EP3341921B1 - Method and apparatus for checking parallel use of gaming and/or entertainment machines - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a method and a device for checking parallel use of gaming and/or entertainment devices, in particular in the form of gaming machines and/or betting devices that can be operated with a monetary value, and a gaming and/or entertainment device with such a device. Gaming and/or entertainment devices are usually locked when not in active use and can be released for active use by using means of identification and/or by entering biometric user data.

STATE OF THE ART

For safety and player protection reasons, in some countries such as Germany, it may be prescribed that the simultaneous and parallel use of entertainment and/or gaming devices, in particular in the form of gaming machines and/or betting devices that can be operated with a monetary value, should be prevented. An entertainment device is usually in a so-called standby mode blocked for active use or game operations. For active use or for gaming, the entertainment device must be activated, for example, after the user has been checked (e.g. age check, check for possible player bans, etc.). Such an activation can be carried out, for example, by means of a key switch or by activation via a service menu. Alternatively, an entertainment device can also be released, for example, by using an identification means. In particular in the case of gaming machines that can be operated with a monetary value, acceptance of funds (e.g. coins, banknotes) and/or monetary means (e.g. tokens, chips, chip cards, credit tickets, etc.) at the gaming machine and thus enables active use or active gaming.

Such identification means for releasing an entertainment device are mostly device-specific and player-independent. I.e. for each entertainment device set up in a gaming facility, for example, there is a separate means of identification assigned to this device, which is only recognized by this entertainment device and accepted for activation. The respective means of identification can, for example, be issued to the player after the player has been checked--corresponding to the entertainment device which the player would like to use. For example, device-specific chip cards, device-specific PIN codes, device-specific plastic pins with an integrated chip, etc. can be provided as identification means. By using the means of identification - such as entering the device-specific PIN code or inserting the device-specific chip card or the device-specific plastic pen - the respective entertainment device is then released for accepting money or cash or for gaming.

However, in order to prevent parallel and simultaneous use of several entertainment devices, it must be ensured that each user is only given one device-specific means of identification. This means that if you change the entertainment device, the appropriate means of identification must be used returned by the user and the user given a new means of identification for the newly desired entertainment device. This leads to a relatively high effort for the service personnel in a gaming facility, who must, for example, document exactly when which means of identification was issued to which user or returned by the user. Furthermore, even a labour-intensive and costly control of the issue of the means of identification cannot prevent a user from being able to use identification means for several entertainment devices at the same time unintentionally, e.g. due to incorrect recording or possibly also intentionally or e.g. by passing them on between users and this user then to can play these entertainment devices at the same time.

Another way of activating entertainment devices is, for example, the use of biometric data such as fingerprints, vein scans, recordings of one or both eyes, parts of the face or the user's voice, etc. From the document DE 199 44 140 A1 For example, a money-operated device such as a slot machine, etc. is known which has a recognition device for recording a biometric feature (eg fingerprint, recording an eye or parts of the face). This recorded biometric feature is then compared with stored comparison data by means of a comparison device. If the recorded biometric feature matches the comparison data, the entertainment device is released for use. At the one in Scripture DE 199 44 140 A1 The entertainment device described can be used in a simple manner (e.g. age of majority, no player ban, etc.) of the respective user to be checked. However, it is not determined or checked whether a user activates several entertainment devices and uses them for gaming at the same time by entering his biometric data. Furthermore, an at least one-time, possibly complex registration of the user as well as complex data management for the comparison data is necessary, whereby the anonymity of the user, required for example in some countries for data protection reasons, is no longer given or hardly given at all.

From Scripture WO 03/058878 A1 an entertainment device with a biometric system and an associated method is also known. With this entertainment device and associated method, the user's biometric data is recorded on the entertainment device and compared with the user's biometric data, which is provided by another source, such as a so-called smart card. In the case of this entertainment device and the associated method, complex registration—eg storage of the biometric comparison data on the smart card—is necessary. Furthermore, the WO 03/058878 A1 disclosed method has the disadvantage that a simultaneous, parallel use of entertainment devices cannot be determined, since, for example, it cannot be ruled out that a user has several smart cards with biometric comparison data for activating entertainment devices, since the biometric comparison data can also be stored, for example, directly at a first game can take place on an entertainment device.

From Scripture U.S. 2009/270180 A1 a method and system is known in which usage of one of several entertainment devices can be tracked individually. For this purpose, a player does not have to enter predetermined biometric user data into an entertainment device, but rather a player card or a player code.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a method and a device of the type mentioned at the outset, through which disadvantages of the prior art are avoided. In particular, a simultaneous, parallel use of entertainment devices should be detected and prevented in a simple and secure manner while maintaining the anonymity of a user. According to the invention, the object is achieved by a method, a device and an entertainment device of the type mentioned at the outset with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

A method of the type specified at the outset is therefore proposed, in which an unambiguously identifiable identification feature is first specified for the biometric user data to be entered. Then for a release of the entertainment device collects biometric user data. The recorded biometric user data is checked for the presence of the predetermined, clearly identifiable identification feature and compared with already known or stored biometric user data that has been recorded on other entertainment devices or when other entertainment devices were released. If the presence of the specified, clearly identifiable identification feature is found in the recorded biometric user data and no match is found with the already known or stored biometric user data, the entertainment device is released for use - i.e. the user is not registered on any other entertainment device and may play - and the recorded biometric user data is then stored for a period of use.

