IL157420A - Remotely-controlled slot machine - Google Patents

Description

ριτπτ] ne cujn "7Tn nn REMOTELY-CONTROLLED SLOT MACHINE REMOTELY-CONTROLLED SLOT MACHINE Field of the Invention The present invention relates to Slot Machines and cash payment machines controlled over a Data Network. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling networked Slot Machines.

Background of the Invention The Internet is flooded with Casino and gambling Web sites and the like, offering computerized versions of traditional gambling games (e.g., poker, roulette, etc.) that can be accessed by players via networked devices (e.g., computer terminal, cellular devices, etc.). In the vast majority of these sites the games can be accessed by players by providing personal and credit-card details which are used for charging/crediting players' accounts according to the games results (losses/wins).

These Casino Web-sites usually include computerized versions of Slots Machines (e.g., poker machines), which are commonly available in Casino game houses. The players can access these games by downloading a Web page, or by downloading an executable code that provides the graphical interface for playing the game over a Data Network. Control centers (providers) usually verify player identities by utilizing password protected access, or by collecting players and credit-cards information, which are used for charging/crediting players' (bank) accounts.

There are several disadvantages and risks, to both players and providers, in these methods of playing games over a Data Network. The players downloading the game (Web-page and/or executable program) are exposed to various security hazards, especially when personal and credit-card information are delivered there from. The downloaded game may be infected by a virus which may damage the downloading device and/or may be maliciously used to inspect players' networked devices (e.g., personal computer). Another risk in such games is that networked sessions may be eavesdropped on by hackers in order to obtain players' personal information (e.g., passwords, credit-card numbers) which can be maliciously used to defraud the players and/or providers by illegally accessing games network sessions on behalf of registered players.

One of the main disadvantages in such gaming methods is in that players' wins are rewarded by crediting their accounts, which is not as exciting as winning in a Slot Machine game which instantly provides the players a reward upon winning the game. As much as it is less exciting to the players, it is also less profitable to the providers since these types of network sessions gaming appear less attractive, less rewarding, and not as exciting as the "real" games.

An additional disadvantage of the computerized games accessed via a Data Network is that the amount of the reward is usually fixed or some ratio of the players' gambles and it is not influenced by the amount of previously played games, as in "real" Slot Machines. This is a significant drawback since one of the most attractive features of Slot Machines, such as poker machines, is that a player can win the entire jackpot that is accumulated over time.

All the methods described above have not yet provided networked secure and fraud protected game sessions that can instantly reward winning players.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for playing games over a Data Network which do not expose the players to security and/or fraud threats.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for playing games over a Data Network wherein the players are instantly rewarded upon winning.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for playing games over a Data Network wherein the players can receive arbitrary rewards such as a jackpot accumulated over time.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for playing games over a Data Network in which the player can instantly play upon providing variable amounts of money and in which the bet-prize ratios and the games' level of difficulty are flexibly determined.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for playing games over a Data Network wherein the games are charged via a playing-card, credit-card, or by charging payers' accounts.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention The following terms are defined as follows: PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) - a collection of interconnected telephony operators.

Computer - any type of processing device capable of running programs, inputting, outputting, manipulating, and storing data utilizing (volatile or nonvolatile) memory devices and input/output adapters (e.g., PC).

The game provider managing the system via the Control Center is generally referred to herein as the provider or the Control center.

The term Playing Card is used herein to refer to personal cards such as special gaming cards such as telecards, credit cards, smart-cards, magnetic cards etc., which may used for charging players. A special gaming card may be purchased having a certain value which is decreased by the Slot Machine according to each played game. Other personal cards may be used to charge a band account or another acceptable account accessible to the Control Center.

In one aspect the present invention is directed to a remote controlled Slot Machine system, comprising a Control Center capable of monitoring and controlling one or more computerized Slot Machines via one or more Communication Links wherein the Slot Machines include a Computer unit linked to: a Communication Interface for receiving and/or transmitting information over a Communication Link from/to the Control center; a touch-screen Display used to receive inputs from players and for displaying visual outputs, a Money-Counter for receiving money from players and determining the exact amount of received money; a Jackpot for collecting, and ejecting amounts of money, wherein the system is capable of instantly rewarding a winning player with a prize ejected from the Jackpot.

