U.S. patent application number 11/899836 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-20 for wireless electronic gaming unit.
Invention is credited to James A. Campo, Gary Cooper, Donald Embree, Michael Larimer, Timothy J. Manns, Brian W. Penrod.
Application Number | 20080070703 11/899836 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39157879 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080070703 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campo; James A. ; et
al. |
March 20, 2008 |
Wireless electronic gaming unit
Abstract
A portable gaming unit for playing an associated game comprises
a housing and a base. The housing includes a display. An
electronics assembly is mounted in the housing for controlling
input/output functions of the gaming unit. A pivot joint pivotably
mounts the housing to the base. An easel is pivotably mounted to
one of the housing and the base. The easel in a use orientation
braces the housing against the base to enable the housing to
maintain an acute angle in relation to a plane of the base. In a
transport orientation, the easel allows the housing to fold against
the base. The easel in the transport orientation serves as a handle
for the gaming unit.
Inventors: |
Campo; James A.; (Brunswick,
OH) ; Embree; Donald; (North Canton, OH) ;
Manns; Timothy J.; (Seven Hills, OH) ; Penrod; Brian
W.; (Wadsworth, OH) ; Cooper; Gary;
(Kensington, MD) ; Larimer; Michael; (Bay Village,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FAY SHARPE LLP
1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE, SEVENTH FLOOR
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Family ID: |
39157879 |
Appl. No.: |
11/899836 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60843314 |
Sep 8, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3202 20130101;
G07F 17/3223 20130101; G07F 17/3218 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/046 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A portable gaming unit for playing an associated game, said
gaming unit comprising: a housing, including a display; an
electronics assembly mounted in said housing for controlling
input/output functions of said gaming unit; a base; a pivot joint
for pivotably mounting said housing to said base; and, an easel
pivotably mounted to one of said housing and said base, wherein
said easel in a use orientation braces said housing against said
base to enable said housing to maintain an acute angle in relation
to a plane of said base, and in a transport orientation allows said
housing to fold against said base, said easel in said transport
orientation serving as a handle for said gaming unit.
2. The gaming unit of claim 1, wherein said easel is generally
U-shaped, said easel cooperating with at least one flange located
on said base in said use position.
3. The gaming unit of claim 2, wherein said base includes first and
second locking flanges and a recessed portion located between said
first and second locking flanges, a central leg of said easel being
located in said recessed portion and engaged by said first and
second locking flanges in said use position.
4. The gaming unit of claim 1, wherein said base includes a first
section comprising a keyboard unit and a second section, said easel
being rotatably mounted to a rear wall of said housing, wherein
said easel is adjustably engageable with said second section, such
that said housing, when rotated relative to said base, may be fixed
at a predetermined acute angle relative to said base.
5. The gaming unit of claim 4, wherein said housing is fixed at an
angle of approximately 12.degree. from a vertical orientation
relative to said keyboard unit.
6. The gaming unit of claim 1, further including a reader for
identifying a player during a network gaming session, said reader
being located in one of said housing and said base, wherein said
reader eliminates a need for the player to manually input player
identifying information into said gaming unit to allow initiation
or resumption of the gaming session, wherein said reader includes
at least one of a magnetic card reader, a smart card reader and a
biometric reader.
7. The gaming unit of claim 1, further including at least one
indicator light mounted on said housing, said at least one
indicator light communicating status information concerning a first
gaming session being played on said gaming unit to a player and
others in a designated playing area, said at least one indicator
being an operational element during a second gaming session.
8. The gaming unit of claim 1, further including means for
verifying and authenticating said gaming unit.
9. The gaming unit of claim 1, further comprising a wireless
communication card selectively mountable to one of said base and
said housing to enable said gaming unit to communicate with a
network.
10. The gaming unit of claim 1, further comprising a shock mounting
assembly for securing said display to said housing.
11. The gaming unit of claim 1, further comprising a battery and a
battery control system, mounted to one of said housing and said
base, for regulating an operation of said gaming unit, said battery
control system preventing the initiation of a gaming session on
said gaming unit if there is inadequate power for the entire gaming
session.
12. The gaming unit of claim 1, wherein said base defines a first
plane and said housing defines a second plane, wherein in said
transport orientation, said first plane is generally parallel to
said second plane.
13. A portable gaming unit for playing a game over a secure
network, the gaming unit comprising: a housing, including a
display; an electronics assembly mounted in said housing for
controlling input/output functions of said gaming unit; and an
alerting device mounted to said housing for indicating at least one
of a game win condition at an end of a first game within a gaming
session and a request for help from a game proprietor, said
alerting device configured as an operational element during of a
second game within said gaming session.
14. The gaming unit of claim 13, wherein the alerting device
includes at least one indicator light mounted on said housing, said
at least one indicator light communicating status information
concerning said first game to a player and others in a designated
playing area.
15. The gaming unit of claim 14, wherein said at least one
indicator light includes a red light-emitting diode and a green
light-emitting diode, wherein said red and green light-emitting
diodes illuminate three distinct colors, each color being
indicative of a win condition of said second game.
16. The gaming unit of claim 15, wherein the second game is a
raffle game, wherein said second game is played with a plurality of
said gaming units, each gaming unit having said at least one
indicator light illuminated during a start of said second game,
said second game randomly deactivating said at least one indicator
light of randomly selected gaming units until only one gaming unit
of said plurality of said gaming units has an illuminated at least
one indicator light in each chosen color.
17. The gaming unit of claim 16, wherein at the end of said second
game, a single randomly selected winning gaming unit has said at
least one indicator light illuminated in a chosen one of a
plurality of colors.
18. The gaming unit of claim 13, wherein said gaming unit includes
a distinct serial number, said serial number being an address of
said gaming unit on the secure network, said second game being
associated with said serial number.
19. A portable gaming unit for playing a game over a secure
network, the gaming unit comprising: a housing, including a
display; an electronics assembly mounted in said housing for
controlling input/output functions of said gaming unit; and a
battery and a battery control system, mounted to said housing, for
regulating an operation of said gaming unit, wherein said gaming
unit receives information from the network regarding required
duration of play for an entire gaming session, wherein said battery
control system prevents initiation of a gaming session on said
gaming unit if there is inadequate power for the entire gaming
session.
20. The gaming unit of claim 19, wherein said electronic assembly
includes a primary gaming processor and a low power secondary
processor, the primary and secondary processors being interactively
in communication with each other, the secondary processor being
configured to selectively actuate said primary processor, suspend
said primary processor and resume said primary processor depending
on predetermined gaming events.
21. The gaming unit of claim 20, wherein said electronics assembly
includes a first state configuration and a second state
configuration, said first state configuration and second state
configuration determining operation of said primary processor and
said secondary processor.
22. The gaming unit of claim 21, wherein said first state
configuration and said second state configuration comprises at
least four operational states including Run, Screen Saver, Suspend
and Low Power/Reset.
23. The gaming unit of claim 21, wherein at least one of said first
state configuration and second state configuration is responsive to
an orientation of the gaming unit.
24. The gaming unit of claim 21, wherein said gaming unit further
comprises a base pivotally connected to said housing, such that the
gaming unit has a use orientation and a transport orientation.
25. The gaming unit of claim 19, further including at least one
indicator light mounted on said housing, said at least one
indicator light communicating status information concerning a first
gaming session being played on said gaming unit to a player and
others in a designated playing area, said at least one indicator
light being an operational element during a second gaming session.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/843,314, filed Sep. 8, 2006, and is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to electronic gaming units.
More particularly, the present invention relates to an electronic
gaming unit which is interactive with a gaming console and a point
of sale console for selling games, such as games of chance, during
or prior to a gaming session. While bingo is particularly discussed
herein, it should be appreciated that the gaming unit can be used
for a variety of other games, such as Keno or the like. In one
embodiment, the gaming unit is part of a system of multiple spaced
wireless gaming units that are used to play games of chance, such
as bingo, when game information is provided by a central gaming
machine, such as a bingo console in communication with the wireless
gaming units.
[0003] The game of bingo commonly involves a group of players and a
caller, who announces randomly selected indicia, which commonly
comprise integral numbers within a predetermined range, i.e. 1-75.
For Keno, the numerical range could be 1-90. Bingo players
typically play several cards at a time, up to eighteen or more
cards, in order to increase their odds of winning. Manually playing
multiple cards can be tedious, however, leaving one tired or prone
to errors. With paper bingo faces there is also the possibility of
cheating, i.e. bingo players attempting to alter the numbers on the
paper, or using bingo paper from an earlier session.
[0004] There have been many attempts in the prior art to provide a
system for electronic play of a bingo session. The systems
generally include electronic gaming units which aid a player in
playing bingo games. Such gaming units may assist a player in
overseeing more bingo cards than would be possible or practical
otherwise.
[0005] In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,157 discloses a system
including a gaming unit, where between each game the player must
manually enter each number from each card into the memory unit. The
manual entry, however, is slow and tedious, and creates a practical
limitation on the number of bingo cards that can be entered before
and between bingo game sessions.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,151 discloses a system including a
gaming unit that provides for the creation of whole playing cards
simply by the manual entry of a card identification number. This
process improves the speed of entering the selected cards into the
game piece memory, but requires the cooperation of bingo card
manufacturers to provide identification numbers for their cards
such that each identification number is associated with one
specific pattern of numbers on a card.
[0007] Both of the above approaches are simply methods for
assisting a player in an otherwise traditional, manual game of
bingo. Therefore, improvements to these systems would be
desirable.
[0008] On the other hand, electronic gaming systems have been
developed, where each player is equipped with a gaming unit and the
use of paper playing cards is either eliminated or at least
reduced. These systems typically include a central computer which
performs administrative tasks including sale of bingo cards,
running the bingo game, and sometimes electronic payment to the
winners. In connection therewith, players sit at hard-wired
electronic bingo stations or may be given wireless gaming units,
through which the players are provided with the desired number of
card configurations for each game.
[0009] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,856,787 and 5,043,887 disclose hard-wired
or network electronic bingo systems where a central computer
communicates with each remote unit before and during the bingo
game. All purchases and all game-related data may be communicated
through communication lines between the central computer and the
remote units. The drawbacks of these games include the resultant
undesirable "Las Vegas" feel of the game, the general lack of
portability of the system, the lack of portability of the
individual playing units, and the complications that can arise from
maintaining a computer network system.
[0010] The wireless gaming unit approach marries the best of all of
the above approaches. The typical system includes a central
computer, which administers the game. The player purchases a number
of games to be played and a number of bingo faces to be played in
each game. The computer generates the playing card information and
downloads the information into the gaming unit. A player carries
the gaming unit in much the same way as the player would carry one
or more bingo cards or sheets in a traditional bingo game.
