JP6678126B2 - Method and apparatus for betting games - Google Patents

Description

  This application is believed to be related to the following US patent applications, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for enablement and description requirements. 11/406783 dated April 18, 2006; 11/403722 dated April 12, 2006; 11/396596 dated April 3, 2006; 11/335253 dated January 18, 2006. No. 11/335210 dated Jan. 18, 2006; 11/334848 dated Jan. 18, 2006; 11/256568 dated Oct. 21, 2005; 11th dated Aug. 24, 2005 No./210482, No. 11/201830 dated August 10, 2005, No. 11/201812 dated August 10, 2005, No. 11/199964 dated August 9, 2005, dated August 9, 2005 No. 11/199835, No. 11/199831 on Aug. 9, 2005, No. 11/190613 on Jul. 26, 2005, 11/172018 dated June 29, 005, 11/171809 dated June 29, 2005, 11/076561 dated March 9, 2005, and 11/063311 dated February 21, 2005. No. 11/032724 on Jan. 10, 2005, No. 11/022394 on Dec. 22, 2004, No. 11/021848 on Dec. 22, 2004, No. 11 on Dec. 21, 2004. No./018978, No. 10/983279 dated Nov. 5, 2004, No. 10 / 96,399 dated Oct. 12, 2004, No. 10/879997 dated Jun. 28, 2004, dated Apr. 29, 2004 No. 10/826999, No. 10 / 835,975, Apr. 29, 2004, No. 10/83, Apr. 29, 2004 No. 958, No. 10/836077 on Apr. 29, 2004, No. 10/835995 on Apr. 29, 2004, No. 10/822484 on Apr. 12, 2004, No. 10 on April 1, 2004. No. 10/816238, No. 10/798106 dated Mar. 10, 2004, No. 10/784353 dated Feb. 23, 2004, No. 10/771221 dated Feb. 3, 2004, Feb. 3, 2004 No. 10/770761, dated Jan. 15, 2004, dated No. 10 / 759,693, dated Oct. 14, 2003, dated No. 10/687302, and dated September 22, 2003, dated No. 10/667923, September 2003. No. 10/667755, dated 22; No. 10/654280, dated September 3, 2003; No. 10/651, dated August 29, 2003. No. 537, No. 10/616779, dated July 10, 2003, No. 10/453768, dated June 3, 2003, No. 10/453761, dated June 3, 2003, and dated April 10, 2003. No. 10/410197, No. 10/404443 on Apr. 2, 2003, No. 10/287332 on Nov. 1, 2002, No. 10/194358 on Jul. 12, 2002, Jul. 12, 2002 Nos. 10/194186, 10/19419 dated July 12, 2002, 10/194018 dated July 12, 2002, 10/193980 dated July 12, 2002, July 2002. No. 10/193977 dated 12th, No. 10/193977 dated July 12, 2002, No. 10/193 dated July 12, 2002 No. 71, No. 10/193817 dated Jul. 12, 2002, No. 09 / 846,025 dated Apr. 30, 2001, No. 9/378327 dated Aug. 20, 1999, and dated Mar. 12, 1999. No. 09/267865.

