U.S. patent application number 12/402193 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-11 for gaming system and game controller.
Invention is credited to Urban Bergant, Dusan Berlec, Joze Pececnik, Ivo Zavbi.
Application Number | 20100032896 12/402193 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41064666 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100032896 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Berlec; Dusan ; et
al. |
February 11, 2010 |
Gaming System and Game Controller
Abstract
A result generator for a gaming system comprising: one or more
dice, each die having a plurality of facets each facet provided
with an identification circuit having a readable identification
code which is unique within the random number generator; a support
platform having an upper surface for supporting the dice while at
rest; an agitator adapted to cause mechanical movement of the dice
to generate a random dice roll result; a dice reader disposed below
the upper surface of the support platform comprising a plurality of
electronic detectors adapted to read the identification code of
each dice facet resting against the upper surface of the dice
support platform to determine the dice roll result.
Inventors: |
Berlec; Dusan; (Menges,
SL) ; Zavbi; Ivo; (Menges, SL) ; Pececnik;
Joze; (Menges, SL) ; Bergant; Urban; (Menges,
SL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET, SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
41064666 |
Appl. No.: |
12/402193 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/146 ;
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 9/0402 20130101;
A63F 9/0468 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3213
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/146 ;
463/16 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/04 20060101
A63F009/04; A63F 9/24 20060101 A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 12, 2008 |
AU |
2008901195 |
Claims
1. A result generator for a gaming system comprising: one or more
dice, each die having a plurality of facets each facet provided
with an identification circuit having a readable identification
code which is unique within the random number generator; a support
platform having an upper surface for supporting the dice while at
rest; an agitator adapted to cause mechanical movement of the dice
to generate a random dice roll result; a dice reader disposed below
the upper surface of the support platform comprising a plurality of
electronic detectors adapted to read the identification code of
each dice facet resting against the upper surface of the dice
support platform to determine the dice roll result.
2. A result generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the agitator is
operatively connected to the support platform to move the support
platform to cause the dice roll.
3. A result generator as claimed in claim 2 wherein the agitator
moves the support platform in accordance with a given sequence of
movements comprising one or more throw movements and one or more
vibrations.
4. A result generator as claimed in claim 3 wherein the given
sequence of movements to generate the dice roll comprises: a. a
first initiating movement to initiate movement of the dice; b. a
first vibration at a first vibration level adapted to cause
continued motion of the dice; c. a second initiating movement; and
d. a second vibration at a second vibration level lower than the
first vibration level to assist the dice in attaining a rest state
wherein one dice facet of each die rests against the upper surface
of the support platform.
5. A result generator as claimed in claim 4 wherein the initiating
movement is a rapid mechanical movement.
6. A result generator as claimed in claim 1 wherein each
identification circuit is adapted to transmit the identification
code in response to a query signal.
7. A result generator as claimed in claim 6 wherein the electronic
detectors of the dice reader each comprise a coil for transmission
and reception of electromagnetic signals, the coils being arranged
in a substantially planar array substantially parallel to the
support surface and each coil electrically connected to a
demodulation and control circuit comprising one or more
demodulators and a controller.
8. A result generator as claimed in claim 7 wherein each coil is
selectively activated via the controller to send query signals for
reception by an identification circuit of a dice facet resting on
the support surface, and receive any identification code signal
transmitted in reply for demodulation.
9. A result generator as claimed in claim 7 wherein the array of
coils comprises a first layer of coils arranged in a grid pattern
and a second layer of coils positioned below the first layer,
arranged in a grid pattern offset laterally from the first layer
such that each coil of the second layer partially overlaps one or
more coils of the first layer.
10. A result generator as claimed in claim 7 wherein the relative
positions of the coil array and support platform can be adjusted
laterally and dice reading includes the steps of executing a first
dice reading pass wherein each coil is selectively activated for
reading identification circuits with the coil array in a first
position relative to the support platform, changing the relative
position of the coil array to a second position relative to the
support platform, and executing a second dice reading pass wherein
each coil is selectively activated for reading identification
circuits.
