Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING COMPUTER GAMING
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No.
10/162,219, filed on June 5, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/295,582, filed on June 5, 2001, the
contents of both are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to gaming systems, and more
particularly, to a lottery system in which lottery games typically embodied
in a ticket having multiple chances which represent a single outcome
offered by a lottery authority are rendered on a gaming computer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In one type of conventional paper instant ticket system, a ticket
generation system produces a randomized prize datastream coinprised of a
finite series of win/lose outcomes. Each outcome is assigned to a lottery
ticket, and each ticket contains one or more game chances which yield the
assigned outcome. The player cannot change the ticket outcome, he or she
merely scratches off certain areas of the ticket in accordance with the rules
of the garne to reveal the outcome. The ticket contains indicia which
provide the player with a means to determine win/lose results or prize
status, and the type of prize (e.g., cash or a free ticket). The aggregate of
all winning outcomes in any randomized prize datastream is a
predetermined percentage payout of the total revenues that would be
generated by the sale of all of the tickets incorporating that particular
randomized prize datastream.
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[0004] As a matter of practice, each ticket is assigned a uniqtle ticket
serial
number for validation purposes which identifies that ticket with a specific
outcome, and a batch nuinber which lirlks the ticlcet to a master carton in
which grotips of tickets are shipped to lottery retailers in specific
quantities. The ticket serial number is usually concealed beneath the foil
of the ticket. The batch number is typically visible on the ticket in the
form of a bar code. All tickets in a given master carton are part of the same
ticket lot and are sold at the same price point. Each master carton is
labeled with a unique master carton serial number which is tracked by a
central computer associated with the lottery authority. A central system
may also store every ticket serial number and the associated outcome for
that ticket. When the instant tickets are to be sold to customers, the lottery
retailer communicates the master carton serial number via his on-line agent
terminal to the lottery central computer and thereby activates all of the
paper instant tickets in each master carton. This action activates all of the
ticket serial numbers in that master carton, and typically causes the lottery
retailer's lottery bank accotint to be automatically debited for the wholesale
cost of that master carton within a specified time period.
[0005] To redeem a winning paper lottery ticket, the player presents the same
to a redeeming agent, either at a lottery retailer or lottery office, or mails
the ticket in for redemption. To effectuate the redemption process, the
redeeming agent scans the bar code on the ticket which represents the
batch serial number on the ticket through a bar code scanner associated
with the agent terminal. The ticket agent also enters the ticket serial
ntunber into the agent terminal. These ticket serial numbers are transmitted
to the central system for purposes of validation. When the central system
receives a validation request, it validates a ticket's value using the
particular ticket and batch serial numbers to confirm that the ticket came
from an activated master carton. If the ticket's value is confirmed as a
proper payotit, the system authorizes the lottery retailer to pay the player
cash or provide another prize (e.g., a free ticket).
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[0006] In other paper instant ticket systems, there is no lottery central
system
which manages the system. The lottery retailer simply buys tickets from a
printer, resells them to players, and then handles all aspects of validation
and payment of wimiings.
[0007] Paper instant ticket systems suffer from several drawbacks. These
include the costs of printing tickets, the physical inventory costs, the costs
to the lottery authority and retailer associated with unsold tickets, the
inability to effectively offer low-price games (e.g., $0.25, $0.10), the
limited game choices for the player, and the stigma associated with paper
tickets as appealing toward lower income players, among others.
[0008] U.S. Patent No. 6,024,640 to Walker et al., incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety, describes a system for playing instant-type lottery
games on a gaming computer. The Walker et al. system overcomes some
of the drawbacks associated with the paper instant ticket systems;
however, the system has its drawbacks. According to the '640 patent, the
player purchases a number of predetermined outcomes from a lottery
retailer. After purchase of the predetermined outcomes, the predetermined
outcomes are obtained from a central computer and then must be loaded
onto the gaming computer. The predetermined outcomes are loaded onto
the gaming computer at the point of sale and after purchase by the player.
A complex series of computer processes are initiated by the lottery
retailer's computer to obtain the predetermined outcomes from the central
computer after purchase by the player. The lottery retailer's computer
provides a coded message, in response to the commtinications with the
central computer, containing the predetermined outcomes from the central
computer. The player or lottery retailer enters the coded message into the
gaming computer. The coded message causes the gaming computer to
generate the predetermined outcomes to enable play on the gaming
computer.
