U.S. patent application number 11/359457 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-14 for automated gaming assembly providing a game visual enhancement.
Invention is credited to Marjolaine Marcotte, Martin Parent.
Application Number | 20060205470 11/359457 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36971719 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060205470 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parent; Martin ; et
al. |
September 14, 2006 |
Automated gaming assembly providing a game visual enhancement
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.
Inventors: |
Parent; Martin; (St-Germain
de Grantham, CA) ; Marcotte; Marjolaine; (St-Joachim
de Courval, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LABTRONIX CONCEPT INC.;C/O OGILVY RENAULT
1981 MC GILL COLLEGE AVENUE
SUITE 1600
MONTREAL, QUEBEC
H3A 2Y3
CA
|
Family ID: |
36971719 |
Appl. No.: |
11/359457 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/CA05/00382 |
Mar 11, 2005 |
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11359457 |
Feb 23, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2007/308 20130101;
A63F 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 1, wherein two of said
player stations are disposed substantially back to back.
6. The automated gaming system of claim 1, wherein the outcome
generating means and the platform are at similar height.
7. The automated gaming system of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 1, wherein the automated
gaming system is communicatively linked to an additional remote
player station.
14. The automated gaming system of claim 1, further comprising an
attendant position where an attendant controls the conduct of the
wagering game.
15. The automated gaming system of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 16, wherein the service
station is structurally remote from the automated gaming
system.
18. The gaming system of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 20, wherein the outcome
generating means and the platform are at similar height.
23. The automated gaming assembly of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 20, wherein the outcome
generating means generates roulette outcomes.
27. The automated gaming assembly of claim 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 of claim 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 of claim 20, wherein the
attaching means permits to adjust orientation of an attached player
station.
30. The automated gaming assembly of claim 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.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] 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
[0002] The invention relates to a new device designed to offer a
casino-type automated game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] 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:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automated gaming system
comprising six player stations;
[0005] FIG. 2 is a top view of the six-player station automated
gaming system of FIG. 1;
[0006] FIG. 3 is side view of the automated gaming system of FIG.
1;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a top view of the six-player automated gaming
system of FIG. 1 without the head 70;
[0008] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a player station attachment on
the platform of the automated gaming system of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 6 is a top view of the roulette system used to
establish outcomes in the six-player station automated gaming
system of FIG. 1;
[0010] 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;
[0011] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating components of the
automated gaming assembly and of the player stations of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating steps involved in
playing a round of roulette with the automated gaming system of
FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 10 is a top view of an alternative embodiment suitably
designed to play a die game; and
[0014] FIGS. 11a and 11b are block diagrams illustrating components
of a system comprising the embodiment illustrated on FIG. 10.
[0015] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like
features are identified by like reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] In a first embodiment of the invention as illustrated on
FIG. 1, a perspective view of an automated mechanical roulette
system 10 is schematically illustrated. The roulette system 10
comprises a base 20; a body 25; a platform 30 on which player
stations 40 are disposed and attached; an automated driven roulette
system 45 surrounded by the platform 30 and protected by a dome 50;
and a series of support members 60 supporting the system head 70
and complementary screens 80 suitable for providing game history
information. Complementary screens 80 may also provide special
feature information or advertising information. On this view, a
portion of the roulette system 45 is visible when the dome 50 is
elevated for maintenance, as illustrated.
[0019] While the embodiment provides possible solutions for
particular functional structures, variants are available. For
example, many outcome generating means are available, including a
roulette system 45, a die game system, and a ball game system. The
player stations 40 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.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates the system 10 through a top view wherein
only a portion of the platform 30 and the player stations 40 are
visible. The head 70 hides most of the player stations 40, the dome
50 and the roulette system 45 in this view.
[0021] FIG. 3 provides a side view of the system 10. On this view,
a portion of the roulette system 45 is visible when the dome 50 is
down.
[0022] As illustrated on FIG. 4, the platform 30 comprises in its
central portion a cut-out (under dome 50) for disposing the
roulette system 45 (see FIG. 6). The platform 30 has a generally
triangular shape surrounding the roulette system 45 with two player
stations 40 disposed back to back on each tip. Globally, six player
positions around the platform 45 at a similar distance from the
roulette system 45 are available for players to operate a player
station 40 and therefore to participate in the roulette game. A
support member 60 is also disposed at each tip near the player
stations 40 closer to the roulette system 45. The dome 50 is
disposed above the roulette system 45 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.
[0023] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a player 99 being placed face to a
player station 40 may place wagers using player station inputting
means such as a touch screen, or buttons (not shown in this
example). The player station 40 face which bears inputting means is
the operative face of the player station 40. Once a roulette
outcome generation process is initiated, the player 99 has to
rotate either his head or himself to have a direct view of the ball
determining the roulette outcome. When facing the roulette system
45, the player has the player station substantially on his side and
has an unobstructed view of the roulette system 45. Only the dome
50 and a portion of the platform 30 are between him and the
roulette system 45; the first one being transparent and the second
being at the same level as the roulette system 45 therefore not
obstructing his view. Thus, no obstacle or unnecessary distance
prevents players 99 from witnessing the outcome generation
process.