11. A result generator as claimed in claim 10 wherein the coil
array is laterally movable relative to the support platform.
12. A result generator as claimed in claim 15 comprising two or
more dice wherein the dice reader is adapted to detect for each die
the position of the die on the support surface and the
identification code of the facet against the support platform.
13. A result generator as claimed in claim 12 wherein the dice
reader is adapted to detect for each die an identical die position
and identification code of the facet against the support platform a
plurality of times to determine a dice roll result.
14. A result generator as claimed in claim 13 wherein an identical
position and identification code must be detected for each die four
times to determine a valid dice roll result upon which a game
outcome may be based.
15. A result generator as claimed in claim 6 wherein each
identification circuit is an induction powered identification
circuit.
16. A result generator as claimed in claim 15 wherein
identification circuit power is induced from electromagnetic fields
generated by the detectors.
17. A result generator as claimed in claim 16 wherein each
identification circuit is a radio frequency identification (RFID)
tags attached to or embedded in a facet of the dice.
18. A result generator as claimed in claim 16 wherein each dice
facet includes an illuminator adapted to illuminate the facet and
coupled to the identification circuit of an opposite facet, such
that an uppermost facet of a die will be illuminated when an
identification code of a facet resting on the support surface is
read.
19. A result generator as claimed in claim 18 wherein the
illuminator is powered by the power induced in the identification
circuit of the opposite facet by the detectors.
20. A result generator as claimed in claim 15 wherein each dice
includes a shield adapted to significantly attenuate any power
induction and signals of the identification circuits of dice facets
such that detector does not read any signals from diced facets
other than a dice facet resting on the dice support platform.
21. A game controller comprising: a result generator comprising:
one or more dice, each die having a plurality of facets each facet
provided with an identification circuit having a readable
identification code which is unique within the random number
generator; a support platform having an upper surface for
supporting the dice while at rest; an agitator adapted to cause
mechanical movement of the dice to generate a random dice roll
result; and a dice reader disposed below the upper surface of the
support platform comprising a plurality of electronic detectors
adapted to read the identification code of each dice facet resting
against the upper surface of the support platform while to
determine the dice roll result, an outcome evaluator adapted to
apply game rules to a roll result of the result generator and
evaluate one or more game outcomes for each player based on game
play instructions and wagers received from each player.
22. A game system comprising: one or more player terminals, each
adapted to receive wagers and game play instructions from a player
and display game outcomes to the player; a game controller
comprising: a result generator comprising: one or more dice, each
die having a plurality of facets each facet provided with an
identification circuit having a readable identification code which
is unique within the random number generator; a support platform
having an upper surface for supporting the dice while at rest; an
agitator adapted to cause mechanical movement of the dice to
generate a random dice roll result; and a dice reader disposed
below the upper surface of the support platform comprising a
plurality of electronic detectors adapted to read the
identification code of each dice facet resting against the upper
surface of the dice support platform to determine the dice roll
result, and an outcome generator adapted to apply game rules to a
roll result of the random number generator and determine one or
more game outcomes for each player based on game play instructions
and wagers received from each player.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to Australia Application
No. 2008901195 having a filing date of Mar. 12, 2008, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] [Not Applicable]
[MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE]
[0003] [Not Applicable]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates to game controllers and gaming
systems using dice to generate a result for use in a game outcome.
Use of automatic electronic gaming systems in the gambling industry
is popular. Some known electronic gaming machines use mechanical
motion to produce a random result upon which a game outcome is
based in accordance with game rules. Some electronic gaming systems
are based on traditional casino games such as dice games which
electronically read the result of a dice throw or roll.
[0005] Known dice gaming systems use optical sensors to read
indicators, typically a number or a pattern of dots, on the
uppermost surface of a dice at rest on a table to determine the
result of a dice roll. A known problem with optical detection
systems is that the accuracy of the read result may be compromised
by environmental noise such as reflections or changing light
conditions. Such limitations of optical dice reading systems can
also be prone to fraudulent exploitation where a machine is tricked
into reading a false result.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An aspect provides a result generator for a gaming system
comprising:
[0007] one or more dice, each die having a plurality of facets each
facet provided with an identification circuit having a readable
identification code which is unique within the random number
generator;
[0008] a support platform having an upper surface for supporting
the dice while at rest;
[0009] an agitator adapted to cause mechanical movement of the dice
to generate a random dice roll result;
[0010] a dice reader disposed below the upper surface of the
support platform comprising a plurality of electronic detectors
adapted to read the identification code of each dice facet resting
against the upper surface of the dice support platform to determine
the dice roll result.
