CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No. 102017000076791 filed on 07/07/2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an electronic system for the remote use of electromechanical roulette.

BACKGROUND ART

As is known, so-called online casinos, i.e. electronic gaming systems accessed via the Internet, are very common, allowing a user to remotely play a plurality of games of chance that are implemented in a virtual manner, i.e. entirely via software, on one or more central servers of an online casino provider.

In particular, some online casinos implement virtual roulette, allowing the virtual simulation of the game of roulette for remote users.

Suitable simulation software generates the virtual roulette, which is displayed on the user's terminal, for example a desktop or portable computer, tablet, smartphone, or another electronic device suitable for the purpose. The user is able to remotely interact with the virtual game through special commands issued on the user's terminal; in particular, the simulation software simulates the throwing of the ball, the so-called "boule", by means of algorithms based on random number generators (RNG) , further simulating the path of the ball until it stops in a slot of the numbered ring of the virtual roulette, the so-called "pocket", to which the winning number corresponds.

Although widespread, virtual roulette wheels are unable to fully satisfy players, mainly due to the fact of leaving the user with doubts regarding the correctness of their operation; for example, it is typical for a player to suspect that the software implementing the virtual game may simulate the throw and path of the ball in an expedient manner, "forcing" winning numbers not betted on, as it has prior knowledge of the numbers that players have betted on.

Further solutions are known that instead allow remotely using a traditional type of roulette, i.e. physically operated by human personnel, the so-called "croupier". These solutions contemplate that the traditional roulette, of the entirely mechanical type and operated by the croupier, is shot in real time by a camera and that the user can remotely display the shot in real time and remotely interact, placing bets and observing the result of the spin.

Even though this can at least partially solve the previously mentioned problems, it is obvious that a solution of this type proves to be expensive for the virtual casino operator and not very lively for the operator or for the players, who have a limited number of roulette available (typically only one) and a corresponding limited possibility of interaction with the game. In addition, in this solution, the throw times between one spin and another are very quick and do not allow the player to bet with gaming strategies that are not just limited to simple chance, but require time for positioning the chips on the table. The only way to overcome this drawback is to use a software program that bets very quickly instead of the player, but many casinos challenge this methodology of betting by "BOT" (as such programs are called in jargon) and can invalidate possible wins; in particular, some online casinos inform the player of this limitation in the terms and conditions of "playing methods" and request explicit acceptance (by ticking a specially-provided checkbox) before final registration of the player at the casino. Thus, there is a clearly felt need within the industry to provide a system for remote use of roulette that enables overcoming the problems of the known solutions and to accommodate the needs of the players and the online casino operators.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to satisfy the aforementioned need.

According to the present invention, a system for remote use of electromechanical roulette is thus provided, as defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, some preferred embodiments will now be described, purely by way of a non-limitative example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

- Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an electronic system for remote use of electromechanical roulette, according to an aspect of the present solution;

- Figure 2 shows a diagram of an electromechanical roulette of the system of Figure 1, in a respective showcase or container;

- Figures 3 and 4 are schematic representations of an upper surface of the electromechanical roulette, with a portion highlighted in which images can be shown in real time;

- Figure 5 shows an example of a graphical interface that can be displayed on a user terminal of a player in the system in Figure 1;

- Figures 6A and 6B are schematic three-dimensional representations of a possible embodiment of the electromechanical roulette of the system of Figure 1;

- Figure 7 is a schematic top view of the electromechanical roulette, highlighting sensors for automatic detection of the landing position of the ball;

- Figures 8A-8D are schematic representations of a ball recovery mechanism in the electromechanical roulette; and

- Figure 9 shows a flowchart of the operations performed by the electronic system of Figure 1.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As will be described below, one aspect of the present solution contemplates providing a user, an online player, with the possibility of remotely using electromechanical roulette, of the substantially traditional type regarding the rotational movement of the central disc and the path of the ball, but with the possibility of remote electronic control of throwing the ball. Referring to Figure 1, according to the present solution, an electronic system 1 for online gaming comprises a remote control station 2, including one or more central servers 3, deployed in the same physical location or in separate locations and connected to each other using secure communications; the remote control station 2 is capable of interfacing and communicating with user terminals 4 of a plurality of players 5 over a telecommunication network 6, in particular the Internet, each user terminal 4 being constituted, for example, by a desktop computer, portable computer, tablet, phablet, smartphone, or similar portable electronic device suitable for this purpose.

