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FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate to augmented reality systems and methods, and in particular to augmented reality systems and methods for use in connection with gaming.

BACKGROUND

Electronic and electro-mechanical gaming machines (EGMs) are systems that allow users to place a wager on the outcome of a random event, such as the spinning of mechanical or virtual reels or wheels, the playing of virtual cards, the rolling of mechanical or virtual dice, the random placement of tiles on a screen, etc. Manufacturers of EGMs have incorporated a number of enhancements to the EGMs to allow players to interact with the EGMs in new and more engaging ways. For example, early slot machines allowed player interaction by pulling a lever or arm on the machine. As mechanical slot machines were replaced by electronic slot machines, a range of new player interface devices became available to EGM designers and were subsequently incorporated into EGMs. Examples of such interface devices include electronic buttons, wheels, and, more recently, touchscreens and three dimensional display screens.

SUMMARY

A method according to some embodiments includes generating a live video signal of a gaming environment using a camera on an electronic device; determining an identity of a player who is visible in the live video signal; retrieving information about the player from a database of registered players in response to the determined player identity; and displaying information about the player to a user of the electronic device so that the information appears to the user to be adjacent or on the player.

The method may further include displaying the live video signal on a display of the electronic device, and the information about the player may be displayed on the display of the electronic display adjacent an image of the player in the live video signal.

The information about the player may include at least one of a game type preference, a gaming machine preference, a game type preference, a drink preference, a wager preference, a player reward status level, a player skill level, a hotel preference, and/or a player host name associated with the player.

The method may further include identifying an electronic gaming machine that the player is using; receiving game information relating to the player's performance on the electronic gaming machine; and displaying the game information on the display of the electronic device adjacent an image of the player in the live video signal.

The game information may include at least one of total coin-in, amount wagered, amount won, amount lost, total wins, total losses, total plays, time on machine, and total return to player.

The method may further include displaying an icon on the display of the electronic device adjacent an image of the player in the live video signal indicative of a current status of the player.

The icon may indicate a player reward status of the player.

The icon may indicate that the player requires assistance.

The method may further include receiving back betting information about the player, and displaying the back betting information about the player on the display of the electronic device adjacent an image of the player in the live video signal.

The method may further include receiving a back bet wager input on the electronic device on a game played by the player, and transmitting the back bet wager input to a back bet server.

The method may further include transmitting a location and an orientation of the electronic device to a remote server.

Determining the identity of the player who is visible in the live video signal may include transmitting the live video signal to a remote server and receiving the identity of the player from the remote server.

A method according to some further embodiments includes generating a live video signal of a gaming environment using a camera on an electronic device; identifying an electronic gaming machine that is visible in the live video signal; retrieving information about the electronic gaming machine from a database of electronic gaming machine information; and displaying the information about the electronic gaming machine to a user of the electronic device so that the information appears to the user to be adjacent or on the electronic gaming machine.

The method may further include displaying the live video signal on a display of the electronic device, and the information about the electronic gaming machine may be displayed on the display of the electronic display adjacent an image of the electronic gaming machine in the live video signal.

The information about the electronic gaming machine may include at least one of total winnings and highest award achieved on the electronic gaming machine.

The information about the electronic gaming machine may include information specific to a user of the electronic device.

The information about the electronic gaming machine may include at least one of an error code, an error message, a malfunction code, machine diagnostic information, and/or machine service information.

A method according to further embodiments includes receiving a player identification from a wireless electronic device in a gaming facility, the player identification is uniquely associated with a player in the gaming facility; receiving information describing a location and orientation of the wireless electronic device from the wireless electronic device; obtaining a player profile associated with the player; identifying an electronic gaming machine within a field of view of the wireless electronic device; obtaining information associated with both the electronic gaming device and the player; and transmitting the information associated with both the electronic gaming device and the player to the wireless electronic device.

The method may further include receiving a live video signal from the wireless electronic device, and identifying the electronic gaming machine within a field of view of the wireless electronic device may include identifying the electronic gaming machine from the live video signal.

Identifying the electronic gaming machine within a field of view of the wireless electronic device may include identifying the electronic gaming machine based on the information describing the location and orientation of the wireless electronic device.