Throughout the bingo games, the player optionally inputs the called
numbers into the gaming unit through a keypad or a touchscreen, and
the gaming unit alerts the player if one or more of the stored
cards achieve a winning sequence. This approach retains the feel of
a traditional bingo game, including the fact that the player
carries away the purchased bingo cards, in the portable unit, and
can enter the called numbers manually.
[0011] Currently available portable or hand held gaming units are
not optional for a number of reasons. First, the screen is not set
at the correct viewing angle. Second, the player is provided with
either a keypad or a touchscreen, but not both in the same unit.
Third, the current designs are not movable from a use position to a
transport position and vice versa. Fourth, they do not have an
optimized power management system. Fifth, they do not allow a
player to identify himself to the gaming unit in a time-efficient
manner. Sixth, the current gaming units are not optimized in other
ways that would be useful for gaming.
[0012] Current electronic bingo systems which use wireless gaming
units also require some means of downloading or configuring each
gaming unit before each session of play. This configuration
generally includes loading the number and description of bingo
cards purchased by the player, the type of win pattern and
variation of bingo game for each game of the playing session, and
other game options. Also, as the play software is updated with a
newer version, the updates have to be delivered to each gaming
unit. Such downloading of information typically uses some form of
wired or wireless, communication link which configures the gaming
unit at the point-of-sale cashier station when the player enters
the bingo hall.
[0013] As the capability of electronic technology and the displays
used in such portable gaming units increases, it becomes possible
for the gaming units to play games and attractions other than
bingo, or more than one type of game at a time. Many of these games
will allow the player to accumulate prize winnings and other
information. At the end of play, this information must be
transferred from the gaming units back to a central computer
station to allow for payment of prizes or other accounting of
winning information.
[0014] All of these requirements of loading game information to the
gaming unit at the start of play and reading prize information
after play require significant amounts of handling and
transportation of the gaming units in the bingo hall. Since a
single bingo hall can contain hundreds of such units, the handling
of the portable gaming units for updating purposes is a significant
problem for the bingo operators and also frequently leads to damage
of the units due to rough handling or dropping when carrying the
units.
[0015] Accordingly, it has been considered desirable to develop a
better hand held or portable gaming unit, together with a system
which efficiently meets the requirements of administering a game,
increases the efficiency of updating software on the gaming units
and which minimizes the handling requirements for the gaming
units.
SUMMARY
[0016] In accordance with one aspect, a portable gaming unit for
playing an associated game comprises a housing and a base. The
housing includes a display. An electronics assembly is mounted in
the housing for controlling input/output functions of the gaming
unit. A pivot joint pivotably mounts the housing to the base. An
easel is pivotably mounted to one of the housing and the base. The
easel in a use orientation braces the housing against the base to
enable the housing to maintain an acute angle in relation to a
plane of the base. In a transport orientation, the easel allows the
housing to fold against the base. The easel in the transport
orientation serves as a handle for the gaming unit.
[0017] In accordance with another aspect, a portable gaming unit
for playing a game over a secure network comprises a housing and a
base connected to the housing. The housing includes a display. An
electronics assembly is mounted in the housing for controlling
input/output functions of the gaming unit. An alerting device is
mounted to one of the housing and of the base for indicating at
least one of a game win condition at an end of a first game within
a gaming session and a request for help from a game proprietor. The
alerting device is configured as an operational element during of a
second game within the gaming session.
[0018] In accordance with yet another aspect, a portable gaming
unit for playing a game over a secure network comprises a housing
and a base connected to the housing. The housing includes a
display. An electronics assembly is mounted in the housing for
controlling input/output functions of the gaming unit. A battery
and a battery control system is mounted to one of the housing and
the base for regulating an operation of the gaming unit. The gaming
unit receives information from the network regarding required
duration of play for an entire gaming session. The battery control
system prevents initiation of a gaming session on the gaming unit
if there is inadequate power for the entire gaming session.
[0019] The present invention encompasses a uniquely featured and
improved portable, RF wireless networked, electronic gaming unit
(RGU) capable of playing Bingo and other games. One or more RGUs
can be directly controlled by a joint combination of a Bingo
Console (Console) and Point of Sale (POS) via a network. Thus, a
secure, accurate, integrated bingo system can be formed. The
Console can have an integrated bingo ball blower and ball number
display camera. The Console can directly drive flashboards and
video monitors, and can incorporate a bingo card verification
means. The Console and POS can be in direct communication with each
other and the Console can directly communicate with the RGU before,
during, and after gaming via a secure wireless RF network.
[0020] The Console and POS can interactively accomplish the loading
of specific purchased gaming data, relative to each specific
player, into and out of each specific RGU used by each player, via
an RF wireless communication channel. Via the network, the Console
can control the POS and RGU with game management functions such as
starting and ending of a bingo session, transferring of accurate
payout information, and calling bingo balls. The POS sends player
and sales information to the Console as required. The Console and
RGU can have a means to automatically conduct live inventory of all
RGUs resident in the bingo facility during gaming and have
knowledge if each RGU was loaded with purchased gaming information
for the session. The Console, POS, and RGU can contain logic and
data that when interactively applied with real time communication
during gaming between the three elements of the system, prevent the
system from violating certain critical regulations imposed by
regulatory agencies. The Console, POS, and RGU can each have built
in security for player and management access.
[0021] The RGU includes a combination of several unique mechanical,
electrical, and program features resulting in improved operation
for both players and game operators over current products in the
marketplace. The RGU can have a convenient means that supports a
security system with player tracking and player credits, and can
have means to safeguard against battery power failure for the
session duration. In one embodiment, the RGU includes means for
seamless combination of a touch panel on a display with an attached
keyboard that are relatively positioned in different vertical and
horizontal planes. Also, the RGU can incorporate dual computing
elements to achieve multiple modes of game play, suspend, low
power, and transport mode, all states having distinct
characteristics concerning the responses to network commands,
gaming operations, player inputs, and RGU power consumption.
Alternately, the RGU has means to provide gaming operators the
option to easily convert battery power to AC line power and that
also prevents loss of purchased gaming data and point of program
execution when momentary AC line power interruptions occur.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0022] The present invention may take physical form in certain
parts and arrangements of parts, embodiments of which will be
described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. In the
drawings,
[0023] FIG. 1 is the front perspective view of a first embodiment
of an RGU and illustrating several mechanical features, while shown
in the game playing position;
[0024] FIG. 2 is the right side elevational view of the RGU of FIG.
1;
[0025] FIG. 3 is the right side perspective view of the RGU of FIG.
1, shown in the transport position;
[0026] FIG. 4 is the front elevational view of an RGU according to
a second embodiment, utilizing a base without a keyboard, shown in
the game playing position;
[0027] FIG. 5 is an enlarged top perspective view of the RGU of
FIG. 1 with a dome light lens removed for service access to a radio
card and a memory card;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of major network events and
information flow that link three major elements, a Console, a POS,
and the RGU, of the integrated gaming system disclosed herein;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a model of optical
paths for overhead lighting glare on a conventional gaming unit
display screen typically found in the marketplace;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the optimized viewing
angle used by the RGU according to the instant disclosure which
greatly reduces or eliminates overhead lighting glare;
[0031] FIG. 9 is an internal block diagram of the electronics of
one embodiment of the RGU;
[0032] FIG. 10 is a high level diagram of the program and
operational states of the RGU when it is battery powered;
[0033] FIG. 11 is a high level diagram of the program and
operational states of the RGU when it is AC line powered;
[0034] FIG. 12 is a greatly enlarged cross sectional view of an RGU
housing, touch panel display and shock isolators that illustrates a
method in which a computer circuit board and the display are shock
mounted to the housing;
[0035] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a gaming system according to
a further embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a gaming system according to
a still further embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 15 is a schematic of a gaming system according to a yet
further embodiment of the present invention; and,
[0038] FIG. 16 is a schematic of a game system according to still
another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] It should, of course, be understood that the description and
drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various
modifications and changes can be made in the structures and
components disclosed without departing from the spirit of the
instant disclosure. The description sets forth an embodiment of a
gaming unit and the functions and the sequence of steps for
administering a game. In the illustrated embodiments, the system is
intended to play a game of bingo or other types of games of chance.
However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent
functions and sequences may be accomplished by different
embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0040] Feature: Display, Touch Panel, Keyboard
[0041] Similar portable, wireless, Bingo gaming products currently
in the marketplace, generally offer touch panel only, keyboard
without touch panel, a touch panel with a limited set of awkwardly
placed keys in the same vertical plane as the touch panel, or a two
piece configuration with a touch panel and a detached keyboard.
Most gaming units are touch only and place a simple pivot rod on
the back of the unit that places the unit at a forty-five degree
(45.degree.) angle to the table top. This angle is required to
establish a mechanically stable touch panel surface to support the
forces exerted by the player on the touch panel. This angle also
results in considerable glare on the display from overhead lighting
in the facility. Some products have the display and keyboard in the
same plane which makes the player angle of keyboard entry awkward
or results in poor viewing angles of the display. The inclusion of
a full set of keys needed for gaming (on the order of twenty) in
the same plane as the display makes the gaming unit too large or
places the reduced size keys in unconventional positions making key
entry difficult for the player, so most products avoid this
configuration. Some gaming units offer a laptop computer style
package with the display in the upper lid that can be placed at a
player convenient viewing angle and the keyboard in the attached
base. Like laptops, they contain no touch screen because the top
lid is not a stable surface to accommodate the forces exerted by
the player on the touch panel. The two piece keyboard configuration
has the disadvantage of battery replacement cost or recharging
logistics, additional effort of collecting the keyboard after each
bingo session, and the additional space needed for storage. These
serious limitations cause common complaints from Bingo players that
are of extreme diversity in the preference of touch, keyboard, or
combination thereof in operating a gaming unit and also complaints
from gaming operators that must handle, charge, and repair the
units. The angle at which the player enters data into a gaming unit
is important to the player that has become accustomed to using a
standard horizontally oriented desktop computer keyboard and
experiencing a good viewing angle on a vertically oriented
display.
[0042] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a portable, RF wireless
networked, electronic gaming unit (RGU) 1 according to the present
invention offers the best of all offerings. The RGU 1 comprises a
housing 2 and a base 3 pivotally attached to the housing 2. The
base includes a first section 22 comprising a keyboard 24 and a
second section 26. The attached keyboard 24 significantly improves
reliability and is desired by the gaming operators to reduce cost
and improve handling of the units over two piece solutions
employing a detached keyboard. The housing houses a display 6 which
can be a color LCD touchscreen graphic display of the game in play.
