EP0806024B1 - Playing device system - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/EP96/00306 Sec. 371 Date Jul. 25, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Jul. 25, 1997 PCT Filed Jan. 25, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO96/23289 PCT Pub. Date Aug. 1, 1996A playing device system can be used by a number of players with various playing devices at a distance from each other. Each of these devices can be connected to a common host computer via a remote data transmission system and they are controlled by a random symbol generator which determines a winning combination of symbols. In order to simplify the system, the symbol generator is assigned to the host computer, with the playing devices constituting a display indicating the winning combination of symbols generated by the random symbol generator and connected with an input device to participate in the continuous determination of the winnings.

Description

The invention relates to a game device system with the generic features of claim 1.

A game device system is, for example, from the WO 94/11696 known, whereby for the organization of tournaments, especially on electronic darts, or to enable the Interaction of remote players suggested is, spatially separated play equipment by means of Connect remote data transmission and score displays sync to display the game results achieved. Remote data transmission between the individual gaming devices is preferably carried out over the telephone network. To the A central computer can also be used for remote data transmission Evaluation of the game results of all play equipment connected be.

A similar system for playing on multiple, removed entertainment devices set up from each other is from the WO 94/25928 known, wherein between the game devices bidirectional connecting line is provided. Here too are the entertainment or play equipment via modem and Remote data transmission line connected or networked with each other. Thus, the game-relevant Data can also be displayed directly on the other devices, comparing the results of the opponents and in the respective displays of the play equipment as total or subtraction results can be displayed. This Game device system is especially for Entertainment device centers designed, the one and outgoing signals from the entertainment devices in question a central computer can be processed, so that a Central control and allocation of the used money stakes is made possible. In addition, the Remote data transmission line also to a separate Personal computer of an operator who is connected Data evaluation directly possible at the machine operator.

From DE 35 22 136 (= GB-A-2 161 629) is also a electronic tournament system using video game machines known, each having a display device and connected to a central computer via a data line are. The identification data are in the central computer individual players and their credit saved. Every player receives a card containing his identification, which he presents before Start of a game in a card reader of the gaming device introduces. The calculator evaluates and after the credit check release the game results and determine one Winner. This information about the winner is then sent to the Data line fed to the individual play equipment and there displayed.

Furthermore, EP-A-0 015 081 is a game device system known, with several playground equipment over a Remote data transmission, for example a telephone line a central computer are connected. Starting from that The central computer sends program information to the individual game devices sent to the game variants to change. Remote data transmission can also do this be used that reached on the individual play equipment Send game results to the central computer, for example, the number of games, the frequency of winnings and the like on a single device.

All these game systems have in common that the play equipment are relatively expensive. At least that's how it is on every gaming device an input device in the form of a joystick in video game devices, of an electronic darts field at one Electronic darts or one at a slot machine Keyboard, each a random generator, and a cash acceptance and Cash withdrawal device required. Beyond that also when connecting to the central computer interfaces, Modems and the like are required. These components of the Play equipment is sometimes quite complicated and also require in the case of slot machines Careful monitoring and integrated random generator Control. This monitoring and, if necessary, maintenance in regular intervals prescribed by law however, very complex, because the technical staff for this The location of the individual play equipment must travel. Here is often the agreement with the owner of the inn, where, for example, the slot machine is set up, difficult, so such a visit is often only in the evening or possible at night while the restaurant is open is.

The generic EP-A-0 620 688 is concerned with two-way cable television (CATV), including satellite TV or Pay TV should be understood. Here are a variety of TVs with an appropriate interface and assigned input unit connected to a network in order to make games or purchases. With the input the Players enter their tip numbers, then the "draw" (or an auction and the like) live on the TV set is transmitted. At the same time, the participation fee or the Profit is credited or deducted on a chip card, which the user inserts into the interface unit. According to of the drawings are next to a "distribution calculator" Query units for the credit institution are also provided if the player wants to pay with a credit card, for example. Furthermore, "game opportunity generators" are connected to this network connected. These "game opportunity generators" are called Roulette table in an arcade using a camera is transferred and the game results are then transferred back be evaluated on the respective TV set.

EP-A-0 450 520 also describes only one Lottery terminal, with the winning numbers on a keyboard can be entered. These tip numbers are then over Phone line given to a data center and there registered. Then the winning numbers are drawn, which are then published or otherwise published. Of the The player must then put these winning numbers back into his device Enter so that he can see whether he has these numbers typed. From this it is obvious that the winning numbers are on the gaming device will not be retransmitted for display. Here a random generator is also mentioned, but only for this purpose is used to generate lottery betting lines to make the player's job to decrease.

