EA005390B1 - Method for conducting an interactive game - Google Patents

Abstract

In a proposed method of conducting an interactive game its players are notified about time interval for receiving information for identifying players with a subsequent game session and determining winners. Upon receiving information that the game is started within the established time interval transmit command-messages via communication channels using an information input/output device which permits to assign registration number to a message from a player, and identify each game player. This information includes also instructions for the game payment. Telephone mobile channel is used as a communication channel and a mobile telephone is used as the information input/output device. Short messages are transmitted over the telephone mobile channel. Short messages can be selected from the group, for example, SMS, EMS, MMS systems. The game players can be notified about the game start and follow the game procedure over a television T.V. channel. A distinguished feature by which the winner is determined can be associated, for example, with the registration number of the player's message. Each winner is paid a reward, the size of which is calculated. The game consists of successions of equal time intervals of messages registrations, wherein calculation of the player's messages and determination of rewards can be carried out for each interval. The proposed method of an interactive game provides for quick, practically instant summing up the game results and determining the winner. A great accessibility to a game is also provided.

Description

The invention relates to the industry of mass games and entertainment, in particular to methods and systems for conducting interactive games and lotteries. It can be used along with other methods and forms of gaming technology to attract the attention of potential participants or the attention of buyers or consumers of services.

Prior Art Information

Mass games are attractive both for their organizers and for their participants - the organizers will receive from the participants financial resources that exceed the costs of the games, and participants are given the opportunity to be among the winners, each winning more than a small participation fee.

The market already has a number of gaming technologies that are used in the form of instant winnings, all kinds of lotteries, various prizes. However, only interactive games with the involvement of gaming systems that contain the means by which the participants in the game approach the gaming system, computer processing units, including blocks for checking payment for participation in the game, feedback from the participant, assignments of a winning element, etc., have real efficiency. Mass games are widely known. such as Russian Lotto, Bingo. The disadvantage of these games is that participants are not able to bet and influence the results of the draw. Each player's bets are predetermined by the gaming combination of the information elements of the purchased ticket. The results of the draw are completely dependent on the organizer of the game. This leads to a decrease in interest in such games.

The Russian lottery game “Sportloto” allows participants to make bets on their own (RF Patent No. 2023307). However, a large number of winning combinations leads to a decrease in the possibility of winning. Participants' rates do not affect the process of drawing. Another drawback of this lottery is that it is necessary to make a large number of lottery coupons, sell them to the public, fill out and send coupons by mail, sort them by circulation, and recognize handwritten characters. It should be borne in mind and the possibility of the appearance of fake coupons. Attempts have been made to reduce the influence of these factors. For example, in lotteries held in the USA and Canada, when distributing lottery coupons and registering bets, special electronic terminals are used at remote points of sale of coupons. Through the terminals, signals are transmitted to the central computer that identify the coupons sold, information about the bets made (US Patent No. 5,186,463). Similar technical means are used in the Russian lottery "Lotto-Million".

Most of the ways of conducting the game discussed above have a number of common shortcomings: preparing for the game takes considerable time to purchase tickets, coupons, tokens, fill them in, forward and process, the shortcomings also include the need for personal participation in the game, the duration of determining the winners, receiving a prize pool and etc. In addition, the multiplicity of winning combinations, which reduce the possibility of a large win, negatively affects. It should be mentioned about the inability of the player to influence the results of the rally, the full dependence on the actions of the organizer of the game. These drawbacks do not contribute to the gaming appeal of known methods.

Computerized phone games are much easier from the point of view of the game process and more attractive to potential participants due to the general availability of telephone communication.

In order to simplify lotteries, reduce paper workflow, a system is proposed based on telephone sets with push-button tone dialing, a central computer hub (US Patent No. 5415416). This system allows you to register each caller as a participant in the game and assign him an individual identification code. Then, the registered participant of the game is provided with the opportunity to purchase a game loan using a credit card, enter and register rates with the payment of an associated virtual game coupon.

A known method of playing with stakes in the telephone lottery "Index 10 of 10", which is that the participants of the game before the draw register by phone an index consisting of non-recurring numbers (RF Patent No. 2053827). The organizer of the game determines, at a predetermined time, randomly out of 10 non-repeating digits, the winning sequence. The distribution of the prize pool is carried out between players whose registered indices are partially (at least 6 digits) or completely coincided with the winning sequence. This method provides a high yield for the organizers, but does not contribute to increasing the interest of potential participants.

There are also known ways to apply for participation in the game via the Internet or from a specific terminal, while the participant sends the so-called virtual coupon (Russian application for invention No. 2000110531/12, BIPM RF No. 7, 2002, publ. 10.03.2002 g.). The known method provides for simultaneously with the start of the distribution of lottery tickets with individual game fields applied on them, to conduct additional raffles in information networks. To hold these draws, they additionally form the base of accounting and game data of “virtual tickets”. They distribute these tickets through information communication networks, determine their winners, present prizes.