A main aspect of the method for checking parallel use of entertainment devices is that parallel and simultaneous use of at least two entertainment devices by a user can be reliably detected and prevented in a simple manner without prior registration of users, which may be complex and extensive data storage. By capturing and processing biometric user data such as fingerprints, iris scans, recordings of a part of the face, etc. directly on the respective entertainment device, no prior, time-consuming registration is necessary. By specifying a clearly identifiable identification feature for the biometric user data to be entered by the user, it is ensured that the user always (must) enter the same biometric user data for each registration or release process on an entertainment device. Such a clearly identifiable identification feature can be, for example, an arrangement/sequence of finger lengths, which clearly shows whether the fingers of the right or left hand are being recorded, or, for example, a relation between the eye and nose, which can be used to determine whether the right or left hand is being recorded eye is scanned, or, for example, a relation of prominent points occurring in a detected part of the face (eg, eye, nose, mouth, etc.), in order to always ensure that the same predetermined part of the face is detected. The clearly identifiable The identification feature thus prevents the use of comparable biometric user data for enabling the use of another entertainment device, ie the clearly identifiable identification feature prevents the use of more than one entertainment device. In this sense, comparable biometric user data are, for example, the ten fingerprints of the ten fingers of a user or the two iris scans of the two eyes of a user. Using the clearly identifiable identifier, a selection is made from the comparable biometric user data, for example the four fingerprints of the four fingers without the thumb of the left hand in their natural arrangement or the iris scan of the left eye in combination with the relation of the left eye to the nose. Based on this selection of comparable biometric user data specified by the uniquely identifiable identification feature, it is possible to identify a user, which can be carried out more cost-effectively than, for example, identification using a full face scan and which nevertheless allows use of the remaining comparable biometric user data not contained in the specified selection of comparable biometric user data Prevents user data for enabling the use of another entertainment device. In the above two examples, the other comparable user biometric data not included in the selection provided by the unique identifier would be the fingerprints of the five fingers of the right hand and the left thumb and the fingerprints of the four fingers without the thumb of the left hand in an unnatural way Arrangement and the iris scan of the right eye.

Only when the corresponding biometric user data, which has the specified, clearly identifiable identification feature, has been recorded and a comparison of the recorded biometric user data with already known or stored biometric user data does not provide a match, then the entertainment device is released or activated accomplished . The already known biometric user data are those biometric user data which are stored for other currently enabled or activated entertainment devices.

It is thereby determined in a simple manner and while maintaining anonymity during the activation of an entertainment device whether the user is already using another entertainment device or not. If the recorded biometric user data is not known, e.g. in a group of several entertainment devices or e.g. in the case of the entertainment devices of a gaming facility, or if no match is found with already known or stored biometric user data and the recorded biometric user data has the specified, clearly identifiable identification feature on, the entertainment device is released for the user. The recorded, biometric user data of the user are then stored for the respective period of use.

An expedient further development of the invention provides that the biometric user data, which were recorded for the release of use, are re-entered in order to end the use of the entertainment device. The captured biometric user data is then deleted and the entertainment device is placed in a locked state or so-called standby mode. This ensures that only the user who activated the entertainment device terminates use of the entertainment device. The user's anonymity is preserved by removing or deleting the recorded biometric user data after the end of use of the entertainment device. Furthermore, there is no need for complex data management and data storage. It is only necessary to save the recorded, biometric user data of the currently active user on the entertainment devices for the respective period of use.

Alternatively, it can also be advantageous if the recorded, biometric user data of a user is transferred to a depot storage unit, for example, after the active use of an entertainment device has ended. For example, current data on the use of the entertainment device that has just ended, such as the score, a score, etc., can be linked and stored with the recorded biometric user data. The depot storage unit will not used for the procedure or for a release test of an entertainment device. However, after a user has been successfully released on an entertainment device, it is very easy to access data such as the score, scores, etc. again with a time delay, or game-specific data such as the score, scores, etc. can very easily be taken to another entertainment device .

Furthermore, it can optionally be provided that, e.g. in the event of a longer input pause on the entertainment device (e.g. no key input, input via touchscreen, etc.) after a specified period of time, the entertainment device is automatically blocked and the biometric user data currently recorded on or for the entertainment device - i.e. the recorded, biometric user data of the current user - are deleted. This is a simple way of preventing an entertainment device from remaining activated or enabled if a user improperly terminates its use, i.e. by entering his biometric user data.

It is also advantageous if an information or error message is output for the user if the predetermined, clearly identifiable identification feature is missing from the recorded biometric user data and/or if the recorded biometric user data matches already stored biometric user data. The user is thus provided with simple instructions as to which biometric user data is to be entered, or the user is prompted in a simple manner to log off from another entertainment device. This makes it simple and easy for the user to activate or release an entertainment device. For example, the user is quickly made aware of input errors or parallel use of entertainment devices. It is advantageous if a display device of the entertainment device is also used for the output of these information messages or input aids for the user. The information messages or input aids can be output and displayed on a display of the entertainment device, for example.

Messages can expediently be sent to the entertainment device via a standardized interface for enabling and blocking the entertainment device. After the recorded biometric user data has been checked for correct input and it has been established that there is no match with already stored biometric user data, a release message or a release signal can be sent to the entertainment device. If a match is found with already stored biometric user data, a blocking message or a blocking signal can be sent to the entertainment device. By transmitting these messages or signals via a standardized interface to the entertainment device, the method can ideally be used on different devices from different manufacturers, for example. This means that when using entertainment devices of different types and/or from different manufacturers, it can be checked very easily whether a user is attempting to use at least two entertainment devices in parallel and at the same time.