According to US-A-5,340,119, the prize draw on television are transmitted, however, the typed Number combination similar to the previous lottery ticket written down on a sheet, which is then transmitted by fax and is registered. Receipts can also be used as "carbon copies" via the receipt of the "lottery ticket" to the player be retransmitted. So that the player can then Draw the winning numbers and the television broadcast claim corresponding winnings. However, this system is very cumbersome because it is still mostly manual.

WO 89/02139 describes a telephone system, the Customer can give his lottery number for a lottery or by Keyboard can enter. However, this system still needs one "Operator" who calls the customer through a separate phone call notified after drawing. This is also the system relatively complex and cumbersome.

Accordingly, the invention is based on the object Play equipment system with several, apart from each other arranged play equipment to create, the play equipment and thus the system as a whole is constructed significantly more simply is and still a national participation in the game is made possible.

This object is achieved by a gaming device system according to the features of claim 1.

By arranging the (single) random generator in Central computer, which uses a remote data transmission Variety of associated play equipment can be connected achieved a significant reduction in equipment costs become. For example, the random number generator can have hundreds or even thousands of connected play equipment at the same time Control time in a parallel or synchronous manner. Here it is essential that the play equipment itself only one Need minimal equipment only in the form of an advertisement, the winning symbol combination determined by the random number generator display, and a Coupling device to connect to the Central computer to participate in the determination of profits enable. This connection or coupling device e.g. B. in the form of a magnetic card reader is used in preferably also to the player identify.

This serves as the central computer a telephone or data transmission satellite because thereby a large number of potential game participants is achieved. The players are identified in the case of a radio telephone using the so-called PIN number, so that the debit of the participation fee and the Allocation of a possible profit to the right person he follows. In the preferred embodiment of the game system as Lottery number can e.g. B. the final digit of the personal PIN code serve as "lot number". As a coupling element but also the identity card with a corresponding one Identification number, a magnetic card, a bank card or Credit card or the respective phone number of the Serve the game participant. Instead of the final digit, however the first digit or the fourth, fifth or sixth digit of the corresponding number. On the display of the game device, be it the display of the Phone, the screen of the PC or a display of one separately installed play equipment, the respective game variant (eg "final digit wins; Chance of winning 1: 9 "etc.). Numbers or letters, for example the first letter of the family name, as "drawn" by the random number generator Serve profit criterion and for the identification of the Serve the game participant. This assignment data is in Central computer stored via the coupling element and immediately after "drawing" by the random number generator determine so that the corresponding profit allocation over the respective telephone number, bank card number or the like can be done in the manner of "electronic banking".

This expedient identification takes place through the in the respective play equipment integrated or in the immediate vicinity arranged coupling device with which the player of the continuous game and thus the Participation of profits takes part. At the same time it is more advantageous Way an automatic, cashless debit one predetermined participation fee in the game online carried out or if there is a win Credit also posted online. Instead of this preferred online booking can also be done on a Value card (chip card) a buffered debit or charge respectively.

The proposed gaming device system with several, removed play equipment placed or located from each other is particularly suitable for the implementation of a lottery, where compared to the z. Current lottery system with only weekly or semi-weekly implementation significant increase in the frequency of "drawing" the winning symbol combinations is possible. For example, the Determination of the winning number and its display z. B. in Minute intervals are carried out, so that the game need a large number of game participants met at the same time can be. In addition, the simultaneous participation is one Plenty of potential players in multiple countries or even possible worldwide.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it can be used as a game device to display the determined winning symbol combination already existing electronic device, for example a Personal computer, a laptop, a car phone or one portable phone (cell phone) serve. This will also Identification of the participating players essential relieved, so that the debiting of the predetermined Participation fee can be done online in a particularly simple manner can. This predetermined or z. B. depending on the time of day Varying participation fee can also be paid by the for the different load ranges usual Telephone charges may be covered. For the telephone network or Radio network operators therefore have a special result advantageous capacity utilization of existing ones Data transmission systems, as in times of low capacity for example, a particularly low one at night Entry fee can be offered to one here To create game incentive. Likewise, with the same Participation fee the chance of winning or the amount paid out be increased accordingly.