[0009] Consequently, in the ganie system of the '640 patent, the gaming
computer can only be activated at certain locations where the lottery
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retailer's computers are present. Thus, the availability of and access to the
gaming computers is limited. Moreover, after purchasing the gaming
computer, some type of initialization action must be taken for the gaming
computer to be used. For example, the coded message must be entered
into the gaming computer by the player to enable play. This complicates
game play and also allows for errors to occur during entry of the coded
message into the gaming computer. This also causes a delay before the
player can begin playing the game, talcing away from the instant aspect of
the game. Furthermore, the game system of the '640 patent requires the
lottery authority and lottery retailers to acquire hardware and software in
additional to that used in conjunction with traditional paper instant tickets.
[00010] In addition, an increased use of hand-held game devices is a result of
the need for portability and accessibility in games, and such features are
needed for lottery ticlcet games. Furthermore, the need for a simple and
cost effective process to provide instant-type lottery games which allows
players to control how many "plays" between trips to a lottery retailer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[000111 The present invention includes an improved system and method for
providing remote instant type lottery games using preprogrammed game
cartridges for use in portable gaming computers. The instant type games
are presented on a portable gaming cartridge which serves the above-stated
needs. Predetermined outcomes are pre-programmed into the portable
gaming cartridge. The pre-programming may be done during manufacture
of the portable gaming cartridge or at the point of sale. Alternatively, the
portable gaming cartridge may be updated with new programming at one
or more locations. Games that yield at least one of the predetermined
outcomes are presented on a display. In embodiments of the present
invention, the portable gaming cartridge may be programmed at a central
location and presented to a player at the same location with a portable
gaming computer as a ready to play units. Thus, the gaming cartridge can
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be sold at virtually any location and does not necessarily require activation
to be played. However, there may be a validation process that is carried
out before any winnings from playing the gaming cartridge on the gaming
computer are paid out.
[000121 In another embodiment of the invention, a programmed game cartridge
for use with a computer gaming device for executing computer readable
program code is provided. The cartridge comprising a computer readable
memory for storing a computer readable program code for execution by
the computer gaming device, wherein the computer readable program code
includes instructions for causing the computer gaming device i) to generate
aiid present a game for yielding at least one of a number of predetermined
outcomes, ii) to keep a running balance of amounts won from the
predetermined outcomes, and iii) upon receipt of a stop signal, to store the
amount of the running balance and prevent other games from being
played; and a connector for electrically connecting the programmed game
cartridge to the computer gaming device.
[00013] According to embodiments of the present invention, a system for a
remote lottery game on a cartridge is provided. According to one
embodiment, the system comprises a gaming cartridge having a program
stored in a computer memory. When inserted into a gaming computer and
activated by a player, the program generates one of a number of
predetermined outcomes on a display of the gaming computer. The
predetermined outcomes may be pre-programmed into the computer
memory directly via a programming computer. In embodiments of the
present invention, a portable data storage unit is associated with the
portable gaming cartridge. The portable data storage unit stores an
identifier for tlie gaming cartridge and the predetermined outcomes
programined into that gaming cartridge. According to embodiments of the
preseiit invention, a central computer is provided with a memory storing
the identifiers for each gaming cartridge and associating the predetermined
outcomes programmed into the gaming cartridge's computer memory with
the identifier for that gaming cartridge. In further embodiments of the
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present invention, a validation computer is provided for reading the
portable data storage unit and generating a redemption request based
tlzereon, communicating the redemption request to the central computer
and receiving a validation message from the central computer. In
additional embodiments, the central computer may also include processing
means to compare the redemption request and tlie identifier and associated
predetermined outcomes for the gaming computer and to generate the
validation message based on the comparison.
[00014] According to embodiments of the present invention, a portable gaming
cartridge is inserted into a portable gaming computer for use. The portable
gaming computer according to embodiments of the invention; includes a
computer processor, a display, a locking button that when actuated by the
player generates a stop signal and a socket into which a portable gaming
cartridge may be inserted. A computer readable memory storing computer
readable program code means causes the computer processor to generate
and present on the display at least one game that yields at least one of the
predetermined outcomes, to keep a running balance of amounts won from
the predetermined outcomes, and upon receipt of the stop signal, to store
the amount of the current running balance and prevent additional games
from being played.
[00015] In a further embodiment, the computer readable memory f-urther
includes computer readable program code means for causing the computer
processor to set a flag indicating the stop signal has been generated.
Additionally, the computer readable program code means may also cause
the computer processor to generate a redemption request, the redemption
request including the flag and the current running balance.
