US20060205470A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20060205470A1
Application number: US11/359,457
Authority: US
Inventors: Martin Parent; Marjolaine Marcotte
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-03-11
Filing date: 2006-02-23
Publication date: 2006-09-14

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention may be described as an automated gaming system comprising an outcome generating means, a platform surrounding it, and a plurality of player stations. Player stations are communicatively linked to the outcome generating means to provide players with participations in a wagering game. The automated gaming system is adapted to provide player stations to at least five players to concurrently participate in the game, these players being located at similar distance from the outcome generating means and being offered an unobstructed view of the outcome generating means since the player stations are located on one side of a player when the player faces the outcome generating means.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority from, PCT application Ser. No. CA 05/000382, filed on Mar. 11, 2005 and entitled “Automated Gaming Assembly Providing a Game Visual Enhancement”, which claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 60/551,833 filed on Mar. 11, 2004, the specifications of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a new device designed to offer a casino-type automated game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automated gaming system comprising six player stations;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the six-player station automated gaming system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is side view of the automated gaming system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the six-player automated gaming system ofFIG. 1 without thehead70;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a player station attachment on the platform of the automated gaming system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the roulette system used to establish outcomes in the six-player station automated gaming system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a screen shot representative of the image displayed on an electronic screen of a player station during the play of a round of roulette;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating components of the automated gaming assembly and of the player stations ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating steps involved in playing a round of roulette with the automated gaming system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a top view of an alternative embodiment suitably designed to play a die game; and

FIGS. 11aand11bare block diagrams illustrating components of a system comprising the embodiment illustrated onFIG. 10.

It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, the present description details an automated gaming system which comprises: a central section comprising an outcome generation system; and a plurality of player stations substantially disposed in periphery of the central section. The player stations are adapted to register wagers depending on received wagering inputs from players using input means disposed substantially on one operative face of each player station, and to resolve wagers based on an outcome signal received from the outcome generation system. The automated gaming system is adapted to receive a substantial portion of the player stations with their operative face facing substantially tangentially with respect to the outcome generation system thereby substantially facing a side of a player operating the player station when the player faces toward the outcome generation system.

In another embodiment, the present description details an automated gaming assembly comprising:—an outcome generation system;—a platform disposed in periphery of the outcome generation system at an appropriate height for a player facing toward the outcome generation system to have a direct view of an outcome generated by the outcome generation system. The platform comprises platform sections adapted to attach player stations to be communicatively linked to the outcome generation system for a player to play an outcome generation system associated game with the player operating a player station by using input means disposed on an operative face of each player station. The automated gaming assembly is adapted to attach a player station with the operative face of the player station substantially facing a side of the player operating the player station when the player faces toward the outcome generation system.

In a first embodiment of the invention as illustrated onFIG. 1, a perspective view of an automatedmechanical roulette system10 is schematically illustrated. Theroulette system10 comprises abase20; abody25; aplatform30 on whichplayer stations40 are disposed and attached; an automated drivenroulette system45 surrounded by theplatform30 and protected by adome50; and a series ofsupport members60 supporting thesystem head70 and complementary screens80 suitable for providing game history information. Complementary screens80 may also provide special feature information or advertising information. On this view, a portion of theroulette system45 is visible when thedome50 is elevated for maintenance, as illustrated.

While the embodiment provides possible solutions for particular functional structures, variants are available. For example, many outcome generating means are available, including aroulette system45, a die game system, and a ball game system. Theplayer stations40 are any interactive terminals communicatively linked to an outcome generating system and permitting players to participate in the wagering game. The complementary screens are any displaying means such as electronic screens, electronically controlled lights, and other suitable displays.

FIG. 2 illustrates thesystem10 through a top view wherein only a portion of theplatform30 and theplayer stations40 are visible. Thehead70 hides most of theplayer stations40, thedome50 and theroulette system45 in this view.

