JP2009511189A - System and method for providing a computer game - Google Patents

Abstract

  Systems and methods for providing remote instant type lottery games are provided. Instant-type games are provided in pre-programmed game cartridges for use on portable gaming computers. A pre-programmed game cartridge is provided to the player after one or more games have been pre-loaded. Each game includes a certain number of games and a pre-programmed number of wins. Each play may contribute to one or more predetermined results, and some of the results may be considered winning. Pre-programming of the game cartridge may be done by pre-programming the cartridge memory of the game cartridge with results during cartridge manufacture, and then by an additional computer by a central computer or at multiple agency terminals Gameplay is purchased and loaded onto the cartridge. Results including winnings may be stored in cartridge memory and retrieved in one or more of the computers or terminals described above.

Description

Cross-reference of related technologies

  This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 10 / 162,219 filed June 5, 2002, which claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 295,582, filed June 5, 2001. The entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

  The present invention relates generally to gaming systems, and more particularly to a lottery embodied in a single ticket that provides a number of opportunities to display a single result submitted generally by a drawing authority or lottery contractor. The present invention relates to a lottery system in which a lottery game or other lottery game is displayed on a game computer.

  In one type of traditional paper instant lottery ticket system, the ticketing system consists of a finite number of wins / losses (ie wins / losses) resulting in randomly selected prizes, prizes, etc. Result in a data stream. Each result is assigned to a lottery ticket, lottery ticket or other lottery ticket, and each ticket is given one or more game chances to bring the assigned result. The player or player cannot change the result of the ticket, and the player simply scratches the area with the ticket according to the rules of the game to reveal the result. The ticket displays indicia that provides the player with a means to determine the status, such as a win / fail result or prize grade, and the type of prize (eg, cash or free ticket). For any randomly selected award data stream, the total amount of all wins or winnings is the total revenue generated by the sale of all tickets containing that particular randomly selected award data stream. , The amount of expenditure at a predetermined rate.

  In effect, each ticket is assigned a unique serial number or serial number for authentication that allows the ticket to have a particular result, and a batch number or pair number that links the ticket to the master carton. In this master carton, a bundle of a certain amount of tickets is sent to a lottery ticket retailer. The ticket serial number is usually hidden under the ticket foil. The batch number is generally displayed on the ticket so as to be visible in the form of a barcode. All tickets in a given master carton are part of the same lot or set of tickets and are sold at the same unified retail price. Each master carton is labeled with the carton's unique serial number and is tracked by a central computer associated with the draw authority. A central system may store the serial number for each ticket and the results associated with that ticket. When instant tickets are sold to customers, the lottery retailer communicates the serial number of each master carton to the central lottery computer via the agency's online terminal, thereby enabling all paper instant tickets in each master carton. Activate to be able to use. This action will activate all the ticket serial numbers in the master carton so that the master carton wholesale amount can be automatically set within a certain period of time, typically from the lottery ticket retailer's lottery bank account. To be pulled down.

  In order to redeem the winning lottery ticket per paper, the player either presents the winning lottery ticket to the award exchange agent at either the lottery retailer or the lottery office, or presents the winning ticket for redemption. Mail. To perform the fulfillment process, the award redemption agent scans a bar code representing the batch serial number of the ticket by a bar code scanner associated with the agent's terminal. The lottery ticket agency also enters the lottery ticket serial number at the agency terminal. These lottery ticket serial numbers are sent to the central system for authentication. When the central system receives the authentication request, it verifies the value of the ticket using the specific ticket sequence number and batch sequence number to ensure that the ticket is from an activated master carton. If the value of the ticket is confirmed to be an appropriate payment, the system authorizes the lottery ticket retailer to pay the player cash or provide another prize (eg, a free ticket).

  In other paper instant ticket systems, there is no central lottery system to manage the system. The lottery ticket retailer simply buys a ticket from the printer, resells the ticket to the player, and then handles all aspects of winning authentication and payment.

  The paper instant ticket system has several drawbacks. These can not efficiently provide ticket printing costs, actual inventory costs, lottery and retailer costs for unsold tickets, low-priced games (eg, $ 0.25, $ 0.10), It includes a bad image attached to a paper ticket that the player has limited game options and is especially appealing to low-income players.

  Walker et al. (Patent Document 1), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes a system for playing an instant lottery game on a gaming computer. The Walker et al. System overcomes some of the disadvantages associated with paper instant ticket systems; however, the system has its own drawbacks. According to Patent Document 1, a player purchases a number of predetermined results from a lottery ticket retailer. After purchasing the predetermined result, it is necessary to obtain the predetermined result from the central computer and load it into the gaming computer. The predetermined result is loaded into the game computer after the player purchases at the store. After purchase by the player, a series of complex computer processes are initiated by the lottery retailer computer to obtain predetermined results from the central computer. The lottery retailer computer responds to communication with the central computer and provides an encoded message that includes a predetermined result from the central computer. A player or lottery retailer enters the encoded message into the gaming computer. The encoded message allows the gaming computer to generate a predetermined result and allows the gaming computer to play the game.

  Therefore, in the game system of (Patent Document 1), the game computer can be activated only in a certain place where the lottery ticket retailer computer exists. Therefore, the availability and access of gaming computers is limited. Furthermore, after purchasing the gaming computer, it is necessary to take a kind of initial setting procedure in order to use the gaming computer. For example, in order to be able to play a game, it is necessary for the player to input an encoded message into the gaming computer. This complicates playing the game and may cause errors while inputting the encoded message into the gaming computer. As a result, it takes time until the player can start the game, and the player cannot participate in the current game phase. Furthermore, the game system of (Patent Document 1) requires lottery authorities and lottery ticket retailers to acquire hardware and software in addition to those used with traditional paper instant tickets.

Furthermore, the increased use of handheld game devices is a result of demands for game portability and accessibility, and such features are also required for lottery ticket games. In addition, there is a need for a simple and cost effective process to provide an instant lottery game where the player can control the number of “games” played while visiting a lottery ticket retailer.
US Pat. No. 6,024,640

  The present invention includes an improved system and method for providing a remote instant type lottery game using a pre-programmed game cartridge for use in a portable gaming computer. The instant type game is given to a portable game cartridge that meets the above requirements. A predetermined result is programmed in advance in the portable game cartridge. The preprogramming may be performed during the manufacture of the portable game cartridge or at the store. Alternatively, the portable game cartridge may be updated with a new program at one or more locations. A game that produces at least one of the predetermined outcomes is presented on the display. In an embodiment of the present invention, the portable gaming cartridge may be programmed at a central location and presented to the player at the same location as the portable gaming computer ready to play the unit or device game. Therefore, gaming cartridges can be sold at virtually any location and do not need to be activated to play a game. However, there may be an authentication process that is performed before any awards obtained from playing a game cartridge on a gaming computer are paid.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, a programmed game cartridge is provided for use with a computer game device for executing computer readable program code. The cartridge includes a computer readable memory for storing computer readable program code executed by the computer game device, and a connector for electrically connecting the programmed game cartridge to the computer game device. Here, the computer readable program code causes instructions, i.e., a computer game device to i) generate and present a game, resulting in at least one of a number of predetermined results, ii) from the predetermined results Contains the current balance (balance) of the winning amount, ie, the winning amount, and iii) stores the current balance (balance) amount upon receipt of the stop signal and includes no other games .

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system for a remote lottery game with a cartridge is provided. According to one embodiment, the system includes a gaming cartridge having a program stored in computer memory. When inserted into a gaming computer and activated by a player, the program generates one of a number of predetermined results on the gaming computer display. The predetermined result may be pre-programmed directly into the computer memory via a programming computer. In an embodiment of the invention, a portable data storage device is associated with the portable gaming cartridge. The portable data storage device stores an identifier for the game cartridge and a predetermined result programmed into the game cartridge. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the central computer includes a memory for storing an identifier for each game cartridge, and a predetermined result programmed in the computer memory of the game cartridge is obtained from the game cartridge. Associate with an identifier. According to another embodiment of the invention, the authentication computer reads the portable data storage device and generates a fulfillment request based thereon, communicates the fulfillment request to the central computer, and receives an authentication message from the central computer. Provided for. In another embodiment, the central computer may include processing means for the gaming computer to compare the fulfillment request with the identifier and the associated predetermined result and generate an authentication message based on the comparison. .

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, the portable gaming cartridge is inserted into a portable gaming computer for use. A portable gaming computer according to embodiments of the present invention includes a computer processor, a display, a locking button that generates a stop signal when activated by a player, and a socket into which a portable gaming cartridge can be inserted. A computer readable memory for storing computer readable program code means causes a computer processor to generate and present on a display at least one game that produces at least one of a predetermined result, the predetermined result If the current balance (balance) of the amount acquired from is held and a stop signal is received, the current balance (balance) amount is stored so that another game is not played.

  In another embodiment, the computer readable memory further includes computer readable program code means for causing a computer processor to set a flag indicating that a stop signal has been generated. Further, the computer readable program code means may cause the computer processor to generate a fulfillment claim that includes a flag and a current balance.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, a computer lottery system is provided. The system includes a portable gaming computer comprising a gaming cartridge having a computer readable memory for storing computer readable program code means. The program code is obtained from the displayed predetermined result by causing the computer processor of the gaming computer to generate and present on the display at least one game that yields at least one of the predetermined results If the current balance (balance) of the selected amount is held and a stop signal is received, the current balance (balance) amount is stored, and a predetermined result is not presented so as not to play another game And generate a fulfillment claim that includes the flag and the current balance. The central computer includes a computer readable memory that stores an identifier for each gaming cartridge and associates a predetermined result in the computer readable memory of the portable gaming cartridge with a unique identifier. A computer readable memory in the central computer stores computer readable program code means for causing the central computer processor to confirm the fulfillment claim against the unique identifier and a predetermined result associated therewith. The authentication message is generated in response to the fulfillment request. If the flag is set, the authentication message includes an instruction to pay the current balance. An authentication computer is provided to receive the fulfillment request from the gaming cartridge, communicate the fulfillment request to the central computer, and receive and process the authentication message so that any payment can be made.

  Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method for providing a remote lottery game. A number of predetermined results are generated for the lottery game. In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the predetermined results is programmed into the memory of the game cartridge before presenting the game cartridge to the storefront. Gaming cartridges may be certified at the store or at the point of sale. A predetermined result stored in the memory can be associated with an identifier for the game cartridge. In another embodiment, the predetermined result is programmed into memory prior to payment of the gaming cartridge.

  In another embodiment, the gaming cartridge comprises a program stored in computer memory. The program generates on the display one of a predetermined number of results stored in the memory when activated by the player. The predetermined result may gradually appear on the display. The player can select such that a predetermined result appears gradually.

  In yet another embodiment, a computer game device is provided. The apparatus includes a display, a player input controller, a computer processor, and a game cartridge. The computer readable memory of the game cartridge stores computer readable program code means for causing the computer processor to generate and present a game on the display that produces at least one of the predetermined results. The predetermined result may gradually appear on the display in response to an input from the player input control unit.

  The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention together with the detailed description, and further serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

  It should be understood that these drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention. Variations of these embodiments based on the teachings herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  The present invention provides a lottery system in which an instant “ticket” or pseudo-selection game having a predetermined result is provided in a game cartridge and is realized by a game computer. The gaming computer can be any personal computer, personal digital assistant, etc. that can accept and operate on a gaming cartridge. Using a gaming computer, players can participate from anywhere, just like instant paper tickets, and can increase the value of play through computer simulation and game automation on gaming computers.

  In an embodiment of the invention, the predetermined result is provided to the player after being pre-programmed into the cartridge. That is, the game cartridge is programmed with a predetermined result, and then delivered to a store (sales place) or purchased by a player. This may be done by pre-programming predetermined results in the computer memory within the game cartridge during manufacture of the game cartridge. Therefore, the game cartridge is ready to play immediately after purchase, and it is absolutely necessary for the player or retailer to start or be able to play the game cartridge game on the gaming computer. And not. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, gaming cartridges can be sold anywhere. In an embodiment, the predetermined result of the game stored in the computer memory may also be encoded in a portable data storage device associated with the game cartridge or game computer. According to the embodiment, the portable data storage device may be a bar code of a game cartridge or may be a memory area in the memory of the game cartridge. The portable data storage device may also store an identifier for the game cartridge. The predetermined results and identifiers may be read from the barcode or memory during the implementation process described below to be recognized as valid or valid.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of one usage of a game cartridge having a barcode as a portable data storage device will be described. When using a bar code as a portable data storage device, the gaming cartridge may be used in conjunction with the paper instant ticket fulfillment system already described. For example, to accomplish the fulfillment process, a lottery ticket retailer, such as a lottery ticket, may use a bar code scanner associated with an agency terminal to pre-determine the results programmed into the game cartridge and for the game cartridge. The bar code of the game cartridge representing the identifier is scanned. The central computer launches an online authentication program and queries the database using the particular game cartridge identifier and predetermined results to confirm the fulfillment request. Once this information is confirmed, the authentication program allows the lottery ticket retailer to pay the player. Therefore, the lottery ticket retailer or the authority that manages the lottery ticket, such as the lottery ticket, or the lottery authority, does not require any additional hardware or software beyond what is described herein. If the bar code is to be used as a portable storage device, a bar code representing a predetermined result needs to be placed on the game cartridge, so the bar code before the game cartridge is purchased or removed from its package. The code is never read. For example, the barcode may be covered by a thin layer of latex, similar to that used in scratch games.

  In another embodiment, the gaming cartridge may include logic that allows the gaming computer to have a lock or “freeze” function. This function can be activated by the player. Once activated, the “freeze” function may prevent further gaming on the gaming computer, and in some embodiments may prevent changes to the gaming cartridge. In one embodiment, any amount won by the player is “frozen” on the gaming computer, eg, on the current winning display and memory. The freeze function gives the player a sense of security that they will not “lose” any prizes, such as previous winnings, by playing more games or if the gaming computer fails. In an embodiment, the player may redeem the frozen amount. In some embodiments, any winnings resulting from predetermined results that are not yet apparent can be confiscated.

  According to embodiments of the present invention, the gaming cartridge may also be programmed to display advertisements on the display of the gaming computer. For example, an advertisement is displayed to the player every 10 games.

  FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of a game computer 2 that uses a game cartridge 502. An alphanumeric display 3 is provided to display information about the game that the user is playing. The display 3 may roughly include two fields. The first field 4 of the display 3 displays a predetermined result of the game computer 2 or the remaining number of “plays”. This field 4 of the display 3 may be counted down to zero indicating that there are no remaining games, or may be counted up to the number of games remaining in the game cartridge or purchased. The second field 5 of the display 3 shows the result of the game played by the player. The second field 5 may be divided into a number of subfields for displaying items indicating a game such as a game hit / miss.

  According to one embodiment of the invention, the purpose of the game is to obtain an indicator or indicator such as the word “Millionaire” displayed on the display 3. If this word appears, and if an alternative display appears that is only an embodiment, but at least based on the teachings herein, that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, That ’s a million dollars. Therefore, 10 subfields are provided in the field 5 as shown in FIG. 1A. Each subfield can display one letter of the word “Millionaire”. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the letter “M” is presented to the player in advance. If the subfield of display 3 spells the remainder of the word “Millionaire” after the game, the player has won a grand prize. If “Millionaire” does not appear, the player did not win the game, that is, lost, and may continue the game. The game may continue until field 4 indicates that there are no remaining games on the gaming computer. Naturally, using words other than “Millionaire” such as “Billionaire” or “Jackpot” to indicate winner (winner or winner) (but not limited to) Of course, it is not limited to English. In addition, many other items or games such as cards, slot machines, trendy scratch games, etc. can be displayed on the display 3.

  In another embodiment, field 5 of display 3 spells a word or displays a number in addition to a grand prize word. For example, six of the subfields may display “winners”. These subfields may display one of $ 10, $ 100, $ 1,000, $ 10,000, or $ 100,000. If any of these amounts is displayed, the player has hit that amount. The game computer may be provided with a winner display 6 to display the current amount of the amount hit by the player. If the player continues the game and hits something more, these amounts are added to the current high and displayed on the winner display 6.

  With continued reference to FIG. 1A, the operation of the gaming computer embodiment is described below. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the game computer 2 can be provided with three player control devices in order to operate the game cartridge 502 while being inserted into the game computer 2. The button 7 is an on / off button for turning on / off the game computer. During periods of non-use, the gaming computer may be turned off to save battery power. Embodiments of the gaming computer 2 with a battery alternative or battery auxiliary alternating current (A / C) adapter are possible, and those skilled in the art know how to implement such functionality. Button 8 is a play button. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the button 8 may include two or more physical buttons. These buttons may be configured to perform different functions of the game. As such, the game is started by pressing the button 8 according to the type of the game, and a predetermined result is displayed on the display 3.

  Button 9 is a lock button. Pressing this button "freezes" the gaming computer to its current state. Therefore, the gaming computer will not proceed when it is “frozen”. Further, when the button 9 is pressed, the information on the field 5 and the winning display 6 on the display 3 is frozen and does not change. This feature is particularly useful when a player wants to secure a gaming computer after winning or winning the game and can easily prove winning. The game may have been left in the game cartridge, but the player will not be paid for any other win games or predetermined outcomes that have not been played since the gaming computer was frozen . In an alternative embodiment, the gaming cartridge may be “not frozen” as described herein, completing the rest of the game, and the winning or total prize amount may be updated. In an embodiment, only the amount displayed on the winner display is paid. Details of the operation of the game cartridge will be described below.

  FIG. 1A also schematically shows the features of the game computer 2 and the game cartridge 502. A connector 504 is provided on the game cartridge 502. The connector 502 is accommodated in a corresponding opening 506 provided in the game computer 2. By connecting the connector 504 to the opening 506, the game computer 2 can read the game and other information stored in the game cartridge 502. The connector 504 and corresponding opening 506 of the game cartridge 502 may be configured in the same manner as conventional video game cartridges and players such as Nintendo Gameboy. Alternatively, the game cartridge 502 may communicate with the game computer 2 by other methods, for example, via a USB port, a wireless connection, a serial adapter, or the like. Optionally, the game cartridge 502 may be removed from the game computer 2 by a button 508.

  FIG. 1B shows another embodiment of the game computer 2. This embodiment also includes a display 3, a play button 8, and an on / off button 7, and a game cartridge 602. The display 3 may display any kind of image, for example a picture and / or an alphanumeric image. The game computer 2 shown in FIG. 1B includes another player control device for playing a game stored in the cartridge 502. Game button 200 allows the player to select from a number of different games that would have been programmed into game cartridge 502. Buttons 202 a to 202 g are provided in corresponding areas of the display 3. For example, each button 202 may be arranged below the corresponding subfield 5a-5g. As such, and depending on the game, actuating the button 202 below one of the subfields 5a-5g causes an image corresponding to the subfield to appear. For example, the image of the subfield 5a appears by operating the button 202a. The remaining subfields do not appear until the player activates the corresponding button. The buttons may be actuated in any order, and the buttons may be configured to perform different functions of the game. Therefore, the player can control how the predetermined result appears on the display 3. Displaying an image on the display 3 may imitate a scratch on an instant ticket. Other methods for gradual presentation of predetermined results can also be used. In addition, a keypad 204 may be provided for the player to enter a security code, password, or other information.

  1C to 1E show another embodiment of the gaming computer 2. As shown in FIG. 1C, the game computer 2 includes a display 3 having a first field 4 indicating the number of remaining games, and a winner display 6 for displaying the current amount of the amount won by the player. The second field 5 may be used to display game play. The game is started using the play button 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming computer housing includes side panels that are ergonomically designed to fit the user's hand. The game cartridge 502 is inserted into the one shown on the upper side of the game computer 2. The game computer 2 may also be provided with a speaker to produce sounds related to the game being played. A game computer may be provided with a mute button to silence the game sound. As shown in FIG. 1D, an eject button 508 may be provided on one of the side panels of the game computer 2.

  1E and 1F show a plan view and a rear view of the game computer 2, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1E, the illustrated embodiment includes a recess 506 for housing a game cartridge 502. A part of the housing of the game computer may be provided with a notch around the slot so that the user can easily insert and remove the game cartridge. For example, as best seen in FIG. 1F, the housing may define a pawl 507 around the recess 506. A cover 510 surrounds a battery chamber provided in the game computer 2. A power supply source such as a rechargeable battery may be stored in the battery chamber to supply power to the game computer. The game cartridge 502 may be powered by a battery or power source from the battery compartment, or alternatively by its own battery. In an embodiment, the battery from the game cartridge 502 can also be used to supply power to the game computer 2.

  FIG. 2 shows a lottery system such as a lottery ticket or a lottery by reference numeral 10 characterized as a whole in the first embodiment. The lottery system mainly includes a lottery authority 11 having a central computer 12, a programming computer 13, a network 14 that provides remote terminal access to the central computer 12 to connect the programming computer to the central computer, and retails of various lottery tickets. A plurality of agency terminals (AT) 16 related to the merchant 18 and a plurality of game computer devices (units) 20 for clarifying the result of the purchased “ticket”. Gaming cartridge 502 may be adapted to be accommodated in and / or communicate with each of the components described above. The term “lottery authority” is used in a general sense and, if a player plays correctly, has a predetermined result, a game or race with no choice to compete (eg, a scratch-type lottery ticket, bingo or It is intended to include any gambling authority that sells games or races (e.g., video poker) with a wager monopoly lottery (stakestakes) or pseudo-selection. The term “lottery retailer” includes any retailer in which the AT 16 is located. The central computer 12 and the programming computer 13 may be the same computer.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an overview of the components of the system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Central computer 12, network 14 and AT 16 may be connected in a manner similar to that of the prior art used to omit instant paper tickets. In the context of the present invention, each AT 16 may include a barcode scanner or other scanning device 24, a communication interface 26 for physically coupling the gaming cartridge 502 to the AT 16, and a compatible communication interface. And a signal is electrically communicated with the game cartridge 502 via the computer. Communication with the game cartridge 502 may be performed via the game computer 20 and / or the read / write interface 27 for reading and writing data to the data memory medium. These may be used to read and confirm predetermined results stored in the game cartridge 502 during the implementation process described below.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing details of an example of the central computer 12. Generally, the central computer 12 includes a CPU 30, a memory 32, an I / O interface 34 for loading programs into the memory 32, and a communication interface 35 for communicating with the programming computer and the AT 16 via the network 14. . In an alternative embodiment, the central computer 12 also communicates through a base station network 15 with a plurality of base stations having transceivers for transmitting and receiving RF signals to communicate with the central computer 12 and gaming computer 20 or game. The message may be directly communicated with the cartridge 502 for use. The central computer has software or firmware that is used to implement various functions in the system. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary memory configuration for programs and data stored in the central computer 12. The memory 32 includes an operating system program 33 that controls the central computer 12 in a conventional manner and will not be described in detail. Preferably, the central computer 12 has a memory area 36 in the memory 32 for each gaming cartridge 502 in which specific information is stored so that the central computer 12 is associated with that gaming cartridge 502. The game cartridge 502 is an authorized unit or device for a given transaction. If desired, the data in the memory 36 may be retrieved and updated to perform a desired function.

  The game cartridge 502 needs to be initially registered with the lottery authority 11 when programmed. In this regard, identification information is initially stored in the memory 32 of the central computer 12. The identification information includes a unit identifier or game cartridge ID stored in the field 37 and, optionally, an outcome variable stored in the field 38. The ID may constitute an identifier unique to each game cartridge. Similarly, the result factor may constitute a display of a predetermined result programmed into a particular gaming cartridge. In one exemplary embodiment, outcome factors may be used to thwart fraud. This may be done by comparing a predetermined result stored in field 38 of the central computer with a result read from gaming cartridge 502 during the fulfillment process. A difference between these two sets of results indicates that the game cartridge has been tampered with and the results need to be invalidated. The total amount of winnings allocated to the game cartridge may be stored in the field 39.

  FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of memory 40 of an exemplary programming computer. The programming computer as a whole includes a CPU, memory 40, an I / O interface for loading programs into the memory 40, and a communication interface for communicating with the central computer via the network 14. The memory 40 includes an operating system program 41 that controls the programming computer in a conventional manner, and this need not be described in detail. Preferably, the programming computer includes a program 42 stored in memory for generating a random prize data stream (“RPD”) 44. RPD 44 is the winning / losing or winning / losing result F1. . . A pool containing a finite series of Fn (e.g., win $ 2, win $ 2, miss, miss, win $ 10, miss, miss ... etc.). The total amount of all winning results of any RPD 44 may also be a payment amount in a predetermined percentage with respect to the total revenue generated by the sale of all “tickets” represented by the result of RPD 44. When programming a game cartridge, the programming computer uses a result assignment program 48 that randomly selects a result from the RPD 44 to be assigned to a particular game cartridge 502. The game cartridge ID and the results associated with the ID are communicated to the central computer 12 via a network or any other means and stored in fields 37 and 38, respectively. The predetermined result is programmed or stored in the memory of the game cartridge.

  Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the preferred embodiment gaming computer 20 is a handheld unit having a controller 82, a display 3, and a player controller 86. Preferably, the gaming computer 20 includes one or more of the following: a printer interface 88a for connecting the gaming computer 20 to an external printer, an internal printer 88b, a barcode scanner 90, and the gaming computer 20 is a gaming cartridge. A compatible communication interface 92 that connects the gaming computer 20 to the gaming cartridge 802 to allow direct electrical communication with the 802, read / write for reading data from and writing to smart cards Interface 94, in an alternative embodiment, a modem 96 for directly connecting gaming computer 20 to network 14 coupled to central computer 12, and in another alternative embodiment, a central computer Antenna 115 coupled to the transceiver for transmitting and receiving base station and messages related to 2. In alternative embodiments, gaming cartridge 502 may include the various interfaces, modems, etc. described above.

  The game cartridge 802 may include one or more types of memory. In the illustrated embodiment, the memory 814 may be coupled to the controller 812. The memory 814 may include an alternative path through the connector 810 to communicate more directly with the gaming computer controller 82. The memory 814 is described in detail below with respect to FIG. The game cartridge 802 may be powered by the battery 20, but may also include its own battery 816. The battery 816 may be a rechargeable battery that can be recharged via a gaming computer. The controller 812 may execute a program stored in the memory 814, or may retrieve information stored in the memory 814 and provide a result to the gaming computer via the connector 810. The connector 810 is adapted to communicate with a plug-in interface 92 provided on the gaming computer.

  Player control device 86 may be incorporated into display 3 of a touch screen configuration of the type known in the art. The display 3 may also include a function that converts the message into a barcode readable format and can be scanned by a barcode scanner 24 coupled to the AT 16. The player control device 86 allows the player to play various games and use the freeze function. The controller 82 may include a CPU 98, a clock 101, and a memory 100 composed of a conventional ROM and RAM. Memory 100 may include an operating system that controls gaming computer 20 in a conventional manner. The controller 82 may optionally be housed in a tamper-proof housing so that any suspicion of any tampering with the gaming computer is revealed to the lottery authority 11. The CPU 98 communicates with the player control device 86 through the control interface 103, and generates video signal generation (generation) hardware for driving the sound generation hardware 106 coupled to the display 3 and the speaker 108 for communicating the sound of the game. Ware 104. CPU 98 communicates with printer interface 88a or internal printer 88b, barcode scanner 90, interface 92, read / write interface 94, and modem 96 through a conventional I / O interface, generally shown at 114 in the block diagram. CPU 98 may communicate with RF circuitry 113 coupled to antenna 115 for communicating messages directly with central computer 12 via a base station.

  Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary memory configuration 814 for gaming cartridge programs and data is shown. With respect to the present invention, the program and data in memory 814 allows the game cartridge to generate a game that yields a predetermined result. As described above with respect to the central computer memory 32, each gaming cartridge may store an identifier (ID) in the field 116. Passwords (or multiple passwords if there are multiple players on one gaming computer 20) may be stored in the field 122. If the player activates the gaming computer 20, after the password security program 124 confirms the player's password in a conventional manner, the player is allowed to continue. A predetermined result is stored in field 132. In addition to this data, there may be price points for each result in field 136, net payment in field 138, and entry date and time in field 140.

  Memory 814 may also include an accounting program 154 that causes gaming computer 20 to calculate the current cash balance stored in account 155 in field 156. The amount stored in the account 155 may be displayed on the winner display 6.

  The game cartridge memory may include a lock program 158. The lock program 158 starts when the player triggers the button 9. This operation transmits a signal to the central processing unit 98 of the game computer. As described above, the lock function secures the current winning amount, that is, the winning amount, and prevents the game computer from playing further games. Accordingly, the lock program 158 communicates with the accounting program 154 to instruct the accounting program 154 to make no changes to the account 155 after receiving the signal. The amount stored in the account 155 is stored in memory and preferably cannot be changed. Furthermore, the lock program 158 sets a freeze flag 160 in the memory of the game computer. When set, the freeze flag 160 indicates that the player has activated the freeze function by triggering the button 9. Since the freeze flag 160 is detected during the fulfillment process described below, the correct amount is paid to the player. That is, the amount stored in the account 155 is paid to the player, not the amount related to all the predetermined results assigned to the game computer.

  The gaming computer cartridge memory may further include a fulfillment program that is used to cash out the player's current credit balance in the player's account. In the illustrated example, the fulfillment program 162 allows the player to select the settlement function of the game computer 20. The fulfillment program 158 then causes the gaming computer 20 to generate a fulfillment request message RRM that is communicated to the central computer 12. The fulfillment request message RRM is used by the fulfillment program 79 of the central computer 12 to request a cashout request by comparing the game cartridge identification data of a predetermined game cartridge with the result data (net acquisition amount, number of games played). Confirm. In the exemplary embodiment, the fulfillment request message includes a freeze flag and the amount in account 155. The central computer evaluates this information and generates an authentication message. For example, when the freeze flag is set, the central computer compares the amount in account 155 with the amount stored in net payment field 138. If the amount in account 155 is less than the amount in field 138, the authentication message instructs the lottery ticket retailer to pay the amount in account 155. The central computer may also compare the amount in field 138 with the account 155 to determine if the gaming computer has been tampered with.

  The fulfillment request message RRM may be generated on the display 3 of the gaming computer 804 and verbally communicated to the agent at the lottery ticket retailer 18 and manually entered into the AT 16. The fulfillment request message RRM is printed on the receipt, either by an internal print associated with the gaming computer 20 or by an external printer 88b, or by the lottery ticket retailer printer 22 via the printer interface 88a. A receipt can be presented to the agent. In this regard, the fulfillment request message RRM is displayed on the display 3 or receipt 30 in a barcode readable format and scanned by the barcode scanner 24 at the AT 16. In another embodiment, the barcode may be attached to the gaming cartridge during manufacture. In that case, the bar code is applied to an area that cannot be read out until the game cartridge is removed from its packaging. In another embodiment, the fulfillment request message RRM may be written to the gaming cartridge and read therefrom by the AT 16. In another embodiment, the fulfillment request message RRM can be communicated to the central computer 12 through the telephone network 14 via the modem 96. In yet another embodiment, the fulfillment request message RRM may be communicated from the gaming computer 20 or gaming cartridge to the central computer 12 through an RF transmission to either the AT 16 or the central computer 12. The fulfillment request message RRM may be encrypted using an authentication / encryption program and then decrypted by the central computer 12 using the authentication / encryption program in its memory. The fulfillment request message RRM can be encrypted using an encryption key known only to the central computer 12 and the particular gaming cartridge. These may include IDs and outcome factors.

  The game cartridge memory 200 includes an audit program 166 that stores a record of all actions performed by the game computer 20, supports data integrity protection, and various programs in the memory 200 are tampered with. You may prove that it is not. The audit program 160 further provides a record of player actions for the player and the lottery authority 11 in the event of any dispute.

  Accordingly, a method and system for providing a handheld lottery game is provided. The lottery game may be a palm-sized handheld computer-like battery powered device. The player enjoys the game and various alphanumeric combinations appear on the screen. Different combinations indicate winners, for example spelling “millionaire”. The device includes programmable features that take into account the predetermined outcome of the game (programmable aspect) so that over the entire number of manufactured units, the overall percentage of winning combinations before the game is played I understand. The game is programmed by a central computer system. The game / device may also include “coding” on the backside so that it can be linked to a central computer system. The game coding can be read at a remote location such as a lottery sales place to determine the winning device. Even from a remote location, you can communicate with the central system to check the winning game. The system can identify all similar types of devices, and can display information about the validity of the “winning” combination of numbers and letters.

CONCLUSION While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example and not limitation. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the form and details of the specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. This is particularly true in the light of technologies and terminology in related fields that will be developed in the future. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

It is the schematic which shows the computer for games by embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the computer for games by embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the central computer by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the memory structure of the central computer by embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the component of the game computer by embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the controller of the game computer by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the memory structure of the game computer by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the memory structure of the game computer by embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the memory structure of the game computer by embodiment of this invention.

Claims (20)

A programmed game cartridge for use with a computer game device for executing computer readable program code comprising:
A computer readable memory for storing computer readable program code to be executed by the computer game device, wherein the computer readable program code is stored in the computer game device i) a number of predetermined results. Generating and presenting a game resulting in at least one of the following: ii) holding a current balance (balance) of the total amount obtained from the predetermined result; and iii) receiving a stop signal, the current balance A computer readable memory including instructions for storing a balance and preventing other games from being played, and a connector for electrically connecting the programmed game cartridge to the computer game device A programmed game with cartridge. The programmed game cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a controller for providing access to the computer readable memory. The programmed game cartridge of claim 1, further comprising one or more separate computer readable memories for storing the computer readable program code.   The programmed game cartridge of claim 3, wherein the one or more other computer readable memories are electrically coupled to at least one of the connector and the controller. The programmed game cartridge of claim 1, further comprising a battery for supplying power to at least one of the programmer game cartridge or the computer game device.   The programmed game cartridge of claim 1, wherein an electronic fraud prevention function is implemented.   The programmed game cartridge of claim 1, which is securely packaged.   The programmed game cartridge of claim 1, wherein the computer readable memory further comprises computer readable program code means for causing the computer game device to set a flag indicating that the stop signal has been generated.   The computer readable memory further comprises computer readable program code means for causing the computer processor to generate a fulfillment claim, wherein the fulfillment claim includes the flag and the current balance. Programmed game cartridge. A system for providing a remote lottery game,
A programmed game cartridge for use with a gaming computer, stored in a computer memory and pre-programmed directly into the computer memory via a programming computer when activated by a player, Said programmed game cartridge having a program for generating one of a number of predetermined results on a display, further storing an identifier and said predetermined result;
A central computer having a memory for storing the identifier for each programmed game cartridge and associating the predetermined result programmed in the computer memory of the programmed game cartridge with the unique identifier; And an authentication computer for reading the programmed game cartridge and generating a fulfillment claim based thereon, communicating the fulfillment request to the central computer, and receiving an authentication message from the central computer, wherein A system comprising an authentication computer, wherein the central computer includes processing means for comparing the fulfillment claim with a predetermined result associated with the unique identifier and generating the authentication message based on the comparison . A programmed game cartridge for use with a gaming computer device, the game cartridge having a computer readable memory for storing computer readable program code means, wherein the gaming computer device includes a plurality of pre-loaded game cartridges. Generating at least one game that yields at least one of the predetermined outcomes and presenting it on the display, keeping the current balance of the total amount earned from the displayed predetermined outcomes; And when the stop signal is received, store the current balance amount so that another game is not played and a predetermined result is not presented; And the fulfillment claim including the current balance To perform be made, programmed game cartridge,
A central computer having a computer readable memory for storing an identifier for each programmed game cartridge and associating the predetermined result of the computer readable memory of the programmed game cartridge with the unique identifier The computer readable memory of the central computer causes a central computer processor to confirm the fulfillment claim against the unique identifier and an associated predetermined result, and the flag is set A central computer storing computer readable program code means for causing the authentication message to be generated in response to the fulfillment request, i.e., the authentication message including instructions for payment of the current balance. A computer lottery system comprising an authentication computer that receives the fulfillment request from an operating computer, communicates the fulfillment request to the central computer, and receives and processes the authentication message for any payment. Generating a number of predetermined results for the lottery game; and after programming at least one of the predetermined results into a memory of a programmed game cartridge, the programmed game A method for providing a remote lottery game, comprising delivering a cartridge to a storefront.   The method of claim 12, further comprising authenticating the programmed game cartridge at the store.   14. The method of claim 13, further comprising associating the predetermined result stored in the memory with the programmed game cartridge using an identifier.   When the gaming computer has a program stored in a computer memory and the player starts, the program generates one of a predetermined number of results stored in the memory on a display The method according to claim 13.   14. The method of claim 13, wherein the programmed game cartridge is presented after the predetermined result is programmed into the memory. display;
A player input controller; and a computer readable memory for storing computer readable program code executed by the computer game device; and a connector for electrically connecting the programmed game cartridge to the computer game device. A programmed game cartridge having a computer readable memory storing computer readable program code for providing at least one of a number of predetermined results to the computer game device. A computer comprising a programmed game cartridge that is generated and presented on the display, and wherein the predetermined result gradually appears on the display in response to an input from the player input controller Computer game device.   The game device according to claim 17, wherein the player input control unit includes a membrane keypad. Means for displaying images to the player;
Means for receiving input from said player; and computer readable memory means for storing computer readable program code means for execution by said computer game device; and said programmed game cartridge means for said computer Programmed game cartridge means having connector means for electrically connecting to a game device, wherein said computer readable memory means stores computer readable program code means, said computer game device having a number of A game that generates at least one of predetermined results is generated and presented on the display, and the predetermined result is gradually displayed in response to an input from the player input control unit. A computer game device comprising the programmed game cartridge means appearing in   The game device according to claim 19, further comprising means for generating a sound related to the predetermined result.

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