Patent Publication Number: US-2016247350-A1

Title: Customization apparatus and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/227,979, filed Mar. 27, 2014, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2012/058059, filed Sep. 28, 2012, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/542,094, filed Sep. 30, 2011. International Application No. PCT/US2012/058059 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/423,856, filed Mar. 19, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/365,788, filed Feb. 4, 2009, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/026,404, filed Feb. 5, 2008. The entireties of International Application No. PCT/US2012/058059, U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/542,094 and 61/026,404, and U.S. application Ser. Nos. 14/227,979, 13/423,856 and 12/365,788, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present application relates generally to the field of gaming systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a customizable 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, communications electronics, a storage unit, and a processing circuit. The communications electronics are configured to facilitate communication with a remote system. The storage unit is configured to store a plurality of videos including a first set of full-motion videos associated with a first portion of the plurality of videos, a second set of full-motion videos associated with a second portion of the plurality of videos, and a third set of full-motion videos associated with a third portion of the plurality of videos. The first portion, the second portion, and the third portion of each of the plurality of full-motion videos align to form a single, continuous full-motion video. The processing circuit is coupled to the electronic display, the communications electronics, and the storage unit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a selection of a theme from a plurality of themes from the remote system. Each of the plurality of videos is associated with at least one of the plurality of themes. The processing circuit is further configured to perform a random or quasi-random selection from each of the first set of full-motion videos, the second set of full-motion videos, and the third set of full-motion videos associated with the selected theme; cause a simultaneous display of a first full-motion video from the first set of full-motion videos, a second full-motion video from the second set of full-motion videos, and a third full-motion video from the third set of full-motion videos associated with the selected theme on the electronic display; and enter the gaming apparatus into a winning state when the first full-motion video corresponding to the first portion of the plurality of videos, the second full-motion video corresponding to the second portion of the plurality of videos, and the third full-motion video corresponding to the third portion of the plurality of videos form the single, continuous full-motion video associated with the selected theme. 
     Another embodiment relates to a gaming apparatus customization system. The gaming system customization system includes communications electronics, a storage unit, and a processing circuit coupled to the communications electronics and the storage unit. The communications electronics are configured to facilitate communication with at least one gaming apparatus. The storage unit is configured to store a plurality of themes. The processing circuit is configured to send a selection of a theme from the plurality of themes to the at least one gaming apparatus such that the at least one gaming apparatus operates according to the selected theme. The at least one gaming apparatus operates according to the selected theme by (i) performing a random or quasi-random selection from a first set of full-motion videos, a second set of full-motion videos, and a third set of full-motion videos associated with the selected theme, (ii) causing a simultaneous display of a selected first full-motion video from the first set of full-motion videos, a selected second full-motion video from the second set of full-motion videos, and a selected third full-motion video from the third set of full-motion videos associated with the selected theme on an electronic display, and (iii) entering into a winning state in response to the selected first full-motion video, the selected second full-motion video, and the selected third full-motion video forming a single, continuous full-motion video associated with the selected theme. 
     Still another embodiment relates to a slot machine. The slot machine includes a display, communications electronics configured to facilitate communication with a remote system, a storage unit configured to store a plurality of full-motion videos, and a processing circuit. Each full-motion video of the plurality of full-motion videos includes a first video portion, a second video portion, and a third video portion. The first video portion, the second video portion, and the third video portion of each full-motion video align to form a single, continuous full-motion video. The processing circuit is configured to (i) receive a selection of a theme from a plurality of themes from the remote system where each of the plurality of full-motion videos are associated with at least one of the plurality of themes, (ii) perform a selection from each of the first video portions, the second video portions, and the third video portions of the plurality of full-motion videos associated with the selected theme, (iii) cause a display of a selected first video portion, a selected second video portion, and a selected third video portion from the plurality of videos associated with the selected theme on the display, and (iv) enter the slot machine into a winning state in response to the selected first video portion, the selected second video portion, and the selected third video portion forming the single, continuous full-motion video. 
     Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally described in the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a gaming apparatus such as a slot machine, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a view of a display for the slot machine of  FIG. 1  in a first or idle mode, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a view of a display for the slot machine of  FIG. 1  in a second or selection mode, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIGS. 4-7  are views of a display for the slot machine of  FIG. 1  in a third or play mode, according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a view of a display for the slot machine of  FIG. 1  showing a bonus mode, according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram of an apparatus for use with the display system of  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram of an apparatus for customizing a gaming apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 11A  is a flow chart of a process for providing videos of selected themes to one or more gaming machines according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 11B  is a flow chart of a process for providing videos of selected themes to one or more gaming machines according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the figures which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a gaming apparatus  10  can be a slot machine or similar device. Apparatus  10  can 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 apparatus  10  includes a user interface  12  and a display  14 . Gaming apparatus  10  may 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 apparatus  10  can also include an account login feature that allows a user to log into gaming apparatus  10  with account information (e.g., a username and password) to access pre-stored money or credits (e.g., a player&#39;s club account, a credit card associated with a hotel room, etc.). 
     User interface  12  allows a player to start and otherwise control gaming apparatus  10  and select various options (e.g., number of credits to wager, the gender of the model or character, etc.). As shown in  FIG. 1 , interface  12  includes a multitude of buttons provided below display  14 . According to other exemplary embodiments, user interface  12  may include a traditional lever, or any other suitable tactile input device. User interface  12  may be integrated with display  14  (e.g., a touch screen) or may be provided separately from display  14  as shown in  FIG. 1 . User interface  12  can 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 apparatus  10  operates as a video slot machine and display  14  is configured to show graphical representations of three or more “reels” (e.g., screen portions, screens, etc.). As described below, display  14  changes 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 apparatus  10  includes images of models or other characters. The models can be clothed in various sets of clothing. Gaming apparatus  10  can be configured to allow a player to win by completing a set of clothing. 
     Referring also to  FIG. 2 , in an idle mode, when no one is playing, display  14  shows static images or video of a model  20  (e.g., video of a real person) in a bathrobe or other clothing. Model  20  may 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 system  16  to encourage a user to play. The audio may match the static images or video of model  20 . Model  20  may be one of several male or female models that a user can choose from when playing gaming apparatus  10 . The choice regarding model  20  can be made at the beginning of a user&#39;s gaming session, between tries at the game, or otherwise, based on inputs received from user input device  12 . 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 in  FIG. 3 , display  14  enters 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 interface  12 . In the selection mode, display  14  shows more information than in the idle mode. 
     A portion of display  14 , for example, the top of display  14 , displays a menu  22  of available characters based on character data retrieved from a memory device. According to an exemplary embodiment, menu  22  includes 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 menu  22 . Menu  22  may include more models than can be shown on display  14  at once and scroll buttons  23  may be provided to allow a user to view additional models. According to one exemplary embodiment, one model  26  in menu  22  (e.g., the model located in the center of the menu) is highlighted. The highlighted model  26  corresponds to the model  20  shown on a center portion of display  14 . By scrolling through menu  22 , a user changes the highlighted model  26  and is able to preview the various models before choosing a model with which to play the game. 
     A portion of display  14 , for example, the sides of display  14 , shows a multitude of winning combinations  28 . According to an exemplary embodiment, winning combinations  28  are matching sets of three pieces of clothing (e.g., cowboy/cowgirl costumes, beach/swim wear, sport wear, formal wear, lingerie, etc.). The matching sets may include a first, a second, and a third article of clothing. In various embodiments, one piece of clothing, a plurality of pieces of clothing, or more than three pieces of clothing may be included in a matching set. In some embodiments, matching sets may include variations on the same articles of clothing. For example, each winning combination  28  may be three pieces of sportswear corresponding to the same professional athletic team. 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 combinations  28  are configured to be distinct from each other (e.g., displayed separately) such that a user can easily determine whether a winning combination  28  has 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 display  14  shows a model  20  in a bathrobe or other clothing, similar to the idle mode. According to an exemplary embodiment, the central portion of display  14  is divided to include a first portion  30 , a second portion  32 , a third portion  34 , and a fourth portion  36 . In an alternative embodiment, only one portion, a plurality of portions, or more than four 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 portion  30 , second portion  32 , third portion  34 , and fourth portion  36  are configured to align with the image of the model such that first portion  30  shows the model&#39;s lower legs and feet, second portion  32  shows the model&#39;s mid-section, third portion  34  shows the model&#39;s upper torso, and fourth portion  36  shows the model&#39;s head. Each of the first  30 , second  32 , and third  34  portions correspond with one of the three pieces of clothing in the matched sets  28  that are revealed and/or varied when gaming apparatus  10  is played. It should be noted that more or fewer portions may be provided, according to various exemplary embodiments. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4-7 , when a user begins play the game (e.g., after using user interface  12  to select the model and/or to otherwise trigger the beginning of the game), display  14  enters 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 curtain  40  or other obstruction can cover or obscure menu  22  (e.g., menu  22  can 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. Curtains  42   a - 42   c  can also cover first portion  30 , second portion  32 , and third portion  34  of the model, leaving fourth portion  36  uncovered. Curtains  42   a - 42   c  may be animated to move across the central portion of display  14  horizontally and/or vertically such that first portion  30 , second portion  32 , and third portion  34  correspond 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. 5  shows display  14  with curtain  42   c  retracted to reveal an image of the model&#39;s upper torso with a first piece of clothing in third portion  34 .  FIG. 6  shows display  14  with curtain  42   b  retracted to reveal an image of the model&#39;s mid-section with a second piece of clothing in second portion  32 .  FIG. 7  shows display  14  with curtain  42   a  retracted to reveal an image of the model&#39;s legs with a third piece of clothing in first portion  30 . As curtains  42   a - 42   c  are 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, curtains  42   a,    42   b,  and  42   c  are “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. Curtains  42   a,    42   b,  and  42   c  may 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 curtains  42   a - 42   c  are a matched set shown as one of the winning combinations  28  on display  14 , the user wins the amount listed for that winning combination  28 . 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&#39;s account card, a user&#39;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 model  20  may 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 apparatus  10 . 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 in  FIG. 8 , if a user is able to obtain a winning combination  28  (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 clothing  28 . 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 combination  28  or 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 apparatus  10  may be configured to tabulate (e.g., by storing statistics in memory) the number of times each model&#39;s image is used to play a game by a user. The model may then, e.g., receive a royalty payment for use of their likeness. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a block diagram of gaming apparatus  10  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Gaming apparatus  10  includes processing circuit  61  configured to provide output to and to receive input from electronic display  62  (e.g., electronic display  62  being a touch screen). In embodiments where electronic display  62  is not a touch screen, processing circuit  61  may be configured to receive input from one or more user interface elements (e.g., buttons, levers, etc.) provided to a user of gaming apparatus  10 . Processing circuit  61  is shown to include a storage unit  64  and a processor  66 . Storage unit  64  may 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 processor  66 . For example, storage unit  64  may be configured to store images (e.g., image files, video files, digital video, etc.). In some embodiments, storage unit  64  can store a first set of first images  68  associated with a first body portion  30  in a plurality of costumes, a second set of second images  70  associated with a second body portion  32  in the plurality of costumes, and a third set of third images  72  associated with a third body portion  34  in the plurality of costumes. In various embodiments, storage unit  64  may store greater or fewer sets of images/videos associated with different, greater, or fewer body portions. The set of images  68 - 72  are 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 to  FIG. 9 , processing circuit  61  can be configured to control electronic display  62  and to cause the electronic display  62  to display a graphical scene. In other words, processing circuit  61  can be configured to control the gaming apparatus and electronic display  62  in particular to conduct each of the activities described herein (e.g., with reference to  FIGS. 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. Processor  66  can 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 circuit  61  can 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 unit  64  stores computer code for executing and/or facilitating the steps described herein and processor  66  is configured to execute the computer code stored in storage unit  64 . 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 circuit  61  can include a number of software and/or hardware modules configured to execute and/or facilitate the execution of the activities described herein. In  FIG. 9 , modules  80 - 86  are shown in memory  75 . Modules  80 - 86  may be computer code, object code, script code, an executable, and/or any other software or hardware that configures processing circuit  61  to conduct one or more activities. It should be noted that memory  75  may be the same or different than storage unit  64 . For example, storage unit  64  may be disk storage while memory  75  is solid state memory. Referring to modules  80 - 86 , randomizer  80  may be configured to randomize, jumble, or otherwise vary the video and/or images provided to electronic display  62  while the game is active. Randomizer  80  may 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 unit  64 . Display module  81  may be configured to drive and/or otherwise control electronic display  62  (e.g., to expose application programming interfaces or other functions of electronic display  62  to the other modules or components of processing circuit  61 ). Video decoder  82  may include decoding logic for the playback of video and/or images stored in storage unit  64 . For example, the video stored in storage unit  64  may be compressed using, for example, an MPEG4 or DIVX format and video decoder  82  may be configured to decompress and otherwise decode for playback the video. Account module  83  can be configured to track a user account, access a user account, or otherwise manage one or more user accounts relative to gaming apparatus  