[00016] According to another embodiment of the invention, a computer lottery
system is provided. The system includes a portable gaming computer with
a gaming cartridge having a computer readable memory storing computer
readable program code means therein. The program code causes the
gaming computer's computer processor to generate and present on the
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display at least one game that yields at least one of the predetermined
outcomes, to keep a running balance of amounts won from the displayed
predetermined outcomes, and upon receipt of the stop signal, stores the
amount of the current n.inning balance, prevent additional games from
being played and predetermined outcomes from being presented, to
generate a redemption request, the redemption request including the flag
and the current running balance. A central computer is provided with a
computer readable memory storing identifiers for each gaming cartridge
and associating the predetermined outcomes in the portable gaming
cartridge's computer readable memory with the unique identifier. The
computer readable memory in the central computer stores computer
readable program code means for causing a central computer processorto
check the redemption request against the unique identifier and associated
predetermined outcomes and generate a validation message in response to.
the redemption request. When the flag is set, the validation message
includes an instruction to pay the current running balance. A validation
computer is provided to receive the redemption request from the gaming
cartridge, communicate the redemption request to the central computer and
receive and process the validation message to enable any payoff.
[00017] Another embodiment of the invention includes a method of providing a
remote lottery game. A number of predetermined outcomes for the lottery
game are generated. In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the
predetermined outcomes is programmed into a memory of a gaming
cartridge before the gaming cartridge is presented at a point of sale. The
gaming cartridge may be-validated at the point of sale. The predetermined
outcomes stored in the memory can be associated with an identifier for the
gaming cartridge. In another embodiment, the predetermined outcoznes
are programmed into the memory before payment for the gaming
cartridge.
[00018] In a further embodiment, the gaming cartridge comprises a program
stored in a computer memory. The program generates on a display one of
the number of predetermined outcomes that are stored in the memory
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when activated by a player. The predetermined otltcomes may be.
progressively revealed on the display. The player can select the manner in
which the predetermined outcomes are progressive revealed.
[00019] In yet another embodiment, a computer gaming device is provided.
The device comprises a display, player input controls, a conZputer
processor and a gaming cartridge. A computer readable memory in the
gaming cartridge stores computer readable program code means for
causing the computer processor to generate and present on the display a
game that yields at least one of the predetermined outcomes. The
predetermined outcome may be revealed on the display in a progressive
manner in response to input from the player input controls.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form
part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention
and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of
embodiments of the invention.
[00021] FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematics of a gaming computer, according to
an embodiment of the invention;
[00022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the central computer, according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[00023] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a memory arrangement in the central computer,
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[00024] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the components in a gaining computer,
according to an embodiment of the invention;
[00025] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the controller in the gaming computer,
according to an embodiment of the invention; and
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[00026] FIGS. 6-8 are diagrams of memory arrangements in the gaming
computer, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[00027] It should be understood that these figures depict embodiments of the
invention. Variations of these embodiments will be apparent to persons
skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00028] The present invention provides a lottery system whereby instant
"tickets" or pseudo-choice games with a predetermined outcome are
provided on a gaming cartridge and rendered on a gaming computer. The
gaming computer may be any personal computer, personal digital assistant
or the like which is capable of receiving and operating with the gaming
cartridge. Using the gaming computer, a player can participate in a lottery
at any location as with instant paper tickets and be provided with enhanced
play value through computer simulation and automation of games on the
gaming computer. -
[00029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined
outcomes are pre-programmed into the gaming cartridge before it is
provided to the player. That is, the gaming cartridge is programmed with
the predetermined outcomes before it arrives at the point of sale or before
purchase by a player. This may be done by pre-programming a computer
memory in the gaming cartridge with the predetermined outcomes during
manufacture of the gaming cartridge. Thus, the gaming cartridge can be
ready for play as soon as it is purchased, without any action necessary by
the player or retailer to activate or enable play of the gaming cartridge on
the gaming computer. In an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the gaming cartridge can be offered for sale at any location. In
embodiments, the predetermined outcomes of the games stored in the
computer memory may also be coded in a portable data storage unit
associated with the gaming cartridge or also with the gaming computer.
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The portable data storage unit may be, according to embodiments, a bar
code on the gaming cartridge or also in a memory of the gaming cartridge.
The portable data storage unit may also store an identifier for the gaming
cartridge. The predetermined outcomes and identifier may be read from
the bar codes or memory during a redemption process, described below,
and validated.