The Slot Machine may further comprise an audio unit linked to the Computer for outputting audio signals, a Printer linked to the Computer for printing checks in the amount of a winning prize. Alternatively, a regular display unit is used for displaying visual outputs and a Keypad and/or a Pointing-Device linked to the Computer are used for receiving players' inputs.

The Communication may be carried out over a Data Network, and may be carried out over cellular and/or PSTN telephony. Optionally, the Control Center is a server.

The Slot Machine may further comprise further comprising a Card reader linked to the Computer for effecting payment for Slot Machine games. Alternatively, players' accounts are charged for each game, where the accounts include bank accounts and/or accounts opened at the Control Center. The played games are optionally charged utilizing a magnetic-card, a chip-card, a smart-card, telecard, or special Playing Cards, and the cards may include printed commercials. The use of Playing Cards for the charging preferable includes authenticating players' identification utilizing information read from the Playing Card and/or players' information input such as a password.

The Slot Machine may further comprise a Card- Writer for recharging cards with amounts of money accepted via the Money-Counter or money withdrawal from a bank or playing account via the Control Center According to one preferred embodiment of the invention the players are capable of defining a desired bet-prize ratio, and/or determine the amount of bet money of each game, and the level of difficulty of the game and/or the probability of winning the game may be determined accordingly.

The played games may be downloaded from the Control Center, or alternatively stored in the computer memory.

The player may determine the amount of bet money for a game and the desired bet-prize ratios. Namely, the players can choose the amount of money of each bet in a game and also define a desired ratio according to which the amount of the winning prize will be determined (e.g., 1:10). The Control Center may change the level of difficulty of the game, and/or the probability of winning the game, according to the bet amount and/or bet-prize ratio.

The player may send invitations to other players to join a game to be played via the Slot Machines. Such invitations may be used for playing a game with one or more players over the Data Network by transmitted the invitations to the other Slot Machine directly, or via the Control Center, displaying the invitation to the other players, accepting and acknowledging the invitation by the players wishing to join the game.

Brief Description of the Drawings In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a possible embodiment of a remote controlled Slot Machine according to the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments The present invention is directed to remote controlled Slot Machines which provide players the access to computerized games. The access to the games is preferably gained by utilizing cash (coins or bills) or acceptable equivalents (e.g., chips, magnetic-cards), and a reward is preferably provided instantly upon winning, for example in the form of cash (coins or bills) or a printed check.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Fig. 1, which is a block diagram illustrating the operation and connectivity of computerized Slot Machines 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-n (generally referred to as 102). Control Center 100 (e.g., server), is used for controlling and monitoring the operation of each Slot Machine 102, via Data Network 101 (e.g., LAN, WAN, Internet). The Slot Machines 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, 102-n are preferably linked to the Data Network 101 via bidirectional Communication Links 103-1, 103-2, 103-3, 103-n (generally referred to as 103), respectively. Alternatively, according to another preferred embodiment of the invention a unidirectional Communication Link may be utilized.

Each Slot Machine 102 includes a Communication Interface 112 (e.g., cable/telephone/cellular modem, network adapter) linked to a Computer unit 116 (e.g., PC), which enables transferring information to/from the Slot Machines via the Data Network 101 over the Communication Links 103. A display unit 110, a Pointing device 115 (e.g., mouse, joystick), Keypad 114, and optionally an Audio unit 111 (e.g., speaker), are used for interacting with the players. The display 110 can be a type of touch display, and in such implementations Slot Machines 102 do not necessarily require a Keypad 114 and/or Pointing Device 115.