10 . User input module  84  can be configured to process signals and/or data received from user input elements (e.g., a lever, buttons, etc.) of the gaming apparatus. Statistics module  87  may be configured to receive processed data from user input module  84  and store data corresponding to users&#39; input (e.g., the number of times a particular model is selected). Processing circuit  61  may be configured to output the data to, e.g., a computing device. Gameplay logic module  85  may be configured to command the sequences of user and gaming apparatus activities during one or more games. For example, gameplay logic module  85  can 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 display  62 , 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 module  86  which can be configured to debit (or credit) a user&#39;s account depending on the outcome of the game. Input received at card reader  91  (e.g., magnetic card reader, near-field communication reader, etc.) can be used to add or remove credits via credit/debit module  86 . Credit/debit module  86  can also cause coin dispenser to dispense an appropriate winning for a user when a win state is entered. Audio system  92  can be controlled by processing circuit  61  (e.g., provided audio by video decoder  82 ) 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, processor  66  may 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), processor  66  will 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, processor  66  may 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 module  85  as shown with reference to  FIG. 9  or may be controlled by one or more other logic modules (e.g., routines, computer code functions, etc.) in memory  75  of processing circuit  61 . For example, gameplay logic module  85  may utilize randomizer  80  results, account module  83 , 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 module  85  may 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&#39;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. 
     Customization System 
     In some embodiments, one or more aspects of the gaming apparatus may be customized using a customization system and/or method.  FIG. 10  illustrates a customization environment  1000  including a customization system  1005  configured for use in customizing one or more gaming apparatus (e.g., such as gaming apparatus  10 ) according to an exemplary embodiment. Customization system  1005 , alone or in combination with other components such as those illustrated in  FIG. 10 , may be used to customize various aspects of the gaming apparatus, such as the images displayed on a display of the gaming apparatus. For example, the model appearing in the display image, the clothes the model is wearing, the background behind the model, and/or various other aspects of the image could be changed or customized to correspond to various marketing campaigns or promotions. In some embodiments, portions of the display image may be changed to correspond or call attention to a setting or theme, such as noticeable features of a facility (e.g., a casino) in which the game is being operated, attractions (e.g., shows or performances) offered at the facility or one of the promotional partners of the facility, products offered for sale at the facility or by one of the promotional partners of the facility, etc. In some embodiments, the display images may be changed regularly (e.g., periodically, at predetermined dates, upon the occurrence of certain events, etc.) to highlight different marketing or promotional efforts of the machine or facility operators or owners and/or their promotional partners. In some embodiments, the display images may be changed on an ad hoc basis. 
     Customization system  1005 , as illustrated, may be a server system configured to receive input relating to the desired customization of one or more gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  and transmit customized data to the gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  based on the input. For example, the desired customization may include the selection of a theme for the winning combinations of clothing from among a plurality of themes. Customization system  1005  may be a processing circuit including a processor  1010  (e.g., any general purpose or special purpose processing circuit) and a storage unit/memory  1015  (e.g., any tangible computer-readable storage medium). Customization system  1005  may receive the selection of a theme, and in response thereto, customization system  1005  may cause one or more gaming apparatuses to display, e.g., a first set, a second set, and a third set of videos for the selected theme. In some embodiments, customization system  1005  may provide, e.g., a first set, a second set, and a third set of videos for the selected theme to one or more gaming apparatuses. In some embodiments, customization system  1005  may cause the display of a user interface for receiving the selection of one of the plurality of themes. Customization system  1005  may also include one or more communications interfaces  1035 ,  1045  configured to receive and/or transmit data to other computing systems and/or devices. For example, a communications interface  1035  may be configured to receive data from one or more terminals  1050 ,  1055  that may be used to customize the gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070 . A communications interface  1045  (e.g., a wired or wireless network interface, such as Ethernet or WiFi) may be used to transmit data to gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  that may be used to customize various aspects of gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070 , such as the images that are displayed when a user is playing gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070 . In various embodiments, the same or different communications interfaces may be used by customization system  1005  to communicate with terminals  1050 ,  1055  and gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070 . In some embodiments, customization-related data may be received directly by customization system  1005  through the use of a user interface  1040 , such as a keyboard and mouse, touchscreen, etc. According to an exemplary embodiments, customization system  1005  is remote from gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070 . By utilizing a server configuration for customization system  1005 , a slot manager or other operator may be enabled to customize one or more gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  without having to physically be present at or open gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  to access a programming interface. 
