GB2482930A - Multi-game online gaming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-game online gaming apparatus is disclosed. It has a main control unit 1 connected online to the Internet and/or a server 3 of a central gaming system, at least one touch screen 5, at least one currency accepting mechanism and controls. The main control unit 1 is provided with ports to be connected to independent optional control units 16, 17, 18 with applicable games and/or software of the betting and gaming systems, while the number of independent optional control units 16, 17, 18 corresponds to the number of operators involved in the lottery and gaming industry and/or the plurality of different types or kinds of games and gambling games and gaming systems to be displayed and run of the gaming apparatus. At least one of the games provided by the apparatus may be a lottery or a fixed odds game. Multiple touch screens 5, 6, 7 may be provided and may interface with rails (23, Fig 1a) which provide network and power connections for the touch screens. The apparatus can be configured to be to be installed and run on table, counter or bar tops.

Description

Multi-lottery Online Gaming Apparatus

Field of the Invention

s The present invention relates to a multi-lottery online gaming device for the lottery and gaming industry.

Prior Art

The hitherto known online gaming devices are big bulky gaming io machines of dimensions of approximately 600 x 600 x 1800 mm. These gaming devices are installed in the form of solid, indivisible structural units, as free standing gaming machines placed on the floor of gaming houses, gaming centres, and casinos. Currently, the gaming devices are, without any exception, used separately, at all times by a single operator that presents is and operates its exclusive assortment of lottery and prize games, or its choice of bets, in one gaming device, while lottery games are always run on separate machines, independently of fixed-odds games.

The current design of gaining devices is, due to spatial bulkiness, predestined to be operated only in dedicated premises with sufficient space, and therefore it is impossible to install such a device in a natural manner in places where potential customers gather, who, for whatever reason, do not like the idea to take part in the game in gaming houses, gaming centres and casinos, etc.

Detailed Description of the Invention

These drawbacks are removed in a multi-lottery online gaming device comprising the main control unit connected online to the Internet and/or the server of the central gaming system, at least one touch screen, at least one currency accepting mechanism and controls, whose principle consists in that the main control unit is provided with ports to be connected to independent optional control units with applicable lottery games, and/or software of the betting and gaming systems, while the number of independent optional control units corresponds to the number of gaming and lottery operators, and/or the plurality of different types or kinds of games and gambling games and gaming systems to be displayed and run.

The controls according to the present invention are optional switch-over buttons of the operators, and switch-over buttons changing the display target between the second and third screen. The controls may also be graphical menus on the multifunction touch screen.

According to the present invention, the multi-lottery online gaming device may be connected to the server of the central gaming system through io a router by a separate online connection.

Individual optional control units work independently, and after the selection of the operator and its choice of games is made, they are assigned to the appropriate terminal display. For software differentiation of the lottery and betting companies and their independent gaming systems, unique is Internet protocols and addresses will be used for each of them. The number of operators of lottery and betting games, or similar games, equals the number of used optional control units in the main control unit. This number is limited only by the hardware structure of the main control unit.

In order to select the operator, segment and type of the lottery or betting game, the player may use a joystick or control buttons, or it is possible to select the game directly on one of the three full-featured touch screens.

The body of the multi-lottery online gaming device, its location and manner of its installation and operation is almost discretionary. Its structure may be configured to different requirements, necessities and needs of the operators, premises or locations in which the device will be used. Therefore a conventional structure with a housing may be used, in which all the components necessary for the function of the device are installed. The multi-lottery online gaming device thus forms a single unit. Alternatively, a modification with no housing may be used, mounted on guide rails that are simultaneously used for the cabling, and for optional mounting and movement of the screens. In order to provide better accessibility to users, it is convenient, according to the present invention, if the gaming machine is structurally configured to be installed and run online on table and bar tops; if more gaming spots are created, all multi-lottery online gaming devices on the premises in question may be connected to one main control unit by any s known wire or wireless link.

The multi-lottery online gaming device may be, according to the present invention, placed on a table or bar top in a movable and/or tiltable manner so that its supporting arm is fitted into the guiding and/or tilting mechanism enabling the movement of the device on the bar or table top in io order to create new gaming spots.

If there is not enough space for the device to move, or if this function is not desirable, the device may be also fixed in a firm manner, while the guiding mechanism for the motion of the device is replaced with a flange for firm fixing to the table or bar top. Alternatively, if need be, it may be installed is as a stationary device provided with a pair of displays, where the first screen makes an obtuse angle with the other screen, which is in an upright position.