Ideally, data is exchanged, in particular between entertainment devices. This data can include, for example, recorded biometric user data for further or subsequent testing or approval processes of entertainment devices or information that specific biometric user data was recorded or stored on or for an entertainment device. The communication or the exchange of data can take place via a wired and/or wireless connection. Existing connections between entertainment devices, for example, can be used for a wired connection or a wired data exchange. In the case of a wireless connection, for example, radio connections via wireless LAN can be used.

The recorded, biometric user data of a user can be stored or buffered either decentrally or centrally while the user is using the entertainment device. With decentralized storage For example, the currently recorded biometric user data can be made available to all entertainment devices in a specified group and then temporarily stored on each device in this group. The biometric user data is thus available very quickly for a verification or approval process. Alternatively, after successful release, the recorded biometric user data can be stored locally, for example, on the respective entertainment device on which the biometric user data was recorded. Central storage of the recorded biometric user data offers the advantage that the recorded biometric user data is available, for example, in a simple manner for all entertainment devices of a specified group and can be queried by them. Furthermore, it is also easy to delete the user data in the case of central storage.

Furthermore, a device of the type specified at the outset is proposed, with which the method mentioned can be carried out. This device consists of at least one detection unit, via which predefined biometric user data can be entered and recorded by a user, and a checking unit, by which the presence of a predefined and clearly identifiable identification feature in the recorded biometric user data of the user can be checked. The device also includes a release unit for comparing the recorded biometric user data with already available or stored biometric user data, which have been recorded, for example, when further entertainment devices have been or successfully released and are stored at the time of the release check. Furthermore, the release unit is set up to release the entertainment device if the recorded biometric user data of the user, which has the predetermined and clearly identifiable identification feature, does not match the already known or stored biometric user data. Furthermore, a storage unit is also provided, in which the detected biometric user data can be stored while the entertainment device is being actively used by the associated user.

A main aspect of the device for checking parallel use of entertainment devices is that parallel and simultaneous use of at least two or more entertainment devices by a user can be detected and prevented in a simple and secure manner. Ideally, there is no need for the user to register in advance, which may be time-consuming, and there is no need for time-consuming data storage and verification.

Above the detection unit, which, depending on the biometric user data to be recorded, can be designed, for example, as a fingerprint or hand scanner, e.g. for placing four fingers on one hand or both thumbs at the same time, as an image recording device for recording one eye, both eyes or a part of the user’s face the biometric user data can be entered and recorded. The checking unit can be used to determine in a simple manner whether predetermined biometric user data has been entered by the user. For this purpose, a check is made for the presence of a predetermined, clearly identifiable identification feature (e.g. sequence of finger lengths or fingers, relationship between eye and nose, etc.), which the biometric user data entered by the user and recorded by the recording unit must have. The release unit can be used to compare the recorded biometric user data with already stored biometric user data. A planned parallel use of at least two entertainment devices by the user can be determined by this comparison. The entertainment device, for which the user has entered his biometric user data, is only released for use by the release unit, e.g. by means of a release message or a release signal, if the recorded biometric user data does not match the already stored data and the presence of the specified, clearly identifiable identification feature . After successful release, the captured biometric user data is stored in the storage unit for the duration of use by the user. The captured biometric user data is thus available for further release/verification processes of other entertainment devices. The data can be stored in encrypted and/or encoded form for security reasons, for example.

Current use of the entertainment device by the user can be ended by re-entering the biometric user data that has already been recorded via the recording unit. The recorded, biometric user data of the user will be deleted from the storage unit or permanently removed. In addition to the storage unit, a depot storage unit, which is ideally implemented centrally, can optionally be provided. In this depot storage unit, for example, the recorded biometric user data can be stored together with usage-specific data at the time of termination of use (e.g. current score, score, etc.) and e.g. retrieved at a later point in time using the biometric user data.

It is advantageous if a standardized interface is also provided, via which messages can be transmitted to the entertainment device, e.g. for a release/activation and/or for a block. By using a standardized interface, the device can be used very easily for different devices from e.g. different manufacturers. After comparing the recorded biometric user data with the already stored biometric user data, depending on the result of the comparison, the release unit can create a release message/signal or a blocking message/signal and send it to the entertainment device via the standardized interface.

Furthermore, it is favorable if a communication interface is provided for exchanging and/or transmitting data, in particular between the entertainment devices or between devices assigned to different entertainment devices. This communication interface can, for example, be integrated into the standardized interface or be designed as an independent interface for data transmission. Ideally, the data can be transmitted by means of wired connections and/or wireless connections.

In an expedient configuration of the device, for an output of input aids and/or information messages - e.g. if the unique, identifiable identification feature is missing in the recorded biometric user data and/or if the recorded biometric user data match the already stored biometric user data - a display device of the entertainment device can be used. For example, the standardized interface can be used to control the output of input assistance and/or information messages. In this way, the user can, for example, quickly be informed that incorrect biometric user data has been entered - e.g. the fingerprints of the four fingers of the left hand are entered via the registration unit instead of the required fingerprints of the four fingers of the right hand - or that entertainment devices are being used in parallel, whereby the handling of the device is significantly simplified and facilitated.

The storage unit can be designed either as a local, decentralized storage unit for the respective entertainment device or as a central storage unit, with a central storage unit being usable for a number of entertainment devices or for a predetermined group of entertainment devices.

It is advantageous if the device can be designed as a modular unit. Such a modular unit can be attached to an entertainment device, for example, using the standardized interface. This allows the device to be attached to or built into entertainment equipment in a simple manner. It is thus possible to equip entertainment devices quickly and by means of simple assembly with the device or to check the parallel use of entertainment devices.

Even if the device and/or the entertainment device is defective, for example, replacement can be carried out very easily and quickly. By using or connecting the device to the entertainment device via the standardized interface, the device can be used independently of the device and/or manufacturer, for example.