FIG. 3 provides a side view of thesystem10. On this view, a portion of theroulette system45 is visible when thedome50 is down.

As illustrated onFIG. 4, theplatform30 comprises in its central portion a cut-out (under dome50) for disposing the roulette system45 (seeFIG. 6). Theplatform30 has a generally triangular shape surrounding theroulette system45 with twoplayer stations40 disposed back to back on each tip. Globally, six player positions around theplatform45 at a similar distance from theroulette system45 are available for players to operate aplayer station40 and therefore to participate in the roulette game. Asupport member60 is also disposed at each tip near theplayer stations40 closer to theroulette system45. Thedome50 is disposed above theroulette system45 to perform a protective function; i.e., preventing interference by anyone which could influence the course of the ball during a roulette outcome generation process.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, aplayer99 being placed face to aplayer station40 may place wagers using player station inputting means such as a touch screen, or buttons (not shown in this example). Theplayer station40 face which bears inputting means is the operative face of theplayer station40. Once a roulette outcome generation process is initiated, theplayer99 has to rotate either his head or himself to have a direct view of the ball determining the roulette outcome. When facing theroulette system45, the player has the player station substantially on his side and has an unobstructed view of theroulette system45. Only thedome50 and a portion of theplatform30 are between him and theroulette system45; the first one being transparent and the second being at the same level as theroulette system45 therefore not obstructing his view. Thus, no obstacle or unnecessary distance preventsplayers99 from witnessing the outcome generation process.

The type of attachment used to secureplayer stations40 on theplatform30 offers the benefit of allowing attaching different models ofplayer stations40. The attachment illustrated onFIG. 5 is based on acylindrical connector41 used as a stop-pin in combination with an arc-shaped aperture42 located in theplatform30. Power andcommunication wires43 pass from theplayer station40 to under theplatform30 through thecylindrical connector41. Theplayer station40 rotates according to an attachment axis defined by the securingassembly44 rotatably attaching theplayer station40 to theplatform30. Accordingly, the maximum rotation theplayer station40 may perform is determined by the length of the arc-shaped aperture42 performed in theplatform30. A metal plate (not shown) attached to the under surface of theplatform30 prevents access to thewires43. Theplate30 may further be at least partially covered by a decorative triangularly shaped support moulding (not shown) disposed between theplatform30 and thesystem body25 supporting part of the station weight. Thus, the resulting assembly permits to exchange aplayer station40 with a different one without having to change the whole system. It further offers a certain freedom of rotation for enhanced player comfort.

Even if the above example of attaching means uses a cylindrical connector and a stop-pin combination, other variants are available such as a permanent attachment, a sliding attachment, etc. The same applies with wire or wireless communication with the roulette system.

FIG. 6 illustrates theroulette system45, particularly the roulette structure and theball92 used to generate the outcome. The roulette structure comprises a series of identifiedslots90 suitably designed to receive theball92 at the end of its course. Theslots90 are individually identified by a number and a color. The numeral identifications are non-repetitive and are from 0 (or 00) to 36. The coloring identifications are divided in three colors: green for the 0 (and 00 in appropriate cases) identified slot(s), red for half of the over 0 identifiedslots90, and black for the remaining part of theslots90; the colors alternating to never have toadjacent slots90 of the same color (not shown on the roulette ofFIG. 6 to ensure clarity). Theroulette structure45 presents slopes that are suitably designed to provide the same probabilities to eachslot90 of receiving theball92 at the end of its course while preventing theball92 to land anywhere else.Canoes94 are disposed around theslots90 to modify the ball course and therefore render the prevision of theball landing slot90 more difficult. Theroulette structure45 comprises anedge100 limiting the ball course into theroulette system45. As theball92 decelerates, theball92 is forced by the slope to travel form theedge100 toward the center of the roulette structure to end its course in oneslot90. Outcome identifying means, comprising alight emitting diode96 andlight detecting sensors98, permit the roulette outcome identification. Eachslot90 has a correspondinglight detecting sensor98. When theball92 lands in oneslot90, the correspondinglight detecting sensor98 does not receive any light signal from thelight emitting diode96 and therefore identifies theball landing slot90 to a processor which translates thelight detecting sensor98 position into the roulette outcome. Thus, an outcome generating means comprises outcome setting means (ball92 and slots90), outcome identifying means (diode, sensors and processor), communicating means and controlling means (programmed game controller).

