EP1057147B1 - Game system, corresponding method and related devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Game system in which a plurality of participants transmit to at least one central play station (3) participant play data for taking part in at least one game (31, 32, 33) in special messages by means of mobile radio devices (2) through the mobile radio network (1). The central play station (3) carries out games according to predefined game rules and transmits central game data in special short messages through the mobile radio network (1) to the mobile radio devices (2) of the participants. The mobile radio devices (2) include a SIM card (21) for the game system, which has a memory, programmed means and a processor in order to show to a participant playing instructions and game results on a display (22) of a mobile radio device (2), and to convey the data to the central play station (3) by means of said special short messages, and to store a p repaid amount which can be used to pay for wagers and to which winnings can be booked.

Description

The present invention relates to a game system, particularly relates to a game system in which a plurality of participants at least a game center via a communication network subscriber game data submit to participating in at least one game to the game center executes games according to predefined game rules and central game data the participants mentioned.

In the most popular game systems, participants transmit their Participant game data to a game center where they have lottery tickets or Fill out other betting slips and pay for them accept decentralized acceptance points and via a communication network have it sent to a game center. In such game centers the lottery numbers or the results of other bets are determined and using different media, for example television or newspapers, released. By showing a lottery ticket with winning numbers, respectively of a betting slip with correct results, a participant can a winning sum, depending on the amount from a collection point or a gaming center.

Other game systems are known from the Internet, in which a participant using a program on a personal computer Participant game data transmitted over the Internet to a game center, which well-known casino games like blackjack or poker can and run corresponding central game data via the Internet to the program transmitted to the PC, which displays this to the participant on the screen. To play with funds, the participant must go to the game center have set up a gaming account through which stakes and winnings will be charged.

In the patent application WO 97/28636 a method and appropriate means described that a player with a Key phone, such as a cellular phone, allow one Telecommunication network to take part in a competition. After entering a PIN (Personal Identification Number) and one The participant can use the bank account number according to WO 97/28636 Key input select a desired game and match the game Enter bet numbers, with confirmation of the actuated keys over the phone and / or optically on a selected teletext page. In the process according to WO 97/28636, game fees and game winnings for example, booked to the specified bank account.

A game system is described in patent application DE 195 02 613 A1 described in which several play equipment, in particular also Mobile phones, via remote data transmission with a central computer are connectable. According to patent application DE 195 02 613 A1 Central computer assigned a random generator, the winning symbol combinations determined, which are displayed in the gaming devices. to Participation in a game includes the play equipment according to DE 195 02 613 A1 a coupling device with a special registration number, for example, a card reader to record a personal one Identification card with a PIN number stored on it, the Registration number can also form the winning number, for example can be the end numbers of the PIN number stored on the identification card can be used to determine a possible profit. According to the patent application DE 195 02 613 can also via the card reader On-line game fees and game winnings are posted if one Value card is inserted into the card reader.

It is the object of this invention to propose a new game system in which particularly interested participants regardless of special acceptance points and are not tied to places that have personal computers have access to the Internet.

According to the present invention, these objectives are achieved by Elements of the independent claims achieved. More beneficial Embodiments also go from the dependent claims and the description.

In particular, these goals are achieved by the invention in that that those exchanged between the participants and the game center Game data in special short messages of a plurality of Mobile devices via a mobile network to the game center, respectively from the game center via the mobile network to the mobile devices of the Participants.

According to the game center comprises a server and means to receive the in special short messages of a plurality of Mobile devices transmitted via a mobile network subscriber game data of registered participants, means for determining central game data according to predefined rules of the game, and means for transmitting the determined Central game data in special short messages via the mobile network the cell phones of the participants.

According to the invention, the mobile radio devices of the participants via a SIM card, which has means according to the invention in order to Participants on a display of the mobile device game instructions and Display game results via input means of the mobile device Accept entered participant game data and by means of special Submit short messages to the game center.