The players can choose how they prefer to carry out the payment for the game they wish to play. The payment can be made in a conventional way, utilizing cash (coins and/or bills), as in the traditional Slot Machines, entered by the players via the cash slots in the Money-Counter 117 (e.g., coins and bills acceptors or a combination thereof). The Computer 116 is provided with payment information, detailing the exact amount of cash provided by the players. The cash money entered by the players in collected in the Jackpot 118. The Slot Machine is capable of ejecting to the cash tray 122 predetermined amounts of cash money from the Jackpot 118, by utilizing control signals provided by the Computer 116.

The players may choose to purchase a Playing-Card (e.g., magnetic-cards, chip-cards, telecard or the like) charged with a certain amount of money for playing games. Card-Reader 113 is used in this case for charging the Playing-Card for each game until it is emptied. The use of a Playing-Card may include permitting access to the games of a Slot Machine by validating the players' identification and Cards validity utilizing an authentication procedure, to prevent access of players utilizing stolen or forged Cards. The Slot Machines 102 may be used for recharging the Playing-Card (e.g., smart-cards, chip-cards) via a card reader/writer 130, by providing the recharge amount of money via the cash slots in the Money-Counter 117, or by charging players' account via the Control- Center 100. The players' account may be for example a bank account or a playing-account maintained by the Control Center 100.

The playing-accounts should be first opened, for example by depositing some amount of money at service locations capable of opening the account at the Control Center. Thereafter, the players can use a Playing-Card and/or an access code (password) to access the games of the Slot Machines 102, by charging their playing-accounts. The Playing-Card may be recharged via the Slot Machines 102 for example by utilizing cash money, playing-account, credit-cards, and/or bank account withdrawal instructions (via the Control Center).

The playing-accounts are preferably managed by the Control Center 100 which keeps track and validates access to each account. The Control Center 100 preferably authenticates the access of each player using the {;Paying- Cards, in order to prevent access to the registered accounts via stolen or forged magnetic-cards.

The authentication may include for example entering a password via the Keypad 114, sending the player's password and other identification information, read by the Card-Reader 113 and/or entered by the player, to the Control Center 100. The Control Center 100 grants the player access to the account if the password matches the player's identification information, according to players' account records managed by the Control Center 100. Players' access is prevented whenever it is determined that the password does not match the player's identification information, or if the player's account is not valid, empty, or the magnetic-card was reported as lost or stolen. Accesses grant or deny signal is transmitted to the Computer 116 of the respective Slot Machine 102 by the Control Center 100 via Network 101 according to the authentication results.

The Playing-Cards (magnetic, smart, or regular telecard type) may optionally include printed commercials and/or logos/icons of services/firms which the provider wishes to promote.

The communication links 103 are preferably secured links (e.g., SSL), and the authentication steps may optionally include encryption of the authentication data being sent and/or hashing (e.g., MD5) the players passwords, prior to transmission to the Control Center 100.

The players' accounts are charged per played game, and the account may optionally be credited whenever the player wins. However, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the players are rewarded instantly upon winning. The reward is issued by Computer 116, which provides Jackpot 118 with control signals to eject a certain amount of money to cash tray 122, or alternatively by sending corresponding signals for printing a check, via the Printer 120, and ejecting the same via Printer Slot 121. The printing of checks corresponding to players winnings is preferably carried out whenever the winning prize exceeds a predetermined amount of money, or the amount of cash money available by the Jackpot 118 at a given time.

The Control Center 100 can be used for changing the repertoire of games available to each Slot Machine 102. In addition, an adaptive ratio of bets may be applied in each Slot Machine 102 by the Control Center 100, according to a predetermined gambling policy, by providing the Computer units 116 of each player with corresponding instructions. The gambling policy may determine bets ratios according to the type of games available in each Slot Machine, according to the amount of money the players bets on, and/or according to expected cross -section of players (e.g., teenagers, tourists, heavy gamblers, etc). The gambling policy applied by each Slot Machine 102 may also adapt criteria for amount and/or ratios of bets according to the time of day, the amount of money in the player's account (Playing-Card), players' age, and/or game-playing history.

