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WO2017115150A2 - Games, methods of playing games, and systems for delivering games - Google Patents

Games, methods of playing games, and systems for delivering games Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2017115150A2
WO2017115150A2 PCT/IB2016/001990 IB2016001990W WO2017115150A2 WO 2017115150 A2 WO2017115150 A2 WO 2017115150A2 IB 2016001990 W IB2016001990 W IB 2016001990W WO 2017115150 A2 WO2017115150 A2 WO 2017115150A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
game
card
dealer
playing
dealt
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2016/001990
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2017115150A3 (en
Inventor
Ng Kian MING
Original Assignee
21 Pink Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 21 Pink Inc. filed Critical 21 Pink Inc.
Publication of WO2017115150A2 publication Critical patent/WO2017115150A2/en
Publication of WO2017115150A3 publication Critical patent/WO2017115150A3/en

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F1/00Card games
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F13/00Video games, i.e. games using an electronically generated display having two or more dimensions
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3202Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
    • G07F17/3216Construction aspects of a gaming system, e.g. housing, seats, ergonomic aspects
    • G07F17/3218Construction aspects of a gaming system, e.g. housing, seats, ergonomic aspects wherein at least part of the system is portable
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3202Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
    • G07F17/3216Construction aspects of a gaming system, e.g. housing, seats, ergonomic aspects
    • G07F17/322Casino tables, e.g. tables having integrated screens, chip detection means
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3202Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
    • G07F17/3223Architectural aspects of a gaming system, e.g. internal configuration, master/slave, wireless communication
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3225Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01Protocols
    • H04L67/08Protocols specially adapted for terminal emulation, e.g. Telnet
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63FCARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • A63F3/00Board games; Raffle games
    • A63F2003/00996Board games available as video games

Definitions

  • This invention relates to games and methods of playing games. In other embodiments, this invention relates to systems for delivering games electronically and/or for allowing games to be played remotely. In certain embodiments, this invention relates to methods for generating unique game content, for play by a plurality of game player subsets, originating from a single game dealer and/or game table. In still other embodiments, this invention relates to methods of creating and delivering game play platforms which are distributed to broadcasters who then redistribute the platforms, with added content, to discrete subsets of game players.
  • Table games such as those played in casinos around the world, have been known for centuries. Table games, as compared to machine played games like slots, are games typically played utilizing live dealers and often involve playing cards or dice. Table games also often involve gambling or wagers.
  • table and other casino games have, in the past, been offered in electronic form on the internet (where they can be widely offered to many thousands of player at once), such electronic games have various drawbacks.
  • table games utilizing playing cards such prior art games utilize computer generated playing cards generated and dealt by a computer in virtual, rather than real, physical form. That is, rather than real playing cards or a real dealer (i.e., a live person) being employed, conventional electronic table games have typically involved electronically generated images of playing cards which are "virtually" dealt by a computer executing software instructions.
  • Such an embodiment obtains the wide reach of electronic or virtual games, but without the drawbacks discussed above, related to potential game manipulation through software design (or other possible types of cheating). Further embodiments illustrate that independent broadcasters also have the option of broadcasting digital game play generated from an random number generator (RNG) system.
  • RNG random number generator
  • one or more of the inventions described herein provides a method and system for delivering or providing game play in which game players need not be in the same geographical location as game dealers.
  • a single game - such as a table game (e.g., baccarat) - is "packaged" and then distributed by individual broadcasters that incorporate their own unique content.
  • a single game - which would be limited in players if played in person at a physical playing table - is shared or re-distributed (effectively live), over an internet type connection, so that a nearly unlimited number of players can participate in the game.
  • the sharing or distributing of the game takes place by the efforts of volunteer game broadcasters that build their own audiences or followers and acquire game player participation as a result.
  • the broadcasters distribute or share the game on their own volition, and with no conventional reward or compensation, but in other embodiments either real or virtual compensation may be supplied.
  • this invention relates to the distribution of a centralized, live game play to multiple remote broadcasters. These broadcasters, in turn, "share" the game play to their players and audience who are connected, or access the game play, through a computer program or web link on their computer, mobile computing device, mobile handset, internet connected television set, or similar device.
  • This sharing of the game play enables the players - regardless of which broadcaster they are connecting through - to (in optional embodiments) interact with the centralized, live game which is in progress at a geographically remote location, but which is "virtually” hosted by the broadcaster.
  • interaction is with the broadcasters themselves, or other players, and/or some combination of all three (broadcasters, players, and the central dealer or game facility).
  • Shared game play may include audio content, multimedia content, video, still images, game data, game graphics, and the like.
  • the herein described systems and methods allow a single live game (e.g., or stream of a game) to be shared and used by multiple broadcasters.
  • these broadcasters can further scale the same live game in their own broadcast room to their own audience and players.
  • This network structure and distribution system allows the creation of large scale multiplier effects, enabling a single live game to scale to an (essentially) unlimited audience (e.g., to players worldwide).
  • live games include video elements which display the dealer and dice or card play (or similar) live or in digital RNG form
  • the embodiments also preferably include game graphics and data visually integrated with the video elements.
  • Other embodiments are contemplated, however, where the live video elements may be converted to graphical game formats.
  • a method for distributing game play comprising: providing a game play table outfitted or associated with one or more scanner or detector devices capable of scanning or detecting or receiving inputs pertaining to game play status and outcomes of a game, presided over by a live game dealer; providing one or more game player display screens configured for displaying game play data and information, the one or more game player display screens being located geographically remote from the playing card dealer table; providing one or more game player data input devices configured to permit one or more game players to input instructions, in the form of transmittable data, corresponding to game play decisions or actions, for transmission to the game play table or a processor or database associated with the game play table or to a game dealer, the one or more game player data input devices being located geographically remote from the playing card dealer table; providing an image or video capturing device for capturing images or video of the game play table and live game dealer, the image or video capturing device further being configured for transmitting image or video data collected to the one or more game player display screens; a game processor including a computer
  • the herein described inventions include platforms for broadcasters (e.g., live video hosts) which enable them to host and "run" the equivalent of their own electronic or virtual game rooms or casinos.
  • platforms for broadcasters e.g., live video hosts
  • a live dealer and table game play is integrated into the virtual casino (or game room).
  • the broadcaster acts as the host or manager of their own game or casino "channel” but while utilizing game content and play provided by a central game distributor which operates live games and real, physical game tables.
  • the same individual game being played on a single deck of cards for example (or with a single set of dice) is packaged in a software platform which is accessible by or can be delivered to a plurality of different broadcasters (whether two, or one-hundred or more) with each broadcaster taking the same initial content, and then evolving the content to be unique and part of their own game room or casino.
  • game play is no longer limited to the numbers of players that will fit at a single table or by the numbers of playing cards or decks, for example.
  • Such embodiments provide - in effect - unlimited scalability of the game.
  • broadcasters share or distribute the game plays simply for recognition or fame. In other embodiments, however, broadcasters can be rewarded or compensated financially or with gifts.
  • digital or computerized play may be similarly utilized. This may be done as a stand alone, or in combination with live play.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a cable and/or data network, useful with one or more example embodiments of the present inventions.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates one example embodiment of a network connected playing card dealer table according to at least one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a game play, and user interface, implementing the well known game of Baccarat.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates another game play, and user interface, also implementing the well known game of Baccarat.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a gaming network.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates one embodiment of how the dual video game play mode is configured.
  • Fig. 7 illustrates one embodiment of how the single video game play mode is configured.
  • Fig. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a gaming network in which broadcasters can be promoted in-house and/or via social media.
  • Fig. 9 illustrates another example of a network structure, illustrating the re-broadcast of a live gaming platform by individual game broadcasters to their own discrete game players.
  • Fig. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which one broadcaster is monitoring a single game room.
  • Fig. 11 illustrates a network diagram which illustrates how (in one embodiment) game play is delivered and shared from the central game facility onwards
  • Fig. 12 illustrates a network diagram and several optional methods by which a player may be provided with access to a game (e.g., via computer program or HTML link).