[0011] In an embodiment the agitator is operatively connected to
the support platform to move the support platform to cause the dice
roll. For example, the agitator can move the support platform in
accordance with a given sequence of movements comprising one or
more throw movements and one or more vibrations. An example of the
given sequence of movements to generate the dice roll
comprises:
[0012] a first initiating movement to initiate movement of the
dice;
[0013] a first vibration at a first vibration level adapted to
cause continued motion of the dice;
[0014] a second initiating movement; and
[0015] a second vibration at a second vibration level lower than
the first vibration level to assist the dice in attaining a rest
state wherein one dice facet of each die rests against the upper
surface of the support platform.
[0016] The initiating movement can be a rapid mechanical
movement.
[0017] In an embodiment each identification circuit is adapted to
transmit the identification code in response to a query signal. In
an embodiment the electronic detectors of the dice reader each
comprise a coil for transmission and reception of electromagnetic
signals, the coils being arranged in a substantially planar array
substantially parallel to the support surface and each coil
electrically connected to a demodulation and control circuit
comprising one or more demodulators and a controller. Each coil can
be selectively activated via the controller to send query signals
for reception by an identification circuit of a dice facet resting
on the support surface, and receive any identification code signal
transmitted in reply for demodulation.
[0018] In an embodiment the array of coils comprises a first layer
of coils arranged in a grid pattern and a second layer of coils
positioned below the first layer, arranged in a grid pattern offset
laterally from the first layer such that each coil of the second
layer partially overlaps one or more coils of the first layer.
[0019] In an embodiment the relative positions of the coil array
and support platform can be adjusted laterally and dice reading
includes the steps of executing a first dice reading pass wherein
each coil is selectively activated for reading identification
circuits with the coil array in a first position relative to the
support platform, changing the relative position of the coil array
to a second position relative to the support platform, and
executing a second dice reading pass wherein each coil is
selectively activated for reading identification circuits. For
example, the coil array can be laterally movable relative to the
support platform.
[0020] In an embodiment two or more dice are provided and the dice
reader is adapted to detect for each die the position of the die on
the support surface and the identification code of the facet
against the support platform.
[0021] In an embodiment the dice reader can be adapted to detect
for each die an identical die position and identification code of
the facet against the support platform a plurality of times to
determine a dice roll result.
[0022] In an embodiment an identical position and identification
code must be detected for each die four times to determine a valid
dice roll result upon which a game outcome may be based.
[0023] In an embodiment each identification circuit is an induction
powered identification circuit. In an embodiment identification
circuit power is induced from electromagnetic fields generated by
the detectors. For example, each identification circuit can be a
radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to or embedded
in a facet of the dice.
[0024] In one embodiment each dice facet includes an illuminator
adapted to illuminate the facet and coupled to the identification
circuit of an opposite facet, such that an uppermost facet of a die
will be illuminated when an identification code of a facet resting
on the support surface is read. The illuminator can be powered by
the power induced in the identification circuit of the opposite
facet by the detectors.
[0025] In an embodiment each dice includes one or more shields
adapted to significantly attenuate any power induction and signals
of the identification circuits of dice facets to inhibit the
detector reading signals from dice facets other than a dice facet
resting on the dice support platform.