Alternatively, the device can expediently be designed as an independent modular unit—in particular as a so-called stand-alone device. For example, several entertainment devices can be assigned to the independent modular unit for checking parallel use or for enabling and blocking processes. For this purpose, the device designed as a modular unit can ideally have an input unit, via which a user selects the entertainment device that the user would like to use or which should be enabled for him, for example before or after entering his biometric user data. In addition, the device can include a display unit for input assistance and/or an output of information or error messages. The display unit can be designed as a separate unit or integrated into the input unit. By designing the device as an independent modular unit, ideally only one device is required to enable or disable multiple entertainment devices, to which these entertainment devices are connected, e.g. via the standardized interface and/or the communication interface of the device. Entertainment devices can thus be supplemented and/or exchanged very easily.

However, it is also possible for the device to be designed so that it can be integrated into the entertainment device. Functional units of the entertainment device can be used in an advantageous manner. For example, a memory of the entertainment device can be used to store the recorded biometric user data while using this entertainment device. It is also conceivable that in the case of an integration into the entertainment device, for example the checking unit and/or the release unit are partially or completely components of a control unit of the entertainment device. Furthermore, for example, the detection unit can be built into a housing of the entertainment device.

CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Figur 1:

in beispielhafter und schematischer Weise eine Vorrichtung zum Überprüfen einer parallelen Nutzung von Unterhaltungsgeräten, welche einem beispielhaften Unterhaltungsgerät zugeordnet ist,

Figur 2:

eine schematische und beispielhafte Darstellung eines Ablaufs des Verfahrens zum Überprüfen einer parallelen Nutzung von Unterhaltungsgeräten mit der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung , wobei eine dezentrale, lokale Speichereinheit vorgesehen ist,

Figur 3:

eine schematische und beispielhafte Darstellung eines Ablaufs des Verfahrens zum Überprüfen einer parallelen Nutzung von Unterhaltungsgeräten mit der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung, wobei eine zentrale Speichereinheit vorgesehen ist,

Figur 4:

in beispielhafter und schematischer Weise eine Vorrichtung zum Überprüfen einer parallelen Nutzung von Unterhaltungsgeräten, welcher mehrere beispielhafte Unterhaltungsgerät zugeordnet sind.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments and associated drawings. In the drawings show:

Figure 1:

in an exemplary and schematic way a device for checking a parallel use of entertainment devices, which is assigned to an exemplary entertainment device,

Figure 2:

a schematic and exemplary representation of a sequence of the method for checking a parallel use of entertainment devices with the device according to the invention, wherein a decentralized, local storage unit is provided,

Figure 3:

a schematic and exemplary representation of a sequence of the method for checking parallel use of entertainment devices with the device according to the invention, a central storage unit being provided,

Figure 4:

in an exemplary and schematic way, a device for checking a parallel use of entertainment devices, to which several exemplary entertainment devices are assigned.

CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

figure 1 shows, in an exemplary and schematic manner, a device 100 for checking parallel use of entertainment devices 110, in particular in the form of gaming devices, slot machines and/or betting devices that can be operated with money and/or monetary value. The device 100 is assigned to an entertainment device 110 shown schematically and by way of example, which includes at least one display device 111—for example in the form of a display, LCD screen, touch screen, etc., in addition to other units, for example for user inputs, etc. In this case, the entertainment device 110 is usually—without active use—in a blocked state or in a standby mode. For a use like e.g entertainment device 110 must be activated or released for a game session by entering biometric user data via device 100 .

For this purpose, the device 100 includes a detection unit 101, via which predefined biometric user data can be entered and recorded by the user. Depending on the biometric user data to be entered, this detection unit 101 can be designed, for example, as a fingerprint scanner for placing four fingers on one hand or both thumbs, for example, as a recording device for one eye, both eyes or specified facial areas of the user.

Furthermore, the device 100 includes a checking unit 102, which checks the biometric user data entered by the user via the detection unit 101 for the presence of a predefined, clearly identifiable identification feature. The checking unit 102 can determine whether the user has entered the predefined and always clearly identifiable biometric data via the detection unit 101, which have the predefined, clearly identifiable identification feature. Such a recognition feature is, for example, an arrangement of the four fingers of one hand based on the respective finger length or finger length arrangement in a fingerprint scanner as detection unit 101. This is because the four fingers on the right hand are unique due to their arrangement or respective lengths or length sequence from the four fingers on the left hand distinguishable. This ensures that the four fingers of the user's right hand, for example, are always recorded. Other clear identification features are, for example, the relationship between the eye and nose in iris scans or the relationships/presence of facial features in recordings of parts of the face as biometric user data. If the biometric user data entered by the user or recorded by the recording unit 101 does not have the predefined, clearly identifiable identification feature, then an information or error message can be generated by the checking unit 102, for example. This information message can be sent, for example, as a message via a standardized interface 105, via which the device 100 can be connected to the entertainment device 110 or can be attached to the entertainment device 110 the entertainment device 110 to be sent. This information message can then be output, for example, as input help or information for the user on the display device 111 of the entertainment device 110 .