Typically, a touchscreen sensor is overlaid on the displayable
surface of the display thereby creating a touch panel 5. Although,
it should be appreciated that the display can incorporate a
built-in touch panel (internal vs. external). To activate the touch
panel, a stylus may be used, but most players will likely use their
fingers.
[0043] The keyboard 24 and touch panel 5 operate seamlessly and
interchangeably to the player. Thus, it should be appreciated that
the RGU can function without the keyboard, with only the touch
display 5. The keyboard 24 includes a plurality of keys 11 which
make gaming pleasurable. In use, the housing 2 and keyboard 24
(base 3) are located in respective generally vertical and
horizontal planes thereby making viewing of the display 6,
operation of the touch panel 5, and keying very convenient to all
players of various preferences.
[0044] The RGU 1 includes a carrying handle 21 mounted to one of
the housing 2 and the base 3 for carrying of the RGU in a transport
position or transport orientation. As shown in FIG. 3, the handle
is generally U-shaped and includes a pair of side legs 32 and 33
and a central leg 34 interconnecting the side legs. The side legs
are pivotally mounted to the housing 2 via swivel joints 36.
Although, it should be appreciated that alternative means for
pivotally mounting the handle are contemplated. The housing further
includes a pair of clips 40 which are configured to releasably
engage the side legs 32, 33 of the U-shaped handle to maintain the
handle 21 in the transport position.
[0045] With reference to FIG. 2, in a use position or use
orientation, the handle 21 deploys as an easel or back support for
the display/touch panel (housing 2) during gaming. Particularly,
the central leg 34 of the U-shaped handle 21 cooperates with first
and second flanges 38 and 39, respectively, located on the base 3
while seated in a recessed portion 40 forward of the first flange.
The flanges engage a cut-out portion 42 of the central leg. The
recessed portion 40 prevents the handle from sliding forward
(toward the pivot 20) while the touch panel 5 is being used.
Shoulders 44 are provided on the housing 2. Each shoulder includes
an angled face 45 for supporting the side legs 32, 33 in the use
position. The handle 21 when used as a back support for the housing
2 provides a stable touch panel surface and maintains an acute
angle in relation to a plane defined by the base thereby optimizing
the display viewing angle to significantly reduce glare from
overhead lighting. To move the handle 21 to the transport
orientation, the housing is rotated more upright which disengages
the central leg 34 from the first and second flanges 38, 39. The
handle is then rotated away from the base 3 until the side legs 32,
33 are engaged by the clips 40.
[0046] Because of the large number of gaming units commonly used in
a Bingo hall (up to 1,000), the RGU must be compact enough to fit
into small profile charging racks to conserve floor space. To this
extent, the base 3 pivots relative to the housing 2 via a hinge 20
(FIG. 2) such that it stores in-plane with the housing when not
used for game play (FIG. 3). This results in a thin profile product
that is easily stacked and transported or inserted in compact
charger racks.
[0047] Similar portable, wireless, Bingo gaming products currently
in the marketplace generally use simple support rods that provide a
fixed angle of approximately forty-five degrees (45.degree.) to a
table top or allow a variable display angle of the gaming unit to
fall within a large range of viewing angles that create unstable
touch panel operations. Ultimately these approaches result in
player dissatisfaction because gaming information on the display is
obstructed by the reflected image of the overhead fluorescent
lighting, as shown in FIG. 7. The wide range of viewing angles also
result in the players perception of poor display quality because
the displays are comprised of low cost color LCD technology that
has known deficiencies over large viewing angles. The simple
support rods are inadequate, unstable support for touch panel
operations and result in an improper touch panel operator angle for
convenient touch panel operation. As shown in FIG. 8, the RGU 1
fixes the viewing angle at a near optimum value in a vertical
orientation (approximately twelve degrees (12.degree.)), thereby
greatly reducing overhead lighting images, and negating the
perception of color LCD viewing angle deficiencies. As shown in
FIG. 2, the fixed viewing angle is achieved with the handle 21
functioning as a sturdy easel that securely supports the forces of
a player's display touch panel operation. The near vertical, fixed
angle eliminates parallax between the touch panel 5 and the display
image. The handle 21 also folds into a flat position relative to
the housing for transporting and insertion in chargers, as shown in
FIG. 3. For player convenience, the keyboard is also slanted at
approximately eleven degrees (11.degree.) as are most desktop
computer keyboards.
[0048] Feature: Integrated Multilevel Security and Player Tracking,
Lock and Play
[0049] Similar portable, wireless, Bingo gaming products currently
in the marketplace generally do not offer an integrated magnetic
card reader, or smart card reader, or biometric security devices.
Players are required to key enter a series of numbers into the
gaming unit from a receipt, to enable their gaming unit for play or
key a series of numbers from their credit card to obtain monetary
credits for gaming. Key entry errors often result in the wrong
gaming information being loaded or result in many interactive and
frustrating attempts to achieve credit operations. In many cases,
game operators are needed to assist players and undo errors that
have occurred. The lack of sufficient security on current gaming
units allows other unauthorized players to tamper with the units in
the momentary absence of the player. For controlled player access,
some products offer an external magnetic card reader which is
vulnerable to security attacks.
[0050] The RGU 1 integrates into the gaming unit housing a tamper
proof (by virtue of housing integration, FIG. 2) magnetic card
reader, or smart card reader 4. Alternatively, an integrated
biometric reader can be employed. The RGU reader is very convenient
for players to use their special encoded player tracking cards
(similar to those used in Casinos) or thumb biometric to enable
their RGU for play without key entry errors, or use their existing
credit cards to easily and accurately obtain monetary credits. The
system can discriminate between player cards, management cards,
credit cards, and other types of custom cards. The integrated
reader(s) 4 and use of these cards simultaneously provides a
security means that accurately identifies the player to the gaming
operators. The RGU also has a lock button 51 and associative
software that allows the player to disable the keyboard and touch
panel entry and removes the gaming display to prevent unauthorized
tampering of the unit during momentary absence. The player must use
his card to unlock the RGU and return it to a normal gaming screen.
Unlike other products in the marketplace, the improved RGU also has
a unique feature in that it continues to play bingo and will alert
the player of a win condition even when the unit has been placed in
the locked state. These error and tamper free methods dramatically
reduce the need for assistance from the gaming operators, thereby
enhancing legal operations and reducing cost of operations when
large Bingo halls have over 1,000 players to attend to during a
Bingo game. RGU players have the important advantage of not missing
a win when the RGU is in a locked, tamper proof state. This is
extremely important in light of portable gaming in the secure
Casino marketplace where a remote gaming unit located outside of
the immediate Casino floor may be accessible by under-aged
children, resulting in illegal gaming.
[0051] Another advantage of the reader security system on the RGU
is that a special card and password can be employed for managers of
the gaming operations to check proper and legal operation of the
RGUs during gaming. Keystroke logs, purchased gaming data, proper
unit operation, and many other types of information can be
displayed when the manager uses his card and password. The use of a
player card can never expose this diagnostic/management information
to the player, and likewise, the manager can not perform gaming
related functions of a player. The lack of this type of security on
current units in the marketplace often exposes sensitive management
functions and legal information to the players during the course of
normal gaming. For additional security, in conjunction with the
Console, a unique manager password can be entered at the Console
for each individual session and it is dynamically downloaded into
the RGU with the purchased gaming data.
[0052] Feature: Large Gaming Indicator
[0053] Similar portable, wireless, Bingo gaming products currently
in the marketplace do not have a large indicator that can be seen
from a distance. Bingo halls supporting many players are often
quite large (over 26,000 square feet). When a player needs
assistance or has won, he must yell, stand up, or raise his hand to
get gaming operator attention. As shown in FIG. 1, the RGU 1
includes an alerting device such as a dome light assembly 7
including a lens which houses at least one indicator light, such as
Green and Red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 103 (FIG. 9). When
illuminated, the light assembly can easily be seen anywhere within
a 26,000 square foot facility. When both LEDs are illuminated, a
yellow light is produced. In support of the LEDs, the RGU 1
includes a player assistance button 52 that activates the at least
one of the LEDs, preferably the Red LED, providing an easy and
convenient method for a gaming operator to locate a player that
needs assistance. When the RGU 1 self detects a game win condition,
the other LED, preferably the Green LED, is automatically activated
to make it easy for the gaming operator to locate the winning
player for purposes of win verification and payout.
[0054] The light assembly 7 can also be used in a raffle-like game,
which is not a game of player skill or a game that interacts with a
bingo game. To play the raffle game, the Console, via the network,
instructs all RGUs to turn on their light assemblies 7 and blink
the LEDs at random times on random units, with random colors of
red, green, and yellow. After a predetermined period, the Console
randomly reduces the number of RGUs blinking one at a time until
there is only one RGU illuminating a red color, only one RGU
illuminating a green color, and only one RGU illuminating a yellow
color. As determined prior to the raffle, the colors denote first,
second and third prize winners. The raffle can be played on Auto,
Semi-Auto, and Manual E-max modes (which will be described in
greater detail below). The raffle can be played at any time, but
not during a specific bingo game. A player generally participates
in the raffle by purchasing at least one raffle chance for one
level (i.e., one specific color). Multiple chances can be purchased
at a single level, which increases the chance of winning that
level. A single RGU generally can only buy in at one level. When
purchased, each raffle chance is linked to a specific electronic
receipt number and ID printed on a receipt for a purchased bingo
package. The IDs are only loaded into the Console, and the more
chances you purchased, the more times your ID is loaded. All raffle
gaming logic is resident on the Console, not the RGUs. A payout
amount for each level or color is automatically calculated based on
raffle sales dollars collected up to the point the game starts. On
a winning unit, a worker can compare the ID on the Console with the
ID displayed on the display 6 and printed on the receipt. The
winners can then be paid from the raffle game entry proceeds.
[0055] It can be appreciated that many other games can be devised
and played using a large dome gaming indicator that can be easily
seen in a large facility by both players and gaming operators, and
that is network controlled by a gaming Console or even locally
controlled for gaming purposes by the RGU itself. This improved
location and gaming means, yields faster games and less overhead
for gaming operators, while adding new player games made possible
by the large dome light. The players also enjoy a large win light
on their bingo gaming unit similar to what they experience and
enjoy when they win on slot machines. The RGU is also capable of
producing sounds, via speakers 8, that imitate the dropping of
coins so familiar with slot machines.