[0026] According to another aspect there is provided a game
controller comprising:
[0027] a result generator comprising:
[0028] one or more dice, each die having a plurality of facets each
facet provided with an identification circuit having a readable
identification code which is unique within the random number
generator;
[0029] a support platform having an upper surface for supporting
the dice while at rest;
[0030] an agitator adapted to cause mechanical movement of the dice
to generate a random dice roll result; and
[0031] a dice reader disposed below the upper surface of the
support platform comprising a plurality of electronic detectors
adapted to read the identification code of each dice facet resting
against the upper surface of the support platform while to
determine the dice roll result,
[0032] an outcome evaluator adapted to apply game rules to a roll
result of the result generator and determine one or more game
outcomes for each player based on game play instructions and wagers
received from each player.
[0033] According to another aspect there is provided game system
comprising:
[0034] one or more player terminals, each adapted to receive wagers
and game play instructions from a player and display game outcomes
to the player;
[0035] a game controller comprising:
[0036] a result generator comprising:
[0037] one or more dice, each die having a plurality of facets each
facet provided with an identification circuit having a readable
identification code which is unique within the random number
generator;
[0038] a support platform having an upper surface for supporting
the dice while at rest;
[0039] an agitator adapted to cause mechanical movement of the dice
to generate a random dice roll result; and
[0040] a dice reader disposed below the upper surface of the
support platform comprising a plurality of electronic detectors
adapted to read the identification code of each dice facet resting
against the upper surface of the dice support platform to determine
the dice roll result, and
[0041] an outcome evaluator adapted to apply game rules to a roll
result of the random number generator and determine one or more
game outcomes for each player based on game play instructions and
wagers received from each player.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] An embodiment, incorporating all aspects of the invention,
will now be described by way of example only with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which
[0043] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a game system having a result
generator
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates dice adapted for use with the result
generator of FIG. 1
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a result generator
[0046] FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of an embodiment of a
random number generator
[0047] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example of a dice roll
process
[0048] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example of a dice read
process
[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of dice reader detector
coil array
[0050] FIG. 8 illustrates and example of a dice facet
identification circuit and an electronic detector circuit
[0051] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an example of a game play
process
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0052] The present invention relates to result generator for
rolling dice to produce a random result and reading the dice roll
result. The result generator 110 comprises one or more dice 120, an
agitator 130 and a dice reader 140, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The
dice 120 rest on an upper surface of a support platform which may
form part of the agitator or may be a separate part of the result
generator assembly. The dice 120 each have a plurality of facets
225 and each facet 225 is provided with an identification circuit
240 having an identification code which is unique within the result
generator and readable by the dice reader 140. The result generator
may include a single die or a plurality of dice. The number of dice
may depend on a game being played using the random number
generator. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 three dice 320
are used.
[0053] The agitator 130 is adapted to cause mechanical movement of
the dice to generate a random dice roll result. For example the
agitator rolls or throws the dice as would be done by a croupier or
player in a manual dice game. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.
3, the agitator 330 includes the device support platform 335 and a
motor 360 which causes the dice support platform 335 to move in a
controlled manner to provide mechanical impetus, for example by
jerking and vibrating, to cause the dice to roll. Alternative forms
of agitator such as a mechanical arm for moving the dice, tumbler
or a cup in which the dice are shaken are also envisaged.
[0054] The dice reader 140 is disposed below the dice support
surface to read the dice roll result, after the dice roll, when the
dice 120 are at rest on the support platform. The device reader 140
comprises a plurality of electronic detectors adapted to read the
identification code of each dice facet resting against the support
platform's upper surface, in other words the bottom facet of each
dice, to determine the dice roll result. For example, by reading
the identification code of the bottom facet the dice reader can
determine which facet is on top and hence the number or symbol of
the top facet.
[0055] The result generator 110 can be included in a game
controller 150 of a gaming system 100. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1 the gaming system 100 comprises a controller
150 which is in data communication with one or more player
terminals 180. The controller 150 includes the result generator
110, a processor 190 that processes the game play instructions and
dice roll results in accordance with game play rules 175 and
outputs game play outcomes to the player terminals 180. The game
play instructions can be stored as program code in a memory 170 but
can also be hardwired. Herein the term "processor" is used to refer
generically to any device that can process game play instructions
in accordance with game play rules and may include: a
microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic device or other
computational device, a general purpose computer (e.g. a PC) or a
server.