To generate a roulette outcome, the section of theroulette structure45 that bearsslots90 is driven in one rotational direction, namely clockwise, while theball92 is propelled counter clockwise onto theroulette structure45 through anejection conduit102 disposed on periphery of theroulette structure edge100 slightly over the normal course of theball92. Thus, as theball92 starts its course on theroulette structure45, theball92 first follows theedge100, decelerates, potentially bumps onto one ormore canoes94, and ultimately lands in oneslot90.

Securely disposed in theassembly base25, an airflow motor (not shown) propels theball92 into a conduit (not shown) leading theball92 into theejection conduit102 when needed, a roulette motor (not shown) drives the rotation of the rotating section of the roulette structure, and a gaming controller120 (schematically shown onFIG. 8) controls the airflow motor and the roulette motor. Thegaming controller120 also controls the means detecting the roulette outcome, namely thelight emitting diode96 and thelight detecting sensors98. It further controls the means retrieving theball92 from the roulette structure once the outcome is generated and identified, what is performed by elevating a portion of the roulette structure for theball92 to fall in a receiving container disposed under the elevated portion of the roulette structure and leading the ball back in the airflow fed conduit. Furthermore, thegaming controller120 is in communication with theplayer stations40. Thegaming controller120 may also be in communication with other components, such as a sound controller, a complementary screen controller, a management system, security and detection systems, and a player tracking system through a local area network (LAN) or a wireless communication network.

As stated, theplayer stations40 are in communication with thegaming controller120. Eachplayer station40, in the described embodiment, comprises a controlling means (acontroller140 or a program) controlling participation in the game, namely exchanging data and signals with other player station components and controlling communication with thegaming controller120. Displaying means (theelectronic screen142, lights) visible by the player provides information to the player on the conduct of the game, as illustrated onFIG. 7. Theelectronic screen142 provides a image of awagering mat110; a series of counters112 informing the player on statuses such the amount of credits wagered112b, the credits remaining available112ato wager, and the prize won112c; amessage box114 informing on game state as if wagers are either or not possible to place; and anoutcome area116 informing players on last outcomes. The player stations also comprise player inputting means144 embodied in touch screens, buttons and/or other sensing surfaces; monetary inputting means146 such a coin hopper, card receiving means or a ticket reader; and an awarding means such as a ticket printer.Player stations40 also comprise storing means (memory150 or counters) maintaining programs, data and counter information such as wagering information.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates functional relationship existing between aplayer station40 and the automated gaming assembly. Theplayer station controller140 exchanges signals with the player station components to player the game, and with thegaming controller120. According to gaming controller signals, different states are set in the game played on theplayer station40, resulting in the game being at different steps of its process. For its part, thegaming controller120 exchanges signals with the roulette mechanism122 (such as the different motors) influencing the roulette andball state124, outcome identification means128, and protecting means126 including protection-related sensors and dome mechanism. The assembly comprisesmemory130 used by thegaming controller120 to keep programs and registered information.