The following sections IX provide guidance to the interpretation of the present application.
I. the term
The term "article of manufacture" means any combination of machinery, manufacture and / or thing, unless otherwise indicated.
The term "process" means any process, algorithm, method, or the like, unless otherwise indicated.
Each process (even a method, algorithm or other terminology) essentially comprises one or more steps, so that all references to "steps" or "steps" of a process are to " In the mere listing of "process" or similar terminology, it has an essentially preceding description. Accordingly, any reference to "step" or "step (s)" in the process has a sufficient preceding description.
Terms such as "invention" mean "one or more of the inventions disclosed herein" unless otherwise specified.
"One embodiment", "Embodiments", "Embodiments (plural)", "The embodiments", "The embodiments (plural)", "One or more embodiments", "Some embodiments" , “One embodiment”, “one embodiment”, “another embodiment”, and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, “one or more (but not all) implementations of the disclosed invention. Form ".
The term "variation" of the present invention means an embodiment of the present invention unless otherwise specified.
References to “another embodiment” in the description of an embodiment refer to the referenced embodiment in another embodiment (eg, an embodiment described earlier than the referenced embodiment) unless otherwise noted. ) Does not imply that they are mutually exclusive.
The terms “comprising”, “including”, and their variants mean “including but not limited to”, unless stated otherwise.
The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more" unless otherwise specified.
The term "plurality" means "two or more", unless stated otherwise. The term "herein" means "including, in the present application, all which may be incorporated by reference" unless otherwise indicated.
The phrase “at least one”, unless otherwise indicated, when the phrase modifies a plurality (eg, a list of listed ones) means any combination of one or more of these. For example, the phrase "at least one of a widget, a car, and a wheel" means (i) a part, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a part and a car, (v) a part and a wheel, ( vi) means either cars and wheels, or (vii) parts, cars and wheels. The phrase “at least one” does not mean “one of each” of the plural when the phrase modifies the plural.
When terms such as "one", "two", or other numbers are used as a radix to indicate the quantity of an item (e.g., one part, two parts), the quantity indicated by the number term is used. Mean, but not at least, the amount indicated by that numerical term. For example, the term “one part” does not mean “at least one part”, so the term “one part” does not extend to, for example, “two parts”.
The phrase "based on" does not mean "based solely" unless otherwise stated. The phrase "based on" describes both "based only on" and "based at least on." The phrase “at least based on” is equivalent to the phrase “at least partially based”.
The term "represents" and like terms are not exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the term “represents” does not mean “represents only” unless otherwise indicated. In other words, the phrases "the data represents a credit card number" and "the data represents only a credit card number" and "the data represents a credit card number, and the data also represents something else" ].
The term "whereby" is used herein only to precede a section or set of other words that expresses only the intended result, purpose, or consequence of those explicitly listed previously. Used for The term "herey" is used in the claims to refer to the clause or other term to which the term "herey" modifies does not imply any particular further limitation of the claim or otherwise. It also means that no constraint on the meaning or scope of the term is established.
"Example (eg)" and similar terms mean "for example" and does not limit the term or phrase it describes. For example, in the sentence "computer sends data (eg, instructions, data structures) via the Internet", the term "example" may mean that the "instructions" may be sent by the computer via the Internet. It is described that it is an example of "data", and it is also described that "data structure" is an example of "data" that may be transmitted by the computer via the Internet. However, both "instructions" and "data structures" are merely examples of "data", and anything other than "instructions" and "data structures" can be "data".
"Each" and like terms mean "taken independently." Thus, if two or more things have "each" characteristic, then any such thing has its own characteristics, and these characteristics may differ from each other, but need not be. . For example, the phrase "two machines have their respective functions" means that the first machine has a function and the second machine has the same function. The function of the first machine may or may not be the same as the function of the second machine.
"I.e. (ie)" and like terms mean "i.e. (that is)" and thus limits the term or phrase it describes. For example, in the sentence "computer sends data (i.e., instructions) over the Internet", the term "i.e." describes that "instructions" are "data" that the computer sends over the Internet. I do.
Any given numerical range shall include all or part of the numbers within the range. For example, the range “1 to 10” is an integer from 1 to 10 (eg, 1, 2, 3, 4,... 9) and a non-integer (eg, 1.1, 1.2,...). 1.9).
If two or more terms or phrases are synonyms (eg, for an explicit description that the term or phrase is a synonym), an example of one such term / phrase is replaced by another such term / phrase Does not mean that the examples must have different meanings. For example, if a description expresses the meaning of "includes" as a synonym for "includes but does not limit", simply using the phrase "including but not limiting" means that the term "includes" It doesn't mean anything other than "no limit".
II. Decision
The term "determine" and grammatical variants thereof (e.g., determine price, determine value, determine objects that meet certain criteria, etc.) are used in a very broad sense. Because the term "determining" envisages a wide range of actions, "determining" refers to calculating, computing, processing, deriving, examining, examining (e.g., a table, database, or another data structure). Check), confirm, etc. Similarly, “determining” can include receiving (eg, receiving information), accessing (eg, accessing data in a memory) and the like. Similarly, "determining" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing and the like.
The term "determining" does not include certainty or absolute accuracy, so "determining" can include estimating, estimating, predicting, guessing, and the like.
The term "determining" does not include that a mathematical operation must be performed, does not include that a numerical method must be used, and does not imply that an algorithm or process is used.
The term "determining" does not imply that any particular device must be used. For example, a computer need not necessarily make a decision.
III. Style
If the limitation in the first claim extends to a feature and one or more features (eg, a limitation such as "at least one component" extends to one component and one or more components), and In the second claim dependent on the claim, if the second claim uses the definite article "the (e.g.)" (e.g. "the part") to refer to this limitation, Does not imply that one claim covers only one feature, and this does not imply that the second claim covers only one feature (e.g., "the part" means one part and one Can span more than one part).
Ordinal numbers (eg, "first,""second,""third," etc.) are used as adjectives before a term, and the ordinal number (unless otherwise noted) describes a particular feature. It is only used for descriptive purposes, for example, to distinguish that particular feature from another feature described by the same or similar terminology. For example, the “first component” may be named, for example, only for distinction from the “second component”. Thus, simply using the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "part" does not indicate any other relationship between the two parts, and It does not show any feature of either or both. For example, simply using the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "part" means that (1) in order or place, any part may precede any other Does not indicate that it will come later, (2) at time does not indicate that any part will work before or after any other, and (3) any part in importance or quality Does not rank below any other. In addition, simply using ordinal numbers does not define a numerical limit on features identified using ordinal numbers. For example, simply using the ordinal numbers "first" and "second" before the term "part" does not indicate that there must be no more than two parts.
When a single device, article or other product is described herein, one or more devices / articles (whether or not they cooperate) are referred to as a single unit May be used in place of the apparatus / article of the above. Thus, the functionality described as possessed by a device may be possessed by one or more devices / articles (whether or not they cooperate).
Similarly, when one or more devices, articles or other products are described herein (whether or not they cooperate), a single device / article is described One or more devices or articles may be substituted and used instead. For example, a plurality of computer-based devices may be replaced with a single computer device. Thus, a single device / article may alternatively have the various functionality described as possessed by one or more devices or articles.
The functionality and / or features of a single device described may be described by one or more other devices that are described but are not explicitly described as having the functionality and / or feature. Alternatively, it may be embodied. Thus, other embodiments need not include the described devices themselves, but rather comprise one or more other devices that would have the functionality / features in those other embodiments. be able to.
IV. The disclosed examples and terminology are not limiting.
Neither the title of the invention (described at the beginning of page 1 of the present application) nor the abstract (described at the end of the present application) shall be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure in any way. . An abstract is included herein merely because an abstract that does not exceed 150 words is a requirement of 37 CFR 1.72 (b).
The title and section headings of the invention provided in this application are for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure in any way.
Numerous embodiments are described in the present application and are presented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not limiting in any way and are not intended. The invention of this disclosure has broad application to a number of embodiments, as will be readily apparent from the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed invention may be practiced with various modifications and changes, such as structural, logical, software, and electrical modifications. Certain features of the disclosed invention may be described with reference to one or more specific embodiments and / or drawings, wherein such features relate to those described unless otherwise indicated. It should be understood that it is not limited to one or more embodiments or use in the drawings.
No embodiment of a method step or article of manufacture described in this application constitutes an invention claimed herein unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise recited in the claims. , Is not essential to the invention claimed herein and is not in the same scope as the invention claimed herein.
All terms in the claims have the broadest range of meanings that a person skilled in the art would have at the priority date. The terms used in any claim are specifically defined and limited by this application unless otherwise indicated herein or in the claims.
The preamble of the following claims is merely a list of the objects, benefits and possible uses of the claimed invention and does not limit the claimed invention.
The present disclosure does not describe every embodiment of the present invention verbatim. Similarly, this disclosure does not list features of the invention that must be present in all embodiments.
Devices that are described as communicating with each other do not need to communicate with each other on an ongoing basis unless otherwise noted. Conversely, such devices need only transmit to each other, if necessary or desired, and may in fact cease to exchange data most of the time. For example, a machine that communicates with another machine via the Internet may not need to transmit data to another machine for a long time (eg, weeks at a time). In addition, devices that communicate with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate means.
A description of an embodiment with various components or features does not imply that all or even any of the components or features are required. On the contrary, various optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the present invention. Unless otherwise noted, no components / features are essential or necessary.
Although method steps, algorithms and the like may be described or claimed in a particular order, such methods may be configured to operate in different orders. In other words, any order or order in which steps may be explicitly described or claimed does not necessarily indicate a requirement that those steps be performed in that order. The steps of the methods described herein may be performed in any possible order. Furthermore, some steps may be performed simultaneously, even though they are described or meaning as not occurring concurrently (eg, one step is described after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a method by drawing does not imply that the illustrated method is exclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, and that the illustrated method or any step thereof is not intended to be limited to the invention. , And does not imply that the illustrated method is preferred.
A method may be described as including a plurality of steps, but does not imply that all or any of those steps are preferred, essential or necessary. Various other embodiments that fall within the scope of the described invention include other methods that exclude some or all of the described steps. Unless stated otherwise, no steps are necessary or necessary.
Although the methods may be described alone or without reference to other products or methods, in one embodiment, the methods may interact with other products or methods. For example, such an interaction may include linking one business model to another. Such interactions may be provided to enhance the flexibility or desirability of the method.
An article of manufacture may be described as including a plurality of components, aspects, qualities, characteristics and / or features, but does not imply that all or any of the plurality is preferred, essential or necessary. Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention include other products except some or all of the described plurality.
The listing of listed items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that all or any of those items are mutually exclusive, unless otherwise indicated. Similarly, the listing of enumerated items, which may or may not be numbered, does not imply that all or any of those items, unless otherwise stated, encompass any class. For example, the enumerated list "computer, laptop, PDA" does not imply that all or any of the three items in the list are mutually exclusive, and all or any of the three items in the list are not. Does not imply any classification.
The enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that all or any of those items are equivalent to each other or are immediately replaced with each other.
All embodiments are illustrative, and do not imply that the invention or any embodiments were, in some cases, made or implemented.
V. Computing
It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the various methods described herein may be implemented, for example, on a suitably programmed general purpose computer, special purpose computer, and computer computing device. Typically, a processor (eg, one or more microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digital signal processors) receives instructions (eg, from memory or a similar device), executes those instructions, This implements one or more methods defined in the instruction. The instructions may be embodied in, for example, a computer program.
"Processor" means one or more microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, or similar devices, or any combination thereof.
Accordingly, the description of the method is similar to the description of the apparatus for performing the method. The apparatus for performing the method may include, for example, a processor and their input and output devices suitable for performing the method.
Furthermore, programs that implement such methods (as well as other types of data) may be stored and transmitted on various media (e.g., computer readable media) in numerous ways. In some embodiments, hardware-implemented circuits or custom hardware may be used in place of or in combination with some or all software instructions capable of implementing the methods of various embodiments. You may. Therefore, various combinations of software and hardware may be used instead of software alone.
The term "computer-readable medium" refers to any medium, multiple identical, or combination of different media that together provides data (eg, instructions, data structures) that may be read by a computer, processor or similar device. Point to. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media includes dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically makes up main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including wires including the system bus connected to the processor. Transmission media may include or transmit acoustic, light and electromagnetic radiation, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common types of computer readable media include, for example, floppy disk (trademark), flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch card, paper tape, Any other physical medium having a pattern or holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM, flash EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave described later herein, or any other computer readable medium Is mentioned.
Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in transmitting data (e.g., a series of instructions, etc.) to a processor. For example, data may be (i) carried from a RAM to a processor, (ii) transmitted over a wireless transmission medium, (iii) Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP. May be formatted and / or transmitted according to any number of formats, standards or protocols, such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth, and / or TCP / IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G, and / or (iv) known in the art. May be encrypted for privacy protection or fraud prevention in any of the various ways.
Accordingly, the description of a method is similar to the description of a computer-readable medium that stores a program for performing the method. The computer readable medium may store (in any suitable format) program elements suitable for performing the method.
Just as describing the various steps in a method does not imply that all described steps are required, embodiments of the apparatus may describe some (but not necessarily all) of the described methods. 2) including a computer / computer computing device operable to implement.
Similarly, computer program readable medium embodiments that store programs or data structures may be described at run time, as the description of various steps in the methods does not imply that all described steps are required. Computer readable media that stores programs that can cause a processor to perform some, but not necessarily all, of the described methods.
When a database is described, those skilled in the art will recognize that (i) alternative databases to those described may be used immediately, and (ii) other memory structures other than the database may be used immediately. to understand. Any illustration or description of a database as an example presented herein is an illustrative arrangement for expressing that information has been stored. For example, any number of other configurations may be used instead of those presented in tables or the like shown in the drawings or elsewhere. Similarly, any illustrated entries in the database represent only exemplary information, and those skilled in the art will understand that the number and content of the entries may be different from those described herein. Further, regardless of the representation of the database as a table, other formats (including relational databases, object-based models and / or distributed databases) may be used to store and manipulate the types of data described herein. May be used. Similarly, objective methods or operations of the database may be used to implement various methods, such as those described herein. In addition, the database may be stored in a known manner, locally or remotely, from a device accessing data in the database.
Various embodiments can be configured to operate in a networked environment that includes a computer in communication with one or more devices (eg, via a communications network). The computer may be connected to any wired or wireless medium (eg, Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, token ring, telephone line, cable line, radio channel, optical communication line, commercial online service provider, electronic bulletin board system, satellite communication link, May be communicated directly or indirectly with the device. Each device may itself include a computer or other computer computing device, such as an Intel® Pentium® or Centrino® processor, that is connected to communicate with the computer. Any number and type of devices may communicate with the computer.
In one embodiment, a server computer or centralized rationale may not be necessary or desirable. For example, the invention may, in one embodiment, be performed on one or more devices without a central authority. In such embodiments, any functionality described herein as performed by the server computer, or data described as being stored on the server computer, may instead be performed by one or more such devices. And may be stored in it.
Where a method is described, in one embodiment, the method may operate without any user intervention. In another embodiment, the method includes some human intervention (e.g., the steps are performed with or with the assistance of a human).
VI. Continuation application
The present disclosure provides those skilled in the art with an enabling description of various embodiments and / or inventions. Some of these embodiments and / or inventions may not be claimed in this application, but nonetheless may be claimed in one or more continuing applications claiming the benefit of the present application's priority. .
Applicants intend to file additional specifications in order to maintain a patent on subject matter that meets the disclosure and enablement requirements but is not claimed in this application.
VII. US Patent Law Section 112, sixth paragraph
In the claims, a claim limitation that includes the phrase "means for" or "step for doing" means that US Patent Law Section 112, sixth paragraph applies to that limitation.
In the claims, a claim limitation that does not include the words "means for" or "steps to do" indicates whether the limitation enumerates functions without structure, material, or action to perform the function. Irrespective of whether, this means that US Patent Law Section 112, sixth paragraph does not apply to the limitation. For example, in a claim, referring to one or more steps in a claim or in another claim, and simply using the phrase "step (s)" or "step (s) of," It does not mean that Article 112, sixth paragraph applies to that step.
With respect to the means or steps for performing a particular function pursuant to 35 USC 112, sixth paragraph, the corresponding structure, material, or operation described in the specification and its equivalents may be incorporated in that particular function. Similarly, additional functions may be implemented.
Computers, processors, computing devices, and like products are structures that can perform a wide variety of functions. Such a product may operate to perform a particular function by executing one or more programs, such as a program stored in a memory device of the product or a memory device accessed by the product. Can be. Unless otherwise stated, such programs need not be based on any particular algorithm, such as the particular programs that may be disclosed in this application. It is well known to those skilled in the art that certain functions may be implemented via different algorithms, and that any number of different algorithms may be merely a design choice for performing a particular function. .
Thus, with respect to the means or steps for performing a particular function according to 35 USC 112, sixth paragraph, the structure corresponding to the particular function may be any structure programmed to perform that particular function. Products. Such structures include programmed products that perform the function, wherein the product comprises (i) a disclosed algorithm for performing the function, (ii) a disclosed algorithm for performing the function. It does not matter whether it is programmed with a similar algorithm, or (iii) a different algorithm for performing the function.
Where a means for performing a function is enumerated, one structure for performing the method is programmed and / or configured with appropriate hardware for performing the function. Computer device (eg, a general-purpose computer). Similarly, a computer device (eg, a general purpose computer) that is programmed and / or configured with appropriate hardware to perform its functions via other algorithms as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Computer).
VIII. Disclaimer
Numerous references to a particular embodiment are not indicative of disclaimers or disclaimers of additional, different embodiments, as well as references to embodiments which include all of the particular features. It does not represent a disclaimer or disclaimer of embodiments not included. Any explicit disclaimer or disclaimer in this application shall be prefaced by the phrase "does not include" or by the phrase "do not implement."
IX. Incorporation by reference
Any patents or other documents referenced herein are hereby incorporated by reference into this patent application as part of this disclosure, except as set forth in U.S. Pat. Only for the purposes of the enablement requirement under 35 USC 112, first paragraph, this application does not, but rather does not, provide an understandable meaning without such incorporation by reference. While permitting an understandable meaning for the term, no term in this application should be limited, defined, or otherwise interpreted in any way. Thus, those skilled in the art need not be limited in any way by any of the embodiments presented in the references.
The incorporation of any reference, unless otherwise indicated, does not include the endorsement, approval or consent of any declaration, opinion, argument or feature contained in any incorporated patent, patent application or other document.
X. Application history
In interpreting this application (including the claims), whether there are other patent applications that share a priority claim with the present application, regardless of whether there are other patent applications that are deemed relevant to this application Regardless, those skilled in the art should refer to the prosecution history of this application, not the prosecution history of any other application or patent application.