Furthermore, the device 100 consists of a release unit 103. The release unit 103 compares the detected biometric user data with already known or stored biometric user data which are stored for other entertainment devices 110 which are released or activated at the time of the current release check. This already known or stored biometric user data can be made available to device 100 via a communication interface 106 , for example, or can be queried by device 100 . The release unit 103 is also set up to cause the entertainment device 110 to be released or activated if the detected biometric user data does not match the already known or stored biometric user data. For this purpose, the release unit 103 can send a release message or a release signal to the entertainment device 110 via the standardized interface 105 . The entertainment device 110 is released for active use by the release message or the release signal. If the release unit 103 determines that the recorded biometric user data matches the already stored biometric user data, the release unit 103 can, for example, create a blocking message and/or a blocking signal and optionally an information or error message and transmit it via the standardized interface 105 to the entertainment device 110 be sent. The blocking message or the blocking signal and/or the optional information or error message can be displayed for the user as information on the display device 111 of the entertainment device 110, for example. For example, the user may be prompted to stop using another entertainment device in parallel or at the same time in order to be able to use the entertainment device 110 .

Furthermore, the device 100 includes a memory unit 104, in which the detected, biometric user data of the current release process, for example as Release or activation data for the entertainment device 110 that has just been released are stored. The recorded biometric user data is stored and the entertainment device 110 is only released if both the checking unit 102 determines the presence of the predetermined, clearly identifiable identification feature in the recorded biometric user data and a comparison of the recorded biometric user data with the already stored, biometric user data by the release unit 103 does not match. The memory unit 104 can be embodied as a local memory unit 104, which is assigned to the respective device 100 and used by it, or the memory unit 104 is embodied as a central memory unit. In this case, a central storage unit 104 can be used, for example, by a plurality of devices 100 for storing the biometric user data recorded in each case. The central storage unit 104 can be accessed via the communication interface 106, for example. The storage of the biometric user data and any necessary transmission of this data, for example in the case of central storage, can also be encrypted and/or encoded for security reasons.

The device 100 can be embodied as a modular unit which can be connected to the entertainment device 110 via the standardized interface 105 and can be attached to the entertainment device 110 or built into the entertainment device 110 .

Alternatively, the device 100 can be integrated into the entertainment device 110, in which case, for example, the checking unit 102, the release unit 103 and, if applicable, the memory unit 104 can be attached to the entertainment device in the case of a decentralized design or can be integrated into units of the entertainment device 110, such as the control unit, memory, etc . In the case of integration into the entertainment device 110, the detection unit 101 can be built into the housing of the entertainment device 110, for example, or attached to it.

For the sake of simplicity, for example, the standardized interface 105 and the communication interface 106 can be implemented as an integrated, common interface. For example, an existing connection between entertainment devices 110 can ideally also be used for data exchange between devices 100. A data exchange can take place, for example, via wired and/or wireless connections.

Optionally, a - in figure 1 not shown - be provided depot storage unit, which is ideally designed as a central depot storage unit. When the use of the entertainment device 110 is ended, for example, the recorded biometric user data can be stored in this depot storage unit together with use-specific data such as a score and/or score at the time of termination for later reuse on the same entertainment device 110 or on another entertainment device 110 .

figure 2 shows an exemplary and schematic representation of a process for checking parallel use of entertainment devices 210, 230, 250 in an exemplary group of three entertainment devices 210, 230, 250. Each entertainment device 210, 230, 250 has at least one display device 211, 231, 251 on. Furthermore, each entertainment device 210, 230, 250 is assigned a device 200, 220, 240 for checking parallel use. These devices 200, 220, 240 can either be attached to the respective entertainment device 210, 230, 250, for example as a modular unit, or can be integrated or built into the respective entertainment device 210, 230, 250. For example, a first device 200 is assigned to a first entertainment device 210 , a second device 220 to a second entertainment device 230 , and a third device 240 to a third entertainment device 250 .

The devices 200, 220, 240 each have at least one detection unit 201, one checking unit 202, one release unit 203 and one local storage unit 204.

Furthermore, at least one standardized interface 205, via which the respective device 200, 220, 240 can be connected to the respective entertainment device 210, 230, 250, and a communication interface 206 for data exchange between the respective devices 200, 220, 240 are provided. For the sake of simplicity and for better clarity, the units 201, 202, 203, 204 and the interfaces 205, 206 of the respective device 200, 220, 240 are only provided with reference symbols in the first device 200.

A process of the method begins with the fact that first a clearly identifiable identification feature (e.g. arrangement of the fingers or finger lengths, relation of eye and nose, etc.) is specified for those biometric user data (e.g. fingerprints, eye scan, facial area, etc.) which are to be entered by the user for activation or release of the entertainment device 210, 230, 250. If a user now wants to use the first entertainment device 210, for example, in a first procedural step a he is prompted, e.g. via the display device 211 of the first entertainment device 210, to enter the biometric user data specified in each case on the first device 200 for approval. In the first method step a, the biometric user data can be entered by the user via the detection unit 201 of the first device 200 or can be detected by the detection unit 201 .

In a second method step b, the detected biometric user data is checked by the checking unit 202 for the presence of the predetermined, clearly identifiable identification feature. In the process, it is determined whether the required or correct biometric user data has been entered via the detection unit 201 (eg the fingerprints of the four fingers of the right hand and not of the left hand, etc.). On the other hand, the detected biometric user data is compared by the release unit 203 with stored biometric user data that is stored by the devices 230 , 250 of the other entertainment devices 230 , 250 at the time of the current release process for the first entertainment device 210 . A release of the first Entertainment device 210 for use is only carried out in a third method step c if both the test unit 202 determines the presence of the predetermined, clearly identifiable identification feature in the recorded biometric user data and a comparison of the recorded biometric user data with the already stored, biometric user data by the release unit 203 does not provide a match.

