U.S. patent application number 10/796851 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-31 for wireless interactive gaming system.
Invention is credited to Angell, Robert C., Bowen, Mark W..
Application Number | 20050070358 10/796851 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25293564 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050070358 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Angell, Robert C. ; et
al. |
March 31, 2005 |
Wireless interactive gaming system
Abstract
A system and method for playing a wagering game uses a wireless
gaming device including an identification code, entry apparatus for
entering wagering information by a player, and a transmitter. A
receiver receives the identification code and the wagering
information transmitted by the transmitter of the wireless gaming
device. The receiver polls the wireless gaming device to determine
whether the player has entered wagering information to be
transmitted to the receiver.
Inventors: |
Angell, Robert C.; (West
Greenwich, RI) ; Bowen, Mark W.; (North Kingstown,
RI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KENYON & KENYON
ONE BROADWAY
NEW YORK
NY
10004
US
|
Family ID: |
25293564 |
Appl. No.: |
10/796851 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10796851 |
Mar 8, 2004 |
|
|
|
09342150 |
Jun 29, 1999 |
|
|
|
6702672 |
|
|
|
|
09342150 |
Jun 29, 1999 |
|
|
|
08844764 |
Apr 22, 1997 |
|
|
|
5938200 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/39 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/10 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3223 20130101; A63F 3/081
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/039 |
International
Class: |
G06F 019/00; G06F
017/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for playing a wagering game, comprising: a wireless
gaming device comprising an identification code, entry apparatus
for entering wagering information by a player, and a transmitter; a
receiver for receiving the identification code and the wagering
information transmitted by the transmitter of the wireless gaming
device, the receiver polling the wireless gaming device to
determine whether the player has entered wagering information to be
transmitted to the receiver.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the receiver periodically polls
the wireless gaming device.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the wagering information relates
to a wager request.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the wagering information includes
a command.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the wagering information includes
data.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the wagering information comprises
a string of characters.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the characters 2 are hexademical
digits.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the wireless gaming device is a
hand-held device.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the entry apparatus comprises
keys.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the entry apparatus comprises a
smart card reader.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein the wireless gaming device
further comprises a wager amount register.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein the wireless gaming device
further comprises an account balance register.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein the wireless gaming device
further comprises a liquid crystal display.
14. The system of claim 1 wherein the wireless gaming device
further comprises a bicolor light emitting diode to indicate
separately that the wagering information has been entered by the
player and that the wagering information has been transmitted by
the transmitter.
15. The system of claim 1 wherein the transmission is by radio
frequency signals.
16. The system of claim 1 wherein the transmission is by infrared
signals.
17. The system of claim 1 further comprising a processor in
communication with the receiver for processing the wagering
information transmitted by the wireless gaming device based on the
identification code.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein the processor further comprises
a database for storing an account of the player.
19. The system of claim 1 wherein the wireless gaming device
further comprises an electronically programmable read only memory
for storing an identifier corresponding to the identification
code.
20. The system of claim 1 further comprising an encryption key to
encrypt the identification code and the wagering information prior
to transmission and to decrypt the identification code and the
wagering information after being received by the receiver.
21. A method of playing a wagering game using a wireless gaming
device, comprising: providing the wireless gaming device comprising
an identification code, entry apparatus for entering wagering
information by a player, and a transmitter; entering the wagering
information into the entry apparatus; polling the wireless gaming
device to determine whether the player has entered wagering
information to be transmitted by the transmitter; and transmitting
the identification code and the wagering information.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the wireless gaming device is
polled periodically.
23. The method of claim 21 further comprising displaying the
wagering information on the wireless gaming device.
24. The method of claim 21 wherein the identification code and the
wagering information are transmitted by radio frequency
signals.
25. The method of claim 21 wherein the identification code and the
wagering information are transmitted by infrared signals.
26. The method of claim 21 further comprising processing the
wagering information transmitted by the wireless gaming device
based on the identification code.
27. The method of claim 21 further comprising encrypting the
identification code and the wagering information prior to
transmission.
28. A wireless gaming device for transmitting 2 wagering
information to a receiver, comprising: a memory for storing an
identification code; entry apparatus for entering the wagering
information; a transmitter for converting the identification code
and the wagering information into a signal for wireless
transmission to the receiver, the transmitter transmitting the
signal when the receiver polls the wireless gaming device to
determine that the wagering information has entered.
