to hold, the held cards may be duplicated in a plurality of different poker hands, with the remaining cards for each of those poker hands being randomly determined.

Video Blackjack

Where the gaming unit20is designed to facilitate play of a video blackjack game, the display unit70may comprise a video display unit.FIG. 7is an exemplary display400that may be shown on the display unit70during performance of the video blackjack routine220shown schematically inFIG. 4. Referring toFIG. 7, the display400may include video images402of a pair of playing cards representing a dealer's hand, with one of the cards shown face up and the other card being shown face down, and video images404of a pair of playing cards representing a player's hand, with both the cards shown face up. The “dealer” may be the gaming unit20.

To allow the player to control the play of the video blackjack game, a plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may include a “Cash Out” button406, a “See Pays” button408, a “Stay” button410, a “Hit” button412, a “Bet One Credit” button414, and a “Bet Max Credits” button416. The display400may also include an area418in which the number of remaining credits or value is displayed. If the display unit70is provided with a touch-sensitive screen, the buttons406,408,410,412,414,416may form part of the video display400. Alternatively, one or more of those buttons may be provided as part of a control panel that is provided separately from the display unit70.

FIG. 9is a flowchart of the video blackjack routine220shown schematically inFIG. 4. Referring toFIG. 9, the video blackjack routine220may begin at block420where it may determine whether a bet has been made by the player. That may be determined, for example, by detecting the activation of either the “Bet One Credit” button414or the “Bet Max Credits” button416. At block422, bet data corresponding to the bet made at block420may be stored in the memory of the controller100. At block424, a dealer's hand and a player's hand may be “dealt” by making the playing card images402,404appear on the display unit70.

At block426, the player may be allowed to be “hit,” in which case at block428another card will be dealt to the player's hand by making another playing card image404appear in the display400. If the player is hit, block430may determine if the player has “bust,” or exceeded 21. If the player has not bust, blocks426and428may be performed again to allow the player to be hit again.

If the player decides not to hit, at block432the routine may determine whether the dealer should be hit. Whether the dealer hits may be determined in accordance with predetermined rules, such as the dealer always hit if the dealer's hand totals 15 or less. If the dealer hits, at block434the dealer's hand may be dealt another card by making another playing card image402appear in the display400. At block436the routine may determine whether the dealer has bust. If the dealer has not bust, blocks432,434may be performed again to allow the dealer to be hit again.

If the dealer does not hit, at block436the outcome of the blackjack game and a corresponding payout may be determined based on, for example, whether the player or the dealer has the higher hand that does not exceed 21. If the player has a winning hand, a payout value corresponding to the winning hand may be determined at block440. At block442, the player's cumulative value or number of credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and adding, if the player won, the payout value determined at block440. The cumulative value or number of credits may also be displayed in the display area418(FIG. 7).

Slots

Where the gaming unit20is designed to facilitate play of a video slots game, the display unit70may comprise a video display unit.FIG. 10is an exemplary display450that may be shown on the display unit70during performance of the slots routine230shown schematically inFIG. 4. Referring toFIG. 10, the display450may include video images452of a plurality of slot machine reels, each of the reels having a plurality of reel symbols454associated therewith. Although the display450shows five reel images452, each of which may have three reel symbols454that are visible at a time, other reel configurations could be utilized.

To allow the player to control the play of the slots game, a plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may include a “Cash Out” button456, a “See Pays” button458, a plurality of payline-selection buttons460each of which allows the player to select a different number of paylines prior to “spinning” the reels, a plurality of bet-selection buttons462each of which allows a player to specify a wager amount for each payline selected, a “Spin” button464, and a “Max Bet” button466to allow a player to make the maximum wager allowable.