For this purpose, for example, in the second method step b, the checking unit 202 can first check for the presence of the predetermined, clearly identifiable identification feature. If the predefined, clearly identifiable identification feature is not found in the captured biometric user data, the checking unit 202 can generate an information or error message, for example. This information or error message is transmitted, for example, via the standardized interface 205 to the first entertainment device 210 and can be displayed there on the associated display device 211 as input help or information for the user. If the predetermined, clearly identifiable identification feature is found in the captured biometric user data, the release unit 203 then compares the captured biometric user data with the already known or stored biometric user data. If this comparison determines that the recorded biometric user data matches known or stored biometric user data, the release unit 203 creates a blocking message or blocking signal and sends it to the first entertainment device 210 via the standardized interface 205 . Furthermore, the release unit 203 can also create an information or error message, for example, which is displayed to the user on the display device 211 of the first entertainment device 210 . If the comparison of the recorded biometric user data with the already known or stored biometric user data does not match, the third method step c is carried out.

Alternatively, in the second method step b, the recorded biometric user data can first be compared with the already known or stored biometric user data are performed by the release unit 203. The verification unit 202 only checks the recorded biometric user data for the presence of the specified, clearly identifiable identification feature if the release unit 203 does not find a match when comparing the recorded biometric user data with the already known or stored biometric user data. If the predetermined, clearly identifiable identification feature is present in the captured biometric user data, the third method step c is carried out. If a match is found when comparing the recorded biometric user data with the already stored biometric user data, the verification of the recorded biometric user data is no longer carried out by the checking unit 402 . If the recorded biometric user data matches the already stored biometric user data or if the specified, clearly identifiable identification feature is missing, an information or error message can be generated, for example, which is displayed to the user via the display device 211 of the first entertainment device 210. The first entertainment device 210 is not released.

In the third method step c, the release unit 203 creates a release message or a release signal. The release message or the release signal is sent to the first entertainment device 210 via the standardized interface 205, for example. The entertainment device 210 is thus released for active use by the user.

In a fourth method step d, the captured biometric user data of the user is stored almost simultaneously in the storage unit 204 of the first device 200 as release or activation data for the period of active use of the first entertainment device 210 . For example, the storage can be encrypted and/or encoded for security reasons. If a check for parallel use is now carried out for the second and/or third entertainment device 230, 250 during the release period of the first entertainment device 200, the data stored in the memory unit 204 of the first device 200 stored, biometric user data are queried by the associated devices 220, 240 via the communication interface 206 for the comparison in the second step b.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible, for example, for the biometric user data recorded as release or activation data for the first entertainment device 210 to be transmitted to the second and third devices 220, 240 of the second and third entertainment devices 230, 250 via the communication interface 206. For security reasons, the recorded biometric user data can be transmitted in encrypted and/or encoded form. The transmitted, biometric user data, which specifies a release of the first entertainment device 210 for an active user, can then be stored in the respective memory unit 204 of the second or third device 220, 240 for the release period of the first entertainment device 210, and are available thus available locally for the comparison in the second method step b on the second or third device 220, 240.

To end the use of the first entertainment device 210 , the user enters the biometric user data recorded for enabling the entertainment device 210 via the recording unit 201 . The entered biometric user data is checked for admissibility - i.e. the recorded biometric user data has the specified, clearly identifiable identification feature and the recorded biometric user data is registered as recorded biometric user data for the first entertainment device 210 as release or activation data or stored at which the biometric user data is currently being recorded. If the entered biometric user data is permissible, a blocking message or a blocking signal can be generated by the release unit 203 and sent to the first entertainment device 210 via the standardized interface 205 . The current use is then terminated. The first entertainment device 210 is switched back to the locked state or standby mode. Furthermore, the captured biometric user data is deleted from the storage unit 204 . Are the recorded, biometric user data has also been made available to the second and third device 220, 240 of the second and third entertainment device 230, 250 and stored there, the first device 200 sends a request for deletion to the second and third device 220, 240, for example via the communication interface 206 this biometric user data or a delete command is sent.

If a depot storage unit is available, the recorded biometric user data of the user can be transferred to the depot storage unit for later reuse before deletion together with the usage-specific or game-specific data.

For example, if the use of the first entertainment device 210 is not ended properly by entering the recorded biometric user data, a corresponding message can be output on the display device 211 of the first entertainment device 210, for example. If, for example, no interaction is detected on the activated first entertainment device 210 within a specific, predetermined period of time, use can be terminated automatically, for example. In this case, for example, the recorded biometric user data currently stored as release or activation data for the first entertainment device 210 can be deleted from the memory unit 204 and the entertainment device 210 can be switched to the blocked state or standby mode.

figure 3 also shows schematically and by way of example a group of three entertainment devices 310, 330, 350, each with an associated display device 311, 331, 351 and an associated device 300, 320, 340 for checking parallel use of the entertainment devices 310, 330, 350. Each of the three devices 300, 320, 350 points - as already in figure 2 shown - at least one detection unit 301, a testing unit 302 and a release unit 303. Furthermore, at least one standardized interface 205 for connection to the respective entertainment device 310, 330, 350 and a communication interface 306 are provided for each of the devices 300, 320, 350. Alternatively is in figure 3 the storage of the recorded, biometric user data is designed centrally. To A central storage unit 304 is provided, which can be accessed by the respective devices 300, 320, 340, for example via the communication interface 306.

For a procedure to run or a check as to whether a user would like to use at least two entertainment devices 310, 330, 350 in parallel, a clearly identifiable identification feature (e.g. arrangement of the fingers or finger lengths, relation of eye and nose, etc.) for those biometric user data (e.g. fingerprints, eye scan, facial area, etc.) which are to be entered by the user for activation or release of the entertainment device 310, 330, 350.