The vertical screen is installed in a frame and inset in a case in the housing of the multi-lottery online gaming device in such a manner that it may be only partially visible, depending on the required area of display, while the remaining part of the vertical screen is hidden in the machine body. This solution enables, if need be, to disconnect and remove the vertical screen and cover the hole with a cover cap. In this moment the dimensions of the whole device will substantially decrease, thus becoming more acceptable from the aesthetic point of view, and less prone to damage by its users. In order to resist rough handling, or as theft prevention, the base of the device may be made of materials of high physical density, such as granite, marble, stainless steel, etc. Another option for the installation and operation of the multi-lottery online gaming device is to build the machine into a table or bar top in the form of an in-built bar unit. A device configured in such a way is mounted flush to the table or bar top in the horizontal direction, in full or in part.

A similar alternative is to build the multi-lottery online gaming unit into the table or bar top in the form of an in-built sliding module, which is completely hidden if inactive, and must be ejected and activated for use and presentation with the aid of a driving unit and ejecting mechanisms. These manners of installation and operation are in particular suitable for places where a visible presentation of any gaming device is not desirable.

In all the above cases, the bar-top multi-lottery online gaming units are configured in such a manner that the number of screens is reduced from the original three to one or two, where the function of the missing second or third io screen is replaced by a software modification, as well as some missing control push-buttons.

The principle and nature of the wiring installation is the same in all the above variants of the bar-top multi-lottery online gaming units. It is convenient to install the main control unit externally, in particular in the case if is more independent optional control units are to be used, mainly because of the limited space inside the bar-top gaming unit.

It is also necessary to use an external main control unit in the case of network connection of other stations of the multi-lottery online gaming device.

In this case it is necessary to install a more powerful main control unit to be connected to independent optional control units with multifunction mode, enabling multiple initialization of the game in individual, associated online stations of the gaming device, and to install other hardware components, such as a bus bar and trip unit. In order to ensure easier and more efficient maintenance and operation of the gaming unit, which is installed in the described manner, it is convenient to use other external elements: a central currency accepting mechanism, and an external maintenance module. Said devices are the subject matter of another invention of the inventor.

All described variants of the bar-top multi-lottery online gaming unit may be, without major modifications, used for known commonly used gaming devices and video lottery terminals, or similar gaming units.

Descnption of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic view of the multi-lottery online gaming device according to the present invention, and Fig. 1/a is a schematic view of its variant without the housing with guide rails and an external main control unit.

Fig. 2 shows a wiring diagram of individual components of the multi-lottery s online gaming device. Figs. 3 to 5 are sectional views of different types of firm mounting of the multi-lottery online gaming device on a table or bar top.

Figs. 6 and 7 are sectional views of the sliding mounting of the multi-lottery online gaming device on a table or bar top. Fig. 8 is a detailed sectional view of the support bracket 31 of the sliding mounting shown in Figs. 6 and 7. Fig. 9 shows the sliding installation, thus creating more or new gaming spots at the bar top. Figs. 10 and 11 show a bar or table top multi-lottery online gaming device with two screens. Fig. 12/a shows the external maintenance module, and Fig. 12/b shows the external currency accepting mechanism.

Figs. 13/a and 13/b are perspective views, including descriptions, of one of is the variants of the bar or table top multi-lottery online gaming device with one multifunction touch screen. Figs. 14 and 15 are perspective views of another variant of the sliding mounting of the multi-lottery online gaming device on a bar or table top. Figs. 16 and 17 show variants of tiltable modifications. Fig. 18 shows a schematic arrangement of the bar-top multi-lottery online gaming unit according to the present invention with an external control unit connected to the server of the central gaming system. Fig. 19 is a schematic view of the wiring diagram of the variant shown in Fig. 18, and the network connection.

Figs. 20, 20a, b, c show the variant of the built-in multi-lottery online gaming device. Fig. 20/d shows the tilting option and tilting angle of the touch screen.

Figs. 21 and 21/a show the in-built sliding multi-lottery online gaming device.

Figs. 22 and 23 show a stationary bar-top multi-lottery online gaming unit with two displays. Fig. 24 shows the stationary bar-top multi-lottery online gaming device after the removal of the second display.

Description of the Embodiment according to the Invention Referring to Fig. 1, Fig. la, and Fig. 2, the multi-lottery online gaming device includes the main control unit 1, connected online to the Internet 15 via cable 2, specifically to the server 3 of the central gaming system. Another similar connection is of course also possible, enabling central control, or central collection of data.