Overall, this results in one of a multitude of Play equipment system that can be used easily by participants, in particular existing electronic devices, such as PC, telephone to participate in the gaming device system are suitable. This allows the letter or Lottery of numbers or a combination of them is significantly more common perform, the participant also in the simplest Way, like dialing a phone number, at the current one "Draw" can participate. The player no longer has to go to the appropriate stores, fill out the lottery ticket, monitor the draw and redeem the prize. Hereby there is a particularly simple game system that also due to the largely existing data communication channels and existing communication devices from the administrative effort is significantly cheaper, so that correspondingly higher Payout rates are achievable. It also results especially in the arrangement of the central computer and the Random number generator in or in the area of a transmission tower or the possibility of a telecommunications satellite better utilization of existing communication facilities.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Gesamtdarstellung des Spielgerätesystems; und

Fig. 2

eine vergrößerte Darstellung der Anzeige des Spielgerätes, das auch als Display an einem Fernsehbildschirm, einem Mobiltelefon, einem Computerbildschirm oder dergleichen ausgebildet sein kann.

A preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained and described in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Here show:

Fig. 1

an overall schematic representation of the gaming device system; and

Fig. 2

an enlarged view of the display of the game device, which can also be designed as a display on a television screen, a mobile phone, a computer screen or the like.

1 shows an overall representation of the gaming device system 1 shown, a plurality of game devices 2 provided is. The number of play equipment 2 can be several thousand or include more than as game devices 2 in a simple manner existing electronic devices are used can. In addition to a specially designed game device 2 in the Form of a slot machine 2a, as it is especially for the Use in arcades for public use Is used, can also be used as playground equipment 2 essential conventional television sets 2b, Personal computer 2c, stationary telephones 2d, mobile telephones 2e and similar personal data transmission devices use Find. The display 8 is in the execution as Slot machine 2a in the form of overlapping disks shown, but can also be used as a light band, light ring or the like. To be familiar with here Maintain appearance. As a prerequisite for suitability as a game device 2 is only a device for Remote data transmission 3 and a display or display 8 for Receipt of the determined winning symbol required. The Remote data transmission 3 can be wired, especially over the telephone network or in the case of Mobile phones 2e take place wirelessly. About the Remote data transmission 3 are the gaming devices 2 to one Receiver 4 for the data sent by the gaming devices 2 and thus connected to a central computer 5 which preferably by a high performance computer with high Processing speeds and large storage capacity is formed. On the central computer 5 is also a Transmitter 6 connected to the winning combinations, for example winning numbers, winning symbols or Winning letters or combinations thereof to the advertisements 8 the game devices 2 transmitted. The winning symbols are here by a single central random generator 7 determined or "pulled". The winning symbols can also symbols known from the slot machine sector, such as. B. three cherries, three aces, three crowns on the disc or band display of the slot machine 2a. At the same time, the command from the central computer 5 Profit allocation z. B. DM 5, - at "drawing" of three aces given all connected play equipment 2.

In the example shown here, the winning number is "793", which is also a letter as another winning symbol combination can be assigned. This determined winning symbol combination X is broadcast by the transmitter (or multiple transmitters) 6 the bidirectional remote data transmission 3 to the individual connected play equipment 2 and shown there. At the same time, the preferred version of the online profit posting the fed via the receiver 4 Participant data in the memory of the central computer 5 after this winning combination is indexed and also via the Remote data transmission 3 the corresponding if there is a win Allocation of profits submitted. When allocating profits offline the profit is posted to the inserted value card.

Remote data transmission 3 can also be carried out by several regional, intermediate transmitting stations 3a take place. The from receiver 4, central computer 5, transmitter 6 and Random generator 7 formed here can also in the Transmitting station 3a can be accommodated, but also over others Data connections in another country, for example in Be arranged overseas, or on one indicated here Telecommunications satellite 10 can be accommodated. Hereby can be a very large number of potential game participants can be achieved. The telecommunications satellite 10 can here in orbiting or also in geostationary Career.

To participate in the continuous Determining the profit of the random generator 7, for example in the Minute, is a connection to the respective game device 2 or coupling device 9 is provided. This Coupling device 9 is preferably used as a card reader trained, as here with the card input slot 9a is indicated. Here, a prepaid card can be used in particular as so-called chip card with a value of z. B. DM 100, inserted be, whereby the coupling and participation in Game is effected. The profits can be made directly be booked on the balance so that the player can can redeem at the point of sale.

