Abstract
The present invention discloses a gaming apparatus comprising: a digital screen display mounted on a support, an actuation mechanism arranged for moving the digital screen display around an axis of rotation, at least one position identification member, a position sensing mechanism arranged for at least detecting the position of the prize segments with respect to the at least one position identification member; and a computer system. The computer system arranged for transmitting the electronic prize game digital image and associated prize information for display on the digital screen display, and for detecting, based on the position information obtained from the position sensing mechanism, at least one prize segment associated with the at least one stopping position of the digital display screen.
Claims
1. A gaming apparatus comprising: a digital screen display mounted on a support, the digital screen display being configured for displaying a digital image and associated data of an electronic prize game, which electronic prize game divides the digital screen display into prize segments with each prize segment having associated prize information; an actuation mechanism arranged for moving the digital screen display around an axis of rotation; at least one position identification member for indicating at least one stopping position of the digital screen display; a position sensing mechanism arranged for at least detecting a position of the prize segments with respect to the at least one position identification member, wherein the position sensing mechanism comprises: a plurality of sensors for detecting a stopping position of a movable object; and an image recording device arranged for: at least recording a stopping position of the digital screen display, a recording image being transmitted to a computer system for identification of the prize segment associated with the at least one position identification member; and at least recording the stopping position of the movable object, a recording image being transmitted to the computer system for identification of the prize segment associated with the stopping position of the movable object; and a computer system operatively coupled to a computer server arranged for transmitting the digital image and associated prize information for display on the digital screen display, the computer system being arranged for detecting, based on position information obtained from the position sensing mechanism, at least one prize segment associated with the at least one stopping position of the digital display screen, the computer system being configured for at least transmitting for display to the digital screen display and/or user devices, prize information associated with the at least one prize segment, wherein the position sensing mechanism comprises a plurality of sensors for at least detecting a position and/or an orientation of the digital screen display with respect to the position identification member.
2. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer system is arranged for controlling operation of the actuation mechanism based on an output value of a Random Number Generator (RNG) computer software.
3. The gaming apparatus of claim 2, wherein the computer system is configured for calculating, based on the output value, the stopping position of the digital screen display.
4. The gaming apparatus of claim 3, wherein operation of the RNG computer software is controlled by a user-defined winning payout percentage.
5. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a motor.
6. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises pin members protruding from a frame area surrounding the digital screen display.
7. The gaming apparatus of claim 6, wherein the digital screen display is manually operated by a user via the pin members.
8. The gaming apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pin members are configured during the rotation of the digital screen display to interact with the at least one position identification member to progressively slow down movement of the digital screen display until it comes to a standstill.
9. The gaming apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one position identification member is in a form of a resilient element arranged to bend when it comes in contact with the pin members.
10. The gaming apparatus of claim 6, wherein the digital screen display comprises a transparent screen secured on top of the pin members, and a movable object positioned in a space defined between the digital screen display and the transparent screen.
11. The gaming apparatus of claim 10, wherein dimensions of the movable object are larger than dimensions of a space defined between each pair of pin members.
12. The gaming apparatus of claim 11, wherein movable object is configured to move with the rotation of the digital screen display.
13. The gaming apparatus of claim 12, wherein the stopping position of the movable object denotes a winning prize segment.
14. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises at least one handle for manually rotating the digital screen display.
15. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises an RPM sensor for detecting rotational speed of the digital screen display about the axis of rotation.
16. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support comprises a rotary electrical connector for transmitting power and/or electrical signals to the digital screen display.
17. The gaming apparatus of claim 16, wherein the rotary electrical connector comprises a slip ring.
18. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the digital screen display has a circular shape resembling a prize wheel.
19. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the digital screen display has a non-circular shape.
20. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensors are distributed on the digital screen display.
21. The gaming apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sensors are any one of or a combination of proximity-based sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and the like.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The following drawings are provided as an example to explain further and describe various aspects of the invention.
(2) FIGS. 1 and 2 show examples of a digital screen display according to embodiments of the present invention.
(3) FIG. 3 shows an example of a gaming apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.
(4) FIG. 4 shows a side view of the exemplified gaming apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.
(5) FIGS. 5 and 6 show examples of the gaming apparatus shown in FIG. 4 positioned at different angles according to embodiments of the present invention.
