U.S. patent application number 13/654868 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-14 for roulette wheel system.
This patent application is currently assigned to CAMMEGH LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is CAMMEGH LIMITED. Invention is credited to Andrew Cammegh, Richard Cammegh.
Application Number | 20130040720 13/654868 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47677864 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130040720 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cammegh; Andrew ; et
al. |
February 14, 2013 |
Roulette Wheel System
Abstract
A roulette wheel generates a first random number every game
determined by the pocket into which a roulette ball falls. A second
random number is generated every game from the motion of the ball,
the wheel, or other factors.
Inventors: |
Cammegh; Andrew; (Kent,
GB) ; Cammegh; Richard; (Kent, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CAMMEGH LIMITED; |
Kent |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
CAMMEGH LIMITED
Kent
GB
|
Family ID: |
47677864 |
Appl. No.: |
13/654868 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12884723 |
Sep 17, 2010 |
|
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|
13654868 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 5/00 20130101; A63F
2009/2435 20130101; A63F 2009/2447 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 17, 2009 |
GB |
0916310.6 |
Claims
1. A roulette wheel system for use with a game of roulette in which
for each game of roulette a ball is introduced to a rotating
roulette wheel and settles in a pocket, the roulette wheel system
comprising: a roulette wheel having a rotatably mounted rotor
having pockets into which a ball can be received, each pocket being
associated with a distinct number; and a peripheral inclined ball
track concentric with and radially outward of the rotor; at least
one sensor to measure information including which of a plurality of
numbered pockets the ball falls into for the play of each game of
roulette, for generating as a first random number the number of the
pocket into which the ball falls; and a processor to generate a
second random number from the information from the at least one
sensor regarding the motion of the ball and/or the roulette wheel
during the game.
2. A roulette wheel system according to claim 1 wherein the at
least one sensor is integrally mounted adjacent to the rotor to
detect the motion of the ball.
3. A roulette wheel system according to claim 1 wherein the sensor
is a camera.
4. A roulette wheel system for use with a game of roulette in which
for each game of roulette a ball is introduced to a rotating
roulette wheel and settles in a pocket, the ball being sensed by at
least one sensor, the roulette wheel system comprising: at least
one processor to generate as a first random number the number of
the pocket into which the ball falls from the information from the
at least one sensor; and to generate a second independent random
number from the information from the at least one sensor regarding
the motion of the ball and/or the roulette wheel during the same
game.
5. A roulette wheel system according to claim 4 further comprising
a data input for accepting input from at least one additional
external sensor.
6. A roulette wheel system according claim 4 wherein the sensor is
a camera.
7. A method of operation of a roulette wheel having pockets
associated with numbers, the method comprising: introducing a ball
into a ball track; sensing the motion of the ball and/or the rotor;
waiting for the ball to fall into a pocket of the roulette wheel to
indicate a number associated with the pocket as a first random
number; generating a second random number from the sensed motion of
the ball and/or rotor; and displaying the second random number.
8. A method according to claim 7 wherein the second random number
is displayed a short time after the first random number.
9. A method according to claim 7 wherein sensing the includes
sensing the speed of the ball using a sensor integrally mounted
adjacent to the rotor.
10. A method according to claim 7 wherein sensing the motion of the
ball includes sensing the speed of the ball using a camera.
11. A method according to claim 7, including generating the second
random number for each game from at least one of the speed of the
ball, the speed of the rotor and a previous random number.
12. A method of operation of a roulette wheel according to claim 7,
wherein sensing the motion includes sensing the position of the
rotor in at least one predetermined state.
13. A method of operation of a roulette wheel according to claim 7,
wherein sensing the motion includes sensing the position of the
ball in at least one predetermined state.
14. A roulette wheel for use with a game of roulette in which for
each game of roulette a ball is introduced to a rotating roulette
wheel and settles in a pocket, the roulette wheel comprising: at
least one sensor to sense the ball and/or the rotor; a means for
determining which of a plurality of numbered pockets the ball falls
into for the play of each game of roulette from the information
from the at least one sensor, to generate as a first random number
the number of the pocket into which the ball falls; a means for
generating a second independent random number for the play of each
game from the information from the at least one sensor; and a
controller adapted to output the first and second random
numbers.