[00030] An embodiment illustrating one use of the gaming cartridge with bar
code as a portable data storage unit follows. When a bar code is used as
the portable data storage unit, the gaming cartridge may be used in
connection with the redemption system for paper instant tickets described.
above. For example, to effectuate the redemption process, the lottery
retailer scans the bar code on the gaming cartridge which represents the
predetermined outcomes programmed in the gaming cartridge and the
identifier for the gaming cartridge through a bar code scanner associated
with an agent terminal. A central computer activates an on-line validation
program which queries a database using the particular gaming cartridge
identifier and the predetermined outcomes to confirm the redemption
request. If this information is confirmed, the validation program
authorizes the lottery retailer to pay the player. Thus, no additional
hardware of software, beyond that which described herein is required by
the lottery retailer or lottery authority. If a bar code is used as a portable
storage unit, the barcode representing the predetermined outcomes should
be arranged on the gaming cartridge so it can not be read before the
gaming cartridge is purchased or is removed from its packaging. For
example, the bar code may be covered with a thin layer of latex similar to
that used in scratch-off games.
[00031] In another embodiment, the gaming cartridge is provided with logic to
enable a gaming computer to employ a lock or "freeze" feature that may
be activated by the player. When activated, the "freeze" feature prevents
further play on the gaming computer and in embodiments may prevent
changes to the gaming cartridge. In embodiments, any amounts that have
been won by the player are "frozen" in the gaming computer, for example,
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on a display of the current amount won and in a memory. The freeze
feature provides the player with a sense of security that they will not
"lose" their winnings by further play or a gaming computer malfi.inction.
In embodiments, the player may redeem the amounts frozen. In
embodiments, any amount of winnings resulting from predetermined
outcomes not revealed may be forfeited.
[00032] According to embodiments of the present invention, the gaming
cartridge may also be programmed to show advertisements on the display
of the gaming computer. For example, after every ten plays, an
advertisement is shown to the player.
[00033] An embodiment of a gaming computer 2 with gaming cartridge 502 is
shown in FIG. lA. An alphanumeric display 3 is provided to display
information regarding the game being played by the user. The display 3
may include two general fields. A first field 4 of the display 3 indicates
the remaining number of predetermined outcomes or "plays" in the gaming
computer 2. This field 4 of display 3 may count down to zero, indicating
no more plays remain or it may count up to the number of plays remaining
or purchased in the game cartridge. A second field 5 of the display 3
shows the results of the game being played by the player. The second field
may be divided into a number of sub-fields that present items indicating
winning and losing plays.
[00034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the object of the game
is to have an indicator, such as the word "Millionaire" shown on the
display 3. When this word appears and the following is merely an
embodiment, alternatives to which would be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art, based at least on the teachings provided herein, the player
wins the "grand prize", for example, one million dollars. Accordingly, in
field 5, ten sub-fields are provided as shown in FIG. 1A. Each sub-field
can display one of the letters of the word "Millionaire". In the
embodiment shown in FIG. lA, the letter "M" is already provided to the
player. If the sub-fields of the display 3 spell the remainder of the word
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"Millionaire" after a play, the player wins the grand prize. If "Millionaire"
does not appear, the player did not win on that particular play and may
continuing playing. Play may continue until the field 4 indicates no plays
remain in the gaming computer. Of course, any word other than
"Millionaire" may also be used to indicate a winner such as, but not
limited to "Billionaire" or "Jackpot", and of course not limited to English
language. Moreover, many other items or games, such as cards, slot
machines, current scratch-off games, etc., can be shown on the display 3.
[00035] In a further embodiment, the field 5 of display 3 may spell words or
present numbers in addition to the grand prize word. For example, six of
the sub-fields may also be designated as "winners". These sub-fields may
display one of the amounts of $10, $100, $1,000, $10,000, OT $100,000.
When any of these amounts is shown, the player wins that amount of
money. A winner display 6 may also be provided on the gaming computer
to display a running total of the amount the player has won. As play
continues and the player wins additional amounts, these amounts are added
to the running total and shown in the winner display 6.
[00036] Still referring to FIG. lA, the operation of an embodiment of the
gaming computer is now described. According to embodiments of the
present invention three player controls may be provided on the gaming
computer 2 for operating the gaming cartridge 502 while inserted into the
gaming computer 2. Button 7 is an on/off button that tzirns the gaming
computer on and of~ During periods of non-use, the gaming computer
may be turned off to conserve battery power. Embodiments of gaming
computer 2 with an Alternating Current (A/C) adaptor instead of or
supplemental to the battery are possible and one of ordinary skill in the art
would recognize how to implement such functionality. Button 8 is a play
button. According to embodiments of the present invention, the button 8
may include more than one physical button. These buttons may be
configured to perform different fiinctions on the game. As such, and
depending on the type of game, depressing button 8 activates the game and
causes the predetermined otltcomes to be shown on the display 3.