(6) FIG. 7 shows an exemplified implementation of the computer system according to embodiments of the present invention.
(7) FIG. 8 shows an example of a method showing the process steps followed by the gaming apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.
(8) FIG. 9 shows an example of a gaming apparatus with a transparent screen according to embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(9) The present invention will be illustrated using the exemplified embodiments shown in the FIGS. 1 to 9, which will be described in more detail below. It should be noted that any references made to dimensions are only indicative and do not restrict the invention in any way. While this invention has been shown and described with reference to certain illustrated embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims. Furthermore, while the invention has been described with references to a particular gaming apparatus resembling a prize-winning wheel, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in form and details may be made to facilitate other types of gaming apparatuses without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.
(10) FIGS. 1 and 2 shows examples a digital screen display 100 for use in the gaming apparatus of the present invention. The digital screen displays 100 comprises a display area configured for displaying a digital image and associated data of an electronic prize game. Depending on the game the display area may be divided into a number of prize segments 101, with each segment 101 having associated prize information. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each prize segment 101 may comprise a winning amount, a bonus payment, or any other information required by the game. The digital image and prize information can be reconfigured via a computer system, thereby allowing for multiple games to be played on the same screen. The digital screen displays 100 may be provided with a frame area 102, which may be positioned around the perimeter of the digital screen area. The digital screen display shown in FIG. 1, may be provided with a number of pin members 105, and/or handles 104. The pin members 105 and handles 104 may be part of an actuation mechanism, which may allow the user to manually actuate the digital screen display about a rotation axis. The pin members 105 and the handles 104 may take any shape and form known to the skilled person in the art. The pin members 105 may be used by the user to accelerate the digital screen display 100 about the rotation axis. Furthermore, the pin members 105 may cooperate with at least one position identification member 106 to decelerate the digital screen display 100 after an initial acceleration. The pin members 105 may be positioned at a location on the frame area 102, which enables the user to easily and comfortably spin the digital screen display 100 and further allow from the pin members 105 to cooperate, if needed, with the at least one position identification member 106. The handles 104 may also be positioned at location on the frame area 102, which enables the user to easily and comfortably spin the digital screen display 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the pin members 105 and handles 104 are only optional, as shown in FIG. 2. For example, the actuation mechanism may comprise a motor, which may be operated by a computer system, for electronically accelerating and decelerating the digital screen display 100 about the rotation axis. Furthermore, the actuation mechanism may combine the pins members 105, and/or handles, and/or the motor. In this way, the digital screen display 100 may be rotated electronically and/or manually. The frame area 102 may house a position sensing mechanism 103, configured for measuring different parameters of the digital screen display. For example, the position sensing mechanism 103 may comprise a range of sensors for at least detecting the position and/or orientation of the digital screen display with respect to the position identification member. The sensors may be positioned at predetermined location around the digital screen display 100 e.g. positioned around the frame area, or in any other desired location. For example, the position sensing mechanism 103 may be provided with any one of or a combination of proximity sensors, accelerometers, infrared sensors, gyroscopes, Revolution Per Minute (RPM) sensors e.g. tachometers, and the like. According to embodiments of the present invention, the position sensing mechanism 103 may be provided with an image recording device arranged for at least recording the stopping position of the digital screen display. The image recording is transmitted to the computer system for calculating based on the recorded image the prize segment associated with the stopping position. The information obtained from the position sensing mechanism 103 may be transmitted in the form of electrical signal, via a wired or wireless connection, to a computer system for further processing. For example, the computer system may use the information obtained to calculate the stopping position of the digital screen display, which may be indicated by the at least one position identification member, and accordingly associate the winning prize segment. The prize information associated with the winning prize segment may be displayed on an area of the digital display screen e.g. the centre, or the entire display area. The digital screen display 100, may be of any shape e.g. circular, rectangular, square, triangular, and the like. Furthermore, the digital screen display 100 may comprise discrete pixel tiles, which are connected together to form a digital screen display of particular shape and dimensions. The digital screen display 100 may be provided with a display controller, which is arranged for controlling each pixel tile so that the desired digital image of the game is formed. The display controller may control the operation of the pixel tiles based on instructions received from a computer system.