1 illustrates a game system according to at least one embodiment of the system disclosed herein. 1 illustrates a game system according to at least one embodiment of the system disclosed herein. 1 illustrates a game system according to at least one embodiment of the system disclosed herein. 1 illustrates a game system according to at least one embodiment of the system disclosed herein.

XI. Overview of Various Embodiments Referring to FIG. 1, a game system 100 according to at least one embodiment of the system disclosed herein includes a remote computer 118 such as a server computer, a game device 113, or a combination thereof. , At least one computing device, which may be present wholly or partially within the area of the game service provider 120. The game provider 120 may be the owner of the casino, and the gaming system 100 may be physically within the geographic boundaries of the casino. Alternatively, the computing device, such as remote computer 118 and / or gaming device 113, may be remote from the casino. In this manner, the gaming system 100 allows a user to participate in gaming services and access other services described herein from the gaming system 100 or from a location remote and / or mobile to the casino. You may do so.

  A computing device typically includes at least one processor 102 and memory 104 such as ROM, RAM, flash, or any computer-readable medium 106 such as a hard drive, flash drive, optical or magnetic disk. The memory 104 or the computer readable medium 106 preferably includes data that communicates between devices, display interface screens, etc., and contains software that performs one or more steps of the methods described herein at the time of execution. This is stored and included. The computer computing device includes personal identification data such as ID and password, physical biometric data, user continuity data such as behavioral biometric data, proficiency data such as player pattern data, and user name and identification. One to retrieve and store various types of data described herein, including user profile data such as number, address, credit or debit card data, account balances, user preferences, device preferences, etc. It may be accompanied by and have access to the above databases.

  In one embodiment, the system 100 comprises a plurality of computing devices, such as a remote computer 118 connected to at least one gaming device 113 via a communication network 116, which are generally relative to each other and Configured or otherwise performed such that communications can be sent and / or received from / to each other. The term remote in this context simply means that the remote computer 118 and the gaming device are separate from each other. Thus, these devices may be remote, even if located in the same room. As such, gaming device 113 is preferably configured or otherwise configured to be able to send and / or receive communications to and / or from remote computer 118. This may also be achieved using communication elements 124, such as modems, Ethernet interfaces, transmitters / receivers, etc., that enable communication with a similarly equipped remote computer 118, wirelessly, wired, or a combination thereof. Good. It is understood that the respective functionality described herein is not limited to any one implementation described herein, as it may be provided by the remote computer 118, by the gaming device 113, or by both. I want to be.

  The gaming device 113 may include, without limitation, any particular or mobile phone, PDA, pocket PC, personal computer, and slot machine, video poker machine, table games such as video or computer version roulette, blackjack, etc. A general purpose game device may be provided. As such, the gaming device 113 preferably includes a processor 122, a memory 123, a display 125, such as a CRT or LCD monitor, for displaying information and / or images associated with services provided by the gaming system 100, and A mouse, a touch-sensitive pad, a pointer, a stylus, a trackball, buttons such as alphanumeric characters, a scroll wheel, a touch-sensitive monitor, etc., for a user to input commands and / or information relating to a game system service. At least one input device such as a combination is provided. A general purpose gaming device 113, such as a PC or PDA, allows a user to use, for example, a browser or any other general purpose application, or to access and provide services described herein. The services provided by the gaming system 100, such as the remote computer 118, may be accessed using specially designed special purpose software.

  In at least one embodiment, gaming device 113 comprises or is otherwise associated with at least one biometric sensor 120. The biometric sensor 120 is used to directly determine at least one item of biometric data associated with the user from the user, such as a fingerprint reader, iris scanner, retinal scanner, blood vessel pattern reader, face recognition camera, and the like. Any device. Biometric sensor 120 may be embodied in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. The biometric sensor 120 may further share resources with other components of the game device 113 such as the processor 122, the memory 123, the camera, the microphone, and the speaker. A single biometric sensor 120 may be used to read one or more types of biometric data. For example, a digital camera may be used to obtain an image of the user's eyes for iris scanning and an image of the user's face for face recognition. In this example, a single image capture of the user's face may provide data for face recognition, as well as data for iris or retina comparison. The biometric data is typically acquired using the biometric sensor 120 and provides at least the user with an entry to allow the user access to services provided using the gaming device 113 and / or the remote computer 118. Used to verify the identity. In this regard, the biometric data may be compared to previously acquired / stored physical biometric data, preferably authenticated as associated with a particular authorized user, and Access to the game system may be provided based on a strategic match.