  • Fig. 13 illustrates yet another network diagram which exemplifies how the (optional) single chat and multiple chat systems operate.
  • Figs. 14 - 17 illustrate example game screens and graphics.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates at least one environment in which certain example embodiments of the subject invention find utility, are embodied in, are capable of being operated or implemented within, or are otherwise deployable in or deliverable thereby, such as to broadcasters and/or game players, delivering or participating in the games and/or systems described herein.
  • a headend is shown illustrated as a central or master facility for processing and distribution of data over the illustrated network system.
  • the headend will normally have a multitude of receive-only satellite television dishes for reception of broadcast signals from cable or satellite content networks. Satellite dishes may be provided at the headend for this purpose, to accept game content for distribution across the network which may be a coaxial cable, copper wire telephone-type, or fiber optic network, for example.
  • the overall purpose of the illustrated network is to deploy data (e.g., game content) to end viewers or customers, which may take place by delivering and distributing signals via local optical nodes which, in turn, further distribute the signals to individual homes utilizing set-top boxes (or other processing hardware), for example.
  • Internet connectivity for game play, may be provided by such a network, using the illustrated delivery pathways, nodes, and/or channels, or by a separate network employing a different data exchange routes or delivery types.
  • internet connectivity may be provided by a separate "in-ground” network, or direct to viewer/consumer homes (fully or partially bypassing an in-ground network) such as by personal satellite provided at or in viewer user homes (the reverse scenario is also possible).
  • Cellular data networks may, of course, also be employed.
  • bi-directional data traffic may be transmitted to and from users of the network (e.g., game broadcasters or players).
  • data may be sent to a user's home, and, conversely, a user may also send data from their home to another location, geographically remote from the home, which is also connected to the network (directly or indirectly).
  • the use of the term "bi-directional", in this regard, refers to the ability to send and receive data - as desired - without imposing specific definitions or limitations on the type of network which enables such "back and forth" data transmission or communication.
  • a game designer or provider can deliver or distribute a game, such as the games described herein, by sending data corresponding to the games visual appearance (e.g., including static graphics and/or live video feeds), audio components, rules of play, wagers and the like over the network to a broadcaster's or game player's home (or place of recreation or business for example).
  • the broadcaster or game player may send data back over the same network pathways (or along similar but different pathways), to the game provider or distributor.
  • a game which is being provided but which requires interactivity can receive such moves, decisions, or wagers (or information related to such moves, decisions, or wagers) from the broadcaster or player as delivered by the herein described (or similar) networks.
  • Such moves, decisions, or wagers may be recorded or indicated or transmitted by any suitable method or mechanism including, but not limited to by or with, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touchscreen, a remote control, or with audio commands (or with commands recorded by detecting physical gestures).
  • broadcasters may receive game data, such as from a central facility, and then add their own content which travels the reverse path back into the network for re-distribution to broadcaster followers, players, customers, viewers, and the like.
  • a game is set up at a central game play facility which houses a dealer table, a live dealer, audio visual equipment for recording game play, and servers (with processors and read/write memories) for performing game operations and delivering content back into a game players network.
  • graphical user interfaces are also created (and stored on the servers, for example) and used to "enhance" the visual appearance of the live game play which is ultimately recorded.
  • "Enhanced” in this example includes aesthetic as well as functional enhancements. For example, in addition to visually pleasing backgrounds or colors being provided, separate window-in-window type views can be included which, for example, may include close-up views of cards or dice play.
  • graphical score boards, betting boards, or boards with card or dice information can be designed and provided in a game play platform or feed.
  • a game play platform (or “game platform”) or feed is created, the game platform can be made available for access or otherwise distributed to broadcasters that will - in turn - re- broadcast the platform, typically with additional content added to the game play.
  • the term "re- broadcast” should be construed broadly and can include a variety of situations or steps. For example, an actual software package may be delivered to a broadcaster for re-distribution with broadcaster content added. In other more common embodiments, however, a game play platform or feed is displayed to a broadcaster, and the broadcaster can then invite access to the game play platform using email or MMS or SMS messages, for example. Invited game players may join the game play for that particular broadcaster by clicking or pasting a URL, for example.
  • a broadcaster can add his/her own content - which may be commentary, for example - by simply using a video or image capturing device (e.g., a webcam) that includes a microphone.
  • a video or image capturing device e.g., a webcam
  • the broadcasters video and/or audio feed is integrated into the game play platform provided or delivered by the game play developer.
  • Text or multimedia content can also be added by using a computer, for example.
  • a television or internet broadcast could provide an opt-in code for joining game play.
  • the mobile device or tablet may be linked or looped into the game (i.e., connected via a data network to the game), so that the game player can make game decisions, player moves, and player wagers using their mobile device or tablet (or similar communication device) while simultaneously watching the game being displayed on a display screen.
  • a "join" code may be displayed in a broadcast (or on a social media page) which can be entered at a desired URL (e.g., webpage) to join the play of a game.
  • a desired URL e.g., webpage
  • the broadcaster When a game broadcaster is broadcasting a game to a plurality of players, the broadcaster is acting as a game or casino host which presides over the game play.
  • the broadcaster When a game broadcaster is broadcasting a game to a plurality of players, the broadcaster is acting as a game or casino host which presides over the game play.
  • the broadcaster can be compensated in numerous ways.
  • game players can "tip" the broadcaster electronically such as by activating a tip button and selecting a tip amount.
  • Money real or virtual
  • the game provider or developer can compensate the broadcaster for successfully bringing players to the game (who then wager money, thus typically profiting the game provider).
  • gifts or compensation may come in entirely virtual form.
  • a virtual, computer generated rose could be provided to a broadcaster (typically by a game player).
  • a central game provider provides a game play platform which is adopted and distributed by a plurality of different broadcasters, each with their own subset of player participants.
  • the different, discrete player subsets are all playing the same game (i.e., utilizing the same deck of cards or dice), even though the game appears differently or is presented in different aesthetic form, because of broadcaster added content.
  • the game will appear different, and provide a different experience to different players, however, because of not only the broadcaster content but also the ability to place player specific wagers.
  • a conventional gaming table might only allow 5-10 live players, providing the game play platform to broadcasters who then re-distribute the game allows thousands of players to simultaneously play a single game utilizing a single deck of cards of a single set of dice.
  • a playing card game may be played by game participants or players which are located at a location independent of the actual playing cards.
  • an electronically outfitted and network connected playing card dealer table 1 as illustrated in Fig. 2, may be utilized which is outfitted or associated with video or television broadcast cameras 3 as well as one or more scanner or detector devices 5 capable of scanning or detecting the rank and suit of playing cards dealt by a playing card dealer.
  • Dealer table 1 because it may be video recorded (by provided video or similar image capturing cameras) and is otherwise electronically outfitted and network connected (as described in further detail below) can be located anywhere in the world, and manned by a dealer to deal playing cards, yet can be played by game players located any where else in the world, including at locations entirely geographically remote from the dealer table. In other words, game players can play the playing card game so long as network interconnectivity is possible at the locations of the game players (whether by in-ground network, cellular network, or any other suitable network connection type).
  • one or more game player display screens 7 are provided to players or participants of the playing card game 11 (or they are already owned in the case where computers or mobile handsets are used). Such display screens may be specifically configured for displaying game play data and information, or they may be conventional display screens such as television screens, mobile device screens, or computer screens.
  • Play input devices 13 are also preferably provided to remote players which permit players to indicate play decisions, card plays, game strategy, wagers, hits, folds, and the like.
  • Such play input devices can include keyboards, computer mice, joysticks, touch screens, remote controls, audio commands, or commands recorded by detecting physical gestures (e.g., detected by infrared or laser detecting devices), or any combination or modification thereof.
  • a network such as the networks described herein, e.g., as data which is stored and interpreted or de-coded if necessary, by a game processor and/or data storage device connected to the game processor.