(11) FIG. 3 shows an example of a gaming apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention. The gaming apparatus may incorporate the digital screen display 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As an example, the gaming apparatus of FIG. 3, is provided with the digital screen display 100 shown in FIG. 1. However, it should be understood that the gaming apparatus of the present invention may be equally provided with the digital screen display 100 as shown in FIG. 2. According to embodiments of the present invention, the gaming apparatus shown in FIG. 3 can be operated both in manual and/or electronic mode. The digital screen display 100 may be mounted on a support, which may comprise at least a base 107, a supporting arm 113, and a screen connecting member. The screen connecting member 112 may be fitted with a motor e.g. electric motor, for moving the digital screen display 100 about the rotating axis 120, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. A rotary connector e.g. a slip ring, may be used to connect the screen connecting member 112 to the digital screen display 100, to allow the continuous operation of the digital screen display 100 during rotation. The motor may be part of the actuation mechanism and may be controlled by the computer system according to embodiments of the present invention. At least one position identification member 106 may be secured at one end to the support structure e.g. at a location on the supporting arm 113. As previously discussed, the at least one position identification member 106 may interact with the pin members 105 provided on the digital screen display 100 to progressively slow down the movement of the digital screen until it comes to a standstill. According to embodiments of the present invention, more than one position identification members 106 may be provided. For example, the players may be able to place bets on the outcome of each position identification member. To facilitate the positioning of a plurality of position identification members the support 113 may be provided with additional supporting members. The at least one position identification member 106 may be in the form of a resilient element arranged to bend when it comes in contact with the pin members 105. Each time, the at least one position identification member 106 comes in contact with a pin member, the speed of the digital screen display about the rotational axis is reduced. The position identification member 106 may be in the form of a flap, an arrow, or any other desired form and shape. The gaming apparatus of the present invention may be provided with a computer system 115, which may be positioned in the base 107 of the support structure, or in another desired location. The computer system 115 may be configured for transmitting the electronic prize game digital image and associated prize information for display on the digital screen display 100. The computer system 115 may be coupled to a number of user terminals, which may be used by the player to place bets. The computer system 115 upon receiving the player bets, may initiate either manually or electronically the spinning of the digital screen display 100. For example, the computer system may alert the operator that all bets have been placed and that the spinning of the digital screen display 100 may begin. Alternatively, the computer system 115, may trigger the motor of the actuation mechanism 112. Once the digital screen display 100, after an initial acceleration, comes to a full stop, the computer system may receive the information obtained from the sensing mechanism 103 to determine the prize segment 101 associated with the stopping position indicated by the at least one position identification member 106. Accordingly, the computer system 115 may be configured for at least transmitting for display to the digital screen display 100 and/or the user terminals 108, the prize information associated with the at least one detected prize segment 101. The computer system 115 may further provide to the user terminals 108 additional information e.g. the amount won by each player based on their initial bet, the amount left on their account, or any other type of information. The computer system 115 may further be coupled to a central computer server 110, which may be connected via a communication link to a number of remote user devices 111. For example, the computer system 115, via the computer server 110, may be configured for receiving from and communicating information to the remote user devices 111. The remote user devices 111 may be user terminals arranged for accepting bets from the players. The remote user devices 111 may run a computer software application configured for allowing the user to interact with the gaming apparatus, e.g. placing bets, receiving winning prize information. Furthermore, the central computer server 110 may be configured for controlling and monitoring the operation of the computer system 115. For example, the central computer server 110 may provide to and collect from the computer system 115 a range of information e.g. provide the game image to be displayed and associated game rule information, decide pay-out percentage, collect bets, facilitate communication with external remote users, etc.
(12) According to embodiments of the present invention, the computer system is operatively coupled to a computer server configured for forwarding, via a communication link, the prize information associated with the at least one detected prize to at least one user operated device. For example, the computer system, via the computer server, may be configured for receiving from and communicating information to the user device. The user devices may be user terminals arranged for accepting bets from the players, which may be positioned locally or remotely from the gaming apparatus. The user device may run a computer software application configured for allowing the user to interact with the gaming apparatus, e.g. placing bets, receiving winning prize information.