The playing method of the invention may be also used for allowing a flexible determination of bet-prize ration and the level of difficulty of the played game. For example, a player may wish to play on a certain amount of money and a bet:prize winning ration (e.g., 1:10). Accordingly, the Computer 116 will determine a difficulty level for the played game for example by increasing the number of variables in the game (e.g., number of fruits to line up in a fruit poker) which reduces the winning probability.

The invention may be also implemented to allow a plurality of players to participate in a selected game carried out over the Data network. In such implementations the players can leave invitations to other players to join them for a certain game. The invitations are sent by the Computer 116 to, and preferably managed by, the Control Center 100. The Control Center will provide the Computers 116 of other Slot Machines 103 with such invitations to be displayed to the players who may choose to join a certain game. The invitation may include an amount for bets, a time schedule for starting games, a bet (e.g., red thirteen), and/or invitation message.

The invention may be also implemented to allow money withdrawal utilizing a Playing-Card or any other type acceptable card (e.g., magnetic-cards, credit cards), as with an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). In such embodiments the owner of a (Playing or other acceptable) Card transmits the Control Center 100 a request for cash withdrawal via the Computer 116 of a Slot Machine 102. The request is validated utilizing the Card and its owner authentication information, and the Card owner is provided with the withdrawal if it is found to be valid and if the amount of requested cash withdrawal is considered acceptable according to the money available by the Card or in the account, as indicated by the Control Center records. The withdrawal money may be provided by transmitting a corresponding signal from the Computer 116 to the Jackpot 118, to eject the requested withdrawal to the cash tray 122, or by providing a corresponding signal to Printer 120, to print a check accordingly.

The above examples and description have of course been provided only for the purpose of illustration, and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. For instance, the communication between Control Center 100 and Slot Machines 103 may be carried out by linking the Control Center directly to the Slots Machines (e.g., utilizing a cellular modem as Interface 112) and not over a Data Network, as exemplified herein. In certain cases wherein a plurality of Slot Machines 102 are located in close proximity, it may be advantageous to provide a single Computer 116 to serve several Slot Machines and in this way eliminate the need to provide each Slot Machine with a Computer unit 116. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the invention can be carried out in a great variety of ways, employing techniques different from those described above, all without exceeding the scope of the invention. 16551/03 157420/2

Claims (43)

1. A remote controlled Slot Machine system, comprising a Control Center for managing players' accounts and monitoring and controlling one or more computerized Slot Machines via one or more Communication Links wherein said Slot Machines include a Computer unit linked to: a Communication Interface for receiving and/or transmitting information over a Communication Link from/to said Control center; a touch-screen Display used to receive inputs from players and for displaying visual outputs, a Money-Counter for receiving money from players, whenever required, and determining the exact amount of received money; a Jackpot for collecting, and ejecting amounts of money, wherein said system is capable of instantly rewarding a winning player with a prize ejected from said Jackpot or by crediting the player's account.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein a Slot Machine further comprises an audio unit linked to the Computer for outputting audio signals.

3. A system according to claim 1, in which a regular display unit is used for displaying visual outputs and a Keypad and/or a Pointing-Device linked to the Computer are used for receiving players' inputs.

4. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a Printer linked to said Computer for printing checks in the amount of a winning prize.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the Communication is carried out over a Data Network.

6. A system according to claim 1, wherein the Communication is carried out over cellular and/or PSTN telephony. 16551/03 - 13 -

7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the Control Center is a server.

8. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a Card-Reader linked to the Computer for effecting payment for Slot Machine games.

9. A system according to claim 8, wherein players' accounts are charged for each game, where said accounts include bank accounts and/or accounts opened at the Control Center.

10. A system according to claim 8, wherein played games are charged utilizing a magnetic-card, a chip-card, a smart-card, telecard, or special Playing Cards.

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein the cards includes printed commercials.