[0056] Each of the player terminals 180 includes the components
required for a player to enter game play instructions which can
include wagers to play the games. Each player terminal can include
a credit mechanism 182 to enable a player to input credits and
receive payouts, a player input mechanism 187 to enable a player
enter game play instructions and a display 185 or other output
mechanism for presenting game information and outcomes to the
player.
[0057] The credit mechanism 182 may a coin or token input chute or
bill collector and matching dispenser, or alternatively a card
reader for reading a smart card, debit card or credit card. A
reading device may also be provided for the purpose of reading a
player tracking device, for example as part of a loyalty program.
The player tracking device may be in the form of a card, flash
drive or any other portable storage medium capable of being read by
the reading device.
[0058] The display 185 and/or other output mechanism may be a video
display unit, such as a cathode ray tube screen device, a liquid
crystal display, plasma screen, any other suitable video display
unit or other output mechanism. A player terminal may be provided
with more than one display unit or type of display for example a
player terminal may be provided with a screen type display and
another form of output mechanism, such as a series or lights or a
panel of selectively illuminated symbols and speakers for audio
outputs. Different game information may be communicated by each
display or output mechanism.
[0059] The player input mechanism 187 can be any suitable form of
user input mechanism which enables a player to input game play
instructions, for example a bank of buttons for enabling a player
to interact with the gaming machine, a key board or keypad, a touch
screen etc. The player input mechanism may include a plurality of
input mechanisms or interfaces, for example one or more banks of
buttons and one or more touch screens etc.
[0060] An embodiment of a dice roll based result generator will now
be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. The result
generator includes a plurality of dice 120. The dice are rolled
using the agitator 130. In the embodiment illustrated the agitator
130 includes the dice support platform 420 which is movable, driven
by a motor 430 controlled by a motion controller 435. Motor is used
in this context to describe an apparatus for moving the platform
and may be hydraulic, for example a plurality of hydraulic jacks,
controllable by the motion controller 435. The motion controller
435 is adapted to control a movement sequence for the agitator to
cause a dice roll which can be hard coded into the motor or
programmable, such as using a control processor. For example, the
motion controller may be implemented in a programmable logic device
or processor coded with a sequence of motor control instructions
which when executed control the motor and any other agitator
hardware to execute a sequence of define movements. Alternatively,
the motion controller may be hardware apparatus, for example
comprising a set of gears, cams, pistons etc arranged to cause a
plurality of defined movements of the support platform when driven
by the motor, and a mechanical timing device adapted to cause
shifting between the different hardware apparatus such that the
plurality of defined movement are executed in a defined
sequence.
[0061] A significant challenge in electronic gaming systems using
mechanical random result generation is creating motion which
reliably generates a random result, as well as accurately reading
the random result.
[0062] An example of a movement sequence is illustrated in FIG. 5.
In this embodiment the dice support platform is moved to roll the
dice. The dice roll starts with the dice support platform in an
initial position 510. An initiating motion 520 serves to initiate
movement of the dice. The initiating motion applies a rapid
mechanical impetus to the dice, for example by rapidly jerking the
dice support platform vertically. The dice support platform is then
vibrated 530 at a first level of vibration which has a vibration
amplitude and frequency adapted to keep the dice in motion. A
second rapid mechanical impetus is then applied 540, to simulate a
dice throw. For example the support platform can be jerked again to
perform a dice throw 540. The support platform is then vibrated at
a second vibration level 550. The second vibration level is adapted
to cause any dice resting on an edge to fall so it will rest flat
on a facet but the vibration of the support surface is not
sufficient enough to cause a dice resting flat on a facet to roll
to another facet. For example the second vibration level can have a
lower vibration amplitude and lower vibration frequency than that
of the first vibration level. After a period of vibration at the
second vibration level, which enables the dice to settle on the
support platform, the vibration stops 560 and the support platform
positioned ready for the dice to be read 570. The dice reading
position for the support platform may be the same as the initial
position from which the dice roll is started. The second period of
vibration at the second vibration level is an optional vibration
step which has the advantage of minimising the chance of a dice
resting on an edge and hence the dice roll result being
invalid.