(13) FIGS. 4 to 6 show side views of an exemplified gaming apparatus with the digital screen display 100 being positioned at different angles according to embodiments of the present invention. The gaming apparatus presented in FIGS. 4 to 6 is the same as the one presented in FIG. 3, with the only difference being that the digital screen display of FIG. 2 has been used instead. According to embodiments of the present invention, the support structure may comprise an angle adjuster mechanism 114, which allows for positioning the digital screen display 100 at different angles. For example, in FIG. 4 the digital screen display is configured to rotate about a horizontal rotation axis 120. In FIG. 5, the angle of the digital screen display 100 has been adjusted so that the digital screen display 100 rotates about a vertical rotation axis 120. In FIG. 6, the angle of the digital screen display 100 has been adjusted so that it rotates about a rotation axis that is between the horizontal and vertical axis. According to embodiments of the present invention, the rotational angle of the digital screen display 100 may be adjusted over a wide range. The angle adjuster mechanism 114 may be manually operated by an operator and/or electronically by the computer system 115.
(14) FIG. 7 shows an exemplified implementation of a computer system according to embodiments of the present invention. The computer system 115 may comprise a number of different modules. For example, the computer system may comprise a communication link capable of receiving from and transiting information from the different elements of the gaming apparatus of the present invention, e.g. sensors, digital screen display, etc. At least one storage module, which may be loaded with computer software program instructions for running the gaming apparatus, electronic prize game digital images, and may further be configured for storing other types of information, e.g. information obtained from the sensors, bets received by the users, and the like. The computer system 115 may be provided with a microprocessor configured for executing the computer software program instructions, and accordingly, process the information received from the sensors and user terminals. The computer system 115 may further comprise a Random Number Generator (RNG) module which is configured for generating an RNG output value that can be used by the microprocessor to calculate each time the desired stopping position of the digital screen display 100. According to embodiments of the present invention the computer system is arranged for controlling the operation of the actuation mechanism based on an output value of a Random Number Generator (RNG) computer software. For example, the computer system 115 may control, based on the output value of the RNG computer software, the acceleration and/or deceleration of the digital screen display about the rotation axis, so that the digital screen display stops at a predetermined prize segment indicated by the RNG output value. It should be noted that the computer system 115 may comprise a range of other modules that have not been described here.
(15) FIG. 8 shows an exemplified method for operating the gaming apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention. The method may comprise the following steps: a) Step 201: The computer system 115 receives an intent from a player to play the game. For example, the player may signify its intent by pressing a button on the user terminal 108 or remote user devices 111. b) Step 202: The player places a bet, and the computer system 115 receives the associated information. For example, the user also referred to as player or customer, may place a bet by interacting with computer application software running on a web-browser, a user device, or a local game terminal. The user may also place a bet on a table with denoted areas of prize wins physically displayed on the table and/or electronically inlaid on the table. Furthermore, the user may interact with the operator of the gaming apparatus to place its bets, and accordingly, the operator may register its intention on the computer system 115 or manually record the predicted win segment on a table, chart or the like. c) Step 203: Once all players have placed their bets, the digital screen display starts to spin around the desired rotation axis. The wheel spin may be initiated manually by an operator using the pin members 105 and/or handles 104, or it can be initiated electronically by the computer system 115. d) Step 204: After an initial acceleration, e.g. induced manually or electronically, the digital screen display 100 starts decelerating. As previously discussed, the deceleration may be performed either naturally (step 205) or in an electronically controlled manner (step 206). In the natural deceleration, the digital screen display 100 stops at a random point by decelerating from natural resistance of the at least one position identification member 106, e.g. flapper. In the electronically controlled deceleration, the digital screen display 100 comes to a stop by controlled deceleration of the at least one position identification member 106 and motor of the actuation mechanism. The electronically controlled deceleration may be based on a winning pay-out percentage calculation obtained from the output value of the RNG module. e) Step 207: Once the digital screen display 100 stops, the stopping position and associated prize segment indicated by the at least one position identification member is detected. This can be done manually by an operator if present or electronically by the computer system 115 based on the information obtained by the sensors. f) Step 208: The prize segment information from the detected prize segment is displayed to the players. Additional information may be further displayed to the user, e.g. winning amount for each player. Furthermore, the account of each player may be updated depending on the prize segment. g) Step 209: All players have received the prize information the game is reset, and the process is repeated