     Memory  1015  may be configured to store one or more modules (e.g., instructions that are executable by a processor to perform various functions) that are configured to perform one or more functions of customization system  1005  and/or one or more databases that are configured to store data relating to the customization of gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070 . For example, a configuration module  1025  may be used to configure the operation of gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  based on customization-related input received, for example, from one or more terminals  1050 ,  1055 . Customization system  1005  may be configured to store media used to generate the customized gaming environments and/or images (e.g., images/videos of models, clothing for the models, background images to be displayed behind the models in the game, etc.) in a media database  1020 . In some embodiments, media database  1020  may store, for each of a plurality of themes, a first set of full-motion videos associated with a first body portion of a plurality of actors, a second set of full-motion videos associated with a second body portion of the plurality of actors, and a third set of full-motion videos associated with a third body portion of the plurality of actors. 
     Gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  may be customized in any or all of a variety of different ways, according to various exemplary embodiments. In some embodiments, images shown on gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  while a user is playing may be adapted based on one or more marketing efforts that the operators (e.g., casinos, gaming companies, etc.) of gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  may wish to highlight. For example, if a casino is hosting a particular type of event, models shown in the game while the user is playing may be used that are related to the event, clothes on the models may be related to the event, images shown in the background behind the models may be related to the event, etc. In one specific exemplary embodiment, a casino hosting a construction convention may choose to customize the games offered on gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  to feature models wearing construction clothing or backgrounds relating to construction. 
     In some embodiments, a background shown behind a model in the games may be customized. For example, a gaming apparatus operated at the Bellagio casino in Las Vegas, Nevada may be customized to feature a moving water show in the background of the model reminiscent of the well-known dancing fountain show in the front of the facility, or a gaming apparatus operated in the Venetian casino may feature a gondola traveling down a canal. In some embodiments, the background may be related to a special promotion that the operator or a promotional partner wishes to highlight to users, such as a product sold by an owner of the facility or a partner or an attraction offered by the owner or partner. For example, logos, images, videos, and/or other types of media relating to a show that is playing at a casino may be displayed in the background of the model. In other examples, various products (e.g., sold in a gift shop of the casino) may be displayed in the background of the model. In some embodiments, the images of the models used in the game may be captured by placing the models in front of a green screen, such that the background behind the model may be easily customized using separately captured and/or generated images. For example, the image may be customized to make it appear that the model is attending an event or show at the resort or casino in which the gaming apparatus is operated. 
     In some embodiments, the clothing worn by the model may be customized. In some embodiments, the winning combinations may be associated with a particular theme. Each theme may include a plurality of matching sets of clothing for a plurality of actors. Each matching set of clothing may include a first article of clothing for the first body portion, a second article of clothing for the second body portion, and a third article of clothing for the third body portion. For each matching set and for each actor, the themes may include a first image/video corresponding to a first body portion, a second image/video corresponding to a second body portion, and a third image/video corresponding to a third body portion. For example, the clothing may be clothing related to theme or feature of a casino or casino partner, such as a Roman outfit at Caesar&#39;s Palace casino. In another example, the clothing may be customized to feature a particular event, such as a firefighter&#39;s outfit when a firefighter convention is being held at a casino. The winning combinations may include variations on the particular theme (e.g., different matching sets of clothing). In the example above, different winning combinations may include clothing for the fire departments of different municipalities (e.g., New York City Fire Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, etc.). In some embodiments, the clothing may be customized to feature a product or service that is available for sale by the casino or a partner of the casino or an attraction that is offered by the casino or a partner. For example, a Bebe outfit offered for sale at the Bellagio may be a winning clothing combination for a gaming apparatus operated at the Bellagio. A t-shirt from the “Elvis” show that is featured at the Aria casino may be part of the winning clothing combination for a gaming machine operated at the Aria. 