[0056] Feature: Plug-in Memory and Radio Cards
[0057] Typical gaming devices in the marketplace have just enough
memory to accomplish gaming functions in an effort to reduce cost
and size of the products. Therefore, they do not have the
infrastructure to handle large additional memory requirements.
Those memory requirements are driven by the profitable sales of
running memory intensive ads to individuals in a narrow target
market, such as bingo players. The RGU contains a card slot that is
gaming operator accessible without major disassembly of the RGU as
shown in FIG. 5. The card slot is exposed by the simple removal of
a dome light lens 61 (FIG. 4). The slot supports a plug-in, flash
memory card 31 (108, FIG. 9) with a large amount of memory,
typically on the order of 128 MB which is sufficient to run and
display a high quality ad to the player. This plug-in, large
capacity memory means, does not impact the cost of the basic RGU
when ads are not needed, but does allow improved operations of
displaying ads that were not feasible on other current gaming
products. An RGU radio module 30 (109, FIG. 9) used to support
network communications is also a standard plug-in card that is
accessible by gaming operators for easy service. Some state
regulations require there be no radio in the RGU. The plug-in means
also optimizes cost to accommodate various markets with and without
radio. A wireless communication means to load gaming data is
provided by an Infra red optical device on the RGU when the radio
is not present.
[0058] Feature: Intelligent Battery Pack and Power Loss
Prevention
[0059] Similar portable, wireless, Bingo gaming products currently
in the marketplace generally do not incorporate intelligent battery
packs. When a player loads his purchased gaming data, there is no
accurate means of determining if the unit has enough battery energy
to complete the entire bingo session comprising of many games and
typically lasting for 4 hours or more. In many cases, gaming units
go into power failure before the session is completed and require
operator assistance and a delay in the game while their gaming data
is transferred into another gaming unit. The RGU 1 incorporates an
intelligent battery pack with a unique serial number stored in its
memory, that when queried by the RGU computer, discloses its
remaining capacity and identification information. Therefore, the
RGU can automatically adjust for battery packs of differently
rated, full charge capacities. The supporting Console to the RGU is
preprogrammed with the total session duration and that duration is
loaded into the RGU with the player's purchased gaming data. The
improved gaming unit then compares the session duration information
to the battery capacity and will allow gaming only if the unit can
complete the session. If the battery capacity is not adequate, the
improved unit will display a message alerting the gaming operator
and player that the purchased gaming data must be put onto another
unit before gaming starts. This methodology reduces player
frustration, eliminates power failures and resulting game delays,
reduces the need for operator assistance during gaming, and
provides a more secure gaming environment.
[0060] Feature: Dual Computing Elements, No ON/OFF Switch
[0061] Similar portable, wireless, Bingo gaming products currently
in the marketplace generally employ an ON/OFF switch to power the
unit off and use a single internal computer. Players have been
known to accidentally or inquisitively power units off during
gaming resulting in confusion and possible missed winning
conditions. Once powered off, the unit has no capability to quickly
respond to any external events.
[0062] The RGU 1 does not have an ON/OFF switch, but has two
separate computer elements 100, 102, as shown in FIG. 9. The
secondary computer element 102 is a very low power microcontroller
that stays powered at all times until the battery pack is fully
discharged. The primary computer element 100 is a faster more
powerful gaming computer that stays powered only when necessary.
The secondary computer has the ability to power the primary
computer on and off or suspend and resume the primary computer. The
suspending and resuming of the primary computer 100 does not
destroy gaming information and the game continues exactly where it
left off when the primary computer is resumed by the secondary
computer. Since there is not an apparent ON/OFF switch available to
the player, the improved gaming unit always stays powered. Unknown
to the player is a hidden magnet (not shown) in the RGU keyboard 24
that activates the suspend process (and others) when the keyboard
is pivoted to the flat charge/transport state (FIG. 3). If no
gaming data has been loaded onto the RGU and the keyboard is placed
in the charge/transport position, the secondary computer 102 will
power the primary computer 100 off, resulting in a continuous low
power state with the secondary computer always on. The secondary
computer then has the ability to quickly sense insertion into a
charger, and also power up the primary computer on a periodic basis
to check for network commands. Network commands such as Start of
Session and Start of Mass Download will then keep the fast gaming
computer 100 active by executing the appropriate application
program.
[0063] Feature: Self Wake, Inventory and Battery Management
[0064] Unlike other current products with ON/OFF switches, the low
power secondary processor 102 of the RGU 1 has the ability to
periodically wake up the primary processor 100 so that the primary
processor can identify itself to the network and respond to any
pending network commands. Upon wakeup, or if already awake during
gaming, the RGU identifies itself with its serial number and
battery pack information. The Console records that information and
generates an RGU inventory report that can be printed or
transmitted via phone line to corporate headquarters, thereby
providing a remote site with automatic and current RGU inventory
and battery data. Two snapshots of the battery data are taken, one
at the start and one at the end of the session. Corporate
headquarters can extract session run time, battery capacity, and
battery voltage at the start and end of many sessions to establish
a trend line chart to analyze deterioration of the battery pack
over time. The RGU Lithium Ion, high capacity battery pack 118 is a
relatively expensive item and a costly undertaking to field replace
tens of thousands of aging battery packs. The trend line data will
allow corporate headquarters to maximize the life cycle of the
battery pack by serial number and anticipate cash flow and service
needs for the replacement of them.
[0065] Feature: Shock Isolated Display and Computer
[0066] Both the touch panel 5 and display 6 are glass based
products. Typical display and touch panel sizes found in bingo
gaming units range from 5'' to 10'' displays. The 10'' color
display requires much more battery capacity to complete a bingo
session than a 5'' display. The weight of the gaming unit is
thereby increased by weight of the battery and larger display glass
and corresponding larger touch panel glass. The additional weight
of the 10'' product increases the shock imposed to the housing and
internal components when the portable unit is accidentally dropped
to the floor during normal handling. The large 10'' glass and
electronics are typically subjected to shocks that more often than
not, with current products in the marketplace, result in a cracked
touch panel. Repairing of the computer and touch panel requires
complete disassembly of the product thus taking the unit out of
service for a time period in which it loses revenue in addition to
the cost of shipment and factory repair.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 12, the RGU 1, which currently uses a
10.4'' display, employs a shock mount system for the computer,
display, and touch panel. The shock mount system significantly
reduces breakage and increases the operating profits of the product
compared to similar 10'' bingo gaming products in the current
marketplace.
[0068] Feature: Alternate AC Line Power
[0069] Similar portable, wireless, Bingo gaming products currently
in the marketplace generally do not support an alternate means of
powering them from the AC power line. They are designed and
manufactured as battery or AC powered units that are not
convertible in the field. For the rare cases that support alternate
battery or line power, gaming data and/or point of program
execution is typically lost during momentary line power
interruptions (momentary being defined as seconds to an hour). To
avoid this, large, costly Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) that
can support 1,000 gaming units must be installed with modification
of the facility AC power line wiring to the gaming unit tables.
Alternately, costly Lithium Ion battery packs similar to that used
in lap top computers are used to support the gaming unit during
power failure. These are costly and undesirable methods and tasks
for the gaming operators.
[0070] The RGU 1, when line powered, uses a very small and low cost
AC to DC power adapter in conjunction with a small, low cost 9-volt
rechargeable battery 130 that is easily replaced at end of life,
special fast acting line power failure sensing circuitry (127, 128,
129), and a program resident in the secondary computer 102 that
rapidly places the primary computer into suspend mode on the
occurrence of line power failure, thereby preserving gaming data
and program point of execution. During absence of line power, the
secondary processor continues to run from the 9-volt battery source
130 until stable line power has been restored. The secondary
computer software filters out common rapid ON/OFF line power
fluctuations (on the order of less than 5 seconds in duration) to
prevent false restart of gaming operations during these
fluctuations. When line power is restored, the 9-volt battery
automatically recharges in preparation for the next failure. To
ensure long life of the 9-volt battery, when the secondary computer
is running from the 9-volt battery during power failure, it
monitors the discharge state of the battery. To prevent battery
damage due to over discharge, the secondary computer self
disconnects from the battery and powers itself down after
approximately one hour. Therefore, the improved RGU product is
easily and cost effectively converted from battery power to line
power in the field, does not lose gaming data or point of program
execution for up to one hour after a loss of AC power,
automatically resumes gaming to the exact point in the game at the
time of suspend, does not require installation of a costly central
UPS with line power wiring modifications, and provides automatic
recharging of the 9-volt battery, all of which are a means of
significant improvements to gaming operators from current products
in the marketplace.
[0071] RGU Interactive Network and System Operations
[0072] Referring to FIG. 6, the Console opens a session and informs
the RGU 1 and POS with a Start Session broadcast on the network.
The POS then records all financial transactions until it receives a
Close Session broadcast from the Console, then it prohibits further
transactions and tags all recorded transactions and reports to that
completed session. Likewise, upon receipt of the Close Session
broadcast, the RGU will terminate gaming operations, delete all
purchased gaming data, and revert back to a log in screen waiting
for a new session to start and for the next player to log onto the
RGU. For security and regulatory purposes, the RGU retains no
previous gaming data or bingo card faces from the session that was
just closed.
[0073] During an active session, the player purchases gaming
offerings for the RGU and uses his player tracking card on the POS
card reader and the POS informs the Console of the quantity and
type of items purchased, the player ID, and receipt transaction ID.
The Console then uses its resident data base of bingo card faces
and builds a unique electronic package for that specific player and
exactly equal to what the player had purchased. The Console returns
a package ID number over the network to the POS to indicate a
successful build and the POS now associates and stores the player
ID, receipt transaction ID, the package ID, and then prints all
transaction ID information on a player sales receipt. The player
then takes the portable RGU out of a kiosk or charger cabinet and
proceeds to his seat location within the bingo facility. The player
swipes his player tracking card on the secure and internal RGU card
reader 4 (FIG. 1). The RGU sends over the network the player ID and
its own RGU internal, unique, permanently stored device ID to the
Console. The Console takes the received player ID and locates the
matching exact package that was built for that player. The Console
then associates and stores the RGU device ID to the transaction ID
and then sends the package over the network to the RGU. The RGU
verifies its specific device ID against the device ID of the
package sent, acknowledges receipt of it over the network to the
Console, and then prepares the package for game play. The Console
internally closes the transaction and informs the POS to internally
close the transaction since the exact purchased item has been
successfully delivered to the player. With one convenient, player
error free card swipe, the player is now ready to play bingo and
other games on an RGU that is secured to his player card.
