Method and physical system for reformulating coin operated amusement devices into a deeply regulated casino cash-based rewards environment

Abstract

System allowing the use of more traditional Coin Operated Amusement Devices (COADs) into a deeply regulated a casino environment. Software monitors each individual game's performance allowing its computer player data to be reformulated for use in a cash-based rewards casino environment. Each COAD is outfitted with a Control Device (CD) that operates independently from the COAD to recalculate an amusement/redemption machines ticket/prize rewards and reformulate the existing rewards data into a cash-based reward meeting specific regulatory mandated requirements. The CD will receive all patron monetary, play and win data thru any one of the COADs analog, RS 232, MDB, CCTalk port configurations and reprocess that data in digital format resulting in a cash-based reward. The CD device will independently communicate each COAD's player results directly to the server(s) as well as simultaneously allowing the processing and recalculation of all monetary transactions between the player and the COAD.

Claims

1. An apparatus for reformulating coin operated amusement devices into a deeply regulated casino cash-based rewards environment, the system comprising: one or more coin operated amusement devices (COAD); each COAD machine outfitted with a Control Device (CD); the CD communicates with a server; the CD receives all patron monetary, play and win data thru any one of the Coin Operated Amusement devices various analog, RS 232, MDB, CCTalk port configurations and reprocess that data in digital format thru various proprietary encrypted algorithms resulting in a cash-based reward; the server meets all jurisdictional requirements to communicate in mandated SAS/ GSA casino protocol standards with or without encryption; and a data display retrofitted to the COAD to provide a convenient view for the subscriber/user to view their credits and other information.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CD operates independently from the COAD to recalculate an Amusement/redemption machines ticket/Prize rewards and reformulate and/or vary a player's existing rewards data into a cash-based reward meeting specific regulatory mandated requirements.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the local server communicates with a cloud server and enables government oversight by providing additional electronic access to the local server, CD, and cloud server running the system software.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CD device independently communicate each COAD's player results directly to the server or servers as well as simultaneously allowing the processing and recalculation of all monetary transactions between the player and the COAD.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the monetary transactions are accomplished thru various identifying technologies including but not limited to Magnetic strip, RFID, Computer Applications and Bluetooth technologies.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the onset of game play will be first accomplished thru an independent kiosk housing the necessary technology to accomplish server, credit card and or application payment capabilities as well as a point of data acquisition.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CD device is further comprised of the following technical components and features: A Broad based CPU; Ram, SRam, EEProm; Data connections established to and from the CD, COAD and the server will include but not be limited to USB, DIN, Molex, RS232, HDMI, Ethernet as well as WIFI and Bluetooth; Display outputs (Multiple) including touch screen; Stereo audio outputs(Multiple); Camera ports (Still and Video); Multiple channel inputs which include opto-isolation features; SD memory card storage; Multiple additional encoding/decoding/graphics hardware components; and Proprietary operating/communication software.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the COAD's primary play will be consistent with amusement industry skill based standards but may additionally contain ‘Bonus’ rewards that may be accomplished thru a random number generation process.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the skill based machines game play is monitored thru a proprietary hardware device or control device (CD) which, thru various adjustable algorithms and data conversions the CD has the ability to reformulate each individual COAD's financial results to conform with regulatory minimum returns to the player.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each CD will monitor the individual COAD game play results in a live environment and communicate the reformulated Price/reward/win results of each play to a systems video display.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the CD will receive and communicate all individual patron monetary, play and win data thru any one of the Coin Operated Amusement devices various analog, RS 232, MDB, CCTalk port configurations and thru various encryption processes, transmit that play data to Cashcade server allowing that play to conform to regulatory standards.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the process of game play will begin at a Kiosk/terminal referred to as a (CST) for each individual game; the primary monetary transactions and player identifications are accomplished thru various identifying technologies including but not limited to Magnetic strip, RFID, Computer Applications and Bluetooth technologies.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein at the point of the individual player's decision to redeem his rewards in cash, currency, or accepted currency equivalents, he or she will revert back to the CST to redeem his rewards in cash; and the CST will meet all jurisdictional requirements to communicate in mandated SAS/ GSA casino protocol standards with or without encryption.