The main control unit 1 is conveniently installed in a housing 4 of the multi-lottery online gaming device together with the touch screens, , . Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. la, the main control unit 1 may be installed separately, outside the housing 4, if need be. In this case it must be located within the reach of interconnecting cables, or a transmitter and receiver 10, e.g. with a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth interface, or similar.

The multi-lottery online gaming device is provided with a trio of displays, i.e. touch screens 5, 6, , where the lower, first touch screen, usually serves for playing lottery games of a company that was selected by operator activation push-buttons jj, while the second touch screen located in the centre, and the third one L located conveniently above the is second touch screen, have an informative character providing information about the ongoing game on the first touch screen about the choice of bets, number lottery, jackpots, and bonuses. The third touch screen Z also serves for the presentation of participating operators, advertising messages, and a complete menu of games to choose from. The users' targets and themes to be displayed may be switched over between these two touch screens and Z using push-buttons 12 for changing the target display. The second touch screen depending on the game selected by the user using push-buttons J2 for changing the target display, is used for fixed-odds betting, number betting and/or similar lottery gambling. Installation of the third touch screen 7 is not necessary; it is reasonable only in the case of simultaneous running of lottery games and fixed-odds betting or similar games, or games with different focus in accordance with the applicable Lotteries Act.

The server of the central gaming system, connected to the monitoring centres 4, is linked via Internet connection to the main control unit 1 through a router 13 using cables 14. The main control unit 1 is equipped with ports to be connected to independent optional control units 1L or similar optional units 17 for lottery games, or optional units 18 for fixed-odds betting games. The number of independent optional control units j depends on the number of operators and/or the number of gaming systems and games to be displayed and used.

Referring to Fig. 1, the housing 4 of the multi-lottery online gaming s device is provided with a currency accepting slot j, a club and credit card accepting slot 20, a coupon/receipt printer and reader, a set of control buttons 25, optional activation push-buttons 11 of the operators or gaming systems, and switch-over buttons 12 to change the target display between the second touch screen 6 and third touch screen 7.

For reasons of space and production cost savings, the multi-lottery online gaming unit may be deprived (Fig. 1) of the housing 4 and touch screens 5, 6, L (Fig. la), and mounted in any arrangement to the required number of guide rails 23, which, besides their supporting function, serve as a duct for cables 8 necessary for the connection of the touch screens, , 7 to is the main control unit 1, to be connected to independent optional control units 16, the controller 24 with control buttons 25, operator activation push-buttons 11, target display switch-over buttons 12, the currency accepting slot j, the club and credit card accepting slot 20, coupon printer and coupon/ receipt reader 22. In order to facilitate the connection, the rails 23 are provided with communication ports 26 for cable connection 8 and for connection to the mains supply network.

The multi-lottery online gaming device may be installed as a bar-top gaming device with several variants of operation. It may be therefore installed on a bar top, or a table top, as a movable or fixed, sliding or tiltable, in-built, or stationary unit.

An apparent difference between the multi-lottery online gaming device with three touch screens installed in a housing (Fig. 2) and the variants of bar-top multi-lottery online gaming units, hereinafter referred to as "gaming units", see e.g. Fig. 7, 13, 20, 21, is the absence of particular hardware components, such as operator activation push-buttons jj, target display switch-over buttons 12, see Fig. 1, and touch screens and 7, which are replaced by software modifications to be selected and controlled from the graphical menu on the multifunction screen 32 of the body 29 of the bar-top gaming device.

The movable and fixed bar-top gaming unit is mounted to the lower, lateral or upper part of the bar top, or table top, as shown on Figs. 3, 4, 5, s and in the sectional view on Figs. 6 and 7. The supporting arm 27 with a flange 28 of the movable body 29 is attached, for example, to sliding guide mechanisms 30. Referring to Fig. 7, the guide mechanism 30 and the support bracket 31 enable the movement of the gaming unit to a required distance (see Fig. 9), depending on the length of the guide mechanisms. In this io manner new gaming spots may be created (Fig. 9). Figs. 10 and 11 show bar and table top gaming unit with two screens. Figs.13a -13b show a perspective view of the fixed or movable gaming unit provided with one multifunction touch screen 32, currency accepting slot 19, debit, club and credit card accepting slot 20, coupon printer 21 and reader, "pause-lock" is button 33 for blocking the gaming system during a short-term absence of the player, joystick 34 for menu navigation, "bet" button, maintenance monitoring display 38, holes 39, 40 for maintenance keys, prize claim button 42, loudspeakers 41 and,,start" touch (sensory) button, located ergonomically on two sides on the housing's right side.