  • Action which takes place at the remotely located playing card dealer table 1 may, in turn be displayed or depicted to the game players on the one or more game player display screens. In this manner, players can view - as a live video feed (e.g., integrated with independent broadcaster content) - cards being dealt by a dealer, play decisions made by other players, wager
  • dice may be rolled or a roulette or similar wheel spun.
  • playing card dealer table 1 is equipped with or outfitted with or associated with electronic playing card scanners. Utilizing such scanners, even though a live dealer (a real person) is being employed to deal playing cards, as each card is dealt (from an automated card shuffler 15, though manual shuffling can also be used), the provided scanners or detectors 5 detect the rank and suit of the card being dealt. This can accomplished by use of conventional barcodes, QR codes, or radio frequency identification (“RFID”) devices located on each playing card (of course, other mechanisms for scanning or detecting the card dealt may also be employed). The cards may also be interpreted by optical character recognition software encoded in the system (used in conjunction with a conventional scanner).
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the provided scanner or detector determines the rank and suit of the card being dealt and then records (e.g., such as in a database) and/or transmits the rank and suit information to players or participants of the game (or to the game provider which may be monitoring the game).
  • additional scanners or detectors 17 may be provided on (or under or near) the surface of playing card dealer table 1 to detect or determine to whom or to which betting position a dealt card should be attributed.
  • scanners or detectors may be provided to detect if a card is dealt and placed in the dealer position (as part of the dealer's hand) or in a community card position or in a position corresponding to one of several game players.
  • Such detection or determination can take place by separate bar code or RFID scanning or detecting, or by simply matching an original rank/suit scan or detection to the closest-in-time placement of a card of a table (e.g., using a touch or card presence sensor in combination with a time stamp, for example). Specifically, by both determining the rank/suit and the person or dealer to which a card is assigned, such information about the physically dealt card may be automatically displayed on player display screens 7 (e.g., without requiring substantial or any further human intervention).
  • playing card dealer table 1 is preferably outfitted with, or at least communicably connected to, a game processor or computer 19 which includes a computer readable and writeable medium, such as a conventional hard drive or flash memory 21, in communication with a computer processor 23.
  • a game processor or computer may be located anywhere, so long as it is provided with network connectivity (e.g., via antenna 25), but should preferably be placed in a secure location to ensure the integrity of the game (e.g., to prevent game tinkering or hacking).
  • the computer readable and writeable memory preferably includes stored thereon a set of computer readable and executable instructions for processing by said computer processor.
  • the computer readable and executable instructions are defined to control the parameters of playing card game play (or dice or mechanical wheel play in other embodiments) as well as, optionally, to direct or control data traffic on the network which is delivering or permitting the game play.
  • the computer readable and executable instructions include game play and game win/loss rules, such that when such rules are processed by the computer processor, in combination with playing card rank/suit detection and playing card position or person attribution (e.g., provided to the game computer by scanners and detectors), the game computer 19 can determine winners and losers of the game without intervention or assistance of the game dealer or provider (e.g., except to physically deal cards or pass them over the scanner). In other embodiments, however, it may be desirable for the game broadcaster or dealer to determine winners and the like.
  • wagers made by game players can optionally be stored by the computer readable and writeable media, and then analyzed and processed by the game computer 19 to determine allocation or payout of game wagers.
  • the game computer can allocate wager winnings to game winners automatically, without substantial or any human intervention, or can collect lost wagers for the game provider or dealer.
  • Information pertaining to won and lost wagers may also be transmitted or displayed automatically to game players, via provided networks, to or on the one or more game player display screens 7.
  • Fig 3 illustrates a game play, and user interface, implementing the well known game of Baccarat.
  • the left portion of the mobile screen is displaying a broadcasting host, and the right side of the mobile screen is displaying a view of the live game dealer (at the central game facility).
  • the broadcaster is working or providing content in a manner to appear synchronized with the live dealer.
  • the live dealer feed (on the right side of the mobile screen) is also being displayed by a plurality of other broadcasters which each provide their own unique content synchronized with the live dealer.
  • the live dealer can be shared with an infinite number of broadcasters, and therefore an infinite number of game players.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates another game play, and user interface, also implementing the well known game of Baccarat.
  • the live dealer game play has been processed by a computer and converted to a digital format.
  • the game play displayed in the window-in-window i.e., upper left corner
  • the broadcaster is also working or providing content in a manner to appear synchronized with live deal taking place, albeit in representative or graphical form.
  • the live dealer game play can be shared with an infinite number of broadcasters, and therefore an infinite number of game players (but in digital or graphical form).
  • Fig. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a gaming network.
  • a game broadcaster can select whether single or dual video mode is desired (such as described above) and then proceed to invite game players to join the game.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates how the dual video game play mode is configured.
  • broadcaster content is generated and delivered to the mobile device which displays the game play, while a server at a central gaming facility is also delivering video content to the mobile device (for simultaneous display with the broadcaster content).
  • Fig. 7 illustrates how the single video game play mode is configured.
  • broadcaster content is generated and delivered to the mobile device which displays the game play, and serves as the sole source of real, live video content.
  • a server at a central gaming facility is converting live dealer play and then delivering graphical representations of such play as window-in-window content to the mobile device (for
  • Fig. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a gaming network in which broadcasters can be promoted in-house and/or via social media.
  • This figure also illustrates an example network structure where broadcasters can use the network to be virtual casino hosts of a variety of casino games, such live game play again being provided by a central game play facility (which delivers a video or data feed corresponding to game play).
  • Fig. 9 is another example of such a network structure, illustrating the re-broadcast of a live gaming platform by individual game broadcasters to their own discrete game players.
  • the numbers of broadcasters are unlimited, and therefore the number of game players is also unlimited.
  • a single broadcaster can operate or host multiple game rooms simultaneously in real time with his/her video (or broadcast) feeds. In other words, a single broadcaster can be seen by multiple groups of discreet players simultaneously (i.e., in multiple virtual game rooms).
  • Fig. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which one broadcaster is monitoring a single game room.
  • Fig. 11 is a network diagram which illustrates how game play is delivered and shared from the central game facility onwards.
  • the game play has been digitized for display with the broadcaster, and one broadcaster is hosting multiple rooms at once.
  • Fig. 12 illustrates a network diagram and several methods by which a player may be provided with access to a game (e.g., via computer program or HTML link).
  • Fig. 13 illustrates yet another network diagram which exemplifies how the (optional) single chat and multiple chat systems work.
  • a game of casino-style Baccarat is provided for remote game play.
  • the game “mechanics” are provided to players via a software module or software "app", installed on an electronic device which communicates with a game provider software program, installed on a game provider (or moderator) server or central processing computer.
  • Game player apps or modules are downloaded and installed onto chosen electronic devices (such as mobile phones or other devices, laptops, computers, etc.) before use. Once installed, both the program executable for the dealer/game moderator and separately for the game player can be launched, which will initialize the beginning of, and thereafter "run", the game.
  • Live broadcast cameras will be installed and will be active, thereby broadcasting the actions of the dealer/game moderator to an audience (e.g., via the internet to mobile devices).
  • the dealer/moderator will first be presented with an interface prompting the dealer/ moderator to start the game and begin dealing cards.
  • invitations will have been sent to broadcasters who, in turn, invited game players to participate in their personal "broadcasts" of the dealer/moderator game play.
  • Game players may have already downloaded game play apps previously, or they may do so in response to the broadcaster invitation.
  • the game player subsequent to launching the app on their chosen device, will be notified that a new game is starting and prompted to place a bet to participate in the game within a specific amount of time.
  • a timer in this example embodiment, is presented to indicate the amount of time left to place a bet to participate in the current game.
  • the game player app will send a notification to the dealer/moderator's program about all of the players who placed a bet before the time limit was up (the plurality of game player "apps" being collectively referred hereto as the "game player app").
  • the dealer's software program will also, in turn, send a notification to those game players who did not make a bet in time notifying such individuals that they are not participants in the current game.
  • all players that joined or placed bets on time will be permitted to participate in the game, while persons that missed the deadline must sit the hand out until another game or hand begins.
  • the card values Upon scanning any dealt cards with the scanner, the card values will be broadcast to all connected game player devices who are eligible to continue in the game (in games in which cards are revealed at this stage). On the game player app, the game player will be able to see a simulated representation (e.g., pictorial or graphical representation) of their cards along side a live view of the dealer/game broadcast showing the actual physical cards dealt. In some embodiments, however, only a live view will be shown, or only a mock up of the cards will be shown.
  • a simulated representation e.g., pictorial or graphical representation
  • game players may engage in chat or other communications with the dealer during the game. This may be accomplished using software components that allow transmission of text, audio, images, and/or video.
  • chat or other communications the game player can tap on a chat button, type, compose a message, and then send the composed message to the dealer who will receive the message in his/her dealer station.
  • the dealer may also communicate with the players and, for example, may respond by also tapping on a chat message method and sending a composed message back to the game player that originated the communication.
  • game players may send tips in the form of virtual gifts to the dealer.
  • the game player can tap on a provided gift button (e.g., generated by a software app installed on the game players electronic device) which will slide open (or otherwise open) a gift menu. Tapping on any one of these gifts, in this optional embodiment, will automatically send the selected gift to the dealer. Tips of actual currency may also be transmitted if desired.
  • a provided gift button e.g., generated by a software app installed on the game players electronic device

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Abstract

Games and methods of playing games. In other embodiments, systems for delivering games electronically and/or for allowing games to be played remotely. In certain embodiments, methods for generating unique game content, for play by a plurality of game player subsets, originating from a single game dealer and/or game table. In yet other embodiments, methods of creating and delivering game play platforms which are distributed to broadcasters who then redistribute the platforms, with added content, to discrete subsets of game players.

Description

GAMES, METHODS OF PLAYING GAMES, AND SYSTEMS FOR DELIVERING
GAMES
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
This application claims priority to United States Patent Application No. 62/272,671, filed December 30, 2015. This application also claims priority to United States Patent Application No. 62/333,468, filed May 9, 2016. This application additionally claims priority to United States Patent Application No. 14/644,060, filed March 10, 2015, which claims priority to United States Patent Application No. 61/950,637, similarly titled, and filed March 10, 2014, which claims priority to United States Patent Application No. 61/975,537, similarly titled, and filed April 4, 2014, and which also claims priority to United States Patent Application No. 61/975,551, similarly titled, and filed April 4, 2014. The entireties of all of such applications are each hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to games and methods of playing games. In other embodiments, this invention relates to systems for delivering games electronically and/or for allowing games to be played remotely. In certain embodiments, this invention relates to methods for generating unique game content, for play by a plurality of game player subsets, originating from a single game dealer and/or game table. In still other embodiments, this invention relates to methods of creating and delivering game play platforms which are distributed to broadcasters who then redistribute the platforms, with added content, to discrete subsets of game players.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Table games, such as those played in casinos around the world, have been known for centuries. Table games, as compared to machine played games like slots, are games typically played utilizing live dealers and often involve playing cards or dice. Table games also often involve gambling or wagers.
Although table and other casino games have, in the past, been offered in electronic form on the internet (where they can be widely offered to many thousands of player at once), such electronic games have various drawbacks. For example, in the case of table games utilizing playing cards, such prior art games utilize computer generated playing cards generated and dealt by a computer in virtual, rather than real, physical form. That is, rather than real playing cards or a real dealer (i.e., a live person) being employed, conventional electronic table games have typically involved electronically generated images of playing cards which are "virtually" dealt by a computer executing software instructions. For this reason, it is not known to a player of such an electronic poker game whether the playing cards are being dealt properly (e.g., using the proper number of ranks and suits in a playing card deck), or whether the software which embodies the playing card game has been tampered with, hacked into, and/or was otherwise designed poorly and unfairly to begin with. Similar issues are presented with games utilizing virtual dice or virtual roulette wheels. For such reasons, although it may be acceptable to wager fake or virtual money with such electronic poker (and other) games, it has been viewed as risky in the prior art to wager real currency.
On the other hand, as gambling and table games and the like have become more popular, it has been common for games, which utilize live dealers, to be televised or displayed in live streams over internet connections. However, even though such televised-type games garner significant viewership interest, they do not permit participation by viewers and therefore interest in such televised games has natural limitations. In view of the above drawbacks, it has been discovered by the Applicants for invention herein that there is a need for a system for providing game play which permits geographically remote participation yet which utilizes live dealers. In conjunction with the conception of the preferred embodiments of the inventions contemplated by Applicants, it has been determined that there is a need for games which can be played physically remote from a dealer, but, also, with reduced or eliminated risk of cheating, computer hacking, or computer software error. In connection with still other embodiments, it has been discovered that there is a need for a system in which a single table (or similar) game can be delivered to or accessed by different subsets of game players, wherein each subset of players is playing the same game yet receiving unique game content. In some of these embodiments, it has been determined to be desirable to employ independent broadcasters to re-broadcast live dealer game play in order to reach large numbers or subsets of game players. Such an embodiment obtains the wide reach of electronic or virtual games, but without the drawbacks discussed above, related to potential game manipulation through software design (or other possible types of cheating). Further embodiments illustrate that independent broadcasters also have the option of broadcasting digital game play generated from an random number generator (RNG) system.
It is, in certain embodiments, a purpose of the herein described inventions to address one or more of the above drawbacks or needs in the art. It is also a purpose of the herein described inventions to address other drawbacks and/or other desires for improvements in the art, whether or not currently known, which will become more apparent to the skilled artisan once given the present disclosure.
SUMMARY OF CERTAIN EXAMPLES EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Generally speaking, one or more of the inventions described herein provides a method and system for delivering or providing game play in which game players need not be in the same geographical location as game dealers. In certain embodiments, a single game - such as a table game (e.g., baccarat) - is "packaged" and then distributed by individual broadcasters that incorporate their own unique content. In other words, one game - which would be limited in players if played in person at a physical playing table - is shared or re-distributed (effectively live), over an internet type connection, so that a nearly unlimited number of players can participate in the game. In certain preferred embodiments, the sharing or distributing of the game takes place by the efforts of volunteer game broadcasters that build their own audiences or followers and acquire game player participation as a result. In certain of such embodiments, the broadcasters distribute or share the game on their own volition, and with no conventional reward or compensation, but in other embodiments either real or virtual compensation may be supplied.
In some embodiments, this invention relates to the distribution of a centralized, live game play to multiple remote broadcasters. These broadcasters, in turn, "share" the game play to their players and audience who are connected, or access the game play, through a computer program or web link on their computer, mobile computing device, mobile handset, internet connected television set, or similar device. This sharing of the game play enables the players - regardless of which broadcaster they are connecting through - to (in optional embodiments) interact with the centralized, live game which is in progress at a geographically remote location, but which is "virtually" hosted by the broadcaster. In other embodiments, interaction is with the broadcasters themselves, or other players, and/or some combination of all three (broadcasters, players, and the central dealer or game facility). Shared game play may include audio content, multimedia content, video, still images, game data, game graphics, and the like.
In other words, in the above described or similar embodiments, the herein described systems and methods allow a single live game (e.g., or stream of a game) to be shared and used by multiple broadcasters. Optionally, these broadcasters can further scale the same live game in their own broadcast room to their own audience and players. This network structure and distribution system allows the creation of large scale multiplier effects, enabling a single live game to scale to an (essentially) unlimited audience (e.g., to players worldwide). While it is preferred in most embodiments that live games include video elements which display the dealer and dice or card play (or similar) live or in digital RNG form, the embodiments also preferably include game graphics and data visually integrated with the video elements. Other embodiments are contemplated, however, where the live video elements may be converted to graphical game formats.
