Gaming system having selective synchronized multiple video streams for composite display at the gaming machine

Abstract

A system of electronic gaming machines, each generating a composite video signal formed from two video signals. One video signal carries game graphics information for generating at least a still graphics display which moves at selected times during play of the game. A second video signal carries video information for generating a moving video display. The two video signals are combined in accordance with key color information, which is carried by the first video signal. The combining is selectively controlled by a central computer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of creating amusement with a plurality of electronic gaming machines, each having a video display unit and each interconnected by a network to a central authority, comprising:
 generating a first video signal in one of said gaming machines having
 (i) game graphics information corresponding to an amusement theme, said graphics information generating still graphic images on said display unit in a game area; and 
 (ii) key color information identifying a non-game display area on said display unit; 
   generating a second video signal having video information corresponding to said amusement theme, said video information generating a moving video display on said display unit;   generating a composite video signal including responding to said key color information of said first video signal; and   inputting said composite video signal to said video display unit, whereby said still graphics images are displayed in said game area of said display unit and said moving video display is displayed in said non-game area.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein said step of generating a composite video signal includes replacing said key color information of said first video signal with said video information of said second video signal. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1  and further including generating sound at said one of said gaming machines in synchronism with said moving video display displayed in said non-game area. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein said step of generating a composite video signal includes creating key color data. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 4  wherein said step of creating key data includes storing said key data in said one of said gaming machines. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 5  wherein said step of creating key color data includes programming said key color data, including:
 generating a command over said network to said one gaming machine. 
 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 6  wherein said one of said gaming machines includes a communication interface connected to said network; and wherein said step of creating said key color data includes receiving said command in said communication interface; and storing said key color data in said one of said gaming machines in accordance with said command. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein said step of generating a composite video signal includes generating a command over said network to said one gaming machine. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8  wherein said one of said gaming machines includes a communication interface connected to said network; and wherein said step of generating a composite video signal includes receiving said command in said communication interface. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein said step of generating a composite video signal is selectively performed. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein said step of generating a composite video signal is performed upon command from said central authority. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein said one of said gaming machines includes a communication interface connected to said network; and wherein said step of generating a composite video signal is performed upon command for said communication interface. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein said one gaming machine includes a game central processing unit; and wherein said step of generating a composite video signal is performed upon command from said game central processing unit. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein said step of generating a second video signal is selectively performed. 
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14  wherein said step of generating a second video signal is performed upon command from said central authority. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 14  wherein said one of said gaming machines includes a communication interface connected to said network; and wherein said step of generating a second video signal is performed upon command from said communication interface. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 14  wherein said one gaming machine includes a game central processing unit; and
 wherein said step of generating a second video signal is performed upon command from said game central processing unit. 
 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 11  and further including
 permitting play at said one of said gaming machines; 
 monitoring a variable at each of said gaming machines, which said variable changes according to play; and 
 issuing a command over said network to one of said gaming machines. 
 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 12  and further including
 permitting play at said one of said gaming machines; 
 monitoring a variable at each of said gaming machines, which said variable changes according to play; and 
 issuing a command over said network to one of said gaming machines. 
 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 15  and further including
 permitting play at said one of said gaming machines; 
 monitoring a variable at each of said gaming machines, which said variable changes according to play; and 
 issuing a command over said network to one of said gaming machines.