The coupling device 9 has a preferred embodiment continue to have a special registration number, this Registration number also form the possible winning number can, provided that it is "pulled" by the random generator 7. From Receiver 4 and the central computer 5 are used for one Participation in the game is the registration number of the sender Play equipment and depending on the game variant, for example, if the final digit matches the Sender 6 a corresponding profit allocation to this respective game device 2 transmitted. So if the winning number X with the registration number as identification number partially or completely in some places, can, for example, the inserted card in the Card reader 9a of the coupling device 9 upgraded are, as described in more detail in connection with FIG. 2 becomes.

The connection or coupling device 9 can here also as a decoder with a specific registration number be formed as in the embodiment 2b of the Game device 2 shown in the form of a television receiver is. The display 8 of the respective winning numbers can queried by screen text or similar devices become. In embodiment 2c can be used as a personal computer the coupling device 9 also with a modem a certain registration number. The stake of the personal computer also enables the display of last drawn winning numbers on the display 8, so that the A suitable user before coupling into the data network Chance of winning. In addition, the use of Personal computers 2c also have the option of using multiple Participant numbers to participate in the game. Because of Data security and the prevention of misuse can do this for example on the modem as a coupling device 9 Key switch 11 may be provided. Instead of the transfer a modem can also be connected to the personal computer 2c corresponding transmitter for direct contact via Data network with the central computer 5 may be provided. A particularly simple design of the coupling device 9 exists in the embodiment 2d as a stationary phone that for example the telephone connection with the end number "22307" having. These are clearly assigned to each person The telephone number thus serves both as a "lot number" and for Identification for a possible profit allocation. In addition the telephone subscriber can for the most part already usual recording of phone call data, such as Start time, end time, remote number clearly opposite prove to the gaming machine system operator that he has become a certain time and thus a certain competition, for example at 8:38 p.m. in the gaming device system 1 was coupled in and here, for example, the end number "307" was pulled. The determined by the random number generator 7 Winning numbers can also be used for a more precise overview each with the assignment of the "drawing minute" in the Daily newspaper or on screen text in neutral media being represented.

With the embodiment 2e of the game device 2 as a mobile phone is also a simple and easy coupling and Participation in the gaming device system 1 possible. This is also by the usual magnetic card, for example with the personal identification number with the final digit "8473" a direct determination of a possible winner online possible because the relevant transmitter data from the Mobile phone 2e in front of the receiver 4 in the central computer 5 "Draw" of the winning number by the random number generator 7 are defined and saved. By return using the Sender 6 can thus give the game participant the winning number and here too, for example, the match in the final digit "3" will be displayed. The participation fee in the game will be preferred over the usual telephone participation fee debited. Instead of assigning a certain amount of money free units can also be awarded for smaller winnings respectively. For larger winnings, the win amount can Display 8 of the mobile phone 2e are displayed and then the Participants receive a corresponding notification and transfer be sent. An alternative is that the Amount of profit by means of the central computer 5 in Game device system 1 known account is credited. The Debiting or profit posting is done for reasons data security preferably via a connected bank. The use of a is particularly suitable for this Credit card or a bank card as a coupling element the card input slot 9a of the coupling device 9 since thereby also the bank details in coded form is available and then the corresponding one via the bank Allocation of profits can be made. Because such credit cards or Bank cards are already very common, these are suitable Cards in particular to participate in the game, since at Credit cards through the company for payment systems personally assigned clearly assigned final digits. As a result, the winning person is also independent of the registration numbers of the coupling device or of the modem or the telephone number can be clearly identified.

In Fig. 2 is a display 8, as in one of the Play equipment 2a to 2e can be used. First of all, the game variant just performed displayed, for example that the last three digits an identification number, be it the registration number, the decoder number, the telephone number or the PIN number win. It could also be used as an additional example Profit variant of the profit if the letter applies to the first letters of the family name. Furthermore, the last winning number X is shown on display 8, here for example, the number "793" is displayed. For The current opportunity can also be assessed Number of participants currently in the game system coupled, are displayed, as well as others game-relevant data, such as the next special or joker game. Furthermore, the potential Game participants the chance of winning, for example at Match the final digit from z. B. "1 to 9" is displayed. In the game variant with an additional random generator 7 determined letters for the first letter of the family or first name, for example, the chance of winning with "1 200 ". These chances of winning are in principle built up similarly to the roulette or the lottery, so that, for example, if the last three match Final digits already paid relatively high odds become.