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A known method of playing with bets (Eurasian Patent No. 000233, published on 12/24/1998), in which in one of the variants a method of playing with bets is described, which allows to identify the winner immediately after processing his bet, i.e. from the point of view of the participants of the game almost instantly. This method provides sufficient profitability of the game for its organizers. At the request of a participant in a game, he is provided, under certain conditions, with accumulated information about the quantitative distribution of bets among the elements of the game set. This increases the degree of influence of the participant in the game on its process. For the implementation of the proposed method, various configurations of local networks are given: from the “slot machine hall”, games in hotels equipped with a cable system for broadcasting paid television programs or an intrahouse cable channel for presenting information services in interactive mode, to subscribers of cable telephone networks with interactive services.

Another solution to similar problems is the method of conducting a collective game (Russian application No. 2000120218/12, published in BIPM RF No. 18, 06.27.2002). Participants of the game are attracted by the possible reward, which depends on the number of registered votes of participants. They set a certain time interval for registering the votes of the participants and establish certain criteria according to which the participants inform about their participation during a given time interval. Bets are collected and processed by the central dispatcher, and participants register bets through the input devices. An automatic system can be used to conduct a game, for example a central processor using communication tools that exchange information between input devices and a central dispatcher. The process can be carried out in a computer network, for example in the global Internet. The disadvantage is that when implementing the method does not provide the ability to instantly summarize, determine and alert the participants of the game. The known method does not also provide wide access to the game, as it is held in specially equipped places for the sale of goods or services using computer equipment.

The closest to the subject matter of the invention is adopted as a prototype method of the game (Russian application No. 2000120218/12, published in BIPM RF No. 18, 06.27.2002), in which the winner is determined by the implementation of a random event. Before that, they set the time interval and set the criteria by which the game participants make their choice at a given time interval. The participant of the game registers his choice in the form of a bet on one of the established alternatives. Then, participants are counted for each of the alternatives for a given time interval. The winners are determined by the participants, whose choice fell on an alternative that scored a smaller number of bets. Each participant can place any number of bets on any of the alternatives. The game consists of a sequence of identical intervals, for each of which the bets are calculated and a reward is appointed. The beginning of each interval is predetermined and tied to the generally accepted current time scale. The sequence of intervals may be continuous. The collection and processing of rates by the central dispatcher. Participants of the game register bets through the input device. The game is controlled by an automatic system, such as a central processor, using communication tools to exchange information between input devices and the central dispatcher. The result of the game is displayed on the input device. Game results can be transmitted via TV and radio broadcasting channels. For the game, you can use a computer network, such as the global Internet.

The disadvantages of the prototype are the lack of wide access to the game, since the game is held in specially equipped places for the sale of goods or services using computer equipment, as well as the time factor in preparing and conducting the game.

The invention solves the problem of expanding the Arsenal of technical means relating to the methods of conducting interactive games. The claimed method provides the provision of a new type of service, a channel for fast delivery of command messages in the form of a cellular telephone communication channel, and a cell phone as an input / output device, improves the efficiency of games, allows you to connect new audience - cell phone owners, provide interactive processes games, fully automate the process of registration, control and calculations with the participants of the game. Other advantages of the proposed solution include providing the participant to the game the opportunity to choose the type of game and its conditions. The command message can also be received while conducting a conversation, in the standby mode. Even when the cell phone is turned off or when it is located outside the service area, the command-message will be delivered immediately after switching on. The participant of the game can receive confirmation of registration for participation, information about the results and the course of the game.

Summary of Invention

The participants of the game - subscribers of the cellular company - send commands to the pre-specified number via cellular telephone communication using a cell phone, which can be messages: 8M8 (81nd1 Meccade 8guse) messages, ЕМ8 (Epyapseb Meccasdd 8guuxes) messages, ММ8 ( MiSheSheFa Mecadtd 8guinse) messages, SRK8 (Sepega1 Raske! Kabu 8guinse) messages. Next, the message commands arrive at the game control computer with special software and software (software).

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The game management program performs various functions determined by the form of the game and the rules for its conduct. Common software and software tasks:

1. identification of the participant;

2. sorting the command messages according to the time of their arrival and assigning each command post a serial registration number that will participate in the game;

3. selection of winning teams-messages according to a given algorithm or on the basis of the entered information about the winning combination;

4. calculation of the size of the participant’s promotion based on the result of the game;

5. formation of messages-answers to participants in the form of short messages;

6. formation of a game history file with an indication of all teams, messages and participants.