     In some embodiments, companies may pay to have certain products or brands featured within the clothing items or backgrounds of the game. For example, a company that produces a particular brand of boots (e.g., Ugg) may have the casino or a marketing partner of the casino customize one or more games to feature a new line of the company&#39;s boots. In some embodiments, the gaming apparatus may be customized to execute one or more additional actions intended to highlight the product or brand. Customization system  1005  may store a background image, an action sequence in response to a winning state of the slot machine, and audio for a given theme. In response to the selection of a theme, customization system  1005  may also cause one or more gaming apparatuses to display the background image of the selected theme, display the action sequence of the selected theme, and/or play the audio corresponding to the selected theme. For example, on a winning combination, the model who is wearing the new boots in the game may shout out the product name and/or say “I love my new Brand X boots!” Customization system  1005  may also store an information sequence, with video, image, and/or text corresponding to a particular theme. The information sequence may be displayed in response to the winning state of the slot machine. For example, the background may change to a storefront where the product can be found, or a new screen may be displayed showing information relating to the product. 
     In some embodiments, the models themselves may be customized. For example, Hooters calendar models may be used as models in gaming apparatus operated at Hooters casino, Miss America contestants may be used as models in gaming apparatus operated at Planet Hollywood casino, Cirque du Soleil characters or performers may be used as models in gaming apparatus at casinos featuring Cirque du Soleil shows, Playboy Playmates may be used as models in gaming apparatus at the Palms casino where the Playboy Club is located, etc. 
     In some embodiments, various features of the gaming apparatus, such as the images of the models, background images, etc., may be configured so as to not provide clues to the user as to whether or not the user has won before the round of the game has concluded (e.g., the reels have stopped). For example, the images of the model (e.g., winning images, losing images, etc.) may be configured to have consistent features such as height, width, etc. In some embodiments, the images/videos of the models may be captured at a central location, using one photography/videography company, using a set of parameters to ensure continuity between images, etc. In some embodiments, a program provider and/or apparatus owner may have a server based contact with the provider to control the content displayed in the games. 
     In some embodiments, media elements other than visual elements may be customized, such as audio elements. In some embodiments, the language used in spoken words and phrases in the game may be customized. For example, if a convention of Japanese businessmen is being held at a particular facility, the operator of that facility may choose to customize the spoken language used in some games to be in the Japanese language. In some embodiments, the language may be selectable by a user of the gaming apparatus. Customization system  1005  may store text and/or audio for plurality of languages and be configured to receive a selection of one of the languages. Customization system  1005  may also cause one or more gaming apparatuses to display text corresponding to the associated language and/or play audio corresponding to the selected language. In some embodiments, other audio features, such as sound effects, may additionally or alternatively be customized. 
     In some embodiments, various aspects of the games provided on gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  may be customized automatically according to a schedule instead of or in addition to being manually customized by a technician or other operator of customization system  1005 . For example, a promotional schedule may be provided to customization system  1005  and stored in a scheduling database  1030 . Customization system  1005  may store an indication of time when one or more gaming apparatuses will display a first set, a second set, and a third set of videos for the selected theme. The indication of time may include a year, a month, a day, a time, and/or a range of any combination thereof. Customization system  1005  may be configured to automatically cause the gaming apparatuses to display the videos for the selected theme at the indicated time. Scheduling database  1030  may be used to determine dates and/or times at which certain customization changes may occur at one or more gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070 . For example, a particular casino may have a scheduled rotation of performances that will occur in the theater of the casino. Media relating to one or more of the scheduled performances may be stored in media database  1020 , and scheduling data  1030  may be used by configuration module  1025  to determine when the one or more gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  should be customized to promote the performances (e.g., customize on a start date of the performances, on one or more dates that the casino wishes to promote the performance, etc.). In this manner, casino operators and/or their promotional partners may plan and execute game customizations relating to a marketing plan or schedule without the need for a technician to manually update the customization on the day and/or time that the casino wishes for the promotional customization to begin. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, input data used to customize the games presented using gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  may be provided in any or all of a number of different ways. For example, in some embodiments, input may be provided locally to customization system  1005  using user interface  1040 . In some embodiments, input may be provided using an on-site terminal  1055  that is local to a facility in which customization system  1005  and/or one or more gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  are located and may or may not be physically located in proximity to customization system  1005 . For example, an employee in a marketing department of a casino may provide input via a computing terminal located in offices of the casino. In some embodiments, input may be provided remote from the facility, customization system  1005 , and/or gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  using a remote terminal  1050 . For example, a casino may contract with an outside promotional or marketing company to organize marketing promotions for the casino, or the casino&#39;s marketing department or employees may be located off-site, and a remote terminal  1050  may be used to provide customization information. In some embodiments, data (e.g., video data) corresponding to a first set, a second set, and a third set of videos may be received at customization system  1005  via terminals  1050 ,  1055  (or user interface  1040 ). Customization system  1005  may store the received data in a storage unit (e.g., memory  1015 ). 