  In addition to the physical biometry described above, biometric sensor 120 also acquires behavioral biometric data, such as blood pressure, heart rate or pulse rate, body temperature data, speech, handwritten characters, keystrokes, body movements, etc. May be. To determine if there has been a change in the user, or at any time after the user's identity, after initial verification of physical biometric data, or ID and password, etc., at the user's proficiency at any time The behavioral biometric data may be analyzed to prove if there were any interruptions. For example, the user may be identified using a fingerprint reader, such as when the game device 113 is disconnected for a predetermined period of time, or when the game device 113 is moved out of the approved game area, or the like. Until some predetermined event, subsequent access to the services provided by gaming system 100 may be provided. If the behavioral data collected subsequent to the personal authentication data determines that there may have been a change in the user of the device, the gaming system 100 may then use the device to perform a behavioral The biometric data may be monitored and the user may be prompted to enter physical biometric data or other personal authentication data. For example, a user's heart rate or temperature may be monitored following an initial personal identification, for example, 5 seconds, to determine if there is any change in data flow, such as in a continuous data reading. Sudden changes in heart rate or body temperature in either a relatively short period of time (either decreasing or increasing), such as interruptions in data such as invalid readings for one or more consecutive data readings, or a combination thereof, etc. It may be due to a change in the user.

  The collected behavioral biometric data may be analyzed for any recognizable pattern that may indicate a change in the user. For a specific individual or a specific group of individuals, for example, historical data such as data collected prior to the initial or previous personal authentication data or, for example, data collected prior to the initial or previous personal authentication data. Based on the biometric data, the collected data may be analyzed without reference to previously collected data. For example, a reading of a heart rate that is either higher or lower than an average heart rate calculated based on historical data for authorized users can trigger system 100 to provide a user ID, password, or physical It may be a trigger for inputting personal authentication data such as biometric data to an authenticated user. Prior to an interruption in the data stream, a heart rate following an invalid reading in the data stream, either above or below a certain heart rate, may also be a trigger to enter personal identification data. Is also good. Similarly, different peak heart rates that are excited for a general or specific gaming system, such as when a user places a bet, wins or loses a bet, may also cause the user to use the services of the system 100. In order to keep doing so, it may be a trigger for inputting personal authentication data. For example, biometric data for establishing a data flow may be repeatedly and continuously acquired, such as every second, every minute, or the like.

  Pattern recognition may be applied to user proficiency other than behavioral biometric data, including data indicating the user's proficiency with the system and / or services provided by the system. For example, the system tracks a user's keystroke speed for a particular service, such as a general or game, and the keystroke speed of the user after personal authentication is obtained within a post-certification betting session; Alternatively, it may be determined whether the acquired data is different from the data acquired prior to the certification. Other proficiency data may be tracked to determine if the user of the system 100 has changed, such as the speed at which the user navigates through the menu, the incorrect selection of a menu or menu item, and the like. Keystroke data or events, such as wins or losses, may be mapped as a measure to reduce false positives as a result of different keystroke speeds, which may be due to user strain. In any case, based on the collected proficiency data, based on the determination that a change may have occurred in the user, an input instruction for personal authentication data may be similarly triggered.

  The game system 100 also tracks the user's play pattern and prompts the user for personal authentication data based on game commands or requests that deviate or do not match the play pattern associated with the user. Alternatively, the user's proficiency may be proved. For example, if a user has a pattern that has never bet more than $ 100 on any particular game, then the user may have more than $ 500 or the highest bet, such as 5% or more of the highest bet. When making a significant amount of a bet beyond the bet, the system 100 may prompt the user for personal authentication data, such as physical biometric data. Similarly, the system 100 may track the user's response to winning or losing, and prompt the user for personal authentication data regarding any deviation therefrom. For example, a user may establish a pattern of placing a higher bet on each win and a lower bet on a loss. The system 100 compares previously acquired play pattern data with the currently playing pattern data, and when determining that the betting pattern deviates for a particular authenticated user, the system 100 The user may be instructed to input personal authentication data before continuing to permit access to the service provided by. Continuity may also be tracked using an authentication device described below.

  The system 100 may include behavioral biometrics, proficiency, play patterns, and any other type of data that can be obtained from the user for a sufficient amount of time to collect the comparative data set described above. The user's continuity data. The amount of data in the comparison data set generally varies based on the type of data and the desired sample for comparison. The data needed for comparison in determining whether there may have been a user change based on changes during continuous data reading, e.g., when there was an interruption in data flow. The amount generally includes two consecutive readings, that is, the second reading after the first reading needs to have a substantial value, such as an increase or decrease of 5% or more. I do. Similarly, when the comparison is based on historical data, the amount of data required for the comparison may be the first amount at the time of classifying the data into historical data, for example, prior to current physical biometric personal identification at the time. Including at least two non-consecutive readings, a reading and a second more recent reading having a substantial increase or decrease from the first reading, such as after a current physical biometric personal identification at that time. . It should be noted that, in some instances, the larger the data set, the more likely the input of additional data (false positives) will be, or the less likely the error will be. For example, comparing the current reading to five previous readings may result in fewer false positives in that the average tends to reduce the effect of noise in the data set for comparison. . Alternatively or additionally, the system 100 may filter noise from the data set for comparison. The system 100 may include, for example, readings of temperatures below 32.2 ° C. (90 ° F.) and above 43.3 ° C. (110 ° F.), heart rates below 40 per minute and over 180 per minute. The data that is not so may be filtered.

  In one embodiment, the system 100 may prompt the user for personal authentication data based at least on a configurable level of confidence associated with the comparison. The level of reliability may be set, for example, by a system administrator or a user. The level of reliability can be adjusted by adjusting variables that are factors in reliability or the probability of false positives or false negatives, and in some cases, for comparison, such as differences between data that triggers input instructions for personal authentication data. May be set in any manner, including the amount of data in the dataset used for filtering, the filter used to filter noise from the dataset for comparison, and the like.

  In one embodiment, the system 100 tracks false positive data and uses it to adjust variables associated with the dataset, dataset filters, differences between the data that triggers input instructions, and the like, And / or may be used as an algorithm used as a trigger of an input instruction for personal authentication data. False positive data generally includes a positive proof of the user's identity in response to an input instruction for personal authentication data after one trigger. Data indicating false positives may further include the amount of time between the input instruction and the positive proof, or the user returning positive to the authenticated user, including data that is considered suspicious and returning to the authenticated user. May also include any other data indicating that the data belongs to a change in

  Data that results in false positives will prompt the user to enter personal authentication data, but will also be input to the neural network to adjust variables associated with the dataset, dataset filters, algorithms, etc. accordingly. Is also good. Similarly, data indicating true positives may also be input to the neural network. The neural network may be trained using supervised, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning techniques or a combination thereof. Through supervised techniques, the neural network is provided with a set of example pairs, such as data readings, reading the data is indicated as false positives or true positives, and the neural network provides a mapping where the data has meaning. Infer. When data is fed to the neural network by an unsupervised technique, the neural network maps the data based on statistical models, filtering, blind source separation, clustering, etc., without the aid of false positive or true positive indications. Derive. With reinforcement learning, data is typically derived from the interaction of the system with the observations made thereby. In addition to the data that results in false positives, in some cases, the size of the data set is adjusted to achieve the desired reliability, such as 85% or more accuracy, the value of the data set filter, Any data described herein may be provided to the neural network to change the difference between the different readings. Alternatively or additionally, the resulting false positive data may be input to a support vector machine, which uses supervised learning techniques to classify the data. Image-type data may also be pre-processed prior to its introduction into a neural network or a support vector machine to generate an abstract representation of the image that is smaller in size than the image data. The pre-processing may be performed using a statistical technique such as a linear discriminant analysis.

  The system 100 may detect various types of errors, and may further classify the types of errors into one of a plurality of categories, such as type I errors, type II errors, and the like. This classification may be derived based on the severity of the error or any other characteristic framework. For example, incorrect personal authentication with physical biometric data may be classified as a Type I error, which has a higher specific gravity than behavioral biometric data that is classified as a Type II error. The manner in which the system 100 reacts to errors may depend on the class. In this regard, the system 100 may operate in favor of a class of errors, and may react positively or expediently based on the error classification. For example, the system may block all access with Type I errors, while continuing to provide access to Type II errors until a tolerance is reached. For example, continuous access may be provided until a certain number of Type II errors are registered, such as three or more Type II errors. In this regard, it is advantageous to allow game play rather than eliminate in type II errors compared to type I errors. Classifications and thresholds may be configurable by an administrator or user. In addition, the user may be restricted to only configuring certain error classifications and thresholds to be more stringent. For example, a user may be limited to only adding default type II errors to a class of type I errors with a more aggressive response than type II errors. Similarly, the user setting for the threshold may be limited to only decreasing the threshold, for example, to two instead of three Type II errors before the access is blocked. All user settings may be stored in a user profile in one or more databases associated with the gaming system 100. The threshold and / or classification may be location-specific. For example, thresholds for certain types of errors during periods within a hotel restaurant may be reduced for users involved in other activities, such as dining.