The electronic system 1 further comprises a closed room 8, which can be located nearby or remotely with respect to the remote control station 2 and physically houses a plurality of electromechanical roulette 10, also called "micro-roulette", as they are miniaturized with respect to traditional gaming roulette (for example, having a maximum diameter of 200 mm) . This closed room 8 can expediently be an air-conditioned room, with controlled ambient temperature, and with secure access only for authorized personnel.

Each electromechanical roulette 10, as will be described in detail hereinafter, has mechanical characteristics substantially equivalent to those of a traditional gaming roulette, whilst however being configured to allow remote control of throwing the ball, which takes place by means of a specially provided, electronically controlled throwing device; the electromechanical roulette 10 can also be configured to electronically control the rotation of the disc, or number ring, of the roulette, and to control, again electronically, recovery of the ball at the end of a spin.

Each electromechanical roulette 10 housed in the closed room 8 is communicatively coupled to the remote control station 2, for example via a suitable data communication bus or wireless communications infrastructure.

After registration of the player 5 in the online gaming service (in a manner that is in itself known and not described in detail herein) and authentication of that player 5 (again, in a manner that is in itself known and not described in detail herein) , the remote control station 2 is configured to associate a respective electromechanical roulette 10 with each player 5 and to implement the remote interaction between the player 5 and the associated electromechanical roulette 10.

For the period of use, the aforementioned association between player 5 and electromechanical roulette 10 can be exclusive, i.e. with the exclusion of the remaining players 5 who are simultaneously using the online gaming service; in this case, the electronic system 1 implements a kind of "prive", i.e. a gaming table reserved for a single player 5. In this case, the same player 5 can, if he/she wishes to, invite one or more further players 5 into his/her "prive" to share the associated electromechanical roulette 10 and, in particular, the throwing of the ball.

Alternatively, the electronic system 1 can implement a shared usage solution, with preset times, of one or more electromechanical roulette 10 used by several players 5, according to the availability of the electromechanical roulette 10, which will thus be associated with the players 5 in a timed and multi-user manner.

In any case, the remote control station 2 is configured to receive playing instructions from a player 5 and control the associated electromechanical roulette 10 accordingly.

In particular, the remote control station 2 receives the bet and the selected number (or group of numbers) and, according to one particular aspect of the present solution, the ball-throwing command from the player 5.

In response to receiving this remote throwing command, the remote control station 2 sends a suitable control signal to the electromechanical roulette 10, so as to control, as described in detail hereinafter, an actuator device of that electromechanical roulette 10, configured to physically implement the throwing of the ball.

The remote control station 2 is further configured to receive information from the electromechanical roulette 10 concerning the slot in which the ball lands and the number associated with it, and to determine whether the player 5 has won.

An image capturing device 12, in particular a video camera or television camera, is associated with each electromechanical roulette 10 in the closed room 8, the same image capturing device 12 being configured to shoot the respective electromechanical roulette 10 (in particular, the corresponding number ring in rotation) in real time and in a continuous manner, and to transmit the acquired shots (sequences of images) to the remote control station 2.

The remote control station 2 is consequently configured to retransmit, again in real time and in a continuous manner, the images and shots of the electromechanical roulette 10 to the player 5 who is remotely using that electromechanical roulette 10.

In this context, the remote control station 2 thus represents a kind of "control room", managing the shooting of the various electromechanical roulette 10 in the closed room 8; the use of specialized operators in the remote control station 2 could be envisaged to control and monitor the development of the games, taking action in the event of malfunctioning. One or more surveillance cameras at the remote control station 2 could also be envisaged.