Replies to participants contain information about the participant’s acceptance into the game, the progress of the game and its results.

A participant in the game can choose one of two options:

1. "Simple game."

2. Play with bets.

In the case of "simple games" the participant sends a command-message that does not contain text. Selection of winning teams messages is carried out by the appropriate block of the computer program. Before the start of the game, the game organizer has the opportunity to set its parameters and the algorithm for determining the winning teams-messages and the size of the win. After launch, the program blocks the computer and does not allow making changes to the game.

In the case of a betting game, the team-message sent by the participant contains information about the conditions (combinations) and the amount of the bet. For the filing of such commands, messages, a specialized command filing language has been developed that facilitates and accelerates typing. During the game, the winning combinations are entered into the computer by operators, and the program finds which participants have made winning bets and determines the amount of winnings in accordance with the rules. To avoid mistakes when entering winning combinations, their input is duplicated by several operators.

The use of television in the proposed method has several options. The television channel can be used to conduct games that are combined in time with the demonstration of certain programs, for example, when holding sports competitions, or demonstrating advertising blocks. During the demonstration of the program, a small image appears on the screen, indicating that the game is in progress at this time, and participants can send command messages. Thus, television companies attract viewers to view certain programs, such as passive viewing of commercials. Television companies, as well as companies whose advertising is combined with the game, can be sponsors of the prize fund.

Another option is to conduct games, in which the process of the game is shown on television. These include games with stakes, such as casinos. In the process of demonstrating the game on television, the participant makes bets by sending commands via cell phone. The process and the result of the rally participant watches on television.

Information about the results of the game participants receive in the form of 8M8 messages. EM8 messages, MM8 messages, ΟΡΒδ messages. The proposed method allows you to implement a wide range of various games, such as games with stakes, games with guessing combinations, the simplest games in which the winner is selected, for example, with the help of a random number sensor or every участникth player of the game becomes a winner.

The organization of mass games based on large companies of cellular operators with modern reliable equipment allows increasing the confidence of participants in the accuracy of summarizing the results, making the games transparent for control.

The prize and the method of its enrollment to the participant depend on the type of game and the rules for its conduct established by the organizer. The winners may be a reduced tariff for cellular services, additional time for telephone calls, financial resources credited to the subscriber’s account of the participant or to any other account, consumer goods.

Information confirming the possibility of carrying out the invention

Example 1. A simple game using a cell phone.

The game can be played at a specific time interval or continuously. In the case of a game at a certain time interval, the participant sends a command to register in the game database and participate in the game by sending a message command using a cell phone.

Received message commands (for example, 8M8 messages) are processed by program blocks of the control computer. The registration software block identifies the participant based on his phone number and, based on his message command, forms a bid, ranks the rate by the time of receipt, assigns a number to it and makes the corresponding entry in the database of the current gaming day. At the same time, the player’s account is searched in the account database, and if it is absent, it is formed and recorded.

The game can be conducted at certain intervals of time, or continuously.

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If the game is played at a specific time interval, before the start of the game, the software control unit of the game sends out messages about the start time of the game to the registered participants, which indicate the time of sending the message. The computer clock of the software control unit is synchronized with the clock of the message distribution system of the cellular operator, which allows the participant in the game to synchronize the clock of his cell phone with the clock of the game computer. Rewards are assigned for each game interval.

The game can also be played continuously. In this case, the player does not make a preliminary registration, and also does not receive messages about the start of the game. At any time, the participant sends message commands (for example, 8M8) to a specific number. Received message commands arrive at the input of the control computer. The software control unit of the game ranks the received message commands according to the time of receipt and assigns them a sequence number. The determination of the winning participant is made continuously.

The program logic control unit of the game determines the winning player, and credits the gain to his account, and writes to the database. Participants are informed in advance about the summarizing algorithm. The algorithm for finding the winning participant is based on finding the match of a particular attribute with the assigned bid-bid number.

The winning participant may be nominated, for example, every N participant, participant, who guessed a certain number or combination of numbers.

If the prize is awarded, the participant is sent a message about the amount of the prize. At the request of the participant can get complete information about the course of the game by sending a specific team database, which is information about past games associated with the accounts.

Example 2. Interactive television game.

The main feature of an interactive television game is that the participant is at the TV screen during the game. In this case, television is used as a means of informing about the beginning and end of the game and as a means of allowing the participant to observe the progress of the game directly in real time.

Common to the games described in this application is that the terminal for transmitting commands is a cellular telephone, the transmission medium of commands is cellular communication, and information about participants and the game is stored in a computer database.

The winning participant is determined by the program block of the game control logic or the gaming device. In the case of an interactive television game, such a device could be a roulette wheel.