29. The wireless gaming device of claim 28 wherein the wireless
gaming device is periodically polled by the receiver.
30. The wireless gaming device of claim 28 wherein the
identification code is stored in the memory in a digital
format.
31. The wireless gaming device of claim 28 wherein the wireless
gaming device is a hand-held device.
32. The wireless gaming device of claim 28 wherein the entry
apparatus comprises keys.
33. The wireless gaming device of claim 28 wherein, the entry
apparatus comprises a smart card reader.
34. The wireless gaming device of claim 28 wherein the wireless
transmission is by radio frequency signals.
35. The wireless gaming device of claim 28 wherein the wireless
transmission is by infrared signals.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
08/844,794, filed Apr. 22, 1997.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to an interactive gaming system, and
in particular, a system which is operated by a wireless gaming
device.
[0003] A typical casino-type game involves making a wager that a
particular gaming event will occur, e.g., that a particular element
from a set of numbers will be selected. In such a game, the payout
or monetary prize awarded to a winning player usually depends on
the amount of the player's wager and the probability that the event
will occur.
[0004] Various games have been developed that require or, permit
interaction between the game and the game's players in a gaming or
casino environment. Such interaction should be simple and
uninhibited from the players' point of view, and cost effective for
the gaming establishment. Since wagers and prizes can reach up to
hundreds of thousands of dollars for many casino-type wagering
games, players must have confidence in the integrity and
reliability of such an interactive gaming system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In general, in one aspect, the invention features system for
playing a wagering game. A wireless gaming device includes an
identification code, entry apparatus for entering wagering
information by a player, and a transmitter. A receiver receives the
identification code and the wagering information transmitted by the
transmitter of the wireless gaming device. The receiver polls the
wireless gaming device to determine whether the player has entered
wagering information to be transmitted to the receiver.
[0006] Implementations of the invention may also include one or
more of the following features. The receiver may periodically poll
the wireless gaming device. The wagering information may relate to
a wager request, or may include a command or data. The wagering
information may include a string of characters, which may be
hexademical digits. The transmission may be by radio frequency
signals or infrared signals.
[0007] The wireless gaming device may be a hand-held device. The
entry apparatus may include keys or a smart card reader. The
wireless gaming device may also include a wager amount register and
an account balance register.
[0008] The wireless gaming device may include a liquid crystal
display. The wireless gaming device may include a bicolor light
emitting diode to indicate separately that the wagering information
has been entered by the player and that the wagering information
has been transmitted by the transmitter.
[0009] The system may also include a processor in communication
with the receiver for processing the wagering information
transmitted by the wireless gaming device based on the
identification code. The processor may include a database for
storing an account of the player.
[0010] The wireless gaming device may include an electronically
programmable read only memory for storing an identifier
corresponding to the identification code. The system may include an
encryption key to encrypt the identification code and the wagering
information prior to transmission and to decrypt the identification
code and the wagering information after being received by the
receiver.
[0011] In general, in another aspect, the invention features a
method of playing a wagering game using a wireless gaming device.
The wireless gaming device includes an identification code, entry
apparatus for entering wagering information by a player, and a
transmitter. The wagering information is entered into the entry
apparatus. The wireless gaming device is polled to determine
whether the player has entered wagering information to be
transmitted by the transmitter. The identification code and the
wagering information are then transmitted.
[0012] Implementations of the invention may also include one or
more of the following features. The wireless gaming device may be
polled periodically. The wagering information may be displayed on
the wireless gaming device. The identification code and the
wagering information may be transmitted by radio frequency signals
or infrared signals. The wagering information may be processed
based on the identification code. The identification code and the
wagering information may be encrypted prior to transmission.
[0013] In general, in another aspect, the invention features a
wireless gaming device for transmitting wagering information to a
receiver. A memory stores an identification code. Entry apparatus
is used for entering the wagering information. A transmitter
converts the identification code and the wagering information into
a signal for wireless transmission to the receiver, the transmitter
transmitting the signal when the receiver polls the wireless gaming
device to determine that the wagering information has been
entered.
[0014] Implementations of the invention may also include one or
more of the following features. The wireless gaming device may be
periodically polled by the receiver. The identification code may be
stored in the memory in a digital format. The wireless gaming
device may be a hand-held device. The entry apparatus may include
keys or a smart card reader. The wireless transmission may be by
radio frequency signals or infrared signals.