  The game system 100 includes, for example, card games; slot machine games; craps; other casino games; table games such as poker, craps, roulette, blackjack, and baccarat; the wheel of fortune games; Access to a variety of key services, including one or more of a plurality of different types of games, such as betting on sports; horse racing, dog or car racing; hi-alai; lottery games, including video versions of scratch betting. May be provided to the user. The system 100 includes sporting events and athletics, including football, basketball, baseball, golf, etc., and specific financial market movements, stock indices or real estate backed securities, political elections, entertainment industry awards, movie market research, weather Game play may be provided based on results from any type of event, such as a non-sports event such as an event. The supply of these games may or may not involve wagering, and may involve simulated wagering using points that may be traded as prizes. Gaming system 100 may also provide non-gaming services on gaming device 113, such as audio and video entertainment, news, messaging, phone calls, IP phones, and the like.

  Gaming system 100 may include any local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet, telephone line network (POTS), mobile, wireless network including WiFi and WiMax, or a combination of wired and / or wireless networks. May be implemented via a communication network 116 of the type Communication network 116 may be wholly independent of the Internet. System 100 may alternatively limit the information sent over the Internet to those with little or no security risk, or to be encrypted.

  As described above, gaming system 100 may, in some embodiments, allow a user to access services provided by the system from one or more of a plurality of remote locations. The system 100 may also allow a user to access the services of the system 100 by the device 113 during a mobile or temporary stay. For example, the game system 100 may allow the user to provide a service at an arbitrary location in the service area 148, such as near a hotel. The service area 148 may be further divided into a plurality of sub-areas 140, 146, such as a hotel casino for a general occupation area such as a lobby, pool, gym, and the like. The service area 148 includes, in a broad sense, any place within the communication capability range of the system. Accordingly, service area 148 for services provided over the Internet includes any location that has access to the Internet. Similarly, the service area 148 for services provided by wireless communication includes any location within the transmission range of the transmitter and / or the reception range of the receiver. The service area 148 may be artificially restricted by system providers and / or users within certain geographic boundaries. For example, the system provider may limit the service area into one or more states, cities, municipalities, hotels within a city or municipality, an area within a hotel such as a casino area, or a combination thereof. Accordingly, the system 100 may provide the user with services within a discrete area 140, as shown in FIG. 1, and the service provider may provide a service to one state, such as Nevada, USA, and Atlantic, New Jersey, USA. Provide services in one or more cities or in one or more arbitrary hotels in the city. User-defined location access restrictions may be stored in a user profile in a database associated with system 100.

  Thus, in one embodiment, the system 100 has a location proof feature, further details of which are described below. The location proof feature is used to allow or block a user from accessing services provided by system 100 based on a particular location, such as gaming device 113. For example, if it is determined that the location of the game device 113 is within a predetermined area 140, such as within the hotel area disclosed herein, the service may be enabled, or the device 113 may If you move to a place outside the, you may invalidate. The location proof feature may also be used to disable less than all of the services of the gaming system 100 based on the location of the device 113. For example, the system 100 may restrict betting games to areas where the games are legally permitted, such as hotel casinos, while providing non-bet services, such as messaging, It may be valid regardless of the location of the device 113. Similarly, certain services may be enabled or disabled by the provider and / or user based on the location of the device. For example, a user may be able to disable non-bet services, such as messaging, while in a betting area, such as a casino, and / or during certain events, such as when the user is playing a game. Good. The above classification and threshold restrictions may allow the user to specify only stricter service restrictions, thereby overriding certain restrictions imposed by the service provider. For example, a user may be unable to enable a betting game in an area where this type of game has been disabled by a service provider. User-defined service restrictions may be stored in a user profile in a database associated with system 100.

  In one embodiment, gaming system 100 provides service in at least two areas 140, 146, each having a different monitoring level than the other. The monitoring level may be quantified based on whether the authenticated user is actually using the gaming system 100 or any manner of indicating validity in determining that the gaming system 100 is being used properly. . The level may be established based on the number of measurements implemented in this regard. For example, the monitoring level for an area using face recognition and human monitoring may be considered higher than an area using only fingerprint scanning. Alternatively or additionally, certain measurements may be given a higher specific gravity, for example, based on the reliability of the measurements. For example, a fingerprint scan may have higher reliability or accuracy in identifying a user than an iris scan. The specific gravity in a particular measurement may be independent of its reliability, or may simply be based on subjective beliefs in that measurement relative to other measurements, such as a user or service provider. The monitoring level may have a designation that indicates overall effectiveness and / or reliability. For example, the level of the area may be classified as A, B, C,..., Z; low, medium, high, or I type, II type, III type,. The monitoring levels may also be distinguished using finer designations, such as 0% to 100% in 1, 0.1, 0.01 increments.

  In one embodiment, the system 100 provides monitoring-level access to an area where the gaming system 100 is accessed, such as from the location of the gaming device 113. That is, monitoring-based access may allow access to one or more services if there is a sufficient level of monitoring defined by either the system provider and / or the user. In this regard, monitoring-based access may be implemented in any one of a number of ways. The system may, for example, provide a wagering-type gaming service only if the level of security associated with the access area meets a minimum level. For example, the user may use the system 100 to restrict betting games to an area that does not fall below a Type I monitoring level, such as a casino. Accordingly, betting games are disabled in areas below or below the Type II monitoring level, such as, for example, common areas of hotels such as pools and hotel lobbies, and non-shared areas such as hotel rooms.

  In one embodiment, the system 100 supplements the monitoring level with the monitoring measurements available with the system 100 to achieve the desired monitoring level. Further to the previous example, system 100 may increase the monitoring level of the Type II area to Type I for betting games by prompting the user for personal authentication data, and / or This type of mixed-area and additional monitoring levels for the Type II area, sufficient to classify the monitoring measurements of the device as Type I or better, to collect user proficiency data with this instruction. You may. Thus, the system 100 requests biometric data from the device in areas of lower surveillance, such as hotel courtyards, while providing biometric data to services in areas of higher surveillance, such as casinos, without biometric data. Access may be granted to the user. Monitoring based on access restrictions may be stored in a user profile in a database associated with system 100.

  As can be considered from the present disclosure, the system 100 provides different types of physical biometric data, behavioral biometric data, proficiency data, play pattern data, etc., for personal authentication for each authenticated user. May be held. The system 100 preferably identifies the user before granting the user access to at least one of the services provided using the system. In this regard, the system allows the user to submit at least one item of personal authentication data, such as a combination of an ID and a password, or any one of the items of physical biometric data described herein. May be requested. The system may further request from the user at least one additional item of personal authentication data for accessing the system. In this regard, the system retains at least one item of redundant proof data. The requirement for additional proof data may be implemented in some examples, but is not limited to all. For example, additional proof data may be required in certain areas of the hotel, such as in surveillance or untrusted locations as described above. In these areas, the system 100 may allow the user to access the system services before the first and second of the proof data, such as facial images, iris scans, retinal scans, fingerprint scans, blood vessel pattern scans and / or the like. The user may be instructed to input the second item. The monitoring level or reliability associated with each of the measurements may be added to achieve the desired monitoring level or reliability as described above.

  The user generally has access to any aspect of the services provided by the system 100 or any other customizable aspect of the system 100, including classification and threshold settings, and access restrictions based on services, location, and monitoring. May be customized. In some examples, the customization generally instructs the user to change the security level to a level based on the user's comfort level and / or location where the service is accessed, such as higher than a minimum set by the service provider. To give permission. For example, if the user only intends to access the gaming system 100 at a particular casino, for example, the gaming device 113, the user may have access to the gaming device outside of a particular casino site, such as another casino. Whenever possible, the system 100 may be configured to request biometric data. This feature may be used to prevent a situation in which a thief steals the gaming device 113 and attempts to access another casino. The services may be customized independently for each device 113 or for a group of devices.

  System 100 may further be configured to encrypt data, such as physical biometric data, prior to communication from gaming device 113 to remote computer 118 over network 116 for authentication. In one embodiment, this may be achieved using a one-way encryption algorithm, e.g., encrypting personal authentication data, and in some examples, having a length from the image data, such as 100 or more. Generate an alphanumeric string. The string may then be communicated to the remote computer 118 for authentication, which is compared to the data in the user's profile. The remote computer 118 preferably does not store any personal authentication data in a raw, ie, unencrypted, form. Rather, the remote computer stores the encrypted string for verification. Thus, matching of the stored string with the string communicated from the device for personal authentication is performed within a configurable tolerance to the user's access to one or more of the services provided by system 100. Is effective. The gaming device 113 may also determine that the raw and / or encrypted personal authentication data is not permanently stored and / or that the data is successfully transmitted to the remote computer 118 after verification. Alternatively, the data may be periodically deleted at any time when the data is no longer needed for immediate certification. Therefore, in this example, the game apparatus 113 is required to acquire and / or encrypt the personal authentication data every time there is an input instruction for the data again.