[0024] The type of attachment used to secure player stations 40 on
the platform 30 offers the benefit of allowing attaching different
models of player stations 40. The attachment illustrated on FIG. 5
is based on a cylindrical connector 41 used as a stop-pin in
combination with an arc-shaped aperture 42 located in the platform
30. Power and communication wires 43 pass from the player station
40 to under the platform 30 through the cylindrical connector 41.
The player station 40 rotates according to an attachment axis
defined by the securing assembly 44 rotatably attaching the player
station 40 to the platform 30. Accordingly, the maximum rotation
the player station 40 may perform is determined by the length of
the arc-shaped aperture 42 performed in the platform 30. A metal
plate (not shown) attached to the under surface of the platform 30
prevents access to the wires 43. The plate 30 may further be at
least partially covered by a decorative triangularly shaped support
moulding (not shown) disposed between the platform 30 and the
system body 25 supporting part of the station weight. Thus, the
resulting assembly permits to exchange a player station 40 with a
different one without having to change the whole system. It further
offers a certain freedom of rotation for enhanced player
comfort.
[0025] 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.
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates the roulette system 45, particularly the
roulette structure and the ball 92 used to generate the outcome.
The roulette structure comprises a series of identified slots 90
suitably designed to receive the ball 92 at the end of its course.
The slots 90 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 identified slots 90, and black
for the remaining part of the slots 90; the colors alternating to
never have to adjacent slots 90 of the same color (not shown on the
roulette of FIG. 6 to ensure clarity). The roulette structure 45
presents slopes that are suitably designed to provide the same
probabilities to each slot 90 of receiving the ball 92 at the end
of its course while preventing the ball 92 to land anywhere else.
Canoes 94 are disposed around the slots 90 to modify the ball
course and therefore render the prevision of the ball landing slot
90 more difficult. The roulette structure 45 comprises an edge 100
limiting the ball course into the roulette system 45. As the ball
92 decelerates, the ball 92 is forced by the slope to travel form
the edge 100 toward the center of the roulette structure to end its
course in one slot 90. Outcome identifying means, comprising a
light emitting diode 96 and light detecting sensors 98, permit the
roulette outcome identification. Each slot 90 has a corresponding
light detecting sensor 98. When the ball 92 lands in one slot 90,
the corresponding light detecting sensor 98 does not receive any
light signal from the light emitting diode 96 and therefore
identifies the ball landing slot 90 to a processor which translates
the light detecting sensor 98 position into the roulette outcome.
Thus, an outcome generating means comprises outcome setting means
(ball 92 and slots 90), outcome identifying means (diode, sensors
and processor), communicating means and controlling means
(programmed game controller).
[0027] To generate a roulette outcome, the section of the roulette
structure 45 that bears slots 90 is driven in one rotational
direction, namely clockwise, while the ball 92 is propelled counter
clockwise onto the roulette structure 45 through an ejection
conduit 102 disposed on periphery of the roulette structure edge
100 slightly over the normal course of the ball 92. Thus, as the
ball 92 starts its course on the roulette structure 45, the ball 92
first follows the edge 100, decelerates, potentially bumps onto one
or more canoes 94, and ultimately lands in one slot 90.
[0028] Securely disposed in the assembly base 25, an airflow motor
(not shown) propels the ball 92 into a conduit (not shown) leading
the ball 92 into the ejection conduit 102 when needed, a roulette
motor (not shown) drives the rotation of the rotating section of
the roulette structure, and a gaming controller 120 (schematically
shown on FIG. 8) controls the airflow motor and the roulette motor.
The gaming controller 120 also controls the means detecting the
roulette outcome, namely the light emitting diode 96 and the light
detecting sensors 98. It further controls the means retrieving the
ball 92 from the roulette structure once the outcome is generated
and identified, what is performed by elevating a portion of the
roulette structure for the ball 92 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, the
gaming controller 120 is in communication with the player stations
40. The gaming controller 120 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.
[0029] As stated, the player stations 40 are in communication with
the gaming controller 120. Each player station 40, in the described
embodiment, comprises a controlling means (a controller 140 or a
program) controlling participation in the game, namely exchanging
data and signals with other player station components and
controlling communication with the gaming controller 120.
Displaying means (the electronic screen 142, lights) visible by the
player provides information to the player on the conduct of the
game, as illustrated on FIG. 7. The electronic screen 142 provides
a image of a wagering mat 110; a series of counters 112 informing
the player on statuses such the amount of credits wagered 112b, the
credits remaining available 112a to wager, and the prize won 112c;
a message box 114 informing on game state as if wagers are either
or not possible to place; and an outcome area 116 informing players
on last outcomes. The player stations also comprise player
inputting means 144 embodied in touch screens, buttons and/or other
sensing surfaces; monetary inputting means 146 such a coin hopper,
card receiving means or a ticket reader; and an awarding means such
as a ticket printer. Player stations 40 also comprise storing means
(memory 150 or counters) maintaining programs, data and counter
information such as wagering information.