15. A roulette wheel according to claim 14, wherein the means for
determining which of a plurality of numbered pockets the ball falls
into for the play of each game comprises a first processor.
16. A roulette wheel according to claim 14, wherein the means for
generating a second independent random number is a secondary
processor.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/884,723, filed Sep. 17, 2010,
now U.S. Pat. No. ______.
[0002] The present invention relates to a roulette wheel system,
i.e. a system including a roulette wheel or adapted for use with a
roulette wheel.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Roulette is a well-known casino game which has been played
for many years. A typical roulette wheel includes a number ring
bearing a circular array of numbered segments bearing numbers 1
through 36. In addition, the number ring typically includes the
numbers 0 and 00 disposed at diametrically opposite locations on
the number ring, or a "0" on its own. The numbers 1 through 36 are
not disposed in numerical order, but are typically disposed in a
predetermined arrangement. The numbers disposed in a circular array
in the number ring region of the wheel bear the alternating colours
of red and black, with the exception of the 0 and 00 numbers, which
are typically coloured green. A ring of pockets corresponding in
number to the plurality of numbers of the circular number ring lies
adjacent, but radially inward of the number ring, on the typical
roulette wheel. In addition, a typical roulette wheel includes a
circular, inclined ball track, disposed above, and radially
outwardly of the number ring.
[0004] In operation of a typical roulette game, players place chips
or tokens on a betting layout located on a roulette table, and then
the croupier or dealer spins the roulette wheel to place the ball
in motion about the circular ball track. As the wheel slows, the
ball moves radially inwardly and comes to rest in one of the
pockets associated with a particular number of the number ring.
After the ball comes to rest in one of the pockets, the croupier or
dealer settles the various wagers placed on the table layout in
accordance with predetermined rules and wager odds and the process
is repeated.
[0005] A computer-controlled display may be provided to display
information about the game, including for example the winning
number and previous winning numbers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a
roulette wheel system for use with a game of roulette in which for
each game of roulette a ball is introduced to a rotating roulette
wheel and settles in a pocket, the roulette wheel system
comprising: [0007] at least one sensor for determining which of a
plurality of numbered pockets the ball falls into for the play of
each game of roulette, for generating as a first random number the
number of the pocket into which the ball falls; and [0008] a
processor for generating a second random number from the
information from the at least one sensor regarding the motion of
the ball and/or the roulette wheel during the game.
[0009] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a
method of operation of a roulette wheel having pockets associated
with numbers, the method comprising: [0010] introducing a ball into
a ball track; [0011] sensing the motion of the ball; [0012] waiting
for the ball to fall into a pocket of the roulette wheel to
indicate a number associated with the pocket as a first random
number; [0013] generating a second random number from the sensed
motion of the ball and/or rotor; and [0014] displaying the second
random number.
[0015] By generating a second random number a variety of additional
bets and gambling opportunities can be generated.
[0016] By generating the second random number from the same game
that generates the first random number, the generation of the
second random number does not add to the time taken to play each
game. The second random number is not generated purely
electronically, which increases the confidence of players and may
in any event be required by gaming authorities.
[0017] By generating the second random number from the motion of
the single ball and the roulette wheel, possibly with additional
information, the generation of the first conventional random number
is not affected in any way allowing those players who wish to play
purely conventional roulette to do so.
[0018] The system may include the roulette wheel itself, the
roulette wheel having a rotor and ball track. At least one sensor
may be integrally mounted adjacent to the rotor to detect the
motion of the ball.
[0019] Alternatively, the system may be separate from the roulette
wheel and either be fed data from an automatic roulette wheel which
generates data or may have a sensor to determine the motion of the
ball. The sensor may in particular be a camera connected to image
processing software.
[0020] The means for generating a second independent random number
may generate the second independent random number for each game
from at least one of the speed of the ball, the speed of the rotor
and the first random number from a previous game.