Alternately, if gaming operators decide not to use player cards,
the package ID number from the player receipt can be manually keyed
in to the RGU in lieu of the player ID. The same exact package will
be located on the console that belongs to the package ID rather
than the player ID.
[0074] One piece of information contained in the package sent to
the RGU is session duration. While preparing the package for game
play, the RGU queries its intelligent battery pack 118 and compares
remaining capacity against the session duration value. If the
battery does not have sufficient capacity to complete the session,
the RGU will display a low battery message to the player,
conveniently turns on the red LED 103 to get the attention of the
gaming operator for the player, and does not complete the
preparation of the package which prevents the package from playing
on that RGU. The gaming operator then takes the player's card
and/or receipt and goes to the POS and instructs the POS to allow
the exact package belonging to that receipt ID and player ID to be
reloaded into another RGU. The POS reopens the exact transaction
and cancels the association of the current device ID to the
transaction ID and also informs the Console of the event over the
network. The Console then sends a network command to the current
RGU device ID to delete the package it had received and the RGU
returns to the log in screen and the gaming operator places the RGU
into the charger. The player is then given a second RGU and the
player swipes his card and the package download process repeats
itself as noted in the above discussion ending in the closing of
the transaction with the association of the second device ID to the
original transaction ID number, thereby loading the exact original
package into another RGU.
[0075] The RGU uses 802.11 radio technologies providing a secure
network at the physical layer by the virtue of the 802.11 spread
spectrum radio modulation of the data coupled with 128 bit WEP
encryption, an E-max Gaming Corporation network identifier, and
augmented at the transport layer by scrambling of data where
necessary with use of additional system identification.
[0076] The RGU gaming package that was purchased and sent over the
network contains at least a unique session ID for the current
active session, session duration time value, specific purchased
gaming data defining games, intermission, faces and patterns for
the games, time of package download, display backlight and audio
volume settings, last ball logic enabled/disabled, marquee and
theme information, birthday and anniversary notification, manager
passwords, player name and card number, a time value of when to
automatically expire the package and max cards allowed to meet
certain state regulations, routed or stationary operation, and one
of three modes of play, Auto Mode, Semi-Auto Mode, or Manual
Mode.
[0077] Auto Mode sends each called ball with current session ID
over the network, momentarily displays the ball image for the
player, then automatically daubs and ranks all cards being played
for that game. Also, the RGU has a means to provide the player with
notification that the RF link has failed and will automatically
force the gaming to the Manual Mode such that play can continue.
When in Auto Mode, the player can not manually enter balls to keep
the auto game play accurate and free of false wins that are evident
on other current products in the marketplace.
[0078] Semi-Auto Mode sends each called ball with current session
ID over the network, continually displays the ball image for the
player until the player touches the ball on the touch screen or
hits the Enter key on the keyboard, then automatically daubs and
ranks all cards being played for that game. The instant RGU has a
means to provide the player with notification that the RF link has
failed and will automatically force the gaming to the Manual Mode
such that play can continue. When in Semi-Auto Mode, the player can
not manually enter balls to keep the auto game play accurate and
free of false wins that are evident on other current products in
the marketplace.
[0079] Manual Mode requires that the player manually key on the
keyboard or enter on the touch panel, each ball called, then the
RGU automatically daubs and ranks all cards being played for that
game. If the system was originally in Auto or Semi-Auto Mode, and
the RF network becomes valid again, the RGU has a means to
re-establish RF communications and revert back to the original mode
of play.
[0080] Also note that the RGU contains no pre-loaded bingo faces or
session gaming information prior to the package being physically
sold at the POS and then the exact package being loaded into the
RGU only during an activated session. Many gaming units in the
marketplace preload many bingo card faces and then play only the
portion of those faces that have been purchased. It has been
demonstrated that this technique is open to corruption if more
faces than purchased are erroneously enabled causing the gaming
unit to win excessively.
[0081] Therefore, the security and accuracy of the instant system's
transactions are greatly enhanced with a tightly integrated system
comprised of secure network communications between all three
elements of the system; Console, POS, and an improved RGU with
means to conveniently and accurately complete the transaction with
safeguards against power failure during gaming and false wins.
[0082] In summary, the following is a partial list of key
interactive system network functions between the Console, POS, and
RGU. [0083] 1. Available list of Organizations to select from for
editing on the POS [0084] 2. Activate schedule for a specific bingo
organization and session with a unique session ID [0085] 3. Win
notification and advance to next game [0086] 4. Win notification
and stay on the game for second chance bingo [0087] 5. Jump to any
game in the session, forward or backwards [0088] 6. RGU package
loading containing a plethora of information and operational
instructions [0089] 7. Ball calls from the ball blower or random
number generator [0090] 8. Manual un-call of specific ball numbers
[0091] 9. Periodic RGU device ID reporting [0092] 10. Void a
package on a specific RGU or dump package for reload [0093] 11.
Delete specific face/pattern that has won [0094] 12. Caller's
choice pattern deletion or insertion [0095] 13. Inventory sold in
the specific session at the POS for validation of payout at the
Console [0096] 14. Console game payout information to the POS for
accurate POS payout and accounting [0097] 15. Verify all POS cash
drawers are closed before de-activating the session [0098] 16.
Deactivate session [0099] 17. Locate an RGU (during gaming, enter a
device ID and the dome light on that unit turns on) [0100] 18. Turn
on/off the dome light, steady on or blink, any one of the three
colors red, green and yellow [0101] 19. Synchronize data between
Console and POS [0102] 20. RGU sold/load/void/reload reports for
revenue tracking of electronics [0103] 21. Time service that
synchronizes real time clocks on all three products [0104] 22.
Network activity monitor to automatically transition to Manual Mode
game play from Auto Mode on RF link failure [0105] 23. Device Test
function locates all active RGUs in the facility and gives a total
count [0106] 24. Clear RGU logs [0107] 25. Reset all RF Access
Points on the network [0108] 26. Player credit and purchase
requests [0109] 27. RGU Mass Download functions
[0110] Mass download is a non gaming function that allows gaming
operators to update software simultaneously in all RGU's via the RF
network with the aid of a utility program resident on the Console.
The Mass download utility on the Console stores and displays the
current revision levels of all software that was downloaded.
Application, Operating System, and radio firmware software can be
mass downloaded.
[0111] Each State in the United States that allows electronic bingo
gaming units, and sometimes each County within a State, will
typically have published rules concerning the legal operation of
the gaming unit, Console, and POS. The rules have large
differences, such that a single piece of bingo hardware and
software must be configurable to meet the needs of any one State.
Typically, the distributors licensed in a given State are
responsible to manually set up and configure the hardware and
software in the system for legal operation in that State. This can
be time consuming and error prone.
[0112] This disclosed invention incorporates hardware and software
that can be configured by the distributor simply loading a State
Configuration CD (or other storage media) into the main computers
of the POS and Console that allows the distributor to select the
desired installation State from a list of all States and then the
Console and POS configure themselves for proper State operations as
defined by the information provided on the CD. This dramatically
reduces errors and makes the installation much faster. At the point
of creating a bingo session on the Console many items are inhibited
from illegally being entered such as exceeding the maximum number
of faces allowed by the State to be built into a package for
download into an RGU. Likewise the POS has similar safeguards, one
of which is that it will not allow multiple packages of legal sizes
to be combined into an illegal sized package and sold at the POS.
This State Configuration means, and a means for inhibiting critical
functions whose limits or allowed presence were defined by data on
the CD, result in much improved system integrity and security.
[0113] This invention's system integration in conjunction with a
significantly improved RGU with unique combinational features as
described in the Improved RGU Comparative Description section of
this disclosure, gives this disclosed invention a significant
advantage over current products and systems in the marketplace.
[0114] RGU Description
[0115] With reference again to FIGS. 1-3, and as indicated
previously, the RGU 1 comprises an housing 2, which can be a sturdy
polycarbonate plastic injection molded housing. The housing 2
comprises the display 6 and the touch panel 5, which when in use is
positioned in a generally vertical plane. The display is a 10.4''
display; although, this is not required. The base 3 includes the
keyboard 24 and is attached to the housing. The base is pivotal
relative to the housing to a first, in use position and a second,
storage/transport position. The first position situates the base in
a generally horizontal plane. In the second position, the base can
be stored in a plane generally parallel to a plane defined by the
housing 2.
[0116] The keyboard 24 includes the plurality of keys 11. In the
depicted embodiment, twenty keys are provided; although, more or
less than twenty keys are contemplated. The keys allow the player
to conduct gaming from the keyboard. Four of the keys can act as
curser keys allowing navigation of an optical curser over the
display. The use of an Enter key on the keyboard 24 will cause
execution of that function depicted on the display. The touch panel
5 and keyboard 24 can be seamlessly and randomly used during gaming
by the player since the hardware and software internal to the RGU 1
self identifies the source of the player input and uses it
accordingly.
[0117] The bright dome light assembly 7 is secured to the housing 2
and includes a diffused translucent plastic lens. The lens includes
an inner surface which is illuminated by both the Red and Green
light-emitting diodes (LEDs) housed in the assembly. As indicated
previously, the illumination of the LEDs yield three distinct
colors, to wit, Red, Green, and Yellow (which is a combination of
the Red and Green blended by the diffusion of the lens). Audio is
available, in stereo, via the small built-in speakers 8 or via an
external headset through a headphone jack (not visible).
[0118] With reference to FIG. 2, the magnetic card reader slot 4 is
integrated into the housing 2, which requires the player to swipe
his card in the vertical plane from top to bottom of the RGU.
Although, it should be appreciated that the magnetic card slot 4
can be integrated into the base 3. The magnetic card slot is
created by two pieces of plastic that are assembled to the housing
2. These two pieces of plastic can be interchanged with two
different pieces of plastic that can support a Smart Card reader as
a product option.
[0119] As shown in FIG. 2, the base 3 is the first, normal playing
position. When the keyboard 24 is not in use, the pivot 20 allows
the base to rotate to a plane in parallel to a plane defined by the
housing 2. The support handle 21 creates a sturdy support for the
back of the housing and display by interlocking into the base 3
during normal play of the unit. The support handle creates the
fixed, optimized viewing angle of the display and keeps the display
mechanically stable during the forces exerted on the touch panel by
the player. When not in play, the support handle also rotates in a
plane parallel to the plane defined by the housing 2 as shown in
FIG. 3, which illustrates both the support handle 21 and base 3 in
a plane parallel to the housing. This is referred to as the
transport position. In this position, the support handle now
becomes a convenient means for the player to carry the gaming
unit.