For an activation of a first entertainment device 310, which would like to be used by a user, are again - as already in at figure 2 shown and described - go through the first, second and third method step a, b, c. However, in the second method step b, the known or stored biometric user data is requested and obtained from the central storage unit 304 for comparison with the recorded biometric user data by the release unit 303, for example via the communication interface 306. In the third method step c, the first entertainment device 310 is released for use again only if, in the second method step b, the checking unit 302 confirms that the predetermined, clearly identifiable identification feature is present in the recorded biometric user data and when the recorded biometric user data is compared no match is found by the release unit 203 with the already stored biometric user data.

In the fourth method step d, the biometric user data, which have been captured by the detection unit 301 of the first device 300, are transmitted to the central storage unit 304, for example via the communication interface 306, approximately at the same time as the third method step c. For security reasons, the transmission can be encrypted and/or encoded, for example. In the central storage unit 304, the captured biometric user data are stored as release or activation data for the first entertainment device 310—possibly encrypted and/or encoded—for the duration of use of the first entertainment device 310 by the respective user. The second and third entertainment device 330, 350 or the associated devices 320, 340 for checking parallel use of the entertainment devices 310, 330, 350 can refer to the current release and/or activation data - ie the respectively recorded biometric user data - of the first Entertainment device 310 accessed and used for the comparison in the second step b.

In addition to the central storage unit 304, a small, local storage unit can also be provided in the respective device 300, 320, 340 for checking parallel use of entertainment devices 310, 330, 350. This storage unit can be used, for example, to store and have available the current release or activation data locally during active use of the entertainment device 310, 330, 350 - i.e. the respectively recorded biometric user data of the current user.

In order to end the use of the first entertainment device 310 , the biometric user data recorded for the release of the first entertainment device 310 must be re-entered by the user via the recording unit 301 . If the biometric user data has been entered correctly, the entertainment device 310 is put into the locked state or standby mode by the release unit 303 . A deletion instruction for the biometric user data stored as release or activation data for the first entertainment device 310 is sent from the first device 300 to the central storage unit 304 , for example via the communication interface 306 . The corresponding biometric user data are deleted from the central storage unit 304 .

If a depot storage unit is available, the recorded, biometric user data of the user can be deleted together with the usage or game-specific data can be transferred to the depot storage unit for later reuse. The depot storage unit can be designed as a separate storage unit, for example, which can be accessed by the entertainment devices 310, 330, 350. The depot storage unit can, for example, also be designed as a separately managed sub-unit of the central storage unit 304, which cannot or must not be accessed while entertainment devices 310, 330, 350 are being used in parallel.

In figure 4 a device 400 for checking parallel use of entertainment devices 410, 430, 450 is also shown as an example and schematically. This device 400 comprises at least one detection unit 401, one checking unit 402, one release unit 403 and one storage unit 404. Furthermore, a standardized interface 405 for communication with entertainment devices 410, 430, 450 and a communication interface 406 for e.g. data exchange, e.g. with other devices 400 provided for checking a parallel use of entertainment devices 410, 430,450. The device 400 is assigned a number of exemplary entertainment devices 410, 430, 450 in order to check or prevent the parallel and simultaneous use of these entertainment devices 410, 430, 450 by a user. For this purpose, the device 400 is designed as an independent module unit or as a so-called stand-alone device. The device 400 additionally has an input unit 407 for a selection of the entertainment device 410, 430, 450 that the user would like to use, which can identify keys and/or a touchscreen for an input, for example. Furthermore, the device 400 can have a display unit 408 on which input assistance and/or information or error messages can be output and displayed to the user. The display unit 408 can, for example, be designed as a separate unit (eg display, screen, etc.) or be integrated into the input unit 407—for example, if a touchscreen is used for the input. The input unit 407 and the display unit 408 can be integrated into the device 400, for example, via their own Connections - as in figure 4 shown by way of example - or be connected to the device 400 via the communication interface 406 .

If a user now wants to use a first entertainment device 410, for example, he is required to enter the selection of the first entertainment device 410 via the input unit 407, for example before, during or after entering or recording his biometric user data. This can be done, for example, by pressing a button on the input unit 407 that is assigned to the first entertainment device 410, by entering a number that is assigned to the first entertainment device 410 via the input unit 407, or by touching a symbol or number symbol that is assigned to the first entertainment device 410 on a touchscreen 407. If the selection of the first entertainment device 410 was entered and the user's biometric user data was recorded by the detection unit 401, the method for checking parallel use of entertainment devices 410, 430, 450 according to the figures 2 and 3 illustrated method steps b, c and d carried out. A check is made as to whether another entertainment device 430, 450 is already being used by the user or has been released for it. This means that the checking unit 402 and the release unit 403 check whether the captured biometric user data has the specified, clearly identifiable identification feature and whether none of the other entertainment devices 430, 450 that are assigned to the device 400 are released for the user. or whether the recorded biometric user data is currently not stored in the storage unit 404. If the required biometric user data has been entered correctly and is not stored in the storage unit 404 , the first entertainment device 410 is released for use by the release unit 403 via the standardized interface 405 .

The recorded, biometric user data of the user are stored as release or activation data for the first entertainment gaming device 410 in the storage unit 404 for the respective period of use of the user.