The SIM card also preferably has means to one store prepaid amount which is used to pay for Game bets can be used and also to post winnings. Such a SIM card has the advantage that a subscriber can use it efficiently Participate with personal and customized means Play can be equipped. The SIM card can also Participants, for example by means of a stored on the SIM card unique participant identifier, an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identifier), are identified by the game center.

According to the present invention, the game center also includes Means for the stakes transmitted by participants in participant game data in gaming accounts of the participants, which are preferably in one of them accessible database are stored, debit, and means to win rates determine games played, split winnings, and to the corresponding game accounts.

The participants are preferably identified by the game center and authenticated This can ensure that operations, respectively Winnings, charged to the right participant, respectively be credited.

The authenticity of the game data and above all the authenticity to ensure the participant concerned, are in the present Invention over the mobile network between the mobile devices and the game center exchanged game data preferably with the help of security services, such as TTP (Trusted Third Party) or an appropriate encryption method

An embodiment of the present invention is described below described an example. The example of execution is by the following enclosed figure illustrates:

Fig. 1 shows an overview diagram with a cellular network and connected mobile radio devices and a game center with access to a database.

A participant who wants to participate in games 31, 32, 33 can open a gaming account with the operator of a gaming center 3, to which he has an account can deposit any amount in a specific currency. In a variant the currency can be any and is from the game center 3 by means of a table with currency rates stored in a database 4 converted to a single currency, for example SDR. The opening of the Accounts are made either directly at a point of sale of the operator or in a variant using special administration services, directly from the mobile device 2, for example a mobile phone, with the help of Security services such as TTP (Trusted Third Party), PTP (Point-To-Point) Method or another encryption method. The Payment of the amount of money to the gaming account can be made using cash at a point of sale of the operator, there can be a money transfer made from another account or a money order , or purchased prepaid cards can be used, which by means of Transfer validation services at game center 3 to the gaming account can be.

In a variant, a participant can choose from the operator of the Game center 3 save a prepaid amount on his SIM card 21 to let. If the participant uses special services at the Game center 3 for games 31, 32, 33 registered can be on the SIM card 21 stored prepaid amount transferred to game center 3 by using special short messages via the cellular network 1, for example a GSM network, transmitted to it, validated there, on the The participant's gaming account is saved and subtracted on the SIM card becomes. In another variant, one stored on the SIM card 21 transfer the prepaid amount to gaming center 3 and validate it there, when participating in a game 31, 32, 33 or when the participant with another special service deliberately on a certain part of the the SIM card 21 stored prepaid amount on his gaming account wants to transfer. The participant can, for example, from the game center 3 by means of a unique subscriber number stored on the SIM card, an IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identifier).

Special services are preferred in this embodiment according to SICAP, (Solutions for innovative communications applications) Method which, inter alia, in EP 0689 368 B1 has been described, or carried out according to a similar method.

If a participant wants to participate in a game 31, 32, 33, he can enter a game registration command on his mobile device 2, for example by means of a predefined key of the mobile radio device 2, a predefined number, which is by means of the keyboard of the mobile device 2 is entered, or by selecting the appropriate command a list or menu displayed on the display 22. The command will received by a program on the SIM card 21 of his mobile device 2, which is a special short message with the game registration touches down and transmits them to the game center 3 via the mobile radio network 1.

The special short message is received in the game center 3 the game registration removed and the participant in a table of Database 4, in which all registered players are listed. After registration, the participant will receive special services the balance of his gaming account is transmitted and on the display 22 of his mobile device 2 displayed and stored on his SIM card 21. In a Variant in which a prepaid stored on the SIM card 21 Amount can not be transmitted to the game center 3 when registering the participant is shown this amount as the sum available for playing become.