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[00037] Button 9 is a lock button. Depressing this button "freezes" the gaming
computer in its current state. Thus, the gaming computer may not progress
when "frozen." Additionally, when button 9 is depressed, the information
in field 5 of display 3 and in winning display 6 is frozen and does not
change. This feature is particularly useful after the player has a winning
play and wishes to secure the gaming computer so it can easily be verified.
Any additional winning plays or predetermined outcomes that may remain
on the gaming cartridge and are not played after the gaming computer is
frozen may not be paid to the player. In alternative embodiments, the
gaming cartridge may be "unfrozen", remaining plays completed, and the
total winnings updates as described herein. In embodiments, only the
amount shown in winner display is paid. A more detailed description of
the operation of the gaming cartridge is provided below.
[00038] Also shown in FIG. 1A, the features of the gaming computer 2 and
gaming cartridge 502 are shown schematically. A comlector 504 is
provided on the gaming cartridge 502. The connector 502 is received in a
corresponding opening 506 provided on the gaming computer 2.
Connection of the connector 504 to the opening 506 allows the games and
other information stored on the gaming cartridge 502 to be read by the
gaming computer 2. The connector 504 on the gaming cartridge 502 and
the corresponding opening 506 may be constructed similar to a
conventional video game cartridge and player, such as a Nintendo
Gameboy and the like. Alternatively, the game cartridge 502 may
communicate with the gaming computer 2 in other ways, for example via a
USB port, a wireless connection, serial adaptor, etc. Optionally, the
gaming cartridge 502 may be ejected from the gaming computer 2 via a
button 508.
[00039] Another embodiment of a gaming computer 2 is shown in FIG. lB.
This embodiment also includes a display 3, play button 8, and on/off
button 7 as well a gaming cartridge 602. The display 3 may show any type
of image, for example, pictorial and/or alphanumerical images. The
gaming computer 2 shown in FIG 1 B. includes additional player controls
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for playing the games stored on cartridge 502. A ga.ine button 200 allows
the player to select from a number of different games that may be
programmed in the gaming cartridge 502. Buttons 202a-g are provided
under corresponding areas of the display 3. For example, each button 202
may be arranged under a corresponding sub-field 5a-5g. As such, and
depending on the game, by actuating a button 202 under one of the sub-
fields 5a-5g, an image corresponding to that sub-field is revealed. For
example, actuating button 202a reveals the image in sub-field 5a. The
remaining sub-fields are not revealed until the player actuates the
corresponding button. The buttons may be actuated in any order and may
be configured to perform different functions in the game. Thus, the player
can control the way in which the predetermined outcome is revealed on the
display 3. The revealing of the images on display 3 may simulate the
scratching of an instant ticket. Other methods for progressively revealing
the predetermined outcome can also be used. Moreover, a keypad 204
may be provided for the player to enter security codes, passwords, or other
information.
[000401 FIGS. IC-IE illustrate another embodiment of a gaming computer 2.
As shown in FIG. 1 C, the gaming computer 2 includes display 3 having
first field 4 indicating the number of games remaining and winner display
6 to display a running total of the amount a player has won. Second field 5
may be used to show the play of the game. Play buttons 8 are used to play
the game. In the embodiment shown, the housing of the gaming computer
inchides side panels that are ergonomically designed to accommodate a
user's hands. The gaming cartridge 502 is inserted into what is shown as a
top side of the gaming computer 2. A gaming computer 2 may also be
provided with speakers in order to produce sounds associated with a game
being played. A mute button may be provided on the gaming computer in
order to mute the solulds of the game. The eject button 508 may be
provided on one of the side panels of the gaming computer 2 as is shown
in FIG. 1D.
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[00041] FIGS. lE and 1F are top and back views, respectively, of the gaming
computer 2. As shown in FIG. IE, the illustrated embodiment comprises a
recess 506 for receiving the gaming cartridge 502. A portion of the
housing of the gaming computer may be cut away around the slot in order
to allow a user to more easily insert and remove the gaming cartridge. For
example, the housing may define a detent 507 around recess 506 as best
seen in FIG. 1F. A cover 510 encloses a battery compartment provided in
the gaming computer 2. A power supply, such as a rechargeable battery,
may also be stored in the battery compartment to provide power to the
gaming computer. The gaming cartridge 502 may be provided power by a
battery or power source from the battery compartment or alternatively may
be provided with its own battery. In embodiments, the battery from the
gaming cartridge 502 may also be used to power the gaming computer 2.