[0120] As shown in FIG. 4, a support base 10, with no frontal
keyboard area, can be assembled to the RGU. The support base also
pivots relative to the housing in an identical manner to the base
3. This option is to accommodate bingo faculties with a very small
desk top playing area and that need only touch panel operations.
Keyboard base 3 or non-keyboard support base 10, both self identify
to the RGU such that RGU software knows if a keyboard is attached
or not and the program automatically adapts to the hardware
configuration of the product.
[0121] With reference to FIG. 7, a model of a player and a
conventional gaming unit on a table top is illustrated. Many
products in the marketplace have the gaming unit display viewing
angle at forty-five degrees (45.degree.) from vertical. This
creates a condition in which the player sees the reflection of the
overhead lighting of the bingo facilities in the display of the
gaming unit. As shown in FIG. 8, a comparative model to FIG. 7, a
viewing angle of the RGU 1 is on the order of twelve degrees
(12.degree.) instead of forty-five degrees (45.degree.) which
results in a major reduction in the player seeing overhead lighting
in the display of the gaming unit. The height of the RGU 1 is
limited to approximately twelve inches (12'') which is lower than
the shoulder height of the average player from the table top,
thereby blocking light from directly behind the player from hitting
the display. The twelve degrees (12.degree.) viewing angle is also
a more convenient angle for player touch screen operations. Since
there is space between the touch panel surface and the display
surface, the twelve degrees (12.degree.) viewing angle also reduces
the parallax between the touch surface and the display surface
image compared to an angle of forty-five degrees (45.degree.)
commonly used in the marketplace.
[0122] With reference to FIG. 5, the dome light translucent lens of
the light assembly 7 is removed from the housing 2. This exposes
the plug-in radio card 30 used for primary RF network communication
in the bingo system, and the optional plug-in memory card 31 that
is utilized for large memory expansion needed for advertisements
and surveys that may be required at certain bingo facilities. The
plug-in card slots provide a convenient means for gaming operators
to quickly replace a defective radio card and not take the RGU out
of service for costly factory repairs and quickly add advertising
capabilities to their gaming unit without affecting the base cost
of the gaming unit.
[0123] A block diagram of the RGU's internal electronics is
illustrated in FIG. 9. A primary processor or computer 100 is of
the embedded type that puts computing speed in the modest range of
400 MHz and therefore consumes less power than a typical lap top
computer. The primary computer is the main application processor
that handles gaming logic, network communications via the Radio
card 109 and PCMCIA slot 111 or optional Ethernet port 126, can
access large amounts of memory on the order of 128 MB on memory
card 108 and PCMCIA slot 110, controls and generates audio
functions via Audio CODEC 122, Mic 125, speaker 124, and headset
123, and sources video images to the display 112 via the display
controller 113 containing internal video memory, adjusts the
brightness of the display backlight 115 via the control of the
display backlight inverter 114, and interprets data from the touch
screen 116 via the touch screen controller 117. The primary
computer is supported by traditional Flash memory and DRAM memory
101 for program and variable data. The primary computer also
controls wireless Infra Red (IRDA) 121 communications to the POS
station to download gaming data into the RGU when the RF
communications path is not used. The primary computer can also
communicate with an optional Biometric device, such as thumb print
recognition, for player security access to the RGU.
[0124] A secondary processor or computer 102 is of a small
microprocessor controller type that is very low power compared to
the primary computer. The secondary computer handles certain
hardware input/output devices such as magnetic card reader 106,
optional Smart Card reader 105, keyboard 104, dome light LEDs 103,
reads data from battery pack 118, and controls interface 119 to an
intelligent battery charging system. When gaming and network
communications unduly burdens the primary computer's bandwidth,
which may affect the ability of the primary computer 100 to react
to a multitude of fast occurring player Input/Output events, the
dedicated secondary computer 102 relieves the primary computer of
these I/O tasks. Another important task of the secondary computer
is to interface to the Regulators 128, backup power 127 (a high
capacity capacitor commonly referred to as a supercap), and power
monitors 129 to provide a cold reset of the primary computer 100 by
shutting down the primary computer regulators (a portion of 128)
under certain power fail or charging conditions. Yet another
important task of the secondary computer 102 is to control the
suspend and resume process of the primary computer 100 to provide a
low power means to periodically wake up the primary computer at a
specified programmable time value given by the primary computer to
the secondary computer before the secondary computer suspends
operation of the primary computer. The interface between the
primary computer and secondary computer consists primarily of a
serial communication channel and hardware suspend/resume line.
[0125] The battery pack 118 receives Charging Power 120 from an
external charger via metal contacts embedded into the RGU housing
2. The secondary computer 102 and the external charge circuitry
combine to provide an intelligent and safe charging system for a
Lithium Ion battery pack. The secondary computer 102 reads data
from the intelligent battery pack to measure its current, voltage,
temperature and remaining charge capacity. The secondary computer
prevents damage and unsafe charging conditions to the battery pack
by inhibiting charge under temperature extremes and abnormal
battery voltages, and has charge cut off timers to prevent
overcharge or continuous charging of the battery pack.
[0126] The RGU circuitry can auto detect, on a cold reset, the
source of power (e.g., battery or AC line), and if different than
the previous cold boot, stores the power source status in a silicon
custom chip. The circuitry automatically executes program logic in
accordance with two different state diagrams as shown in FIG. 10
and FIG. 11 respective to battery or AC line power.
[0127] Because of this means, in lieu of using costly battery packs
118, an optional low cost external AC adapter coupled with an
internal low cost 9-volt battery 130 can be used to power the RGU 1
from the AC line. This reduces cost for gaming operators not
wishing to use the Lithium Ion pack and have to support them with
many charging racks, and the logistics of collecting the gaming
units and placing them in the racks, often multiple times a day. If
a sudden loss of AC power is experienced, the RGU circuitry quickly
detects it and the 9-volt battery will power the RGU 1 while the
secondary computer 102 suspends the primary computer 100 thereby
saving all gaming data and the exact point of program execution.
The 9-volt battery then continues to power the secondary computer
and the suspended primary computer until AC power has been
restored, or approximately one hour has elapsed, at which time the
secondary computer 102 senses that the 9-volt battery is ready to
experience power failure. The secondary computer then disconnects
power from the 9-volt battery and the entire RGU is now powered
completely off.
[0128] For a battery powered RGU, the RGU's primary computer 100,
the secondary computer 102, Console network commands, charger
detection logic, and a magnet in the keyboard base 3 or
non-keyboard support base 10 combine to create various program
states of the RGU1 for gaming and non gaming conditions. Referring
to FIG. 10, a high level diagram of a battery powered RGU is
illustrated. The Run state 200 is the state for full gaming
operations, player interaction, network communications, and the RGU
is in the upright play position. The play position is determined by
the proximity of the magnet in the keyboard to an electrical
magnetic field sensor on the computer circuit board. The secondary
computer 102 monitors the magnetic field sensor output and informs
the primary computer if the RGU is in the upright play position or
the transport position (magnet activates the sensor). The RGU 1
consumes maximum power in the Run state.
[0129] In the Run state, the RGU presents a player Log-in screen.
When the player swipes his or her player card or keys in the
package ID from the sales receipt, the RGU will go to the network
and download the gaming data into memory. Gaming screens and player
controls are then presented to the player. If an error occurred
during the download process, the player is alerted with messages
and at least one of the LED will be illuminated, preferably the Red
LED, calling for gaming operator assistance. Also, one of the
player's controls is an Assistance button. Pushing this button
before or during gaming, illuminated the Red LED to call for gaming
operator assistance. Yet another one of the player controls is a
Lock button. If the player selects Lock during gaming, the Log-in
screen reappears, but gaming continues in the background. If the
RGU 1 wins while in a Lock screen, it alerts the player with an
audible win tone and the other of the LEDs, preferably the Green
LED, is illuminated. The player must swipe his card or key in the
package ID to return to the gaming screens. The Lock screen also
prevents other players from tampering, altering, or playing the RGU
1 in the temporary absence of the player.
[0130] Also from the Lock screen, a manager can interrogate the
status of the gaming unit. The manager must swipe his magnetic card
and then key in a password unique to that particular session that
was downloaded with the gaming package. A Manager screen appears
allowing the manager to view information concerning balls called
via the network or manually keyed, gaming actions taken by the
network or player such as jumping to another game, a complete
listing of the downloaded package content, power status, network
information, current software revision levels, an error log, time
to automatic package expiration set by the session, and the ability
to manually delete the package from the RGU if the gaming unit is
to be taken out of service. Note that if the sales transaction is
voided at the POS, the POS/Console combination can automatically
delete the downloaded package on the RGU 1 via the RF network at
any point during gaming without being on the Manager screen. While
on the Manager screen, the manager can not partake in any player
gaming actions. The manager hits the Exit button to return to the
Lock screen where the player must log-in to continue gaming. This
improved security means, hides sensitive RGU and system information
from the player during gaming, and yet allows interrogation of the
RGU's data and performance for the game operators and regulatory
inspectors without altering player gaming.
[0131] There are generally four primary causes to exit from the Run
state 200. The first is the keyboard base 3 or support base 10
pivots or transitions to the transport position to exit to the
Deactivated state 202. The second is the secondary computer 102
involuntarily suspends the primary computer 100 (power fail or
other critical conditions) and exits to the Suspend state 203. The
third is player inactivity by not touching the keyboard 24 or touch
panel 5 for a predetermined time period and exits to the Screen
Saver state 201. Finally, the fourth is a network command can force
an exit to another state.
[0132] With continued reference to FIG. 10, the Screen Saver state
201 is entered due to player inactivity. This state reduces the
back light brightness to around 25% of its original brightness,
thereby saving battery energy. The display is still easily read by
the player and the display will return to normal brightness when
the player interacts with the RGU 1, a network command is received,
or a card is swiped.
[0133] There are generally five primary causes to exit from the
Screen Saver state 201. The first is player interacts with the RGU
1 and exits to the Run state 200. The second is a card is swiped
and exits to the Run state 200. The third is the keyboard base 3 or
support base 10 pivots or transitions to the transport position to
exit to the Deactivated state 202. The fourth is the secondary
computer 102 involuntarily suspends the primary computer 100 (power
fail or other critical conditions) and exits to the Suspend state
203. The fifth is a network command can force an exit to another
state.
[0134] The De-activated state 202 is primarily entered due to the
base 3 or support base 10 being placed in the transport position.
This state further reduces power by turning the display backlight
off and disabling the touch panel 5, keyboard 24, and card reader,
but the RGU 1 remains responsive to network commands and ball calls
and can still conduct gaming functions and alert a player of a win.
If the RGU is in the transport position, the secondary computer 102
can detect charger insertion.