  System 100 may similarly disable access to it using a hardware checking mechanism. That is, the device 113 may include the reader 150 that acquires information from the corresponding authentication device 155. The authentication device 155 may be a smart card, a bracelet or a wristband, including a card with a magnetic strip, such as a credit card, a key with an RFID transponder, a finite distance signal transmitter or other transponder, a signal transmitter, such as an RFID signal transmitter. Or any article for storing information, such as one containing a magnetically encoded signal, a substrate with a barcode or other optically readable identifier, or any combination thereof. . Reader 150 may be a magnetic strip reader, an RF or infrared receiver, an optical scanner, or the like.

  Accordingly, the game device 113 may be able to detect a signal from the authentication device 155, and the system 100 may enable access to the system based on the signal from the authentication device 155. Similarly, in order to continuously detect the signal from the authentication device 155, the receiving game device 113 may be conditioned on continued access. The signal generated by the authentication device 155 may additionally or alternatively include information stored on the device 155, such as personal authentication data or any other data that may be used as a key to system access. Good. In one embodiment, the authentication device 155 comprises a token derived from biometric data of the authenticated user, such as an alphanumeric string derived from the biometric of the user. The system 100 may then provide access based on a comparison of the alphanumeric characters derived from the reading of the biometric sensor with a string stored on the authenticator. Alternatively or additionally, the character string stored in the authentication device 155 may be used to authenticate the user without using other personal authentication data. That is, a higher specific gravity may be given to the data of the authentication device, and the data may be used as primary data for personal authentication.

  It should be understood that all or some of the data described herein may be stored in the authentication device 155 and may be used as a basis for comparison with data obtained for personal authentication. is there. For example, device 155 may include physical biometric data, such as fingerprint data, which is compared to the received fingerprint data for immediate personal authentication. Similarly, the data used for the comparison may be limited to be stored in an area only under the control of the user, such as an area other than the authentication device 155 and / or the game device 113. Therefore, the verification may be performed locally between the game apparatus 113 and the authentication apparatus 155 without using the transfer of the personal authentication data to the remote computer 118 for this purpose. Alternatively or additionally, verification may be performed between the remote computer 118 and the authentication device 155.

  The functionality disclosed herein may be provided using software provided on both the game communication device 113 and the remote computer 118. The software provided in the game communication device 113 is preferably operable to provide information corresponding to system services, including wagering and games to other types of users. This information may be associated with services such as, for example, one or more interface screens, windows, and / or message boxes, menus, icons, buttons, selectable areas, hyperlinks, etc., having a representation of selectable options associated with the service. Includes, but is not limited to, image and / or textual representations of the object. The gaming device software is also preferably operable to receive data from the remote computer 118 and data input by the user. The software provided on the remote computer 118 preferably exchanges data with the gaming device 118, accesses additional computers and data storage devices, and provides general back-end functionality for the services described herein, as well as general information about the gaming system. All functions can be implemented, including common ones.

  The data described herein as being transferred or used on various devices of the gaming system 100 may be in any format that is necessary or suitable for the services provided to the user. This information may be transmitted, in whole or in fragments, according to any format, including digital or analog, text or voice, and any transfer technology, including wired or wireless technology. Wireless technologies may include licensing or licensing exempt technologies. Some specific methods that may be used include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Pan-European Digital Mobile Telephony (GSM), General Packet Radio System (GPRS), WiFi (802.11x). , WiMax (802.16x), Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Integrated Services Digital Network Services (ISDN), or cable modem technology. These are examples only, and one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other types of communication technologies are within the scope of the invention. It is further understood that additional components may be used for information communication between the user and the game server. Such additional components include physical communication lines, wireless communication paths, antennas, switches, cables, transmitters, receivers, computers, routers, servers, fiber optic transmitters, repeaters, amplifiers, etc. Not limited.

  In at least one embodiment, some or all of the data communication may occur over the Internet or without Internet involvement. In some embodiments, a portion of the information may be transmitted over the Internet, while another portion of the information is communicated over a more secure network. For example, an image file depicting a roulette table such as a gif or jpg format file may be communicated via the Internet, while game information such as a roulette wheel rotation result is communicated in a parallel network. They are grouped together on the game device 113 for display together in a single interface screen. In addition to security considerations, which of the plurality of networks will handle the split data may be based on the bandwidth of the network. Thus, larger image files may be sent to device 113 via the WiMax network, while smaller data files are sent via the cellular network.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the communication network 116 may be a mobile phone network 222. The mobile telephone network 222 includes a plurality of base stations 223, each of which has a corresponding coverage area 225. A base station may have overlapping service areas. Further, the service area may or may not be sectorized. In a mobile phone network, the gaming device 113 is typically a mobile station 224, such as a mobile phone, which may be temporary in the network. The mobile station 224 wirelessly communicates with the base station 223 via a high-frequency signal. Base station 223 typically communicates with, for example, remote computer 118 via terrestrial lines such as POTS, T1-T3, ISDN, and the like. Each base station is preferably programmed to transmit and receive speech and / or to perform round-trip data transfer with the mobile station. The game apparatus 113 may be connected to a remote computer 118 by a carrier of a mobile phone of a brand. The mobile station 224 is preferably pre-programmed with carrier authentication software to establish a connection with the cellular telephone network.

  In one embodiment, the location proof feature for determining the location of the gaming device 113 does so in relation to the location of at least one base station of the cellular network. That is, the system 100 determines the location of the gaming device 113 based on the location of one or more base stations and the distance and / or direction (azimuth) of the device 113 from at least one base station. The distance may be determined based on the strength of the transmission signal received from game device 113. That is, the transmitter of the game system device communicates with a fixed transmission power output. The attenuation of the transmitted signal is generally a function of the distance between the transmitter and the receiver. Thus, the power of the signal received from the device 113 may be measured by the base station and determined, for example, by calculation or by reference to a database or table that maps distances to signal strength. The direction may be determined based on the azimuth of the antenna receiving the signal from device 113. Alternatively, or in addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the direction may be based on the distance of the device 113 from a plurality of base stations 223, such as two or three, using techniques such as triangulation, multilateration, etc. May be used to determine. The determination of the location of the game device 113 based on the power level of the signal received from the game device is not limited to the mobile phone network. Rather, the method is generally applicable to all types of wireless networks, including satellite, WiFi, GPS, LORAN, RFID, etc., and if the location of the base station is known, the base station The location of the device 113 may be derived based on the distance from.

  Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the location proof feature may be implemented using geo-fencing. That is, the location-based access disclosed herein is based on the coverage of a base station in a wireless communication network. For example, the game system 100 may communicate with a plurality of game devices 354, 355, and 356. Device 354 is shown to be located outside of the gaming jurisdiction or area 358. Devices 355 and 356 are both located inside game area 58. However, only device 356 is located within a sub-area or geo-fence 357 defined by the perimeter of the service area of base stations 353. Accordingly, the geofence enables access to device 356, but may be used to disable service for devices 354 and 355. Some gaming devices, such as device 355, may be within area 358, and these devices should not be allowed to access gaming system 100 based on its location with respect to geofence 357. The base station may be a mobile phone base station as described above, or a base station with a relatively short range, such as a WiFi or RFID transmitter / receiver located on a hotel premises. Short-range base stations may be set up in a grid-like service area, such as on the ceiling of equipment, with sufficient spacing to determine the location of the device.

  The location proof may be implemented using multiple, as well as non-overlapping geofences. For example, the geofence 361 may be defined in a smaller area than all the base stations in the network, such as the base station 360 including all the base stations in the casino. Geofence 360 may be a subset of geofence 357 and may be exclusive from area 357, which may include all base stations in the hotel. In any case, location-based access, such as classification, thresholds, services, monitoring, etc., may be geofence specific. Geofencing may also be combined with triangulation and / or location proofing techniques to determine a particular location of a device within the geofence. For example, the location of device 356 may be determined based on triangulation of three base stations 353.

  Alternatively or additionally, device 113 may include a global positioning satellite (GPS) chip that determines the location of the device based on signals received from GPS satellites. The GPS chip may operate alone, and in this example, the GPS chip may combine the GPS location data with the processor 122 and / or the communication element 124, or other components together with a single computer Transmit to other components of the device, such as part of a chip.

  The location proof feature may generally be implemented using one element, the location proof element, which may include any of these, such as gaming device 113, remote computer 118, a base station or multiple base stations, or the like. Or a combination thereof. The location proof element may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof, and generally determines the location of the gaming device 113.

  In connection with any of the location determination methods, the gaming system 100 may periodically update the location determination information. For example, during a game session, during a predetermined time interval for confirming that the movement of the game apparatus 113 to an unauthenticated area is detected during the game session, not immediately after login or during the initial access, but during the game session. May be performed.