(16) FIG. 9 shows an example of a gaming apparatus as described with reference to the previous figures incorporating a transparent screen 203 and a movable object 202. As shown in the FIG. 9, the transparent screen 203 may be secured on top of the pin members 105. The pin members 105 may be considered as forming a mounting mechanism. However, it should be noted that other means for provided a mounting mechanism may be used e.g. a continuous or discontinuous wall surrounding the perimeter of the digital screen display, or any other means known to the skilled person in the art. The space 205 defined between the digital screen 100 and the transparent wall 203 may be of a height similar to the height of the mounting mechanism, which in this embodiment is formed by the pin members 105. A movable object 202 e.g. a ball, a puck, or the like, may be positioned within the space 205 created between the digital screen display 100 and the transparent screen 203. The movable object 202 may be dimensioned such that it is free to move with the space 205 as the digital screen display 100 is rotated around the rotation axis 120. The movable object may further be dimensioned such that it larger than the space 201 defined between the pin members 105 of the mounting mechanism, such that the moveable object 202 is prevented from being escape from the space 205 define between the digital screen display 100 and the transparent screen 203. The rotation of the digital screen display 200 causes the movable object to move within the space 205. When the digital screen display comes to a stop, the movable object 202 may come to stop at a location on the mounting mechanism. The stopping position of the movable object may be used to denote a wining prize section. As with previous embodiments, once the stopping position of the movable object 202 is detected by the position sensing mechanism 103, the prize-winning information is transmitted for display to the digital screen display 100 and/or user devices 108, 111. The stopping position of the movable object may be defined by the pin members 105 on which the movable object 202 would come to rest after the digital screen display 100 has stopped spinning. Furthermore, the screen display may be provided with segments, not shown, that may be arranged to trap the movable object e.g. holes, roulette type pocket, and the like. The position sensing mechanism 103 may be used to detect the position of the movable object on the digital screen display 100. For example, the sensors of the position sensing mechanism 103 may be activated by the presence of the movable object e.g. if the position of the movable object has not changed for a predetermined period, or via the processing of an image or video captured by an image recording device. Depending on the configuration of the mounting mechanism, the sensors of the position sensing mechanism may be positioned on predetermined locations on the digital screen display 100 and/or on the mounting mechanism. For example, sensors may be positioned near or on the pin member 105, or may be placed near or in the holes or pockets of the mounting mechanism to detect the presence of the movable object 202.
(17) In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of the invention, whether implemented as part of an operating system or a specific application, component, program, object, module or sequence of instructions, or even a subset thereof, may be referred to herein as “computer program code,” or simply “program code.” Program code typically comprises computer readable instructions that are resident at various times in various memory and storage devices in a computer and that, when read and executed by one or more processors in a computer, cause that computer to perform the operations necessary to execute operations and/or elements embodying the various aspects of the embodiments of the invention. Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the embodiments of the invention may be, for example, assembly language or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages.
(18) The program code embodied in any of the applications/modules described herein is capable of being individually or collectively distributed as a program product in a variety of different forms. In particular, the program code may be distributed using a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the embodiments of the invention.
(19) Computer readable storage media, which is inherently non-transitory, may include volatile and non-volatile, and removable and non-removable tangible media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer readable storage media may further include RAM, ROM, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other solid state memory technology, portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and which can be read by a computer. A computer readable storage medium should not be construed as transitory signals per se (e.g., radio waves or other propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a transmission media such as a waveguide, or electrical signals transmitted through a wire). Computer readable program instructions may be downloaded to a computer, another type of programmable data processing apparatus, or another device from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network.
(20) Computer readable program instructions stored in a computer readable medium may be used to direct a computer, other types of programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions that implement the functions/acts specified in the flowcharts, sequence diagrams, and/or block diagrams. The computer program instructions may be provided to one or more processors of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the one or more processors, cause a series of computations to be performed to implement the functions and/or acts specified in the flowcharts, sequence diagrams, and/or block diagrams.
(21) In certain alternative embodiments, the functions and/or acts specified in the flowcharts, sequence diagrams, and/or block diagrams may be re-ordered, processed serially, and/or processed concurrently without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, any of the flowcharts, sequence diagrams, and/or block diagrams may include more or fewer blocks than those illustrated consistent with embodiments of the invention.
(22) The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, “comprised of”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising”.
(23) While all of the invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the Applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the Applicants general inventive concept.