If the use of the selected, first entertainment device 410 is to be ended again, the biometric user data that was recorded when the selected, first entertainment device 410 was released must be re-entered via the recording unit 401 by the user. In addition, the user can be prompted, e.g. via the display unit 408, via the input unit 407 to enter the first entertainment device 410 that he has selected or used. Alternatively, the input of the selected, first entertainment device 410 may be omitted if, together with the biometric user data recorded for the release of the first entertainment device 410, a device-specific identifier or the recorded biometric user data are explicitly stored as device-specific release or activation data in the storage unit 404 are saved. In this case, the user can be prompted, for example via the display unit 408, to confirm the termination of use on the first entertainment device 410 by making an entry via the input unit 407. If the biometric user data was entered correctly by the user and the first entertainment device 410 used was identified by entering it or using the stored data, the first entertainment device 410 is blocked by the release unit 403, e.g. with a blocking message or a blocking signal via the standardized interface 405 from the release unit 403 in into lockout or standby mode. The user's biometric user data stored as release or activation data for the first entertainment device 410 are deleted from the storage unit 404 . The user can now use the device 400 to select and activate a further connected entertainment gaming device 430, 450 for use.

If a depot storage unit is present, the recorded biometric user data of the user can also be transferred to the depot storage unit for later reuse before deletion, together with the usage-specific or game-specific data.

Claims (15)

1. Method for preventing parallel use of gaming and/or entertainment machines (110; 210, 230, 250; 310, 330, 350; 410, 430, 450), in particular in the form of money-operated slot machines and/or gambling machines, wherein

   an entertainment machine (110; 210; 310; 410) is enabled for use by the input of biometric user data, which comprise a clearly identifiable identification feature,

   the clearly identifiable identification feature is first predetermined for the biometric user data to be input, wherein the clearly identifiable identification feature prevents the use of comparable biometric user data for enabling the use of another entertainment machine (230, 250; 330, 350; 430, 450),

   biometric user data are then detected (a) for enabling the entertainment machine (110; 210; 310; 410),

   the detected biometric user data are checked (b) for the presence of the predetermined, clearly identifiable identification feature,

   the detected biometric user data are compared (b) with already stored biometric user data that are stored for entertainment machines that have been enabled at the current point in time,

   only if the predetermined clearly identifiable identification feature is present in the detected biometric user data and only if the detected biometric user data do not match the already stored biometric user data is the entertainment machine (110; 210; 310; 410) enabled (c) for use, and

   the detected biometric user data are stored (d) for the usage duration of the enabled entertainment machine and are deleted again once the gaming machine has finished being used.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that, for finishing the use of the entertainment machine (110; 210; 310; 410), the biometric user data that have been detected for enabling the use are input again, and in that the detected biometric user data are then deleted and the entertainment machine (110; 210; 310; 410) is set to a blocked state.
3. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that an information message is output (b) if the predetermined clearly identifiable identification feature is missing and/or if the detected biometric user data match already stored biometric user data.
4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that a display device (111; 211; 311) of the entertainment machine (110; 210; 310) is used (b) for outputting input aids and/or information messages.
5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that, for enabling and/or blocking the entertainment machine (110; 210; 310; 410), messages are sent (c) to the entertainment machine (110; 210; 310; 410) via a standardized interface (105; 205; 305; 405).
6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that data, in particular the detected biometric user data, are exchanged and/or transmitted (d) by means of wired and/or wireless connections (106; 206; 306; 406).
7. Method according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the detected biometric user data are stored (d) in a decentralized manner.
8. Method according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the detected biometric user data are stored (d) in a centralized manner.
9. Device (100; 200; 300; 400) for preventing parallel use of gaming and/or entertainment machines (110; 210, 230, 250; 310, 330, 350; 410, 430, 450), in particular in the form of money-operated slot machines and/or gambling machines, which can be enabled for use by means of inputting biometric user data which comprise a clearly identifiable identification feature, at least consisting of:

   a detection unit (101; 201; 301; 401) for inputting and detecting the biometric user data,

   a checking unit (102; 202; 302; 402) for checking the presence of a predetermined clearly identifiable identification feature in the detected biometric user data, wherein the clearly identifiable identification feature prevents the use of comparable biometric user data for enabling the use of another entertainment machine (230, 250; 330, 350; 430, 450),

   an enabling unit (103; 203; 303; 403) for comparing the detected biometric user data with already stored biometric user data that are used for enabling an entertainment machine and are stored for entertainment machines that have been enabled at the current point in time, and for enabling an entertainment machine (110; 210; 310; 410) only if the predetermined clearly identifiable identification feature is present in the detected biometric user data and only if the detected biometric user data do not match already stored biometric user data, and

   a storage unit (104; 204; 304; 404) for storing the detected biometric user data for the usage duration of the enabled entertainment machine and deleting said detected biometric user data again once the gaming machine has finished being used.
10. Device according to claim 9, wherein a standardized interface (105; 205; 305; 405) is also provided for transmitting messages to the entertainment machine (110; 210; 310; 410) and/or a communication interface (106; 206; 306; 406) is provided for exchanging and/or transmitting data, in particular the detected biometric user data, by means of wired and/or wireless connections, and/or a display device (111; 211; 311) of the entertainment machine (110; 210; 310) can be used for outputting input aids and/or information messages.
11. Device according to any of claims 9 to 10, wherein the storage unit (104) is designed as a local, decentralized storage unit (204).
12. Device according to any of claims 9 to 10, wherein the storage unit (104) is designed as a centralized storage unit (304).
13. Device according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein a configuration as a module unit (100; 200, 220, 240; 300, 320, 340), which can be attached to the entertainment machine (110; 210, 230, 250; 310, 330, 350), is provided.
14. Device according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein a configuration as a separate module unit (400) is provided, to which a plurality of entertainment machines (410, 430, 450) are assigned, or integration in the entertainment machine (110; 210, 230, 250; 310, 330, 350) is provided.
15. Entertainment machine (110; 210, 230, 250; 310, 330, 350), in particular in the form of money-operated slot machines and/or gambling machines, which comprises a device (100; 200, 220, 240; 300, 320, 340) according to any of claims 9 to 14.

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