Example 3. A simple interactive television game using a cell phone.

A television game is held during the demonstration of certain programs (for example, ad units) to keep viewers from avoiding watching a program. The participant receives a message about the start of the game. In the case of a television game, this message is a small image that appears on the TV screen. The signal of the end of the game will be the disappearance of this image from the screen. During the demonstration, the player sends message commands that are processed by the game controlling computer.

Processing message commands, summarizing and informing participants are performed in the same way as in example 1.

Example 4. An interactive television game with bets using a gaming device.

In this game, the interaction of the participant in the game with the organizer in terms of the impact of the participant on the course of the game is the same as in examples 1 and 2. In this case, the game process is broadcast by the organizer on television. Such a game may be, for example, roulette. At a certain time, the game organizer starts broadcasting on a television channel. In the studio or gaming room, a gaming drum device is installed. A participant in the game makes bets by sending message commands (8M8 messages). The language of the bet is given in the rules of the game. Processing commands-messages produced by the computer. The participant receives a message confirming acceptance of the bid by the organizer. The participant watches the rotation of the drum on the television screen and receives information about the win or loss directly from the screen. Entering the results of the draw into the game database in the studio is performed by operators.

Example 5. Conducting a game with an example of determining a win.

Prior to the start of the game, the organizer of the game (for example, a cellular telephone company) introduces possible participants to the game with the rules and conditions of the game. As participants in the game can act, for example, owners of mobile phones. After the game organizer announces the time interval for receiving information for registering participants, each of the participants, having received an alert about the start of the game and using a cellular telephone channel as a communication channel, and a cell phone as an input / output device for information, transmit their message in short message mode for example, an 8M8 message. This message gets a registration number. By this message, you can identify the participant of the game and accept payment (bet) from him for participation in the game. Each participant in the game for the specified time interval has the opportunity to transfer several command messages, which allows him to increase the probability of his falling into the number of winners. The organizer registers each received command-message from the participants of the game, assigns it a registration number and keeps records of the received bets. After the end of the set time interval, the game organizer summarizes the results, determines the winners and the amount of their winnings. The size of the winnings of each winner can be determined, for example, by the following formula:

P = 8 x K x T, where P is the winner’s winnings (in monetary units),

- step size on the scale of registered messages to determine the winner,

T - the participant’s paid rate (in monetary units),

K - coefficient determining the winning fund.

If, for example, when the following values are established: 8 = 30 (every 30th wins); K = 0.5; T = 30, from the participants of the game received in the set time interval (100 s) 10,000 messages, then the winnings of each winner are P = 30x0.5x30 = 450. The number of winners is 333. The game organizer notifies the winners and participants who received incentive winnings via cellular telephone.

The proposed method of conducting an interactive game provides an almost instant summing up of the game, has sufficient flexibility in organizing and conducting the game, and has a good perspective when using rapidly developing cellular telephone communications. Any mobile subscriber, using roaming services, can become a participant in the game in real time at any location. The proposed method provides the party to the game a minimum amount of time, does not require opening an account, making special money, personal presence.

Claims (10)

CLAIM 1. A method of conducting an interactive game in which its participants are notified of the time interval for receiving information to identify participants, followed by a session of the game and determining the winners, characterized in that the game participants are transferred to the computer base after receiving an alert about the start of the game the game's organizer of the command-message via communication channels using an information I / O device; in the computer base of the game organizer, the received command-messages are sorted by time neither receipts, identify the participant of the game, each team-message is assigned a serial registration number, then according to the previously entered information about the winning situation or according to a predetermined algorithm, the winning teams-messages are sampled, form and transmit messages to the game participants according to the results of the game, form game history files, with all messages and participants. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that as a communication channel for transmitting commands-messages from the participant to the game organizer and messages from the game organizer to the participant use a cellular telephone channel, and use a cellular phone as an information I / O device . 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the message commands via the cellular telephone communication channel are transmitted in the form of a short message selected from the group, for example, an 8M8 message, an EM8 message, an MM8 message. 4. The method according to p. 1, characterized in that information about the beginning, the course of the game and its results are transmitted on a television channel. 5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the participant pays for participation in the game in the form of a bet by paying for each sent command message. 6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the payment of rates and the payment of winnings are made through an account for which the services of a cellular telephone operator are paid. 7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the game consists of a sequence of identical time intervals for registering the messages of the participants, while counting the teams-messages of the participants and the reward is assigned for each interval. 8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the beginning of each time interval of the registration of the messages of the participants is predetermined and tied to the generally accepted scale of the current time. 9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the sequence of said intervals is continuous. 10. The method according to PP.1-9, characterized in that the control of the game is automated, for example, using a computer.