[0135] There are generally six primary causes to exit from the
De-activated state 202. The first is the keyboard base 3 or support
base 10 is placed in the upright play position to exit to the Run
state 200. The second is the secondary computer 102 involuntarily
suspends the primary computer 100 (power fail or other critical
conditions) and exits to the Suspend state 203. The third is the
RGU 1 is inserted into a charger, in which case, the downloaded
package will be automatically deleted, and exits to the Suspend
state 203. The fourth is if the downloaded package specified that
the RGU was in a routed environment being taken from facility to
facility verses being in a fixed environment in one facility, the
package will be deleted and exits to the Suspend state 203. The
fifth is if no package has been loaded on the RGU, the RGU will
stay in the De-activated state for a time period, then
automatically exit to the Suspend state 203. The sixth is a network
command can force an exit to another state.
[0136] As shown in FIG. 10, the Suspend state 203 is primarily
entered from the De-activated state, a network command, or power
fail conditions. This state further reduces power by placing the
primary computer 100 in a low power suspend state in which DRAM
data and some standby clocks are still active, stopping
communication over the network, turning the display 6 and display
backlight off, and disabling the touch panel 5, keyboard 24, and
card reader. The RGU 1 is not conducting gaming operations, but can
be resumed to the exact point in the program prior to entering the
Suspend state. When resumed, the primary processor 100 receives a
gaming status update from the network and updates itself to the
current point in the game.
[0137] In the Suspend state, the secondary computer 102
continuously checks if the RGU has been placed into the charger,
and upon a positive detection, it evokes a charger program. The
secondary computer then monitors and controls the proper charging
of the battery pack. When charge is completed, the secondary
computer 102 cold boots the primary computer 100 by turning on the
regulators, which then releases the reset line to the primary
computer allowing it to start. The primary computer then identifies
itself to the network and checks for any commands from the network.
If there are no pending commands, the secondary computer will
suspend the primary computer and then periodically resume the
primary computer to check the network again. The periodic
resume/suspend process repeats itself indefinitely until a network
command is received or until the RGU is removed from the charger.
The use of the low power secondary computer 102 for (a.)
establishing and checking for acceptable battery power conditions,
and (b.) controlling a higher power primary computer to wake and
periodically identify itself and check for network commands
consumes very little power. The time that the primary computer 100
is operational is very short, on the order of ten percent (10%) or
less of the periodic wakeup time, and the battery is always
replenished by the charger, yet allows the RGU to maintain
communications with the network. Also, the secondary computer 102 a
basis for the Console to maintain a real time inventory of each RGU
while in the charger.
[0138] There are generally three primary causes to exit from the
Suspend state 203. The first is if the RGU 1 is not in the charger
and the base 3 or support base 10 is placed in the upright play
position, exits to the Run state 200. The second is if in the
charger, the secondary computer 102 periodically wakes the primary
computer 100 and temporally exits to the De-activated state 202 and
then returns to the Suspend state 203. The third is the RGU has
experienced a total power failure (battery pack disconnect) and the
battery voltage returns to normal, which causes the secondary
computer 102 to reset the primary computer 100 and exit to the Run
state 200.
[0139] The Low Power/Reset state 204 is entered from the Suspend
state 203 if the battery voltage falls below a minimal acceptable
value needed to maintain data integrity and resume back in the Run
state 200 from the Suspend state, or the RGU 1 has experienced a
total power failure (battery pack disconnect) in any state, or the
hardware reset switch is manually depressed. At various points in
the various states of the RGU, the secondary computer 102 expects a
proper response from the primary computer 100 whenever the two
computers interact on major functions. If the secondary computer
does not get the proper response from the primary computer, then it
enters the Low Power/Reset state.
[0140] Once in the Low Power/Reset state 204, a continuing
declining battery voltage will cause the intelligent battery pack
to electrically disconnect itself from the RGU at approximately
five (5) volts, thereby protecting itself from deep discharge
damage. When the battery voltage does return back to a nominal
value by placing the RGU in the charger, the pack will
automatically reconnect itself to the RGU. Primary cause to exit
from the Low Power/Reset state 204 to the Run state 200 is the
releasing of hardware which was reset to the secondary computer and
the battery voltage is at an acceptable level.
[0141] If the RGU 1 is AC line powered, the RGU follows a different
state diagram then when battery powered. Referring to FIG. 11, a
high level diagram of a AC line powered RGU, the Run state 300 and
Screen Saver state 301 are functionally equivalent to the battery
Run state 200 and Screen Saver state 201. Since the RGU is line
powered, the position of the keyboard and base are no longer
meaningful to operations since the units are not transported or
placed in the charger. Therefore, the equivalent of the battery
De-activated state 202 is not present. The AC line powered Suspend
state 303 and the Low Power/Reset state 304 are functionally
equivalent to the battery Suspend state 203 and Low Power/Reset
state 204, with minor exceptions of critical voltage set points and
delays being different for AC than a battery. When the Low
Power/Reset state 304 is exited, the program delays an additional 5
seconds before entering the Run state 300 to de-bounce any rapid
fluctuations that are common to loss of AC line power or
restoration of AC line power.
[0142] With reference now to FIG. 12, the RGU 1 incorporates a
rubber shock mounting methodology to significantly reduce touch
panel 5 and display 6 breakage and computer board failures due to
shock imparted by unintentional drops from carrying positions or
from table tops to various floor surfaces. Touch panel glass 400 of
the display is mounted to a display module 401 with an adhesive,
such as thin self adhesive tape 402. The display module is then
mounted to a computer board 403 with rigid spacers and screws. This
core subassembly is then mounted to a housing back 404 with rubber
shock isolators 405 and screws that allow some relative motion in
all directions between the housing and the core subassembly. To
restrict the magnitude of the core subassembly motion within the
housing, additional rubber shock absorbers 406 are assembled
between the display module and the housing to properly center the
display module within the housing and to prevent the touch panel
glass 400 from coming in contact with the housing on a significant
drop, which generally results in cracking of the touch panel glass.
The result is the core assembly and the housing flex together with
some relative motion between them, the magnitude of the imparted
shock causing the motion is significantly dampened by the energy
absorption of the rubber bumpers and simultaneous flexing of the
entire product.
[0143] During gaming, battery or line powered, the RGU 1
periodically reports to the Console via the RF network its device
ID which is a permanent, protected number embedded in flash at the
time of manufacturing. Since the RGU automatically reads its
hardware configuration for radio, memory card, power source,
magnetic card reader, and keyboard, it also reports the current
status of its hardware configuration of all of those items,
including battery pack and radio card serial numbers. In addition,
it also reports current software revision levels for the main
computer operating system, the main computer application, and the
secondary computer application. This means of reporting is yet
another improvement of the RGU 1 that results in more accurate
records for service and regulatory agencies, and helps define
repeat problem units so they can be pulled out of active gaming to
provide the highest level of gaming integrity.
[0144] With reference to FIG. 13, a game system 510 according to
one aspect of the present invention generally includes
point-of-sale (POS) components 512, a gaming machine having master
game controller 514, a wireless access point 516, a plurality of
portable gaming units 518 (which are similar to the RGU1 described
above), and a charging/ dispensing rack or kiosk 520. The gaming
machines can be battery powered as shown at 518, or AC line
powered.
[0145] As shown in FIG. 13, the master game controller 514 can be
housed in the gaming machine of the general type shown and
described, for example, in commonly assigned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/409,718 filed Apr. 9, 2003 for "Modular
Bingo Console System with Multi-Port Communications and Manual Play
Mode." The disclosures of this patent application are incorporated
herein by reference. Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 14, a
master game controller 622 can separately connected to a
conventional gaming machine 614, via a data router 624. In both
gaming systems, the master game controller stores gaming data and
communicates the data with the plurality of gaming units 518, 618,
via a secure communication network.
[0146] With reference again to FIG. 13, the POS components
typically include a video monitor 528, which can be a touchscreen
video monitor, and a receipt printer 530. A housing of the video
monitor can include a card reader 532 for reading credit cards or
specifically created player cards 536. The monitor 528 can be
connected to a PC-like computer 534. Generally, a player rents the
gaming unit 518 from a worker at the bingo hall. Such gaming units
can be stored in the kiosk 520 for recharging of their batteries.
In order to rent the gaming unit, the player provides the worker
with cash, check or a credit card, and receives, in turn, a player
card 536. Along with a player's name, the player card 536 generally
includes a magnetic strip or a barcode which when read by the card
reader 532 typically includes player information such as the
player's address, types of bingo cards generally played, winnings
and the like. The player's information could appear on the video
monitor 528. The player purchases a prepackaged set of electronic
bingo cards or faces and receives a receipt from the receipt
printer 530 evidencing same. Normally, manufacturers of paper and
electronic bingo packs design their packs in such a way that each
bingo pack contains predetermined numbered bingo faces per sheet
and each bingo pack is identifiable by its manufacturer's pack
identification number. To determine each and every bingo card to be
played by a player in each and every bingo game of a bingo session
for which a pack is intended, it is sufficient to know the pack
identification number. Ideally, duplicate bingo cards are not
allowed in any game.
[0147] When a player buys a prepackaged set of electronic bingo
cards, the PC-compatible computer 534, which can include an
external or internal server, downloads the prepackaged set of
electronic bingo cards into an available gaming unit 518. For
example, the downloading can initially take pace while the unit 518
is in the kiosk 520. The bingo hall operator can then take the
downloaded unit out of the kiosk 520 and give it to a player who
can take it to any location in the bingo hall. Each gaming unit 518
receives data, such as bingo patterns and bingo numbers from the
master game controller 514 via the secure communication network.
This can be an RF network, allowing portability to the gaming units
518. The data can also include additional prepackaged sets of
electronic bingo cards, card themes, icons for daubers,
advertisements, bingo hall information, player information (e.g. a
player's birthday) and side games such as trivia games which can be
separately purchased by the players.
[0148] The master game controller sends data to each gaming unit
via the secure communication channel and the wireless access point
516. The data is generally stored in an internal memory of the
gaming unit 518 (not visible) and then displayed on a display
screen. The gaming unit can then play the downloaded prepackaged
set of electronic bingo cards automatically. The master game
controller can automatically verify all bingo cards downloaded into
all of the rented gaming units 518, detect winning bingo cards,
compute the prizes due to the winning players, and store the
outcomes of the games in an internal database. In other words, the
master game controller can include, in addition to a CRT screen
550, its own PC-compatible computer 552.