In a variant, the participant already gives when registering on which game 31, 32, 33, for example a number lottery or one Bet on a horse race, he wants to participate and the game in question is from the game center 3 together with the participant also in the Table of registered players entered. In another variant the participant does not restrict himself and thereby registers for all available ones Play 31, 32, 33 as a potential player. Depending on the range of games However, it can also be the case that a participant stands for a whole register concrete game 31, 32, 33 from many possible games 31, 32, 33 must, for example for German football in sports betting.

At the start of a game 31, 32, 33, which depending on the type of this Game 31, 32, 33 and after execution variant, for example immediately after registration of a participant for this game 31, 32, 33, after registration a predefined number of participants for the game in question 31, 32, 33 or at a predetermined time, sends the Game center 3 by means of a special short message center game data about the cellular network 1 to everyone registered for the game in question 31, 32, 33 Player requesting the participant game data requested by this game 31, 32, 33 to enter and submit. In a competition, for For example, a tip, such as one or more lottery numbers, becomes the winner a horse race or the winner of a ski race, and one Game stake, for example, freely chosen or on predetermined amounts may be limited. In a card game such as Example Black Jack, the player, in this example, is given a playing card and symbolically presented it to him and put together a stake from him with a game instruction, for example to give another card or to have enough cards. This is done that the central game data by means of one stored on the SIM card 21 Program for executing the method for Execution of special services to be dealt with, which in the central game data contained information and instructions to the player be displayed by means of the display 22 of the mobile radio device 2. According to the Instructions of the game center 3, the player can his participant game data enter using a keyboard of the mobile device 2 or in another Use special keys to change values and instructions on the Display 22 menus and / or lists shown. The above Program on the SIM card 21 takes the information entered counter and transmits them as participant game data in special short messages in response to the game request via the cellular network 1 to the Game center 3.

The stake entered by the participant is advantageous each from the program on the SIM card 21 with that on the SIM card 21 saved balance of the game account, or in a variant with that on the SIM card 21 stored prepaid amount, compared to ensure that it is covered. If the stake is not covered, it will displayed to the participant, whereupon they enter a smaller amount or can cancel the game 31, 32, 33. This has the advantage of being uncovered Bets do not have to be transmitted via the cellular network 1 and that the game center 3 is relieved. If the stake is covered it is through the program on the SIM card 21 from on the SIM card 21 saved balance of the game account, or in a variant of on the SIM card 21 stored prepaid amount deducted when the Bet successfully and depending on the game 31, 32, 33 within the regular playing time is transmitted. For this purpose, the reception and acceptance of the Bet the participant from the game center 3 using special short messages confirmed and for example the amount of the bet, the game tip, and if applicable, the new balance of the participant's gaming account.

The game center 3 preferably comprises a server with a Service center 30 for the treatment of special short messages, which is equipped in such a way that it offers special services for example in SMS Short Messages or in USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) data from participants in the Mobile radio network 1, for example a mobile radio network 1 according to the GSM standard, be commissioned according to the procedure mentioned above can perform. For example, those contained in the game center 3 Games 31, 32, 33 special services performed by the service center 30 can be.

The in the special short messages in response to the game prompt Submitted participant game data are, as mentioned above, in the game center 3 received and the game in question 31, 32, 33 treated accordingly. For example, in a competition the bet placed by the participant together with the given tip in a table stored in the database 4 for the subscriber concerned and the relevant betting game saved and the stake bet debited to the participant's gaming account. Depending on the type of game 31, 32, 33, the stakes can also be used to determine a total amount of winnings be accumulated. As already mentioned above, for example the acceptance of a bet by the participant preferably from the Game center 3 confirmed.