FIG. 12is a flowchart of the slots routine230shown schematically inFIG. 10. Referring toFIG. 12, at block470, the routine may determine whether the player has requested payout information, such as by activating the “See Pays” button458, in which case at block472the routine may cause one or more pay tables to be displayed on the display unit70. At block474, the routine may determine whether the player has pressed one of the payline-selection buttons460, in which case at block476data corresponding to the number of paylines selected by the player may be stored in the memory of the controller100. At block478, the routine may determine whether the player has pressed one of the bet-selection buttons462, in which case at block480data corresponding to the amount bet per payline may be stored in the memory of the controller100. At block482, the routine may determine whether the player has pressed the “Max Bet” button466, in which case at block484bet data (which may include both payline data and bet-per-payline data) corresponding to the maximum allowable bet may be stored in the memory of the controller100.

If the “Spin” button464has been activated by the player as determined at block486, at block488the routine may cause the slot machine reel images452to begin “spinning” so as to simulate the appearance of a plurality of spinning mechanical slot machine reels. At block490, the routine may determine the positions at which the slot machine reel images will stop, or the particular symbol images454that will be displayed when the reel images452stop spinning. At block492, the routine may stop the reel images452from spinning by displaying stationary reel images452and images of three symbols454for each stopped reel image452. The virtual reels may be stopped from left to right, from the perspective of the player, or in any other manner or sequence.

The routine may provide for the possibility of a bonus game or round if certain conditions are met, such as the display in the stopped reel images452of a particular symbol454. If there is such a bonus condition as determined at block494, the routine may proceed to block496where a bonus round may be played. The bonus round may be a different game than slots, and many other types of bonus games could be provided. If the player wins the bonus round, or receives additional credits or points in the bonus round, a bonus value may be determined at block498. A payout value corresponding to outcome of the slots game and/or the bonus round may be determined at block500. At block502, the player's cumulative value or number of credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and adding, if the slot game and/or bonus round was a winner, the payout value determined at block500.

Although the above routine has been described as a virtual slot machine routine in which slot machine reels are represented as images on the display unit70, actual slot machine reels that are capable of being spun may be utilized instead, in which case the display unit70could be provided in the form of a plurality of mechanical reels that are rotatable, each of the reels having a plurality of reel images disposed thereon.

Video Keno

Where the gaming unit20is designed to facilitate play of a video keno game, the display unit70may comprise a video display unit.FIG. 11is an exemplary display520that may be shown on the display unit70during performance of the video keno routine240shown schematically inFIG. 4. Referring toFIG. 11, the display520may include a video image522of a plurality of numbers that were selected by the player prior to the start of a keno game and a video image524of a plurality of numbers randomly selected during the keno game. The randomly selected numbers may be displayed in a grid pattern.

To allow the player to control the play of the keno game, a plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may include a “Cash Out” button526, a “See Pays” button528, a “Bet One Credit” button530, a “Bet Max Credits” button532, a “Select Ticket” button534, a “Select Number” button536, and a “Play” button538. The display520may also include an area540in which the number of remaining credits or value is displayed. If the display unit70is provided with a touch-sensitive screen, the buttons may form part of the video display520. Alternatively, one or more of those buttons may be provided as part of a control panel that is provided separately from the display unit70.

FIG. 13is a flowchart of the video keno routine240shown schematically inFIG. 4. The keno routine240may be utilized in connection with a single gaming unit20where a single player is playing a keno game, or the keno routine240may be utilized in connection with multiple gaming units20where multiple players are playing a single keno game. In the latter case, one or more of the acts described below may be performed either by the controller100in each gaming unit or by one of the network computer22,32to which multiple gaming units20are operatively connected.

Referring toFIG. 13, at block550, the routine may determine whether the player has requested payout information, such as by activating the “See Pays” button528, in which case at block552the routine may cause one or more pay tables to be displayed on the display unit70. At block554, the routine may determine whether the player has made a bet, such as by having pressed the “Bet One Credit” button530or the “Bet Max Credits” button532, in which case at block556bet data corresponding to the bet made by the player may be stored in the memory of the controller100. After the player has made a wager, at block558the player may select a keno ticket, and at block560the ticket may be displayed on the display520. At block562, the player may select one or more game numbers, which may be within a range set by the casino. After being selected, the player's game numbers may be stored in the memory of the controller100at block564and may be included in the image522on the display520at block566. After a certain amount of time, the keno game may be closed to additional players (where a number of players are playing a single keno game using multiple gambling units20).