In at least one embodiment, there is provided: a method for distributing game play comprising: providing a game play table outfitted or associated with one or more scanner or detector devices capable of scanning or detecting or receiving inputs pertaining to game play status and outcomes of a game, presided over by a live game dealer; providing one or more game player display screens configured for displaying game play data and information, the one or more game player display screens being located geographically remote from the playing card dealer table; providing one or more game player data input devices configured to permit one or more game players to input instructions, in the form of transmittable data, corresponding to game play decisions or actions, for transmission to the game play table or a processor or database associated with the game play table or to a game dealer, the one or more game player data input devices being located geographically remote from the playing card dealer table; providing an image or video capturing device for capturing images or video of the game play table and live game dealer, the image or video capturing device further being configured for transmitting image or video data collected to the one or more game player display screens; a game processor including a computer readable medium in communication with a computer processor; the computer readable medium and the computer processor being communicably connected to a network; the computer readable medium including, stored thereon, a set of computer readable and executable instructions for processing by the computer processor, the computer readable and executable instructions being defined to control the parameters of a game play and being defined to direct data traffic on the network; the computer readable and executable instructions also defining a game player interface, comprised of graphical user interface components; integrating the graphical user face components with captured images or video of the game play table and the live game dealer to form a re-distributable, re-usable game play module; a plurality of broadcaster game hosts each distributing the re-distributable, reusable game play module to a subset of a plurality of game players affiliated with a the respective distributing broadcaster game host; integrating audio and/or visual content, generated by respective broadcaster game hosts, with the respective game play module distributed by the respective broadcaster game host to form unique broadcaster game content, and delivering such integrated game play module and broadcaster content, as the unique broadcaster game content, to the subset of a plurality of game players affiliated with the respective broadcaster game host; and wherein a plurality of unique subsets of game play experiences are obtained as a consequence of such integration of the broadcaster content with the re-distributable, re-usable game play modules, such that each subset of the plurality of subsets of game players receives different game play content as compared to the other game players in the other subsets, while all of the subsets of game players are playing a same game originating at the game play table.
In certain embodiments, the herein described inventions include platforms for broadcasters (e.g., live video hosts) which enable them to host and "run" the equivalent of their own electronic or virtual game rooms or casinos. In such embodiments, however, rather than games being played with virtual cards or virtual dice or the like, a live dealer and table game play is integrated into the virtual casino (or game room). In effect, the broadcaster acts as the host or manager of their own game or casino "channel" but while utilizing game content and play provided by a central game distributor which operates live games and real, physical game tables. In such embodiments, the same individual game being played on a single deck of cards for example (or with a single set of dice) is packaged in a software platform which is accessible by or can be delivered to a plurality of different broadcasters (whether two, or one-hundred or more) with each broadcaster taking the same initial content, and then evolving the content to be unique and part of their own game room or casino. In such embodiment, game play is no longer limited to the numbers of players that will fit at a single table or by the numbers of playing cards or decks, for example. Such embodiments, provide - in effect - unlimited scalability of the game.
In certain embodiments, broadcasters share or distribute the game plays simply for recognition or fame. In other embodiments, however, broadcasters can be rewarded or compensated financially or with gifts.
In still further embodiments, rather than only live play being utilized in the systems and methods disclosed and described herein, digital or computerized play may be similarly utilized. This may be done as a stand alone, or in combination with live play.
Certain examples of the invention are now described below with respect to certain non- limiting embodiments thereof as illustrated in the following drawings wherein:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EXAMPLE DRAWINGS
The drawings submitted with and which form a part of this patent application each illustrate an embodiment, or one or more components of an embodiment, of a non-limiting example of Applicants' invention. While these drawings depict certain preferred embodiments of
Applicants' invention, as well as certain particularly desirable features thereof, they are intended to be examples only and should not be construed to limit the scope of Applicant's invention.
Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a cable and/or data network, useful with one or more example embodiments of the present inventions.
Fig. 2 illustrates one example embodiment of a network connected playing card dealer table according to at least one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 3 illustrates a game play, and user interface, implementing the well known game of Baccarat.
Fig. 4 illustrates another game play, and user interface, also implementing the well known game of Baccarat.
Fig. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a gaming network.
Fig. 6 illustrates one embodiment of how the dual video game play mode is configured. Fig. 7 illustrates one embodiment of how the single video game play mode is configured. Fig. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a gaming network in which broadcasters can be promoted in-house and/or via social media.
Fig. 9 illustrates another example of a network structure, illustrating the re-broadcast of a live gaming platform by individual game broadcasters to their own discrete game players.
Fig. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which one broadcaster is monitoring a single game room.
Fig. 11 illustrates a network diagram which illustrates how (in one embodiment) game play is delivered and shared from the central game facility onwards
Fig. 12 illustrates a network diagram and several optional methods by which a player may be provided with access to a game (e.g., via computer program or HTML link).
Fig. 13 illustrates yet another network diagram which exemplifies how the (optional) single chat and multiple chat systems operate.
Figs. 14 - 17 illustrate example game screens and graphics.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EXAMPLE EMBODPMENTS OF THE INVENTION
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following description of various illustrative and non-limiting embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers indicate like features.
Fig. 1 illustrates at least one environment in which certain example embodiments of the subject invention find utility, are embodied in, are capable of being operated or implemented within, or are otherwise deployable in or deliverable thereby, such as to broadcasters and/or game players, delivering or participating in the games and/or systems described herein. In the example network illustrated in the figure, a headend is shown illustrated as a central or master facility for processing and distribution of data over the illustrated network system. The headend will normally have a multitude of receive-only satellite television dishes for reception of broadcast signals from cable or satellite content networks. Satellite dishes may be provided at the headend for this purpose, to accept game content for distribution across the network which may be a coaxial cable, copper wire telephone-type, or fiber optic network, for example. Though other network types may of course be employed, the overall purpose of the illustrated network is to deploy data (e.g., game content) to end viewers or customers, which may take place by delivering and distributing signals via local optical nodes which, in turn, further distribute the signals to individual homes utilizing set-top boxes (or other processing hardware), for example. Internet connectivity, for game play, may be provided by such a network, using the illustrated delivery pathways, nodes, and/or channels, or by a separate network employing a different data exchange routes or delivery types. For example, internet connectivity may be provided by a separate "in-ground" network, or direct to viewer/consumer homes (fully or partially bypassing an in-ground network) such as by personal satellite provided at or in viewer user homes (the reverse scenario is also possible). Cellular data networks may, of course, also be employed.
Using a network illustrated in Fig. 1 (or otherwise described above such as provided by satellite for example), bi-directional data traffic may be transmitted to and from users of the network (e.g., game broadcasters or players). In other words, data may be sent to a user's home, and, conversely, a user may also send data from their home to another location, geographically remote from the home, which is also connected to the network (directly or indirectly). The use of the term "bi-directional", in this regard, refers to the ability to send and receive data - as desired - without imposing specific definitions or limitations on the type of network which enables such "back and forth" data transmission or communication.
Using data transmission networks, a game designer or provider can deliver or distribute a game, such as the games described herein, by sending data corresponding to the games visual appearance (e.g., including static graphics and/or live video feeds), audio components, rules of play, wagers and the like over the network to a broadcaster's or game player's home (or place of recreation or business for example). Similarly, if an interactive game is being supplied or delivered, the broadcaster or game player may send data back over the same network pathways (or along similar but different pathways), to the game provider or distributor. In this manner, a game which is being provided but which requires interactivity, such as the implementation of player moves, decisions, or wagers, can receive such moves, decisions, or wagers (or information related to such moves, decisions, or wagers) from the broadcaster or player as delivered by the herein described (or similar) networks. Such moves, decisions, or wagers may be recorded or indicated or transmitted by any suitable method or mechanism including, but not limited to by or with, a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touchscreen, a remote control, or with audio commands (or with commands recorded by detecting physical gestures). In the present embodiments, broadcasters may receive game data, such as from a central facility, and then add their own content which travels the reverse path back into the network for re-distribution to broadcaster followers, players, customers, viewers, and the like.
In one embodiment of the games and methods/sy stems envisioned, a game is set up at a central game play facility which houses a dealer table, a live dealer, audio visual equipment for recording game play, and servers (with processors and read/write memories) for performing game operations and delivering content back into a game players network. In this embodiment, graphical user interfaces are also created (and stored on the servers, for example) and used to "enhance" the visual appearance of the live game play which is ultimately recorded. "Enhanced" in this example includes aesthetic as well as functional enhancements. For example, in addition to visually pleasing backgrounds or colors being provided, separate window-in-window type views can be included which, for example, may include close-up views of cards or dice play. Similarly, graphical score boards, betting boards, or boards with card or dice information (or even individual player information) can be designed and provided in a game play platform or feed.
Once a game play platform (or "game platform") or feed is created, the game platform can be made available for access or otherwise distributed to broadcasters that will - in turn - re- broadcast the platform, typically with additional content added to the game play. The term "re- broadcast" should be construed broadly and can include a variety of situations or steps. For example, an actual software package may be delivered to a broadcaster for re-distribution with broadcaster content added. In other more common embodiments, however, a game play platform or feed is displayed to a broadcaster, and the broadcaster can then invite access to the game play platform using email or MMS or SMS messages, for example. Invited game players may join the game play for that particular broadcaster by clicking or pasting a URL, for example. In these preferred embodiments, a broadcaster can add his/her own content - which may be commentary, for example - by simply using a video or image capturing device (e.g., a webcam) that includes a microphone. In such an example, the broadcasters video and/or audio feed is integrated into the game play platform provided or delivered by the game play developer. Text or multimedia content can also be added by using a computer, for example.
Similarly, a television or internet broadcast ("webcast") could provide an opt-in code for joining game play. In such an embodiment, if the code is texted by a player via MMS or SMS by a mobile device or tablet to a provided number linked to a game play broadcaster, the mobile device or tablet may be linked or looped into the game (i.e., connected via a data network to the game), so that the game player can make game decisions, player moves, and player wagers using their mobile device or tablet (or similar communication device) while simultaneously watching the game being displayed on a display screen. In yet another embodiment, rather than employing an SMS or MMS invitation, a "join" code may be displayed in a broadcast (or on a social media page) which can be entered at a desired URL (e.g., webpage) to join the play of a game. Of course, any other mechanism for allowing data communication between a player and a game provider or dealer may be utilized.
When a game broadcaster is broadcasting a game to a plurality of players, the broadcaster is acting as a game or casino host which presides over the game play. In the optional
embodiments in which the broadcaster(s) is/are rewarded or compensated, the broadcaster can be compensated in numerous ways. For example, game players can "tip" the broadcaster electronically such as by activating a tip button and selecting a tip amount. Money (real or virtual) can then be transferred from the players account to an account owned by the broadcaster. In other embodiments, the game provider or developer can compensate the broadcaster for successfully bringing players to the game (who then wager money, thus typically profiting the game provider). In still other embodiments, gifts or compensation may come in entirely virtual form. For example, a virtual, computer generated rose could be provided to a broadcaster (typically by a game player).
In preferred embodiments, a central game provider provides a game play platform which is adopted and distributed by a plurality of different broadcasters, each with their own subset of player participants. In these embodiments, the different, discrete player subsets are all playing the same game (i.e., utilizing the same deck of cards or dice), even though the game appears differently or is presented in different aesthetic form, because of broadcaster added content. Thus, it is preferred to utilize games with rules which do not require individual game play decisions that affect the treatment of the playing cards, dice, or mechanical device (e.g., a roulette or similar wheel). For example, a game in which the same number of cards is dealt regardless of player desires can be scaled up utilizing the networks and methods disclosed herein. The game will appear different, and provide a different experience to different players, however, because of not only the broadcaster content but also the ability to place player specific wagers. In such an embodiment as described, while a conventional gaming table might only allow 5-10 live players, providing the game play platform to broadcasters who then re-distribute the game allows thousands of players to simultaneously play a single game utilizing a single deck of cards of a single set of dice.
By way of specific, but non-limiting example, a playing card game may be played by game participants or players which are located at a location independent of the actual playing cards. For example, an electronically outfitted and network connected playing card dealer table 1, as illustrated in Fig. 2, may be utilized which is outfitted or associated with video or television broadcast cameras 3 as well as one or more scanner or detector devices 5 capable of scanning or detecting the rank and suit of playing cards dealt by a playing card dealer. Dealer table 1, because it may be video recorded (by provided video or similar image capturing cameras) and is otherwise electronically outfitted and network connected (as described in further detail below) can be located anywhere in the world, and manned by a dealer to deal playing cards, yet can be played by game players located any where else in the world, including at locations entirely geographically remote from the dealer table. In other words, game players can play the playing card game so long as network interconnectivity is possible at the locations of the game players (whether by in-ground network, cellular network, or any other suitable network connection type).
Specifically, in this embodiment, one or more game player display screens 7 are provided to players or participants of the playing card game 11 (or they are already owned in the case where computers or mobile handsets are used). Such display screens may be specifically configured for displaying game play data and information, or they may be conventional display screens such as television screens, mobile device screens, or computer screens. Play input devices 13 are also preferably provided to remote players which permit players to indicate play decisions, card plays, game strategy, wagers, hits, folds, and the like. Such play input devices can include keyboards, computer mice, joysticks, touch screens, remote controls, audio commands, or commands recorded by detecting physical gestures (e.g., detected by infrared or laser detecting devices), or any combination or modification thereof. Decisions or moves or wagers indicated by use of such devices are transmitted to the game provider or dealer by a network, such as the networks described herein, e.g., as data which is stored and interpreted or de-coded if necessary, by a game processor and/or data storage device connected to the game processor. Action which takes place at the remotely located playing card dealer table 1 may, in turn be displayed or depicted to the game players on the one or more game player display screens. In this manner, players can view - as a live video feed (e.g., integrated with independent broadcaster content) - cards being dealt by a dealer, play decisions made by other players, wager
information, and win/loss information. In other embodiments, rather than playing cards, dice may be rolled or a roulette or similar wheel spun.
In certain particularly preferred embodiments, playing card dealer table 1 is equipped with or outfitted with or associated with electronic playing card scanners. Utilizing such scanners, even though a live dealer (a real person) is being employed to deal playing cards, as each card is dealt (from an automated card shuffler 15, though manual shuffling can also be used), the provided scanners or detectors 5 detect the rank and suit of the card being dealt. This can accomplished by use of conventional barcodes, QR codes, or radio frequency identification ("RFID") devices located on each playing card (of course, other mechanisms for scanning or detecting the card dealt may also be employed). The cards may also be interpreted by optical character recognition software encoded in the system (used in conjunction with a conventional scanner). Thus, in preferred embodiments, as each card is dealt, the provided scanner or detector determines the rank and suit of the card being dealt and then records (e.g., such as in a database) and/or transmits the rank and suit information to players or participants of the game (or to the game provider which may be monitoring the game). Similarly, but also optionally, additional scanners or detectors 17 may be provided on (or under or near) the surface of playing card dealer table 1 to detect or determine to whom or to which betting position a dealt card should be attributed. For example, scanners or detectors may be provided to detect if a card is dealt and placed in the dealer position (as part of the dealer's hand) or in a community card position or in a position corresponding to one of several game players. Such detection or determination can take place by separate bar code or RFID scanning or detecting, or by simply matching an original rank/suit scan or detection to the closest-in-time placement of a card of a table (e.g., using a touch or card presence sensor in combination with a time stamp, for example). Specifically, by both determining the rank/suit and the person or dealer to which a card is assigned, such information about the physically dealt card may be automatically displayed on player display screens 7 (e.g., without requiring substantial or any further human intervention).