FIG. 9 illustrates steps involved in playing roulette. The process starts with thegaming controller120 secured in theautomated gaming system10 signalling theplayer stations40 that a round is ready to start (step150). In accordance, theplayer stations40 activate the credit receiving process (step152) and the wagering process (step154). During these processes, the players may place new credits in theirplayer stations40 and used the credits available to place wagers on the next roulette outcome. An end wagering process (step156) is also performed to prevent new wagers from being placed (step158) when the outcome generation process fulfills an advancement criterion. Thus, the roulette play involves initiation of the roulette game outcome generation (step170) taking form of thegaming controller120 sending signals to the motor for theball92 to be propelled on the roulette structure. According to settings, the end wagering process (step156) may involve evaluation of the ball speed or a ball travelling duration. After the wagering process has ended on player stations40 (step158), theball92 ultimately lands in oneslot90, the outcome is identified, and thegaming controller120 transmits the roulette outcome to the player stations40 (step160). Eachplayer station controller140 resolves registered wagers (step162) based on the received outcome signal; and pays the player accordingly, typically by increasing and decreasing counter values (164). Then, when the time is up, usually the time to retrieve theball92 from itslanding slot90, a new round is initiated (step150).

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein the game played is a die game (such as a crap game) with the playing stations disposed around theoutcome generation assembly160 being of two kinds: a)wagering stations180 comprising a ticket reader, an electronic screen with touch screen and a station controller (not visible), and b)player stations190 with a ticket reader192, enhanced electronic screen and touch screen comparable towagering stations180, and a station controller (not visible). A player using awagering station180 may place wagers on the die outcome while a player using aplayer station190 may further apply some control over the outcome generation process, such as, depending on the game played, holding die, modifying die toss settings, etc.

Communicatively linked to theautomated gaming assembly160 but physically separately located is aservice station170 permitting players to transfer money entered in theservice station170 into credits available to be wagered. Thus, a player feeds theservice station170 with the amounts he wants to wager at the beginning of its play session, receives a ticket identifying his account, goes to awagering station180 or aplayer station190, and places his ticket into the ticket reader182 or192. The

station

180 or190, after reading the ticket, communicates with an accounting system, transfers founds to the

station

180 or190 where the credits become available for the player to wager. When the player desires to ends his session, he removes the ticket from the

station

180 or190, places it into aservice station170 wherein the ticket is exchanged for a redeemable voucher an attendant may exchange for standard currency.

Thus, the block diagram illustrating the system for the play of an automated die game using the assembly ofFIG. 10 is slightly different from the one hereinabove depicted.FIG. 11 illustrates the system comprising theautomated gaming assembly200, the player station(s)220, thewagering stations240, and the service station(s)260. A network (LAN)290 links the service station(s)260, theautomated gaming assembly200 and acentral server280 wherein an accounting database282 maintains information on found transfer, such as money deposited in service station(s)260, credit transferred to aplayer station220 or awagering station240, and credits transferred into vouchers redeemable by attendants. Asecured network292 maintains communication between thegaming controller202 and the

station controllers

222 and224.

As illustrated, eachservice station260 comprises acontroller262 that: a) maintains communication with thecentral server280; b) commands the printing of ticket printing and voucher printing by aprinter264 for allowing player to play or to redeem prizes won; c) commands ticket reading to be read by areader266 when a player ends its session; and d) accesses memory268.

Theautomated die assembly200 may comprise protecting means206 (as example including a dome) preventing players from fraudulently influencing the outcome, anoutcome generation mechanism204 being partially controllable by a player at a player station using outcome control inputs, die208, and die identification means210 including image capturing and analysing means. These components are more or less controlled by thegaming controller202 depending in part from signals received from a player station for the outcome generation. The assembly further comprises memory212 for storing necessary programs and registering information.

The player station(s)220 andwagering stations240 are composed of a

controller

222 and242; an

electronic screen

224 and244 adapted for their particular needs; input means226 and246 also adapted for their particular needs; a

ticket reader

228 and248; andmemory230 and250. As stated, the needs of awagering station220 differ from the ones of aplayer station240. The latter permits a player to influence the outcome generation process while thewagering station220 capability is limited to placing wagers regarding die outcomes. Thus, an outcome generation process includes signal exchange between thegaming controller202 and aplayer station controller222.