14. A method for reformulating coin operated amusement devices into a deeply regulated casino cash-based rewards environment recorded on non-transitory computer-readable medium and capable of execution by a computer, the method comprising the following steps: providing one or more coin operated amusement devices (COAD); outfitting each COAD machine with a Control Device (CD); providing a server on the CD; providing communications between the CD and the server; receiving all patron monetary, play, and win data by the CD thru any one of the Coin Operated Amusement devices various port configurations; reprocessing that data in digital format thru various proprietary encrypted algorithms resulting in a cash-based reward; communicating in mandated SAS/ GSA casino protocol standards with or without encryption both to and from the server, which meets all jurisdictional requirements; and displaying data on a display retrofitted to the COAD; providing a convenient view for the subscriber/user to view their credits and other information.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of operating the CD independently from the COAD; recalculating an Amusement/redemption machines ticket/Prize rewards; reformulating and/or varying a player's existing rewards data into a cash-based reward meeting specific regulatory mandated requirements.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of providing communications between the local server and a cloud server; and enabling government oversight by providing additional electronic access to the local server, CD, and cloud server running the system software.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of communicating each COAD's player results independently from the CD directly to the server or servers; simultaneously allowing the processing of all monetary transactions between the player and the COAD; and the recalculation of all monetary transactions between the player and the COAD.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of enabling monetary transactions; accomplishing the monetary transactions thru various identifying technologies including but not limited to Magnetic strip, RFID, Computer Applications and BLUETOOTH technologies.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of providing a kiosk housing; the kiosk housing the necessary technology to accomplish server, credit card and or application payment capabilities as well as a point of data acquisition; providing payment capabilities; and providing point of data acquisition.

20. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of enabling the COAD's primary play to be consistent with amusement industry skill based standards.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of providing ‘Bonus’ rewards; and using a random number generation process to provide the bonus rewards.

22. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of monitoring the skill based machines game play thru a proprietary hardware device or control device (CD); providing various adjustable algorithms and data conversions to the CD; and enabling the CD with the ability to reformulate each individual COAD's financial results to conform with regulatory minimum returns to the player.

23. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of monitoring the individual COAD game play by the CD; determining results in a live environment; and communicate the reformulated Price/reward/win results of each play to a systems video display.

24. The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of receiving and communicating all individual patron monetary, play and win data thru any one of the Coin Operated Amusement devices various port configurations and thru various encryption processes, by the CD; transmitting the play data to thee server by the CD; and allowing the server to conform the play data to regulatory standards.

25. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of initiating the process of game play at a Kiosk/terminal referred to as a (CST) for each individual game; providing various identifying technologies including but not limited to Magnetic strip, RFID, Computer Applications and Bluetooth technologies; and accomplishing the primary monetary transactions and player identifications thru the various identifying technologies.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising the steps of redeeming rewards in cash, currency, or accepted currency equivalents; reverting back to the CST to redeem rewards in cash; and communicating in mandated SAS/GSA casino protocol standards, meeting all jurisdictional requirements, with or without encryption by the CST.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

[0065] FIG. 1 contains two flow charts, a first flow chart illustrating the original/standard configuration of a standard amusement device and a second flow chart illustrating the configuration of a standard amusement device as modified by the physical apparatus of the present invention and controlled by the software component of the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the method and process for reformulating coin operated amusement devices into a deeply regulated casino cash-based rewards environment.

[0067] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the physical components of the system taught by the present invention for reformulating coin operated amusement devices into a deeply regulated casino cash-based rewards environment.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the software process method and information flow taught by the present invention for reformulating coin operated amusement devices into a deeply regulated casino cash-based rewards environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0069] In the following detailed description of the invention of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings (where like numbers represent like elements), which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, but other embodiments may be utilized and logical, mechanical, electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

[0070] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it is understood that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques known to one of ordinary skill in the art have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the invention. Referring to the figures, it is possible to see the various major elements constituting the apparatus of the present invention.

[0071] The present invention teaches a multi-faceted hardware and software systems that provide the necessary technology to allow the use of a more traditional ‘Coin Operated Amusement Device (COAD) skill, redemption, or otherwise “into a deeply regulated a casino environment. The proprietary software taught by the present invention monitors each individual games performance allowing its computer player data to be reformulated for use in a Cash-based rewards casino environment.

[0072] FIG. 1 contains two flow charts, a first flow chart illustrating the original/standard configuration of a standard amusement device and a second flow chart illustrating the configuration of a standard amusement device as modified by the physical apparatus of the present invention and controlled by the software component of the present invention.

[0073] In the original configuration the amusement device receives credits for play and some internal device, outputs it meters to the meters internally and pulses the tickets out the device to reward the player.

[0074] In the configuration taught by the present invention, the amusement device is physically connected to an analog/digital (A/D) board, and a device controller (CD) which can receive and transmit information to and from the A/D board, a card reader, as well as the present inventions system and business logic stored on a remote cloud computer system. The system and business logic stored on a remote cloud computer system can further interact with a remote or local government computer server for compliance and reporting.

[0075] In the operation as taught and enabled by the hardware and software process/method of the present invention, the amusement device receives credits for play form an A/D board when the card reader reads a customer's card. The meters are then collected for recording by the A/D board and sent to a database. The ticket pulses are intercepted by the A/D board and, based on business logic calculations, the system adds the value of these to the customer's account in the form of cash credit.