Referring to Figs. 16 and 17, the variants of fixed and movable gaming units may, if need be, be amended with articulated mechanisms 47 that will enable adjustment of an optimum inclination angle by means of tiltable arms 48, or the shutdown of the bar or table top gaming units during their inactivity.

Referring to Figs. 14, 15, 16 and 17, the fixed and movable gaming unit may be used and operated without the currency and card accepting slots j, , the coupon printer 21 and reader the maintenance display and the buttons 11, provided that the external maintenance module 4.

(Fig.12a) and the external currency accepting mechanism 44 (Fig. 12b) are installed. This case is dealt with in another invention of the same inventor.

The variant of the in-built bar-top gaming unit shown in Figs. 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d consists of the body 49 of the gaming unit, a tilting screen (Fig. 20), a mounting frame 51 and a cover frame see Fig. 20b, to be built in the bar or table top, a cash box see Fig. 20a, a coupon printer a coupon reader 22, a currency accepting slot 19 and a debit, club and credit card accepting slot, control buttons and holes, 4 for maintenance keys (Fig.20).

s The inclination angle of the in-built bar-top gaming unit can be from 0 to approximately 15° (Fig. 20/c).

Figs. 21 and 21/a show a modification of this device, a built-in sliding gaming unit, whose body 54 with a cover 55 is, under the required angle, installed in a case 56 provided with an opening 57 for the sliding mechanism 58. These parts are together with the driving unit for the sliding mechanism and guiding stabilization device 60 mounted in an in-built frame 61, which is seated in the cut-out in the bar or table top, and fastened with flanges 62. The device configured in such a manner is activated by means of a switch-over button 63 and, subsequently, the gaming unit slides out with is the aid of the driving unit 59 and sliding mechanism.

The stationary bar-top gaming device shown in Figs. 22 to 24 includes a general-purpose base 64 that may be made of optional material of high physical density, to which the housing 65 is attached. The housing 65 houses a multifunction touch screen 32, a supplementary detachable screen with a cover frame 7, a cover cap for the detachable screen 66 (Fig. 24), loudspeakers 41, a coupon printer 21 and reader 22, a currency accepting slot 19 and debit, club and credit card accepting slot (Fig. 24). The device also includes a maintenance screen (Fig. 23) located on the back of the stationary gaming device. The maintenance screen is provided with function control buttons for the display of the credit and the amount to be dispensed, and an electronic counter of the amount of money inserted and dispensed. The stationary gaming unit also includes holes 39, 4 for maintenance keys and a prize claim button 4., and a set of buttons for game control. The base of the system is provided with slip-resistant material, or a pad with similar properties.

The bar and table top gaming units, see e.g. Figs. 3, 7 orl3, may be provided with their own integrated control units 1, which seems to be useful with the stationary (Figs. 22, 23, and 24) and in-built (Figs. 20, 20a to 20d) bar and table top gaming units, but it necessary to emphasize that in all bar and table top installations it is more convenient, if the main control unit 1 to be connected to independent optional control units 16 is separated from the remaining components (Fig. 18) of the device, and located externally. In this case the connection between the main control unit and the remaining components is provided via any usual way of wireless connection (9, 10), e.g. through a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth interlace, or similar, or a cable 8 may be used for the connection (see Fig. 18).

It means in practice that each bar and table top gaming unit is advantageously provided with wireless communication modules -transmitter 9 and receiver 10 -for wireless connection, and communication ports 26 for cable 8 connection to the main control unit 1 provided with ports to be connected to independent optional control units or similar logical units ij, is 18. The communication and connection with the other external components of the bar top gaming units and in between them is provided in a similar manner. These include an external maintenance module 4 (Fig. 12a) and the central currency accepting mechanism 44 (Fig. 12b), which enables the customers to put money into the game by means of currency accepting slots 19, 20, and enter the registration number shown on the screen 38 of the selected gaming machine using the numerical keypad 4. After pressing the function push-button 46, it is possible to transfer the entered credit to the required gaming unit.

In the case of network connection (Fig. 19) of several gaming units 7Q, it is necessary to use the main control unit connected online to the server of the central control gaming system, provided with ports to be connected with independent optional control units 16 or similar logical units 17, 18 with multifunction mode, a data bus 69, and a trip unit 73. This will enable multiple concurrent initializations of games in individual network connected gaming units. The connection is provided via any usual, currently used wireless technology, or a cable.

However, the multi-lottery online gaming device need not be used as a rented device for a couple of companies involved in lottery games or fixed-odds betting, but it may be used within the framework of operation of only one company, with the possibility to make use of the whole assortment of s lottery or betting games and gaming systems.