[0149] In order to prevent interception of communication between
the master game controller and the plurality of gaming units 518,
such communications can be encrypted with the help of a private
encryption key that is initially generated by the PC-compatible
computer 552 and downloaded into each gaming unit 518. As one
example, the PC-compatible computer 552 can download each gaming
unit 518 with at least one random digital security key to secure
the two-way communications between the master game controller and
the plurality of gaming units 518. Such a digital security key is
typically known in the industry under a variety of names (e.g., a
digital encryption key, DES key, an authentication key, a private
key, a digital signature key, a hashing algorithm, etc.).
Importantly, each gaming unit 518 can be downloaded with a new
unique random encryption key each time the gaming unit is rented
and, therefore, even if the same player accidentally rents the same
gaming unit having the same identification number, the downloaded
encryption key is different every time.
[0150] A random encryption key is generated by the PC-compatible
computer 552 with the help of random number generation software
utility in a conventional way. The details of the generation and
utilization of an encryption key are omitted herein since
techniques of data encryption are well known in the industry. Being
downloaded with a security key, the master game controller can send
authenticated data blocks to the gaming units 518 over a public
radio frequency channel.
[0151] The secure communication network shown in FIG. 13, which
includes the POS server, master game controller and wireless access
point 516, is only one example of many possible embodiments of the
present invention. The communication network may be a part of a
larger system network. The larger system network may provide the
capability for a large number of gaming units 518 throughout a
bingo hall to be on the same secure communication network.
High-gain antennas and repeaters may be used to expand the range of
the wireless gaming unit allowing a player to play in all areas of
a large bingo hall.
[0152] As previously stated, the secure communication network
generally includes the wireless access point 516 which allows for
wireless communication between each gaming unit 518 and the master
game controller. However, it should be appreciated that the access
point 516 may also be a wired access point that allows gaming units
to be plugged directly into the secure communication network. For
example, the gaming units may include an Ethernet connector that
may be directly plugged into the access point. It should also be
appreciated that more than one access point 516 may be used in the
secure communication network depending upon the network topography.
For instance, due the size of a particular bingo hall and the area
covered by a single access point, there could be other access
points used as repeaters located throughout the bingo hall. In
addition, the wireless access point 516 could also be connected to
an existing network.
[0153] As mentioned, the plurality of gaming units 518 can be
generally hand-held devices which can operate in at least three
modes, a run mode and a sleep mode both shown in FIG. 1, and a
transport mode, shown in FIG. 3.
[0154] Audio is available, in stereo, (via the small built-in
speakers 8 shown in FIG. 1) or via an external headset through a
headphone jack (not visible). Lighting schemes, such as arrays of
LEDs, may be added to the gaming unit to provide visual effects and
to communicate status information to a player and the bingo hall
operator (i.e. the player requests help or the player is a winner).
Status information, such as a battery level and connection status,
may be provided (for example, by the status light 7 shown in FIG.
1). The layout and number of the input buttons on the keyboard can
vary.
[0155] The rechargeable battery could be any suitable type, such as
nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride, or lithium ion. The type of
battery technology used depends on the running conditions and
recharging requirements for the game system 10. For example, the
rechargeable battery can last five hours between charging. Charging
of gaming units 518 may be accomplished by setting the gaming units
in the kiosk 520.
[0156] For security, the wireless gaming units 518 can include an
encrypted serial number (code), which is used to verify and
authenticate each of the gaming units 518. For additional security,
an electronic key/card may be used with the device. With an
electronic key/card system, the gaming units 518 can not be
activated until the key/card is inserted into a key card reader on
the gaming unit. In addition, the gaming units 518 could include a
small GPS (Global Positioning System) device to verify location of
the device. Position verification may be used to insure the gaming
units 518 are used only in legal gaming areas of the bingo hall and
to track lost or stolen devices. When the master game controller
detects that the gaming unit 518 is in a restricted area, it may
discontinue communications with the gaming units. Further, the
gaming units 518 may have an RF capacitive device (RFID) built into
each unit. RF capacitive devices are often used in retail stores to
prevent theft. When the gaming unit 518 is passed through a
protected doorway, an alarm may be sounded even when the power is
off to the gaming units. Other security features may be used on the
gaming units 518 and are not limited to the electronic keys/cards,
GPS sensors or RFID devices described above.
[0157] With continued reference to FIG. 13, the kiosk 520 is
configured to receive the plurality of hand-held gaming units 518.
Generally the kiosk stores the gaming units. When a gaming unit in
the transport mode (FIG. 3) is placed into the kiosk, it switches
to the sleep mode. This occurs as power is fed to the rechargeable
battery in the gaming unit 518. The kiosk includes a battery
recharge circuitry and may include communication means from the
master game controller to transfer data to and from the plurality
of hand-held gaming units 518. The charging kiosk 520 can recharge
the batteries located in the gaming units 518 and provides an easy
way to store and to transport the gaming units from one place to
another. Each kiosk 520 includes a plurality of slots which may
hold and store a respective gaming unit. In particular, each gaming
unit 518 includes a recharge contact (not visible) on a back side
of the housing for access when the gaming unit is positioned in one
of the plurality of slots in the kiosk. The recharge contact
engages a mating contact located in the kiosk. Battery recharge
circuitry converts alternating current to direct current and
charges the gaming unit battery via the mating contacts.
[0158] Upon completing play, the gaming unit 518 is brought to the
redemption cashier station. There it is interfaced with the
PC-compatible computer 534 directly, whereby data is transferred to
the PC-compatible computer which generates a display and/or
printout of any prize winnings. All the gaming units 518 can be
collected at the end of play and inserted into the kiosk 520.
[0159] Additional aspects of the present invention are shown in
FIGS. 15 and 16. As shown in FIG. 15, the POS components can
further include an infrared (IR) cradle 760. The infrared cradle
includes a base 762, a side wall 764 and a back wall 766. The base
includes a slot dimensioned to receive the display the gaming unit
718, laid on its side.
[0160] As previously described, a player rents the gaming unit 718
from a worker at the bingo hall while the unit is being stored in
the kiosk 720 in sleep mode. The player or worker removes the
gaming unit from the kiosk and then positions the gaming unit in
the cradle 760. In particular, the gaming unit is turned on its
side such that the display can be positioned in the slot of the
base 762. In this side position, the keyboard 746 is adjacent the
side wall 764. The plurality of gaming units 718 include an IR
input which can be accessed when positioned in the cradle. A wire
770 has one end connected to an input located on the PC-compatible
computer 334 and the other end connected to the IR input of the
gaming unit.
[0161] In order to rent the gaming unit, the player provides the
worker with his or her player card 736. The player again purchases
a prepackaged set of electronic bingo cards and receives a receipt
form the receipt printer 730 evidencing same. When a player buys a
prepackaged set of electronic bingo cards, the PC-compatible
computer 734 downloads the prepackaged set of electronic bingo
cards into the gaming unit 718 mounted in the cradle 760 via the IR
connection. The bingo hall operator can then take the downloaded
unit out of the cradle and give it to a player who can take it to
any location of the bingo hall.
[0162] Each gaming unit 718 receives data, such as bingo patterns
and bingo numbers from a master game controller via the secure
communication network. As shown in FIG. 15, the master game
controller 714 can be housed in a gaming machine. Alternatively,
and as shown in FIG. 16, a master game controller 822 can be
separately connected to a conventional gaming machine 814, via a
data router 824. In both gaming systems, the master game controller
stores gaming data and communicates the data with the plurality of
gaming units 718, 818, via a secure communication network.
[0163] As is evident from the present disclosure, the RGU 1
incorporates a large, bright, multicolor dome light assembly 7 that
can be easily seen by gaming operators in a bingo facility. The
facility can be at least a 26,000 square foot area. The dome light
assembly provides an indication means of bingo gaming wins, needed
player assistance and player location. The dome light assembly can
be used directly as an element of a game other than bingo, such as
the above described raffle-like game.
[0164] The RGU 1, positioned for game play, incorporates a display
6 and touch panel 5 mounted in the near vertical plane with an
attached base 3 or support base 10 mounted in the horizontal plane.
A support handle 21 secures the display and touch panel to the
keyboard or support base. The keyboard or support base and the
handle have the ability to pivot to a transport or charging
position. The transport or charging position is defined by the
keyboard or support base and handle both being in a plane parallel
to a plane defined by the display and touch panel.
[0165] The RGU 1 includes primary and secondary computers 100 and
102, respectively. These are interactively in communication with
each other to achieve suspend and resume operations of the primary
processor. The secondary computer can have control over the power
regulators to reset the primary computer. The secondary computer
can set periodic wakeup calls for the primary computer from a low
power suspend state to make the RGU be periodically responsive to
network operations.
[0166] The portable RGU can have a magnetic card reader 4, or smart
card reader, or biometric reader integrated into the housing 2 for
security and easy player identification. This enables the use of
monetary credits.
[0167] The RGU can automatically determine the source of input
power, battery or AC line, and accordingly, execute two different
state diagrams. A battery powered RGU can execute a state diagram
that includes a means for Run, Screen Saver, De-activated, Suspend,
Low Power/Reset states. The state diagram is responsive to keyboard
or base position, and insertion into a charger. An AC line powered
RGU can execute a state diagram that includes a means for Run,
Screen Saver, Suspend, Low Power/Reset states. In this state, the
state diagram is not responsive to keyboard or base position.
[0168] If desired, the RGU 1 can, unsolicited, periodically
identify itself, its configuration, and battery data via the
networked system, before, during, and after an active gaming
session, for purpose of automatic RGU inventory management and
battery life cycle management.
[0169] The RGU 1 can safeguard against low battery conditions
during gaming by interrogating remaining battery capacity from an
intelligent battery pack and comparing the remaining capacity
against an active session duration value that was loaded into the
RGU with the gaming package during the active session, proactively
preventing the gaming package from executing on that gaming
unit.
[0170] The RGU 1 can employ plug-in radio and memory cards that are
accessible without disassembly of the gaming unit's housing.
[0171] The RGU 1 can be provided with rubber shock mount means to
allow shock dampening to an entire subassembly including a display
and touch panel, together, rigidly mounted to a computer circuit
board.
[0172] The use of a State (of the U.S.) Configuration means on a CD
or other removable storage media, in conjunction with resident
Console, POS, and RGU programs, will allow an operator to select a
given State from a list of States. The system then automatically
configures itself and places operator restrictions on the setup and
sales operations of the Console, POS, and RGU, to conform to State
specific data contained on the CD or other removable storage
media.
[0173] The disclosure has been described with reference to the
preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations
will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding
detailed description. It is intended that the disclosure be
construed as including all such modifications and alterations
insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *