SK7251Y1 - Involvement of gaming machines in the games room, central data processing method in the games room - Google Patents

Abstract

Involvement, particularly to the integration of different types of gaming machines (1) to the central system, has an input data element (2), the local center (3) and the sensor (4) to identify the player, which is located nearby the gaming machine (1) and is connected and assigned to input data element (2). The input data element (2) is connected to at least one information outputs (5) of the gaming machine (1) and on the other side is connected to the local center (3) for information processing. The local centers (3) are connected by several input data elements (2) gaming machines (1) from the respective casinos. Involvement may have a sensor (4) to identify the player entering the game room. The sensors (4) to identify the player may take the form of a fingerprint reader or card personal composition, e.g. cards or RFID, NFC chip. The involvement and central data processing method can be the basis for the creation of an incentive or loyalty or protective system. The whole engagement may include multiple games rooms related to the group through the parent center (6).

Description

The utility model relates in particular to gaming machines, gaming machines, lottery terminals, which are located in a gaming, casino or other similar location and are connected to a central data processing site, which allows the creation and operation of various loyalty, remuneration, protection and the like systems. The utility model also relates to the way in which the data is processed in the poker room itself, at different structural levels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming machines, casinos, restaurants use various gaming machines, gaming machines, lottery terminals, electronic gaming machines and apparatus (hereinafter referred to as gaming machines) which operate on different platforms, e.g. such as mechanical devices, electro-mechanical devices, electronic devices and the like. There are often several such gaming machines of different manufacturers in one place.

Slot machines are self-functioning devices that are able to usually receive money in various forms and pay or at least announce the amounts of money won. There are published solutions such as JP2011177360 (A) that address the central management of various gaming devices but are unable to provide a basis for loyalty and bonus systems linked to specific individuals. Similarly, other earlier disclosures of JP9294859 (A) describe central tracking of gaming machines, but do not have elements capable of evaluating the progress of games in relation to each player, who can gradually play on multiple gaming machines or possibly in different gaming sites. Other patents, such as e.g. JP2002018082 (A) describes new slot machine outputs, but such solutions are not applicable to existing slot machines.

It is not known and a solution is desired which is characterized by compatibility between different types of slot machines and universally deployable without limiting existing but also future platforms, while allowing the creation of a player identification system.

The essence of the technical solution

These drawbacks are substantially eliminated by the involvement of gaming machines in a gaming room where at least two gaming machines are located, the gaming machines having mechanical and / or optical, and / or electrical, and / or digital information output with game and / or status information The gaming machine according to the present invention is characterized in that the input data element is connected to at least one information output of the gaming machine.

At the same time, any place where slot machines are located, either permanently or at least temporarily, should be considered as a gaming house. It can also be a casino, restaurant, etc. It is equally broad to understand the meaning of the term slot machine. In connection with the present invention, slot gaming machines, lottery terminals, electronic gaming machines and the like, and similar devices and apparatus which provide a player with a variety of forms of entertainment (coins, banknotes, tokens, electronic money) , credits). The term gaming machine is not limited to possible terminology in tax and other laws. Similarly, the concept of a lottery terminal or a VLT cannot be construed narrowly to merely associate with the trade marks which have been granted for such generic terms (eg SK OZ No. 213651).

The input data element represents a logical information link, a data converter, by which outputs from different platforms and types of gaming machines can be converted into a single language of the whole connection. The usual information outputs of slot machines are pulse counters IN - deposit amount, OUT - win amount, BET - bet amount. The input data element may be connected to one or more of the information outputs, or to all of said information outputs.

The input data element is linked to the local information processing center. The local information processing center includes an information processing unit from the input data elements and also includes a player database. The system with the described connection is also a list of players. Player data is usually entered into the system through the local information processing center. Several input data elements are connected to the local information processing center from the slot machines of the respective game room. With this arrangement, a network capable of connecting different types and platforms of slot machines is also created. The input data elements may be connected to the local information processing center in a mediated manner, for example via data mergers, which may have a network interface.

A player identification sensor is connected to the input data element according to the present invention, wherein the player identification sensor is located within range of the gaming machine. Sensor for identification

The player at the respective slot machine is used to associate the identity of a particular player with the slot machine in progress. Each gaming machine in said circuit gets a sensor to identify the player due to the connected input data element. The gaming machine itself does not know and does not need to process which particular player is playing, but the local information processing center can identify which player is playing at which slot machine. Naturally, a person who is not registered in the local center database can also play on the slot machine, but will not receive the rewards, bonuses and benefits of a loyalty system that can be implemented by engaging this technical solution.

Player identification when playing on a specific slot machine may be supplemented by a player identification when entering the gaming room. The player can be rewarded with various rewards in the system at the very entrance to the room. In this case, a sensor will be attached to the local information processing center to identify the player entering the game room.

The player identification sensor may be in the form of a contact or proximity card reader or an RFID chip reader or an NFC chip reader. The appropriate personal element in the form of a card or other medium will be assigned by the system administrator to the player when storing their data in the local information processing center.

The player identification sensor may also be in the form of a fingerprint reader. In one connection, there may be a combination of multiple types of sensors to identify the player. For example, it will be advantageous if the input data elements comprise a proximity card reader and the sensor at the entrance to the gambling room is in the form of a fingerprint reader.

The input data elements may be connected to the local information processing center via a serial or parallel port and / or via a network, preferably a LAN network. The input data element may have different interfaces, e.g. RS232, RS485, Ethernet, LonWorks, PC104, and can be customized to work with protocols such as. ModBus RTU / ASCII; ModBus TCP; MBus; DALI; OPC. The input data elements may also be stellarly connected to a common converter, from which the output then points to a local information processing center.

The input data elements may also associate identification cues into the information stream according to which the local processing center can be identified from which particular gaming machine the increment of counters assigned to a particular player is coming.

The local information processing center may consist of a computer and a display element. In another embodiment, the local information processing center may include a computer with a connected output element, while a separate computer is connected to the computer with its own graphical interface to handle and process player refreshment orders.

In view of the higher utility value of the system, the gaming room may be part of a larger group of at least two gaming rooms, where the gaming center's local center is connected to the master center via a network, preferably via the Internet. In the superior center are updated player databases from individual local centers. By this arrangement, we can create larger groups of gambling sites that can be arbitrarily separated from each other, with the player being recognized in each gaming room of that group.

It is preferred that the wiring is part of a loyalty and / or reward and / or protection system. The player is identified at each entry and at each game, and the system can assign rewards beyond the actual prizes in each slot machine according to the set rules. Rewards can take the form of points or direct money, or the opportunity to spend on snacks, food, drinks in the games room. It will also be appreciated that this engagement is part of a loyalty and / or reward and / or protection system operated throughout the entire gambling group, so that a player with the same benefits can move within any gambling group. At the player's request, it is also possible to set protective limits in the system, whereby the player is prevented from spending more than the set agreed amount at a given time in the game, or the player is only banned from selected items.

The described connection and the system form the basis for creating various forms of rewarding, evaluating or even limiting the game of a particular person. Thus, the gaming club can reward a player for entry and for each game, regardless of the actual slot machine prize.

Said connection can also be used and linked to the payout system itself. In this case, the local center will be equipped or connected to the payout unit, either in the form of a fiscal module or cash dispenser, or a printer with an instruction to dispense cash through the gambling attendant. If we also use the wiring to pay the winnings themselves, it will be appropriate if the individual communication paths from the input data element are encrypted in order to limit the risk of imitation of the winnings by connecting to outside accessible data lines.

Also new is a method of operating gaming machines in a gaming room where at least two gaming machines are located, gaming machines having mechanical and / or optical, and / or electrical, and / or digital information output with information regarding game progress and / or gaming machine status. according to this technical solution, which also consists in receiving information about the state or progress of the game of the respective player in the input data element, the information is assigned to the player according to the identification in the sensor located near the gaming machine, where it is evaluated and saved in

EN 7251 Υ1 database of the player concerned. The independent course of the game on the slot machine is thus supplemented by the identification of the player and the information about the money deposited, the winnings and the amount of bets are added to it.

Player identification can also be used to personalize the gambling environment. For example, when a player enters the game room or after winning or paying for an account, etc., the local information processing center may instruct the player to play an audio jingle or favorite song. Such a favorite sound or song will be stored or assigned in the registered players database.

Assigning a particular player's games to his or her account may be tied to the previous identification of the player by fingerprint at the entrance to the game room. This prevents the card from being misused where a player could lend his / her identification card to another person to play on his / her bonus account.

At the local headquarters, rewards are assigned to the player concerned in addition to the prizes obtained in the slot machines using predefined criteria, and the reward status is adapted to be displayed on the local center's output device. The procedure may also include the identification of the player at the entrance to the casino, which makes the system able to award a player a reward for the entrance to the casino itself.

When creating a parent group of multiple gambling clubs, it will be beneficial if, by interconnecting multiple gambling groups through the parent headquarters, the database of current rewards in individual local centers is updated continuously or at set intervals. The master center can send players e-mails and / or SMS messages and can also statistically evaluate player behavior. A personal invitation can be sent to the selected center or all players from the superior center, and the system is able to evaluate which players have accepted the invitation and have visited the site by identifying the entry. The system according to this invention can also be used to set the "happy hour" mode in each game room according to the system setting.

Typically, the system will provide three main levels of authority. The "waiter" level may include the ability to insert new players into the system, the ability to control selected interfaces, and its overall privileges will be limited. The "Operator" level allows you to change player settings and items. The "administrator" level will include all permissions, including lower level permissions changes.

It is also advantageous if the information received at the local center is continuously archived in the superior center. In the event of an attack, accident or other unforeseen situation in the gambling room, information can be quickly obtained as to who was in the gambling room at the relevant time. The density of the central archiving can be set differently for each branch of data received from individual gambling rooms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technical solution is explained in more detail with the help of Figures 1 to 4. The scale shown and the wiring examples are only illustrative and do not limit the scope of protection.

Figure 1 shows an example of the connection of four different slot machines with a local center without a connection to the master center.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of the connection of an input element to a gaming machine with three information outputs IN, OUT, BET. The figure at the bottom shows both the contact and contactless cards as an example of the identification element used.

Figure 3 depicts a circuit in a gaming room where a separate computer is connected to the local center to handle player orders and a printer using data combiners of multiple input data elements.

Fig. 4 is a view of the connection of four gaming houses of one parent group with different numbers of slot machines.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

In this example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the technical solution is explained for connecting a small game room with four slot machines in the form of electronic lottery terminals. Small number of slot machines j. it is chosen only for a better overview and simplification of the circuit diagram, in fact the technical solution can be implemented on a virtually unlimited number of slot machines 1.

Each slot machine has an information output 5 to which the current state of the counters of the slot machine 1 are inputted, namely IN - deposit amount, OUT - win amount, as well as the current BET value of the bet amount. An input data element 2 is connected to this information output 5 via RS232. It has the form of a small box which also contains a MIFARE card reader (NXP chip with 13.56 MHz antenna). The reader comprises a sensor 4 for identifying a player at a given slot machine 1. The reader has a card slot which remains inserted throughout the player's game. The card is contactless loaded

SK 7251 ná1 and all IN, OUT and BET status data are assigned to the person identified by the card for all games that take place when the card is inserted.

The input data element 2, via a metallic line and the associated protocol, sends all the acquired data to the local information processing center 3. It also assigns its identification code to each script, which enables the central office to distinguish precisely from which particular gaming machine 1 the data set comes from.

To the local center 3 in the form of a personal computer with a screen, a sensor 4 for identifying the player at the input is connected via a USB cable, the sensor 4 being in the form of a fingerprint reader. The use of at least one fingerprint reader with the appropriate logical hierarchy prevents misuse of identification cards. The system is primarily based on fingerprint identification. If a player has not entered the game room, no game is assigned to him, even if his or her identification card is inserted in the player identification sensor 4 in the data entry element 2. This minimizes the abuse against purely card systems. lending ID cards, problems following the loss or theft of an ID card.

The player identification sensor 4 in the input data element box 2 may also be in the form of a universal card reader, where in addition to the contactless reader on the NFC platform, there is also a classic contact interface according to ISO 7816.

This software-hardware link is a platform for a loyalty system based on fingerprints or RFID cards. The aim of this system is to increase turnover from loyal customers who are motivated to return to the gambling club. For each visit a registered player receives rewards, in this example, points that he can exchange for drinks or game points. The system can have multiple client levels (bronze, silver, gold, etc.), usually VIP clients, VIP players receive higher rewards. Players are rewarded by an algorithm that evaluates the funds invested, the funds wagered, the funds paid out and their gaming activity.

Example 2

The example of Figure 3 includes a larger casino where there are several slot machines of different types. The gaming machines 1 are equipped with input data elements 2. In Figure 3, only two groups of four and three gaming machines 1 are shown, the casino similarly connected several groups of gaming machines 1. The input data elements 2 are connected to data mergers 7, which are LAN networks connected to the local information processing center 3. A sensor 4 is also connected to the network to identify the player at the entrance, a separate computer for processing the orders of the players, and a cashier printer for printing paper documents.

In this example, the input data element 2 comprises a sensor 4 for identifying a player in the form of a fingerprint reader. In order to prevent a player from having his or her finger pressed on the sensor and each game can be correctly matched to his or her person, the validity of the identification of a particular player may be subject to different conditions. For example, each game can be assigned to one person until another player puts the finger on the sensor. This sequential assignment to one person may be immediately interrupted if the same player identifies himself at another slot machine L However, in this case, the games of the other player that are not identified in the system could be assigned to the player's account and therefore games conditioned by re-touching the sensor on demand. Such a request may follow each new game or set number of games or set time.

The use of exclusively fingerprints, ie the complete omission of tangible identification cards, simplifies the card logistics and the player cannot forget the identification element at home. Players are more comfortable, they do not have to carry an identification card.

At each arrival, the registered player places his finger on the sensor 4 to identify the player at the entrance, thereby giving him loyalty points. Accumulated points can be exchanged for drinks or game points. Orders are made by the operator at the touch terminal. Each order is confirmed by placing the player's finger on the sensor 4. Each order, the number of accumulated points are visible on the small client display for verification. Orders can be printed on a paper document printer to prevent fraud. The player identifies himself / herself during the game in operation at the gaming machine 1 on which he / she plays and, based on his / her game, additional client points are credited to him according to the set algorithm.

As an illustrative example of a hardware set we can use:

- Asus EEETop 1602 terminal (Intel Atom N270 processor 1.6GHz; 1GB RAM, integrated 1366 x 768 touch panel) as a local information processing center 3

- Futronic FS88 fingerprint reader as player 4,

- Samsung U70, 7-inch client display

- Star TSP143, block printer as cash register printer for printing paper documents.

SK 7251-1

Example 3

In this example of Figure 4, four gaming and casino groups of one group are linked together by a master center 6. The interconnection is realized so that the separate local centers 3 (e.g. as described above) are connected to the master via an internet network with SSL protocol. center 6, where it is possible to centrally monitor and evaluate processes in individual gaming rooms. The records of the individual registered players are continuously updated by the superior center 6. The player has accumulated points and bonuses from other poker rooms when visiting the poker room.

Using the Master Center 6, an address invitation can be sent to selected or all players via email or SMS. By identifying players, you can also later evaluate which players actually used the invitation. The master center 6 can also statistically evaluate player behavior and habits and can also generate reports according to various criteria required. Some ratings may also be provided by the local centers to 3 game managers. This can include daily reports on the number of games, the number of players, the arrival of VIP players, the number of new players, and so on.

Industrial usability

Industrial applicability is obvious. According to this technical solution, it is possible to industrially and repeatedly engage and use slot machines connected to a local or even superior information processing center, which allows to create and operate various loyalty, reward, protection and similar systems.

PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

Claims (23)

Involving slot machines in a gaming room where at least two slot machines (1) are located, slot machines (1) having mechanical and / or optical, and / or electrical, and / or digital information output (5) with progress information a gaming machine and / or gaming machine state (1), characterized in that it comprises an input data element (2), a local information processing center (3), a player identification sensor (4), wherein at least one gaming information output (5) an input data element (2) is connected to the controller (1), the input data element (2) is connected to a local information processing center (3), the local information processing center (3) comprises an information processing unit from the input data elements (2) and also a player database, to the local information processing center (3) are connected several input data elements (2) from the slot machines (1) of the relevant game room, to the input data element (2) a coupled sensor (4) for identifying a player, the sensor (4) for identifying a player is located within range of the gaming machine (1). Slot machine connection according to claim 1, characterized in that the input data element (2) is connected to one or more of the information outputs (5) of the slot gaming machines (1) type IN - deposit amount, OUT - sum BET - bet amount. A slot machine connection according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a sensor (4) for identifying a player entering the game room, the player identification sensor (4) being connected to the local information processing center (3) without binding to the input data element (2). A slot machine connection according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the player identification sensor (4) is a personal device reader, preferably a personal device in the form of a contact or contactless card and / or RFID chip and / or NFC chip. A slot machine connection according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the player identification sensor (4) is a fingerprint reader. A slot machine connection according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the input data elements (2) are connected to the local information processing center (3) via a serial or parallel port and / or via a network, preferably a LAN network. A slot machine connection according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the input data elements (2) are connected to the local information processing center (3) via data mergers (7). Slot machine connection according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the input data element (2) has an RS232 and / or RS485 interface and / or Ethernet, and / or LonWorks, and / or PC104, preferably with a protocol ModBus RTU / ASCII or ModBus TCP, or Mbus, or DALI, or OPC. A slot machine connection according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the input data element (4) has an identification code for associating a particular slot machine (1) with the relevant information at the local center (3). A slot machine connection according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by SK 7251-1, in that the local information processing center (3) comprises a computer and a display element. The gaming machine connection in a gaming room according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the local information processing center (3) comprises a computer with a connected output element and a separate computer with its own graphical interface for operating and handling the player's orders. A slot machine connection according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the slot machine connection (1) is part of a larger group of at least two gambling rooms, where the local gambling center (3) is connected to a master center (6). ), via a network, preferably via the Internet, in the superior center (6) the player databases from the individual local centers (3) are updated. A slot machine connection according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it is adapted to be interconnected with a loyalty and / or reward and / or protective system. A slot machine connection according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the local center (3) is equipped or connected to a payout unit in the form of a fiscal module and / or a cash dispenser, and / or a printer with a an instruction to issue cash via the gambling staff. A slot machine connection in a gaming room according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the communication paths between the individual connection elements are encrypted. A method of centrally processing data in a gaming room, wherein at least two gaming machines (1) are located, the gaming machines (1) having mechanical and / or optical, and / or electrical, and / or digital information output (5) with information relating to during the game and / or the state of the gaming machine (1), characterized in that the player first identifies himself through a sensor (4) located near the gaming machine (1), in the input data element (2) status information is received or the course of the game of the respective player, the information is assigned to the player as identified in the sensor (4), the information is sent to the local center (3) where it is processed and preferably also stored in the database of the person of the respective player. A method of central data processing in a gaming room according to claim 16, characterized in that data from the input data elements (2) are processed in the local center (3) and the processing results are adapted to be displayed on the output device of the local center (3). A method of centrally processing data in a gaming room according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that it comprises identifying a player at the entrance to the gaming room, the player input data being sent to the local center O). A gambling-centered data processing method according to claim 18, characterized in that the gaming machine data (1) is associated with the player identified with the game only if the player has previously been identified at the gambling entrance by fingerprint in the gaming machine. sensor (4) to identify the player. A method of centrally processing data in a gaming room according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that, by interconnecting multiple gaming sites of the group, the player database with associated accounts in the other local centers (3) is updated via the parent headquarters (6). continuously or at set intervals. A method of centrally processing data in a gaming room according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that the information received at the local center (3) is continuously archived in the master center (6). A method of centrally processing data in a gaming room according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that the master center (6) sends e-mails and / or SMS to the players. A method of centrally processing data in a gaming room according to any one of claims 16 to 22, characterized in that, after the set event, the local center (3) instructs the reproduction of a sound record which is assigned to the player to which the set event relates. preferably, the set event may be defined as a player's win and / or a player's entry into the gaming room, and / or a bill.