[0015] The interactive gaming system of the present invention has
the advantage of providing players with a simple and
straightforward way to place wagers in a gaming environment.
[0016] The interactive gaming system of the present invention has
the additional advantage of allowing players to place wagers in a
gaming environment using a wireless gaming device.
[0017] The interactive gaming system of the present invention has
the additional advantage that players can obtain confirmations of
wagers and prizes while they are playing the game.
[0018] The interactive gaming system of the present invention has
the further advantage of providing a system in which the total cost
of the components of the system is low. This advantage is
particularly important where a large number of players must be able
to interact with the same game. For example, for a typical lottery
game, players may number in the tens to hundreds of thousands.
[0019] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description, and from the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic sketch of an interactive gaming
system of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic sketch of the wireless gaming
device of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic sketch of the receiver of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic sketch of the central processor of
the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a chart showing the impact of various wagering
activities on a player's account.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic sketch of the terminal of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a somewhat diagrammatic view of an account balance
display of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing how a player establishes an
account to play a game with a wireless gaming device.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing how a player places a wager
using a wireless gaming device.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing how a player closes an
account associated with a wireless gaming device.
[0030] FIGS. 11A and 111B are diagrams showing the format of
character strings for messages sent by the central processor and
the wireless gaming device, respectively.
[0031] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing how the central processor
communicates with the wireless gaming device.
[0032] FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing how the wireless gaming
device receives and relays player requests to the central
processor.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, a wireless interactive gaming system 10
includes one or more wireless gaming devices 20 . . . 20a, a
receiver 30, and a central processor 40. Wireless interactive
gaming system 10 may also include a terminal 50 which is in
communication with central processor 40.
[0034] In a gaming environment that employs system 10, a player
receives wireless gaming device 20 from a game officiant who
represents a gaming establishment or the "house". Wireless gaming
device 20 is capable of receiving wager information as commands
entered by the player and transmitting the received wager
information along with identification information to receiver 30 by
wireless transmission.
[0035] System 10 preferably supports up to 20 or more wireless
gaming devices within one gaming establishment. The range for the
wireless transmission from wireless gaming device 20 should be up
to 100 feet. The system should also operate with a 99% success rate
without having to reenter any commands on wireless gaming device
20, and the response time should be less than 750 ms between entry
of the command to transmission by the device. Wireless gaming
device 20 should also be able to share the gaming environment with
other remote control devices and should tolerate typical ambient
light conditions, including indirect sunlight and light emitted by
video game machines.
[0036] FIG. 2 shows the components of wireless gaming a device 20.
Device 20 may be any size apparatus that includes these components.
Device 20 is preferably a hand-held device that can be carried by a
player throughout the gaming establishment, and may also be
ergonomically designed for the player's comfort. Device 20 is
preferably sufficiently robust to withstand ordinary casino
environment stresses, i.e., the device is impact, water and tamper
resistant.
[0037] A player inputs information into wireless gaming device 20,
e.g., by pressing push buttons or keys 22 on device 20. Device 20
may include any number, e.g. from 5 to 20, of buttons 22 in a
keypad-type arrangement. Buttons 22 may be marked with the digits 0
through 9 and may also include a "$" (dollar sign) key and an
"enter" key, so that the player may easily input wager information.
Preferably, device 20 includes at least eight player selection
buttons (e.g., digits) and at least five special function buttons,
(e.g., to request the player's balance). Alternately, the player
can input some or all of the wager information into device 20 by
swiping a smart card 24, which contains a microprocessor chip or a
magnetic stripe with encoded information, through a smart card
reader 26 on device 20.
[0038] Wireless gaming device 20 may include an identifier 28.
Identifier 28 may be, e.g., a series of alphanumeric characters, a
bar code, or a magnetic stripe affixed to device 20. Alternately,
identifier 28 may be a digital code stored in a secure memory,
e.g., an electronically erasable programmable read only memory
(EEPROM) 34. Identifier 28 is thus readable directly by the game
officiant if it is a series of alphanumeric characters, or it may
be read automatically by a bar code reader 56 or a magnetic stripe
reader 58. Alternatively, identifier 28 may be programmed in EEPROM
34 or read from EEPROM 34 through an RS-232 port 84, which may be
directly connected to encoder and decoder circuitry 82 in terminal
50 (FIG. 6).
[0039] Wireless gaming device 20 may store an encryption key 32.