In greater detail, and with reference to Figure 2, each electromechanical roulette 10 is housed inside a respective housing structure, in particular a container or case 15, advantageously hermetically sealed, having a base portion 15a that defines a seat for housing the electromechanical roulette 10 and an upper portion 15b, of a transparent material, for example glass or transparent plastic; the electromechanical roulette 10 is housed in the base portion 15a with the number ring facing upwards, i.e. towards the upper portion 15b of the case 15.

The image capturing device 12, in this case a micro-camera, is coupled to the upper portion 15b of the case 15, so as to have a field of vision A such as to frame and shoot the electromechanical roulette 10 and, in particular, the associated number ring during its rotation; the image capturing device 12 is thus able to also shoot the throwing and movement of the ball.

According to a particular aspect of the present solution, a projector 18a is also associated with the upper portion 15b of the case 15, in particular a micro-projector, configured to project a suitable image or light pattern on an upper surface of the electromechanical roulette 10; a microphone sensor 19 can also be internally coupled to the same upper portion 15b of the case 15.

During operation, also referring to Figures 3 and 4, the projector 18 is controlled so as to project on a dedicated portion S of the upper surface 20 of the electromechanical roulette 10: a real-time image 21, for example the image of the player 5 acquired by a camera, a so-called webcam, at the user terminal 4 of the player 5 and transmitted to the remote control station 2 (and from there to the projector 18), as shown in Figure 3; or the image of a live television broadcast, such as a so-called non-stop news channel, like the CNN or BBC, as shown in Figure 4.

The aforementioned dedicated portion S can, for example, be arranged internally with respect to the number ring, indicated by reference numeral 16 (in a simplified manner, the slots associated with each number of the number ring 16 are not shown here) , of the electromechanical roulette 10, at an inner disc 17.

The rotation of the inner disc 17 and, in particular, of arms 23, arranged as a cross, and carried by and integral with a rotation shaft 24 of the electromechanical roulette 10, cause, at every turn, a perceptible distortion of the real-time image 21 projected and displayed on the dedicated portion S.

The player 5, who receives from the remote control station 2, on the corresponding user terminal 4, the shots acquired by the image capturing device 12 of the upper surface 20 of the associated electromechanical roulette 10, which include the aforementioned real-time image 21, is therefore able to verify and have the assurance that the electromechanical roulette 10 is operated in real time, as desired, in response to the throwing command given; in other words, in this way, the player 5 has the certainty of not watching a pre-recorded or otherwise altered event .

Advantageously, the aforementioned microphone sensor 19 located inside the case 15 enables also capturing the audio regarding the noise of throwing the ball and it rolling along its path in the electromechanical roulette 10, and the noise associated with the operation of recovering the ball (operation described below) . This audio is received from the remote control station 2 and sent from the remote control station 2 to the user terminal

4 of the player 5, where it is reproduced in association with the video shots of the electromechanical roulette 10 associated, for example, in a private and individual manner, with the player

5.

Purely by way of example, Figure 5 shows an example of a graphical interface 25 that may be displayed at the user terminal 4 of the player 5, to allow interaction of the player 5 with the online gaming system.

In particular, in the example, this graphical interface 25 comprises: a first portion 25a, in which the shots of the electromechanical roulette 10, acquired, as previously stated, in real time by the associated image capturing device 12, are reproduced; a second portion 25b, in which various information pertaining to the wins and bets is displayed; a third portion 25c, in which betting possibilities and suitable commands are displayed to allow the player 5 to select the desired bet; a fourth portion 25d, in which a selection command for the rotational speed of the electromechanical roulette 10, between a minimum speed and a maximum speed, is displayed; and a fifth portion 25e in which the ball-throwing command 26 is displayed. It should be noted that the aforementioned graphical interface 25 is preferably implemented on a touch screen of a portable electronic device; nevertheless, it is clear that the same graphical interface 25 can be displayed on a traditional screen, in this case with provision being made for suitable input means (for example, a mouse and a keyboard) on the user terminal 4, to make the opportune choices and activate the opportune commands, in particular the aforementioned throwing command 26. Referring to Figures 6A-6B, a possible implementation of the electromechanical roulette 10, according to one aspect of the present solution, will now be described in greater detail.

The electromechanical roulette 10 comprises a substantially cup- shaped main body 30 made of a composite material; as described in greater detail hereinafter, this main body 30 internally houses a ball-recovery chamber and carries, on an upper portion 30a thereof, the number ring 16 (again, for simplicity of illustration, the slots associated with the numbers are not shown) and, in an inner position with respect to the number ring 16, the inner disc 17.

On the outer wall of the main body 30 there is at least one associated throwing tube 32, which has an inlet end 32a connected to a throw actuator device 34, coupled to a bottom portion 30b of the main body 30, and a second end 32b connected to the upper portion 30a of the main body 30 and, in particular, facing, through an inlet hole 35, a rolling channel or track 36 for the ball, which externally surrounds the number ring 16 from a raised position .

An outlet hole 37, made in the bottom portion 30b of the main body 30 places the ball-recovery chamber inside the main body 30 and the throw actuator device 34 in communication, enabling entry of the ball into the throw actuator device 34 at the end of the recovery operation.

In one embodiment, the throw actuator device 34 is a pneumatic compressed-air actuator and is configured to receive the ball that comes out of the recovery chamber through the outlet hole 37 and to provide throwing thrust to the ball by means of a pneumatic action. In particular, the supplied throwing thrust on each throw is totally random, as the amount of air fed to the throw actuator device 34 is determined using random logic; in this way, total randomness is assured in throwing the ball. The ball, under the acquired thrust, passes through the entire throwing tube 32 and, via the inlet hole 35, enters the rolling channel 36, where it rolls with a rotary movement in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the number ring 16. The rolling speed of the ball then progressively decreases until the ball comes off the rolling channel 36 and falls onto the number ring 16, landing in one of the slots to which a corresponding number is associated.

In particular, in a known manner (not shown here) , there are lozenges, also called "diamonds", along the rolling channel 36, which randomly alter the path of the ball, contributing to the total randomness of the final result. It should be noted that the randomness component provided by the aforementioned lozenges cannot be emulated by the simulation software that implements a virtual roulette.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown herein, a further throwing tube coupled to the outer wall of the main body 30 can be provided, so as to have two throwing tubes available to allow, by means of a respective throw actuator device, launching the ball in two opposite directions. This solution enables, if desired, the inversion of the direction of rotation of the number ring 16 of the electromechanical roulette 10, for example at every new throw of the ball; either way, the ball, via one or the other throwing tube, enters the rolling channel 36 with a rotational movement in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the number ring 16.

As shown in Figure 7, the electromechanical roulette 10 also comprises suitable sensors configured to identify, when the ball's trajectory terminates, the landing position of the ball in a slot associated with the number ring 16, and, in consequence, the (winning) number associated with that slot. In Figure 7, the slots associated with the number ring 16 are indicated by reference numeral 38.

In one embodiment, the electromechanical roulette 10 comprises a number of optical sensors 39, three in the example, in which they are arranged angularly equidistant around the number ring 16 and coupled to the upper portion 30a of the main body 30 of the electromechanical roulette 10; in the example, the optical sensors 39 are therefore angularly spaced out at 120°.

Each optical sensor 39, including, in particular, a laser pointer, is configured to detect occupation of a slot 38, among the slots 38 associated with the number ring 16, which pass by the optical sensor 39 during rotation.

The position of the optical sensors 39 with respect to the main body 30 is known, and the angle of rotation of the number ring 16 about the rotation shaft 24 is also known; likewise, the association between the angle of rotation (with respect to a start position) and a corresponding number (the numbers are distributed in an angularly equidistant manner along the number ring 16) is known. Accordingly, the information provided by each optical sensor 39 enables determining the number corresponding to the slot 38 in which the ball lands.

In particular, the use of three optical sensors 39 enables obtaining, in the space of just one turn of the number ring 16, information redundancy concerning the landing position of the ball, so as to achieve high accuracy and a substantial absence of errors in position determination.

The ball recovery mechanism will now be described in greater detail, initially with reference to Figure 8A, where the ball is shown and indicated by reference numeral 40.