[0021] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a
roulette wheel for use with a game of roulette in which for each
game of roulette a ball is introduced to a rotating roulette wheel
and settles in a pocket, the roulette wheel comprising: [0022] at
least one sensor to sense the ball and/or the rotor; [0023] a means
for determining which of a plurality of numbered pockets the ball
falls into for the play of each game of roulette from the
information from the at least one sensor, to generate as a first
random number the number of the pocket into which the ball falls;
[0024] a means for generating a second independent random number
for the play of each game; and [0025] a controller adapted to
output the first and second random numbers.
[0026] By providing a second random number generator within the
roulette wheel or controller, so that the output of the roulette
wheel controller generates the second number, the apparatus
according to this aspect can readily be connected in the same way
as existing apparatus.
[0027] The roulette wheel is preferably a standard roulette
wheel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0028] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the
first embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention; and
[0032] FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the invention.
[0033] The drawings are schematic and not to scale. Like or
corresponding features may be given the same reference numbers in
the different figures, and the description is not necessarily
repeated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0034] A roulette wheel 2 has a rotor 4 with pockets 6 on the
periphery of the rotor. In accordance with convention, the pockets
are numbered from 1 to 36 and with either a single 0 or a 0 and a
00 depending on local law and practice. The pockets numbered 1 to
36 are also traditionally coloured red and black. An integral
roulette wheel controller 36 is also provided.
[0035] An inclined ball track 8 surrounds the rotor 4.
[0036] To play a game, the rotor 4 is rotated and a single ball 10
is introduced into the ball track 8 (step 100). Eventually, the
ball 10 falls into a pocket which generates a random number 0, 00,
or a number from 1 to 36 (Step 102). This number will be referred
to as the first random number in this description.
[0037] Sensors 12 are provided to detect the ball, one on the rim
to detect the ball in the ball track and at least one to detect
which pocket the ball has arrived at. These sensors are connected
to a display apparatus 14, which may also be termed a billboard.
The display apparatus 14 includes a computer 16 and a display
screen 18. Further sensors 12 detect the speed of the rotor.
[0038] The introduction of the ball 10 into the ball track 8 and
the rotation of the rotor 4 may optionally be mechanised as is
known in the art--these details will accordingly not be discussed
further. Further conventional features of the roulette wheel such
as a cover, ball interrupters to disrupt the flow of the ball and
the like may also be included if required.
[0039] The roulette wheel sensors 12 detect (step 104) a number of
pieces of information which are sent to the display apparatus 14.
These pieces of information include the winning number, i.e. the
number of the pocket into which the ball falls for each game, the
first random number. Further information is also provided,
including in particular the speed of the rotor and the speed of the
ball. In the embodiment shown, the speed of the ball is determined
in revolutions per minute (rpm) to two decimal places and and the
speed of the rotor to one decimal place. Thus, the rotor speed may
be measured as 18.2 rpm and the speed of the ball as 83.70 rpm.
[0040] The processor 36 takes the rotor speed, ball speed and the
previous winning number and combines them (step 106) to produce a
random number. In the embodiment, this random number is selected
from the numbers labeling the pockets on the roulette wheel, namely
1 to 36, 0 and 00 if appropriate. Various parameters, including
both random numbers and other information such as timing and speed
information is output by the controller to the display 14.
[0041] The calculation may, for example, add the previous winning
number (using 99 if there is no previous winning number) the speed
of the rotor (to one decimal place) and the decimal part (to two
decimal places) of the speed of the ball as measured initially when
the ball is introduced, i.e. the speed of the rotor and ball that
are used are the initial speed of the ball, the first measurements
received after the ball is introduced. By using only the decimal
part of the speed of the ball, greater randomness is introduced. It
will be appreciated that the number of decimal places used may vary
in alternative arrangements.
[0042] For example, if the speed of the ball is measured as 94.86
rpm, the speed of the rotor as 17.1 rpm, and the previous number
29, the calculation adds 171 (removing the decimal point), 29 and
86 to arrive at 286. The remainder modulo 37 (for a wheel with only
a single "0") is then calculated as 27, which is accordingly the
second random number. For a wheel with "0" and "00" the remainder
modulo 38 may be calculated, and if the remainder is 37 the output
is "00".