Encryption key 32 is used to encrypt information that is
transmitted to receiver 30 from device 20. Encryption of the
information transmitted to receiver 30 limits tampering with device
20 and prevents unauthorized or counterfeit devices from being used
with system 10.
[0040] Encryption key 32 is preferably stored in EEPROM 34. EEPROM
34 has the advantage of being a memory device which is difficult to
access if the appropriate encoding circuitry is not available.
Thus, it is contemplated that the encoding circuitry that downloads
encryption key 32 into device 20 will be securely held by the game
officiant.
[0041] Alternately, encryption key 32 stored in EEPROM 34 may be
updated and changed for each player who receives wireless gaming
device 20 by directly connecting device 20 to encoding and decoding
circuitry 82 in terminal 50 through port 84 at the time device 20
is delivered to the player (FIG. 6). Moreover, other digital
information related to the game being played may be downloaded from
terminal 50 to EEPROM 34 through the direct connection with device
20.
[0042] A microprocessor 36 controls the operation of wireless
gaming device 20. Microprocessor 36 receives digital wager
information 39 entered by the player using buttons or keys 22.
Microprocessor 32 stores an identification code 38 associated with
device 20 that is a digital equivalent of identifier 28.
Microprocessor 32 also executes software applications for
encrypting identification code 38 and the player's wager
information 39 for transmission to receiver 30. The software
contains an algorithm that encrypts a data packet including
identification code 38 and wager information 39 using encryption
key 32.
[0043] Wireless gaming device 20 preferably has a unique address,
i.e. identification code, for communications with receiver 30 and
stores a player identification that is programmed into the device
by the central processor 40. Wireless gaming device 20 preferably
includes a wager amount register 90, which is maintained and
updated using the keys on the device. The value stored in wager
amount register 90 may be included in transmissions from the device
to central processor 40. The value of wager amount register 90
should default to a predetermined value, e.g. $1, when the device
is initialized, and can be further adjusted by the player. Wireless
gaming device 20 also preferably includes an account balance
register 92, which is maintained in the device and is updated by
central processor 40 periodically. The value of account balance
register 92 should default to $0 when the device is
initialized.
[0044] Wireless gaming device 20 preferably includes player
function keys 94. Player function keys 94 may be used to accomplish
the following functions:
[0045] 1. Transmit a message to receiver 30;
[0046] 2. Request account balance information;
[0047] 3. Adjust the state of the device;
[0048] 4. Affect the data to be sent in the next transmitted
message;
[0049] 5. Increment the wager amount register by a predetermined
amount, e.g., $10, $5 or $1;
[0050] 6. Reset the wager amount register to the default value,
e.g., $1.
[0051] The firmware of wireless gaming device 20 should only allow
for one press of buttons or keys 22 every 100 ms. Key presses
should not be queued; thus, when a key press message is queued to
be sent, no other player input should be accepted until the queued
message has been sent.
[0052] Wireless gaming device 20 includes a transmitter 42.
Transmitter 42 receives encrypted digital information from
microprocessor 36 and converts it to a signal for wireless
transmission to receiver 30. Transmitter 42 transmits signals
wirelessly, e.g., using radio frequency signals or infrared
signals. Communications between receiver 30 and wireless gaming
device 20 may be asynchronous at 2400 bits 25 per second. Various
techniques for such cordless transmission of signals are known.
[0053] Wireless gaming device 20 may include an identifying circuit
44 that drives transmitter 42 to periodically send an
identification signal to receiver 30. The use of identifying
circuit 44 permits receiver 30 and central processor 40 to be
assured that device 20 is still active, functioning and present in
the gaming establishment. Thus, if device 20 were removed from the
gaming establishment, receiver 30 and central processor 40 would no
longer receive and detect the periodic identification signal sent
by identifying circuit 44 and transmitter 42, and the game
officiant may be alerted that device 20 has been removed from the
gaming establishment.
[0054] Wireless gaming device 20 may contain a real-time clock 46
that permits microprocessor 36 to monitor the current time and
date. Clock 46 may consist of a timing circuit. Microprocessor 36
can use the time and date information obtained from clock 46 to
perform calculations and other functions based on the current time
and date.
[0055] Wireless gaming device 20 may also include a tag 48, such as
an electronic or magnetic component, which activates an alarm when
passed through a sensing apparatus located at the entrance and/or
exit of the gaming establishment. Activation of the alarm by
passing device 20 with tag 48 through the sensing apparatus
notifies the game officiant of an attempted removal of device 20
from the gaming establishment.