     In some embodiments, customization system  1005  may be configured to transmit customization data to gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070 , and each of gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  may be configured to store data in a local memory based on the received customization data and customize its operations (e.g., what images or other media are displayed while the user is playing, what combination of displayed items constitutes a winning combination and/or what credit value is allocated to a user for particular combinations, and/or other actions that occur in the gaming apparatus) based on the stored data. In other embodiments, gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  may act as a thin client type of apparatus, where some basic software is provided in gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  to allow gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  to operate, but much of the functionality of the user experience is provided to gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  (e.g., dynamically while a user is playing) from customization system  1005 . For example, a user may register credits into gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  and use a user interface to start the game. Gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  may transmit a signal to customization system  1005 , and customization system  1005  may transmit data to gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  that is used to determine what should be displayed. In some such embodiments, customized images may be displayed on gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070  without having to store all of the images (e.g., for a long period of time) on gaming apparatus  1060 ,  1065 , . . . ,  1070 . 
     In some embodiments, the customization may be performed directly on each of the gaming apparatus. For example, a portable customization system (e.g., a laptop computer) may communicate with a gaming apparatus (e.g., via a wired communications or input/output interface of a gaming apparatus, such as a USB or serial port, or a wireless connection, such as a secured Bluetooth, WiFi, or other wireless connection), and the gaming apparatus may be customized and/or modified locally. In some embodiments, the customization system may be built into the gaming apparatus (e.g., included in the instructions stored in the memory of the gaming apparatus), and a technician may utilize a user interface of the gaming apparatus (e.g., a display, buttons, a touchscreen, etc.) to set various parameters and/or to provide new images, videos, and/or other media to the gaming apparatus without the need to communicate with an outside computing device. In some such embodiments, the gaming apparatus may be equipped with an input/output interface configured to receive the media content, such as a USB port or a flash memory card reader. 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the terminals (e.g., terminals  1050  and/or  1055 ) may be configured to communicate directly with the gaming apparatus and serve as customization systems. For example, various customization features may be provided within an application accessible by the terminals (e.g., an application installed on the terminals and/or an application provided via a communications network, such as a web-based program). In some embodiments, users of the terminals may be required to enter authentication information to ensure that the users are authorized to make changes to the gaming apparatus. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11A , a flow diagram of a process  1100  for customizing one or more gaming apparatuses is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Process  1100  may be implemented by customization system  1005  ( FIG. 10 ). Process  1100  may generally describe a server-based customization system for receiving a selection of a theme and providing a selected theme to one or more gaming apparatuses. 
     Process  1100  includes providing a user interface for receiving a selection of a theme ( 1102 ). In some embodiments, a user (e.g., an operator of a casino) may access customization system  1005  via, e.g., a remote terminal  1050  or on-site terminal  1055  ( FIG. 10 ). Customization system  1005  may provide display data to the remote terminal  1050  or on-site terminal  1055  to cause the display of a user interface (e.g., a selection screen) for receiving the selection of a theme. The user interface may be configured to show, e.g., a summary of the themes that are currently stored in a storage unit/memory of the customization system (i.e., themes that are available for selection) and the themes that are currently being implemented on one or more gaming apparatuses (e.g., at one or more locations). The user interface may also show representations of the locations of the gaming apparatuses. 
     Process  1100  includes receiving a selection of a theme ( 1104 ). A user may select a theme to implement on one or more gaming apparatuses at one or more locations. For example, at a location that is hosting a conference for fire departments, a user may designate that all of the gaming apparatuses at the location provide videos associated a fireman theme. A user may designate that a portion of gaming apparatuses provide one theme while another portion of gaming apparatuses provide a second theme. The user may make a selection of the theme at a user interface provided by the customization system (step  1102 ). 