12. A system according to claim 8, further comprising a Card-Writer for recharging cards with amounts of money accepted via the Money-Counter or money withdrawal from a bank or playing account via the Control Center

13. A system according to claim 1, wherein the player is capable of defining a desired bet-prize ratio.

14. A system according to claim 1, wherein the player determines the amount of bet money of each game.

15. A system according to claims 13 and 14, wherein the level of difficulty of the game and/or the probability of winning the game are determined according to the amount of bet money and the bet-prize ration as defined by the player. 16551/03 157420/2 - 14 -

16. A method for controlling Slot Machines each of which is capable of accepting cash money for playing a game and dispensing amounts of prize money for winning games, comprising: a) providing one or more communication links for transferring data; b) providing a Control Center for managing players' accounts, monitoring said Slot Machines, and providing it instructions via said communication links; c) providing each of said Slot Machines with a computer capable of: receiving players' inputs; communicating with said Control Center via at least one communication link; determining the amount of accepted money whenever required; displaying a graphical user interface and game graphics for playing the games; and determining the amount of said prize money according to said inputs and instructions; and d) paying each winning player cash money being the prize, or crediting the player's ccount, determined by said computer.

17. A method according to claim 16, wherein the communication is carried out over a Data Network.

18. A method according to claim 16, wherein the communication is carried out over the Internet.

19. A method according to claim 16, wherein the communication links are cellular and/or PSTM communication links.

20. A method according to claim 1, further comprising providing a Card-Reader for charging the played games utilizing a Playing Card.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the Playing Card is a magnetic-card.

22. A method according to claim 20, wherein the Playing Card is a smart-card. 16551/03 15

23. A method according to claim 20, wherein a credit-card is used as a Playing Card.

24. A method according to claim 20, further comprising authenticating players' identification utilizing information read from the Playing Card and/or players' information input.

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein the players' information includes a password.

26. A method according to claim 20, wherein players' accounts are charged for played games.

27. A method according to claim 26, wherein the players' accounts are accounts opened at, and managed by, the Control Center.

28. A method according to claim 23, wherein players' bank accounts are used for the charging via the Control Center.

29. A method according to claim 16, wherein the played games are downloaded from the Control Center.

30. A method according to claim 16, wherein the played games are stored in the computer.

31. A method according to claim 16, further comprising determining by the player the amount of bet money for a game and the desired bet-prize ratios.

32. A method according to claim 17, further comprising the inviting of other players to join a game to be played via the Slot Machines, transmitting such 16551/03 157420/2 - 16 -invitation to the other Slot Machine directly, or via the Control Center, displaying said invitation to said other player, accepting the invitation and acknowledging it by players wishing to join the game, and playing the game with one or more players over the Data Network.

33. A method according to claim 29, further comprising determining by the Control Center the difficulty level of the game and/or the wining probability according to the desired ratios and/or the bet money.

34. A method according to claim 16, further comprising providing a Card-Writer for recharging Playing-Cars according to the cash money received.

35. A computerized Slot Machine capable of communicating data with a Control Center, comprising: a) a money counter for accepting cash money, whenever required, and determining the exact amount received; b) a touch display for displaying visual outputs and receiving players' inputs; c) a computer linked to said money counter and said touch display, for operating a game session, said computer is adapted to communicate data over a communication link for managing games and charging or crediting player's accounts managed by a control center; and d) a Jackpot for collecting said cash money, and adapted for dispensing amounts of money according to signals received from said computer, whenever not crediting players' account.

36. A computerized Slot Machine according to claim 35, further comprising a cash tray for dispending prize money.

37. A computerized Slot Machine according to claim 35, further comprising a card-reader for reading Playing-Card information. 16551/03 - 17 -

38. A computerized Slot Machine according to claim 35, further comprising a printer for printing checks and/or other information.

39. A computerized Slot Machine according to claim 35, wherein a keypad and/or a pointing device are used for receiving players' inputs, and a regular display is used for displaying visual outputs.

40. A computerized Slot Machine according to claim 35, further comprising a Card- Writer for recharging Playing- Cards.

41. A computerized Slot Machine according to claim 35, further comprising an audio device linked to the computer for playing acoustic outputs.

42. A computerized Slot Machine according to claim 35, wherein the communication is carried out over a Data Network.

43. A computerized Slot Machine according to claim 35, wherein the communication is carried out utilizing cellular and/or PSTN telephony.