[0056] Wireless gaming device 20 may be powered by a battery source
52 contained within device 20. A portable power source such as
battery source 52 permits extended cordless operation of device 20
throughout a gaming environment. Battery source 52 may be part of a
removable, rechargeable battery pack that allows device 20 to be
recharged when it is not in use.
[0057] In one embodiment, wireless gaming device 20 displays
information such as game information on a device display 21, such
as a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a back-light. The LCD can be
used to display the values stored in wager amount register 90 and
account balance register 92. Device 20 may include a display
receiver 23 which receives digital information transmitted from
receiver 30 or from central processor 40.
[0058] Device 20 may also include a bicolor light emitting diode
(LED) 25. Bicolor LED 25 is capable of displaying at least two
colors, e.g., red and green. The green light may flash each time
wireless gaming device 20 sends a transmission to receiver 30, for
a period of time to ensure that it is visible to the player. The
red light may illuminate when a key is pressed on wireless gaming
device 10, and remain lit until the transmission is received by
receiver 30; no additional key entry will be enabled when the red
light is lit. Device 20 may also include additional light emitting
diodes (not shown), for example to indicate when account balance
register 92 is being updated and the balance information is being
displayed on the LCD.
[0059] Receiver 30 is capable of receiving signals transmitted from
transmitter 42 in device 20. As shown in FIG. 3, receiver 30
contains a decoder 54, which converts the received signals, e.g.,
into digital information. This digital information contains at
least identification code 38 and the player's wager information 39.
Receiver 30 sends the digital information obtained by decoder 54 to
central processor 40. Communications between central processor 40
and receiver 30 may be by an RS-232 electrical interface data
serial communications link, with communications being asynchronous
at either 9600 or 19,200 bytes per second.
[0060] Receiver 30 can receive signals from many wireless devices
either simultaneously or in rapid succession, e.g., using
multiplexing techniques, so that many players can place wagers
using their wireless gaming devices 20 during a short time
interval. Receiver 30 differentiates signals received from the
various devices by the identification codes which are present in
the signals received by receiver 30.
[0061] Central processor 40 receives identification code 38 and the
player's wager information 39 from receiver 30. Central processor
40 also decrypts this information using encryption key 32. Central
processor 40 is capable of receiving data from multiple wireless
gaming devices in an apparently simultaneous manner.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, an account for the player is stored in a
database 64 of central processor 40. Database 64 stores the
monetary value of the balance of the account associated with
identifier 28 of wireless gaming device 20.
[0063] Central processor 40 manages the player's account in
database-64 based on signals received from the player's wireless
gaming device 20 as the player places wagers and when prizes are
awarded during play of the game. Central processor 40 subtracts
money from the player's account balance when the player places a
wager. The player's account balance may be automatically increased
by central processor 40 when the player wins a game on which he has
placed a wager.
[0064] Central processor 40 also stores and is capable of executing
software applications containing algorithms to calculate players'
account balances, wagers, and winnings. Central processor 40 should
be able to execute all of the algorithms which define the actions
performed on the players' accounts during the progress of the game,
as wagers are entered, as winnings paid out, and when funds are
added to the players' accounts.
[0065] Algorithms in the software in central processor 40 may also
calculate odds and payouts for certain games, such as lottery-type
games, during play of the game. The odds and payouts at a
particular point in time may depend on the characteristics of the
game being conducted by central processor 40, and may change as the
game progresses. These algorithms may be executed by central
processor 40 to provide exact calculations of the odds of specific
game events occurring and the associated prizes for a player's
correctly predicting the occurrence of one of those events. The
algorithms may be executed continuously, so that real-time odds and
payout can be calculated as the game progresses.
[0066] FIG. 5 shows the actions that may be performed on players'
accounts by central processor 40, and their impact on the accounts.
For example, if the player wins a game, his account is credited for
the payout based on his wager. If the player places a wager using
wireless gaming device, his account is debited by the amount of the
wager. If the game officiant receives additional fimds from the
player, the balance of the player's account is credited by the
amount of the funds. If the game officiant closes the player's
account and disburses funds to him, the balance of the player's
account is debited by the amount disbursed.