In embodiments in which card information is automatically detected and displayed, playing card dealer table 1 is preferably outfitted with, or at least communicably connected to, a game processor or computer 19 which includes a computer readable and writeable medium, such as a conventional hard drive or flash memory 21, in communication with a computer processor 23. Of course, the game processor or computer may be located anywhere, so long as it is provided with network connectivity (e.g., via antenna 25), but should preferably be placed in a secure location to ensure the integrity of the game (e.g., to prevent game tinkering or hacking). The computer readable and writeable memory preferably includes stored thereon a set of computer readable and executable instructions for processing by said computer processor.
The computer readable and executable instructions, in preferred embodiments, are defined to control the parameters of playing card game play (or dice or mechanical wheel play in other embodiments) as well as, optionally, to direct or control data traffic on the network which is delivering or permitting the game play. In most preferred (but still optional) embodiments, the computer readable and executable instructions include game play and game win/loss rules, such that when such rules are processed by the computer processor, in combination with playing card rank/suit detection and playing card position or person attribution (e.g., provided to the game computer by scanners and detectors), the game computer 19 can determine winners and losers of the game without intervention or assistance of the game dealer or provider (e.g., except to physically deal cards or pass them over the scanner). In other embodiments, however, it may be desirable for the game broadcaster or dealer to determine winners and the like.
Similarly, wagers made by game players can optionally be stored by the computer readable and writeable media, and then analyzed and processed by the game computer 19 to determine allocation or payout of game wagers. In other words, the game computer can allocate wager winnings to game winners automatically, without substantial or any human intervention, or can collect lost wagers for the game provider or dealer. Information pertaining to won and lost wagers may also be transmitted or displayed automatically to game players, via provided networks, to or on the one or more game player display screens 7.
Fig 3 illustrates a game play, and user interface, implementing the well known game of Baccarat. In the dual video game play mode illustrated, the left portion of the mobile screen is displaying a broadcasting host, and the right side of the mobile screen is displaying a view of the live game dealer (at the central game facility). In this embodiment, the broadcaster is working or providing content in a manner to appear synchronized with the live dealer. In this embodiment, however, the live dealer feed (on the right side of the mobile screen) is also being displayed by a plurality of other broadcasters which each provide their own unique content synchronized with the live dealer. In other words, the live dealer can be shared with an infinite number of broadcasters, and therefore an infinite number of game players. Fig. 4 illustrates another game play, and user interface, also implementing the well known game of Baccarat. In this single video game play mode illustrated, however, the live dealer game play has been processed by a computer and converted to a digital format. In other words, the game play displayed in the window-in-window (i.e., upper left corner) represents actual live dealer play, but displayed in graphical or mock up form. The remaining portion of the mobile screen is displaying a broadcasting host. As with the immediately previous embodiment, in this example implementation, the broadcaster is also working or providing content in a manner to appear synchronized with live deal taking place, albeit in representative or graphical form. Just as with the embodiment described above, the live dealer game play can be shared with an infinite number of broadcasters, and therefore an infinite number of game players (but in digital or graphical form).
Fig. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a gaming network. In the displayed network configuration, a plurality of games are provided for selection by a game broadcaster. Once a game is selected, the broadcaster can select whether single or dual video mode is desired (such as described above) and then proceed to invite game players to join the game.
Fig. 6 illustrates how the dual video game play mode is configured. In this mode or configuration, broadcaster content is generated and delivered to the mobile device which displays the game play, while a server at a central gaming facility is also delivering video content to the mobile device (for simultaneous display with the broadcaster content).
Fig. 7 illustrates how the single video game play mode is configured. In this mode or configuration, broadcaster content is generated and delivered to the mobile device which displays the game play, and serves as the sole source of real, live video content. Simultaneously, a server at a central gaming facility is converting live dealer play and then delivering graphical representations of such play as window-in-window content to the mobile device (for
simultaneous display with the broadcaster content).
Fig. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a gaming network in which broadcasters can be promoted in-house and/or via social media. This figure also illustrates an example network structure where broadcasters can use the network to be virtual casino hosts of a variety of casino games, such live game play again being provided by a central game play facility (which delivers a video or data feed corresponding to game play). Fig. 9 is another example of such a network structure, illustrating the re-broadcast of a live gaming platform by individual game broadcasters to their own discrete game players. The numbers of broadcasters are unlimited, and therefore the number of game players is also unlimited. In this illustrated embodiment, a single broadcaster can operate or host multiple game rooms simultaneously in real time with his/her video (or broadcast) feeds. In other words, a single broadcaster can be seen by multiple groups of discreet players simultaneously (i.e., in multiple virtual game rooms). Fig. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which one broadcaster is monitoring a single game room.
Fig. 11 is a network diagram which illustrates how game play is delivered and shared from the central game facility onwards. In the example show, the game play has been digitized for display with the broadcaster, and one broadcaster is hosting multiple rooms at once.
Fig. 12 illustrates a network diagram and several methods by which a player may be provided with access to a game (e.g., via computer program or HTML link). Fig. 13 illustrates yet another network diagram which exemplifies how the (optional) single chat and multiple chat systems work.
NON-LIMITING EXAMPLE OF GAME IMPLEMENTATION:
In one example "walk-through" of the implementation of a non-limiting embodiment of a game described herein, a game of casino-style Baccarat is provided for remote game play. In this example embodiment, the game "mechanics" are provided to players via a software module or software "app", installed on an electronic device which communicates with a game provider software program, installed on a game provider (or moderator) server or central processing computer. Game player apps or modules are downloaded and installed onto chosen electronic devices (such as mobile phones or other devices, laptops, computers, etc.) before use. Once installed, both the program executable for the dealer/game moderator and separately for the game player can be launched, which will initialize the beginning of, and thereafter "run", the game. Live broadcast cameras will be installed and will be active, thereby broadcasting the actions of the dealer/game moderator to an audience (e.g., via the internet to mobile devices). In this example, the dealer/moderator will first be presented with an interface prompting the dealer/ moderator to start the game and begin dealing cards. Prior to these steps, however, invitations will have been sent to broadcasters who, in turn, invited game players to participate in their personal "broadcasts" of the dealer/moderator game play. Game players may have already downloaded game play apps previously, or they may do so in response to the broadcaster invitation. The game player, subsequent to launching the app on their chosen device, will be notified that a new game is starting and prompted to place a bet to participate in the game within a specific amount of time. A timer, in this example embodiment, is presented to indicate the amount of time left to place a bet to participate in the current game. Once the time has expired, the game player app will send a notification to the dealer/moderator's program about all of the players who placed a bet before the time limit was up (the plurality of game player "apps" being collectively referred hereto as the "game player app"). After time has expired, the dealer's software program will also, in turn, send a notification to those game players who did not make a bet in time notifying such individuals that they are not participants in the current game. In sum, all players that joined or placed bets on time will be permitted to participate in the game, while persons that missed the deadline must sit the hand out until another game or hand begins.
Upon scanning any dealt cards with the scanner, the card values will be broadcast to all connected game player devices who are eligible to continue in the game (in games in which cards are revealed at this stage). On the game player app, the game player will be able to see a simulated representation (e.g., pictorial or graphical representation) of their cards along side a live view of the dealer/game broadcast showing the actual physical cards dealt. In some embodiments, however, only a live view will be shown, or only a mock up of the cards will be shown.
As the game progresses and concludes, since the cards (scanned or detected) and bets are all processed by the provided software (which processes card and bet data according to preset game rules), winners and payout amounts (if any) are automatically calculated and the dealer program automatically notifies all participating game player apps of the game results and automatically makes wager payouts according to the individual game player wagers. Once a game is concluded, a new game may start again repeating the same pattern as described above.