[00042] Turning now to FIG. 2, there is depicted a lottery system generally
characterized in a first embodiment by the reference numeral 10, and
principally comprised of a lottery authority 11 having a central computer
12, a programming computer 13, a network 14 which provides remote
terminal access to the central computer 12 and connects the programming
computer to the cezitral computer, a plurality of agent terminals (AT) 16
associated with various lottery retailers 18, and a plurality of gaming
computer units 20 which reveal purchased "tickets" outcomes. The
gaming cartridge 502 may be adapted to be received in and/or
communicate with each of the previously mentioned components. The
term "lottery authority" is used in the general sense and is intended to
include any wagering authority which sells no choice (e.g., scratch-off
lottery tickets, bingo or a sweepstakes) or pseudo-choice (e.g., video
poker) games or races of skill having a predetermined outcome if the
player plays correctly. The term "lottery retailers" includes any merchant
where an AT 16 is located. Also, the central computer 12 and the
programming computer 13 may be the same computer.
[00043] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram depicting an overview of the
system components according to one embodiment of the invention. The
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central computer 12, network 14 and ATs 16 may be connected in similar
fashion as those in the prior art used to dispense instant'paper tickets. With
respect to the present invention, each AT 16 may include a bar code
scanner or other scanning device 24, a commtinications interface 26 for
physically coupling the gaming cartridge 502 to the AT 16 to electrically
communicate signals with the gaming cartridge 502 through a compatible
communications interface. The communication with the gaming cartridge
502 may take place via the gaming computer 20, and/or a read/write
interface 27 for reading and writing data to data memory media. These
may be used to read and verify the predetermined outcomes stored on the
gaming cartridge 502 during a redemption process, described below.
[00044] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing details of an example of the central
computer 12, which generally includes a CPU 30, memory 32, an I/O
interface 34 for loading programs into memory 32, and a communications
interface 35 for communicating through the network 14 with the
programming computer and the ATs 16. The central computer 12 may
also communicate through a base station network 15 with a plurality of
base stations having transceivers for broadcasting and receiving RF signals
to communicate messages directly between the centxal computer 12 and
the gaming computer 20 or gaming cartridge 502 in an alternative
embodiment. The central computer has software or fi~rmware which are
used to implement various functions in the system. FIG. 4 depicts an
exemplary memory arrangement of programs and data stored in the central
computer 12. Memory 32 includes an operating system program 33 which
controls the central computer 12 in a conventional manner and need not be
described in detail. The central computer 12 preferably has a memory area
36 in memory 32 for each gaming cartridge 502 in which specific
information is stored to enable the central computer 12 to keep track of
what has been assigned to that gaming cartridge 502 to provide for the
redemption of wimlings and to ensure that the gaming cartridge 502 is a
verified unit in connection with a given transaction. Data in memory 36
may be retrieved and updated as required in order to perform the desired
functions.
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[00045] A gaming cartridge 502 should be initially registered with the lottery
authority 11 when it is programmed. In this coiinection, identification
information is initially stored in memory 32 of the central computer 12.
The identification information includes a unit identifier or gaming
cartridge ID stored in a field 37 and optionally an outcome variable stored
in a field 38. The ID may constitute an identifier which is unique to each
gaming cartridge. Similarly, the outcome variable may constitute a
representation of the predetermined outcomes which have been
programmed onto the particular gaming cartridge. In one exemplary
embodiment, the outcome variable is used as a way to prevent fraud. This
may be done by comparing the predetermined outcomes stored in field 38
in the central computer with the outcomes read from the gaming cartridge
502 during the redemption process. Any differences between these two
sets of outcomes indicate the gaming cartridge has been tampered with and
the outcomes should be voided. The total amount of winning assigned to
the gaming cartridge may be stored in field 39.
[00046] A block diagram of a memory 40 of an exemplary programming
computer is shown in FIG. 5. The programming computer generally
includes a CPU, memory 40, an I/O interface for loading programs into
memory 40, and a communications interface for communicating tlirough
the network 14 with the central computer. Memory 40 includes an
operating system program 41 which controls the programming computer in
a conventional manner and need not be described in detail. The
programming computer preferably includes a program 42 stored in
memory for generating a random prize datastream ("Rl'D") 44 which is a
pool containing a finite series of win/lose outcomes Fl ...Fn (e.g.,... win
$2, win $2, lose, lose, win $10, lose, lose ... etc). The aggregate of all
winning outcomes in any RPD 44 may be a predetermined percentage
payout of the total revenues to be generated by the sale of all "tickets"
represented by the outcomes in the RPD 44. When a gaming cartridge is
programmed, the programming computer utilizes an outcome assignment
program 48 which randomly selects outcomes from the RPD 44 to be
assigned to a particular gaming cartridge 502. The gaming cartridge's ID
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and outcomes associated with the ID are communicated to central
computer 12 via the networlc or any other means and stored in fields 37
and 38, respectively. The predetermined outcomes are programmed or
stored into the memory of the gaming cartridge.