[0067] Central processor 40 may be located in the gaming
establishment that houses receiver 30. Alternately, central
processor 40 may be located remotely from receiver 30,
communicating with receiver 30 via electronic digital telephone
communication or wireless transmission, such as a serial
communication link. Additionally, central processor 40 may perform
a multitude of functions for various receivers in a variety of
gaming environments.
[0068] In one embodiment, communication among central processor 40,
receiver 30, and wireless gaming device 20 involves a polling
scheme. Polling enables many wireless gaming devices to communicate
with a receiver without interference between them. Such a polling
scheme may include the transmission of digital signals in the form
of strings of hexadecimal characters. Preferably, all
communications between central processor 40, receiver 30 and
wireless gaming device 20 are encrypted.
[0069] In such a polling scheme, hexadecimal characters may be
reserved for specific control protocols. For example, an attention
character is a header character used to begin all transmissions
from central processor 40 to receiver 30, and serves to delineate
messages and synchronize the receipt of 10 messages in the
receiver. The same function is implied when the attention character
follows in response to a message transmission. An acknowledgement
character is another header character which provides
acknowledgement to the transmitting device that the previous
message's data has been received and verified. The acknowledgement
character can also function as an attention character to begin a
subsequent message. An end of message character is used to indicate
the end of a transmission. Also, a complement next byte character
allows for use of reserved protocol characters within a normal
transmission message by avoiding a false control signal when a
message data byte matches one of the control characters. When a
message byte that needs to be sent matches one of the protocol
control characters, the complement next byte character is sent,
followed by the one's complement of the matching message byte.
[0070] Verification of received data may be accomplished using a
single byte checksum of the message information. This checksum may
be the one's complement of the sum of the original message data,
not including the header character. If the checksum results in a
value equal to one of the protocol control characters, it will be
treated in accordance with the function of the complement next byte
character.
[0071] In the polling scheme described above, there are three
different modes of communication over the link between central
processor 40 and receiver 30. First, central processor 40 may send
messages intended for receiver 30. Second, central processor 40 may
send messages intended for wireless gaming device 20. Third,
wireless gaming device 20 may send messages intended for central
processor 40. As shown in FIG. 11A, messages sent by central
processor 40 may be in the form of a character string 300 formatted
with a header character 304, followed by the identification code of
the intended device 306, the command or message 308, an end of
message character 310, and a checksum character 312. Messages
received by receiver 30 or wireless gaming device 20 may be
acknowledged by transmission of an acknowledgement character, but
central processor 40 need not acknowledge messages sent from the
wireless gaming devices. Messages sent by the central processor to
be received by wireless gaming device 20 may be broadcast to all of
the wireless gaming devices. A device address may be reserved as a
broadcast address for all of the wireless gaming devices, and all
devices will receive messages sent to this address; in this case,
no acknowledgement need be returned from any of the wireless gaming
devices.
[0072] Each command or message may begin with a command code to
signal how the information contained in the message is to be used.
Command codes for messages sent by central processor 40 to receiver
30 and wireless gaming device 20 include the following:
[0073] 1. Send a device address list to the receiver;
[0074] 2. Send account balance information to the addressed
device;
[0075] 3. Send command to disable the addressed device;
[0076] 4. Send command to enable the addressed device.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 11B, messages sent between receiver 30 and
wireless gaming device 20 may be in the form of a character string
302 formatted with a header character 304, followed by the
identification code of the intended device 306, the current wager
amount 314, the request, command or data 316, an end of message
character 310, and a checksum character 312. Command codes for
requests, commands and data sent between receiver 30 and wireless
gaming device include the following:
[0078] 1. Reader user identification;
[0079] 2. Read device address;
[0080] 3. Read balance register;
[0081] 4. Read wager amount register;
[0082] 5. Provide device status;
[0083] 6. Write user identification;
[0084] 7. Write device address;
[0085] 8. Write balance register;
[0086] 9. Write wager amount;
[0087] 10. Perform self test.
[0088] These command codes may be used to program the device
addresses and user identification information into the wireless
gaming devices, as well as to initialize the device to the default
state, i.e., the player's account balance of $0. The account
balance register and the user identification may each comprise two
characters, the least significant byte and the most significant
byte, allowing the use a greater range of numbers for these
values.
