WO1999002230A1 - Games system for terminal units with data exchange via an interface with access control, and access control method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a games system for terminal units with exchange of games via interfaces with access control. Said terminal units (6, 8, 14, 18) are equipped with display and memory devices. Game programmes and game data are stored in a memory of a central computer (2) and the terminal units are connected with said central computer via an interface. The stored game programmes and game data are read from the central memory for each terminal as needed and stored in the corresponding memory device. An evaluation and access control unit (4) is connected to the central computer (2) or memory via an interface and detects the game programmes and game data stored in the central memory. This unit also detects the read operations for storage in terminal units and controls same operations.

Description

 Game system for end devices with data exchange via interface with approval control and procedure for

Admission control

description

The invention relates to a game system for end devices with the exchange of games and data via an interface with admission control, in which the end devices are provided with display and storage devices, game programs and data are stored in a central memory, the end devices with the central memory via an interface is connected, with the stored game programs and data being read from the central memory and stored in the relevant memory device for the end devices as required.

Entertainment devices are usually designed to be game-specific, e.g. as a gaming machine, Urfpfeil game machine, table bowling alley, etc. Apart from some game modifications, no further changes are possible due to the device, and under no circumstances can a completely different game be used on the same machine.

Various ways have been covered to expand the game options. In particular, remote data transmission lines have opened up the possibility of communication between communication participants regardless of their location. exchanges etc. with each other.

From EP-A-0 556 840 a game system for entertainment devices is known in which games are exchanged, the entertainment devices being provided with storage devices. Game programs and data are stored in a central memory in the form of a database, and the entertainment devices are connected to the central memory. For the entertainment devices, the game programs and data are read from the central memory, if necessary, transmitted via satellites and stored in the relevant memory device. The transfer of individual games is practically provided.

According to a proposal of WO 96/23288, a game system is provided in which entertainment devices are provided with memory devices and connected to a central memory in which game programs and data are stored. For the entertainment devices, the stored game programs and data are read from the memory as required and stored in the relevant memory device.

The invention has for its object to provide a system for entertainment devices, in which it is possible to offer games and game systems with cash prizes over the Internet.

This object is achieved in a game system with the features of claim 1 and in a method for controlling the approval of the use of game systems with cash prizes with the features of claim 15. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

In a game system according to the invention for terminals with the exchange of games via interface with admission control the terminals are provided with display and storage devices. Game programs and data are stored in a central memory, more precisely, the memory of a central computer, and the end devices are connected to the central memory via an interface. For the end devices, the saved game programs and data are read from the central memory as required and stored in the relevant memory device. The end devices are provided with an approval number. An evaluation and approval control point is connected to the central memory via an interface and records the game programs and data stored in the central memory. In addition, it records and controls the read processes carried out for storage in terminal devices. The transmitted game programs and data are permanently installed in the memory device.

The terminals are terminals in the broad sense. They are expediently designed as entertainment devices. However, they themselves can also be provided with a storage device in order to store games that are required with high probability in advance in the storage device of the devices in question, e.g. read locally via CD-ROM drives. Alternatively, the game can also be provided over the network by a server for the duration of the game, if the terminal devices are networked, for example, or part of an entertainment device system, such as in an arcade. The game programs and data are then stored in the server memory. The terminal devices can also be networked via a remote data transmission line.

The central memory for the game systems is advantageously designed in the form of non-manipulable media, such as CD-ROM, CDI read-only memory, memory cards. The games are identified with ID numbers, code numbers, registration numbers. The Game systems can thus be stored centrally and in a manner that cannot be manipulated in the pre-declaration, in compliance with the respective legal requirements, in particular if approval numbers are permanently linked and stored with the associated game programs and data subject to approval and are always transmitted together with them. A particularly good overview is obtained if the approval numbers of loaded game programs and data are always displayed on a monitor of the relevant end device, which can be prescribed by law. While the device approval numbers can be provided separately from the game approval numbers, a combination or linkage of the approval numbers is also possible.

To control the access of the evaluation and admission control point, a coding can be provided for the use of the interface in question, via which the admission of the games in question and also the game frequency (game evaluation) can be queried and checked at any time.