  Referring to FIG. 4, a method according to at least one embodiment of the method disclosed herein begins at 402 with initializing the gaming device 113. The initialization depends on the type of the game device 113. For example, the initialization may be simply turning on the power of the device 113 or executing a browser application or special-purpose software. In one embodiment, the initialization includes communicating an initialization message from device 113 to system 100, such as, for example, remote computer 118. The initialization message is generally interpreted by system 100 as the first request for access. The initialization message may include therein information identifying the device and / or the user, such as, for example, a unique device identification number for an initial access decision. The unique device identification number may be a serial number, a mobile phone number, an IP address, or the like.

  In one embodiment, the system 100 displays, at 404, a first interface screen in response to the initialization, such as in response to an initialization message. The first interface screen may be stored locally on device 113 or may be communicated to device 113 via network 116 for display. The nature of the first interface screen changes depending on the situation. For example, if device 113 cannot establish a link with remote computer 118, the first interface screen may include a message indicating so. Alternatively, upon successfully establishing the required connection, the first interface screen may include at least a text box or the like for the user to enter an ID, password, or a combination thereof for logging into the system 100. May contain one form element. The ID and / or password may generally be used as a first level of personal authentication to provide certain customized services to the user. Alternatively or additionally, the customized service may be device specific, and in this example, the device identification number is used to distinguish a particular device 113 from all other devices in the system. You may.

  If it is determined at 408 that the user is new and / or the device is not activated, the user and system are registered at 140 and activated for service, respectively. In one embodiment, the user at 412 receives physical biometric data, such as an ID and password, a name, an identification number, an address, a credit card number, a fingerprint scan, an iris scan, a retinal scan, a blood vessel pattern scan, and a facial image. It is registered by receiving the personal authentication data of. The personal authentication data may be authenticated by a third-party provider, such as a vehicle department, a credit rating agency, or the like. At 414, user preference information, such as error classifications and thresholds, location access restrictions, service restrictions, monitoring restrictions, and other related preference information, may also be received. At 416, the personal authentication data may be encrypted and stored by remote computer 118 or authentication device 155, as described above, and at 417 device 113 may be activated for service. Once all requirements and / or desired information has been obtained, at 430, an interface screen for the appropriate service type is displayed.

  If it is determined at 408 that the user and / or the device 113 are not new and not activated, respectively, in one embodiment, the system 100 determines the location of the device 113 at 406. The location of the device 113 is determined in various ways, as described above. In one embodiment, the location of device 113 is determined based on the location of at least one base station with which device 113 communicates wirelessly. The base station may be a base station in a cellular network, a WiFi router, an RFID transponder, or the like. The location of device 113 may simply be a confirmation that device 113 is communicating with at least one base station whose location is known. In this way, it can be determined from this that the device is within the area defined by the communication range of at least one base station. Additionally or alternatively, the location of the device 113 may be determined further based on the distance and direction of the device 113 from one or more base stations, for example, based on signal power received from a device transmitter, or the like. Determining the location of the device may also be accomplished using GPS technology. In any example, the location of device 113 may be communicated and / or received by system 10 for use in providing services, as described herein. The location may be, for example, coordinates such as latitude and longitude, a base station communicating with the device, such as a hotel for a base station in a casino, a hotel, a geofence area without a bet for a base station with a bet, etc. May be specified from the viewpoint of the classification of the base station with which the communication is performed.

  In one embodiment, the system 100 determines, at 418, a monitoring level associated with the location of the device 113. This may be achieved, for example, by referencing a monitoring level in a table that includes monitoring level data that is mapped to a location within the service area of the system 100. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring level may be calculated in real time based on monitoring measurements of the location at that time.

  In one embodiment, the system 100 may prompt the user for personal authentication data, such as physical biometric data, based on the monitoring level associated with the location and / or location of the device 113. In this example, the system 100 implements a monitoring scheme based thereon. That is, the particular type and quality of personal authentication data required to access the services of system 100 is based on the location and / or the level of monitoring associated with the location. For example, in a casino area, the system 100 may not require any physical biometric credentials for access, while a non-casino area may include at least one item of physical biometric data. May be required. Similarly, personal identification of certain common areas outside the casino may further require a second redundant item of physical biometric data. In the context of a surveillance level, an area with type I surveillance may not require a physical biometric certificate, while an area with type II surveillance may include at least one physical biometric data. Items may be required, and areas with Type III monitoring may require at least one redundant item of physical biometric data. As described above, the system 100 may implement a scheme of attestation to achieve a target monitoring level. That is, the system 100 may determine the level of monitoring of the location of the device and may require personal authentication to the extent necessary to meet or exceed the target level. For example, at least one item of redundant proof data needs to be upgraded from type II to target type I. Similarly, at least two items of redundant proof data need to be upgraded from type III to target type I.

  Then, at 422, the personal authentication data may be compared to previously stored data, such as remote computer 118 and / or authentication device 155. At 424, if the personal authentication fails, the system 100 may prompt the user for re-entry or additional data. If so, the system 100 determines at 426 if there is a location-based service restriction and determines 428 the applicable user preferences associated therewith. That is, the system 100 determines which of a plurality of available services the user is provided with access to based on the location of the device and / or the monitoring level associated with the location. For example, system 100 may provide access to all services in the casino, such as betting, entertainment, news, messaging, telephone, IP phone, etc. when device 113 is in the casino. Similarly, access to all services other than wagering may be provided in all areas. At this point, the system 100 blocks access to betting services in certain areas, such as areas outside the casino.

  After personal authentication, an interface screen appropriate for a service may be displayed for the user at device 113. That is, the interface screen displayed to the user internally includes selectable options for accessing the activated service. Services that are not activated are preferably blacked out. For example, the interface screen includes menu items, icons, hyperlinks, selectable text and images, etc. for each enabled service for which, when selected, the associated interface screen is displayed. As described above, the system 100 may provide the user with access to, for example, a video version of a table game such as poker. In this example, the associated interface screen may include images for video poker, including game card images, betting selections, and the like. The interface screen is preferably selected for entering other services and / or game and betting commands, such as hit, stay, hold, draw, bet, bet up, bet down, double down, etc. Includes selectable elements for operating through the service environment, such as access to possible elements.

  In one embodiment, the system 100 obtains data to determine if there has been a change in the user since a previous personal authentication. As described above, changes in the user may include, for example, blood pressure, heart rate or pulse rate, body temperature data, speech, handwritten characters, keystrokes, behavioral biometric data such as body movements, keystroke speed, menu items or The speed of icon selection may be determined based on various types of data, such as player pattern data such as the size and speed of game commands and betting commands, and other skill level data. If it is determined at 434 that there may have been a change of the user from the previous personal authentication, the system 100 may prompt the user at 436 for personal authentication data, based on the error classification and the threshold. And the personal authentication may be repeated. The system 100 preferably determines, at 438, if there is a change in the location of the device 113 and adjusts / enables the service accordingly.

  While the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, those of ordinary skill in the art will, upon reading this disclosure, depart from the true scope of the invention in the appended claims. Without departing from the invention, it will be appreciated that various changes in form and detail are possible.

(First supplementary note)
The first method of Appendix 1, wherein the at least one processor determines that a device having a display and a biometric sensor is located in a first of a plurality of service areas. One processor provides services to the device located in the first area without instructing a user of the device to input physical biometric data based on the device located in the first area. Activating, wherein the service comprises a wagering game; and the at least one processor determining that the device is located in a second of a plurality of service areas. , The at least one processor is physically based on the device located in the second area. Instructing a user of the device to input a first item of anthropometric data; the at least one processor receiving the first item of physical biometric data; Activating the service in the device located in the second area based on a comparison of the first item of physical biometric data with another item of physical biometric data. A step, wherein said another item of physical biometric data is associated with said user and is obtained prior to receiving said first item of physical biometric data. And
The first method of supplementary note 2, wherein the first item of physical biometric data is the fingerprint scan, iris scan, retinal scan, vascular pattern scan, and face scan of the user. Contains at least one of the images.
The method of first supplementary note 3, wherein the at least one processor determines that the device is located in a third of a plurality of service areas in the method of first supplementary note 1 or 2. And prohibiting the at least one processor from accessing the service based on the device located in the third area.
The method of first supplementary note 4, wherein in the method of any of the first supplementary notes 1 through 3, the at least one processor determines that the device is located in the first area. Determining a first monitoring level associated with a first area; and the at least one processor instructing a user of the device to input physical biometric data based on the first monitoring level. Determining that there is no data.
The first method of supplementary note 5, wherein in the method of first supplementary note 4, after the at least one processor determines that the device is located in the second area, Determining an associated second monitoring level; and the at least one processor instructing a user of the device to input the first item of physical biometric data based on the second monitoring level. Deciding what to do.
The apparatus of first supplementary note 6 comprises at least one processor and a computer-readable recording medium storing instructions to be executed by the processor, the instructions comprising: 5 is an instruction to execute the method according to any one of 5.