[0089] FIG. 12 shows how central processor 40 communicates with
wireless gaming device 20. Central processor 40 transmits a string
of hexadecimal characters (step 202), including, e.g., a header
character, followed by the device's identification code, followed
by a request, command or data, followed by an end of message
character, followed by a checksum character. After central
processor 40 transmits the character string, wireless gaming device
20 receives the string (step 204), recognizes its identification
code (step 206), and executes any instructions in the string (step
208). When central processor 40 sends an instruction to all
wireless gaming devices simultaneously, all currently active
devices receive and execute the instruction. Wireless gaming device
20 does not send an acknowledgement message to central processor
40, although receiver 30 may receive a transmission from device 20
that the instruction was received properly. Central processor 40
also communicates with receiver 30 in a similar manner, except that
receiver 30 may send an acknowledgement message to central
processor 40 which includes the acknowledgement control protocol
character.
[0090] Similarly, wireless gaming device 20 communicates with
receiver 30 and central processor 40 using, e.g., hexadecimal
character strings. Receiver 30 regularly and periodically polls the
active wireless gaming device 20 for information requests or
wagering requests. If the player has entered a request into device
20 since the last time device 20 was polled, then the player's
request will be transmitted to receiver 30.
[0091] FIG. 13 shows how wireless gaming device 20 receives and
relays player requests to central processor 40. First, the player
enters a request into device 20 using buttons or keys 22 (step
222). The player then presses a button labeled, e.g., "enter" or
"send," instructing device 20 to send the request the next time
receiver 30 polls device 20 (step 224). When this button has been
pressed, the red light of bicolor LED 25 is illuminated (step 226),
thereby informing the player that the request is waiting to be
sent. The request is converted into a hexadecimal character string
(step 228), including, e.g., a header character, an identification
code (or, alternatively, a separate identification string reserved
for a specific player), the current wager amount, the player's
request (e.g., to change the wager amount or to send a balance
update), an end of message character, and a checksum character. The
next time receiver 30 polls device 20 (step 230), the transmitter
of device transmits the character string to receiver 30 (step 232).
When device 20 is polled by receiver 30, the green light of bicolor
LED 25 flashes (step 234), informing the player that the request
has been transmitted. Receiver 30 receives the request string (step
236), and transmits the string to central processor (step 238).
Central processor then acts-on the player's request (step 240).
[0092] Using terminal 50, the game officiant may process wagering
transactions and distribute wireless gaming devices such as
wireless gaming device 20. As shown in FIG. 6, terminal 50 may
include a bar code reader 56 and/or a magnetic stripe reader 58 for
rapid entry of the identifier 28 of device 20 prior to delivering
device 20 to the player. Reading devices 56 and 58 provides
information in the form of digital data to terminal 50. Terminal 50
includes a keyboard 62 by which the game officiant can manually
enter data to be sent to central processor 40. Using either reading
device 56 or 58, keyboard 62, or a combination of these, the game
officiant communicates with central processor 40 to establish a
player's account, increase the balance of the account when the
player tenders finds to the game officiant, and decrease the
balance of the account when the player seeks to collect the cash
value of his account balance.
[0093] The player establishes a balance of the account associated
with his wireless gaming device 20, identified by identifier 28,
when he receives device 20 from the game officiant. The player may
increase the monetary value of the balance of the account by paying
additional fimds, in the form of cash or credit, to the game
officiant, who accesses the account stored in central processor 40
through terminal 50 to increase the balance of the account.
[0094] Device 20 is returned to the game officiant after the player
has played one or more games. Readers 56 and 58 may be used to read
identifier 28 for closing out the player's account stored in
database 64 of central processor 40. Terminal 50 includes a
terminal display 68 which notifies the game officiant of the
balance of the player's account, so that the player may be paid the
cash value of the remaining balance of his account.
[0095] In one embodiment, an account status display device 70 is
located in the gaming establishment to display a players' account
information. As shown in FIG. 7, display device 70 may be, e.g., a
liquid crystal display or a cathode ray tube display. Display
device 70 is controlled by central processor 40, which sends
information to display device 70 for display to the players.
[0096] A player may look at display device 70 to confirm that
wagers transmitted from wireless gaming device 20 were received by
receiver 30 and sent to central processor 40, to determine the
monetary balance of the player's account, and to verify that the
player's winnings have been credited to his account. Display device
70 displays key information necessary for a player to participate
in a game. The information displayed for each player may include
the account number (which corresponds to identifier 28), the
player's account balance, the player's last wager, and the player's
last prize award or win.