In certain embodiments of the described game, game players may engage in chat or other communications with the dealer during the game. This may be accomplished using software components that allow transmission of text, audio, images, and/or video. To enable such chat or other communications, the game player can tap on a chat button, type, compose a message, and then send the composed message to the dealer who will receive the message in his/her dealer station. The dealer may also communicate with the players and, for example, may respond by also tapping on a chat message method and sending a composed message back to the game player that originated the communication.
Additionally, during a game, game players may send tips in the form of virtual gifts to the dealer. To do so, the game player can tap on a provided gift button (e.g., generated by a software app installed on the game players electronic device) which will slide open (or otherwise open) a gift menu. Tapping on any one of these gifts, in this optional embodiment, will automatically send the selected gift to the dealer. Tips of actual currency may also be transmitted if desired.
Once given the above disclosure, many other features, modifications, and improvements will become apparent to the skilled artisan. Such features, modifications, and improvements are therefore considered to be part of this invention, without limitation imposed by the example embodiments described herein. Moreover, any word, term, phrase, feature, example,
embodiment, or part or combination thereof, as used to describe or exemplify embodiments herein, unless unequivocally set forth as expressly uniquely defined or otherwise unequivocally set forth as limiting, is not intended to impart a narrowing scope to the invention in contravention of the ordinary meaning of the claim terms by which the scope of the patent property rights shall otherwise be determined:

Claims

We claim:
1. A method for distributing game play comprising:
providing a game play table outfitted or associated with one or more scanner or detector devices capable of scanning or detecting or receiving inputs pertaining to game play status and outcomes of a game, presided over by a live game dealer;
providing one or more game player display screens configured for displaying game play data and information, said one or more game player display screens being located geographically remote from said playing card dealer table;
providing one or more game player data input devices configured to permit one or more game players to input instructions, in the form of transmittable data, corresponding to game play decisions or actions, for transmission to said game play table or a processor or database associated with said game play table or to a game dealer, said one or more game player data input devices being located geographically remote from said playing card dealer table;
providing an image or video capturing device for capturing images or video of said game play table and live game dealer, said image or video capturing device further being configured for transmitting image or video data collected to said one or more game player display screens; a game processor including a computer readable medium in communication with a computer processor; said computer readable medium and said computer processor being communicably connected to a network; said computer readable medium including, stored thereon, a set of computer readable and executable instructions for processing by said computer processor, said computer readable and executable instructions being defined to control the parameters of a game play and being defined to direct data traffic on said network; said computer readable and executable instructions also defining a game player interface, comprised of graphical user interface components;
integrating said graphical user face components with captured images or video of said game play table and said live game dealer to form a re-distributable, re-usable game play module;
a plurality of broadcaster game hosts each distributing said re-distributable, reusable game play module to a subset of a plurality of game players affiliated with a said respective distributing broadcaster game host;
integrating audio and/or visual content, generated by respective broadcaster game hosts, with said respective game play module distributed by said respective broadcaster game host to form unique broadcaster game content, and delivering such integrated game play module and broadcaster content, as said unique broadcaster game content, to said subset of a plurality of game players affiliated with said respective broadcaster game host; and
wherein a plurality of unique subsets of game play experiences are obtained as a consequence of such integration of said broadcaster content with said re-distributable, re-usable game play modules, such that each subset of said plurality of subsets of game players receives different game play content as compared to said other game players in said other subsets, while all of said subsets of game players are playing a same game originating at said game play table.
2. The method according to claim 1 further including playing cards marked with bar codes including data corresponding to rank and suit of said marked cards and wherein said scanner outfitted or associated with said playing card dealer table is a bar code scanner; and
wherein said barcodes of playing cards dealt by a dealer are scanned by said bar code scanner, thereby to determine rank and suit of such dealt cards.
3. The method according to claim 1 further including playing cards which include radio frequency identification devices, said radio frequency identification devices including data corresponding to rank and suit of said playing cards and wherein said detector outfitted or associated with said playing card dealer table is a radio frequency identification device detector; and
wherein said radio frequency identification devices of playing cards dealt by a dealer are detected by said radio frequency identification device detector, thereby to determine rank and suit of such dealt cards.
4. The method according to claim 2 wherein rank and suit information of dealt cards, determined by said scanner, is transmitted by said network to said one or more game player display screens; and
wherein said rank and suit information is analyzed by said game processor, in accordance with a set of game rules defined by said computer readable and executable instructions, to determine an impact of dealt playing cards on a result of a game being played with said playing cards.
5. The method according to claim 3 wherein rank and suit information of dealt cards, determined by said detector, is transmitted by said network to said one or more game player display screens; and
wherein said rank and suit information is analyzed by said game processor, in accordance with a set of game rules defined by said computer readable and executable instructions, to determine an impact of dealt playing cards on a result of a game being played with said playing cards.
6. The method according to claim 4 wherein said one or more game player data input devices is configured to permit one or more game players to input wager information to wager on a game being played with said playing cards, said system being configured such that said game processor receives said wager information so that said game processor can calculate wager wins and losses and distribute game winnings to game players, in accordance with game rules defined by said computer readable and executable instructions.
7. The method according to claim 5 wherein said one or more game player data input devices is configured to permit one or more game players to input wager information to wager on a game being played with said playing cards, said system being configured such that said game processor receives said wager information so that said game processor can calculate wager wins and losses and distribute game winnings to game players, in accordance with game rules defined by said computer readable and executable instructions.
8. The method according to claim 6 further including a plurality of playing card location detectors configured to determine the location or other attribute of a dealt card placed on said playing card dealer table.
9. The method according to claim 7 further including a plurality of playing card location detectors configured to determine the location or other attribute of a dealt card placed on said playing card dealer table.
10. The method according to claim 8 wherein said playing card location detectors detect information sufficient determine which player a dealt card is associated with or which card hand a card is associated with or whether a dealt card is associated with a dealer hand.
11. The method according to claim 9 wherein said playing card location detectors detect information sufficient determine which player a dealt card is associated with or which card hand a card is associated with or whether a dealt card is associated with a dealer hand.
12. The method according to claim 10 wherein said playing card location detectors transmit information detected or collected related to which player a dealt card is associated with, which card hand a card is associated with, or whether a dealt card is associated with a dealer hand, via said network for display on said one or more game player display screens.
13. The method according to claim 11 wherein said playing card location detectors transmit information detected or collected related to which player a dealt card is associated with, which card hand a card is associated with, or whether a dealt card is associated with a dealer hand, via said network for display on said one or more game player display screens.
14. The method according to claim 12 further including win/loss rules defined by said computer readable and executable instructions, said win/loss rules being applied by said game processor to determine winners and losers of a playing card game, and said win/loss rules being applied to distribute or apportion winning wagers to players via electronic financial distributions or notations transmitted via said network to player accounts, or to intake funds at stake in lost wagers.
15. The method according to claim 13 further including win/loss rules defined by said computer readable and executable instructions, said win/loss rules being applied by said game processor to determine winners and losers of a playing card game, and said win/loss rules being applied to distribute or apportion winning wagers to players via electronic financial distributions or notations transmitted via said network to player accounts, or to intake funds at stake in lost wagers.
PCT/IB2016/001990 2015-12-30 2016-12-30 Games, methods of playing games, and systems for delivering games WO2017115150A2 (en)

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WO2025081132A1 (en) * 2023-10-13 2025-04-17 Beat The Bomb Interactive game room control systems and methods

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AUPQ784100A0 (en) * 2000-05-29 2000-06-22 Harkham, Gabi Method of and system for providing an on-line casino game
JP2008220431A (en) * 2007-03-08 2008-09-25 Aruze Corp GAME SYSTEM AND GAME METHOD
CN101365127B (en) * 2007-08-07 2010-09-29 盛趣信息技术(上海)有限公司 Network game on-line live broadcast system and method
US20150317882A1 (en) * 2014-03-10 2015-11-05 21Pink Inc. Games, methods of playing games, and systems for delivering games

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WO2025081132A1 (en) * 2023-10-13 2025-04-17 Beat The Bomb Interactive game room control systems and methods

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