     Process  1100  includes retrieving videos associated with the selected theme from the storage unit (e.g., memory  1015  of  FIG. 10 ). Processor  1010  ( FIG. 10 ) may determine which videos correspond to the first set, second set, and third set of videos of the selected theme. Process  1100  includes providing videos of the selected theme to one or more gaming apparatuses ( 1108 ). According to an exemplary embodiment, the videos may be provided to the gaming apparatuses via a wired or wireless communications network. In some embodiments, the videos may be provided for storage on the gaming apparatuses. The gaming apparatus may access the locally stored videos during the slot machine game. In some embodiments, the videos may be provided to the gaming apparatus from the customization system each time the slot machine game is operated (via, e.g., streaming video). In some embodiments, a background image, an action sequence in response to the winning state of the slot machine game, and audio associated with the selected theme may also be provided. 
     In some embodiments, the customization system may be configured with data to recognize or estimate a player&#39;s preferences or retrieve a player&#39;s previously stored preferences. For example, in a casino with a player&#39;s club card or similar ID/charge card system, a player may have entered preferences for his or her preferred theme. In some embodiments, a player&#39;s credit card may be associated with the player&#39;s preferences. The customization system may provide the theme in accordance with the player&#39;s preferences when the player&#39;s ID/charge card is used. For example, a female player may have designated that male actors in fireman clothing sets should be displayed when she plays the slot machine game. Accordingly, when the female player uses her card, customization system  1005  may provide the corresponding theme to the gaming apparatus she is using. In some embodiments, the customization system may be able to retrieve information about to player to determine themes to provide. For example, a player&#39;s occupation may be known to a credit card provider. When the player utilizes the credit card at a gaming apparatus, the customization system may provide a theme relating the occupation. For example, if the player is a fireman, customization system  1005  may provide sets of videos with winning sets of fireman uniforms. In some embodiments, customization system  1005  may be configured to predict a player&#39;s preferences. For example, a customization system  1005  may be able to predict a player&#39;s gender. Thus, the customization system  1005  may be able to provide female actors in variations of sportswear associated with athletic teams when a male player operates the gaming apparatus. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11B , a flow diagram of a process  1150  for customizing one or more gaming apparatuses at designated times is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Process  1150  includes receiving data for videos of one or more themes ( 1152 ,  1154 , . . . ). The data may be video data for a first set, second set, third set of videos corresponding to body portions of a plurality of actors. In various embodiments, fewer or more sets of videos may be received. The data may also include an indication of time at which the videos are to be provided to one or more gaming apparatuses. This may be the case, for example, when a casino is operating with a particular schedule of events and has themes for the gaming apparatuses for each event in the schedule. A user (e.g., operator of a casino) may be able to specify a year, month, day, time, or combination thereof to begin and end the providing of a particular theme. The user interface provided by customization system (e.g., step  1102  of  FIG. 11A ) may include a calendar or other interface for scheduling when one or more themes are provided. The data may also include a designation of a portion of gaming apparatuses on which to implement a particular theme. For example, in a casino with multiple, concurrent events, a user (e.g., operator of the casino) may designate a portion of gaming apparatuses on which to implement a first theme and a portion on which to implement a second theme. Process  1150  includes storing the data for the videos in a storage unit (e.g., memory  1015 ). The customization system may be configured to associate the received data with a particular theme and store the data for later retrieval. Process  1150  includes receiving a selection of a theme ( 1158 ). Step  1158  may be substantially similar to step  1105  ( FIG. 11A ). Process  1150  includes providing videos of selected theme to one or more gaming apparatuses at the indicated time ( 1160 ). According to an exemplary embodiment, the videos may be provided automatically from the customization system to the gaming apparatuses (e.g., without human intervention). The theme being provided on the gaming apparatus may automatically switch from one to another based on the videos provided by the customization system at the time designated for each theme. A user may also be able to implement a rotating system (e.g., with themes changing daily). 
     In other embodiments, a push-based system may be provided (instead of, e.g., a time-based or schedule-based system). An operator of the system may be able to select a theme and push the videos and other data associated with a theme to the gaming apparatuses. The user may be able to select the theme and the portion of gaming apparatuses to which to push the theme. This allows for the implementation of an ad hoc server-based theme selection system. 
     The gaming apparatus and/or system for customizing the gaming apparatus as shown in the various exemplary embodiments are 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. 
     Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions. 
     Implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be carried out using a computing system that includes a back-end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front-end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or any combination of one or more such back-end, middleware, or front-end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to-peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks). 
     The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other. In some implementations, a server transmits data (e.g., configuration data) to a client device (e.g., for purposes of configuring the client device and/or customizing images and/or data displayed on the client device). Data generated at the client device (e.g., a result of the user interaction) can be received from the client device at the server.