[0063] An identification circuit 240 is provided in each facet 225
of each dice 120. In an embodiment, each identification circuit is
a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit. Each
circuit is adapted to transmit an identification code which is
unique within the result generator. The passive RFID circuits are
powered by current induced in the circuit when the circuit is in
the presence of an alternating electromagnetic field of an
appropriate strength and frequency. The electromagnetic field can
be generated from detector circuitry used for reading the
identification code of the RFID circuit. For example, the dice
reader may comprise a plurality of detector coils which are driven
by an alternating current source to generate the electromagnetic
field which is used for powering the RFID circuits and reading the
identification code. Current induced by the electromagnetic field
is rectified to power the identification circuit, thus no
independent power storage is required for the identification
circuit. The identification circuit is adapted to modulate the
received electromagnetic signal to transmit the circuit's
identification code. The identification code may be hardwired into
the circuit or stored in circuit memory such as PROM memory during
manufacture of the circuit. In an embodiment using passive RFID
circuits, the electromagnetic signal to power the identification
circuit is provided using detector coils of the dice reader which
are positioned below the upper surface of the dice support platform
to read the identification code of the dice facets resting on the
support surface. The RFID circuit is adapted to modulate the
electromagnetic signal, and this modulation is in turn received by
the detector coils and demodulated by a detector circuit to read
the identifier of the dice facet resting on the dice support
surface.
[0064] To avoid a false detection from identification circuits on
the side facets the dice can be provided with shielding 250 in each
facet to cause attenuation of the detection signal such that the
stronger signal of the identification circuit of the lowermost
facet, closest to the detector coils, can be distinguished from any
relatively weaker signal received from the identification circuits
of side facets.
[0065] The dice reader of this embodiment includes a plurality of
detector coils arranged in an array 700 as illustrated in FIG. 7
where the detector coils 710 are arranged in a planar grid pattern.
For example, for a result generator having dice which are
approximately 5 cm cubes, to read these dice in a circular area of
about 50 cm in diameter, a 7.times.7 detector coil array may be
used where each detector coil is approximately 6.5 cm in diameter.
To avoid any "void" areas where magnetic flux of the alternating
electromagnetic field is zero, a second layer of detector coils may
also be provided in the array, these coils 720 of the second layer
being offset diagonally by half a coil diameter from the first
layer of the array. For example, the first layer of the array may
be provided on a first printed circuit board 715 and the second
layer of the array on a second printed circuit board which is
offset from the first board 715. Alternatively, the two layers of
coils of the array may be printed on different layers of a single
circuit board. In an alternative embodiment a single layer coil
array may be used and the coil array moved between two or more
positions during the reading process to compensate for any void
areas and ensure the entire support surface is scanned for dice
reading. An advantage of a two layer coil array as described above
is that the movement of the coil array becomes optional or may be
minimised as it is not necessary to compensate for void areas. For
example, in an embodiment where movement of the coil array is
unnecessary, the detector coil array may optionally be embedded in
or attached to the dice support platform.
[0066] An example of a passive RFID identification circuit 840 and
an electronic detector 800 is illustrated in FIG. 8. As described
above, the identification circuit 840 includes a receiving circuit
845, for receiving an oscillating signal transmitted by the
detector 800, a contactless interface 850 adapted to rectify the
receiving oscillating current to power the circuit and read the
identification code from programmable read only memory (PROM) 860
which is then used to modulate the oscillating signal to transmit
the identification code to the detector 800 via the detector coil
810. The detector 800 includes an oscillator 830 to provide the
oscillating signal which, in turn, is transmitted by the coil 810
to cause the electromagnetic field which powers the identification
circuit 840. A modulated signal received from the identification
circuit 840 is demodulated using demodulator 820 to provide the
identification code as an output digital signal to the dice reader
controller.
[0067] A dice reader controller can be adapted to selectively
activate each coil of the array and receive any identification code
transmitted by an identification circuit activated in response to
the activation of the detector coil. An advantage of selectively
activating each detector coil is that signals from neighbouring
coils will not interfere with each other, and the location as well
as the identification code for each dice facet against the support
platform can be readily determined. The dice reader controller may
be implemented in a processor as a set of instructions which when
executed cause the processor to control the activation of each
detector coil in sequence and store the detection results in
memory.