The display 8 described above on the display or Screen is in the execution as an arcade device 2a persistently while this ad is on a Television set according to version 2b over a certain one Channel or screen text can be called. The same applies to the possibility of calling the Game devices 2c, 2d and 2e, the display 8 over a cheap phone tariff can be called. You can other game information may also be included, for example the current time, the rhythm of the game, e.g. B. every minute and other information such as the number of participants, number of previous winnings, recent payout percentages, or last twenty winning numbers. This data is thereby the game device system 1 continuously updated.

If the player has decided to participate, he can a corresponding prepaid card or his personal credit or bank card on the coupling device 9, if necessary Enter an additional number code and enter thus connected to the game device system 1 or coupled. The same is done at the choice of one specific phone number for the devices according to the Embodiment 2d and 2e. The participant then receives one Confirmation that he will take part in the next "drawing", at the same time the corresponding participation fee from the on Card entry slot 9a inserted value or credit card is debited. At the same time, the Remote data transmission 3 the personal data, that is "Lot number" via the receiver 4 in the central computer 5 fed. A specific game is selected for each game Time limit until the storage and registration can take place as a player, for example at a Every minute the first thirty seconds of a minute. Then the winning number X is determined by the random number generator 7 and by means of the central computer 5 the winners or the winning play equipment 2 determined and notified. At The presence of a credit or bank card can then Allocation of profits online directly to the personal account respectively. If a prepaid card e.g. B. in the form of a conventional Phonecard is used, the winning amount can be here be credited or additional free units for Use of a data network, such as B. on the Internet, as Special games will be awarded. In the case of arcade equipment, which are generally accessible to the public additionally an account balance indicator 9b as well as a Printer 9c can be provided with which a possible profit, e.g. B. in "drawing" three aces by the Random number generator 7 and the corresponding display on the here shown electronic three-pane display of the Slot machine 2a is documented. With such evidence can then the player from the arcade operator corresponding profit that is booked on the prepaid card, cash out. This prepaid card with a face value of e.g. B. DM 100, - also has the advantage that the player himself Game on slot machine 2a remains anonymous and that Remote data transmission 3 relieved of on-line booking processes becomes.

However, the profit transaction is preferred, especially at larger amounts, directly into a bank or an account carried out by the holder by the credit card number or PIN number or phone number is identified. As However, an alternative can also be found at the gaming machine system operator an appropriate account can be set up. For Certainty can also be certain maximum bets per day from DM 500, for example - similar to casinos be fixed.

The game system described results in a very high one Data throughput even with thousands of players, so that the individual winnings in seconds can be carried out. This is compared to usual number lottery a significantly greater frequency of Drawings and thus opportunities to win. In addition the system is particularly easy to use and ease of use, making this Game device system 1 in particular in data networks, such as Internet, from the respective operators ("providers") can be integrated.

Claims (13)

1. A playing device system (1) with a plurality of playing devices (2) remote from one another, which can each be connected to a common central computer (5) by an associated data telecommunications link (3) and which are controlled by a random generator (7) for determining a winning symbol combination (X), wherein the random generator (7) is associated with the central computer (5), wherein the playing devices (2) are each formed as a display (8) for the winning symbol combination (X) issued by the random generator (7) and are connected to a coupling-in device (9) for participation in the continuously running determination of winners,
   characterized in that
   the central computer (5) and the associated random generator (7) are arranged in a telecommunications satellite (10).
2. A playing device system according to claim 1,
   characterized in that the coupling-in device (9) is formed by a card reader (9a) for reading a personal identification card.
3. A playing device system according to claim 2,
   characterized in that the identification card is formed by a credit card.
4. A playing device system according to claim 2,
   characterized in that the coupling-in device (9) has a specific registration number.
5. A playing device system according to claim 4,
   characterized in that the registration number is formed by the telephone number of a fixed telephone (2d) or a mobile telephone (2e).
6. A playing device system according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the playing device (2) is formed by a television set with an associated decoder (2b).
7. A playing device system according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the playing device (2) is formed by a personal computer (2c) with a modem for connection to the data telecommunications link (3).
8. A playing device system according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the playing device (2) is formed by a fixedly connected telephone (2d).
9. A playing device system according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the playing device (2) is formed by a mobile telephone (2e).
10. A playing device system according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the coupling-in device (9) comprises a record printer (9c).
11. A playing device system according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the coupling-in device (9) comprises an account state display (9b).
12. A playing device system according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the central computer (5) is connected to an automatic cashless winnings crediting device.
13. A playing device system according to any of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the payment of the participation fee to the continuously running winnings determination is effected by debiting one or more telephone units.

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