The device according to the present invention enables, thanks to its configuration, both the conventional installation in a housing and non-conventional mounting pattern on guide rails, as well as the new bar and table top arrangement of the gaming unit taking up a minimal amount of space, as compared to the scope and comprehensiveness of the services offered. In this way, the required results may also be achieved in those premises and locations, where the success of only one particular type of a lottery or betting game, lottery company, or manufacturer of one type of the gaming device, is not ensured, or where there is insufficient space for more is common gaming machines, or if it is uneconomical in the given location to invest in a higher number of lottery terminals or gaming devices.

The multi-lottery online gaming device according to the present invention offers further advantages and savings potential in practice: only one contracted operator manufactures, provides installation and service, ensures online monitoring, and leases the gaming device. Therefore only one contract of lease, one license and one square meter per one gaming unit is necessary according to the present invention.

-It involves only one set of spare parts and service operations -Savings in electrical energy and space, simplified bookkeeping, and so on.

Innovative features and higher level of performance of multi-lottery online gaming devices consist in particular in the scope of offered services concentrated in one device, and in connecting all kinds of betting and lottery industry and operating companies.

Due to the fact that the device may be installed and used in easily accessible premises that are considered more acceptable by the public than gambling clubs and casinos, such as night clubs, coffee-bars, clubs, hotel lounges, etc., a completely new group of customers will be approached and encouraged to become involved, who nowadays feel morally embarrassed to take part in gambling games in casinos, gambling clubs or similar premises, in particular in fear of being condemned by the public.

The variant of the sliding configuration of the bar-top gaming unit, s which is very flexible, seems to be the most advantageous. The device can be quickly set up for use on the gaming spot, and as quickly and simply it may be moved to any other place at the bar, which will thus change into a gaming spot, if the customer decides to leave the original location, or stop the game.

Contrary to that, in-built multi-lottery online gaming devices admittedly lack mobility, but are distinguished for their spatial modesty, unobtrusiveness and anonymity during the game.

Conversely, the stationary gaming device does not require complicated assembly, and there are no irreversible processes associated is with its mounting; its installation will thus assume the role of a testing device before installing other, more aesthetic and compact gaming devices.

Industrial Applicability

The multi-lottery online gaming devices according to the present invention, intended for the lottery and betting industry, can fully substitute all currently used gaming machines, and, thanks to their versatility and display options, while enabling the use of almost unlimited number of lottery and fixed-odds betting systems on offer, they have all the makings to become popular both between the customers and their operators and purveyors.

List of Reference Numbers 1 -Main control unit 2 -Internet connection 3 -Central gaming system server 4 -Housing of the multi-lottery online gaming device -First touch screen 6 -Second touch screen 7 -Third touch screen 8 -Interconnecting cable 9 -Transmitter -Receiver 11 -Operator activation push-buttons 12 -Target display switch-over buttons 13-Router 14 -Router connection 15-Internet 16-Independent optional control unit 17 -Optional unit for lottery games 18 -Optional unit for fixed-odds betting games 19 -Currency accepting slot -Club and credit card accepting slot 21 -Coupon printer 22 -Coupon/receipt reader 23 -Guide rails 24 -Controller -Control buttons 26 -Communication ports 27 -Supporting arm 28 -Flange 29 -Body of the bar-top gaming machine -Guide mechanism 31 -Support bracket 32 -Multifunction screen 33 -Pause-lock button 34 -Joystick -Menu 36 -"Bet" button 37 -"Start" Button 38 -Maintenance monitoring display 39, 40 -Holes for maintenance keys 41 -Loudspeakers 42 -Prize claim button 43 -External maintenance module 44 -External currency accepting mechanism -Numerical keypad 46 -Function push-buttons 47 -Articulated mechanism

s 48 -Tiltable arm

49 -Body of the in-built gaming device -Tilting screen 51 -Mounting frame 52 -Cover frame 53-Cash box 54 -Body of the sliding gaming device -Cover of the sliding gaming device 56-Case 57 -Opening for the sliding mechanism is 58 -Sliding mechanism 59 -Driving unit for the sliding mechanism -Guiding stabilization device 61 -In-built frame 62 -Flanges 63 -Switch-over button 64 -Housing base -Housing body 66 -Detachable screen 67 -Screen frame 68-Cover cap 69 -Data bus -Gaming machines connected in network 71 -N/A 72-N/A 73-Tripunit 74 -Monitoring centres