Abstract: A gaming machine having a light device coupled to the gaming machine by a peripheral bus connection. The gaming machine capable of reading a pattern file, containing a light pattern display. The gaming machine further capable of sending the light display pattern to a light device controller via the peripheral bus connection. The light device controller capable of parsing the light display pattern, interpreting the pattern to be capable of generation on the light device, and causing the pattern to be generated on the light device.

Abstract: A gaming unit having a light device controller operatively coupled a light device. The light device controller being adapted to couple to the gaming unit by a universal serial bus peripheral connection. The light device controller comprising a processor, a memory, and an input/output device. The gaming unit capable of transmitting the light display data to the light device controller via the universal serial bus peripheral connection.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming apparatus is provided. The gaming apparatus may comprise a display unit, a value input device, and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The controller may comprise a microprocessor and a memory operatively coupled to the microprocessor. The controller may be configured to generate a representation of a game display in a three dimensional (3D) graphics space, and to convert a view of the 3D graphics space into display data for display on the display unit, the view including the game display. The controller may also be configured to cause the display unit to display the display data, the display data including the view of the 3D graphics space, and to allow a person to make a wager. The controller may additionally be configured to cause the display unit to display a secondary display, the secondary display overlapping, at least in part, the game display, wherein the secondary display appears at least partially transparent.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus may comprise a cabinet having a front face with a gaming display positioned adjacent the cabinet front face so that the gaming display is viewable, the gaming display being operable to generate images. A controller is operatively coupled to the gaming display. The controller may have a processor and a memory, and may be programmed to allow a person to make a wager. The controller may further be programmed to cause an image associated with a game to be generated on the gaming display, to determine an outcome of the game represented by the image and to determine a value payout associated with the outcome of the game. The controller may be programmed to roll-up the value payout earned by the player in a roll-up time period without regard to the number of credits won.

Abstract: A method of operating a gaming apparatus may include identifying a player, accessing stored player data relating to the player, and performing a personalized gaming operation based on the stored player data. The personalized gaming operation may include one of the following personalized gaming operations: generating a video image of a game piece, the game piece having one or more characteristics selected according to the stored player data, generating a personalized video image based on the stored player data, or generating a game environment, the game environment including video images other than a video image of a game piece, music and sound effects and one or more of the video images other than a video image of a game piece, music and sound effects selected according to the stored player data. A system or apparatus including a computer or controller programmed to operate according to the method may also be provided, as may a memory having a computer program in accordance with the method stored therein.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus may include a display unit capable of generating video images, a value input device and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory, and may be programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to make an automated selection from among a plurality of user-selectable options presented to the player, to cause a video image representing a game to be generated on the display unit, and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of the game.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus may comprise a cabinet having a front face with a gaming display positioned adjacent the cabinet front face so that the gaming display is viewable, the gaming display being operable to generate images. A controller is operatively coupled to the gaming display. The controller may have a processor and a memory, and may be programmed to allow a person to make a wager. The controller may further be programmed to cause an image associated with a game to be generated on the gaming display, to determine an outcome of the game represented by the image and to determine a value payout associated with the outcome of the game. The controller may be programmed to roll-up the value payout earned by the player in a roll-up time period without regard to the number of credits won.

Abstract: A method for operating a gaming apparatus is provided, the gaming apparatus capable of playing a game comprising a plurality of game pieces. The method includes the steps of determining a first in-game outcome for each game based on a configuration of a first set of game pieces selected from the plurality of game pieces, the number of pieces in the first set of game pieces being less than that in the plurality, displaying a first set of images corresponding to the first set of game pieces, and providing a first in-game stimulation selected from the group consisting of a 3-dimensional aural stimulation, a visual stimulation, a value stimulation and a physical stimulation according to the first in-game outcome. The method also includes the steps of determining separately a game outcome for each game based on a configuration of the plurality of game pieces, displaying a plurality of game piece images corresponding to the plurality of game pieces, and determining a value payout based on the game outcome.