[0076] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the method and process for reformulating coin operated amusement devices into a deeply regulated casino cash-based rewards environment. A session tracking (audit) and a game rhythm tracker shows how much is being played to a subscriber/user. The session tracking (audit) and a game rhythm tracker communicate with a game interface.

[0077] The game interface device communicates with a funds interface for a funds accounting system, analog interface of the game machine/device, and the subscriber session tracking (audit) and a game rhythm tracker generating a credit display to the user. The game interface debits credits for play, and can provide a small device showing credits on an account or transfer such information to an application of an mobile device. The game interface controls the “credit meter” so that when one credit is pushed to activate game play, the other credits remain such that this device is self-contained.

[0078] The funds accounting system communicates with the game interface device, a regulatory interface and a kiosk interface. The system teaches and uses push data to provide regulatory reports through the game interface device. The kiosk interface enables the transmission of subscriber/user information to a kiosk interface delivering card and funds input and output as the kiosk collected cash to place in the account, expends cards linked to an account, and pays account balances based on a cash transaction.

[0079] The kiosk displays three displayed options: PURCHASE CARD WITH VALUE; LOAD VALUE ON CARD; and REDEEM CARD VALUE FOR CASH. Additionally the kiosk will respond to: cash being inserted by expending a card after stacking the value of the cash; and a card being inserted by displaying: LOAD VALUE ON CARD or REDEEM CARD VALUE FOR CASH.

[0080] In use, when a player without a card approaches the kiosk and presses the “PURCHASE CARD WITH VALUE” option on the screen, the kiosk responds with “INSERT CASH TO OBTAIN CARD WITH VALUE”. The customer inserts bills which are stacked and the accumulated value is displayed on the screen. As soon as there is any accumulated value a button appears showing PRODUCE CARD which indicates the customers has finished inserting cash. There is also a timeout period since the last bill was inserted that causes the same condition. At this point the card is produced and the accumulated value is deposited in the account associated with the card.

[0081] The account server receives a message from the kiosk that a value has been assigned to a card linked to an account. The account server places the value on the account and acknowledges the message from the kiosk.

[0082] Next, the customer approaches the amusement device which contains a “kit” comprising the hardware and software components of the system of the present invention. The system or “kit” is an interface device that has: a network connection to the other parts of the system; a card reader into which the customer can insert the card to access their account; an interface device to the amusement device that activates play (transfers credit); a small display which shows the number of credits available on the account to play this particular amusement device; and a button which will execute the function of removing a game specific amount of credits, cash, and/or cash specific equivalents from the customer's account and placing it on the amusement device in order to allow the amusement device to be played.

[0083] When the customer inserts the card into the card device the card reader bezel flashes red for a bad card read or green for a good card read. When the card is read the card number is transmitted via the network device to the account system and the account system will read both the account value and the value of a credit on the amusement device. The number of credits is rounded down to the nearest integer value and displayed on the system/kit's credit display device. While the number of credits displayed by the display device remains above zero, the customer may transfer credits from the account to the amusement device by pressing the system/kit's button. In one embodiment, one credit is transferred per button press. In alternative embodiment, more than one credit will be accepted at a time.

[0084] Technical information required and taught by the present invention for retrofitting COADs includes: a Physical interface to game meters (voltage, pulse length, timing, connectors, and pin-outs); Data being collected and needs to be stored; WiFi enabled or hardwired; Redundancy solutions/Can the software be run in the cloud or on-site; If on-site, will duplicate servers be required; Will RAID arrays (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) be required; Remote monitoring/Establishing a secure internet connection; Update on games selected for exhibit; Front-end/back-end system rendering and description

[0085] FIG. 3 is an illustration of the physical components of the system taught by the present invention for reformulating coin operated amusement devices into a deeply regulated casino cash-based rewards environment. Here a claw machine is represented as having been retrofitted with the hardware and software taught by the present invention to enable the amusement game to confirm to the deeply regulated casino cash-based rewards environment. Each COAD machine is outfitted with a Control Device (more commonly referred to as a “CD”). The CD will operate independently from the COAD to recalculate an Amusement/redemption machines ticket/Prize rewards and reformulate the existing rewards data into a cash-based reward meeting specific regulatory mandated requirements. A data display is also retrofitted to the COAD to provide a convenient view for the subscriber/user to view their credits and other information. The CD communicates with a local server. The local server communicates with a cloud server and enables government oversight by providing additional electronic access to the local server, CD, and cloud server running the system software.

[0086] The CD will receive all patron monetary, play and win data thru any one of the Coin Operated Amusement devices various analog, RS 232, MDB, CCTalk port configurations and reprocess that data in digital format thru various proprietary encrypted algorithms resulting in a cash-based reward.