As previously indicated, the main body 30 of the electromechanical roulette 10 internally defines a recovery chamber 42 for the ball 40. This recovery chamber 42 is closed at the top by a closing element 44, also called a bell, which is carried by the rotation shaft 24 of the electromechanical roulette 10, internally with respect to the number ring 16; it should be noted that the bell 44 defines the previously described inner disc 17 and that, in this case, the number ring 16 constitutes an extension of the inner walls of the aforementioned recovery chamber 42.

Figure 8A schematically shows the electric motor 46 coupled to the rotation shaft 24 and configured to cause the rotation of the number ring 16; the electric motor 46, for example of the stepper type, has an associated position sensor 46a, a so-called encoder, which provides an indication of the angle of rotation of the number ring 16 about the rotation shaft 24.

Figure 8Ά also shows, in a schematic manner, the rolling channel 36 of the ball 40 and the inlet hole 35 of the throwing tube 32 that faces the rolling channel 36.

As schematically shown only in Figure 8B, the bell 44 has an associated actuator, indicated by reference numeral 47, which can be controlled to move the bell 44 in the vertical direction (as indicated by the arrow), i.e. in the direction of extension of the rotation shaft 24, from a closed, first position, (shown in Figure 8A) to an open, second position, shown in the aforementioned Figure 8B.

In the closed position, the bell 44 is adjacent to and in contact with the number ring 16; instead, in the open position, the bell 44 is separated from the number ring 16, defining an empty space 48, which allows the ball 40 to enter inside the recovery chamber 42 and slide to the bottom of the recovery chamber 42, as shown in Figure 8C (where the arrow indicates the sliding direction of the ball 40 along the inner walls of the recovery chamber 42) .

As shown in Figure 8D, at the end of its sliding path, the ball 40 reaches the outlet hole 37, in the bottom portion 30b of the main body 30, and, through the outlet hole 37, the throw actuator device 34.

In this way, the ball 40 is ready for a new throw and the bell 44 can be returned by the relevant actuator 47 to the closed, first position of the recovery chamber 42.

Only Figure 8D also schematically shows an electronic control unit 49, operatively associated with the electromechanical roulette 10 to control its operation in an automated manner. This electronic control unit 49, including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) , microprocessor, microcontroller, or similar processing and computational unit, and a memory storing suitable software instructions, can be located externally with respect to the main body 30 of the electromechanical roulette 10 or, alternatively, can be integrated inside the electromechanical roulette 10.

The electronic control unit 49 is operatively connected to the throw actuator device 34, the actuator 47 associated with the bell 44 and the optical sensors 39, and, as schematically shown, is also communicatively coupled to the remote control station 2.

The electronic control unit 49 is configured to perform at least the following functions:

receiving the control signal for throwing the ball 40, from a remote location, in particular from the remote control station 2 (the control signal originating, as previously described, by the player 5 selecting the throwing command 26 implemented in the graphical interface 25 displayed on his/her user terminal 4) ;

activating the throw actuator device 34, in particular by randomly determining the throwing thrust applied to the ball 40 by the throw actuator device 34, in response to the aforementioned throwing command;

identifying, based on information provided by the optical sensors 39, the landing position of the ball 40 in one of the slots 38 associated with the number ring 16; and

sending the determined information concerning the landing position of the ball 40 and the associated winning number to the remote control station 2.

Referring to Figure 9, the general operation of the electronic system 1, including the electromechanical roulette 10, will now be described, envisaging the following steps:

the player 5, at a remote location and using his/her user terminal 4, sends the throwing command, step 50; the remote control station 2 receives the throwing command, step 51;

the remote control station 2 sends the throwing command signal to the electronic control unit 49 of the electromechanical roulette 10 that has been associated with the player 5 (in an exclusive or time-shared manner, as previously described) , step 52;

the electronic control unit 49, once the ball 40 has been detected in the throwing position, sends a suitable command to the throw actuator device 34 (in particular, causing the supply of a variable amount of air, by means of a random system, to that throw actuator device 34 that is sufficient to throw the ball 40) , step 53;

the ball 40 enters the rolling channel 36, where it rolls with a rotary movement, in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation of the number ring 16, step 54;