[00047] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the gaming computer 20 in a preferred
embodiment is a hand-held unit having a controller 82, a display 3, and
player controls 86. Preferably the gaming computer 20 includes one or
more of the following: a printer interface 88a for connecting the gaming
computer 20 to an external printer, an internal printer 88b, a bar code
scanner 90, a communications interface 92 compatible for connecting the
gaming computer 20 to the gaming cartridge 802 to enable the gaming
computer 20 to electrically communicate directly with the gaming
cartridge 802, a read/write interface 94 for reading data from and writing
data to a smart card, a modem 96 for connecting the gaming computer 20
directly to a networlc 14 coupled to the central computer 12 in an
alternative embodiment, and an antenna 115 coupled to a transceiver for
broadcasting and receiving messages to and from a base station associated
with central computer 12 in another alternative embodiment. In an
alternative embodiment, the gaming cartridge 502 may be provided with
the various interfaces, modems, etc. mentioned above.
[00048] Gaming cartridge 802 may include one or more meniory types. In the
embodiment shown, a memory 814 is coupled to a controller 812.
Memory 814 may be provided with an alternate path via connector 810 to
more directly coinmunicate with the controller 82 in the gaming computer.
The memory 814 is shown in more detail in FIG. 8 described below. The
gaming cartridge 802 may be powered by battery 20, but may also be
provided with its own battery 816. Batteiy 816 may be a rechargeable
battery, which may be recharged via the gaming computer. The controller
812 may execute the programs stored in memory 814 or retrieve
information stored in memory 814 and provide the results to the gaming
computer via connector 810. Connector 810 is adapted to communicate
with the plug-in interface 92 provided in the gaming computer.
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[00049] The player controls 86 may be integrated into display 3 in a touch-
screen arrangement of the type lcnown in the art. The display 3 may also
include the capability to render messages in a bar code readable format to
enable scanning by the bar code scanner 24 coupled to the AT 16. The
player controls 86 allow the player to play the various games and enable
the freeze feature. The controller 82 may include a CPU 98, a clock 101
and memory 100 comprised of ROM and RAM in a conventional
arrangement. Memory 100 may include an operating system which
controls the gaming computer 20 in a conventional manner. The controller
82 may be optionally housed in a tamper-evident enclosure to reveal to the
lottery authority 11 any suspected tampering with the gaming computer.
The CPU 98 communicates with the player controls 86 through a control
interface 103, and with video generation hardware 104 for driving the
display 3, and sound generation hardware 106 coupled to a speaker 108 for
cominunicating game sounds. The CPU 98 communicates with the printer
interface 88a or the internal printer 88b, bar code scanner 90, interface 92,
read/write interface 94, and modem 96 through conventional 1/0 interfaces
shown generally in the bloclc diagram at 114. The CPU 98 may
communicate with RF circuitry 113 coupled to an antenna 115 for
communicating messages directly with the central computer 12 via the
base station.
[00050] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is depicted an exemplary memory
arrangement 814 of programs and data in the gaming cartridge. With
respect to the present invention, programs and data in memory 814 enable
the gaming cartridge to generate games which yield the predetermined
outcomes. As described above with respect to the central computer
memory 32, each gaming cartridge may store an identifier (ID) in field
116. A password (or multiple passwords for multiple players on a single
gaming computer 20) may be stored in field 122. When a player activates
the gaming computer 20, a password security program 124 checks the
player's password in a conveltional manner before allowing the player to
continue. The predetermined outcomes are stored in field 132.
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Accompanying this data may be the price point for each outcome in field
136, the net payoff in field 138, and the time/date of entry in field 140.
[00051] The memory 814 may also include an accounting program 154 which
directs the gaming computer 20 to calculate the running cash balance
which is stored in an account 155 in field 156. The amount stored in
account 155 may be displayed in winner display 6.