Depending on the game rules of the game 31, 32, 33, participant game data only accepted during a predetermined regular season, so for example after the end of the season bets received are not accepted by the game center 3 and the A message is sent to the participant. After that, from the game center 3 according to the rules of the game 31, 32, 33 and under Use of the received participant game data game results certainly. For example, the tips received are included in a bet the betting results, i.e. the outcome of the betting object, for example the drawn lottery winning numbers, which in a variant are also from the Play center 3 could be determined, the winner of a horse race, or the winner of a football game, compared and based on the bets received and odds determined. The Winners will be determined and their winnings due to them on their Game accounts added or in a variant that on your SIM card 21 prepaid amount added. The winning participants the winnings and the new status of your gaming account in special Short messages transmitted and on the display 22 of their mobile device 2 displayed, and the new status of your gaming account on your SIM card 21 stored. The outcome of the game and the odds are preferred transmitted to all participating players in special short messages and displayed.

It should be mentioned that the game data, especially if they involve amounts of money with the help of security services such as for example TTP (Trusted Third Party) or a corresponding one Encryption methods are transmitted to maintain confidentiality Authenticity, the non-deniability of the origin and the integrity of the Game data and above all the authenticity of the participant concerned to ensure.

Especially for games 31, 32, 33 that have a more complex course have as betting games, from the game center 3 for the participants such a game 31, 32, 33 in tables of database 4 the executed Game steps saved so that at any time during a game 31, 32, 33 for each participant in a game in question 31, 32, 33 of the current game status can be determined. For example, in one Black Jack Play the cards already viewed by a player, each set amounts and his last instruction are saved, so that determined by the game in question 31, 32, 33 in the game center 3 can be asked whether the player in question may accept further cards wants if he already has enough cards and the opponent to It comes into play whether a new game series begins or whether new cards are shuffled Need to become. Among other things, this also enables a participant can participate in several games 31, 32, 33 at the same time. It is of course it is clear that for this purpose the respective game 31, 32, 33, for which For example, instructions are displayed to the participant, clearly identified and is displayed to the participant to avoid confusion.

Obviously 31, 32, 33 must be provided for the execution of all games what to do if a participating player expected Participant game data not transmitted within the predetermined period or by switching off his mobile device 2 or by canceling of the game 31, 32, 33 is eliminated from the game 31, 32, 33. For example In such cases, his bets on games 31, 32, 33, for which he still the transmission of expected participant game data has not completed, simply remain in the amount to be distributed and related information stored in tables in database 4, that concern the participant are deleted. For games 31, 32, 33 out which he leaves before the game results are determined, but for which he has transmitted all expected participant game data, however any winnings are posted to his gaming account and the related ones information stored in tables of the database 4, the Participants can, until the end of the games in question 31, 32, 33 retained and then deleted. This has the advantage that, for example Competitions can also be carried out in which the submission of Betting for a long time, i.e. for hours or even days, is allowed. When the game is aborted, when the mobile device is switched off 2 and after a predetermined period of time without transmission of participant game data the participant is stored in the database 4 Table of registered players deleted.

In addition to requests for the transmission of participant game data or information regarding the game results and the winnings, the Game center 3 of course also auxiliary information, rules of the game, conditions of participation, Game results from past games 31, 32, 33 and the like by means of special short messages via the cellular network 1 to the participants to transfer. For this purpose, the participant can, for example, specific Request information by sending it from a game center 3 or on the SIM card 21 selected list that on the Display 22 is displayed. In one variant, the participant can use a Predefined key also request context-specific help information, which for example depending on the current game 31, 32, 33 or Game situation determined by the game center 3 and transmitted to the participant can be.

For the marketing of this game system, especially for more complex ones Games 31, 32, 33, it can make perfect sense to produce SIM cards, which are specially designed for this purpose and the prepaid Have saved amounts of money that can be reloaded. In a variant, game programs can be created using special short messages be loaded onto the SIM card 21, for example from the game center 3 via the cellular network 1.

At this point it should also be mentioned that the mobile devices 2 in addition to mobile telephones also include other devices, for example Laptop or palmtop computers, which use an identification chip card, that is, a SIM card 21, and which have the cellular network 1, for example a GSM network, receive and transmit special short messages can and corresponding special services, for example after the SICAP procedures mentioned above can perform.