[0068] In an embodiment the detector coil array is moveable using
motor 450 and detector coil array motion controller 445 in order to
change the position of the detector coil array 700 to confirm
accurate detection of each dice. An example of the dice reading
process is illustrated in FIG. 6. The coil array is initiated in a
first position 600 for a first detection pass. The dice reader
controller 445 selects a detector coil 610 to be activated 620. If
no dice signal is received in response to the detection 630, then
the next detector is selected 610 and the detection continues. If a
dice signal is received 630 in response to the detector activation
620 then the dice facet ID output from the demodulator 440 is
recorded 640 an optionally the dice position 650 is also recorded.
The next detector is then selected and the process continues until
the end of the pass 660 where all of the coils in the array have
been activated and any dice facet ID's read. At the end of the
first pass, the detector coil array is moved to the second pass
position 670 and the controller again performs the detection from
the second position. Each detection pass may include activating
each detector coil and reading any result more than once. For
example, regulations may require that each dice facet is read as
having the same identification code and same position a plurality
of times before the dice roll result can be deemed valid. For
example, where a dice is resting on an edge, a different
identification code may be read in one or more passes.
Alternatively, if the controller 445 determines that too many
identification codes have been read this may also indicate that a
dice is resting on its edge. If a dice roll result is deemed valid,
then the roll result may be output 690 to the processor of the game
controller to be used to determine game outcomes for each player.
If a roll result is not valid, then the error may be recorded 685
and an invalid roll result indicated 688 to the processor of the
game controller.
[0069] An example of a game process will now be described with
reference to FIG. 9. A game is initiated by the opening of a
betting interval 900 during which players of the game may place
wagers and input game instructions 910 which are recorded in game
memory. At the conclusion of the betting interval, betting closes
920 in anticipation of the dice roll. The dice roll can then be
executed as described above with reference to FIG. 5. The dice roll
result is then read as described above with reference to FIG. 6. If
the dice roll result is deemed valid by the dice reader controller,
then the game controller can evaluate outcomes for each player 960
which are then displayed to the players. Any prizes are awarded to
each player 970 and a new game can be started 980. If a dice roll
result is invalid 950 then the game controller can indicate an
invalid roll result 990 and take any actions in accordance with the
game rules, such as refunding wagers and replaying the game, or if
the game rules specify, simply re-rolling the dice.
[0070] It should be appreciated that once the dice roll result
generator has been tested and gained regulatory approval the result
generator may be applied in any number of different dice games.
[0071] An advantage of using an electronic dice reader as described
above is that environmental factors such as changing in lighting or
optical reflections will not influence the reading of the dice roll
result. Further, as each dice facet identification code may be
unique or selected from a large set of possible codes, the
likelihood of substitution of dice or fraud by attempting to use a
false identification circuit in proximity of the dice reader is
unlikely, or may be identified by the dice reader controller and
any appropriate action taken against the attempted fraud. For
example, the dice reader can identify too many possible codes being
read, and indicate a potential fraud attempt to a game controller
and hence a casino managing authority. The dice reader may also be
employed for reading dice thrown manually by a player or
croupier.
[0072] An additional feature which may be provided in dice used in
the result generator is illumination of the uppermost facet of the
dice during the dice reading process. Such a feature may increase
the enjoyment of the players watching the dice and also make the
dice roll result clearer for the players to see. This feature may
be implemented by providing an illumination device such as a light
emitting diode (LED) embedded in the dice below each facet. The LED
of the top facet can be switched on to illuminate the uppermost
facet by reading of the identification code of the lowermost facet
of the dice. In an embodiment, the illuminator can be powered by
the induction power which powers the identification circuit of the
lowermost facet.
[0073] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description,
except where the context requires otherwise due to express language
or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as
"comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to
specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the
presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of
the invention.
[0074] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is
referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission
that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge
in the art, in any country.
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