[0097] Display device 70 is divided into specific areas, e.g.,
display area 72, each area showing the account information for one
player. The size of display area 72 may be determined by the size
of display device 70 and the number of players who possess wireless
display devices. It is contemplated that only active accounts will
be displayed on display device 70. If additional display devices
are required to display the information concerning a large number
of accounts, central processor 40 may be configured to drive
multiple similar display devices.
[0098] Display device 70 may also be used to display the odds 74
and payouts 76 for game wagers. Alternately, a separate display
device driven by central processor 40 may be used to display the
odds 74 and payout 76 information. Further, the odds 74 and payouts
76 may be displayed on device display 21 (FIG. 2).
[0099] FIGS. 8 through 10 show an exemplary procedure 100 for using
wireless interactive gaming system 10. As seen in FIG. 8, a player
tenders money in the form of cash or credit, e.g., $100, to a game
officiant in the gaming establishment to establish an account (step
102). The game officiant chooses a wireless gaming device 20 and
uses, e.g., bar code reader 56 on terminal 50 to enter identifier
28 into terminal 50 (step 104). The game officiant also inputs the
amount of money tendered, i.e. $100, into terminal 50 via keyboard
62 (step 106). The game officiant hands wireless gaming device 20
to the player and tells the player that his account is, e.g.,
Account No. 12 (step 108). Alternately, the player may identify his
account number directly from identifier 28 on device 20. The
information entered by the game officiant into terminal 50 is sent
to central processor 40 (step 110), which establishes an account
record for the player in database 64 (step 112).
[0100] For this example, central processor 40 may be conducting a
racing game in which players choose a winning racing element on
which to place a wager for the next racing game to be displayed in
the gaming establishment. To place a wager, the player presses
buttons 22 on wireless gaming device 20 (step 120), as shown in
FIG. 9.
[0101] In one embodiment, the player first presses the button that
corresponds to the number assigned to the racing element that he
chooses, e.g., "3", and then the wager amount, e.g., "$" and "5",
for a $5 wager. The player then presses the "enter" key to transmit
his wager to central processor 40.
[0102] In an alternate embodiment, the game may be simplified so
that all wagers are placed for a fixed amount; e.g., $1, by
pressing a single button on wireless gaming device 20. By pressing
the button that corresponds to the number assigned to the chosen
racing element, e.g., "3", the player places a $1 bet on racing
element number 3. The player can then place a larger wager on
racing element number 3, by pressing the "3" button the number of
times corresponding to the number of $1 bets he desires to make,
e.g., by pressing "3" five times to wager $5 on racing element
number 3.
[0103] Each time the player enters a wager, wireless gaming device
20 forms a data packet containing the player's wager information 39
and identification code 38 of device 20 (step 122). The data packet
is encrypted (step 124) and transmitted by transmitter 42 via
wireless communication (step 126).
[0104] Decoder 54 in receiver 30 receives the encrypted data packet
transmitted by transmitter 42 (step 128). The encrypted data packet
is sent to central processor 40 (step 130), where it is decrypted
(step 132). Central processor 40 uses the information it has
obtains to update the player's account in database 64 by
subtracting the wagered amount from the player's account balance
(step 134) and registers the player's wager on the game (step
136).
[0105] After the game has been played, central processor 40 awards
prizes to winning players based on the wagers they have made and
the odds associated with the winning outcome of the game (step
138). If the player in possession of wireless gaming device 20 is a
winner, central computer 40 updates the player's account in
database 64 by adding the monetary amount of the prize to the
player's account balance (step 140). Otherwise, the player's
account remains unchanged (step 142).
[0106] The player may repeat steps 120-142 to place wagers on
subsequent games played in the gaming establishment (step 144).
Moreover, the player may check on his account balance and the
amount of his wagers by referring to display device 70 or device
display 21 (step 146).
[0107] As shown in FIG. 10, when the player has finished playing
games in the gaming establishment, he returns wireless gaming
device 20 to the game officiant (step 160). The game officiant
again inputs identifier 28 into terminal 50, e.g., by using bar
code reader 56 (step 162). Terminal 50 accesses the player's
account information stored in database 64 of central processor 40
to obtain the player's remaining account balance (step 164).
Terminal display 68 displays the player's remaining account balance
to the game officiant (step 166), who then tenders the monetary
value of that amount to the player (step 168). The account is
closed, and the transaction is recorded in central processor 40
(step 170).
* * * * *