[0087] The CD device will independently communicate each COAD's player results directly to the server or servers as well as simultaneously allowing the processing and recalculation of all monetary transactions between the player and the COAD. These monetary transactions are accomplished thru various identifying technologies including but not limited to Magnetic strip, RFID, Computer Applications and Bluetooth technologies. The server will meet all jurisdictional requirements to communicate in mandated SAS/ GSA casino protocol standards with or without encryption.

[0088] The onset of game play will be first accomplished thru an independent kiosk housing the necessary technology to accomplish server, credit card and or application payment capabilities as well as a point of data acquisition .The system will be operationally compatible with any and all available social platforms as well provide data as to create independent contests, loyalty programs or to further the venues popularity.

[0089] The scope of our CD device will be comprised of (but not limited to) the following technical components and features. A Broad based CPU; Ram, SRam, EEProm; Data connections established to and from the CD, COAD and the server will include but not be limited to USB, DIN, Molex, RS232, HDMI, Ethernet as well as WIFI and Bluetooth; Display outputs (Multiple) including touch screen; Stereo audio outputs(Multiple); Camera ports (Still and Video); Multiple channel inputs which include opto-isolation features; SD memory card storage; Multiple additional encoding/decoding/graphics hardware components; and Proprietary operating/communication software

[0090] Systems of the invention are to allow the operation of coin operated Skill based arcade games also referred to as (COADs) in a highly regulated casino environment. Skill based games may consist of but not limited to amusement type instant win, video, ball throwing, augmented virtual reality, or otherwise.

[0091] The COAD's primary play will be consistent with amusement industry skill based standards but may additionally contain ‘Bonus’ rewards that may be accomplished thru a random number generation process.

[0092] One embodiment includes the skill based machines game play be monitored thru a proprietary hardware device or control device (CD) which, thru various adjustable algorithms and data conversions the CD has the ability to reformulate each individual COAD's financial results to conform with regulatory minimum returns to the player.

[0093] Each CD will monitor the individual COAD game play results in a live environment and communicate the reformulated Price/reward/win results of each play to a systems video display.

[0094] Most if not all Coin operated amusement devices consist of elementary electronic operating systems incapable of communicating in protocols consistent in the Casino industry.

[0095] The CD will receive and communicate all individual patron monetary, play and win data thru any one of the Coin Operated Amusement devices various analog, RS 232, MDB, CCTalk port configurations and thru various encryption processes, transmit that play data to Cashcade server allowing that play to conform to regulatory standards.

[0096] As Skill based arcade games can sometimes be ‘Mastered’ by the player, the CashCade server will monitor and thru proprietary software reformulate the individual COAD results to meet regulated taxation's standards of play and player monetary returns.

[0097] The process of game play will begin at a Kiosk/terminal referred to as a (CST). The primary monetary transactions and player identifications are accomplished thru various identifying technologies including but not limited to Magnetic strip, RFID, Computer Applications and Bluetooth technologies.

[0098] At the point of the individual player's decision to redeem his rewards, he or she will revert back to the CST to redeem his rewards in cash. The CST will meet all jurisdictional requirements to communicate in mandated SAS/ GSA casino protocol standards with or without encryption.

[0099] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the software process method and information flow taught by the present invention for reformulating coin operated amusement devices into a deeply regulated casino cash-based rewards environment.

[0100] To start a game, a subscriber/user first swipes a card. The CD receives information form the player's card and enables game play on the COAD. The CD measures the analog pulses of the COAD with respect to metering, ticket/wins, and bill/cash valuations for redemption. The COAD can also accept currency and/or coins to start a play. The CD communicates with a cloud system server to identify players using cards, report and display a current player's currency and winnings as well as determining/recalculating of play/winnings to currency. The system server tracks play results and the win/lose percentage of a player and each COAD reporting via a CD. The system server then reports this to the systems cloud server, which can communicate the results and metrics to a government computer for regulatory compliance.

[0101] The system and method of the present invention is set to run on one or more computing devices, mobile electronic devices, or a combination thereof. A computing device or mobile electronic device on which the present invention can run would be comprised of a CPU, storage device, keyboard, monitor or screen, CPU main memory and a portion of main memory where the system resides and executes. Any general-purpose computer, smartphone, or other mobile electronic device with an appropriate amount of storage space is suitable for this purpose. Computer and mobile electronic devices like these are well known in the art and are not pertinent to the invention. The system can also be written in several different languages and run on a number of different operating systems and platforms.

[0102] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the point and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

[0103] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0104] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

[0105] Thus, it is appreciated that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variation in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the above description are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0106] Furthermore, other areas of art may benefit from this method and adjustments to the design are anticipated. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.