[0043] In alternative arrangements, the second random number is not
just selected from the numbers on the wheel, but other numbers such
as bonus numbers may be provided. This allows for the adjustment of
odds and may also enhance player interest.
[0044] The computer is programmed to display the first and second
random numbers on the display screen 18 (step 106), together with
additional information which may include for example information
from the casino.
[0045] A roulette table 22 is also provided; players may place bets
by placing counters on the roulette table. In addition to the
conventional bets on the numbers, even and odd, red and black etc.
the roulette table also allows the opportunity to place bets on the
second random number, including for example the second random
number matching the first number or the second random number and
the first random number both being a number selected by the player.
This latter option may in particular allow the player the option of
a bet with long odds, of order 1000-1, giving the chance of winning
a jackpot with a small stake.
[0046] By providing both random numbers from a single spin of the
wheel, i.e. a single game, the flow and speed of the conventional
roulette game is not interrupted in any way and those players that
wish to play purely conventionally may still do so.
[0047] Alternative ways of generating the second random number from
each game may also be introduced. For example, the second random
number may be generated from timing information, for example the
time taken for the ball to be sensed as reversing direction from
the time the ball is introduced into the roulette wheel. The timer
may cycle rapidly through the available numbers, from 0, 00 (if
applicable), and 1 to 36, for example cycling at a rate of one
number every ms, or indeed any period for example in the range 0.1
ms to 20 ms.
[0048] In a second embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 3, the system is
implemented as a single secondary processor 30 that connects to a
standard output of a roulette wheel. Existing roulette wheels are
available with a first processor 36 that electronically outputs
data, including in particular the winning number, the speed of the
rotor and the speed of the ball in the ball track. The secondary
processor 30 includes a data input 38 for accepting the data, as
well as a computer 32 including code 34 for carrying out the method
as set out above, to generate the second random number and to
output it to the display system 14.
[0049] In a third embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4 the system is
implemented by using a camera 40 attached to the display system 14.
The camera is focused on the ball in the ball track, and the rotor.
The camera is able to detect the winning number, the speed of the
rotor and the speed of the ball. In this case, the computer 16 may
include image analysis software to calculate the speed of the ball
to two decimal places using a measurement period of about three
seconds from the images from the camera. The camera feeds the
information to computer 16 which calculates the second random
number as set out above.
[0050] In a variant of the embodiments described above, it is
possible to generate further random numbers, including for example
a third, fourth or even a fifth random number. In preferred
embodiments, these additional random numbers are generated from the
motion of the ball in each game in a similar way to the second
random number, though using different data. The built in security
of using a wheel to generate the additional random numbers provides
suitable levels of security, for the protection both of the casino
and the players.
[0051] However, in alternative embodiments, one or more of the
further random numbers, i.e. random numbers from the third on, are
generated purely in software. The software may be provided wherever
convenient, for example in the wheel, the wheel controller 36 or
the display 14.
[0052] All the generated random numbers may be displayed on the
display 14.
[0053] The invention may use any suitable roulette wheel, either
manual or automatic.
[0054] Note that although the described embodiment includes first
processor 36 and or second processor 30, the computer 16 includes a
processor which may be used to carry out all of the processing by
providing suitable software.
[0055] Other embodiments use different sensor inputs to generate
physical information about the game to generate random numbers. In
particular, such sensor inputs can include the exact position of
the wheel, the position of the ball, and the like.
[0056] Thus, in some embodiments, the exact position of the ball at
any suitable time, for example a set time after the introduction of
the ball, can be used to generate one random number.
[0057] Secondly, the exact position of the rotor at any specific
time may also be used to generate a random number.
[0058] Position can be measured very accurately so the less
significant digits of position are available to provide evenly
spaced seeds to enhance the generation of a random number.
[0059] By providing a variety of different pieces of information,
one or more random numbers can be generated that are independent of
the final resting pocket of the ball and which are at least in part
determined by real physical attributes such as position, speed
and/or acceleration and hence are not determined purely
electronically.
* * * * *