Other physical embodiments are possible according to the kind of stations that are suitable for the game, the available equipment, and the services that have to be offered at the player stations. For instance, the stations may essentially be located on the platform, be distinct devices extending around the platform, or partially to almost totally embedded in the platform. Touch screen, buttons, matting with wired sensors underneath, one screen or many screens of different dimensions, or even no screen can be used according to the needs.

Another embodiment (not illustrated) is one wherein the players are all facing the same direction. For instance, the player stations may all have their operative faces facing clockwise, therefore establishing that players are all facing the some direction between the back and the side of the player placed in front of him. Accordingly, players may prefer this configuration depending on his preferences regarding the proximity of other players.

Yet another embodiment (not illustrated) is one wherein player stations comprise two operative faces substantially opposed to each other. According to this embodiment, two players disposed at locations on the two sides of a platform tip may participate in the wagering game.

An addition to one embodiment is a player station remotely located from the automated gaming system, and receiving both outcome signals and captured images from the automated gaming system. In this case, the player located at this remote player station would witness the outcome through the captured image rather than witnessing it live.

Another embodiment is an assembly wherein an attendant would participate in the game even if the wagers are resolved by player stations.

As the above embodiments were disclosed for the play of roulette and die games, other games may benefit from similar gaming systems. The list of suitable games includes bingo, keno, electronic card games, or even automated race games.

Furthermore, the automated gaming assembly and player station controllers may be adapted for the play of a pari-mutuel game. Accordingly, wagering information would be continuously exchanged between player stations. In consequence, the wagering resolution process, rather than demanding knowledge only of the outcome and of a static pay schedule, would demand more information from other sources, at least wagering information from other player stations. The information exchange would be different but the assembly would essentially remain the same. Other embodiments could also differ regarding programs, games, communication, game control, etc. without departing from the scope of the invention.

It is intended, while block diagram illustrates system components communicating with each other, that those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied through a combination of hardware and software components. These components are illustrates as such in the appended block diagrams solely to teach their functionalities and relationship. Thus, programmable computers, computer applications or operating systems may be suitable to perform functions illustrated by one or more illustrated components without departing from the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, in case of some functional components being possible to be embodied as functional methods, these methods may be embodied in a machine or a system, carried out as a computer readable medium, a processing-readable memory, or communicated as an electrical or electro-mechanic signal.

Thereupon, the intent of the above document is to efficiently teach the invention through exemplary embodiments, while solely the appended claims are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An automated gaming system comprising:

a central section comprising an outcome generation system; and

a plurality of player stations disposed in periphery of the central section, wherein the player stations are adapted to register wagers depending on received wagering inputs from players using input means disposed on an operative face of each player station, and to resolve wagers based on an outcome signal received from the outcome generation system, and

wherein the automated gaming system is adapted to provide the player stations with their operative face facing substantially tangentially with respect to the outcome generation system thereby substantially facing a side of a player operating the player station when the player faces toward the outcome generation system.

2. The automated gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of said player stations further comprises:

displaying means for displaying information regarding participation in the wagering game;

storing means for storing data related to the wagering game;

communicating means for receiving signals from the outcome generation means; and

controlling means controlling participations in the wagering game, comprising controlling the displaying of game information, the storing of game data used in game participations and the exchange of communications with the outcome generating means.

3. The automated gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein the outcome generating means comprising:

outcome setting means for setting outcomes;

outcome identifying means for identifying outcomes;

communicating means for communicating signals [which signals?] from ???? to???; and

controlling means adapted to signal the outcome generating means to initiate a game outcome generation process, to receive an outcome signal from the outcome identifying means, and to transmit a game outcome signal to at least one of player stations.

4. The automated gaming system ofclaim 3, wherein the controlling means of the outcome generation means receives a signal from one of said player stations, and generates and communicates a response signal to one of said player stations modifying one of a game outcome generation process, and a wager resolving process.

5. The automated gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein two of said player stations are disposed substantially back to back.

6. The automated gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein the outcome generating means and the platform are at similar height.