after losing the force holding it against the wall of the aforementioned rolling channel 36, the ball 40 starts to drop towards the slots 38, the downward trajectory being disturbed in a random manner by the lozenges, which can randomly interrupt the descent towards the slots 38, causing rebound and changing the trajectory, step 55;

at the end of its travel, the ball 40 lands in a slot 38, step 56;

the electronic control unit 49 identifies the landing position of the ball 40 based on information provided by the optical sensors 39 and sends the computed position and the associated winning number to the remote control station 2, step 57;

after a predetermined time interval, recovery of the ball 40 starts, step 58;

the electronic control unit 49 controls the actuator 47 to raise the bell 44, which moves to the open, second position, step 59; the ball 40 enters the recovery chamber 42 and starts to descend towards the outlet hole 37 made in the bottom portion 30b of the main body 30, step 60;

once the ball 40, which has come out through the outlet hole 37, is correctly located in the throwing position in the throw actuator device 34, an end-of-cycle signal (from a suitable sensor element, not shown and, for example, coupled to the throw actuator device 34) is sent to the electronic control unit 49, step 61;

the electronic control unit 49 controls the actuator 47 to return the bell 44 to the closed, first position, to close the recovery chamber 42, step 62; and

the remote control station 2 waits for the reception of a new throwing command, for the start of a new cycle, step 63.

The advantages of the described solution clearly emerge from what has been described.

In any case, it should again be underlined that the electronic system 1 overcomes the previously highlighted problems regarding known types of online gaming systems, effectively providing the possibility for players to remotely control an electromechanical roulette, i.e. with physical movement, among other things, of the ball and the number ring, in particular with the possibility of remotely controlling the launching of the ball.

The player thus has the time he/she wants for managing bets and games, being able to organise use of the electromechanical roulette 10 as he/she wishes.

The electronic system 1 enables the player to receive visual and audio feedback in real time, in all the phases of the game and operation of the electromechanical roulette, thereby enabling direct and immediate confirmation of the trustworthiness of the gaming procedure.

Finally, it is clear that modifications and variants can be made to that described and illustrated herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims .

In particular, a further aspect of the present solution can provide, in alternative or in addition to the aforementioned transmission of the real-time image 21 acquired by the image capturing device 12, a further feedback system for the player 5, configured to enable the player to verify and have assurance that the electromechanical roulette 10 is operated in real time in response to the throwing command given (in this way, the player having the certainty of not watching a pre-recorded or otherwise altered event) .

In particular, a remote player 5 using his/her own user terminal 4, is given the possibility of sending a command to stop the rotation of the electromechanical roulette 10, in particular of the number ring 16. This possibility is enabled after, as previously described, the player has sent the throwing command and the ball 40 has been thrown by the throw actuator device 34. In this case, the remote control station 2 receives a stop signal from the user terminal 4 of the player 5, which is transmitted to the control unit 49 of the associated electromechanical roulette 10; in response to the reception of this stop signal, the control unit 49 can control the stopping of the rotation shaft 24, for example by means of a suitable command to the electric motor 46, or by interrupting the power supply to the same electric motor 46.

In this case, if a pre-recorded or otherwise altered video was sent to cheat the player, this video would be halted; instead, assuming that the images and shots of the electromechanical roulette 10 are transmitted in real time, the rotation of the number ring 16 stops, but the ball 40 continues to spin until it falls into a slot.

This way, the player is able to verify that he/she is effectively watching a transmission in real time regarding the electromechanical roulette 10; it is clear that, in this case, the bet would however be cancelled.

Furthermore, the electronic system 1 could contemplate the presence of an electronic interface unit, operatively interposed between the remote control station 2 and the electronic control units 49 associated with the various electromechanical roulette 10 of the closed room 8, for example, with routing functions for the control signals received from the remote control station 2 for the corresponding electronic control units 49, and for the information sent from the electronic control units 49 to the remote control station 2.

As an alternative to that described above, a single electronic control unit 49 could control a suitable number of electromechanical roulette 10.

Furthermore, different actuators for throwing the ball 40 at the electromechanical roulette 10 and different sensors for detecting the landing position of the ball 40 in one of the slots 38 associated with the number ring 16 could be provided.