(Second supplementary note)
A second method according to appendix 1, wherein the processor receives at least one item of personal authentication data from the device, and wherein the processor determines that the at least one item of personal authentication data received and the previously obtained personal authentication data. Activating at least one service at the device based at least in part on a match with at least one other item of data, the at least one service including a betting game; The processor receiving data acquired by a sensor of the device while the at least one service is activated, wherein the data comprises data indicative of a body movement of a user of the device. Including the step of transmitting the data while the at least one service is activated. Following the communication, the processor receiving data acquired by the sensor of the device, wherein the data includes data indicating an invalid read by the sensor; and The processor determines whether a user change has occurred based at least in part on receiving data including data indicative of a user's body movement and data including data indicative of an invalid reading by the sensor. Inputting personal authentication data to the user of the device when it is determined that the user has changed .
The method of second appendix 2, wherein, following the activation of the at least one service, the processor obtains at least one item of user change data for a user of the device, At least one item of the user change data includes at least one of play pattern data, keystrokes, speaking style, blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and handwritten characters; and wherein the processor determines at least one of the user change data. Determining that an item does not match at least one item of the previously obtained user change data; and wherein the processor determines at least one item of the user change data and the previously obtained user change data. Based on a determination that at least one of the items does not match, Comprising inputting instructing person authentication data to the user of the device, the method of the second of statement 1.
The method of second appendix 3, wherein the step of determining that at least one item of the user change data does not match at least one item of the previously obtained user change data comprises: 3. The method of claim 2, comprising comparing play pattern data obtained from the second play pattern data with previously obtained second play pattern data.
The method of second appendix 4, wherein the processor determines that at least one item of the user change data does not match at least one item of the previously obtained user change data, Determining a degree of mismatch between at least one item of the user change data and at least one item of the previously obtained user change data, and instructing a user of the device to input personal authentication data to a user of the device. , The processor instructing the user to input based on a degree determined as a degree of mismatch between at least one item of the user change data and at least one item of the previously obtained user change data. The method according to Supplementary Note 2.
A method according to a second supplementary note 5, wherein the personal authentication data is classified into at least a first class, and the change data of the user is in at least a second class, wherein the first class is an error. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the second class is associated with another category of degree of error, and wherein the second class is associated with another category of degree of error.
6. The method of Supplementary Note 6, wherein the classification of the error is based on a degree of error with respect to other errors.
In a second method, the step of inputting personal authentication data to a user of the device includes the step of the processor causing the processor to generate a plurality of second class errors exceeding a set number of allowable second class errors. 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the method is triggered based on registering the error.
8. The method of Supplementary Note 8, wherein at least one of the class of errors and the threshold value of the second class of errors are user defined.
A method according to a second appendix 9, wherein the step of instructing the user of the device to input personal authentication data includes the step of the processor causing at least one item of the user change data and at least one of the previously obtained user change data. At least one of determining a degree of inconsistency with one of the two items, or registering a plurality of second class errors that exceed a set number of allowable second class errors. 6. The method according to second supplementary note 5, based on
The method of second appendix 10, wherein, following the step of instructing the user of the device to input personal authentication data, the processor determines that a user change has occurred, and the processor determines based on the determination Blocking access to said at least one service on said device.
The method of second appendix 11, wherein the processor displays an interface screen, the interface screen displaying a graphic element associated with the betting game and a user during the betting game. And at least one selectable element for submitting at least one of a game command and a betting command.
The apparatus according to Supplementary Note 12 is an apparatus including at least one processor and a non-volatile computer-readable recording medium that stores a command, and the command includes the at least one processor. Receiving, by the at least one processor, at least one item of personal authentication data from the device, when executed by the processor, at least one item of the received personal authentication data and previously acquired personal authentication data; Activating at least one service at the device based at least in part on a match with at least one other item of the at least one other item, the at least one service including a betting game; While at least one service is activated, the sensors of the device Receiving the acquired data, wherein the data includes data indicative of body movements of a user of the device; and wherein the data is received while the at least one service is enabled. Receiving data acquired by the sensor of the device, wherein the data includes data indicating an invalid read by the sensor; and Determining , at least in part, whether the user has changed , based on receiving the data including the indicating data and the data including the data indicating the invalid reading by the sensor, and determining whether the user has changed. Instructing the user of the device to input personal authentication data if determined .
The apparatus according to the second supplementary note 12, wherein the computer-readable recording medium includes a flash memory.
The apparatus of second appendix 14, wherein the instruction, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to execute the at least one service, wherein the at least one service is enabled. Acquiring at least one item of user change data for the user, wherein at least one item of the user change data includes at least one of play pattern data, keystrokes, speaking style, blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and handwritten characters. Determining that at least one item of the user change data does not match at least one item of the previously obtained user change data; and at least one of the user change data Items and at least the previously obtained user change data And instructing the user of the device to input personal authentication data based on the determination that the two items do not match, wherein the personal authentication data is classified into at least a first class, and The user change data is at least in a second class, wherein the first class is associated with one category of the degree of error, and wherein the second class is associated with another category of the degree of error. Being associated with one category and instructing the user of the device to input personal authentication data, the step of combining at least one item of the user change data with at least one item of the previously obtained user change data. Determining the degree of discrepancy, or a plurality of second class errors exceeding a set number of acceptable second class errors Registering the color, including, according to the second appendix 12.

Claims (6)

A processor generating at least one item of personal authentication data from the electronic device;
The processor receiving activation data from a service provider device, wherein at least one service in the electronic device includes at least one item of the personal authentication data and at least another of the previously obtained personal authentication data. A step that is based, at least in part, on a match to an item;
The processor transmitting data obtained from a sensor of the electronic device to the service provider device while the at least one service is activated, wherein the data is of a physical type by a user of the electronic device. Steps, including an indication of movement;
Transmitting, by the processor, data acquired by the sensor of the electronic device to the service provider device while the at least one service is active, subsequent to transmitting the data, wherein the data is Including an indication of an invalid reading by the sensor;
The processor provides personal authentication data based at least in part on the data including the indication of body movement by the user of the electronic device and the data including an indication of invalid reading by the sensor. Receiving data from the service provider device that is data for prompting the user of the electronic device to input personal authentication data,
The processor generating at least one item of user change data for a user of the electronic device subsequent to activating the at least one service, wherein at least one item of the user change data is , including the play pattern data, and the step,
The electronic device, wherein the processor provides personal authentication data based on whether at least one item of the user change data does not match at least one item of previously obtained user change data. Receiving data from the service provider device for prompting the user to input personal authentication data.
Method. The personal authentication data is classified into at least a first class, and the user change data is in at least a second class, wherein the first class is associated with a category of error severity. Wherein the second class is associated with another category of severity of the error;
The method of claim 1. Classification of the error is based on the severity of the error relative to other errors,
The method according to claim 2. A processor generating at least one item of personal authentication data from the electronic device;
The processor receiving activation data from a service provider device, wherein at least one service in the electronic device includes at least one item of the personal authentication data and at least another of the previously obtained personal authentication data. A step that is based, at least in part, on a match to an item;
The processor transmitting data obtained from a sensor of the electronic device to the service provider device while the at least one service is activated, wherein the data is of a physical type by a user of the electronic device. Steps, including an indication of movement;
Transmitting, by the processor, data acquired by the sensor of the electronic device to the service provider device while the at least one service is active, subsequent to transmitting the data, wherein the data is Including an indication of an invalid reading by the sensor;
The processor provides personal authentication data based at least in part on the data including the indication of body movement by the user of the electronic device and the data including an indication of invalid reading by the sensor. Receiving data from the service provider device that is data for prompting the user of the electronic device to input personal authentication data,
The processor generating at least one item of user change data for a user of the electronic device subsequent to activating the at least one service, wherein at least one item of the user change data is Including at least one of play pattern data, key strokes, speaking style, blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and handwritten characters,
The electronic device, wherein the processor provides personal authentication data based on whether at least one item of the user change data does not match at least one item of previously obtained user change data. Receiving from the service provider device data for prompting the user to input personal authentication data.
The personal authentication data is classified into at least a first class, and the user change data is in at least a second class, wherein the first class is associated with a category of error severity. Wherein the second class is associated with another category of severity of the error;
Prompting the user to provide personal authentication data is triggered based on the plurality of errors of the second class exceeding a configured allowable number of errors of the second class ;
The allowable number is set based on a location,
Method. The processor displaying an interface screen, the interface screen including a graphic object associated with the betting game and at least one game command and a betting command while the user is playing the betting game. At least one selectable element for inputting
The method of claim 1, comprising: At least one processor,
A non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 5. ,
An apparatus comprising:

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