[0030] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates functional relationship
existing between a player station 40 and the automated gaming
assembly. The player station controller 140 exchanges signals with
the player station components to player the game, and with the
gaming controller 120. According to gaming controller signals,
different states are set in the game played on the player station
40, resulting in the game being at different steps of its process.
For its part, the gaming controller 120 exchanges signals with the
roulette mechanism 122 (such as the different motors) influencing
the roulette and ball state 124, outcome identification means 128,
and protecting means 126 including protection-related sensors and
dome mechanism. The assembly comprises memory 130 used by the
gaming controller 120 to keep programs and registered
information.
[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates steps involved in playing roulette. The
process starts with the gaming controller 120 secured in the
automated gaming system 10 signalling the player stations 40 that a
round is ready to start (step 150). In accordance, the player
stations 40 activate the credit receiving process (step 152) and
the wagering process (step 154). During these processes, the
players may place new credits in their player stations 40 and used
the credits available to place wagers on the next roulette outcome.
An end wagering process (step 156) is also performed to prevent new
wagers from being placed (step 158) when the outcome generation
process fulfills an advancement criterion. Thus, the roulette play
involves initiation of the roulette game outcome generation (step
170) taking form of the gaming controller 120 sending signals to
the motor for the ball 92 to be propelled on the roulette
structure. According to settings, the end wagering process (step
156) may involve evaluation of the ball speed or a ball travelling
duration. After the wagering process has ended on player stations
40 (step 158), the ball 92 ultimately lands in one slot 90, the
outcome is identified, and the gaming controller 120 transmits the
roulette outcome to the player stations 40 (step 160). Each player
station controller 140 resolves registered wagers (step 162) 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 the ball 92 from
its landing slot 90, a new round is initiated (step 150).
[0032] 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 the outcome generation
assembly 160 being of two kinds: a) wagering stations 180
comprising a ticket reader, an electronic screen with touch screen
and a station controller (not visible), and b) player stations 190
with a ticket reader 192, enhanced electronic screen and touch
screen comparable to wagering stations 180, and a station
controller (not visible). A player using a wagering station 180 may
place wagers on the die outcome while a player using a player
station 190 may further apply some control over the outcome
generation process, such as, depending on the game played, holding
die, modifying die toss settings, etc.
[0033] Communicatively linked to the automated gaming assembly 160
but physically separately located is a service station 170
permitting players to transfer money entered in the service station
170 into credits available to be wagered. Thus, a player feeds the
service station 170 with the amounts he wants to wager at the
beginning of its play session, receives a ticket identifying his
account, goes to a wagering station 180 or a player station 190,
and places his ticket into the ticket reader 182 or 192. The
station 180 or 190, after reading the ticket, communicates with an
accounting system, transfers founds to the station 180 or 190 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 or 190, places it into a service station 170 wherein
the ticket is exchanged for a redeemable voucher an attendant may
exchange for standard currency.
[0034] Thus, the block diagram illustrating the system for the play
of an automated die game using the assembly of FIG. 10 is slightly
different from the one hereinabove depicted. FIG. 11 illustrates
the system comprising the automated gaming assembly 200, the player
station(s) 220, the wagering stations 240, and the service
station(s) 260. A network (LAN) 290 links the service station(s)
260, the automated gaming assembly 200 and a central server 280
wherein an accounting database 282 maintains information on found
transfer, such as money deposited in service station(s) 260, credit
transferred to a player station 220 or a wagering station 240, and
credits transferred into vouchers redeemable by attendants. A
secured network 292 maintains communication between the gaming
controller 202 and the station controllers 222 and 224.
[0035] As illustrated, each service station 260 comprises a
controller 262 that: a) maintains communication with the central
server 280; b) commands the printing of ticket printing and voucher
printing by a printer 264 for allowing player to play or to redeem
prizes won; c) commands ticket reading to be read by a reader 266
when a player ends its session; and d) accesses memory 268.
[0036] The automated die assembly 200 may comprise protecting means
206 (as example including a dome) preventing players from
fraudulently influencing the outcome, an outcome generation
mechanism 204 being partially controllable by a player at a player
station using outcome control inputs, die 208, and die
identification means 210 including image capturing and analysing
means. These components are more or less controlled by the gaming
controller 202 depending in part from signals received from a
player station for the outcome generation. The assembly further
comprises memory 212 for storing necessary programs and registering
information.
[0037] The player station(s) 220 and wagering stations 240 are
composed of a controller 222 and 242; an electronic screen 224 and
244 adapted for their particular needs; input means 226 and 246
also adapted for their particular needs; a ticket reader 228 and
248; and memory 230 and 250. As stated, the needs of a wagering
station 220 differ from the ones of a player station 240. The
latter permits a player to influence the outcome generation process
while the wagering station 220 capability is limited to placing
wagers regarding die outcomes. Thus, an outcome generation process
includes signal exchange between the gaming controller 202 and a
player station controller 222.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] 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.
[0042] Another embodiment is an assembly wherein an attendant would
participate in the game even if the wagers are resolved by player
stations.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
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