[00052] The gaming cartridge memory may include a lock program 158. The
lock program 158 is initiated when the player triggers button 9. This
actuation sends a signal the gaming computer's central processor 98. As
mentioned above, the lock feature locks-in the current amount won and
prevent further play of the gaining computer. Accordingly, the lock
program 158 communicates with the accounting program 154 and instructs
the accounting program 154 to make no changes to account 155 after the
signal is received. The amount stored in account 155 is saved in memory
and preferably cannot be altered. Additionally, the lock program 158 sets
a freeze flag 160 in the gaming computer's memory. When set, the freeze
flag 160 indicates a player has activated the freeze feature by triggering
button 9. The freeze flag 160 is detected during the redemption process,
described below, so that the correct amount is paid to the player. That is,
the amount stored in account 155 and not the amount associated with all
the predetermined outcomes that have been assigned to the gaming
computer, is paid to the player.
[00053] The gaming computer cartridge memory may fi.irther include a
redemption program which is used to cash-out the player's current credit
balance in the player's account. In the example shown, the redemption
program 162 enables the player to select a cash-out function on the gaming
computer 20. The redemption program 158 then directs the gaming
computer 20 to generate a redemption request message RRM which is
communicated to the central computer 12. Redemption request messages
RRM are used by the redemption prograin 79 in the central computer 12 to
verify cash-out requests by comparing gaming cartridge identification data
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and outcome data (net winnings, the number of games played) for a given
gaming cartridge. In an exemplary embodiment, the redemption request
message includes the freeze flag and the amount in account 155. The
central computer evaluates this information and generates a validation
message. For exainple, if the freeze flag is set, the central computer
compares the amount in account 155 with the amount stored in net payoff
field 138. If the amount in account 155 is less than the amount in field
138, the validation message instructs the lottery retailer to pay the amount
in account 155. The central computer may also compare the amounts in
field 138 and account 155 to determine if the gaming computer has been
tampered with.
[00054] The redemption request message RRM may be generated on the
display 3 of the gaming computer 20 and orally provided to the agent at a
lottery retailer 18 for manual entry into the AT 16. The redemption request
message RRM can be printed onto a receipt, either by an internal or
external printer 88b associated with the gaming computer 20, or by a
printer 22 at the lottery retailer via the printer interface 88a, which
receipt
is then provided to the agent. In this connection, the redemption request
message RRM may be rendered on the display 3 or on the receipt 30 in a
bar code readable format and scanned by the bar code scanner 24 at the AT
16. In another embodiment, the barcode is placed on the gaming cartridge
during manufacture in an area where-in cannot be read until the gaming
cartridge is removed from its packaging. In another embodiment, the
redemption request message .RRM may be written to the gaming cartridge
and then read therefrom by the AT 16. In yet another embodiment, the
redemption request message RRM can be communicated to the central
computer 12 over the telephone network 14 via the modem 96. In still
another embodiment, the redemption request message RRM may be
communicated from the gaming computer 20 or the gaming cartridge to
the central computer 12 through an RF transmission to either the AT 16 or
the central computer 12. The redemption request message RRM may be
encrypted using an atithentication/encryption program for subsequent
decryption by the central computer 12 using an authentication/encryption
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program in its memory. The redemption request message RRM can be
encrypted using encryption keys lcnown only to the central computer 12
and the specific gaming cartridge. These may include the ID and the
outcome variable.
[00055] The gaming cartridge memory 200 may include an audit program 166
which stores a record of all activity performed on the gaining computer 20
to assist in protecting data integrity and to verify that the various programs
in memory 200 have not been tampered with. The audit program 160
- further provides a record of player activity for the player and the lottery
authority 11 in the event of any dispute.
[00056] Accordingly, a method and system for providing hand held lottery
games is provided. The lottery game may be a palm sized, hand held,
calculator like, device, powered by battery. A player plays the game and
various combinations of alphanumeric characters appear on a screen.
Different combinations indicate winners, such as spelling out
"millionaire". The device contains a programmable aspect that will allow
for a predetermined outcome of the game, so that over the production of
multiple units, an overall percentage of winning combinations will be
known before the game is played. The game is programmed by a central
computer system. The game/device may also contain "coding" on the
reverse side to allow for a linlc to the central computer system. The game
coding can be read at remote locations, such as lottery sales sites, to
determine winning devices. The remote locations can communicate with
the central system to verify winning games. The system can identify all of
the devices of a similar type, and display information relevant to the
validity of a "winning" combination of numbers and letters.
Conclusion
[00057] While various embodiments of the invention have been described
above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of
example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the
relevant art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein
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without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. This is
especially true in light of technology and terms within the relevant art(s)
that may be later developed. Thus the invention should not be limited by
any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined
only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
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