Only through the game loaded in each case do the end devices become gaming machines, entertainment machines, automatic skill machines, etc. Depending on the games or game variants or game systems stored in the central memory, multiple device variants can be made available for the game operation in the game system according to the invention. The admission control always results in a controlled game operation.

For example, the case may occur that the game "Tornado" is to be played on eight devices. The "Tornado" game is then loaded into the corresponding storage devices. For this purpose, it can be provided that the Central from several playback systems, such as centrally provided CD-ROM disks and drives, the game data can be called up at the same time. In order to make the operation more flexible, changers can be provided in the relevant central office with, for example, several CD-ROMs on which various game systems are stored.

The terminals are advantageously provided with operating devices for the selection and / or request of the game systems. These can be real keyboards, touch screen elements or the like, but also rotary knobs, individual keys etc. Operator guidance or preselection is expediently provided.

It is also possible to offer several games or game systems mixed to choose from. Gamesets can then be called up from the head office. The data can not only be called up for a single entertainment device or simply for an arcade, but also for several devices in an arcade. To ensure license operation, it is e.g. it is only necessary to save the approval data, approval numbers, date etc. on the storage media.

According to a system variant, several games or game systems can be called up for a terminal. It is particularly advantageous for amusement arcades to call up the stored game programs and data simultaneously for a plurality of end devices in accordance with another system variant.

Depending on the requirements, a set of games is stored on the storage devices at certain times. Provision can also be made for the storage to be provided only for a specific period of time. A cash processing unit, preferably in the center, can advantageously be provided. The terminals in question are then provided with a money input and / or cash dispenser. The gaming devices themselves can also have the money issuing and money dispensing device as well as the money processing unit. The storage device of each terminal preferably contains master data for animation, graphics, video, audio and / or money processing. The use of value cards, in particular chip cards, or a centrally managed player account can also be provided. When a game system is called up, the player then has to pay a corresponding amount or this is debited from his account.

A cross-game management of game scores and scores, etc., in general of game features and results can advantageously be provided, so that such data can be transferred to the game subsequently called up or can be credited at all in favor of a specific player. These transmission data are e.g. special game, jackpot, point levels, credits, coin values, bonus systems, taken credit or points are not lost when the game is changed, but can be used in the next game. This increases the incentive to play.

Similar to what is customary when selling used entertainment devices, the game programs and data can be bought back. This can be achieved by full reloading or deletion. The evaluation and approval body then controls the deletion or deletion. Accordingly, the crediting of a residual value can then be provided, which is handled, for example, by the operator of the central computer. Although games such as "Tornado" and the like have been mentioned above, it should be clarified at this point that the system according to the invention is also intended for the operation of license-free games, for example entertainment games, short-term competitions, point games, goods games, etc. These games can be operated, for example, between the operation of games requiring approval.

The games can also include betting (e.g. horse racing), merchandise deals and board games. The player can then contact the individual providers via the control device and actively make a decision by making a bet on payment, purchase warrants on shares and then bet in what period which value will be reached, etc. specified a period of time, for example, when a ton of grain in Chicago will reach which value, e depending on the period of time the provider plans to wager on. The same can be done with currency changes, predictions of the DAX status or sporting events, etc. In these cases, the game calls and / or user operations are usually checked via an authentication unit.

The invention is explained below using an advantageous exemplary embodiment which is illustrated in the drawing and is not to be interpreted as restricting the invention.

The only figure of the drawing shows a schematic representation of a game system according to the invention with a central, connected entertainment devices and connected evaluation and control point. A central computer 2 is provided with a memory, not shown. Programs and data are stored in the central memory and can be called up via one or more interfaces, in particular with an Internet connection.

An evaluation and approval control point 4 is connected to the central computer via an interface, not shown, in particular with an Internet connection. In the exemplary embodiment shown, it is necessary for the control operation for data protection purposes to use a coding provided specifically for this purpose. The connection between the central computer 2 and the evaluation and approval control point 4 is indicated by an arrow A4.

In the following, examples of the connection of entertainment devices to the central computer 2 are illustrated. Of course, other combinations can also be realized, although the connection does not necessarily have to be made via the Internet. This is only mentioned as an example of a line-independent transmission method.

Two money-operated entertainment devices 6 provided with corresponding storage devices are each provided with an interface (also not shown), in particular with an Internet connection, for the data transmission. The connection between the entertainment devices 6 and the central computer 2 is identified by an arrow A6. The central computer 2 controls the operation of the entertainment devices 6 and supplies them as required, i.e. especially on request, with required programs that are stored in the central memory.

Groups of entertainment devices are also connected to the central computer 2. For example, two are with a monitor and money processing unit provided entertainment devices 8 m of a restaurant 10, from which the central computer 2 is accessed via interface or Internet connection. The connection of the entertainment devices 8 to the central computer 2 is again identified by 8A.

Entertainment devices 14 set up at a common location 12 are connected to the central computer via a common interface 16. The connection, also possibly via the Internet, is marked with 16A.

Finally, a system of networked entertainment devices 18 is also shown, which are operated via their own central computer or server 20, for example in an arcade. The server has a 2 m connection to the central computer via an interface (not shown), possibly also via the Internet. This connection is identified by 20a.

Claims

claims Game system for terminal devices (6, 8, 14, 18) with the exchange of games and data via interface with admission control, in which the terminal devices (6, 8, 14, 18) are provided with display and storage devices, in a memory of a central Computer (2) game programs and data are stored and managed by the computer, the end devices (6, 8, 14, 18) are connected to the central computer (2) via an interface, with the end devices (6, 8, 14 , 18) each may be read the stored game programs and data from the memory of the central computer (2) and stored the relevant memory device, characterized in that the terminal devices (6, 8, 14, 18) are provided with an approval number. an evaluation and approval control point (4) is connected to the memory of the central computer (2) via an interface which detects the game programs and data stored in the central memory and the read operations carried out for storing terminal devices (6, 8, 14, 18 ) detected and controlled, and the transmitted game programs and data are permanently installed in the storage device. 2. System according to claim 1, so that the end devices (6, 8, 14, 18) are designed as entertainment devices. 3. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the entertainment devices (6, 8, 14, 18) are networked via a server (20) and the game programs and data loaded from the central computer (2) are stored in the server (20) are. 4. System according to any one of claims 1 to 3, that the memory of the central computer is designed as a non-manipulable storage medium. 5. System according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that approval numbers are permanently linked and stored with the associated game programs and data subject to approval and are always transmitted together with these, the approval numbers of loaded game programs and data always on a monitor of the concerned Terminal devices are displayed. 6. System according to claim 5, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the game approval number are linked to the device approval numbers. 7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the terminals are networked via a data transmission line, a remote data transmission line or via an interface. 8. System according to one of claims 1 to 7, so that the end devices are provided with operating devices for the selection and / or request of the game systems. 9. System according to claim 8, so that several games or game systems can be called up at the same time by a terminal device. 10. System according to any one of claims 1 to 9, that the stored game programs and data can be called up simultaneously for a plurality of end devices. 11. System according to one of claims 1 to 10, that a set of games is stored on the storage devices at certain times. 12. System according to claim 11, that the storage of games in the memory devices is provided for a certain period of time. 13. System according to one of claims 1 to 12, that the end devices (6, 8, 14, 18) are provided with a money input and money dispensing device and a money processing unit. 14. System according to one of claims 1 to 13, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that a centrally managed player account is provided. 15. System according to claim 13 or 14, dadurchg e- indicates that the use of value cards, in particular chip cards, is provided. 16. System according to one of claims 1 to 15, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that game features can be transferred from one game to another. 17. System according to one of claims 1 to 16, so that the permanently installed game programs and data are reloaded or deleted, the evaluation and approval body controlling the reloading or deletion. 18. System according to one of claims 1 to 17, so that an authentication code is stored or can be entered in the terminal device. 19. System according to one of claims 1 to 18, that a control of the authentication code is provided for certain user operations. 20. Process for the approval control of the use of game systems with money gains in interface operation, in which terminal devices (6, 8, 14, 18) are connected via one or more interfaces (16) to a memory of a central computer, in which game programs and data are stored are and requested by the end devices game programs and data and stored in storage devices of the end devices, dadurchgeken nz eichnet that an evaluation and approval control point (4) via an interface and the game programs and data stored in the memory of the central computer (2) the calls made by Game programs and data recorded and checked. 21. The method according to claim 20, so that the evaluation and admission control point controls the game calls and / or user operations via an authentication unit.