If play of the keno game is to begin as determined at block568, at block570a game number within a range set by the casino may be randomly selected either by the controller100or a central computer operatively connected to the controller, such as one of the network computers22,32. At block572, the randomly selected game number may be displayed on the display unit70and the display units70of other gaming units20(if any) which are involved in the same keno game. At block574, the controller100(or the central computer noted above) may increment a count which keeps track of how many game numbers have been selected at block570.

At block576, the controller100(or one of the network computers22,32) may determine whether a maximum number of game numbers within the range have been randomly selected. If not, another game number may be randomly selected at block570. If the maximum number of game numbers has been selected, at block578the controller100(or a central computer) may determine whether there are a sufficient number of matches between the game numbers selected by the player and the game numbers selected at block570to cause the player to win. The number of matches may depend on how many numbers the player selected and the particular keno rules being used.

If there are a sufficient number of matches, a payout may be determined at block580to compensate the player for winning the game. The payout may depend on the number of matches between the game numbers selected by the player and the game numbers randomly selected at block570. At block582, the player's cumulative value or number of credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and adding, if the keno game was won, the payout value determined at block580. The cumulative value or number of credits may also be displayed in the display area540(FIG. 11).

Video Bingo

Where the gaming unit20is designed to facilitate play of a video bingo game, the display unit70may comprise a video display unit.FIG. 14is an exemplary display600that may be shown on the display unit70during performance of the video bingo routine250shown schematically inFIG. 4. Referring toFIG. 14, the display600may include one or more video images602of a bingo card and images of the bingo numbers selected during the game. The bingo card images602may have a grid pattern.

To allow the player to control the play of the bingo game, a plurality of player-selectable buttons may be displayed. The buttons may include a “Cash Out” button604, a “See Pays” button606, a “Bet One Credit” button608, a “Bet Max Credits” button610, a “Select Card” button612, and a “Play” button614. The display600may also include an area616in which the number of remaining credits or value is displayed. If the display unit70is provided with a touch-sensitive screen, the buttons may form part of the video display600. Alternatively, one or more of those buttons may be provided as part of a control panel that is provided separately from the display unit70.

FIG. 15is a flowchart of the video bingo routine250shown schematically inFIG. 4. The bingo routine250may be utilized in connection with a single gaming unit20where a single player is playing a bingo game, or the bingo routine250may be utilized in connection with multiple gaming units20where multiple players are playing a single bingo game. In the latter case, one or more of the acts described below may be performed either by the controller100in each gaming unit20or by one of the network computers22,32to which multiple gaming units20are operatively connected.

Referring toFIG. 15, at block620, the routine may determine whether the player has requested payout information, such as by activating the “See Pays” button606, in which case at block622the routine may cause one or more pay tables to be displayed on the display unit70. At block624, the routine may determine whether the player has made a bet, such as by having pressed the “Bet One Credit” button608or the “Bet Max Credits” button610, in which case at block626bet data corresponding to the bet made by the player may be stored in the memory of the controller100.

After the player has made a wager, at block628the player may select a bingo card, which may be generated randomly. The player may select more than one bingo card, and there may be a maximum number of bingo cards that a player may select. After play is to commence as determined at block632, at block634a bingo number may be randomly generated by the controller100or a central computer such as one of the network computers22,32. At block636, the bingo number may be displayed on the display unit70and the display units70of any other gaming units20involved in the bingo game.

At block638, the controller100(or a central computer) may determine whether any player has won the bingo game. If no player has won, another bingo number may be randomly selected at block634. If any player has bingo as determined at block638, the routine may determine at block640whether the player playing that gaming unit20was the winner. If so, at block642a payout for the player may be determined. The payout may depend on the number of random numbers that were drawn before there was a winner, the total number of winners (if there was more than one player), and the amount of money that was wagered on the game. At block644, the player's cumulative value or number of credits may be updated by subtracting the bet made by the player and adding, if the bingo game was won, the payout value determined at block642. The cumulative value or number of credits may also be displayed in the display area616(FIG. 14).