Claims (15)

1. Game system in which a plurality of participants transmit to at least one central play station (3), through a telecommunications network, participant game data for taking part in at least one game (31, 32, 33), the central play station (3) carrying out games (31, 32, 33) according to predefined game rules and transmitting central game data to said participants, the game data exchanged between participants and the central play station (3) being transmitted in special short messages by a plurality of mobile radio devices (2) through a mobile radio network (1) to the central play station (3), or respectively by said central play station (3) through said mobile radio network (1) to said mobile radio devices (2) of said participants, characterised in that
      the mobile radio devices (2) comprise a SIM card (21), which has memory, programmed means and processor, the programmed means containing a program for execution of the following functions:

   displaying playing instructions and game results on a display (22) of the mobile radio device (2),

   receiving participant game data entered through input means of the mobile radio device (2), and

   transmitting the entered participant game data to the central play station (3) by means of said special short messages.
2. Game system according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the central play station (3) includes means to receive bets transmitted by participants, in that it includes means to compare the received bets with betting results, in that it includes means to determine winners and winning sums, and in that it includes means to transmit said game results to the participants.
3. Game system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the central play station (3) includes at least one server and has access to at least one database (4) in which game accounts of participants are stored to which wagered amounts and winning sums can be booked.
4. Game system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a said SIM card (21) has stored an amount which can be used to pay wagered amounts.
5. Game system according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the said central play station (3) can book winnings to a said SIM card (21).
6. Game system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the central play station (3) can identify a said participant by means of a participant tag stored on the said SIM card (21).
7. Game system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the central play station (3) has access to at least one database (4) in which the central play station (3) stores, for at least certain games, the playing steps carried out for said participants participating therein for these said participants.
8. Game system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said special short messages are transmitted as SMS short messages or as unstructured supplementary service data (USSD).
9. Method for carrying out games (31, 32, 33) in a central play station (3), in which method participant game data, transmitted in special short messages by a plurality of mobile radio devices (2) through a mobile radio network (1), are received by participants, in which method central game data are determined according to predefined game rules, and in which method determined central game data are transmitted in special short messages through said mobile radio network (1) to the mobile radio devices (2) of the participants, characterised in that
      a SIM card (21) is inserted into the mobile radio devices (2) in each case, which SIM card (21) has memory, programmed means and processor, the programmed means containing a program through which program the following steps are executed:

   displaying playing instructions and game results on a display (22) of the mobile radio device (2),

   receiving participant game data entered through input means of the mobile radio device (2), and

   transmitting the entered participant game data to the central play station (3) by means of said special short messages.
10. Method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the participant game data include wagered amounts, and in that the method comprises the following additional steps:

    identification and authentication of the participants,

    booking of received wagered amounts in a database (4),

    determining winning quotas, and

    distribution and booking of winning sums.
11. Method according to one of the claims 9 to 10, characterised in that it comprises the following additional steps:

    receiving special short messages with game registrations from interested participants,

    transmitting special short messages to registered participants with the request to begin play and for time-limited transmission of participant game data,

    storing the received participant game data.
12. Method according to one of the claims 9 to 11, characterised in that it comprises the following additional step:

    debiting to a game account or to a SIM card (21) of a registered participant a particular monetary amount for the transmission of short messages.
13. Method according to one of the claims 9 to 12, characterised in that it comprises the following additional steps:

    receiving a command for game registration, which has been entered by a participant through input means of said mobile radio device (2),

    preparing a special short message with the game registration and transmission thereof to said central play station (3), and

    receiving special short messages from said central play station (3) with the request to begin play and for time-limited transmission of participant game data, and transmission of the request to the display (22) of said mobile radio device (2).
14. Method according to one of the claims 9 to 13, characterised in that it comprises the following additional step:

    booking a wagered amount transmitted to said central play station (3) against a prepaid stored amount.
15. Method according to one of the claims 9 to 14, characterised in that it comprises the following additional step:

    booking of a winning sum transmitted by said central play station (3).

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