7. The automated gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of said player stations is attached to the platform through attaching means that permits, when the player station is released, to exchanged said player station with another one of a different model.

8. The automated gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of said player stations is rotationally attached to the platform, whereby permitting adjustment of orientation of said player station.

9. The automated gaming system ofclaim 3, wherein the game outcome is one of roulette, a die game, a ball game, and a virtual card game.

10. The automated gaming system ofclaim 3, wherein the game outcome is one generated using at least one of balls, cards, electronically generated images, and die.

11. The automated gaming system ofclaim 3, wherein the game outcome is one generated using symbols, with said symbols being provided either by reels, wheels or electronic displays.

12. The automated gaming system ofclaim 3, wherein the outcome generation system comprises a roulette system using a roulette spinning portion and a ball rolling at an initial speed gradually decreasing during the outcome generation process, the automated gaming system further comprising speed evaluating means that evaluates the speed of the ball and that signals the controlling means of the outcome generation system when a predetermined speed criterion is reached upon which said controlling means signals the player stations to prevent new wagers from being registered.

13. The automated gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein the automated gaming system is communicatively linked to an additional remote player station.

14. The automated gaming system ofclaim 1, further comprising an attendant position where an attendant controls the conduct of the wagering game.

15. The automated gaming system ofclaim 1, further comprising an additional displaying means providing one of: a) special feature information, b) game history information, and c) advertising information.

16. The automated gaming system ofclaim 1, further being communicatively linked to a service station wherein one of said players performs monetary processes permitting said player to register credits available to be used on one of said player stations.

17. The automated gaming system ofclaim 16, wherein the service station is structurally remote from the automated gaming system.

18. The gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein one of said player stations further comprises an operative face which normally points a direction between a vertical direction and substantially toward one of said players operating said player station.

19. The gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein one of said player stations further comprises two operative faces facing substantially opposite directions, wherein each one of said operative faces is adapted to provide participations in the wagering game to one of said players.

20. An automated gaming assembly comprising:

an outcome generation system;

a platform disposed around the outcome generation system at an appropriate height for a player facing toward the outcome generation system to have a direct view of an outcome generated by the outcome generation system; the platform comprising platform sections adapted to attach player stations to be communicatively linked to the outcome generation system for a player to play an outcome generation system associated game with the player operating a player station by using input means disposed on an operative face of each player station,

wherein the automated gaming assembly is adapted to attach a player station with the operative face of the player station substantially facing a side of the player operating the player station when the player faces toward the outcome generation system.

21. The automated gaming assembly ofclaim 20, wherein the platform comprises a tip section extending outwardly with respect to the outcome generating means wherein said attaching means is located.

22. The automated gaming assembly ofclaim 20, wherein the outcome generating means and the platform are at similar height.

23. The automated gaming assembly ofclaim 20, wherein said attaching means are adapted to attach two of said player stations in a back to back configuration.

24. The automated gaming assembly ofclaim 20, wherein said attaching means are adapted to attach one of said player stations comprising two operative faces facing substantially opposite directions, thereby adapted to provide concurrent participations of two of said players in the wagering game.

25. The automated gaming assembly ofclaim 20, wherein one of said player stations is either embedded in the platform, annexed to the platform, or installed on the platform.

26. The automated gaming assembly ofclaim 20, wherein the outcome generating means generates roulette outcomes.

27. The automated gaming assembly ofclaim 20, wherein the outcome generating means uses at least one of a ball, a card, an electronically generated image and a dice to generate an outcome.

28. The automated gaming assembly ofclaim 20, wherein the outcome generating means uses symbols to generate outcomes, with said symbols being provided either by reels, wheels or an electronic displaying means.

29. The automated gaming assembly ofclaim 20, wherein the attaching means permits to adjust orientation of an attached player station.

30. The automated gaming assembly ofclaim 20, wherein the operative face of one of said player stations, when attached to the platform, is pointing a direction between a vertical direction and substantially toward the player operating said player station.